demeanor, for the better.
“M’ lady, might you have a doable suggestion as to preserve the safety of the tome?” Samuel asked, hoping he’d not overstepped his bounds.
“I believe so,” Barbara stated. She kept her gaze on her husband. “Parliament rises at the end of next week until after the holidays. I know you’re heavily involved with several bills but what if we depart within the next few days to the country. This, of course, will turn everyone on their ear, which could confuse Lord Hersey, or whoever is after the book. At the estate we’ll have better protection as we can enlist the tenants to be on the lookout for strangers.”
“That is a wonderful proposal as you will have more time to prepare for our annual Christmas ball. By staying in town until the last minute I know everything is rushed and you’ve never been totally pleased with the end results,” the earl concluded.
“If I might say,” Samuel added, “I do wholeheartedly believe Lady Sexton, you have the perfect solution to the dilemma as in doing so will protect everyone and the book.” He hoped an invitation to join them would be forthcoming. Not only did he wish to learn the secrets of the book but continue his quest for Brittany’s hand.
Not wishing to appear anxious, Samuel studied Eli as he evaluated the suggestions from his daughter and wife.
“Lord Samuel, I’m taking the recommendation of the ladies. Retiring to the country will be to our best advantage. With the countess’ permission I would like to invite you to travel with us. This way you’ll be able to continue your studies of the book in preparation for your journey to Africa. Also, between you and our daughter working together, you might uncover the reason this edition is of such an interest to someone.”
“It would be my honor to join your family at the estate. That is, with the ladies’ permission?”
From the expression he perceived from Barbara he knew she would welcome him joining them. On the other hand, the mild scowl from Brittany told him she wasn’t sure about him being in the same mansion as she. Now, he knew he would have to take the offensive to accompany them.
“M’ lady, it would be my honor to spend whatever time is necessary with you, except Lady Brittany isn’t of the same mind. If you can convince her, then I’m more than willing to join you at your country estate.”
“It’s not that I wouldn’t wish you to join us, but the library at the estate is much smaller than here. I had hoped to garner enough information from the book so I’d know which ones to bring with me,” Brittany told Samuel.
“Lady Brittany, I don’t understand. Wouldn’t the estate library be as extensive as or more so than here?” Samuel asked, puzzled.
“No. We keep the main collection here. Frequently, learned scholars visit to examine works as our collection is extensive, but you already know that. Years ago the books had been kept in the country but travel became difficult for some of the more elderly to make the trip. I decided to remake the ballroom into what you currently see and moved the books here. Now, academics are able to visit easily, much to their delight. When we’re not in residence John knows who is permitted into the library and who is not,” Eli explained.
“Then, that’s what this person wants from you. Remember Quinn said the thief was told to grab a book, not necessarily the one written by Hersey. The mastermind wants us to retreat to the country where they will easily be able to get their hands on it,” Samuel explained, to nods of understanding from everyone.
“So Lord Samuel what would you suggest we do? If we stay here he’ll send more thieves and someone could get hurt,” Eli asked.
“You do precisely what Lady Sexton suggested. Go to the estate, except leave the book here with Lady Wallace. I’m assuming she, along with Lord Cole, will be joining us at the estate. She can bring it with her,” Samuel recommended,
“M’ lady, might you have a doable suggestion as to preserve the safety of the tome?” Samuel asked, hoping he’d not overstepped his bounds.
“I believe so,” Barbara stated. She kept her gaze on her husband. “Parliament rises at the end of next week until after the holidays. I know you’re heavily involved with several bills but what if we depart within the next few days to the country. This, of course, will turn everyone on their ear, which could confuse Lord Hersey, or whoever is after the book. At the estate we’ll have better protection as we can enlist the tenants to be on the lookout for strangers.”
“That is a wonderful proposal as you will have more time to prepare for our annual Christmas ball. By staying in town until the last minute I know everything is rushed and you’ve never been totally pleased with the end results,” the earl concluded.
“If I might say,” Samuel added, “I do wholeheartedly believe Lady Sexton, you have the perfect solution to the dilemma as in doing so will protect everyone and the book.” He hoped an invitation to join them would be forthcoming. Not only did he wish to learn the secrets of the book but continue his quest for Brittany’s hand.
Not wishing to appear anxious, Samuel studied Eli as he evaluated the suggestions from his daughter and wife.
“Lord Samuel, I’m taking the recommendation of the ladies. Retiring to the country will be to our best advantage. With the countess’ permission I would like to invite you to travel with us. This way you’ll be able to continue your studies of the book in preparation for your journey to Africa. Also, between you and our daughter working together, you might uncover the reason this edition is of such an interest to someone.”
“It would be my honor to join your family at the estate. That is, with the ladies’ permission?”
From the expression he perceived from Barbara he knew she would welcome him joining them. On the other hand, the mild scowl from Brittany told him she wasn’t sure about him being in the same mansion as she. Now, he knew he would have to take the offensive to accompany them.
“M’ lady, it would be my honor to spend whatever time is necessary with you, except Lady Brittany isn’t of the same mind. If you can convince her, then I’m more than willing to join you at your country estate.”
“It’s not that I wouldn’t wish you to join us, but the library at the estate is much smaller than here. I had hoped to garner enough information from the book so I’d know which ones to bring with me,” Brittany told Samuel.
“Lady Brittany, I don’t understand. Wouldn’t the estate library be as extensive as or more so than here?” Samuel asked, puzzled.
“No. We keep the main collection here. Frequently, learned scholars visit to examine works as our collection is extensive, but you already know that. Years ago the books had been kept in the country but travel became difficult for some of the more elderly to make the trip. I decided to remake the ballroom into what you currently see and moved the books here. Now, academics are able to visit easily, much to their delight. When we’re not in residence John knows who is permitted into the library and who is not,” Eli explained.
“Then, that’s what this person wants from you. Remember Quinn said the thief was told to grab a book, not necessarily the one written by Hersey. The mastermind wants us to retreat to the country where they will easily be able to get their hands on it,” Samuel explained, to nods of understanding from everyone.
“So Lord Samuel what would you suggest we do? If we stay here he’ll send more thieves and someone could get hurt,” Eli asked.
“You do precisely what Lady Sexton suggested. Go to the estate, except leave the book here with Lady Wallace. I’m assuming she, along with Lord Cole, will be joining us at the estate. She can bring it with her,” Samuel recommended,
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