Page 28 of Lord of Fortune
Chapter 5
After pushing dinner back an hour, Penn had furiously read through Jonathan Gardiner’s journal. He could see why Amelia thought there was nothing informative inside, but one thing in particular stood out to him, and he looked forward to discussing it with her.
He met her at the top of the stairs and was once again struck at how he ever could have mistaken her for a man. She wore a dark green evening gown with black trim that draped her quite feminine frame to perfection.
“Good evening, Mrs. Forrest. You look stunning.”
“You shouldn’t say such things. But thank you.” Her gaze trailed over him, and while she didn’t repay his compliment, he caught a flicker of appreciation.
“I only speak the truth. My I escort you to dinner?” He offered her his arm.
She curled her bare hand around his sleeve. “I didn’t see the point in wearing gloves.”
“Me neither.”
As they started down the stairs, she launched right into what he most wanted to discuss. “Did you manage to read all of the journal?”
“I did.” It chronicled several years from his time at Oxford as a young man to when he settled on his farm and started his family. Penn wondered if there were more volumes. “Is this his only journal?”
“No, but it’s the only one that contains anything to do with the treasures,” she said. “There does seem to be a gap, however.”
“Years when he didn’t keep a journal?”
She nodded as they reached the bottom of the staircase. “Starting in 1777—when my father went to Oxford. The next journal picks up in 1780.”
Penn wasn’t sure what that meant, but they had to treat it as important. “If it’s not in his library—and I’m assuming you’ve looked extensively—where could it be?”
“I’ve no idea, which is quite frustrating.”
“Mmm, yes. Well, we’ll keep it in mind. I wanted to ask you about something in the journal I read. Your grandfather writes about his studies at Oxford. He traveled to Wynnstay in Wales.”
“Yes, I recall him telling me about that. He went to see the gardens. They were designed by Capability Brown.”
“Are you certain that was the reason he went?”
They moved into the breakfast room, and she withdrew her hand from his arm, turning to face him. “He told me so. Are you saying—again—that he’s lying?”
He reacted to the note of irritation in her voice. “No, no. I only meant to make absolutely sure. Wynnstay boasts an extensive library, much of which was once owned by William Maurice. He was a collector and antiquary.”
Her lips parted in surprise. “You think my grandfather went there to conduct research.”
“Perhaps. I find it rather coincidental. And I always investigate coincidences.” He moved to the small table. “I hope you don’t mind dining here. It seemed silly to use the formal dining room for just the pair of us.” He held her chair in invitation.
“I don’t mind at all.” She took her seat, and the footman poured wine for both of them. “Do we need to go to Wynnstay?”
Penn sat but didn’t immediately answer. He waited until the footman departed. “Forgive me, but I wish to conduct our discussions out of earshot of the staff. I wouldn’t want them reporting what they’ve heard to Septon.”
She gave him a shrewd look. “You’re rather suspicious. I like that.”
Penn didn’t try to contain his laughter. “Do you? I’ll keep that in mind. To answer your question, no, we don’t need to go to Wynnstay. At least, not yet. I’m trying to recall what is in their library.”
She stared at him. “You know the contents of their library?”
“Some of it. Remember, my father is an expert on rare and ancient texts. I know far more about books and libraries than anyone would probably care to.”
“I’dcare to. I find all this fascinating.”
“Do you?”
