Page 59 of Lord of Fortune
“Borrowed it,” Penn clarified.
Father’s dark brows gathered over his darker eyes. “Why are you so convinced the White Book holds the key?”
“My grandfather was especially interested in it,” Amelia answered. “He went to see it at Wynnstay.”
Penn’s mother shook her head. “My apologies, Mrs. Forrest. I should’ve offered to pour your tea. Forgive me. We are swept into conversations of this nature quite easily, I’m afraid.”
Amelia smiled softly. “I understand. I’ve started to do the same thing since becoming acquainted with your son. He’s quite passionate about antiquities. And, perhaps more importantly, the search for them.”
Mother chuckled as she poured tea for Amelia and then herself and Father. “Yes, that’s Penn. As you can see, he poured his own tea without missing a step. We usually just help ourselves.”
Penn felt mildly embarrassed. He hadn’t even thought to offer Amelia tea before pouring his. As was often the case, his social skills were a bit lacking. But then they weren’t typically necessary in the life he led.
Father diverted the conversation away from any discomfort. “I never had a chance to see the White Book.” His voice held a note of regret. “How will you find it?”
“Foliot has it.” Penn awaited his father’s negative reaction and wasn’t disappointed.
“And just how in the hell do you think you’ll get it from him?” He shot an apologetic glance toward Amelia. “Forgive me.”
“I’m hoping Kersey will help us,” Penn said, anticipating another reaction, but not entirely sure what it might be. Like Penn, Father was torn between fury at him for how he’d treated Cate and stolen the sword and love for the person they’d known for years, and in Father’s case, Kersey’s whole life.
“You’re in luck, because he’s likely on his way here,” Mother said, surprising the hell out of Penn.
Penn looked from her to his father and back again. “He is?” He suddenly recalled what she’d said when he’d arrived, commenting on how quickly he’d come. They’d summoned him home for some reason. Had they done the same to Kersey? That made absolutely no sense. What made even less sense was Kersey listening to them. Penn shook his head. “I can’t imagine he’ll come. How did you even know where to find him?” Kersey had ridden off to parts unknown after giving Cate the sword.
Father lifted his shoulder in an enigmatic shrug. “I know Gideon quite well.”
Penn wasn’t sure what to make of that statement but didn’t have a chance to ask. Amelia abruptly stood. “If you’ll excuse me, I think I’d like to go upstairs for a respite before dinner.”
Everyone else jumped to their feet. “Of course,” Mother said. “I’ll have Mrs. Thomas show you upstairs.” She guided Amelia from the study. At the door, Amelia cast a glance back at Penn, but her expression was unreadable.
He had no idea where things stood between them. That wasn’t true. They were partners and nothing more.
“You’re frowning,” his father said.
Penn blinked and turned his attention to his right, where his father was plucking another biscuit from the tray.
“What’s going on between you and Mrs. Forrest?” Father asked.
“Nothing.” Penn realized he answered a bit too quickly, but it was the truth.
Father gave him a knowing stare. “That look you just gave her wasn’t nothing.”
“What look?” Mother swept back into the study and landed back on the settee next to Father. “Are you discussing Mrs. Forrest?”
“He’strying to,” Penn muttered.
“And Penn is trying to tell me there’s nothing between them.”
“I’m not sure I doubt that.” Thank goodness for his mother’s sense. “At least as far as Mrs. Forrest is concerned. I didn’t catch any indication they share anything more than a professional acquaintance.” She turned her head to her husband. “But then I missed whatever ‘look’ you just mentioned.”
“He frowned as she left. That was after she looked back at him. I couldn’t tell if she was trying to say something. Without saying anything.”
Mother nodded. “I know what you mean.” She turned to Penn. “Interesting.”
Penn rolled his eyes and picked up his teacup, taking a deep drink before clattering it back on the table. “Is this how you discuss me when I’m not here?”
“Somewhat.” Mother laughed softly but then sobered rather quickly. She looked back to his father, and Penn’s neck prickled.
