Page 29 of Kiss Me Lady One More Time
Mr. Simon began to look a bit uncomfortable, and Penelope wasn’t done with him yet. “Oh, dear,” she said lightly. “How quickly we went from new displays to shadowy underworlds. Allow me to change the subject to one quite the opposite and inquire about your glittering social life, instead. I can very well imagine that you are acquainted with some of the most fascinating minds of our time, sir. Do you ever bring them home to meet your wife? I should imagine you host the most interesting dinner parties.”
“Alas, I am not married, Miss Munroe. But I daresay it’s for the best, with my schedule.”
“I am sure there are women who would not mind such a thing, sir. Indeed, I recall how popular you were with the ladies at Greystone Park.”
“Ah, I see where you are leading me, Miss Munroe,” he laughed. “I do recall the question in your letter.”
She reached for an innocent countenance. “Which one? I believe I pestered you with several.”
“You asked quite specifically about Lady Tresham.”
“Oh. Yes, I did.” She smiled at him. “The two of you were very cozy together in Gloucestershire. I just wondered if you had continued the acquaintance.”
“We did, for a time, upon our return to London. I quite enjoyed the lady’s company and we spent a bit of time together over the span of several weeks.”
“Would you know her current address? I’ve discovered that the one we have for her is outdated.”
“Alas, I cannot help. She was very accommodating, in that she would meet me here at the museum when we had plans.” He made a face. “In fact, I would have done better to insist on picking her up at her home, for it was while lingering here, waiting on me, that she met the man who has become her current beau.”
“Oh, dear.”
“Yes. Mr. Millbank is a regular patron and a donor to our institution, as well. They met looking over old coins, I believe, and they have had quite a whirlwind courtship, I am given to understand.”
“I am sorry indeed, if you were disappointed, sir,” she said gently.
“Oh, it is just as well, for I have neither the means nor the amount of time to devote to a lady, not to the extent that he has done. I hear they have been seen everywhere, at the theater, at the few Society events still occurring in the summer months, and most specifically, in the park every afternoon, where they have created quite a sensation.”
“I believe she would like hearing that,” Penelope said wryly.
“Well, I will not endure the teasing of my fellows for much longer,” Mr. Simon said with some relief. “The word is that the couple intend to marry and set out for a tour of Europe.” He shrugged. “The best I can hope for now is that they bring something back with the intention of donating it to us.”
“When do they mean to set out, do you know?” Sterne asked.
“Any day now, I believe. As I said, it’s been a whirlwind courtship. I can only wish them both happy.”
“Mr. Simon,” Penelope said carefully. “Before she abandoned you so cruelly, did Lady Tresham ask you to buy some fossils from her?”
He paused, surprised. “Why, yes, she did. She had several very nice echinoids, a couple of ferns and a few crinoid parts.”
“Did you buy them?” she asked. “Or rather, recommend them to Mr. Konig?”
He sighed. “I did not. They were not unusual enough for me to make the recommendation.”
“Did she not offer you anything larger, once you turned her down?” Sterne questioned.
“No, but she did ask quite a few questions about larger pieces, and what qualities made them more valuable.” He made a face. “I have wondered if it would have made a difference, given how it all turned out.”
“It is her loss, sir,” she said firmly.
“You are very kind, Miss Munroe.”
“As are you, sir. Thank you for taking us about and for answering our questions.”
“One last question, sir,” Sterne said. “Since you think the rumored black market might consist of a few collectors working together—can you give me the names of those you think might behave that way?”
The gentleman hesitated. “I’m not sure the museum can involve itself in your search, sir.”
“I would not ask it. I’m merely asking your opinion, as a member of the geological and fossil community, yourself. You’ve speculated some collectors might wish to keep your institution out of bidding for new specimens, I’m simply asking for their names.”
