“At Oxford,” she said nonchalantly.
“Ah yes, where your father is employed.” Truthful words, but somehow Violet made it sound as if he were nothing more than a broom pusher. “I suppose if one must work, the halls of academia hold a certain dignity.”
Ami focused on the broad shoulders of Mr. Price to keep from rolling her eyes. Definitely time to change the subject. “Did you travel a great distance to come here?”
“Oh no, we just popped up from London, though the train ride was tedious. First class was booked on the express, so we were forced on the intermediate and had to share the carriage with a matron and her young protégé. It was very tiring.”
Hah! Rescuing that ushabti doll in the cemetery a couple of weeks ago had surely been more harrowing than a velvet-cushioned train ride. “Sounds grueling,” she muttered.
“Just so.” Violet eyed her as they entered the corridor to the workroom. “How long will you be staying here, Miss Dalton?”
“Until I’ve finished valuing the cargo, September at the latest.” Just the voicing of it stirred a melancholy she’d been trying to ignore. Once she was finished, she’d likely never again see Mr. Price.
“I suppose your attendant is anxious to return to your home. I know my maid isn’t fond of assisting me in a different house, even one as magnificent as this.” She gestured toward the gilt-framed portraits lining the corridor. “Servants can be so territorial, you know.”
Actually, no. She didn’t have the slightest idea and was glad for it. How stifling it would be to have a maid hanging about all the time, not to mention what a damper it would be to her brokering activities.
She smiled at Violet. “I don’t have an attendant, Miss Woolsey.”
Musical laughter bubbled out of the woman. “Surely you’re not staying unchaperoned beneath the roof of the most eligible bachelor in all of Oxford?”
“I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself, and I assure you Mr. Price is a perfect gentleman.”
“Indeed.” Violet’s brow puckered, then just as quickly smoothed. “But you are correct. My Edmund is a man of integrity. You must think nothing of my silly meanderings, Miss Dalton, for we shall be boon companions, shall we not?”
My Edmund?
Best of friends?
“Em...” Words snarled into a ball in her throat. What was she to say to any of that?
Thankfully she needn’t say anything, for they had finally arrived at the workroom. She immediately escorted Miss Woolsey to the display table, happy to stand on familiar ground. “Here is what has been uncovered thus far. As you can see, there are yet many more crates to go. It is quite an extensive collection.”
Without so much as a by-your-leave, Violet swiped up an intricately carved amulet. Her lips pursed into a pretty poutas her gaze swept over the shine of the gold and inlaid gems. “What is this?”
Ever so carefully, Ami retrieved the valuable relic from the lady’s hand, lamenting that neither of them wore gloves to handle such a precious item. “That is the only remaining scarab from the tomb of Seti.”
“The gems are beautiful, but other than that, it is frightfully ugly.”
“Every object has its own story, Miss Woolsey.” She lightly set down the amulet. “That scarab is a symbol of rebirth, so I prefer to think of it as a hopeful promise. Beauty is in the eye and heart of the beholder, is it not? Take, for example, your necklace.”
Frowning slightly, Violet patted her fingertips against the golden cross nestled against her bosom. “Surely you cannot argue its beauty?”
“I wouldn’t dream of it, for it is lovely. I see the crucifix as a representation of a holy God who came down to rescue those who reviled Him. It’s an icon of redemption, one I hold very dear. But other cultures wouldn’t see that. To some, you are wearing an instrument of death around your neck, which they would consider ‘frightfully ugly,’ as you put it.”
Violet dropped her hand, a soft intake of air hissing through her teeth. “You are very blunt, Miss Dalton.”
Ami grinned. “I shall take that as a compliment, Miss Woolsey.”
“While I am happy to see you ladies are getting on well,” Mr. Price said as he and Lord Bastion joined them, “I suspect my guests should like some refreshment now, Miss Dalton. We shall take our leave and see you at dinner tonight.”
Ami stiffened. Chatting with Violet for the past ten minutes had been taxing enough. “Oh, but Mr. Price, now that you have illustrious guests to dine with you, I hardly think you’ll require my company at mealtimes.”
“On the contrary, Miss Dalton.” His gaze found hers—andheld. “Your knowledge of Egyptian artifacts makes for interesting table conversation.”
Violet edged closer to him, her pert little nose lifting slightly. “Until later then, Miss Dalton.”
As soon as they exited, Ami grumbled beneath her breath. She’d rather be buried in a tomb with live scarabs than sit through tonight’s dinner with her new boon companion.
