Seduction

"This has nothing to do with Ravenwood," Sophy said forcefully. Then she smiled, remembering the herbal. "Besides, he has forgiven me for what happened yesterday morning."

Jane looked at her, astonished. "Has he really? If so, then he is far more tolerant than his reputation would lead one to believe."

"My husband is not the devil everyone thinks him," Sophy said coolly. "But to return to the business of finding the owner of the ring. The fact is, I do not intend to bother Ravenwood with this. It is a task I set for myself before I ever agreed to marry him. Lately I have foolishly allowed myself to become distracted by… by other things. But I am finished with those unimportant matters now and I am going to get on with this."

A

"You are very serious about this, aren't you?" Jane finally asked.

"Finding the owner of this ring is the most important task in my life at the moment. It is a goal I have set for myself." Sophy looked at her friends. "This time I ca

"I would not dream of leaving you to conduct such a search alone," A

"Jane?" Sophy smiled gently. "I will understand if you feel you should not be a part of this."

Jane's mouth thi

"Good. Then it is settled." Sophy held out her hand. "Let us seal the bargain."

Solemnly they all three clasped hands in a silent pledge and then they sat back to stare at the ring.

"Where do we begin?" A

"We began last night," Sophy said and told them about the man in the black hooded cape and mask.

Jane's eyes were full of shock. "He recognized the ring? Warned you about it? Dear God, Sophy, why did you not tell us?"

"I did not want to say anything until I had your solemn promise to support me in this endeavor."

"Sophy, this means there really is something mysterious to discover about this ring." A

"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," A

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," A

"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?" A

"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 Fa

Three days later Sophy flew down the stairs, her bo

"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 bo

"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 bo

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 bo

"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 bo

"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 bo

"Thank you." Sophy sat stiffly in the chair, the bo

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?"