Page 22 of If Not for the Duke

And that was one more reason Sterling admired her. He did not know her well but couldn’t imagine her acting a certain way simply to gain his attention.

Marbury seemed protective of her. The earl was older than him by several years, and Sterling respected him for numerous reasons. Perhaps Marbury wouldn’t hold the news article against him if he was teasing him about the nickname. However, he still wanted to explain.

“I truly am sorry if recent events caused you and your countess concern,” Sterling began.

“They did, actually. My wife was quite upset by the news.”

“She knew the land had been sold though, didn’t she?”

“Yes, but learning that a new search is underway was still a shock to all three of the sisters.”

“Again, my apologies for not advising you in advance.” When Marbury said nothing more, Sterling asked, “What are your thoughts on finding treasure on the island? It seems as if your opinion has changed on more than one occasion.”

Marbury smiled grimly. “I don’t think Captain Kidd’s treasure is there. But that doesn’t mean someone didn’t bury something on the island. It is well documented that the location was used many times throughout the past century by more than one country. However, I certainly don’t envy you the task of trying to find treasure when others have failed.”

“I hope we’re able to bring a few new ideas to the search.”

“Clarke mentioned new technology in the story. Is there something specific to which he’s referring?”

Sterling hesitated but decided sharing a few details of their plan wouldn’t cause harm. The information would soon be public knowledge. “Based on what we know from previous digs, the flooding of the shafts is one of the biggest problems. We will be utilizing new pumps that should solve the problem.”

“Wright and Johnson used improved pumps without success.” Marbury looked askance, but Sterling didn’t offer any additional information.

No purpose would be served in arguing with Marbury or claiming he knew more than previous searchers did. Their results should prove that soon enough. “Hopefully, ours will work better.”

“Good afternoon,” Viscount Dyke, another member of the Society, greeted them before turning to Sterling. “I understand you have a new endeavor, Your Grace.”

“Yes, our efforts are now underway.” Sterling waited, certain the man had something to say about it, or he wouldn’t have raised the topic. As always, his appearance was tidy, with his brown hair neatly combed to one side and his attire simple but impeccable.

“Wagers are being placed by members as to the outcome.” Dyke’s brown eyes twinkled with mirth. “Unfortunately, the odds are not in your favor.”

Wagers? Sterling nearly groaned. “Surely the members have something more important to keep their attention than another dig in Nova Scotia.”

Dyke chuckled as he shared a look with Marbury. “Everyone is following your project closely. When will you have more news?”

“Difficult to say.” Sterling didn’t intend to share anything about Clarke’s possible reply. Not when doing so would stir interest even more.

The viscount stepped closer. “Care to share your thoughts on the dig? I wouldn’t want to place the wrong wager. Do you expect results before year’s end?”

“I have no intention of sharing any details with you or anyone else, and I don’t appreciate you asking.” Sterling kept his tone haughty, anger filling him once again that Clarke had placed him in this position. To learn the members were betting on the outcome annoyed him even more. “Surely you have something better with which to fill your time.”

“My apologies, Your Grace.” Dyke dipped his head and then moved on to speak with someone else, leaving Sterling alone with Marbury again.

Sterling was relieved when Marbury didn’t remark on his retort. Perhaps Lena’s name for him was more correct than he realized.

“I hope Miss Wright’s upset with my sister and me has eased,” Sterling said, wondering if the earl would share how Lena was feeling about the situation. He’d sent flowers, signing the card with both his and Bernie’s names, not wanting Lena to get the wrong impression. After all, he wanted her forgiveness, but he wasn’t courting her.

He didn’t want Lena to remain upset with his sister. At least, that was what he kept telling himself. Whether she was still angry with him didn’t—shouldn’t—matter. Yet it surprised him that it did, an unusual occurrence since he never cared what others thought. Certainly not women, other than Bernie.

Lena was on his mind far too often. Surely once he resolved the situation and she and Bernie were on good terms again, he could put her from his thoughts.

“I’m not sure I would say that.” Marbury shook his head. “She seems to be under the impression that your sister only pretended to befriend her to learn more about Oak Island.”

“Nothing of the sort. Bernie is beside herself with that worry. Do you have any suggestions as to how I could convince Miss Wright that isn’t the case?”

“Lena is slow to trust others and not easily swayed. You’ll have to prove it to her. Not so different than you, actually.” Marbury grinned. “All I can say is good luck, Your Grumpiness.”

Sterling scowled. He was beginning to detest the nickname. Being known as stern had never bothered him before, but having Lena think of him as such was upsetting. The temptation to try to change surprised him. Convincing her to change her poor opinion of him was a challenge he couldn’t ignore.

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