Page 9 of Lady Louisa and the Carriage Clock
“I hoped to say hello to Cecil,” Edith said with a sigh. “It is quite rare for me to encounter him in public, the ball last night being an exception.”
Had Lord Wycliffe wanted the clock desperately? Why had Leopold acted so strangely when he saw the viscount?
She would not discuss the matter with her brother in front of Edith. Leopold was taciturn at the best of times; Louisa would have to find a way to bring up the subject when they were alone.
After they were seated in her father’s carriage, Louisa could tell Edith also had questions, as she fidgeted with one of her earbobs repeatedly but held her tongue.
“Would you like to come for tea at Carstairs, Edith, or would you prefer to return home?”
“Tea sounds refreshing,” her friend replied quickly.
Leopold handed the women from the carriage when the coach arrived at the townhouse in Grosvenor Square and then took his leave. After she and Edith were settled in the drawing room with a tea tray, Louisa let out a relieved laugh.
“I can’t believe I won the clock!” She paused, glancing at the ebony box on a small table nearby. “Or rather, my brother won the clock.”
Edith shook her head. “Leopold seemed to be on a mission. It was obvious he wanted to best Lord Wycliffe.”
“His behavior was odd,” she replied with a frown.
“I do hope Cecil didn’t want the clock too badly.” Edith took a sip of her tea.
“I wanted it very badly,” she replied firmly, opening the ebony box, removing the clock, and setting it beside the tea tray on the low table before her. She closed the box and replaced it on the small mahogany table at her elbow.
“I’m surprised you bid on the clock, as you don’t normally care for gilt-covered items when decorating.”
“True, but the clock is one of a pair shrouded in secrecy. I’ve wanted to find the clocks from the first time I read about them.” She picked up her teacup and took a sip of tea.
“Why didn’t more people bid on the clock if they’re infamous?” Edith asked with a frown.
Lifting a shoulder, she responded, “I believe few people would know the background of the clock. The auctioneer didn’t recognize its significance.”
“How can you be sure it is one of your mystery clocks?” Edith raised a brow.
“My squat baron is Lord Campbell’s nephew and noticed the clock last month when he cataloged items for sale at his uncle’s estate. Knowing my interest in home decorations, he described the clock to me, and I’m sure it is one of the missing Roman mythology clocks. There is an illustration of the pair of timepieces in a book by Thomas Hope that I’ve studied a thousand times. Although, with the other clock missing, I don't think the riddle can be solved.” She let out a breath. “I completely forgot to tell you about the riddle!”
“Riddle?” Edith asked eagerly, sitting forward in her stuffed chair.
Louisa placed her teacup on the table before her and picked up the clock. “Legend says that there is an inscription inside the timepiece.”
She opened the small door on the back of the clock face with the tiny gold key included with the timepiece. There was little space inside the opening for any writing with the movement and pendulum, and she observed no signs of an inscription. She closed the back door of the clock and then examined the bottom of the raised plinth. “I can see no engravings anywhere.”
Louisa handed the clock to Edith, who completed her own inspection.
After examining the timepiece, Edith placed the clock back on the table. “I don’t see any clues to a riddle.”
“One tale says that the riddle will be solved merely by looking at the clocks. I don’t see how that is possible.”
“And deciphering a parlor game riddle is important?” Edith asked with raised brows.
“Legend says that the answer to the riddle would shake English society to its core.”
Edith shook her head, laughing lightly. “Louisa, that sounds awfully far-fetched.”
“I would still like to solve the riddle.” She added softly, “It could be our secret from the ton.”
“I think it is no secret you’re happy to have bested Lord Wycliffe,” Edith replied dryly. “You both should try harder to get along.”
She merely responded, “I’ll have to look at the illustrations in Thomas Hope’s book again. I might discover a clue in what he wrote about the clocks.”
