Page 31 of A Translation of Desire
“Why didn’t you tell the constables that?” Lisbeth asked.
“They would be utterly lost, and we would just receive another lecture on how our actions aren’t acceptable,” Sarah said with distaste.
Rose nodded. “That is why.”
Esme frowned. “Why would someone be after your work?”
They all sat, pondering the question. Sarah glanced at Addie. “Could it be tied to Lord Hawley?”
“No,” Addie said, defending her husband, surprising everyone. She flushed. “My husband is many things that I dislike, but a thief of someone else’s work is not one of them.”
Rose nodded again. “I agree. Lord Hawley made it publicly known he wanted to collaborate with me. Why would he steal my work?”
“Then who?” Diana asked.
She didn’t know. Her findings would be revolutionary to her and the antiquities field, but she doubted most scholars would attack a guard or attempt to steal them. “I’m at a complete loss.”
“I think it would be beneficial for you to stay away from Seely House for a few days. Hopefully, gossip won’t get out about what occurred,” Addie said.
“I have work to do.”
Lisbeth shot her an exasperated look. Diana said, “We want you to do that work, but I also agree that we need things to quiet down. What if you and Lisbeth joined me at a country estate party being hosted by the Marquess and Marchioness of Derry?”
“Who will search for the tablets?” Rose protested.
“Did Sinclair mention any more auctions?” Sarah asked.
The duke’s name caused her to flush. Her mind flashed back to their kiss. The blasted distracting man! “He is out of town for the next week.”
Diana nodded. “He is expected to attend the Derrys’ event. They are close friends.”
“Perfect,” Lisbeth said.
Rose didn’t think it was perfect—not at all. She didn’t like the duke. Well, she liked kissing him, but that was it. “Is this necessary?”
Addie stated, “I think it’s the best course of action. We will keep this between us.”
“I will need to tell Sebastian.”
Everyone agreed. Addie glanced at Rose. “Do you think we should tell Sinclair?”
She shrugged. “Why are you asking me?”
Lisbeth frowned at her. “Because he is helping us, and you are the primary person working with him.”
She sighed. “I will tell him at the estate party since it sounds like I must attend.”
*
Augustus entered thegreat hall of the Derry country estate with his mother and sister. They both gasped at the beautiful stained-glass windows that lined the walls. The glass depicted the tale of love between Psyche and Cupid. He’d attended enough events at Derry’s estate to know the windows often put people in awe.
While it seemed odd for a man like Derry to have such a romantic depiction on his walls, it completely suited his wife Sophia. Over the years, Augustus had grown close to the couple and considered them dear friends. They also partnered on several investments that required them to meet frequently.
At one point, he’d once considered wooing Sophia, but he stopped when he realized that her heart belonged to Derry. Still, he liked to flirt with her to annoy her husband. He smiled. Derry didn’t find it amusing at all.
“You never mentioned how beautiful Derry Hall was,” his mother stated.
He chuckled. “I wanted you to be surprised.”
