Page 2 of The Duke's Treasure
Edward bit his lip contritely. “I see what you are saying, Arthur, and I do know the privilege I possess.” He pulled out the piece of paper that had been in his pocket but primarily on his mind, twirling it around in his fingers.
“What do you have there?” Arthur asked, always perceptive.
“Nothing.”
“Edward.”
“Very well. I received some information.”
“From whom?” Arthur asked with suspicion he had every right to hold.
“From a friend high in the Spanish ranks.”
“And what does thisfriendhave to say?”
“Oh, you are curious,” Edward said with a grin.
“Not really.”
“Come now. Admit it.”
“I will not.”
“Arthur,” Edward said. “Confess that you want to know, and I will tell you.”
Arthur pressed his thumb and forefinger against his temples. “Very well. I am curious about what the note holds. Happy?”
“Yes, actually,” Edward said, enjoying needling his brother far too much. “The note sent to me included a rumor of a sunken Spanish ship. Apparently, however, before the ship went down, it was boarded by pirates.”
“And?”
“And,” Edward said, leaning forward in excitement, “the pirates absconded with the one million four-doubloons the ship was carrying, along with a shipment of silver.”
Arthur stilled, his shock greatly satisfying.
“Why was a ship carrying such a great fortune?”
“The silver and gold was being transported to Spain from mines in Potosí. At first it was thought the treasure went down with the ship, but apparently that is not so.”
Arthur sat back, tenting his fingertips together.
“Then where is it?”
“Somewhere in Spain. My friend said there are suspicions of a betrayal – that the pirates were working for a man who kept it for himself.”
“It would need quite a hiding spot.”
“So it would.”
“Let me guess – you intend to find it?”
Edward leaned forward. “It has been almost an entire year since Father died, and I can no longer hide behind mourning his loss. I will take that few months, find this treasure, and then I will be done with that life, Arthur. I swear it. I just need you to cover for me while I search for this. It should be straightforward. One last time, Arthur. I promise.”
Arthur eyed him with a look that told him he didn’t entirely believe him, but Edward hoped his earnestness that this would be the last time was evident. He just needed his brother’s help. His heart beat as he waited for his answer, the thrill of excitement of the chase already building.
When Arthur sighed and ran his hand through his hair, Edward’s heart jumped. He had him.
“Very well,” Arthur said, shaking his head as though already upset with himself. “One last time.”
