In short order, the carriage rolled to a stop in front of Montagu House. “They will be in either the exhibit of the South Seas specimens and artifacts brought back by Captain Cook’s expedition”—Charlotte spoke as they climbed down and started up the broad walkway leading to the museum’s entrance—“or the galleries holding the collection of Greek antiquities donated by Sir William Hamilton. Alison is fond of classical sculpture, and I believe some of Lord Elgin’s marbles are currently on display there, too.”
Following the porter’s directions, they made their way to the South Seas galleries, where the items on display included specimens of brightly-colored stuffed birds, pressed flowers, and exotic shells.
“Hawk will be clamoring to return here with his sketchbook,” said Charlotte, gazing around to make sure the boy wasn’t lingering in one of the corners, entranced by the wondrous objects within the cases.
“Indeed.” McClellan cleared her throat with a cough at the sight of a spotted sea snake coiled in a large glass cylinder filled with preserving fluid. “Thank heaven these, er, rare and valuable things must remain in a museum.”
“The classical antiquities have more aesthetic appeal,” said Charlotte. Up ahead was a well-lit corridor. “This way.”
Several turns took them to the display alcove of the famous Rosetta Stone, which the king had donated to the museum. Charlotte paused for a moment, intrigued by its intellectual puzzle.
“Raven will likely be anxious to come again and try his hand at deciphering the Stone. Lady Cordelia has told him that solving codes is based on mathematical principles.” Wrexford, too, found the challenge fascinating . . .
A cough from the maid drew her back from such musings.
“According to the porter, we need to turn left here, and then right . . .”
The corridor brought them to an arched entranceway flanked by fluted marble columns, their creamy white contours accentuated by the sherry-colored hue of the paneled wood doors. One was standing half open, and Charlotte led the way through it.
A massive classical statue of Hercules at battle with a lion was positioned at the head of the long and narrow gallery space. As Charlotte moved closer, she found herself cloaked by the long shadow cast by the sconces set high on the walls. From close by, the murmur of voices rose above the whisper of the dancing flames.
Pausing by the stone rump of the snarling beast, she set a hand on the marble and ventured a look into the room.
“What a pleasant surprise to encounter you here, Lady Peake.”
Charlotte froze.
“Are you and your escorts aficionados of antiquities?” continued the sinuous-as-a-snake voice.
What in the name of Hades isDeVeredoing here?she wondered. She didn’t imagine he indulged in idle sightseeing.
“My two nephews are explaining all the lessons they are learning from their tutor about Greek mythology,” replied Alison. “And how the gods punish mere mortals for becoming too puffed up with hubris.”
“There are many ways to interpret the Greek myths,” answered DeVere. “That’s what makes them so interesting.”
“And yet,” said Alison, her voice clear as ice, “I’ve always found the difference between Good and Evil to need no interpretation.”
Ignoring the comment, DeVere turned his gaze to Hawk. “I see you’re accompanied by your great-niece’s charming ward.” To the boy, he added, “I do hope you are keeping up with your drawing, Master Sloane. With the right guidance, you have the potential to be a very fine artist. I’m well connected with the art world here in London, and would be happy to offer my counsel on how to develop your skills.”
Afraid that Raven might retort with an impudent comment, Charlotte quickly stepped out from behind the statue.
“A generous offer, but it won’t be necessary, sir,” she said. “As I told you, Wrexford is overseeing the education of the boys.”
DeVere’s smile held a hint of mockery. “Then they will, of course, acquire all the necessary poise and polish to fit in with Polite Society.”
“I think they will learn a great many more important lessons from Wrexford than how to assume a superficial glitter in Society,” replied Charlotte. “After all, one can cut delicate facets into a piece of glass, buff it to a radiant sparkle, and try to pass it off as a diamond. But it’s still just a piece of glass.”
Is that a flicker of annoyance beneath his well-schooled features?If so, it was gone in an instant.
Flicking a speck of dust from his cuff, DeVere turned to Raven. “Are you interested in botany, too?”
“Come along, boys,” cut in Charlotte before Raven could answer. “Kindly finish telling Aunt Alison about the Greek myths without further dawdling. I’m very much looking forward to our visit to Gunter’s Tea Shop.”
Hawk dutifully offered Alison his hand. “Shall we go see Lord Elgin’s marbles? Mr. Linsley says they depict the mythical battle between the Lapiths and the centaurs . . .”
Raven, however, hesitated for a moment, fixing DeVere with an unblinking stare before turning to follow his brother and the dowager.
McClellan, who had been standing between two pedestals holding busts of Homer and Sophocles, trailed after him. No doubt intent on making sure he didn’t have any second thoughts about staying out of trouble.
