Page 32 of A Bluestocking’s Secret Courtship

“Do you refer to ancient erotic art, my lord?”

His lordship gulped and gagged. His eyes flared. When he plopped the glass on a side table and doubled over, Evangeline edged closer.

“Is he choking? Someone do something.”

Sir Jonathan and Xavier’s eyes widened, but Lord Dominic waved them away before they could leap into action.

“Swallowed—wrong,” he said between violent coughs wracking his solid frame. By the time he caught his breath, he was laughing. “A brilliant suggestion, Miss Darlington. I am always in search of novel ways to needle my father. Becoming a patron of erotic art would accomplish the goal nicely.”

She crossed her arms. “If you don’t mind my stating the obvious, Lord Dominic, your father sounds uncouth and uncultured. The human form has been the subject of artists for centuries.”

“I have never taken issue with a woman speaking the truth.” Lord Dominic saluted her with his drink before risking another go at it.

Now that his colleague wasn’t on the brink of death, Sir Jonathan suggested they retire to the dining room.

“I may have misled you earlier, Miss Darlington. Lord Dominic is a middleman rather than a scholar like you and me.”

Evangeline warmed at being lumped into the same category with a man she greatly admired. When she sent a triumphant smile in Regina and Xavier’s direction, her brother-in-law winked. Not for the first time, Evangeline was pleased her sister had married a man who encouraged her and her sister to be their true selves.

“What role does a middleman play in the world of antiquities, Lord Dominic?” The question came from Regina. Xavier pulled out her chair, and she sat.

“I facilitate introductions between antiquarians like Sir Jonathan and potential patrons.”

“How interesting.”

“Not particularly,” Lord Dominic said, taking his place at the head of the table. “I arrange social gatherings, Hackberry discusses his work, and interested parties pledge to support him. My role is minor.”

Sir Jonathan chuckled. “As usual, his lordship is too humble. It is no small feat, and he has been known to make generous contributions himself.”

“Only when the subject interests me.” Lord Dominic turned his attention to Evangeline. “I understand your uncle, the illustrious Charles Wedmore, has undertaken a dig in the region. What is he researching here in Greece?”

“Uncle Charles swears us to secrecy before a dig,” she said. “I’m afraid he would not like it if we broke his confidence.”

Regina nodded. “He would be very disappointed.”

“Sir Jonathan,” Evangeline said, as eager to change the subject as she was nervous to pose her request. She took a deep breath. “Would you honor us by reading from your book this evening?”

“Erm…” Color rose in his cheeks. “I don’t wish to bore everyone.”

“There is nothing boring about your work, sir.”

“Speak for yourself,” Lord Dominic mumbled and cut into the lamb chop on his plate.

She slanted an annoyed look in his direction before spearing a piece of artichoke heart with her fork. “I always speak for myself, my lord. Who is better qualified to know my own thoughts?”

“Indeed.” Lord Dominic’s eyebrows lifted. “I like this one, Hackberry.”

She bristled at his possible meaning.

This one? As in a woman or a scholar? Did he view the two as separate and believe one was inferior? She was a woman and a scholar. She was every bit as educated as most men, albeit she had gained her knowledge through independent study rather than university.

Throughout the meal, Evangeline directed her questions toward him, attempting to take his measure. “How long have you been in Athens, my lord?”

“Almost five years. After the war, I stayed on the island of Morea for a brief time before settling in Athens.”

“What precipitated the move?”

“The same reason I left England.” His smile never reached his eyes. “I require more room to roam if the urge grabs me. I have the heart of an adventurer myself, Miss Darlington.”