“Fine, fine. A bit surprised to see you here, though.” He propped his hands akimbo. “What can I help you with?”
“I’m here to speak with MissBrannon.”
“Olivia?” Crane’s brows drew together in confusion.
“Yes.”
“Of course. Wait here.”
Lucas paced the small, plain receiving room until at last a distant door opened and footsteps approached. His heart leapt in his chest at the sound, and he turned toward the corridor.
But instead of Olivia, Thomas Brannon entered.
Lucas was struck at the sight. It had been months, if not years, since Lucas had spoken with the man. He bowed.
No friendliness or warmth marked Brannon’s expression as he wiped his hands on a rag. “I was not aware you were on such friendly terms with my niece.”
“I had the pleasure of renewing my acquaintance with Miss Brannon while at Cloverton Hall. I was there to assess the Cloverton collection, and she was there with Mrs. Milton.”
“She failed to mention it.”
Normally, Lucas had no problem conversing with anyone, but something about Thomas Brannon sat ill with him. Furthermore, he wasn’t sure how to interpret the fact that Olivia had not mentioned their meeting to either her uncle or Mr.Crane. Had it not been significant enough to her to mention? Or did she think her family would oppose such an interaction?
He pushed his thoughts aside. “I’ve been asked to deliver something to her that was left behind at Cloverton Hall.”
But he did not need to say any more, for just as the last words were out of his mouth, he heard the rustling of fabric just beyond the door, and Olivia appeared.
His chest tightened at the sight of her.
Beautiful.
She was not attired as she had been at Cloverton, in silks and lace, with her hair dressed in curls and pins. A simple gown of sage gingham, protected by a khaki linen apron, adorned her frame, and her chestnut tresses were secured at the base of her neck in a simple plaited chignon.
He’d clearly interrupted her work. The sleeves of her gown were rolled up to her elbows, and she rolled them down as she stepped through the threshold. And yet a genuine smile dimpled her cheek. “Mr.Avery! I was not expecting to see you. What a pleasant surprise.”
Chapter37
Her heart thudded an erratic cadence in her chest, making her head light and her breathing shallow.
He was here. Mere feet away from her.
As soon as her uncle quit the small receiving room, she inched closer to Mr.Avery and lowered her voice. “How surprised I am to see you! I assumed you’d remain at Cloverton Hall for the duration of the gathering.”
A grin tugged his mouth. “In light of all that happened, I thought it best to return to London.”
She swiped long wisps of hair from her face, wishing she’d had a chance to tidy it before he arrived. “I confess I have been thinking a great deal about Cloverton Hall lately. How did you leave things there?”
He lowered his beaver hat to his side and raked his fingers through his hair. “I departed the day after you did. But after you left, the entire atmosphere was quite somber. The discovery of the Cavesee Vase’s destruction dampened the whole party.”
The events—and the feelings she experienced as a result—raced through her mind. “It’s all so unbelievable. Were they able to learn any more about what happened?”
He shrugged his broad shoulder. “As of the time I left, it was still a mystery. But I can confirm that the piece was the authentic Cavesee Vase.”
She drew a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “It just doesn’t make any sense, does it?”
“Something odd is happening at Cloverton Hall. The entire situation is problematic. I advised Wainbridge to engage assistance to look into the matter further. I hope he does.”
“And Mrs.Milton? How was she faring?”
