"Sophy, this means there really is something mysterious to discover about this ring." Anne picked it up and examined it closely. "Are you certain your dancing partner said nothing else? Just that the wearer could count on a most unusual type of excitement?"
"Whatever that means. He said we would meet again and then he left."
"Thank heavens you were wearing a disguise," Jane said with great depth of feeling. "Now that you know there is, indeed, some mystery attached to the ring, you must not wear it in public."
Sophy frowned. "I agree I probably ought not to wear it until we learn more about it. However, if wearing it publicly is the only way to uncover the mystery, then I may have to do so."
"No," Anne said, showing unusual caution. "I agree with Jane. You must not wear it. At least not without consulting us first. Do you promise?"
Sophy hesitated, glancing from one concerned face to the other. "Very well," she agreed reluctantly. "I will talk to you two first before wearing the ring again. Now, then, we must think about this whole matter and decide just what information we have."
"The man in the black cape implied the ring was known to certain people such as himself," Anne said slowly. "Which implies a club or group of some sort."
"There is also the implication that there is more than one ring," Sophy said, trying to remember the man's exact words. "Perhaps it is the symbol of a secret society."
Jane shuddered. "I do not like the sound of this."
"But what kind of society?" Anne asked quickly, ignoring her friend's qualms. "We need to ascertain its goals before we can figure out what sort of man would wear such a ring."
"Perhaps we can learn what type of secret society would use this sort of jewelry if we can discover the meaning of the symbols embossed on the ring." Sophy turned the black band of metal between her fingers, studying the triangle and the animal head. "But how do we go about doing that?"
There was a long pause before Jane spoke up with obvious reluctance. "I can think of one place to start."
Sophy looked at her in surprise. "Where?"
"Lady Fanny's library."
Three days later Sophy flew down the stairs, her bonnet in one hand and her reticule in the other. She hurried across the hall and was almost to the door, which a footman was hastening to open, when Julian appeared in the doorway of the library. She knew at once from the cool intent expression in his eyes that he wanted to speak to her. She stifled a groan and stopped long enough to give him a bright smile.
"Good afternoon, my lord. I see you are busily at work today," she said smoothly.
Julian folded his arms and leaned one shoulder against the doorjamb. "Going out again, Sophy?"
"Yes, my lord." Sophy put the bonnet on her head and started to tie the ribbons. "As it happens, I've promised Lady Fanny and Harriett that I would visit them this afternoon."
"You've called on them every afternoon this week."
"Only the past three afternoons, my lord."
He inclined his head. "I beg your pardon. I'm sure you're right. It probably has been only the past three afternoons. I undoubtedly lost count because it seems that every time I've suggested we go riding or take in an exhibition this week you've been flying out the door."
"Life here in town is very hectic, my lord."
"Quite a change from the country, isn't it?"
Sophy eyed him warily, wondering where all this was leading. She was anxious to be on her way. The carriage was waiting. "Did you want something, my lord?"
"A little of your time, perhaps?" he suggested gently.
Sophy's fingers fumbled with the ribbons of her bonnet and the bow went askew. "I am sorry, my lord. I fear I have promised your aunt I would be there at three. She will be expecting me."
Julian glanced over his shoulder at the clock in the library. "You have a few minutes before you must rush off. Why don't you instruct your groom to walk the horse for a short while? I really would like to have your advice on a few matters."
"Advice?" That caught her attention. Julian had not sought her advice on anything since they had left Eslington Park.
"On some business relating to Ravenwood."
"Oh." She did not know quite how to respond to that. "Will it take long, my lord?"
"No, my dear. It won't take long." He straightened and waved her gracefully through the library door. Then he glanced back at the footman. "Tell the groom that Lady Ravenwood will be out in a while."
Sophy sat down opposite Julian's desk and struggled to untie the knot she had made in her bonnet ribbons.
"Allow me, my dear." Julian shut the library door and came across the room to deal with the tangle.
"Honestly, I do not know what it is about bonnet strings," Sophy complained, flushing slightly because of Julian's nearness. "They never seem to want to go together properly.
"Don't fret about such details. This is one of those chores a husband is skilled at performing." Julian leaned over her, his big hands very deft on the offending knot. A moment later he eased the bonnet from her curls and handed it to her with a small bow.
"Thank you." Sophy sat stiffly in the chair, the bonnet on her lap. "What sort of advice did you wish from me, my lord?"
Julian went around to the other side of the desk and casually seated himself. "I have just received some reports from my steward at Ravenwood. He says the housekeeper has taken ill and may not recover."
"Poor Mrs. Boyle," Sophy said at once, thinking of the plump tyrant who had ruled the Ravenwood household for years. "Does your steward mention whether she's had Old Bess in to look at her?"
Julian glanced down at the letter in front of him. "Yes, Bess apparently went up to the house a few days ago and said the problem is with Mrs. Boyle's heart. Even if she is fortunate enough to recover, she will not be able to take up her duties again. From here on out she must lead a quiet life."
Sophy shook her head and frowned in concern. "I am so sorry to hear that. I imagine Old Bess has instructed Mrs. Boyle in the use of foxglove tea. It is very useful in such situations, you know."
"I would not know about foxglove tea," Julian said politely, "but I do know that Mrs. Boyle's retirement leaves me—" Julian paused and then amended his words deliberately, "it leaves us with a problem. A new housekeeper needs to be appointed immediately."
"Definitely. Ravenwood will soon be in chaos otherwise."
Julian leaned back in his chair. "The business of hiring a housekeeper is quite important. It is also one of those things that is somewhat outside my area of expertise."
Sophy could not resist a small smile. "Good heavens, my lord. I had no idea there was anything that lay outside your area of expertise."
Julian grinned briefly. "It has been a while since you have bothered to tease me about my lamentable arrogance, Sophy. I find I almost miss your little barbs."
Her flash of amusement faded abruptly. "We have not exactly been on the sort of terms that encourage teasing, my lord."
"No, I suppose not. But I would change that."
She tilted her head. "Why?"
"Isn't it obvious?" he asked quietly. "I find that, in addition to your teasing, I rather miss the ease of the relationship we had begun to develop at Eslington Park in the days before you felt obliged to dump tea all over our bed."
Sophy felt herself turning pink. She looked down at the bonnet in her lap. "It was not such an easy relationship for me, my lord. It's true we talked more then and we discussed matters of mutual interest but I could never forget that all you really wanted from me was an heir. It put a strain on me, Julian."
"I understand that better now since I had a chat with a certain gypsy lady. She explained to me that my wife was something of a romantic by nature. I am guilty of not having taken that into account in my dealings with her and I would like to remedy the error of my ways."