Page 11 of A Translation of Desire
Why was he being so secretive? “If you provide more details, I may be able to help you.”
Abbas hesitated, and Augustus added, “I’m willing to assist, but I need to know how to get in touch with you.”
“I will reach out at a later date.”
Augustus rose and handed him a card. “You can find me here or at my house in Mayfair.”
The man nodded and departed. Augustus stared at the door, wondering what Abbas was about. He sensed it wasn’t nefarious, but Augustus supposed he could be wrong. Henry entered. “Were you able to assist him, Your Grace?”
“No. Do you know anything about the man?”
Henry shook his head. “No, but I found it strange that he wasn’t very forthcoming in his request for a meeting or why he wanted it.”
Augustus nodded. “Ask around and learn if anyone has purchased cuneiform tablets besides those from the Society of Antiquaries. It’s probably nothing, but now I’m intrigued.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
Chapter Four
Rose ran herhand along the light blue fabric of her dress that billowed around her.This gown is beautiful, she begrudgingly admitted to herself. The dressmaker had been right; the color highlighted her brownish-red curls and made the gold flecks in her eyes stand out. Still, she wasn’t happy to be at a ball and was furious that her father slinked out of London, avoiding attending a single event. He’d insisted it couldn’t be helped. He had a meeting in Northern England and would then head back to Syria.
She supposed she couldn’t blame him. While this had been her mother’s world, it hadn’t been her father’s. It wasn’t hers either. She grimaced as another young debutante glided by on her way to flutter her eyelashes at some lord.
“Are you enjoying yourself even a tiny bit?” Lisbeth asked while watching those on the dance floor. She was swathed in a silver dress, giving her an ethereal appearance.
It was odd spending time with Lisbeth in London. The duchess was vastly different from the young woman she had been. When she traveled with Rose’s family, she’d been boisterous and always smiling. Lisbeth, now, while polite, emanated an icy reserve. Rose wondered what experiences shaped her to become that way.
“I know this isn’t what you wanted, but maybe you will meet someone,” Lisbeth added.
Pushing her nosy thoughts away about Lisbeth, Rose snorted. The sound caused an older couple to stare at them. Lisbeth gave her a pointed look before turning to them. “Hello, Lord and Lady Holland.”
They smiled back at the duchess. The power of her old frenemy amazed Rose. “I’m sorry, duchess. Your reputation this Season is going to take a hit. I have no training to be in London society, and I’m the oldest never-been-married lady here.”
A quiet laugh escaped Lisbeth. “Nonsense. I’m a duchess.”
“I’m not sure if that is confidence or cockiness.”
Shocking Rose, Lisbeth winked at her. “A little of both. Plus, you aren’t the oldest, never-been-married lady here. That title goes to Lady Harriet. She can’t be a day under seventy.”
Rose studied the woman. She seemed asleep, standing up and leaning forward slightly. Hopefully, she didn’t topple over. A giggle escaped Rose, causing Lisbeth to join her.
“You look stunning,” Lisbeth said.
Rose blushed, uncomfortable with being singled out for her appearance. She’d spent most of the last ten years in trousers and with her hair under a hat.
“Not as stunning as you,” she said, returning the compliment.
Lisbeth rolled her eyes. “Trust me, you have caused a stir.”
“I hope no one asks me to dance because I’m awful at it. Thomas tried to teach me, but he wasn’t very good either.”
“Dancing was always my favorite part of balls when I was a young debutante,” Lisbeth said.
Rose didn’t realize she’d attended society events before she’d run off with Thomas. Lisbeth smiled knowingly at her. “Yes, I went to balls. Not many. And I was the person who taught Thomas to dance.”
Rose’s eyes widened. Lisbeth grinned smugly. “I do agree he is a lousy dancer.”
Another giggle erupted from her. Lisbeth smiled, shaking her head. “Enough about all that. I think I spotted some acquaintances I should speak with across the room. Would you like to join me for a stroll?”
