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“While I applaud the making of a list, please don’t do anything on your own.”
“I won’t. I remember what happened to you all too clearly.” The memory of Ella being struck on the head in an antique shop was still vivid. “That is nothing I want to repeat.”
“We could share your list with Leo and Vanbridge and ask what they think.”
Norah’s heart gave a leap at the mention of Simon’s name, making her realize just how enamored she had become with him. “I thought to begin my search by checking the news sheet for advertisements.”
“Excellent idea. A few of the magazines have them, as well. Would you like some assistance?”
“I wouldn’t want to keep you from your project.” Norah smiled as she glanced at the handkerchief. If only her sister knew what she and Lena had been working on in secret. “I shall keep you apprised of my progress.”
The sisters each settled into their work. The peaceful quiet of the drawing room with the company of her sister was poignant since Ella would soon be gone. These were the moments Norah would miss.
Change was part of life. Both good and bad. Sweet and tragic. Not so different than the fabric her sister stitched—all the threads woven together to create a pattern often unclear until one stepped back. She understood why Simon and her father appreciated history so much. How she wished she’d had more respect for her father’s interest when he’d still been alive. Reviewing the past could help make sense of the present and give a hint of what the future held.
If only it also hinted at who had taken her father’s coin.
An hour later, Norah studied the short list she had. There were surely more than the ones she’d found thus far. “I wonder if Lady Havenby might know of some coin collectors among theton.”
“Private ones?” Ella asked. At Norah’s nod, she added, “I know Leo has been making inquiries among the members of the Royal Geological Society, but not all collectors are members. I think asking her is an excellent idea. She knows so much about everyone. Why don’t you invite her for tea this afternoon?”
*
Simon’s breath caughtat the unexpected sight of Norah in the open doorway of his office in the museum. He’d done his best to stay away from her, as he was becoming far too accustomed to having her in his life. Her presence was temporary, and it wouldn’t do to become dependent on her.
Yet seeing her now when he was caught unawares was like a refreshing sea breeze. A bright spot of sunshine on a rainy day. Good heavens. He was waxing poetic. How unlike him.
“Miss Wright.” He stood and drank in her loveliness, his heart hammering in response.
“Good afternoon, my lord.” She wore a bright pink gown with brown trim and a matching hat. While blue was his favorite color on her, this one might be a close second. It brought a hint of the same rosy hue to her cheeks.
But it was her warm smile that tugged at him. He’d missed her and the vitality she brought.
He’d spent much of the past three days at the museum, speaking with all the employees several times. None had any helpful information to share. Nor had any acted suspiciously.
Much to his surprise, he’d been distracted by conversations with visitors. While he didn’t think he enjoyed talking to people, the experience was much different when discussing artifacts and history.
He’d spoken to Stockton, who claimed the clay pot had been broken by a visitor. The director hadn’t told Simon because he thought Simon had enough to worry about. Somehow knowing the pot had been broken rather than stolen was a relief. Yet Simon thought it odd none of the employees had known the pot had been damaged beyond repair. Stockton should’ve told him earlier.
Simon had also met with Marbury and Worley, but they hadn’t discovered anything interesting either. They’d followed Stockton several times without finding anything helpful. Though the three had discussed a possible motivation for the thefts, they hadn’t come to any conclusions.
“I hope the day finds you well,” Norah said as she stepped into his office.
“It does now.” The reply escaped before he could stop it, though her answering smile made him pleased it had.
His feelings for Norah seemed to have grown in the brief time they’d been apart. And he had no idea what to do about that.
“Did you receive my reply to your message?” he asked. He was coming to realize that if he didn’t respond immediately, she would appear.
“Yes, thank you.”
He gestured to the chair before his desk, and they both sat. “I wish I had more to tell you.”
“As it happens, I have two things to share with you.” She pulled a sheet of paper from her reticule and handed it to him. “I took the liberty of making a list of shops that deal in collectible coins with the hope it could help.”
He studied the names, appreciating the same precise and feminine script he recognized from her messages. “Excellent. I will share it with Marbury and Worley. Surely between the three of us, we can make quick work of it.”
“I would be happy to visit a few with my sisters.” Her hopeful tone nearly made him smile.
