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“I appreciate your offer and might accept it. Apparently, that’s something I should’ve done earlier.” Once news of this spread, his reputation and that of the museum’s would be destroyed.
“There has to be something we can do,” Fletcher insisted.
Simon shook his head. “At this point, I feel as if I’ve tried everything.”
The thefts not only affected the museum’s future but his own as well. While he’d been regularly asked to examine interesting finds in the past, that would grind to a halt after this. The likelihood of anyone trusting him with artifacts were nil.
He emptied the glass, enjoying the heat in his belly when the rest of him felt so cold. But it was only temporary, much like many of the pleasures in life—family, love, happiness. Fleeting and impossible to hold onto. “Three of the employees volunteered to keep watch this evening,” he said. “Come morning, we’ll dismantle the exhibits and remove the artifacts. Some will have to be brought here. We’ll move the more unique and valuable ones first.”
A well of emotion rolled over Simon. He couldn’t help but think of how disappointed his father would’ve been. His uncle, as well, considering one of the missing items had been his.
He’d never felt more like a failure than in this moment. Just when he’d started to think the coming years might bring happiness, fate slapped him down again. It was as if he were being reminded not to make plans or raise his hopes for a happy future.
The first exhibit he’d dismantle would be Norah’s. He would return her father’s items, except for the coin. The thought had him glancing at the decanter with thoughts of refilling his glass.
“I’m sorry to hear it, my lord,” Miles said with a shake of his head. “I remain at your service.”
“As do I, my lord.” Fletcher bowed deeply.
“Thank you both.” Simon watched the two servants leave, then set aside the glass and stood. He needed to try to get some rest. Tomorrow would be a long day.
*
“The Marquess ofVanbridge is calling, Miss Norah,” Davies announced from the door of the music room where Norah was playing the piano. “Are you receiving?”
“Yes, of course. Please show him to the drawing room.” Her heart lifted at the thought of Simon despite the early hour. It was too soon for callers. The realization gave her pause. Did he have news?
“As you wish.” Davies nodded and retreated.
Norah stood, suddenly nervous, and not solely because of the unexpected visit. She hurried down to the drawing room, her feet moving quickly of their own accord. It was as if every part of her was anxious to see him.
She remained standing in the drawing room, her gaze fixed on the entry. She didn’t have to wait long.
“The Marquess of Vanbridge,” Davies announced with a dip of his head.
Norah’s stomach dropped the moment she saw Simon’s solemn expression as he carried in a small wooden box. Something was terribly wrong. Aware of Davies looking on, Norah dipped into a curtsy. “Good morning, my lord.”
“Miss Wright.” Simon bowed, then set the box on a table, his green eyes bleak. “I have come to return your collection. Unfortunately, I’m closing the museum.”
His statement squeezed the breath from her lungs. “I don’t understand.”
“I’m closing the museum,” he repeated, seeming to think that if he said it again, she might understand. But she didn’t.
“What happened?” She took several steps closer only to have him stiffen. “Simon?”
His rigid posture, along with the fact that he didn’t meet her eyes, suggested something terrible had occurred.
He tightened his lips, seeming to brace himself for what he was about to say. “Five more items have been taken. I’m left with no choice but to close before anything else disappears.”
“Oh no. How terrible.” The words were inadequate, but Norah couldn’t think of what else to say. “I’m so sorry.”
Davies departed, for which Norah was grateful. She wanted a moment to speak with Simon in private, though she was beginning to doubt that would change anything.
“Simon.” She took a step closer, hand outstretched to touch him.
But he stepped back. When he finally looked at her, the remoteness in his eyes shot a sharp pain through her chest. “Please accept my deepest apologies for the stolen coin. Of course, the museum will provide financial repayment for its value.”
Norah stared at him, his words flowing around her but not making sense. Not when she felt like he was saying something else entirely. “That’s not necessary.”
