Page 114 of The Lady Needs a Rogue
“My grandfather musthave been devastated to think he’d been deceived by a counterfeiter. The very thought of it... of how he must have felt... it’s heartbreaking.”
A sudden sadness washed over Macie as she watched Professor Aylesworth at her grandfather’s mahogany desk, silently studying the century-old letter Nell had discovered. Grandpapa had been so meticulous in his research. So scrupulous in his dealings. How could he have been deceived?
With any luck, Aylesworth would be able to correctly interpret her grandfather’s cryptic notes. Her grandfather had regarded him as a calm, cool-headed researcher. Ever analytical, the man possessed a keen-eyed ability to detect the tiny flaws which distinguished a true relic from a clever fraud.
As the pendulum on the clock ticked off each passing moment, nervous tension crept through her body. Her fingers tightened around the handle of her parasol to keep them from trembling.
Holding it up to the light, the professor closely examined the aged sheet of vellum. His brow furrowed, he placed the letter beside the journal pages on the desk and met Macie’s gaze.
“I suspect his notes have been misinterpreted,” he said. “I see nothing of concern.”
“Are you quite sure?” His dismissal of her grandfather’s suspicions seemed premature.
Aylesworth offered a solemn nod. “He has rigorously documented his observations, but it appears he was out of his depth.”
Macie took the missive in hand. “He believed this letter proved the antiquities in question could not be genuine.”
“It would appear he was mistaken,” Aylesworth softened his tone. “Your grandfather often called upon me to interpret documents as well as to offer a rational counterpoint to his conclusions.”
“But he didn’t turn to you. Not this time.” Macie let out a low breath. “Why would he have kept this to himself?”
The professor shrugged. “Andrew Bennington was a proud man. If he thought he’d been duped, he may have wanted to keep the matter quiet.”
“So, you don’t believe his suspicions were justified?”
“At this point, I’d say there’s no reason for concern, Miss Mason.”
“I do wish I could say I was relieved.” She gazed down at her grandfather’s notations—notations which corresponded with the document the professor had so summarily dismissed. “But my grandfather was not one to reach any conclusion without clear evidence.”
“And you believe this is it?” Aylesworth shrugged. “I have to say, I am not convinced. Not yet. But I’d be willing to give the letter a more thorough examination, if only to set your mind at ease.”
“Thank you, but I would not want to impose, much less when you’re preparing to embark on your journey.”
“It will not pose a problem” he said, removing his spectacles. “Once I’m at my laboratory, I will be able to do what needs to be done.”
She shook her head. “For now, I prefer to secure the documents. As I understand it, Professor Hedges is not traveling with your team.”
“He is not,” Aylesworth replied quickly. “What does Hedges have to do with any of this?”
“My grandfather spoke highly of him, just as he did of you. I may seek a consultation.”
“With all due respect to Professor Hedges, he does not possess the necessary expertise. You may trust me to conduct a thorough analysis.” He rose to his full height and came around the desk. “I owe it to Andrew.”
As he spoke, a muscle ticked in his jaw. Macie met his eyes. She saw it then. Saw it so very clearly.
He was lying.
An alarm screamed deep within her. Why had this man—this man her grandfather had long trusted—lied to her?
She reached for the documents on the desk, but he blocked her. Gesturing to the letter, Professor Aylesworth’s mouth set in a grim line.
“Ah, Miss Mason... I wish you had not seen this.”
She took a step back, then another. “Professor, is something wrong?” Macie already knew the answer, even as she managed to speak the words without trembling.
“Yes, as a matter of fact there is.” He plowed one hand through his hair, raking his fingers through the dark strands. “You’ve created this situation, you know. Just as your grandfather did. I never wanted any of this to happen.”
“What... are you talking about?” Slowly, she continued edging toward the door.
