“Well, since we are all wondering what became of the mummy and the artifacts, and because I miss horrid novels, Sophia suggested I write my own.” Eliza grinned. “That’s exactly what I’m going to do. I purchased everything I need from the mercantile just now.”
Lady Norbright looked back to Sophia with a bit of admiration in her eyes, then returned her gaze to the budding author. “I’m assuming that as you’re penning your imagination, we no longer need to worry about you being out and about trying to scare up a new adventure.”
“I’ll be far too busy writing,” the young woman assured her. “However, if the mummy shows up here, I can’t make that promise. After all, we must be cautious because of the curse.”
“Curse?” Lord Norbright practically choked on his tea.
“Yes, curse,” Rosemary answered before she went on to explain about her mother’s journals and what had been written in them.
The more the three spoke, the more certain Eve became that she was in the presence of those three, and they certainly were imaginative, and a bit enjoyable as well. Of course, Eve wasn’t forced to teach them and spend every single day wondering what they were up to, so perhaps they wouldn’t seem so delightful then.
“I hadn’t realized that the theft of the mummy had reached all the way to Cornwall,” Eve found herself saying. “Unless another has been taken. I’m only aware of the one taken from a home in Mayfair.”
Eliza’s eyes widened. “The Mayfair Mummy. That’s what I’ll call my book.”
“It is the same mummy,” Lady Norbright answered. “Eliza has been quite intrigued by the whole mystery.”
“Intrigued is one way to describe her fixation,” Lord Norbright grumbled and Eve got the distinct impression he was not fond of the trio before them.
“Well, we must be off if I’m to write my novel.” Eliza grinned and turned for the door.
“Good day, Lord and Lady Norbright,” Sophia said, then nodded to Eve, who was thankful that there were no introductions. She didn’t wish for her sister to learn that she’d arrived in Kirksbury by way of an announcement from the three students.
Chapter 18
“We should have traveled on horseback or in curricles,” Henry grumbled as he watched the scenery pass outside of the coach window. “We’d arrive quicker.” They’d left London nearly twenty-four hours earlier.
“Of course, then we could have raced all the way to Cornwall. Nothing dangerous in that,” Pickmore grumbled.
“As it is, we are traveling a bit faster than I’m comfortable with,” Keegan complained.
They were moving at a snail’s pace as far as Henry was concerned.
The carriage took a tight turn and his three friends grasped whatever they could hold onto to keep from falling.
Since when had the three become so cautious? They were Devils of Dalston. Fearless! Agents for the Crown. A simple trip to Cornwall was hardly dangerous when compared to some of their missions, yet they behaved as a bunch of ninnies.
“How much longer do you think?” Henry asked.
“Not soon enough,” Pickmore grumbled.
Henry shot him a disgusted look. Pickmore had been a captain in the army. Were all soldiers so cautious? If so, it was a wonder that Napoleon hadn’t trounced England’s troops by now, invaded England and taken up residence in the Palace.
“At this rate of travel, I suspect we might arrive with the dawn,” Ashford answered. “I doubt even a mail coach traveled at this speed.”
They had done well with time, Henry supposed. Of course, he’d only allowed so much time between stops and drove all through the night, as they would this one. While horses were being changed, he purchased foodstuff and ale, which they’d partaken of as they drove since they didn’t have the luxury of dining at the coaching inns.
“Then get some rest, gentlemen, for I intend not to stop until we reach the Wiggons’ School for Elegant Young Ladies.”
“I just hope we make it there in one piece,” Keegan grumbled before he crossed his arms over his chest and closed his eyes.
They may be able to sleep, but Henry would not. Even as the night darkened further, until nothing could be made out even under moonlight because of their speed, he could not give in to rest. Not when his mind continued to worry about Eve.
Blast Jeffries for not alerting him to her loss. Eve should not have been alone in her grief. No wonder she fled to her sister, her only remaining family member. Had Henry known, he would have taken her himself.
Why hadn’t she asked it of him?
Except, she’d asked for the necklace before she ever knew the fate of her brother.
