Page 41 of If Not for the Duke

Lena wasn’t certain what she had expected for a professor’s residence, but it wasn’t the modest two-story home with an unkempt garden and rusty gate in a questionable neighborhood.

Marbury smiled at her wary expression. “The interior was better than the exterior the last time I called.”

Lena nodded, hoping that proved true this time as well.

The elderly servant with a hunched back and rheumy eyes, who took Marbury’s card, brought to mind a character out of a novel. Why a man who’d taught at Oxford lived in a house on a narrow, crooked street that bordered the East End puzzled her. She’d expected something grander or at least tidier. Had the man fallen on hard times, or did he prefer to live in such surroundings?

As they waited in the dim front entrance for the servant to advise the professor of their arrival, Marbury leaned close. “Lindquist seems to prefer to spend his time and resources on what he enjoys rather than worrying over appearances.”

“I hope his research skills outweigh his housekeeping abilities.”

Marbury smiled at her jest, but the shadows that marked his eyes didn’t recede.

The servant returned to show them to the study, where Professor Lindquist rose from his desk with a smile, adjusting his smudged spectacles as if to better see his guests. He had a round face and untidy white hair that he attempted to smooth down upon seeing Lena.

“Good afternoon,” he greeted them and bowed. “It’s been some time since your last visit, my lord.”

“Thank you for seeing us,” Marbury said. He introduced Lena, and the professor studied her closely.

“It’s a pleasure to meet one of David Wright’s daughters.” He brushed his hair down again then gestured for them to sit. “While my focus isn’t Oak Island in particular, but rather pirate-related documents, I have come across numerous mentions about the place.”

“How interesting.”

“It is. My research started with letters from a member of a ship’s crew and expanded to similar ones, in addition to ships’ logs. Tracing the various routes has proven fascinating, and I hope it helps locate treasure. In fact, I’m putting together a book to share what I’ve learned.”

“Please keep me apprised of your progress,” Marbury said. “I would be happy to recommend it to members of the Royal Geological Society if I find it helpful.”

“I appreciate that.” Lindquist beamed.

“Have you come across anything new regarding Oak Island?” the earl asked.

“References to it, for certain. I am cross-referencing letters from crew members to ships’ logs to paint a better picture of the use of the island over the years. The place was used more than I anticipated.”

He shared a few details that Marbury seemed to find interesting, but Lena was anxious to ask the question uppermost in her mind.

When the conversation paused, she took the opportunity presented. “Have you by chance come across any mention of Ebenezer Jenkins in your research? He was a crewmember on Captain Kidd’s vessel.”

“Jenkins.” The professor frowned then pulled out a sheath of papers from a desk drawer. “The name sounds vaguely familiar, though it’s fairly common.”

Lena shared a hopeful look with Marbury.

Lindquist ran his finger along a list of names. “Jenkins,” he repeated as he searched. “Here it is. Ebenezer. Yes, he was listed as one of the crew on two different vessels. May I ask why you want to know?”

“A friend of ours has letters he wrote to one of their relatives. We’re interested in learning more, if possible.”

He turned several pages, his brow furrowed as he studied his notes. “From what I’ve found, he was born in Lincolnshire then spent several years working as a blacksmith. He moved to London and lived there for a time before signing on with Kidd on theAdventure Galley.”

Lena’s thoughts swirled. Lincolnshire was the location of Sterling’s country estate. Lady Bernice had mentioned how much she enjoyed their time there. Perhaps that was where Jenkins had met Lady Bernice’s great aunt.

“I do believe he has descendants in that region,” the professor continued. “Perhaps they could provide additional information.”

“Did he serve on other vessels in addition to Captain Kidd’s?” Marbury asked. “With another privateer, perhaps?”

“Yes, I believe he did.” The professor consulted his list. “He was on board theRevenge.” Lindquist listed two other vessels, but they weren’t familiar to Lena.

“Have you found that he’s connected to the possible treasure on Oak Island in any way?” Lena asked, knowing it was unlikely.

“No, but so often that sort of information isn’t documented. They didn’t want anyone to know, you see.”

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