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Simon bit back the reply that he wished he could, too. “Think nothing of it.” Such things didn’t bother him. Besides, he’d known Thompson long before he’d become a marquess.
“What brings you by this morning?” Thompson asked as he gestured toward the chair before his desk.
“I wish it were simply to visit with an old friend. However, three items have gone missing from my museum.” He explained the situation, including the injury to himself and Jarvis.
“That’s terrible.” Thompson appeared stunned by the news. “Why would anyone do such a thing?”
“I have yet to determine the reason. It’s been a challenge to uncover who is behind it.”
“Why take items that are unrelated?” Thompson ran a hand over his mustache as he pondered his own question.
“That is part of the puzzle. I am starting to believe the reason is personal.”
“I would think so as well if I were in your shoes.” Thompson shook his head. “I know you met with some resistance from your family when you converted the late marquess’s home into a museum, but surely none of them would go to this extent to close it.”
Anna’s angry visit to his house came to mind, but he had to agree. “Nor does it seem as if they would wait this long to cause problems.”
“Who else?” Thompson’s brow furrowed. “Could it be a competitor? Museums can be nearly as cutthroat as treasure hunters. Have you gained any artifacts recently that someone else wanted?”
“That possibility crossed my mind as well. The coin and lantern were part of our latest exhibit, but I didn’t think anyone else was eager to display the items, based on what the owner of them said.”
“Hmm. You’ve interviewed your staff, I assume.”
The discussion continued and, though they didn’t arrive at any obvious answers, it helped to settle Simon’s thoughts and was reassuring to confirm that the inquires he’d made were logical.
“Are there any museums you know of that are struggling financially?” Simon asked. That could be a reason someone was stealing from him.
“An easier question would be whether any aren’t.” Thompson chuckled as he glanced away, leaving Simon to wonder if his museum was in trouble.
“People seem more enamored with the latest inventions than studying the past,” Simon said, watching him closely to see if he would say anything more.
“These are interesting times.” Thompson shook his head. “The disparity between the rich and poor seems to widen with each year that passes.”
“True. It is shocking to drive along some of our city’s streets. More needs to be done and while I like to think I’m doing my part, it’s not enough.”
Simon was also worried about museums such as Thompson’s, which served an important purpose as an education tool—one that should be affordable to the public. More visitors meant ticket prices could be kept low.
“I am considering putting together a list of museums in London for the public. Adverts would be placed in news sheets and magazines, and I’d create a brochure to offer in our museums as well. A mutual benefit of sorts. I would like to include your museum if you’re interested.”
Thompson smiled. “Indeed I am. I’d be happy to do my part to promote it.” He lifted a brow. “I assume you’re being selective in which museums are included?”
“I am. They would have to be upkept with interesting exhibits and agree to participate in actively promoting the others on the list. We all benefit by sharing.”
“Clever idea. And much appreciated.” Thompson’s face tightened with worry. “Keeping visitors coming in the doors seems to be a never-ending challenge.”
“It is for us, too.” Simon didn’t want Thompson to think he was alone. “I think updating exhibits as well as reminding the public that we are here helps. I also want to share the list with Eton and other schools to encourage younger visitors.”
“Ah. Excellent notion. Developing an appreciation of history in our youth is critical.”
“I think so as well,” Simon agreed as he rose to take his leave.
Thompson nodded in approval, then stood. “That is one of the reasons I’ve always liked and respected you, Simon. You think beyond yourself and beyond today. If only more people did the same.”
The praise touched him. “Thank you, sir.”
“You restore my hope in your peers, Vanbridge.” Thompson bowed, his smile genuine.
“I’m pleased to hear that.” With that, Simon bid him goodbye.
