Page 23 of The Duke's Treasure
“I’m not sure I altogether like that suggestion. Did the King not steal it himself?”
“He wouldn’t see it that way,” Edward said. “But the Peruvians who mined the gold might. We could return it to where it came from.”
She obviously heard the hesitation in his tone. “But?”
“Spain would only take it once more, unless it went to the right people. It might take some time to determine just who that is, though.”
She nodded. “Perhaps your friend might have some ideas.”
“Perhaps.”
“I suppose we best return now, before the sun goes down.” She slid off his lap but kept her hand in his as they retracedtheir footsteps toward where the horses awaited them. “I feel as though leaving it here unattended is asking for it to be stolen.”
“It has been safe here so far, though, has it not?”
“True.”
They gathered up the meal and blanket that had been lying on the cave floor and returned it all to the saddlebags. Quickly they donned the remainder of their clothing and then Edward cupped his hands together to help Mariana climb up onto her horse. They rode in companionable silence for a time.
“Edward?” she said as Castillo de la Luna came into view.
“Yes?”
“Perhaps you should move to the manor for the remainder of your time here.”
His heart jumped a bit as he grinned, looking over at her, speaking in a slow drawl. “But what will people think?”
She waved a hand in the air. “I don’t really care anymore,” she said. “Let them talk. This is the most fun I’ve had in my entire life. Why would I give it all up for what a few people might say?”
“That’s the spirit,” he said with a grin, realizing that he liked this woman more and more every time she opened her mouth. Which made him worry once more – for just what was he going to do once he had to return to England?
“Edward?”Mariana said as they crested the last rise before entering the grounds. “This might sound ridiculous.”
“I love ridiculous.”
“I believe someone is following us.”
“Yes.” He kept his gaze ahead, not looking back over their shoulders at the figures in the distance. “Someoneisfollowing us.”
“You knew?”
“I did. I noticed them a while ago. It could be nothing, but?—”
“But it’s like they were waiting for us to come out of the cave,” she said, her heart beating faster. “Do you think they know about the treasure?”
“It’s possible,” he said. “Someone stole it for your husband, did they not? And now that he’s gone?—”
“They could have decided to come back for it themselves,” she said, her worry growing. “It is not as though it means anything to me, but somehow the thought of such a fortune going to thieves is not exactly pleasing.”
“No,” Edward said grimly. “It certainly is not.”
“We must move it, and quickly,” she said. “Hopefully, before they take it themselves.”
“It would have to be tonight,” he said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
“I have access to wagons we could use,” she said. “But where would we take it? Castillo de la Luna would be too obvious and there is nowhere nearby that would be safe.”
“I could hire a ship,” he suggested. “Then sail home with it, for now. If you trust me to look after it.”
