“I understand. How do you think I can help?”
“We were wondering if you knew where markets or auctions for illicit antiquities are held,” Miss Calvert said.
A scowl filled his face. “I don’t deal in stolen goods.”
“Sinclair, we would never think so, but we hoped you may know where and when some of the auctions are held,” one of the quieter women, Lady Esme said.
He frowned. “You aren’t planning to attend one, are you?”
“Yes. We need to find them,” Miss Calvert said.
He looked at her dubiously. “They are not places for ladies.”
A snort escaped the woman. “I have traveled all over the world. Do you think I haven’t set foot in a shady market orauction before? If so, I assure you I’m more than capable of holding my own.”
His eyes flew to the other ladies in disbelief. Rose Calvert could not attend an illicit market auction alone. He turned back to her, and she tilted her chin, pursing her lips as if ready to battle him. Augustus smiled, trying to take a different approach. “Miss Calvert, I can’t in good conscience give you the locations of these markets and allow you to visit them alone.”
“Good point, Sinclair. Perhaps you could go with her,” Lady Hawley said.
The only other lady who hadn’t spoken, Sarah Martin, said, “I think that is an exceptional idea.”
“I don’t need an escort,” Miss Calvert stated.
“London is not a dig in the middle of nowhere,” he said.
The woman’s eyes narrowed and flashed. “Your assistance is not required, Your Grace.”
He would absolutely not let her go alone but wouldn’t argue with her. Instead, he said, “But you don’t know the London players in the antiquities world like I do. You should agree to Lady Hawley’s suggestion since I’m willing to help.”
“I agree, Rose. Sinclair is very respected here in the selling of all goods,” the Duchess of Lusby said.
She sighed. “Fine.”
Annoyance reverberated through him that, for some reason, she didn’t want his assistance. Why was this woman so bloody complicated?
“Where are the auctions held?” Miss Calvert asked.
“I know of two coming up in the London Docks and Piccadilly, but I also think we should meet with Sebastian Devons first. He is betrothed to one of your board members.”
Lady Hawley nodded. “Lady Hensley. She could not attend today but is aware of what is happening.”
“Why do you think it would be valuable to meet with him?” Lady Esme asked.
“I met with a man looking to catalog all relics with cuneiform text in London. He was very evasive. Having some of Devons’s investigators search for him would be beneficial. My assistant attempted to discover more information about him but couldn’t even figure out where he was residing.”
“What was his name?” Miss Calvert asked.
“Michael Abbas. Have any of you heard of him?”
Everyone shook their heads. Augustus had no evidence that the man was involved. Still, something told him that the solicitor and the missing tablets were somehow related.
“Can you meet this evening? We are hoping to find them as soon as possible,” the Duchess of Lusby said to him.
“I can make myself available.”
“I will send a missive to Devons,” Lady Hawley said.
“Let’s plan to meet at my townhouse. Rose is staying there with me for the Season,” the duchess stated.
