C
Thomas shook his head and tore the letter up. C was the only admirer who caused alarm. Some writers were more suggestive or romantic, but this author seemed to imply that they were together. He didn’t always read her letters, but whenever he did, they filled him with concern.
He sighed, hoping that Matthison was wrong and his return wouldn’t be a big deal. He had no interest in his admirers, especially C.
Chapter Thirteen
Lisbeth sat withthe rest of the board members of the Historical Society for Female Curators. They were drinking tea in the sitting area of their office at Seely House. Rose had just finished explaining what one of the two tablets Lisbeth had brought back to England revealed. She was a renowned philologist who had developed a key to decipher the ancient cuneiform texts.
Sarah Martin sighed, “So our hero makes it back to the princess.”
Rose grinned. “Finally. I suspect that the last tablet is the battle between our hero and the king.”
Lady Esme shook her head in disbelief. “I can’t believe we have the entire epic. The London Society of Antiquaries will be so envious.”
Addie, wife of Lord Hawley and member of said club, giggled loudly. Her laugh was infamous throughout society. It tended to carry and had a distinct sound. Lisbeth couldn’t stop the chuckle that escaped her.
Sighing, Addie said, “And what a story it is. First, the hero falls in love with the princess, and the king discovers their secret. He then sends our hero on a quest for the golden fruit. After enduring all that, he makes his way back to fight the king and win the princess and the kingdom.”
“Well, I haven’t deciphered the last tablet,” Rose pointed out. “It could end horribly.”
Diana Devons, previously Lady Hensley, sighed. “No, it will end happily. I know it.”
Addie giggled. “You are newly married. All you see is love.”
Diana grinned sheepishly. “I can’t deny it.”
“So is Rose,” Lisbeth said.
Rose blushed. “Married and will be married again in some grand church.”
“Most ladies would love that,” Lady Esme pointed out.
Rose scrunched up her nose, and all the ladies giggled.
Addie’s butler, Harrison, entered the room. Lisbeth wasn’t sure if he was truly her butler or more a man of affairs. He seemed always to be not far from her.
“My lady, a special cut of the newspaper has arrived. I know you like to be apprised of events that London society is following.”
Addie smiled and took the paper. Harrison didn’t linger. She glanced down and gasped. Her hand covered her mouth. Lisbeth frowned. “What is it?”
“A telegraph was sent that Thomas Easton will be arriving in London in two days,” she said, turning the paper to show them.
The Famed Explorer Returnswas written across the top in bold letters. Lisbeth’s heart hammered. Thomas was returning to London. She should have told him about Alice. He would quickly discover the truth. She blinked rapidly, overwhelmed by a mix of emotions—it was a combination of terror and excitement.
Rose leaned over and grabbed the paper, reading the words. When she was done, she glanced up. “It doesn’t say why he is returning.”
Their night together flashed in her mind. Her heart pounded, and her stomach fluttered at the memory. He wasn’t returning for her, Lisbeth told herself. That would be ridiculous. Yet, she,herself, had lain in bed every night thinking of him and wishing he were by her side.
Addie shook her head. “Thetonis going to be in a tizzy. Imagine all the ladies that will be throwing themselves at him—widows, debutants, and married ladies.”
Her chest felt tight. It didn’t matter that he was coming to London. Maybe they wouldn’t see each other. That was possible. Her eyes connected with Rose’s, who was looking at her with concern. “Did he mention coming back?” she asked.
Lisbeth answered, “No. Last I spoke with him, he and his associate Rafe were headed somewhere else in Syria.”
“Do you think he will do a talk for the Historical Society for Female Curators?” Esme asked.
Sarah Martin groaned. “I hope he doesn’t join the London Society of Antiquaries.”
