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“I can’t wait either,” she said.

He let her go with obvious reluctance. “In the meantime, we need to search the rest of the house and grounds. Our treasures are still missing.”

She nodded, frowning. “Do you think Smiggens did it?”

“Not really, but we have no other lead at this point.”

“Deo, do you think—” She stopped because the enormity of the idea took her breath away. “Do you think it could have been Bidenden?”

He stared at her very hard. “I did wonder fleetingly, but I thought it was just that I disliked him so much because of his persistent pursuit of you. Why?”

“Well, I always thought his interest in me was mainly motivated by his desire for my fortune. Although,”—she broke off flushing—“I do have some proof he desired me.”

“Do you?” asked Deo grimly. “What did he do?”

“Oh, nothing more than I’ve told you, I think. But when he grabbed me and tried to kiss me in the anteroom after lunch the day he arrived—”

“I didn’t know he’d done that!” Deo’s expression became quite ferocious.

“Oh, didn’t I tell you? Anyway, he—well I—I could feel that he wanted me, if you know what I mean,” she said, blushing.

“Yes, I know what you mean, and I’ll string him up by his neckcloth!” growled Deo.

“Well, anyway, I do think it was mainly my fortune. I accused him of it that day and he denied it. His father is quite wealthy, so he shouldn’t be short of funds, but perhaps he is? And he did mention to me that his father has a strong interest in antiquities, too. He’s quite a collector, apparently.”

“God, yes! Why didn’t I make that connection? His father is the Marquess of Malmsbury.” Deo headed for the door. “I need to speak to Rob about this. We let the fellow go! If he’s taken the items, he could be halfway to London by now.”