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“To the museum,” Nicola said in a low voice for their ears alone.
“Might my delightful subjects join you below?” Hugh gestured to Kayla and Phin. “They’ve shown a keen interest in the artwork adorning the ballroom’s walls.”
“Have they?”
“I’ll never hear the end of it if my big brother sees your famed private collection and I don’t.” Phin pressed a hand against his chest. “Take pity, dear Nicola. My appreciation for your treasures will far exceed Zorro’s.”
“The tour will be brief. I must return here”—she waved a hand at the display table—“for the unveiling in twenty minutes.”
Phin wrapped an arm around Kayla’s shoulders. “We’ll take brief.”
A strained smile stretched across Nicola’s lips as she studied the yin and yang pair for a long moment. They were clearly not in her plans, whatever those were. “Come along.”
Kayla shot Liv a triumphant smirk, but something about the entire exchange pricked her sixth sense. Zeke squeezed her hand as if sharing her concern.
Their growing party followed the couple through the mansion until their tour guides paused before a mirrored wall near one of two studies in the house.
Nicola’s fingers sank into a hidden pocket, drawing something from her silken skirts. She waved the gold proximity card over the smooth surface of the wall until a green button was illuminated.
She pressed the button and it turned red.
A hidden elevator.
A chime went off, and Hugh fished his phone out of his voluminous short trousers. “Apologies.” Reading the display, his jaw slackened a moment before he produced a weak smile. “I’m afraid I won’t be able to join you for the tour.”
Liv’s heart sank, and her hold on Zeke’s hand tightened.
The mirrored door slid open, revealing a small elevator. Nicola stepped inside and motioned for Zeke and Liv to follow, filling the small space. “Is everything all right?”
“A small business situation I must address.” Hugh handed an identical gold card to Phin. “You’ll need this to call up the elevator.”
Nicola stiffened. “Hugh, can your business not wait five minutes?”
“Afraid not, my queen.” He bowed and left.
Nicola stared at her husband’s retreating back as if she’d like to send him to the guillotine.
“Is there a problem?” Zeke asked.
The socialite blinked. “Forgive me. There are only three access cards for this elevator, and my husband just handed one to someone I met only a few days ago.”
“Miss Krowne will ensure I do not run off with your card,” Phin said with a grin.
Nicola forced a smile. “I meant no disrespect, Mr. Blackwell. But my museum is precious to me.”
Phin’s face sobered. “If my having this distresses you,” he stepped forward and held out the card, “I will be happy to take a rain check. Or the stairs.”
Liv’s heart bucked and thrashed inside her stomach.
More winging it.
