Stepping forward, Eva curved her lips into her best hostess smile. “Welcome to the Inman estate, ladies and gentlemen. The professors are waiting for you in our breakfast-room-turned-workspace at the back of the house before we head out to the tent at the dig site, so follow me, if you will.”
She led them down a stretch of corridor, mortified by the loose plaster hanging in spots overhead. Another thing to fix once funding came in. She paused by the workroom door, angling so everyone might pass.
Mrs. White patted her on the arm while she swept by in a cloud of Bulgarian rose and ambergris. “Thank you, Miss Inman.”
“My pleasure, Mrs. White.”
The two gentlemen followed her, one short, the other valiantly trying to hide a shiny bald spot with wispy strings of overlong hair. Both dipped their heads as they passed. “Miss Inman,” they said in unison.
“Mr. Toffit, Mr. Hamby, happy to have you.”
The sweet scent of marzipan came next, but before Lottie could cross the threshold, Eva blocked her path. “What are you doing here?” she whispered. “You are not on the board.”
Lottie grinned as she rose to her toes, peeking past Eva’s shoulder. “Mrs. White visited Mother yesterday and said she was coming here to see some relics. I merely asked to tag along.”
“Since when are you interested in ancient Roman artifacts?” Eva followed Lottie’s line of vision. “Aha. You are not. You just wanted to see Professor Webb for yourself.”
Lottie lowered to flat feet, a twinkle in her eyes. “Maybe I simply wished to see one of my dearest friends.”
Mmm. Right. “I thought you were too busy making a Guy Fawkes effigy for your mother?”
“I am, but that’s a whole week and a half away. Besides, I told Mother I was sure to get some inspiration looking at your fine artifacts.” She leaned sideways, once again peering at Bram. “And I am feeling very inspired at the moment. You were right, you know. He does have a piratey flair. Very dashing, and more than intriguing. Do you think he’ll remember me?”
“I would imagine he has other things on his mind at the moment.”
“Let’s find out.” Lottie looped her arm through Eva’s, turning her about as she marched into the room.
“Maybe we should wait. Let him chat with the historical society first.”
“Nonsense.” Lottie headed straight toward the cluster of board members and professors. “You must learn to grab hold ofan opportunity.” She stopped next to Bram and loudly cleared her throat.
Five pairs of eyes swung their way.
Lottie beamed.
Eva barely managed a sheepish smile. Most often she adored her vivacious friend. This wasn’t one of those moments. “Pardon me, Professor Webb, Professor Pendleton. I should like to introduce my friend Miss Channing. She is not part of the historical society but has recently taken a keen interest in certain things related to academics.”
Or more like a certain professor.
Bram’s uncle collected Lottie’s hand and bowed over it. “Lovely to meet you, Miss Channing.”
“Yes, enchanted,” Bram echoed at his side.
“I say!” Mr. Toffit called from where he’d wandered farther down the table. “This amphora is in near-perfect condition. First century or second?”
“Pardon us, ladies. Duty calls.” Professor Pendleton ushered Bram away.
Lottie turned to her, lower lip pouty. “He didn’t remember me.”
“Like I said, Lottie, he has other things on his mind right now. Give him some time.” Eva squeezed her arm. “As long as you are here, would you like to see what they have unearthed? They really have discovered some interesting items.”
With a last longing look at Bram, Lottie brightened. “That would be lovely. What have you got?”
“I am no expert, but I have learned a little.” Eva led her to the mosaic. “This is part of some flooring or maybe a decorative bit of wall.”
Lottie eyed the artifact. “The colours are so brilliant I can hardly believe this was buried in your back field.”
“The professors are adept with their cleaning methods. See the pattern here?” Eva pointed toward the anchor. “Early Christiansused an anchor as a symbol of encouragement. I did a little reading on it in one of my father’s books and discovered it was also the royal emblem of Seleucus the First, one of the leaders after Alexander the Great. Supposedly he chose the design because he had a birthmark in the shape of an anchor.”
