Page 60 of If Not for the Duke

She held his gaze for a long moment before biting her lip, a sure sign of her upset. “Do you feel we need to take extra care when going out?”

He set down his cup, detesting that she was nervous to continue with her normal routine. “I have requested extra footmen to remain on duty for the foreseeable future. An extra one will accompany you everywhere you go, as well.”

She nodded. “The police haven’t found anything of interest either, I assume.”

“No.” He didn’t want to lie and give her false hope. “Apparently, this treasure hunting business is more dangerous than I initially thought. We may have to take extra precautions while Clarke is working.”

Her smile eased the tightness in his chest. “It will be worth it if he finds treasure.”

Had David Wright worried about his family while he was searching on the island? Surely, he had. It was impossible to keep such things secret. Most treasure hunters seemed to thrive on the notoriety they often gained. For some, it fueled them as much as the search for riches.

“Can you think of anything, in particular, you’ve found in your research that might cause interest in the search?” he asked.

“I was wondering the same thing. How can those old letters cause someone to break into our home?” She shook her head but did so slowly as if it still hurt. “Thank goodness Lena had the letters or they might have been stolen, too.”

“I think the time has come to make certain Clarke is doing what he claims to be doing.”

“How do you intend to do that?” Her eyes widened in alarm. “Surely, you’re not going to Oak Island?”

“No.” He wouldn’t leave Bernie alone after what had happened. “I have an acquaintance in Nova Scotia who should be able to look in on him with some discretion.”

“That’s an excellent idea. Will you tell Lena?”

He paused, considering the question. “I don’t see the point until I have something to report. If all is as it should be, then I won’t have any news.”

“But recent events have you wondering.”

“Yes, they do.” He told himself it was wise to protect the investment he was making in the dig, and it was. But Lena’s insistence that Clarke was searching in the wrong place combined with the break-in made him uncomfortable.

Something foul was afoot and he was determined to find out what.

He excused himself from Bernie’s company and then went to his study to compose a telegram to the man he knew in Nova Scotia, hoping he’d be agreeable to assisting him with this matter. Afterward, he leaned back in his chair, considering what to do next.

He needed to discover the identity of Ludham’s companion. A few inquiries with fellow members of the Royal Geological Society would be an excellent place to start. He should’ve taken action when he’d first overhead Ludham’s conversation. By letting the matter go this long, Sterling was partially at fault for what had happened to his sister.

The thought had him ringing the bell for his carriage. A few members were always at the offices and perhaps one could identify who Ludham had been speaking with if Sterling described him.

Sterling was pleased to see Viscount Dyke there, as he always seemed to know what was happening amongst his peers.

Sterling struck up a conversation with him, waiting until Dyke asked about the progress on Oak Island. Sure enough, he did. Sterling shared a few details but decided against telling him about Bernie’s injury or the break-in. The fewer who knew, the better.

“Did you place a wager like so many others?” Sterling asked.

“No,” Dyke said with a shake of his head. “I prefer to wager on cards. Improves my chances of winning.”

“Do you know if Ludham placed a wager?”

“Yes, but he’s betting against your success.”

“That doesn’t surprise me.” Ludham had never been friendly, not even in their university years. He seemed to resent Sterling’s title and everything it brought. “I saw him with someone at the Stanhope ball. A short man near our age. Brown hair, round face, moustache.”

“Sounds like David Winslow. The pair frequently venture to gaming hells together.”

“Do you know much about him?” Sterling asked.

“Only that he always seems to have some scheme or other up his sleeve. He tried to talk me into investing in a Brazilian mine not long ago.”

“Did you?”

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