Lisbeth and Rose had worked with Abbas to create an agreement where they would display the tablets on loan from the villages. The villagers would receive a portion of the proceeds, and within three years, the artifacts would be returned to Syria.
Lisbeth walked to the last tablet, which showed Belit and Sibri as much older in their roles as king and queen. Her mind went back to her moment with Thomas in the carriage. She’d wanted him desperately last night, but he’d held her off. Desire coursed through her as she thought about his promise that he wanted them not to be rushed.
Things were going well, but Lisbeth worried that he’d moved on past her deceit too quickly. She feared that he was keeping it bottled up, and it would eventually burst. The worrisome thoughts made her fearful that they could truly move on.
Lisbeth wanted Thomas in her life and as her husband. His relationship with Alice and Jeremy was progressing. While Jeremy had been immediately smitten with him, Alice had warmed up to him as well. Still, she was worried.
She frowned, wondering why she was looking for something to be concerned about.
“Lisbeth, are you joining us for tea in the office?” Sarah asked.
Benjamin Calvert, returned from his travels up north, was in the office discussing plans with Esme.
“Of course. I was just lost in thought.”
“Daydreaming about your famous husband,” Addie said, snickering.
Lisbeth rolled her eyes. She fibbed and said, “Certainly not.”
All the ladies smiled. Abbas joined her while they walked upstairs to the office. “Congratulations, Your Grace. I suspectedthere was something between you and Mr. Easton while we were on her trip.”
“Thank you, Mr. Abbas. It was a whirlwind.”
“You seem well-suited.”
Her eyes widened. He shrugged. “You do. It is as if the story of the Majnun and Layla has a happy ending.”
Laughter burst from her. “We have been compared to them.”
He grinned. “I know.”
They entered the office to see Esme and Benjamin reviewing a map in the sitting area. Lisbeth was excited for Esme, but somewhat surprised her family was allowing her to travel to Syria. Yes, she was considered a spinster, but still unwed. A family friend, Mrs. Stanton, would be traveling with her.
They all joined them. Rose frowned, looking at the map. “I thought you were traveling to our main excavation site.”
Her father grinned. “Lady Esme here said she’d be open to exploring some other areas. We are considering the cave system Lisbeth and Thomas were just at, or this other location further south with Rafe and Keaton.”
Rose grimaced and said to Esme. “Keaton and Rafe will flirt outrageously with you.”
Esme’s face took on a red hue, and Benjamin added, “They are shameless flirts, but I promise between your chaperone and me, your reputation will remain intact while abroad.”
Lisbeth hoped her chaperone would be diligent, as Benjamin tended to be clueless about flirtations and liaisons occurring around him. Rose assured, “Rafe and Keaton are only flirts. You will have no real concerns from them.”
“I’m sure it will be fine,” Esme demurred.
Many exciting events were happening for the Historical Society of Female Curators. Lisbeth was proud of all they’d accomplished. Benjamin stood and beamed at her. “Are we ready to meet with your husband?”
Benjamin had asked to visit with Lisbeth and Thomas at her home. Thomas was like a son to him. She smiled. “Of course.”
He grinned. “I still can’t believe the two of you are married after all these years apart.”
*
Thomas stepped intothe Lusby Townhouse, expecting to hear Lisbeth and Benjamin or Alice and Jeremy, but not the hum of several female voices chatting away excitedly. Was Lisbeth hosting the Historical Society for Female Curators here? He didn’t think so; they’d made plans to spend the rest of the day with Benjamin.
He was excited to see the man. He’d been in northern England since Thomas arrived in the country. Morrison hurriedly rushed down the foyer to him, looking frazzled. “Mr. Easton, there are ladies in the drawing room, and they are insisting on meeting with you before they depart.”
He frowned. “Who are they?”
