Lucas forced lightness to his voice as he entered the room. “I have good news.”
Wainbridge scoffed and dropped to the chair behind his desk. “I could use a bit of good news right about now.”
“In light of recent events, you and I should discuss the collection’s current state. I’ve composed an initial assessment.” Lucas handed him the written report. “I’d like to purchase several of the pieces outright, and the second sheet there is a list of items I believe I can broker sales for you, along with the estimated valueI’d expect them to sell for. You are welcome to entertain second opinions on the items I am offering to buy. These offers are good for a year.”
Wainbridge snatched the ledger from Lucas, and his brow furrowed as he read. “This list isn’t very long.”
“Just as I had good news, I’ve some bad news as well.”
Wainbridge’s dark eyes flashed, and his lips flattened in a line as he glanced up from the ledger.
“I need to show you something. Much of Mr.Milton’s collection that he was most known for was his blue-and-white chinoiserie. But after examining them closely, it pains me to say that many of the pieces are counterfeit.”
Wainbridge scoffed.“What?”
“They appear to be the original pieces that are described in the logs, but they are not Chinese porcelain.”
Disbelief reddened Wainbridge’s face. “Then what are they?”
“Bone China. It’s a ceramic made of bone ash, China clay, and Cornish stone. It has the appearance of Chinese porcelain, but it was made here in England, fairly recently.” Lucas handed Wainbridge the piece of porcelain in his hand. “This is a piece of the Cavesee Vase, and it is very much authentic. Feel the weight of it?”
He gave the man a few seconds and then retrieved the counterfeit piece from the sideboard. “Now look at this one. Feel the weight difference? Notice how the coloring and translucency are slightly different?”
Lucas waited for Wainbridge to draw his own conclusion.
After several seconds, Wainbridge lowered the piece back to the table and shook his head. “How is this even possible?”
“I honestly don’t know. Normally the bone China would have markings that would indicate where it was made, but none of these do, which makes it difficult to track down their origins.”
“Are you telling me that my uncle bought worthless pieces of art?”
“No. I don’t believe for a moment that your uncle bought counterfeits. According to these records, many of these were purchased many years ago, before when I suspect these replications were made. Furthermore, these deals were orchestrated by Mr.Brannon. His reputation is solid. He would not have brokered a counterfeit deal. I’d stake my own reputation on it.
“It’s much more plausible that someone commissioned these reproductions to make it appear that the collection was indeed intact. Or someone exchanged these for the original counterparts. Truthfully, it is not my place to speculate. All I can do is comment on what I see from a professional standpoint.”
Wainbridge blew out his breath in a noisy huff and ran his hands over the dark stubble gathering on his jaw. “Will this nightmare end?”
“I know my assessment is not what you hoped it would be, and I wish there were a way I could make it different, but take heart. There is a great deal of money to be made on what is authentic—the statues. The paintings. The ivory. I’ve outlined it in the ledger.”
Wainbridge tossed the ledger on the table. “I wonder if my aunt knows.”
“About the counterfeits?” Lucas shrugged. “That I could not tell you.”
“So here we are.” Wainbridge threw out his arms. “Are we even better off than when we began?”
Lucas kept his voice steady. “Francis Milton’s collection is extensive, and I’ve merely scratched the surface. More assessments are required, but in light of everything that has occurred, I think it best that I depart for London in the morning. If I may make a suggestion, you should investigate the counterfeit situation further. A great deal of money is unaccounted for. There are individuals you can hire to investigate this matter, and if it would be helpful, I can provide you with some names.”
Wainbridge rubbed his palm across his forehead. “I guess it’s a start. I need money, so for the time being, this will have to do. I’ll review your ledger and call on you when I am in London next.”
Lucas bowed slightly as the conversation ended and turned on his heel to leave. This was certainly not the outcome he had hoped for—or expected. And he had no way of knowing if Wainbridge would accept the offers Lucas had outlined in the ledger, but in the end, did it really matter? His experience at Cloverton had opened his eyes to a completely new way of thinking of the future. No, the financial gains he was hoping to realize from this house party would not come to fruition, but he felt as if the true opportunity was only just beginning.
***
“Why did you not say anything?” Tate prodded, incredulous, as he and Lucas stood in the dining room after dinner, taking their port. “Counterfeit chinoiserie. Who would have thought?”
“You know why I couldn’t say anything.” Lucas folded his arms over his chest. “I had to find out exactly what I was dealing with. And you may be a friend, but you can’t be trusted with confidential matters.”
Tate tugged at his cravat, causing it to hang askew. “Bah, I can be trusted.”
