Page 74 of The Viscount's Code
Anthony nodded, steepling his fingers together in front of him. Ashford’s words were a bit of an understatement, but he appreciated the sentiment.
It wasn’t until later in the evening, when the younger set was sitting around the card table playing a game of cribbage when Lord Ashford continued to reveal his plans.
“In other news,” he continued, “I believe we need to speak to Aunt Eve.”
“About the necklace?” Lady Covington asked, lifting her head, and Ashford nodded.
“I believe she is in possession of it.”
“Will you ask her to send it?” Lady Covington asked, but her brother shook his head.
“She will likely only think we want it to sell it. While I would if I could, that isn’t the case. I only need to inspect it, to see if the key were to fit within it. However, I have another plan.”
His sister raised a brow in question.
“Rowley will be going to Bath.”
“That’s right,” Anthony murmured.
“As Aunt Eve prefers to remain there, I will send the key with Rowley, and ask him to call upon her.”
“Do you truly think she will allow a stranger in to see her most prized possession?” Lady Covington asked. “I can hardly see her agreeing to it.”
“I’ll send a note,” Ashford said, but his sister was already shaking her head. “Do you have a better idea?”
“Actually,” she said, “I do. Percy is also going to be in Bath.”
“What difference does it make if your friend goes or mine?”
“Because Percy is a woman,” Lady Covington said in exasperation. “Aunt Eve is far more likely to feel comfortable with her.”
“I suppose,” Ashford grumbled. “But I will send the key with Rowley. It will be easier to get it to him, and I would feel better about it being in his possession.”
“You don’t trust Percy?”
“That isn’t it,” he said. “We have seen what has happened to anyone searching for clues to this treasure before. I would rather Rowley be on the lookout than Lady Persephone.”
“I suppose you are right,” Lady Covington said. “I will write to her and ask her to meet Mr. Rowley in Bath to call upon Aunt Eve.”
“Very good.”
“Now that that’s decided,” Lady Covington said with a smile, “we can move on to more important things.” She turned to Hope and Anthony. “Such as just when will you be married?”
“As soon as we can,” she said brightly with a smile, and Anthony nodded his agreement.
“I would like to return to my estate once we are married, as I’m hesitant to remain. I don’t want Hope to be in any danger.”
“You are the one who was shot at!” she exclaimed, but he shook his head.
“Still.” He looked at Ashford. “If you need me to help with any additional codes or riddles, send me a message. And perhaps we can reconvene at our wedding. But I would rather not be in possession of anything that might put Hope in danger.”
“Of course,” Ashford said. “I understand.”
“And if you ever discover who took a shot at me, do let me know, will you?”
“That I will.”
Beneath the table, Hope placed her hand on Anthony’s thigh, and he covered it with his own.
