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“I’m sorry to hear that.” He shook his head. “I suppose one can only be grateful it wasn’t worse.”
Simon stared at Evans in disbelief. “I’m not grateful. I’m angry. Enraged, actually. I intend to find the person who did it and make them pay.” The depth of his anger surprised him. Whether it was wise to allow Evans to see it was unclear.
“As you should. I would do the same in your position.”
“You haven’t experienced any thefts here?”
“None. Then again, I’m here every day to watch over things carefully. And I hire only the best.”
The subtle dig only angered Simon more. “Good people are hard to find.”
“And even harder to keep.” The bland look on Evans’s face suggested something, but Simon couldn’t decide what.
“I would appreciate you letting me know if you hear of anything that could prove helpful in the case.”
“I will certainly do that,” Evans agreed, an odd gleam in his eyes.
Simon realized he should cut the meeting short before he said something he shouldn’t. His personal dislike of Evans wasn’t a reason to be suspicious. But he was all the same.
“On another note,” Simon said, “I am putting together a list of the top museums in London that the public should consider visiting and would like to include yours.” He explained his intentions and where adverts would be placed.
Evans nodded in agreement until Simon added that each museum on the list would be expected to help promote the others by offering the brochure to everyone who purchased a ticket. “I suppose I’m willing to have a stack of the brochures available in the entrance, but I hardly think I want to hand visitors a list of other museums when they’ve come to visit mine.”
“Why not? If they’ve already purchased a ticket, what harm could come from telling them about others in the city?”
“Customer loyalty is something we treasure and promote. Don’t you?”
“We certainly enjoy guests who tour the museum on a regular basis, but I don’t believe that prohibits them from going to other museums.” Simon frowned. “It makes sense to offer support for the benefit of all.”
“I will consider it. But why you want to promote your competition makes little sense to me.”
Simon stood, detesting the fact that Evans had the power to make him question his own judgment. Would he ever be able to release the self-doubt he’d experienced since childhood and trust himself?
“I’ll be compiling the list in the coming week,” Simon advised. “If you’d like to be involved, you know how to contact me.”
“I suppose it’s best to send a note to your home. You’re not at the museum much, are you?” Evans chuckled as if he’d made a clever jest.
Simon pressed his fist against his leg with the hope of ensuring he didn’t plant it in the man’s face. “Best of luck to you.”
He left Evan’s office but didn’t rush out of the museum just in case Evans watched him. The last thing he wanted was to give the man the satisfaction of knowing he’d gotten under Simon’s skin. When at last he returned to the carriage, he sighed with relief.
Afternoons like this were one of the reasons he preferred to remain in his study working. People could be annoying at times, and Evans was a prime example.
He hoped the man decided not to participate in the promotion. Otherwise, Simon would be forced to speak with him again. The concern put him in a dour mood. Should he be suspicious of Evans or was it only his dislike of the man that made him so?
*
Norah sat inthe back row of chairs at the Hamptons’ musical that evening, along with Ella, Lena, and Lady Havenby, keeping an eye on the entrance. She’d sent Simon a message, inviting him to attend, but didn’t know if he’d received it in time to join her.
The Hampton home was elegant and boasted a large music room with blue and gold accents. Nearly thirty guests awaited the performance, visiting quietly. Norah recognized many, as they often attended the same concerts she and her sisters did.
While having a true conversation at an event like this would be difficult since it afforded little privacy, she wanted to tell him of his cousin’s visit.
She wrinkled her nose at the thought since it was a partial lie. What purpose would be served in pretending she wasn’t anxious to see him? She should at least be honest with herself.
“What is it?” Lena leaned close to ask.
The musical wouldn’t begin for at least another ten minutes. The Hampton twins and two of their cousins would be playing this evening. Norah had high hopes for the performances. She’d heard they were accomplished musicians.
