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“What is it?” Lena asked.
Though tempted to brush off the question, Norah knew that rarely worked with Lena. “I was thinking of Simon and hoping he feels better today.”
Lena’s expression eased. “As do I.” She lifted her chin as she glanced about the room cluttered with items. “Which makes me more determined to help in any way I can.”
Norah smiled. “Exactly. Let us look through this room while we’re waiting for the director.”
“Anything we can do to help,” Ella agreed.
After searching so many shops and museums the previous year when they were looking for their father’s journal, they worked together like a well-oiled machine. They spread out around the room but stayed within sight of each other. They bent to view the lower shelves and poked into every corner. Lena sorted through a box of items while Ella examined a display case.
When the director joined them nearly a quarter of an hour later, Norah told him about the thefts and described the items.
“We haven’t received any new artifacts this month, but I’ll be sure to keep watch for anything like you described,” the stout man said. “Perhaps the museum should change its locks.”
Norah forced a smile and told him that measures had already been taken to prevent further thefts. “If you would send word to the Marquess of Vanbridge if you come across any helpful information, we would appreciate it.”
“Of course.”
They moved on to the next museum and repeated the process, looking about while they waited for the director. The Seafaring Museum held numerous items, but she wouldn’t call them artifacts. Just because something was old didn’t mean it was an artifact or an antique.
“I think I shall put together a museum guidebook after we find the coin,” Lena said as they stepped out of the museum and breathed some fresh air—as fresh as London air could be. “I shall rate the museums on three factors.”
“What might those be?” Ella asked as she brushed away the dust on her gown.
“Organization, cleanliness, and atmosphere.” Lena narrowed her blue eyes as she considered the idea. “Some of the lesser-known ones we’ve visited were quite interesting. But some seem more like a deceased relative’s home was cleaned out and someone decided to open a museum with its contents.”
“That’s how Vanbridge’s museum started,” Norah confessed.
“I’d forgotten that,” Ella said as they settled in the carriage with the relieved maid.
“His uncle was an obsessed collector. Rather than moving out all the items, Simon moved out instead.”
Lena smiled. “Clever man.”
“Isn’t he, though?” Norah asked. Only too late did she realize both her sisters were staring at her with interest. Too much interest. “I admire his intelligence and creativity,” she admitted. “I’m sure both of you do as well.”
She wasn’t willing to admit more when she had yet to sort out her feelings.
Much to her relief, Ella and Lena shared a look, but neither pressed her for details. She needed to take care in the future to avoid revealing how attracted she was to him. If only her heart would listen.
*
“Oh, my. Whois that delicious looking gentleman?”
Norah turned to follow Lady Clara’s gaze at the Fitzbright Ball the following evening, puzzled as to whom she referred when Lady Clara seemed to have analyzed and catalogued every eligible man in sight. This was the lady’s fourth season, and she seemed rather desperate for a proposal.
The ballroom was crowded. Lena was dancing, and Lady Havenby stood nearby. Ella visited with Marbury somewhere, though Norah had lost sight of them, making her wonder if they’d found a secluded place to share a private moment.
Norah’s breath caught as she watched Simon peruse the crowd from the doorway. It had been three days since she’d last seen him, which felt like an eternity. She had become addicted to his presence in her life. Her mouth was dry, her breathing uneven, her heartbeat rapid. She halted the already concerning mental list. Adding more to it would only increase her worry about how much she was coming to care for him.
Then his gaze found hers, and her entire being hummed, much like she was a harp and he’d plucked one of her strings. She was in serious trouble.
Only too late did she realize she was moving in his direction even as he walked toward her.
“Miss Wright?” Lady Clara called from behind her.
Norah ignored her as her feet continued toward him, aided by her reluctance to be forced to introduce Lady Clara to Simon. This selfish side of her was unwelcome but not a surprise.
