As they wove their way through the throng of formally clad men toward the billiards room, Lucas nodded to those memberswho were familiar, but as he did, he was equally aware of the stares pointed in his direction. Several of the men had, at one point or another, been clients of his father’s—which meant they also knew of the scandal that emerged just days before his death.
Lucas had perfected the mask of holding his head high and returning every glare with a smile and a nod. He’d give no indication of discomfort or, worse, embarrassment. If he wanted to reestablish the name Avery as the most important name in antiquities, he needed to make good on his goal for the evening: establish a relationship with the new master of Cloverton Hall in order to gain access to the famed chinoiserie items housed within its walls.
“I spoke with Wainbridge just yesterday,” Tate explained as they traversed the lush Persian rug beneath them. “He’s ready to sell the bulk of the collection, but he’s been inundated with brokers and buyers vying for his attention. He came to me, of course, knowing that I dabble in such things, and after discussing it, he’s agreed to meet with you. A word of caution, though. Wainbridge is a proud man, and I’m told Milton left the estate’s finances in a bad way. He obviously wants that kept quiet.”
This, Lucas could understand. He’d been in the antiquities business long enough to know that if a man wanted to sell an item of high value, it was usually because he needed the money. Public knowledge that an item was for sale would create every manner of speculation—speculation, Lucas could only assume, that would interfere with Wainbridge’s efforts to establish himself as an influential member of society.
“There he is”—Tate pointed him out—“in the green coat.”
Wainbridge was standing in the corner next to a mantelpiece, engaged in a lively conversation with an older gentleman. His intricately tied cravat and expertly fitted velvet tailcoat were a testament to his valet’s skills, and the jewel-encrusted watch fob dangling from beneath his waistcoat glittered in the dancing fire’s light.
Wainbridge took notice of them as they entered the billiards room, excused himself from his conversation, and approached them. At first glance the man appeared in his prime, but as he drew nearer, Lucas could see dark circles beneath his eyes, and in spite of the man’s broad, easy grin, a tightness firmed his jaw.
“Tate! There you are.” Wainbridge flashed his white smile in the low light. “I was beginning to think you forgot our meeting.”
“No, no. Nothing like that. This is Lucas Avery, the man I told you about.”
Lucas gave a slight bow.
“Good to know you, Avery. Come, let’s sit.” Wainbridge motioned to a footman for drinks and then led the way to an empty table in the corner. Once they were settled, he leaned back in his chair and fixed his unusually dark eyes on Lucas. “Your reputation precedes you, Avery.”
Lucas quirked an eyebrow. “Does it?”
“You’re the expert of all things antiquated and valuable, as I understand it,” Wainbridge declared, a hint of amusement brightening his tone.
Lucas ignored the subtle air of condescension and chuckled. It was hardly the first time he’d encountered it, and yet, somehow, the simple fact that he knew this man needed his expertise overshadowed any offense. “Expert? Yes, I like to think so.”
Wainbridge laughed good-naturedly and leaned back to allow the footman to place three full glasses on the table and then sobered again as the footman departed. “I don’t mind saying it, Avery. I don’t like this situation I’m in.”
Lucas matched Wainbridge’s casual posture and leaned back. “And what situation is that?”
“Not being the expert.” Wainbridge simpered smugly and draped his arm over the back of his chair. “It guts me, but I’m not too proud to admit that I’m up against my match. Tate swears you’ll know what to do with this whole messy business. Tell me, did you know my uncle?”
Lucas nodded and wrapped his fingers loosely around the glass in front of him. “I met him when I was a boy. He traveled with my father on an explorative expedition to Cairo.”
Wainbridge raised his dark brows. “Cairo?”
“Mm-hmm. But that was nearly two decades ago. He was well-known in certain circles for his vigor in amassing the odd and the unusual, especially in the area of chinoiserie porcelain.”
“Chinoiserie?”
“Decorative items that depict Chinese and Japanese motifs,” Lucas explained.
“Ah, well.” Wainbridge indulged in a drink. “There is plenty of that at Cloverton. At least I think that’s what it is. Have you been there? To Cloverton Hall?”
“No.”
“It’s brimming with every sort of trinket one can envisage. Large and small. Beautiful and gaudy. One cannot turn a corner orenter a chamber without being stared at by this statue or tripping over some useless table. It’s quite vexatious.”
Lucas could only imagine what sort of artifacts were tucked away within Cloverton’s walls, but he also knew how overwhelming such things could be to those who weren’t familiar with them. “So clearly you have no affection for your uncle’s collections.”
“Affection?” Wainbridge snorted. “On the contrary! I never want to see or hear the wordsantiquityorporcelainever again. I desire nothing more than to have every single piece banished from Cloverton. I’m told some of them are quite valuable, but to me one bauble is just like the other.”
“You’re hardly the first man to inherit a collection and have no idea what to do with it. One man’s passion can quickly become another man’s burden.”
“Exactly!” Wainbridge threw his hands up, as if relieved to finally be understood. “You see my quandary, then. When I think about the fortune he wrapped up in those useless things, it sickens me. For all of my uncle’s grandiose reputation, he was flat broke. In debt up to his gills. Does that surprise you?”
Lucas shrugged. “Not in the least. I’m aware of numerous investors and enthusiasts who allowed their passions to destroy them. Amassing the rare and unique can be just as addictive as gambling.” Lucas saw his opening to recommend himself. And he was going to take it. “Tell me. What is it I can do for you?”
