Page 5 of The Scholar's Key
“It is just for a time, as I further my research. Two or three families have agreed to allow me access to their libraries. After that, I will see you a great deal for we will both be spending so much of our time in London.”
“I suppose that is true,” Eric said with a sigh. “But do you truly want to spend your life writing about England’s history? It seems… dull.”
“It is a respectable enough pursuit. I require greater purpose in my life, and since I was spending my time reading and researching anyway, why not do something that has some meaning?
Eric crossed his arms over his stomach and pushed back in the chair as he studied Noah. They both had similar light brown hair slightly touched with curls, but that was where the similarities ended. Eric was tall, rather broad with prominent features while Noah was, in every physical way, a slightly lesser version of his brother.
“We all know how intelligent you are, there is no question there,” he said. “I am sure you will write something extraordinary.”
“I would like to write a text that is easily read and understood – that will be enjoyed,” Noah said. “I am to take primary accounts from all over England and create a volume of books that can be easily accessed.”
“How intriguing,” Eric said with a pained look on his face. “I’m glad it is you and not me.”
“It is fine to be different, Eric,” Noah said, which seemed to appease his brother.
“While you are there, you will have another job to do.”
“The key and the necklace,” Noah said, slightly uneasy about the weight of responsibility upon him. “It means a lot to Ashford to figure this out.”
“Well, there is no better man for the job than you.”
“Although I am to be aided by a woman, it seems.”
“Ah yes, the Lady Persephone.”
“Yes,” Noah said, not meeting Eric’s eyes, for his brother could always deduce exactly what he was thinking.
“Apparently, Ashford’s sister would prefer that Lady Percy retrieve the necklace.”
“Why?” Noah asked. As far as he was aware, they were to find it together. In fact, he was rather looking forward to it.
“She feels that her Aunt Eve would respond better to a woman. Ashford, however, does not trust her. That’s why he gave the key to you.”
“He did say that he would prefer I attempt this on my own. I do not see the harm in Lady Percy accompanying me, however.”
“Because she will try to take over and do this herself and you—”
“I what?”
“You will allow her to do so,” Eric said, although he seemed rather chagrined that he was saying such a thing.
“And just why do you think I would do that, if I have made a promise to Ashford?” Noah asked, raising his brows, attempting not to be insulted.
“Because you fancy her.”
Noah balked.
“I do not.”
“Don’t you?” Eric asked, raising a brow. “You can hardly speak when she is nearby.”
“I am not much of a talker. You do enough of that for us both.”
Eric laughed at that. “I wish you would show everyone else your sense of humor. You have a greater wit to you than any other man I’ve ever met.”
“You are too kind,” Noah said, pushing off from the doorway. “But I do not need anyone else to appreciate such things.”
“Noah…” Eric hesitated, and Noah stood still in the doorway, fighting the urge to walk away before his brother said what he knew was on his mind.
