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“That would be too much to hope for. We will be observing, in addition to speaking with the owners, if possible. Surely, we can form an opinion whether we think they could be involved.”
Norah chose to ignore the look of doubt that crossed Lena’s face.
In short order, they were settled in the carriage with Dorothy, driving toward the Special Antiques Museum. James, the footman, accompanied them as well. Though they’d visited many museums since arriving in London, they’d never been to this one.
“It feels strange to be doing this without Ella.” Norah glanced at Lena, who gave a single nod of agreement and then blinked quickly. Norah missed Ella terribly and knew Lena did, too.
The museum owner greeted them at the door, but within the first few minutes, Norah was certain he couldn’t be involved with the thefts.
With a round face, receding hairline, and a smile that invited one to smile back, Mr. Chorley looked like everyone’s favorite uncle. His jovial demeanor and enjoyment of history made the tour a delight, though it felt like a waste of time, given her objective.
The next museum on her list wasn’t far. The Museum of Archaeological Findings was on Manchester Square and was one they’d visited last year. It was larger and more professional than the previous museum but certainly less friendly. The staff was formal and reserved, acting as if they were too busy with their duties to bother with visitors.
Norah and Lena decided against a formal tour and instead walked through the exhibits on their own, selecting only a few to explore. They strolled through the rooms, whispering in hushed tones to share opinions. The museum was enjoyable but lacked heart. It didn’t bring history to life like Simon’s.
The realization did little to improve Norah’s spirits. Perhaps the search was a poor idea after all. Trying to help only kept Simon in the forefront of her thoughts. Had the time they’d spent together meant nothing to him? What of those shared moments when they’d seemed so connected? Then there were the knee-weakening kisses. Surely it was rare to have an emotional and physical bond.
Then again, apparently, she was the only one who had felt it. The thought caused her to scowl.
“What is it?” Lena asked.
“Nothing important.” Not caring to explain how much she missed Simon or how much of her heart he held, Norah turned to walk to the rear of the room where an Egyptian exhibit stood.
The faint sound of voices could be heard from a corridor with several doors, one of which stood ajar. She halted, wondering if she should move away to give the speakers privacy. It sounded like a rather heated conversation, based on their tones. Since she couldn’t make out their words, she continued her perusal of the artifacts until a name caught her notice.
“Vanbridge.”
Norah stilled, holding her breath as if that would somehow help her better hear what they were saying. She eased closer to the corridor but kept her focus on the exhibit in case someone emerged and saw her.
“His uncle made my life impossible,” the same male voice continued. “Since I didn’t have the opportunity to make the late marquess pay, it seems only fitting that the current one does.”
The other person—a man—responded, but the reply was too quiet to hear.
She continued to listen, but the voices remained muffled, much to her dismay.
“Norah?” Lena moved toward her. “Shall we move on?”
“Not yet.” Norah didn’t explain, hoping Lena understood the pointed look she gave her. She wanted to see who had been speaking and if they said anything more.
Lena frowned, obviously confused by her odd behavior. She glanced at the exhibit, then looked back at Norah as if unclear what held her interest.
Norah waited, but the voices were too quiet to make out. Did she dare walk closer?
“I want to see who’s back there,” she whispered to Lena. Some of her urgency must’ve shown, for Lena nodded.
Norah drew a deep breath and then walked into the corridor, her focus on the one open door. Lena remained by the exhibit. Norah glanced inside the room as she walked slowly past and saw two men, both of whom turned to look at her.
She studied them briefly in an attempt to be able to describe them, if necessary, then continued forward only to realize the corridor ended just ahead, sending panic skittering along her spine.
“I’m sorry, but visitors are not allowed in this area,” one of the men said. “Is there something we can help you with?”
Norah turned to face a tall, thin man with a distinctive widow’s peak, hoping she didn’t look as guilty as she felt. “We had a question about an exhibit and were looking for someone to ask.”
“There isn’t a written explanation of the artifacts,” Lena added as she joined Norah. “It’s rather confusing.”
“I’m happy to help.” The younger man, near Norah’s age, with pale wavy hair and a slick smile, stepped forward and gestured in the direction from which they’d come.
Norah led the way and tried desperately to think of something to ask as she paused before the exhibit. “I hope we didn’t interrupt an important conversation.”
