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Though doubtful whether it was possible with so few artifacts, he found himself agreeing to meet Miss Wright at the museum the following day. He had the feeling he would remember the appointment after having met the captivating lady.
Chapter Two
“Norah, perhaps youshould reconsider.” Ella rose from a chair in the drawing room at Rothwood House, her expression troubled, as Norah prepared to leave for her appointment with Vanbridge. “I have to wonder if the marquess is correct. Father didn’t find much. I don’t see how the few items we have could be made into an exhibit.”
Though her sister’s tone was gentle, Norah had the urge to stomp her foot in protest. “I thought you agreed with me. That you supported this idea.”
“I appreciate your wish to honor Father and his work. Truly. But you’ve already done what you can.”
Without success. Though unspoken, those two words rang in the air between them. What she’d managed wasn’t enough. Not when the heavy weight of guilt still sat on her shoulders.
“I’m not certain why you’re so adamant about an exhibit,” Ella continued. “We often share Father’s efforts with others, so he won’t be forgotten. He doesn’t have to be remembered with a public display.”
Norah turned aside in frustration only to turn back. “Telling a few acquaintances about him isn’t the same. It’s not enough.” With the marquess’s hesitation to agree to her request echoing in her thoughts, she’d shared her frustration with Ella after returning home the previous day, though she hadn’t mentioned where their meeting had been held. Ella would not approve.
Her idea had to work. There was no alternative. Not when she couldn’t think of any other way to make amends for what she’d done. How could she hope to assuage her guilt if she couldn’t share Father’s efforts with as many people as possible?
Though she’d had the artifacts with her the previous day, she’d decided against showing them to Vanbridge. She’d wanted more time to think of a way to convince him to create an exhibit. Hence the reason she’d discussed it with Ella, hoping her sister might provide additional ideas.
Instead, Ella was casting doubt on her plan. Yet she couldn’t share the reason she had to do this. How could her sisters forgive her for what she’d done when she couldn’t forgive herself?
“We have Grandfather to think of now, as well,” Ella said, adding to Norah’s upset.
The duke’s dislike of their father had softened but only slightly. His Grace preferred to act as if David Wright had never existed.
Of course, Norah, Ella, and Lena didn’t agree with that but did their best to avoid speaking of their father in their grandfather’s presence.
“The exhibit isn’t about Grandfather.” Norah didn’t like to argue, but she couldn’t let this go without trying harder.
“No, it’s not.” Ella sighed. “I just don’t want you to be disappointed if the marquess doesn’t agree.”
“I won’t. If he refuses to create an exhibit, I will set aside the matter.” That promise made Norah all the more determined to convince Vanbridge to aid her.
The marquess was an intriguing man—tall, dark, and sinfully handsome with broad shoulders and a slender build. His wavy brown hair had been carelessly brushed to one side and was long enough to curl over the collar of his suit coat.
His green eyes were warm and gentle with flecks of gold. Long lashes often swept down to hide his thoughts. With a Roman nose, high cheekbones, and dark brows, his attractive appearance was enough to make her look twice. Or three times perhaps.
The cautious watchfulness in his demeanor was also appealing, though she couldn’t say why.
“Very well,” Ella said with a smile, pulling Norah’s thoughts back. “If those few items were enough to convince Father to keep digging for so many years, they could capture the interest of museum visitors. Why don’t I accompany you? Between the two of us, we might sway the marquess.”
Ella had stood by their father in every possible way, especially after their mother’s death. She’d helped to organize his notes and maps, raised Norah and Lena, and tended every aspect of their lives.
Norah was but a shadow compared to her strong, steadfast sister who moved through life with purpose and determination. Norah felt selfish in comparison and definitely less. Less worthy. Less clever. Less devoted to family.
All the more reason she needed to attempt this on her own.
“No need.” Norah forced a smile. “I know how busy you are with wedding preparations.”
Ella pressed both hands to her cheeks as a delicate blush crept into them. “Only a few more weeks. I can hardly believe the day is nearly here.”
“Nor can I.” Her sister’s happiness outweighed Norah’s concern for how different their lives would be without Ella living under the same roof. She would miss her terribly. Ella had been their rudder for so long, and Norah and Lena had come to depend on her. But that worry would have to wait. “I will advise you of the outcome upon my return.”
“I look forward to hearing good news.”
Norah appreciated the offer of support and smiled as she walked down the stairs, catching the lyrical notes of a harp drifting through the house. Lena was playing this morning, the light-hearted piece suggesting her younger sister was in good spirits.
“I’ll return in a moment,” Norah told James and Dorothy, who waited in the entrance hall. She hurried down the corridor toward her grandfather’s study and peeked in to see if he was inside. She’d made a habit of sharing bits of her day with him when possible, to help strengthen the tenuous bond between them, especially with Ella leaving soon.
