Page 20 of A Kiss to Stop a Wedding
The Viscount was watching him closely and Matt was careful not to react. It surprised him that his host could talk of Flora Warenne in the same breath as an inanimate stone figure, but that was not his concern. He waited for Lord Whilton to continue.
‘I appreciate fine stonework; it speaks of longevity, power. Permanence.’ The Viscount waved a hand towards the magnificent chimney piece that dominated the room. ‘You see how the overmantel here is ornately carved. The shields denote the Gask family arms through the years, altered and enhanced by successive alliances.’
‘And the large wooden shield at the centre?’
‘That is my own family arms, the red lion rampant of the Gasks.’
Matt inclined his head. ‘And what, exactly, has this to do with my Rysbrack statue?’
‘I dispute your claim, Mr Talacre. And besides, the Rysbrack is now in situ here and it is very fine. I like it. Perhaps we could come to an agreement.’
‘Such as?’
‘I will give you the difference between what I paid and the market price.’
It was Matt’s turn to smile. ‘Thank you, but no. That sculpture should be at Bellemonte, next to Aphrodite, his goddess.’
‘Aphrodite?’ The Viscount’s brows rose.
‘Rysbrack called them after the Greek gods, you see, not the Roman. Whichever names you use, both statues belong to Bellemonte Pleasure Gardens.’
‘There, I believe, we must disagree.’
The Viscount fixed his cold blue eyes on Matt, whose gaze never wavered, and he replied in the same level tone that his host had used.
‘No, my lord.Youmust agree to return my property.’
A momentary flash of anger crossed Lord Whilton’s face and Matt wondered if he was about to be ejected from the house. But no. The Viscount laughed softly.
‘Oh, I think not, Mr Talacre. You see, I am not minded to do so.’
‘Then my lawyers will be in touch. Good day to you, Lord Whilton.’
‘One moment.’
Matt was already moving towards the door but he turned back.
‘Let us not be hasty,’ purred Lord Whilton. ‘It is possible I may be persuaded to change my mind. You interest me, Mr Matthew Talacre. I should like to know you better and learn more of these gardens you talk of. Dine with me here, tonight.’
The invitation surprised Matt.
‘Your Lordship is all kindness. Sadly, I have another engagement.’ He paused. ‘The Antiquarians’ lecture, at the Whilton Arms.’
A flicker of dissatisfaction flickered across the Viscount’s face but he recovered quickly and waved one white hand in a languid manner.
‘No matter. Wednesday, then.’ The Viscount’s lip curled. ‘If you are free, that is?’
‘Very well. I have no engagements on Wednesday.’
With a bow Matthew withdrew. It was not the result he had been hoping for, but at least the man had not refused outright to sell him back the statue. He could spare a few more days in Whilton, if there was a possibility of settling this matter without recourse to the law.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Afaint drizzle was falling when Flora and her aunt and uncle arrived by carriage at Whilton Hall. The driver was instructed to negotiate the narrow bridge and gatehouse arch to the inner courtyard, where footmen were waiting at the entrance door, umbrellas at the ready to shield the guests from the rain.
In the drawing room the candles had already been lit to drive off the gloom of the lowering skies outside. They found Sir Roger Condicote and his lady were present and talking with the Viscount, who rose to greet his new guests.
He lifted Flora’s hand to his lips before leaning forward to bestow a chaste kiss on her cheek.
