“I had no doubt that of the three invitations I sent, yours would require that I provide more information before you proceeded.”
Darcy’s instincts were on high alert. However, once Drye presented written clues, ancient references, and scholarly citations, there was no denying the brilliance beneath the eccentricity.
Drye’s gnarly fingers pointed to shards of pottery, fragile papyrus and parchment, and small stone fragments. “What you see here are pieces I have collected over four decades. A Byzantine manuscript fromConstantinople mentioning “the Alexandrian cache hidden by Christian monks.” A papal document from Rome describing “Greek works preserved from the flames.” Most intriguing of all, this letter, penned by a Grecian merchant, describes scrolls traded in the bazaars of Cairo.”
Darcy leaned forward, studying the documents. “These suggest that the library’s contents were not destroyed but were dispersed. Hidden in monasteries, private collections, or even forgotten vaults throughout the Mediterranean.”
“Precisely, Mr. Darcy. Here is what makes this expeditionurgentrather than merely interesting.” Drye became increasingly animated. “Confirmed reports indicate that Napoleon’s scholars made a discovery in Egypt. Before their hasty retreat, they sent encrypted correspondence to French academies. My contacts in Paris whisper of ‘directions to the true treasure of the Ptolemies.’”
The colonel straightened. “You are saying that the French already know?”
“I am saying they suspect. But they lack three crucial elements: the linguistic skills to decipher Byzantine Greek, the resources to mount a proper search, and most critically, the connections to move freely through British-controlled waters.” Professor Drye paused meaningfully. “These same sources assure me thatle petit caporalhas turned his focus from the Mediterranean to the Russian Empire. It is probable that he will not provide funds to finance the search for the archive. Nevertheless, there is a strong possibility that individuals within the French academic community possess the funds needed. We cannot ignore the threat. If they canfinance a team to hunt for the manuscripts, they will certainly do so.”
The professor turned to Darcy. “Your wealth, sir, combined with the colonel’s military credentials and diplomatic connections, could accomplish what no single scholar could attempt. Should you travel as gentleman traders using legitimate commerce as your cover, you would give the expedition a decided advantage in pursuit of the greatest intellectual discovery since the Rosetta Stone.”
Richard mumbled, “His methodology is sound, even if his presentation is unconventional.”
Respecting competency above all else, Darcy resumed his study of the documentation. “I must confess, my first reaction is to refuse.”
“I am unsurprised. But consider this, Mr. Darcy. These are irreplaceable documents that could reshape our understanding of ancient knowledge. You would be preserving important cultural heritage. We have a duty to ensure that such precious historical artifacts do not fall into the wrong hands or get destroyed by time. This quest requires resources that few possess. That is why I chose you.”
“Why did you choose the others?”
The professor answered. “Bennet was an exceptional student with whom I have corresponded for these thirty years. He has an extraordinary grasp of ancient languages. He reads Latin and Greek, and he has been studying Arabic.
“Lord Burton, too, was a superb scholar. He loves ancient history and visited every major port in the Mediterranean during his Grand Tour. He spent monthsin the Holy Land, including Egypt. His familiarity would be an asset.” The professor grew troubled. “Unfortunately, I received his response moments before you arrived, stating that his wife is gravely ill, and therefore, he may not join you.”
“I would suppose he would not,” said Darcy.
“At his request, I have extended the invitation to his son, Arnold McGregor Russell Burton, Viscount Levinson. The young man recently returned from Scotland, where he spent considerable time with his mother’s family. I know nothing about him, but I hope he shares his father’s appreciation for the value of historical documents. Do you know him? Or know anything of him?”
After exchanging questioning looks with Darcy, Richard shook his head. “We do not. Will we be traveling on the same vessel?”
“You need to make your own arrangements.”
Richard continued, “What do you believe to be the first step after leaving England?”
“One moment, Colonel.” He pulled a scrap of paper from his pocket. “The first clue reads:Where the eagle’s shadow falls upon the seven hills, seek the scholar who fled with flame-touched scrolls. In the house of law, wisdom sleeps beneath marble feet.”
“Ah, Rome!” Richard exclaimed. He continued his questioning, but there was only one that dominated Darcy’s thinking.
“I beg your pardon, Professor. Did you receive a response from Mr. Bennet?”
“I did last evening.” The professor sorted through the papers littering his desk. Holding up a letter, he read:
My dear Professor,
Your letter has literally rescued me from the tedium of estate accounts and my wife’s detailed opinions on spring bonnets. I accept your invitation with the greatest enthusiasm and anticipation.
My second daughter, Elizabeth, will accompany me on this venture. She possesses the keenest intellect of all my children, as well as an adventurous spirit that finds Hertfordshire’s boundaries to be confining. She has a practical nature that will prove invaluable during extended travel.
Most fortuitously, my wife’s brother owns several merchant vessels that regularly trade throughout the Mediterranean. We have already begun arrangements for passage aboard one of these ships, which should provide both reliable transport and convenient cargo space for any discoveries we might make.
We anticipate departing London on the second of April, circumstances permitting. We shall return only after a thorough search. I trust this timeline aligns with your preparations.
I confess myself consumed with curiosity about this ‘greatest treasure ever to be found,’ though I shall contain my scholarly impatience until I can speak with the others participating in this quest.
Your eager colleague,
