Page 96 of Kathryn

Katie laughed. “No, I suppose not.” She turned to look at the shelf closest to her, which held more of the same circular animal as well as something that was long and pointed on both ends.

“Are you curious to try hunting for fossils?” Miss Anning asked.

“I’m curious as to why it has captured so many people’s imagination.” Not to mention her husband’s attention, which seemed to have only enough space in it for these dead creatures. Oh, and chess. “Perhaps I will have to come down one morning and see what is what,” she said, smiling.

“Have you gone to your husband’s dig?”

“I have not.”

“You would be far more likely to find something interesting there,” she said, a bit of envy coloring her tone.

Katie had no interest in discussing her husband’s dig or his unwillingness to share anything about it. “What is this thing?” She pointed to a large fossil that looked to have a round body, head, four legs, and stub of a tail.

“A sea tortoise.”

“Is it?” Katie murmured, leaning closer. “It does not look like any tortoise I have seen.”

“No, this one is different to the ones alive now.”

“Different how?”

Miss Anning glanced around, an almost furtive expression on her face. “Normally I would not say this, but I know His Grace subscribes to the scientific perspective. But none of these creatures”—she waved a hand at the walls of fossils around them— “exist today.”

“What happened to them?”

Miss Anning shook her head. “That is a conversation I’m ill-equipped to have, although I do possess my theories, not that I have any proof, mind.”

“What are your theories?”

Again, the other woman looked about her before leaning closer. “I think these were animals that could no longer survive, for one reason or another.” She shrugged. “Perhaps some other creature came into their realm and provided too much competition. Or maybe the ocean receded and left them on dry land. If you went to your husband’s dig you would see how the different layers of earth yield up different finds.” She shrugged again. “I am sure His Grace, who has been to Oxford and is a member of the Royal Society, could give you a more cogent explanation.”

Andrew had mentioned something about Dulverton going to university at a young age, but she had no idea he belonged to an esteemed club like the Royal Society.

The little bell over the door tinkled and when Katie looked up, she saw Becky wearing a frown and hurrying toward her. “You were not at the bookshop like you said you would be! Fortunately, I saw your emerald silk in the window,” Becky said, belatedly adding, “Your Grace,” when she saw that Miss Anning was watching them with interest.

“I was on my way to the bookshop but was distracted,” Katie said, amused when Miss Anning’s eyes bulged to hear a duchess explain herself to a servant.

“We will be late to meet His Grace if we do not make haste.” Becky glanced around the somewhat dusty shop with a disapproving look.

Katie turned to Miss Anning. “I very much enjoyed speaking with you.”

The other woman’s face flushed, and she dipped a low curtsey. “It was an honor, Your Grace. And—and if you should ever wish to accompany me, please let me know.”

“Thank you, that is very kind. I will certainly keep your generous offer in mind.” She inclined her head and walked to where Becky was already holding open the door.

“What on earth were you doing in that dusty, dirty place?” Becky demanded the instant they were out on the street.

“Looking at fossils.”

“I should think you’d get enough of those at home.”

“One would think,” Katie agreed mildly.

Becky cut her a suspicious look. “What are you scheming about now?”

“Nothing.” Katie laughed and bumped Becky’s shoulder with her own, although she had to lean down to do so.

“Your Grace!” Becky hissed. “People will see.”