Page 40 of The Duke's Treasure
Edward keptMariana behind him as he walked up toward Castleton. Arthur and his butler, Scrivens, were standing at the front door, trying to prevent the Spanish soldiers from entering.
“What is the meaning of this?” Edward demanded, hurrying up the stairs. “What are you doing on my estate?”
One of the men stepped forward. “Are you the Duke of Sheffield?”
“I am.”
“We believe that you have stolen from the Spanish King.”
“Just what do you believe I have stolen?”
“Chests of doubloons.”
“And just why would you believe that?”
Two of the soldiers exchanged a glance. “We were provided the information.”
“By whom?”
“It does not matter.”
“I—”
Edward stopped when Mariana stepped forward, beginning to speak in rapid Spanish, although he caught most of it.
“I can tell you who stole from the Spanish King,” she said, continuing before Edward could stop her. “My husband.”
“And you are?—”
“DoñaPalencia. My late husband apparently hired a group of mercenaries, who are likely those who told you about the treasure. He hid it back in Spain. If they have told you about it, it is only because they lost it. I accompanied the duke here, and I can assure you, he has no treasure.”
The solider seemed uncertain.
“Do you wish to start another war?” Edward said, stepping forward, and the solider started slightly.
“No,” he said, although there was doubt in his expression now. “But we have orders.”
“To do what?”
“To search for it.”
“Very well,” Edward said, stretching his arms out. “Search.”
“Edward,” Arthur said in a warning tone, but Edward waved them forward.
“If this is what it will take to convince you, go ahead. You have my leave to search the house and the grounds.”
“Thank you, Your Grace,” the solider said with a nod, and as they continued on, Mariana looked up at him with a frown.
“Why did you do that?” she asked.
“I just want peace. If they want to search, then so be it. When we outran the pirates, they must have decided that they would prefer the treasure return to Spain than to remain with an Englishman.” His eyes roamed over her face, his voice dropping. “It is very unlikely that they will ever find it, but if they do, I do not care. I have the only treasure I need.”
“How romantic,” she said with a slight laugh.
“I do believe, however, that we are not going to be able to return this treasure anytime soon,” he murmured. “Until then, what do you think?”
“I think we wait until the time comes when we can return the treasure to where it belongs.”
