His eyes swung to the lady. Was she actually searching for a husband? As if reading his mind, she said, “Only until the tablets are found and my work is done. Hopefully, that will be before the club’s grand opening.”
“Let’s do our best to locate them,” he said.
A ripple of something flowed between them, confusing him.
Chapter Seven
Rose entered Lisbeth’sdrawing room to find Sinclair already there. He stood by a window, staring out at the street. She took a moment to admire his broad shoulders, solid physique, and blasted blond hair curling at the nape of his neck. He wasn’t boyishly handsome. It was more than that. He had a sophisticated appeal. One that Rose would have thought she would never find attractive.
He turned as she stepped further into the room. Rose nodded hello, ignoring the fluttering of her stomach as his piercing blue eyes studied her.
“Good evening, Miss Calvert.”
She hated the formality of London. It was her least favorite thing about the city. Everyone was missed, mistered, lorded, and ladied to death. Still, it didn’t prevent her from ogling this very man who embodied all that. Stubbornly, she said, “Please call me Rose. We will be working together.”
His eyes widened. Rose thought he might argue with her for a moment, but he simply said, “As you wish.”
Lisbeth had said he was highly sought after by the ladies on the marriage mart. He seemed so reserved. Rose wondered if his stuffy exterior ever cracked or if he would be this reserved even with his future wife. She shook her head, horrified that she was thinking such things. He frowned. “Is there something amiss?”
“No,” she said somewhat forcefully, causing him to lift a brow.
She made her way to the sitting area, and he joined her. The quietness seemed overwhelming to Rose, so she asked, “When will we attend the first auction?”
His lips pressed together, clearly displeased she was still going. She sighed. “I’m the only one who can identify the tablets.”
He nodded. “I hadn’t thought of that. I apologize.”
Surprised by his agreement, she remained silent. His mouth curved into a smile. The sight made him more tempting. Blasted duke!
“I will pick you up tomorrow evening at nine. Will the Duchess of Lusby be joining us?” he asked.
She tilted her head. “Why would she?”
“As your chaperone?”
Laughter erupted from her. “Sinclair, I’m twenty-eight years old, part owner of a successful antiquities business, and travel regularly on my own,” she said. He started to say something, but she raised her hand, stopping him. “Please don’t tell me that isn’t how it is done in London. I do not care. I doubt any of these criminals or buyers will out me, and if they do, I will not be in London long enough for it to become a scandal.”
“I heard you were having a Season. There is a massive amount of interest in your arrival.”
She bet there was. “It is likely because of my obscene dowry.”
He chuckled. “Are you always so blunt, Rose?”
Something about her name on his lips disconcerted her. She had no one to blame but herself. “I learned it does me no good to be otherwise.”
He said nothing in return. The room descended into a tense silence. Thankfully, Lisbeth glided in. “Your Grace, I didn’t know you had arrived.”
He rose and bowed. “Please call me Sinclair.”
She took a seat next to Rose on the sofa. “Then I insist you call me Lisbeth. Lady Hawley, Lady Hensley, and Devons should join us shortly.”
The sound of the butler greeting someone at the front door filtered into the room. Lisbeth smiled. “Here they are.”
They stood as the trio entered the room. Once settled, Lisbeth said, “I think we can forgo formality as we will all be working together.”
Everyone nodded, and Devons said, “I doubt I’m witting of any auctions Sinclair wouldn’t be aware of. Addie did mention you wanted to find a solicitor.”
“It may be nothing, but I met with a man named Michael Abbas, who was cataloging any cuneiform tablets he could find in London. He was evasive about who his client was. I want to see if we can track him down,” Sinclair stated.
