Cynthia Capley

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An Eye for Love

Lured to Love, Book 1

She seeks her heirloom. He's the reluctant enquiry agent—and the last man she'd expect to fall for.

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About Cynthia

Cynthia Capley writes sensual, enticing Regency and Victorian romances where polite society's strict rules are meant to be broken.

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An Eye for Love

Lured to Love, Book 1

She seeks her heirloom. He's the reluctant enquiry agent—and the last man she'd expect to fall for.

• Read Excerpt

Buy Links
Kindle | Kindle UK | Kindle CA | Kindle AU | Apple Books | Nook | Kobo | Additional Links

A Gambit for Love

Lured to Love, Book 2

Coming Soon!

Chapter One

PICCADILLY, LONDON
JULY 1815

Lady Olivia took a breath in an attempt to loosen the tightness that had settled into her chest. Her plans had just met with a complication in the form of Mr. Henry Theodore Branson. The sharp-eyed enquiry agent took notice of every detail. She always felt like she was being laid bare whenever he scrutinized her. He’d probably take one look at her and know she was up to something. “Why did the blasted man have to be here tonight?”

Anne cast her a sidelong glance. “Who are you talking about?”

“Mr. Branson.” Olivia clenched her jaw. To make her escape without him noticing would be near impossible. “He’s going to make things difficult for me.”

“Did you expect him not to attend his own cousin’s ball?” Anne stilled for a moment, then shook her head. “Pray, don’t tell me you’re still going forward with your ill-conceived plans. What if you’re caught rifling about in Lord Colmerstone’s belongings?”

Not surprising that Anne would discourage her. But she would not allow her sister’s misgivings to dissuade her. “I’ll take the necessary precautions to avoid discovery.”

“I don’t like the chance you’re taking with your reputation,” her sister said. “Instead of seeing Mr. Branson as a problem, I think the prudent thing to do is to approach him and hire him to help you find it.”

“You realize what you’re suggesting makes no sense? You, who is always speaking of reason, think I should ask him of all people?”

Anne nodded. “He’d be able to explain his presence more easily if he’s discovered. You, however—”

“He’s not going to believe me, nor want to make enquiries into his cousin.”

“He may. I’ve heard he could use the blunt, and I do believe he’d—”

Olivia held her palm out. “He’d ... what? Pretend to look into the matter objectively?” She scoffed. “It’s better to keep the number of people who know of my missing brooch to a minimum. Besides, I’ve no need to hire him when I’m perfectly capable of searching myself.”

“Perfectly capable.” Anne tapped her fan against her gown. “Now who isn’t making sense? Imagine the scandal if you’re caught. A piece of jewelry isn’t worth the risk.”

“How could you say that so easily?” Grandmama had given Olivia the brooch. She’d been Olivia’s confidant and the one who’d seen her through one of the darkest times of her life. The brooch had been a gift and a reminder to not repeat the mistakes of the past. Anne, who had never been close to their maternal grandmother, would never understand.

“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to sound dismissive.” Anne frowned and shifted from one foot to the other. “I don’t think his lordship took it. The far more likely explanation is you’ve misplaced it.”

“I’ve not misplaced it. I’ve searched the house and it’s nowhere to be found.”

“All right. Let’s say it has indeed gone missing. You also don’t have proof that he took it,” Anne said in challenge. “But if you must satisfy your suspicions, you should hire someone and not undertake the risk yourself.”

Olivia returned her attention to where Mr. Branson and Lord Colmerstone stood. “People are known to do the unexpected. The possibility exists, and he had the opportunity.” His lordship was from a distant obscure branch of the family who’d inherited the barony in dire straits and was rumored to have engaged in dubious business practices to refill the coffers. The lavish ball tonight indicated there may be some truth to those rumors.

“He wasn’t the only one at the dinner party that night. Have you looked into others who attended yet?”

“I’ve gone over the events of the evening innumerable times. Colmerstone’s the only one whose whereabouts for the entire evening cannot be accounted for,” Olivia said.

“What about Lady Darringstone? Have you considered her?”

Olivia’s gaze drifted to where the countess stood with her niece, Lady Lambwell. Both women were widowed and out of mourning. Lady Lambwell was dressed in a crimson gown with simple pearl jewelry. In contrast, Lady Darringstone still wore her widow’s weeds. The only indication she was past mourning was the profusion of diamonds and rubies adorning her. The countess claimed the finery she wore was in remembrance of her late husband, but the woman had always held a love for jewelry. Whispers persisted that his deep pockets had been the reason she’d wedded him.

“While I understand why her passion for jewels should make her a suspect, she was never seen in the area of the library. I also don’t think she would be capable of it.”

Anne raised her brows. “She could’ve employed someone.”

Olivia drew her attention to the countess once more. “Though I doubt it, I suppose there’s still a chance.”

“I think you need to consider all possibilities, and she should remain under suspicion until she is cleared. You’ll surely need Mr. Branson’s help then.”

Olivia gritted her teeth, clenching and unclenching her hands a few times. Anne seemed set on Olivia hiring Mr. Branson. “And I could also start with his lordship and move on to the countess if it comes to that.”

“Before you go any further, are you certain you haven’t missed anything? Accusing a lord is a grave business.”

“As is accusing a countess, for that matter.” Olivia frowned. “I’m well aware of the implications, and I haven’t been going around prattling about it. I asked Papa for help and he can’t be bothered. He has no interest in ‘my blasted eyes,’ as he calls them.” She scowled at Anne. “I wish you hadn’t asked me to show it. Once you mentioned it, I had no choice. They were all looking at me expectantly, and I couldn’t refuse without seeming rude.”

“I’m sorry it’s missing.” Anne waved her hand. “However, you’re being reckless, and I urge you to reconsider. Mr. Branson is known for his discreet enquiries and, being Colmerstone’s kin, has access to his lordship.”

“It isn’t necessary to involve him. This ball presents the perfect opportunity.” Olivia straightened her back. Even if she wanted to, she couldn’t ask for his assistance. His presence at the ball was due to his cousin, whom he was close to, and as a result he couldn’t be trusted. Even if he was lauded as an enquiry agent.

“It’s useless to argue with you.” Anne smoothed her skirts in sharp movements. “You’re as stubborn as Papa. No one can stop you once you’ve made a decision.”

“The same can be said of you,” Olivia muttered, snapping her fan open and fluttering it in agitation. There was no point in continuing the conversation when they would keep disagreeing without either one giving in.
Anne eyed her as she nodded. “That’s one point on which we can agree.”

Olivia snorted. At least Anne had no trouble recognizing and admitting to her faults.

Her sister turned away and directed her attention toward the group of dancers. “Is Felicity still not speaking to you?” It seemed Anne wished to change the topic.

“No, nothing besides the exchange of inane pleasantries when our paths cross.” Olivia pinched her lips as her gaze landed on Felicity dancing the quadrille. Acquainted when Lord Colmerstone had inherited the barony, she thought they’d become fast friends. It stung that they no longer spoke as a result of Lord Varmick. For reasons Olivia couldn’t fathom, Felicity had set her cap on the marquess. Olivia inherently disliked him and she’d told Felicity as much, but that hadn’t mattered and she viewed Olivia a rival for his affections. Papa, who was keen on a match, put the marquess in Olivia’s path at any opportunity, widening the rift between her and her friend. But, even if they had been on speaking terms, Olivia wouldn’t have been able to confide in her as far as the suspicions regarding Lord Colmerstone. Felicity would’ve certainly told him; the siblings shared too close a bond for her to keep anything secret from him.

Anne leaned close, interrupting her thoughts. “Look who is making their way toward us.”

Olivia’s stomach roiled as Cressida, their youngest sister, approached, accompanied by Papa and Lord Varmick. The heavens were conspiring against her tonight.

Olivia and Anne curtseyed when they drew near.

Lord Varmick bowed. “Lady Salderson. Lady Olivia. I hope you’re enjoying the evening thus far.”

“Indeed, I am. It’s a pleasure to see so many friends here tonight.” Anne smiled.

Her sister had been in mourning for the past year with the passing of Lord Salderson. She’d mentioned to Olivia how difficult the social isolation had been for her. This was the first gathering her sister had been able to attend out of mourning, and her happiness, even while lecturing Olivia, was palpable.

Papa’s complexion became ruddy as he eyed Olivia, his gaze unblinking as if daring her to go against him before he’d even said a word. Likely, whatever he had planned involved Lord Varmick. Her stomach clenched as she waited to hear what he would say.

“Lady Olivia’s pleased you’re able to attend tonight, Varmick. She’s been anticipating your presence all day.”

“I too have been looking forward to this evening.” The artificial smile Lord Varmick directed her way made her skin crawl.

She glanced away, fearing her irritation would show. He hadn’t said he looked forward to seeing her in particular, but it didn’t matter. She hadn’t been awaiting him either. On the contrary, she’d no desire to be near him, for he reminded her too much of the deceptive and charming Lord Minett. She’d been in love with him and believed in his promises, only for him to marry someone else after he’d seduced her.

Lord Varmick was unlikely to leave her in the lurch since he was courting her at Papa’s urging. Unlike Lord Minett, who’d pursued her without her father’s knowledge, claiming he would ask Papa for her hand once they’d become better acquainted. What a fool she’d been!

Despite making Papa aware of her feelings regarding Lord Varmick, Papa had set his ambitions on a match between them. He didn’t care that she found Lord Varmick to be unpleasant or whether the match would result in a happy marriage. The criteria for a suitor were those who would provide him advantages in business or politics. Lord Varmick, the future Duke of Trullver, would provide Papa with both.

Lord Varmick drew close, offering his elbow to her. “Would you do me the honor of a dance?”

“I must regretfully decline.” She made a show of rubbing her temple. “I’m afraid I have a megrim and won’t be dancing tonight.” The excuse served another purpose. If she spent the entire night dancing, she would miss out on her chance to search Colmerstone’s collection room. Her refusal, of course, earned her a glare from her father. There would be no avoiding his ire once they returned home this evening.

Tension framed the edges of Lord Varmick’s lips. He was likely annoyed about having his request denied, and she was certain that due to his title, rejections were an uncommon occurrence. “Perhaps you are well enough to join me for a turn about the room instead?”

“Of course she will accompany you.” Papa spoke in a tone that brooked no opposition. “Mayhaps a stroll will help you feel better.”

She didn’t wish to be around Varmick and his ingratiating manners, but it would be foolhardy of her to defy Papa and insult the marquess by refusing him a second time.

“Of course, my lord.” She placed her hand on his arm and looked at Anne with a small nod. “I’ll join you later.” Olivia hoped she’d understood the unspoken plea for help.

Lord Varmick led her away, each step she took feeling as if weighed down with stones. The sensation of a hard stare at her back had her turning her head to find Mr. Branson watching her. Between Lord Varmick and Mr. Branson, she was starting to doubt whether she would be able to accomplish her goal tonight. But she wouldn’t give up just yet. The brooch was too important to her.

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