My aunt arranged for her driver to bring Lily to Mayfair, and then take us to the museum.
I then placed a call to the museum. I was informed that Sir Reginald was in the Egyptian Hall presently overseeing the installation ofseveral items.
I could only guess they included the panorama screens and the sarcophagi retrieved from Sussex Square. He was known to be a perfectionist and it seemed that he would be there for several hours. Perfect.
“Museum?” Lily commented as we departed Mayfair together.
“There is a great deal to learn at a museum,” I explained. “About history, different places, and people.” I paused.
I was definitely not making the right impression. And, I had to admit, at fourteen years of age, or as near as Lily knew her age to be, I would very likely have had the same reaction.
When confronted with boredom, it was best to appeal to what interested someone, and in Lily’s case…
“There are a great many weapons there as well,” I added. “Early firearms, spears and staffs, and swords.”
She did have a particular fascination with swords, and score one in favor of myself as I saw her interest piqued.
“Swords?”
We found Sir Reginald in the midst of the Egyptian collection with a team of assistants. His shirtsleeves rolled back to his elbows and his face gleamed with perspiration as he gavedirections to the young men much like a field commander shouting instructions.
“No, no! That is not it at all! The screens must be in a specific order to complete the scene. It is quite obvious. Pay attention to what you are doing!”
Perhaps not the best time to call on him, however time was of the essence and the attendant at the entrance to the museum had informed us that Sir Reginald was due to depart for his next trip abroad within a fortnight.
Lily was immediately drawn to the collection of ceremonial staffs. I did hope that she didn’t decide to try one out as I approached Sir Reginald.
“Yes, yes, what is it now?” he demanded without turning around when I asked to speak with him.
“I would have spoken with you last evening,” I explained.
He then turned with that slightly myopic gaze over the top of his glasses and stared at me.
“Lady Forsythe…”
“A moment of your time, if you please,” I explained, and then added, “and your expertise.”
He turned back to the task at hand and shouted at another one of the assistants who looked quite flustered.
“I’ve come across a manuscript that I believe may contain references in a language I’m not familiar with,” I explained. “It looks very much as if it might be Egyptian, and since you are the foremost authority…”
Never let it be said that I am above using flattery.
“I was hoping you might take a look and see what you can make of it.”
“Egypt,” he replied with what could only be a mesmerized smile as he watched the screens of the panorama set in place.
“Land of mystery and ancient kingdoms.” Then the spell seemed to have left him, at least for the time being. His demeanor immediately changed.
“Of course, no doubt some relic from your travels, I suspect? I understand that you have been to Alexandria as well as the Valley of the Kings. How may I assist?”
I glanced over at Lily to make certain she wasn’t dismantling the stand that displayed the Egyptian staffs. I then opened my travel bag and retrieved the manuscript and laid it atop a glass enclosed display case that contained several pieces of Egyptian artifacts.
“Papyrus?” Sir Reginald immediately noted.
“So it would seem,” I replied. “Part of it is in Latin which I was able to decipher. However there are other references that appear to be Egyptian.”
“Do stop what you are doing, before you damage the piece!” he shouted past me to the assistants who struggled with the latest screen in the panorama.
