“Ye said Kilsyth hadn’t always been so disagreeable?” Eve returned to the one topic on her mind.
“Quite the opposite.” He grinned. “One of the best pranksters in Eton, I assure you.”
Eve had difficulty believing Kilsyth would even think of a prank and then pull it on anyone.
“He was always quite studious, as was I, but there was much fun to be had at Eton and in our university days.”
Fun? Kilsyth?
“It’s a shame really, to see how he’s changed.” Pickmore frowned and took a sip of his tea. “I first noticed it in his letters, and it was why I visited his mother upon my return, but she had no idea what had brought about the shift in his mood and has been quite put out with Henry for not confiding in her.”
Eve could only assume mothers would wish that their children confided in them, but she wouldn’t know since hers had died when Eve was only a child. If she had a mother living, she’d certainly be confiding in her.
“However, I do believe that your arrival might very well change matters back to the way they once were.” He set the teacup back on the table. “I do miss my old friend and perhaps between the two of us we can restore him to the gentleman he once was.”
Between the two of us? How was that even possible when she had no idea what had brought about the change or even who Kilsyth had been before?
Chapter 8
Wiggons’ School for Elegant Young Ladies,
Cornwall, England
“Well, that’s rather alarming.” Miss Hamilton’s voice came from the sitting room where the teachers gathered for tea.
Eliza flattened herself against the wall and put her finger to her lips so Sophia, Rosemary, Olivia and Victoria would remain quiet.
Sophia rolled her eyes. Just because their teacher made such a statement didn’t mean there was any cause to worry. Instead of doing as Eliza wished, she peeked around the corner to find Miss Hamilton sitting in a chair near the window. Beside her on the table were the various papers and journals she subscribed to. Just because her services were no longer desired at the British Museum didn’t mean that Miss Hamilton didn’t continue to read the latest news from London as well as papers written with regard to historical and antiquarian finds.
Victoria marched past Sophia and into the sitting room “Is all well, Miss Hamilton?”
Rosemary started to follow but Eliza grasped her arm. However, Sophia followed Victoria, as did Olivia.
“For me, why yes, but a shipment has been stolen.”
The girls blinked at her. “Were you expecting a shipment?” Olivia asked.
“No. Notme,” Miss Hamilton chuckled. “A shipment of rare artifacts, as well as a mummy have been taken from a home in Mayfair. The owner for some reason had it on display for his friends and acquaintances and then he was going to ship everything to the British Museum. But, before he was given the opportunity, thieves broke in while he was away, tied up the servants and made off with the artifacts, and the mummy, as well as other items of value in the man’s collection.”
“I’m certain they will find his belongings. After all, how easy would it be to hide a sarcophagus?” Eliza announced, following them into the sitting room. Apparently, she’d given up trying to eavesdrop.
“That’s just it. The sarcophagus was left behind, but the mummy was taken.”
“Eww,” Olivia scrunched up her nose. “Why would anyone want a mummy?”
Those were Sophia’s thoughts as well.
“They are still worth a good deal of money,” Miss Hamilton answered, “As are the artifacts that were taken.”
“It would serve the thieves right if they were cursed,” Rosemary announced as if she’d been the affronted.
“Cursed?” Eliza suddenly became interested.
Miss Hamilton laughed. “Though it would serve the thieves right, there are no such thing as curses.”
“Oh, but there are, Miss Hamilton.” Rosemary took the chair opposite their teacher. “My mother wrote all about the curses that had been carved inside some of the tombs and that those who enter or take from the tomb will be cursed and horrible things will befall them.”
Eliza edged forward, her eyes lit with fascination.
