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The name was familiar. After a moment’s consideration, he remembered receiving a message from the Earl of Marbury about Wright’s stolen journal. Simon hadn’t been of any assistance as he hadn’t come across the missing item.
However, the mention of artifacts never failed to catch his attention. “What kind?”
“Those from a treasure hunter who spent decades digging on Oak Island.”
He frowned as he tried to place the location. “In Nova Scotia?”
“Yes.” Her bright smile suggested she was pleased he was at least familiar with it.
“I read something about his search, but that was some time ago. Pirate treasure is not my area of interest.”
Miss Wright now stood before his desk, and he drank in her presence. She was small in stature, barely coming to his shoulder, and had curves everywhere a woman should. Her heart-shaped face was smooth, her features even. Her eyes were what caught him. They were blue, but rather than cornflower bright, they were stormy, like the sea on a cold winter’s day.
Brows a shade darker than her hair arched above them. Her narrow nose tipped up at the end and her lips were full. She appeared confident and intelligent.
And truly beautiful, he realized. Her face had the sort of symmetry sought after in statues and paintings.
“I’m sorry?” she asked, one brow raised.
He frowned, wondering if he’d said the words out loud. Perhaps he was alone too often, as Mrs. Fletcher continually suggested.
“Nothing.” He rubbed the back of his neck as embarrassment prickled it. He liked being alone and saying his thoughts out loud was only one of the many reasons. “Wright never found much of anything from what I remember. What sort of artifacts do you have?”
She tightened her lips, her displeasure at his statement obvious. “A copper coin from 1713, three links of a gold chain, and a stone with strange markings on it.”
“Markings?” He eyed the reticule she held, hoping she might have them with her.
“If you would’ve been at the museum today, I’d have shown them to you.”
He was intrigued more by the stone than the other items. Puzzles of that sort, like the one on his desk, were what he truly enjoyed. He reached out a finger to run along the carvings of the stone he was currently studying, the motion settling him slightly. “Unfortunately, those aren’t enough for an exhibit.”
A flash of annoyance crossed her face. “So I’ve been told. But I have a few ideas to expand them.” She stepped close and bent to examine the carvings he’d been attempting to decipher. “What is this from?”
“It came from South America and is most likely Incan. But its purpose is unclear as of yet.”
She looked up at him, her eyes round with wonder. “Fascinating.”
“Yes, it is.” Her interest softened his reserve. “The carvings remain a mystery, but I think I’m getting closer to understanding them,” he said as he rubbed at the lead smudges on his fingers.
“That must be quite rewarding.”
“Indeed.” Before he thought better of it, he opened his desk drawer and pulled out a small clay statue. The figurine of a short man with a large nose and tall headdress fit easily in the palm of his hand. “It was found with this.”
“Oh, my.” She took the relic with care, turning it over, running a gloved finger along the rough surface.
A ripple of awareness ran along his skin at the reverence in her tone and expression. To think she appreciated the small statue as much as he did was more appealing than it should be.
“How old do you think it is?” she asked as she handed it back with care.
“Perhaps as much as a thousand years. More research is needed.”
“I look forward to hearing what you discover.” Her warm smile sent his pulse skittering. “The displays at your museum are wonderful. So creative and unique.”
“Thank you.” He wasn’t above finding her compliment flattering, though it wouldn’t change his mind.
“They’re exactly what I’m looking for. Something that focuses on what it’s like to search for treasure using the artifacts I mentioned.”
To Simon’s surprise, he was somewhat intrigued. Hadn’t he always imagined what it would be like to go on a treasure hunt? Museum visitors might appreciate that experience, as well.
