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Simon needed to follow up with Marbury and Worley to see if they’d discovered anything more about Stockton. Perhaps allowing him to think Simon trusted him was the best way to proceed. If he was guilty and thought he was tricking Simon, he might take a misstep.
Or perhaps it was just the pounding of Simon’s head that convinced him to leave the man to his duties. He turned toward his office, briefly closing his eyes with the hope he could manage another half hour before he had to give into the pain and return home to rest. The realization only made him angrier at whoever had struck him.
*
Norah studied Simonfor a long moment as she joined him before Stanwick House the following day, along with her maid. He still looked pale, and the shadows beneath his eyes suggested he was either tired or in pain. Both, more than likely.
“Are you certain you want to do this now?” she asked.
Since Simon hadn’t been able to attend the ball, he’d sent a message to Lord Stanwick asking if they could have a few minutes of his time to discuss his coin collection. From what Simon had shared, Stanwick had been happy to agree.
“Of course.” He raised the gleaming brass pineapple knocker and tapped it three times. “Why do you ask?”
“Simon.” She waited until he met her gaze. “Surely, you’re still hurting. It wouldn’t matter if we waited another day or two to speak with him.”
He managed a smile, which helped calm her worry, if only slightly. “In all honesty, my head hurts whether I am doing something or resting. At least I’m no longer sick to my stomach.”
“I shall take that as a sign of improvement.” She frowned, hating that he hurt. “I still wonder if you should consult a doctor. Perhaps the injury was more serious than we realized.”
“Mrs. Fletcher has provided tea from meadowsweet flowers to ease the pain, which I’ve been drinking before bed. It seems to help.”
Before Norah could respond, the door swung open to reveal an elderly butler. After taking Simon’s card, he showed them to Lord Stanwick’s study, where the older man rose from behind his desk to greet them.
“Good afternoon.” In his fifth decade, Lord Stanwick was a tall man with grey hair and a commanding presence. Horses were his passion. He rode most mornings and enjoyed the races as well. Marbury had shared that Stanwick won an unusual coin when he’d bet on a race and that had started his collection.
“Thank you for seeing us.” Simon shook his hand and Norah curtsied.
“My pleasure.” Stanwick nodded as he gestured for them to take a seat, while Dorothy remained by the door. “I understand you had an unfortunate encounter the night of our ball.”
“Indeed.” Simon skimmed over the details of what happened.
“Struck from behind. That’s a cowardly act.” Stanwick seemed rather fascinated by Simon’s brush with danger, since he asked several more questions.
“We have to believe David Wright’s missing coin is connected to the situation,” Simon added.
“I was saddened to learn of your father’s passing,” Stanwick said as he cast a sympathetic look at Norah. “I had the pleasure of meeting him before he married your mother.”
“Oh?” Norah was surprised. Few people she’d met had known him.
“His enthusiasm for treasure hunting was unparalleled. I wasn’t able to attend the unveiling,” Stanwick continued, “but I did have the chance to visit the exhibit last week. I found it provided a vivid taste of what it would be like to dig for treasure.”
“Miss Wright experienced treasure hunting firsthand.” Simon glanced at Norah.
“Indeed,” she said. “My father was intrigued by what he might find if he dug just a little deeper.”
“Collecting coins is a bit like digging for treasure in that it can easily become an obsession,” Stanwick mused.
“That is why we wanted to visit with you,” Simon explained. “As a collector, we thought there might be a chance someone could approach you to buy it. We’re speaking with as many people as possible just in case.”
“Yes,” Norah added. “One never knows who might have helpful information.”
“I haven’t been offered the coin but will certainly let you know if I am.” Stanwick kept his gaze on Simon. “Can you share a few details?”
Simon tipped his head to Norah. “No one knows more about it than Miss Wright.”
After Norah described it, Stanwick said, “Sounds rather unusual. I will mention it to my fellow collectors, as well.” He asked a few questions about Oak Island but directed them to Simon, much to Norah’s frustration.
Again, Simon shifted the questions to Norah to answer. She appreciated him involving her in the conversation rather than talking around her, though she had the feeling Lord Stanwick would’ve preferred Simon be the one to speak, based on the dubious looks the lord gave her.
