AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It seems as if everyone should already know,” Lena said. “The news has been the topic of nearly every conversation I’ve overheard.”
“I agree.” She glanced at the large clock that stood in the corner. She almost wished the ballroom didn’t have one. It was impossible not to watch the minutes tick away with no sign of Simon.
“Perhaps he changed his mind and isn’t coming,” Lena suggested as she tugged at the fingertips of her gloves. “He was certainly uncomfortable the last time he attended a ball.”
“I don’t think that’s the case. He thought it a wise notion to speak with the lord.” She met her sister’s gaze, unable to deny a nagging worry that refused to subside. “And we agreed to dance again.”
As if realizing just how concerned she was, Lena reached for her hand. “Then no doubt he’ll be here soon.”
Norah nodded as she squeezed Lena’s hand in return. “Will you tell me if you…feel anything about Simon?” She hated to ask because there were times when Lena dearly wanted that knowing feeling to come to her, but it didn’t. The gift was limited and couldn’t be ordered on command, especially when she’d spent most of her life denying its existence.
“Of course. Always.” Lena’s gaze dropped along with her hand. “I wish I could be of more assistance.”
Norah’s heart pinched. She knew how distressing Lena’s gift was to her at times. Lena became frustrated when she felt a knowing only to receive it too late to do any good. The worst of which was the day their father had died.
Lena had been so restless that day, but much of it had passed before she’d known beyond a doubt that something was wrong. Too late to attempt a rescue. Too late to save him.
Norah and Ella had both told her she expected too much of herself and her gift. Lena had declared it a curse and asked what purpose it served when she couldn’t help those she loved.
Unfortunately, neither Norah nor Ella had an answer. Since that difficult day, Lena preferred to pretend she didn’t have the sense. Norah understood but thought denying part of herself wouldn’t give her sister peace. She hoped Lena just needed more time to come to grips with her intuitiveness and better understand its limits. The ability truly was a gift, even if it wasn’t always dependable. With time, Norah hoped she would see that.
“Thank you.” Norah looped her arm through Lena’s and turned in the opposite direction of the clock. Staring at it or the entrance wouldn’t help anything.
They visited with Lady Havenby along with other friends who stood nearby and soon were asked to dance. But with each quarter of an hour that passed without Simon’s arrival, Norah’s nerves tightened. Where could he be? What might’ve happened to keep him from coming?
*
Simon exited thecarriage in front of the museum. “I’ll only be a few minutes, Jarvis.”
“Very well, my lord.”
Evening had come in full, and he was late to the ball. As per usual, he’d lost track of time while working and had been startled by Miles knocking on his door to remind him it was time to dress.
Simon had left his notes on the research he’d done regarding several similar coins to the one found on Oak Island in his desk at the museum. He couldn’t remember all the details he’d jotted down and thought it prudent to retrieve the information before he and Norah spoke with Lord Stanwick.
He hoped to earn the older lord’s respect by sharing what he knew of the coin and therefore gain any assistance he was willing to offer. Stanwick might prove to be a helpful ally in their search, and Simon wanted to be prepared.
After retrieving his keys from his pocket, Simon unlocked the door and stepped inside, pausing a moment to gain his bearings. The moon was only half full and provided little light. How odd that the darkness seemed to make everything unfamiliar.
He shook his head at the fanciful thought, reminding himself that he knew the museum like the back of his hand. He’d lived in this house for a time before converting it to a museum of his own design. Still, he moved to the podium where the ticket seller normally stood to get the lantern and matches kept there for emergencies.
He felt around the shelf, annoyed when he realized nothing was there. Someone must’ve moved the blasted thing. He turned back toward the stairs, his eyes already adjusting to the darkness. Thoughts of Norah waiting for him had him taking the stairs two at a time.
Smiling that he was barely out of breath when he reached the upmost floor, he slowed since the darkness was more complete on this floor with its smaller windows.
Within a few minutes, he retrieved his notes from a drawer, folding them to put them in his pocket. He locked the door behind him, then descended the stairs, his thoughts on waltzing with Norah. The pleasant reverie was interrupted by a thump that echoed through the house.
Simon paused, listening closely to determine where the noise had come from. Had it been from inside or outside? Or had he heard it at all?
He moved down the stairs as quietly as possible. Another sound filled the air that brought to mind a crate being slid along the floor. Anger filled him at the thought of someone being here who shouldn’t.
But the way sounds echoed in the quiet of the museum, it was difficult to determine exactly where they’d come from. No matter. If he had to search each floor to find whoever was here, he would.
Simon paused at the floor with David Wright’s exhibit. Another sliding sound drifted to him, coming from one of the rear rooms they used for storage. He neared the closed door and saw a faint light and shadow moving beneath it. Unease shivered along his spine. Something was amiss. Anger propelled him forward, and he reached for the knob just as the scuff of a shoe sounded behind him.
He started to turn only to have pain erupt in his skull. Then all went black.
*
