“You don’t understand. I don’t reallywantto go, Ihaveto go. I swear I will never have a decent night’s sleep if I don’t see with my own eyes what is or is not hidden inside that chamber.”
Damien heard the edge of fear in Isabella’s voice, but he also saw the glint of determination in her eye. And he knew from past experience that she would not be denied.
Damien heaved an ungracious sigh of defeat and forced himself to consider the one positive aspect of the situation. At least he would be with Isabella. He could protect her from any harm, real or imagined, and if he judged the situation too upsetting for her, he would abruptly end it. If she could not see to her own best interests, then he most certainly would.
Damien narrowed his gaze. “I’m going to gather the supplies we’ll need and locate Jenkins. I will await you in my study. I’ll expect you there in twenty minutes.”
Damien turned on his heel and stalked out of the room, deciding that being in love with an impetuous, willful woman like Isabella was going to age him quickly.
Fifteen minutes later, Isabella breathlessly arrived at the earl’s study. She had changed into her oldest gown in record time, not wanting to give Damien any opportunity to change his mind about taking her along. Holding her arm against the stitch that cramped her side from running, she watched in quiet fascination as Damien packed a cloth sack.
Neatly spread out before him were three lanterns, four candles, a light box, a considerable length of heavy rope, a long-bladed knife, and several large stones. Isabella was surprised when she realized the earl meant to take all these items with him.
“My goodness, Damien, we are only going to explore one rather small chamber. We are not about to embark on a trip to India.” Isabella fingered a foot-long gray stone in puzzlement. “Rocks?”
“For propping the panel door open,” Damien explained. He continued filling his sack as if Isabella had not spoken. “There must be a release mechanism on the inside of the wall, but I have no intention of placing myself in the disadvantaged position of being forced to locate it in order to exit the passageway.”
“A sound idea.” Isabella nodded her approval. “But are all these other items necessary? Would not a few candles suffice?”
“I am preparing for any eventuality,” Damien replied. “Ah, here is Jenkins. I hope he has packed our lunch.”
“Lunch!” Isabella exclaimed. Her eyes widened in disbelief, and Damien burst out laughing.
After a moment’s hesitation, Isabella joined in. She supposed she deserved that. Lord knew she certainly didn’t need her female instincts to tell her that Damien would prefer she not accompany him this afternoon. Given the earl’s autocratic nature, Isabella was sure he did not appreciate her questioning his choice of supplies.
Damien finished packing the satchel and tossed the cumbersome bag easily over his shoulder. Isabella could not help but admire the way the strong muscles of his forearms rippled beneath his snug-fitting coat. She had always found his taut, muscular physique appealing, but the sight of his powerful body filled her with a sense of confidence. Damien was physically strong and mentally alert. Her fear of their forthcoming expedition lessened. At all costs, Isabella knew, the earl would keep her safe.
“Are we ready?” Damien asked. “Jenkins, Isabella, come along.”
Isabella obligingly fell in step with Jenkins as Damien led the way. While crossing the great hall, the trio unexpectedly bumped into Lord Poole. Isabella could tell from the contemptuous glare Damien cast at Lord Poole that he was annoyed by the interruption.
“Where are you off to in such a hurry?” Lord Poole asked.
“This doesn’t concern you, Poole,” Damien said without breaking stride.
“If it involves Isabella, then it most definitely concerns me,” Lord Poole retorted, stepping forward to block Isabella’s progress.
Everyone stopped. Isabella lowered her eyes, avoiding the probing look Lord Poole sent her way. She said nothing. Risking a glance beneath her lashes, she saw Damien’s expression darkening. She sighed loudly. Clearly both men were going to continue to make her the focus of their ongoing feud. Isabella felt as though she were a prized toy being fought over by two young lads.
This constant battle between Damien and Thomas for her undivided loyalty must cease. Isabella forced herself to stop twisting the folds of her gown between her fingers. It was high time she put her foot down. Lifting her chin, she spoke to her half brother.
“We are going to explore a hidden passageway the children and I discovered this morning. Would you care to join us, Thomas?”
Lord Poole appeared confounded by Isabella’s invitation, but he readily accepted. Damien was silent for a long moment, and Isabella feared he would cancel the proposed expedition. Instead he gave her a level look, then began climbing the staircase.
Relieved at avoiding a scene, Isabella accepted Lord Poole’s arm and they trailed behind Damien and Jenkins. Seeking a distraction from the palpable tension, Isabella began relating the morning’s startling events to Lord Poole. When she discovered he had no prior knowledge of Lady Anne’s treasure, Isabella launched into a spirited rendition of the fascinating tale.
“Egad, Saunders,” Lord Poole taunted, “ ’tis hard to imagine you’ve had the solution to your endless financial problems buried in this old relic for over a century.”
Damien neglected to rise to the bait. He flashed Lord Poole the lethal smile that usually sent the faint of heart running for cover. Isabella felt a twinge of sisterly pride when Thomas returned the look measure for measure.
“This is it,” Damien announced when they reached the proper room.
Everyone followed the earl solemnly into the chamber.
He strode directly to the correct wall panel and pressed the latch hidden in the molding. The panel clicked open.
“Fascinating,” Jenkins said.
