Page 40 of The Earl's Bluestocking Bride
“From what I understand, the exhibit is focused on the period from 753 BC to AD 324 and covers the foundation of the Roman Empire,” he said.
One of her eyebrows twitched. Her eyes darted his way. He got the feeling she wanted to comment but was forcing herself not to. Why?
“There are several key historical pieces within the exhibit, including a collection of tablets that detail the everyday lives of people from that time period. Those are mostly dated between AD 50 and AD 200.”
Another facial twitch.
“I have heard of the tablets,” she murmured.
He grinned. A response. That was progress. “What else have you heard of?”
She pursed her lips and seemed to be considering whether or not to answer. “I’ve heard that there are itemsretrieved from some of the sites that the museum will not display because of their startling nature.”
At that, he laughed. “Indeed.”
He was surprised she’d mentioned it. They couldn’t discuss the nature of such discoveries now, but perhaps if they were married….
The idea appealed more than it ought to.
The carriage stopped outside the museum gates. Andrew waited for the door to be opened and got out, then offered his hand to Miss Hart and then her maid to help them down in turn.
He linked his arm with Miss Hart’s, and together they passed through the gates. She stopped walking just inside and stared at the building rising before them. Andrew guided her to the side, out of the way of other visitors, so she could admire the view without being disturbed.
“I haven’t ever visited the museum,” she breathed without looking away. “It’s beautiful.”
He followed her gaze and considered her words. He supposed it was a rather impressive building, with its Roman-style marble columns and dozens of ornate carvings set into the facade.
“Given your interests, I’d have thought you’d have been here before,” he said.
She sighed. “When I was young, my father considered it too risky to take me in case I damaged anything. As I grew older, my mother decreed it an inappropriate place for young women to occupy themselves.”
He didn’t understand. How on earth could a museum filled with years of world history possibly be considered inappropriate?
“Yet she allowed you to come with me,” he mused.
She shot him a sidelong look. “Of course, my lord. You’re an earl. She would gladly put aside her own opinions if they differ from yours.”
“In that case, I will insist you simply must visit every time there is a new exhibit.”
She turned toward him, her eyes sparkling. “That would be most welcome.”
He nodded toward the entrance. “Shall we?”
She inclined her head in acceptance, and they crossed to the doors together. Andrew paid their admission and accepted a sheet of paper with a map of the exhibition printed on it.
He passed her the map. “Where would you like to start?”
Her eyes widened momentarily, and then she focused on the map, starting at one side and working her way across to the other. “There are so many fascinating things to learn. Can we not just set off in one direction and loop through all the rooms?” She deflated slightly. “Perhaps we haven’t the time?”
His stomach swooped. “We have all the time you need.”
How could he possibly deny her when she was so adorably eager?
He gestured toward a door on their left. “Shall we begin through there?”
“Yes, please.”
Slowly, they worked their way through rooms containing collections of books, medals, and other historical items.
