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His lips twisted to the side, suggesting his displeasure. “I would like to thank you for your assistance with the search, but our association has now come to an end.”
Norah’s heart grabbed. “Why?” As far as she was concerned, what happened at the museum didn’t have anything to do with their relationship.
“My time will be taken with closing the museum and finding homes for the artifacts. I doubt our paths will cross again.”
Now her heart dropped to her feet. “I see.” But she didn’t. None of what he said made sense. “I’m terribly sorry to hear of the additional thefts, but closing the museum seems drastic, don’t you think?”
“One of the items was my uncle’s. My cousin will not be pleased. I have no doubt the countess will spread the news far and wide about the missing artifacts. Visitors will be few when they have reason to worry about their personal safety, even if the items weren’t taken during business hours. If I don’t take extreme measures now, there may not be any artifacts left. I can’t risk that.”
But what of us? Norah wanted to demand. His formal demeanor made her wonder if she’d imagined the affection between them. Clearly, she’d misunderstood what he felt for her. While her heart was held by the distant man standing before her, he didn’t seem to feel the same. How could she argue when he was so determined to say goodbye?
“I’m sorry you feel it’s come to this.” Did he understand that she wasn’t just referring to him closing the museum? She clenched her hands, nails biting into her palms with the hope she could hold back her emotions.
How ironic that when they’d met, she’d been so certain she wasn’t ready to marry. Especially not to a man whose focus was on the past.
Reminding herself that she hadn’t been ready for a commitment didn’t ease her pain. Not when the ache in her heart consumed her both physically and emotionally, threatening to choke her.
“I wish you the best.” His green eyes flashed with a hint of emotion, but it was gone before she could decipher it. “It was a pleasure becoming acquainted with you.”
Her breath shuddered at the finality of his words. Then he bowed and strode out the door, leaving her to sink into the nearest chair, knees too weak to hold her.
She stared at the small box of her father’s things, not wanting to think of the wonderful display Simon had created now empty.
Then again, that was how she felt. Empty.
How foolish of her to believe that a man like Simon could love her. He’d been bound to her by her father’s artifacts, nothing more. Once again, she wasn’t enough on her own.
Chapter Twenty-Three
“Norah?” Lena peekedaround the edge of Norah’s open bedroom door. “Are you ready?”
“Yes.” Norah forced a smile, her heart impossibly heavy. Though tempted to remain in bed to nurse her hurt, she refused to do so. Just because Simon was giving up on discovering who was behind the thefts didn’t mean she had to. Besides, having a purpose felt much better than wallowing in self-pity.
“I’m proud of you.” Lena smiled as Norah collected her cloak and reticule.
“Whatever for?” Norah asked, genuinely puzzled.
“I know how upset you must be. Yet you’re moving forward with the best intentions.”
The sympathy in her sister’s eyes brought a now familiar lump to Norah’s throat.
Lena had come into the drawing room shortly after Simon left the previous day, and Norah had shared what happened.
“It wasn’t as if we had an understanding,” Norah said, all too aware of how hollow her protest sounded. “Simon might think the situation is over, but I refuse to believe that. He needs help regardless of whether he admits it.”
She’d asked Lena to accompany her to a few more museums. Perhaps staying busy would help ease her aching heart, even if she had doubts whether their efforts would make a difference. While she didn’t truly expect to find anything, she had to try. Anything was better than sitting in her room, staring out the window, wishing.
Wishing Simon felt the same regard for her as she did for him.
Wishing he’d allow her to be a part of his life.
Wishing she were enough.
“I agree to the last part.” Lena studied her as they descended the stairs. “Though I did think there was a hint of an understanding between you.”
Norah shook her head. So had she.
“Are we looking for anything specific today?” Lena asked, seeming to sense it would be best to change the subject. “You don’t expect to find Father’s coin in one of the displays, do you?”
