She nodded.
“Can you read this one?” the man asked, holding a tablet with a tiny amount of cuneiform text.
It wasn’t hers, but she was still surprised to see one. “Where did you get this?”
He shrugged. “Can you read it?”
“I—”
“No, she can’t,” Sinclair cut in.
She frowned at him. Rose could with her key.
The man nodded. “This text is very difficult.”
“Where did you find it?” Sinclair asked.
Like when Rose asked before, the man shrugged. Sinclair slid him some money. “Please.”
The man took the coins and leaned in closer to them. “The goods are removed from ships on the Thames. We buy a crate, and we get what we get.”
“Has anyone asked you about these types of tablets specifically?” Rose said, pointing at the stone containing the small amount of cuneiform text.
The man frowned. “I’m not sure I can remember. The market is busy.”
The duke sighed and slid him some more money. The man grinned. “You are awfully nice, sir. One man came in a few days ago, asking if I had any more and where I got them. He didn’t look too friendly.”
Rose wondered if it was the solicitor. Sinclair handed him his card. “If you come across more tablets with similar text or have more details about the man who approached you, please send me a message. There will be a reward provided.”
The antiquities seller’s eyes widened as he spotted Sinclair’s title on his card. He bowed. “Yes, Your Grace.”
Sinclair held his arm out, and Rose took it, but once they escaped the auction room, she asked, “Do you think it’s Mr. Abbas?”
Sinclair frowned. “I didn’t find him intimidating, so I’m unsure if it is the same person.”
“Well, you are a duke. You probably find no one threatening.”
He scowled at her, and she frowned. “Why did you tell him I couldn’t read the text?”
“We have no idea what he would do with that information.”
“I translate ancient words. What nefarious reason could he have for wanting such details?” Rose asked tartly.
They glowered at each other. Laughter interrupted their staring contest. They turned to find Sebastian Devons and another man delightfully watching their interaction.
*
Augustus scowled atDevons and Derry as the men grinned at him and Rose. They seemed to be enjoying themselves far too much.
“What are the two of you doing here?”
Devons shrugged. “We thought we would stop by the market as well.”
He raised his brow skeptically at his friend, wondering what he was up to. Derry added, “We had a business meeting in the area and remembered that you would be attending the auction here tonight. I’m guessing you didn’t find the tablets.”
“No,” Sinclair stated.
Derry eyed Rose curiously. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m the Marquess of Derry.”
