Page 41 of The Duke's Treasure
“What if that day never comes?”
“It will,” she said, tilting her head to look up at him. “Even if we are not here to see it.” She bit her lip. “Are there people in your life who you trust more than any others in the world?”
He nodded. “There are.”
“I think we ask them to help us look after it, until it can once again be entrusted to someone worthy.”
“But how?—”
“I have an idea,” she said, her lips curling up. “When I was a girl, my father loved to create treasure hunts for me. Riddles, puzzles – he enjoyed setting up these games.”
Edward nodded. “I have seen many artifacts that provide such games on my travels," he said. “What are you thinking? That we create a treasure hunt?”
“Precisely,” she said with a mischievous grin. “One that is not only complex, but requires both intellect and tenacity to solve.”
“That sounds like it could be fun,” he said slowly as the idea began to grow on him. “Have you any ideas?”
“More than we would ever need,” she said with a laugh, although she sobered when one of the Spaniards reappeared.
“Is this yours?” he asked, holding out a hand, a ruby necklace dangling from his fingers.
Edward’s mouth formed a firm line.
“It is,” he said with uncharacteristic anger. “And unfortunately, you have now ruined my surprise.”
Mariana turned to him.
“A surprise?”
“I’ll explain when we are alone,” he said with a meaningful smile before turning to the solider. “I can tell you precisely when and where I bought it,” he said. “It was from a jeweller in Spain – not from some treasure stash which is more than likely on the bottom of the ocean.”
“Very well,” the soldier said, still suspicious. “I will collect that information.”
He returned to the house just as a shriek came from within, and Edward suddenly remembered that he had another issue.
“I forgot to warn my mother,” he cringed. “I best go ensure she is well.” He looked at Mariana. “You will not go anywhere?”
“No,” she said. “You are here. And my home is with you, wherever you may be.”
“I’m ever so glad to hear it,” he said, and then, leaving her with Arthur, he winked at her before slipping inside.
With one soldier watching them,Mariana stood next to Arthur, realizing it was the first time she had been alone with Edward’s brother.
As effervescent as Edward was, Arthur was quiet, and yet he still exuded the same comfort of character.
“You are good for him, you know,” Arthur said, looking at her. “He needs someone like you.”
“Not Lady Jane?” she said, unable to help the smirk in her words, although she was chagrined when they caused Arthur to turn a bright shade of red.
“Not Lady Jane,” he agreed. “She fit Edward’s title, but not him as a man.”
She turned to face him fully, remembering what Edward had told her about his brother’s affections. “If he and Lady Jane had been right for one another, then I’m sure they would have been together long before now. Perhaps Lady Jane is looking for the right person as well.”
“Perhaps,” he said quietly although his eyes seemed distant, and it wasn’t long before Edward reappeared, a chuckle on his lips despite all that was occurring around them.
“Mother wasn’t too pleased,” he said before stepping up to the Spanish soldier. “Finish your search and then be gone from here before I ask less nicely.” He turned to Mariana. “Shall we walk?”
She nodded with a smile of farewell to Arthur before taking Edward’s hand and following him along the grounds.
