Page 26 of A Kiss from the Marquess

“Perhaps there’s someone who had other plans for the museum’s location,” Marbury suggested. “Or someone who hoped to get an artifact that you acquired instead.”

“Not that I know of. Nor has anyone expressed unhappiness with my work.”

“That you know of.” Marbury raised a brow.

Simon nodded. “The chances of me hearing about a problem are lessened by the fact that I rarely attend social functions.”

“Or at all,” Marbury suggested with a teasing glint in his eye.

“I find my time is better spent elsewhere.” Simon refused to feel embarrassed about his reclusive tendencies. He’d put aside any hurt long ago at people’s opinions of him. Such worries had ended with his school days. At least, that was what he preferred to believe.

“I didn’t notice anyone especially interested in the coin the night of the unveiling,” Simon continued. “But I confess my attention wasn’t fully on the exhibit.” He’d watched the reaction of Norah and her sisters along with a few other guests, but he’d also been involved in making certain all went smoothly. He did his best to smother the thought of how distracted he’d been by Norah. His attention had been thoroughly caught watching her most of the night.

“Several fellow members of the Society were there. It might be worth asking if they noted anything unusual.” Marbury listed those he remembered seeing, and Simon was surprised how many had been in attendance. Then again, he hadn’t paid close attention. “Would you like assistance in speaking with them?” Marbury asked.

“I would appreciate that,” Simon agreed with no small measure of relief. The idea of speaking to so many was overwhelming, but he would do nearly anything to find Norah’s coin. “Some of them I have yet to meet.”

“Have you considered involving your granddaughters in this?” Marbury asked the duke.

“They already intend to speak with those who attended the unveiling to see if they noted anything unusual.” Rothwood frowned. “However, I will not have them placed in any danger.”

Simon watched with interest as Marbury cleared his throat, suddenly looking uncomfortable.

“Let us hope that what happened last time doesn’t occur again.” The earl studied the table as if it required his undivided attention.

Curious as to what Marbury was talking about, Simon intended to ask at the first opportunity.

“Vanbridge, are you certain you’re prepared for the questions you’ll face because of this?” the duke continued.

“The only thing that matters is the return of the coin.” If visitors at the museum slowed because of this, so be it. The concern was secondary. He detested knowing the theft was causing Norah and her sisters distress. “In my opinion, the more people who know, the better, much like the situation with the stolen journal.”

“That’s true,” Marbury agreed. Then he looked between Simon and the duke. “Shall we see who happens to be here this morning? We could begin our questions now.”

“No time like the present,” Simon agreed, doing his best to ignore how uncomfortable he felt. The sooner the thief was uncovered and the coin returned, the better. Then he could return to his home and his work, where he belonged.

*

“Miss Norah?”

“Yes?” Norah looked up to see Davies in the drawing room doorway, where she worked on her embroidery. It seemed a silly thing to do when it felt as if she should be out searching for the coin. But where?

“The Marquess of Vanbridge is calling.”

Surprise flooded her. “Please show him in.” Her entire being tingled at the thought of Simon here. Did it mean he had news? She set aside her embroidery and rose. Though she doubted he’d discovered anything this quickly, she couldn’t help the hope that bloomed within her.

Ella and Lena were out shopping, but Norah hadn’t felt like joining them. It was difficult to enjoy anything at the moment. The coin consumed her thoughts, and her upset was made worse because there was so little she could do about it.

While not truly appropriate for her to receive a male caller with no one to chaperone, she knew Davies would take care. Besides, if Simon had news of the coin, she wanted to hear it. Surely her sisters would agree.

Simon strode into the room, and she drank in his presence. His tousled dark hair suggested he’d recently run his hand through it, and his green eyes were troubled.

Still, her heart lifted at the sight of him, though she couldn’t say why. Not when it was obvious from his expression the coin had not been found.

“Good afternoon.” Norah curtsied, unsurprised when Dorothy, her maid, came to stand in the doorway. Davies must’ve sent for her.

“Miss Wright.” Simon bowed. “Thank you for seeing me.”

“Of course. Has any new information come to light?”

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