Page 89 of When a Lady Desires a Wicked Lord
Bugger it, he was a fool.
“So, Marlsbrook, I hear you’ve made a major find,” Stanwyck said, drawing Benedict back to the present. “Your client must be very pleased.”
“This cache is not going to a client,” Benedict said. He downed what little was left of his whisky and placed the glass on the table. “The Egyptian authorities are taking command of the relics. They’ll be placed in a museum, where they belong.”
Stanwyck’s brows hiked. “A museum? I must confess this comes as a shock. I was not aware you’d put your profiteering behind you.”
Benedict shrugged. “I cannot say it is in my past. But this find was different. It is a highly significant contribution to the study of the ancient culture.”
“I never thought I’d live to say this, but I am impressed.” Stanwyck leaned back in his chair, regarding Benedict over steepled fingers. “Is Miss Quinn aware of the find—and its disposition?”
“I have not been in communication with her.” Benedict drummed his fingers against the table. Damn the man for bringing Alexandra into the conversation. He didn’t want to think about her now. He was well aware of what he’d lost, of what he’d left behind like a bumbling oaf.
“I shall be sure to inform her.”
“I cannot imagine she wants to hear so much as a syllable about me. We did not part on the best of terms.”
Stanwyck nodded. “So I’ve heard.”
“What else have you heard?” Benedict asked. “Why did you wish to meet?”
He smiled, a wry, humorless slant of his mouth. “Nothing like cutting to the chase, eh, Marlsbrook?”
“Stanwyck, I don’t have all day. What do you want?”
“I have a proposition—one I believe you may find to your interest.”
“And what might that be?”
“Alexandra provided me with the map to the tomb. Utilizing the document in conjunction with the Pharaoh’s Sun, I am confident I can locate the treasure.”
“I’m not surprised she trusted the map to you,” Benedict said. “I must commend her judgment. Despite being an arrogant arse, you possess an annoying sense of integrity.”
“I suppose I shall take that as a compliment.” Stanwyck affected a bland expression. “In any case, as my wife is, as they say, heavy with child, I will not be embarking on the expedition until early next year. The preparations will be extensive, as I’m sure you know.”
“Of course,” Benedict said.
“The expedition requires a leader, one who’s not going to be concerned with a wife and babe at home in London. I know of no one more qualified to take charge of this endeavor than you. You would receive full credit for your contribution.”
Stanwyck spoke so matter-of-factly, one might be tempted to believe he did not know of Benedict’s relationship with Alexandra. However, the man was not in the dark. Sophie was like a sister to Jennie and Alexandra. Word had gotten to Stanwyck. What in hellfire was his ultimate objective?
“Why did you really come here tonight, Stanwyck?”
“You question my motives?”
“I presume you know of my history with Alexandra. Our relationship was not clandestine.”
Stanwyck gave a nod. “Sophie has spoken of it, and as you mention, it has been no secret in London.” His eyes narrowed, and his gaze settled on Benedict’s chin. “By God, there it is.”
“Therewhatis?” Benedict asked, even as his finger idly traced the thumbnail-wide ridge on his chin.
“You know what I’m talking about—the infamous scar.” Stanwyck’s half grin seemed surprisingly sincere. “I must commend Jeremy on his right hook. Bugger it, I’d bet that ring of his hurt like the bloody devil.”
Benedict rubbed his chin. Beneath a day’s growth of stubble, the puckered mark left behind by Jeremy Quinn’s ring provided a permanent reminder of the second worst decision he’d ever made in his life. Leaving Alexandra to seek his fortune had been foolish. But walking away after he’d had a second chance at loving her was blasted idiotic. God above, he was a daft arse.
“I had it coming,” he said. “How is she?”
“She’s gone on with her life.” Stanwyck drummed his fingers against the table. “Miss Quinn is a strong woman. At first glance, one might overlook her spirit and her wit, but she’s a rare jewel. In some ways, she reminds me of my Sophie.”
