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“Capitalized as if they were the title of a book.”
“Viola, that’s the answer. There’s a fourteenth century manuscript that’s gone missing. We know about it because there were copies made in the seventeenth century. The title wasRevelations of Divine Love. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it until now.”
“Perhaps it was the wine.”
“It was you, Viola. I must visit the bookshop.”
“What, now?”
“It’s only half-nine. My mother won’t be home for hours. I can’t wait to find out if my theory is correct. I don’t know why my aunt would keep such a treasure hidden, but she must have had her reasons.”
“I’d go with you, but father has been feeling ill lately and he’ll worry if I’m not there to prepare his medicines.”
Beatrice squeezed Viola’s hand. “Don’t forget what we said in the meeting. You’re always taking care of everyone else and never finding time for yourself.”
“It’s all right. I’m used to it. Are you sure it’s a good idea to visit the bookshop? Won’t Mr. Wright be there?”
“I doubt it. After finishing his work he likes to share a libation with his sailor friend at a docksidetavern. Don’t give me such a suspicious look. I’m not going there for kisses, I’m on the hunt for an ancient manuscript.”
Beatrice let herself in with her key.
All was dark and quiet in the shop. Coggins didn’t answer the bell. He must have already retired for the evening and was probably snoring soundly.
She hung her cloak and bonnet in the entrance hall. Removing her gloves, she lit the candle in a small lantern to carry with her as she moved through the darkened house.
Ford had been busy since her last visit. She could barely remember where the shop counter used to be. He’d laid new flooring seamlessly over the entire room, the oak gleaming like honey in the candlelight.
She imagined the spacious room as it would look when it was the clubhouse’s central meeting place. There’d be a table large enough to gather around, with stately high-backed chairs for each member. She’d place cozy velvet armchairs by the fireplace, for reading and fireside chats. It would be warm and welcoming, and filled with books and laughter.
All was quiet on the stairs. Just as she’d suspected. Ford was out carousing with Mr. Griffith and the lads, holding court in a noisy pub, the focus of every barmaid’s attention.
She pictured him leaning back in a chair, boots planted firmly on the floor, his shirt collar loosened to reveal his muscular neck and a hint of broad chest. The barmaids couldn’t stop staring at him.They poured ale into glasses until it sloshed over the sides and spilled over the bar top.
She climbed the stairs, holding her candle ahead of her. It was preferable that he wasn’t here. Her mission was to search Aunt Matilda’s private chambers for theRevelationsand be home in bed before her mother’s return.
Chapter Nineteen
Ford had been reading one of the books from the hidden side of the shelves. Things had just been getting good. Bodices ripping. Buttons popping.
And then he heard the footsteps in the hallway. He’d assumed it was one of the servants passing by, until Beatrice barged into his bedroom.
A few seconds later and she would have walked in on him pleasuring himself.
Why hadn’t he locked the door? He hadn’t realized there was trouble on the forecast tonight.
“Ford!” Her hand shook and the lantern she held wavered, casting flickering light over her wide eyes and astonished expression. “I thought you’d be out drinking with your sailor friend.”
He covered his groin with the book, as his underclothing hid only so much. “I’m too tired to go to a pub, Beatrice. I worked extremely hard all week long.”
“The progress is astounding.”
“You hired the right man for the job. I work fast and I work hard... and I enjoy my well-earned rest. What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be prancing around ballrooms with prattling dandies?”
“I just attended a meeting of the Mayfair Ladies Knitting League, and one of our new members isopening a wine cellar in London and she gave us some wine to test.”
“How much wine?” he asked suspiciously.
“Oh, a few glasses. I’m perfectly in possession of my faculties.”
