“I am somewhat busy at the moment.”
“Very busy,” Nathanial said pointedly.
Lord Rathbourne ignored him. “Ah yes, your search for the missing seal. Come now, Miss Montini, it cannot possibly take up all your time. And I must confess that when I have a pressing problem, I find doing something entirely different clears my mind, thus paving the way for a solution. And one way or another your search will soon be over.”
“What makes you think that?” Suspicion sounded in Nathanial’s voice.
Lord Rathbourne cast him a long suffering look. “My dear boy, everyone knows a request for validation of any artifact has a life span of one year, from the start of one committee meeting to the end of the meeting on the following year. As the Verification Committee began its meeting yesterday and will conclude eight days from now, the clock is ticking, as it were.”
He returned his attention to Gabriella. “Once you have given my proposal due consideration, Miss Montini, I am confident you will find it irresistible.” He stepped to a wall of shelves and glanced at Nathanial. “You will find this interesting, Harrington.”
“No doubt, sir.”
The older man reached inside a bookshelf. “There is a lever here that is released by a combination lock. I dialed the combination a few minutes before you arrived.” He flipped the unseen lever and a wall of shelves slid to one side, revealing a large opening. “The lever releases a spring which opens the door. I had the system designed expressly for my needs.” He bowed to Gabriella. “After you, my dear.”
She took a deep breath and stepped through the opening, his lordship a step behind her, leaving Nathanial to trail after them.
“Welcome to my treasure room.”
It seemed at first a small room, lit only by the light from the library behind them. There were no windows and no daylight whatsoever. Gabriella had a disturbing sense of solidity, as if she were in a tomb, the last resting place of a pharaoh. Lord Rathbourne quickly lit gas sconces positioned on either side of the opening on the wall behind her, and she saw that the room was much larger than she had at first thought. In front of her, what she’d assumed was a wall, in fact was a series of narrow panels, each about a foot wide. They extended from the floor to a few inches below the ceiling, an ornate brass knob positioned in exactly the same place on each panel. Lord Rathbourne moved to one, grasped the knob and pulled. The panel was actually one end of a long glass display case that slid outward into the room, revealing narrow shelves filled with Egyptian antiquities.
Gabriella gasped and moved closer. Even Nathanial stepped up to get a better look.
“Here we have the funerary urns of the ancient Egyptians…”
It was indeed a collection to rival any she’d seen in a museum. His lordship pulled out case after case of artifacts. The assortment of Egyptian sepulchral items alone was varied and endless. Here were the figures of deities carved from carnelian and lapis lazuli and jasper, or fashioned out of blue porcelain. She recognized treasures unique to Thebes, Abydos, and Karnac. There were amulets and scarabs cut of stone or semiprecious gems, originally intended to be tucked inside the folds of a mummy’s wrappings. And jewelry of gold and silver and bronze from long dead pharaohs and their queens.
There were cases filled with the remnants of other civilizations as well, from the Etruscans, the Lycians, and the Assyrians. There were artifacts of Greek and Roman origin, black and red vessels and sculpted marble remnants, along with coins marked with the likeness of caesars and emperors and kings. At first glance it seemed there was little of the ancient world that was not represented in the varied and extensive collections of Viscount Rathbourne. It was the work of a lifetime, and indeed it might take a lifetime to examine it all. It was extraordinary, and her heart sped up at the sight of it all.
There was as well a case filled with cut and natural gems. Large diamonds, rubies, emeralds. A king’s ransom in precious stones.
“These are some of the finest and rarest stones in the world.” A note of pride sounded in Lord Rathbourne’s voice. “They are as fine as the crown jewels themselves.”
“One could support a small country with these,” Nathanial murmured.
“A large country, Mr. Harrington,” Lord Rathbourne corrected.
“But where—”
“Here and there, Miss Montini. A true collector does not reveal all his secrets.” His lordship chuckled dryly. “In addition, there is a room similar to this one on the floor directly above us that is strictly for the storage of my paintings. Renaissance masters, primarily.” Rathbourne smiled in a satisfied manner. “I have a fondness for such things and I have the means to indulge myself.” He raised a questioning brow. “Would you care to see those as well?”
“Our time is limited today,” Nathanial said sharply.
“Nonsense,” Gabriella murmured, her gaze darting from one treasure to another. “We have plenty of time.”
Lord Rathbourne chuckled. “Perhaps another day would be best.” He pulled out one more case. “I think this will be of particular interest to you.”
This case held ancient cylinder seals, dozens, perhaps as many as a hundred. Made of stone or clay, they were in no particular order and looked to be Babylonian and Assyrian, Akkadian and Egyptian.
“This one, I think.” He pointed at a cylinder carved of greenstone toward the middle of the case.
She stepped closer and peered through the glass. Her breath caught. It did indeed resemble the impression she had seen of her brother’s seal. Still…She shook her head. “It’s made of the same material and looks similar in size. But without comparing an impression with my brother’s, it’s impossible to say.”
“I can arrange for an impression.”
“This is all quite remarkable, my lord, but we should be leaving,” Nathanial said.
“I’ve never seen anything like this in other than a museum.” Gabriella met Lord Rathbourne’s gaze directly. “It’s a pity not to share it with the world.”
“I am a selfish man, Miss Montini. I make no apologies for my nature.” He shrugged. “When we spoke at the ball, I told you I wished to have my collections put in order so that when I am no longer here, what I have accumulated will be acknowledged. However, since we last spoke I have had further thoughts.”
“Yes?” Gabriella said.
“It seems something of a shame to have my life’s work relegated to a shelf here and there in a museum full of such things, with only a brass plate as recognition of my achievement. I would much prefer to have all that I have accumulated remain as one. I am considering keeping my collections together in one place, in this very house, displaying them here after I’m gone.” His eyes took on a far off expression, as if he were seeing into the future. “The Rathbourne Collection at Rathbourne House. It has a nice sound to it, don’t you think?”
Nathanial looked as though he were about to say or do something embarrassing. Gabriella shot him a threatening glance.
“And I will need a curator.” Lord Rathbourne’s cool gaze met hers. “You, my dear.”
She widened her eyes. “Surely you can’t be serious.”
“I am never less than serious.”
“She’s not qualified for something like that,” Nathanial said quickly.
“She most certainly is,” Lord Rathbourne said to him, but his gaze stayed on her. “She has spent years studying antiquities, ancient civilizations, history, languages—”
“How did you know that?” Gabriella drew her brows together.
“I made it my business to know.” He shrugged. “It was not difficult information to uncover. You have not lived in secrecy. In addition, you are familiar with current finds and discoveries and research. While you are not well known, you have crossed paths through the years with scholars and collectors, museum directors and archeologists.”
“But she’s a—” Nathanial started, then obviously thought better of it.
“If you were going to say she’s a woman, I commend you fo
r your restraint in not pointing out the obvious. Indeed she is a woman.” Lord Rathbourne’s tone was deceptively casual. “Surely you are not suggesting her gender should preclude her from consideration for this position?”
Nathanial had the faintest look about him of a rat caught in a trap. Good. Perhaps he would have to chew his leg off to escape. “No sir,” he said weakly. “Of course not.”
“That’s very kind of you, my lord, but—”
“Kindness has nothing to do with it, Miss Montini. I am rarely if ever kind. I find the idea of a beautiful and brilliant woman being the curator of my collection—the public face, as it were—of the Rathbourne Collection, to be a stroke of genius.”
“Admittedly,” she said choosing her words with care, “it is an intriguing—”
“Allow me to be blunt, if you will,” Lord Rathbourne interrupted. “Your life to this point has been filled with your studies and the work you did for your brother. He is now dead. If you were a man, you would have worked by his side. Even a cursory examination of your life up to now would indicate that is something that surely has crossed your mind. An intelligent and imaginative creature such as yourself cannot immerse herself in the legacy of the past without some desire to see where it all began. To have a hand in its rebirth.”
“My lord, I—”
“You might well have aspired to follow in your brother’s footsteps, even though that aspiration was absurd given the restrictions of your gender. If such desires have indeed occurred to you, it is time to put them to rest and move forward.” He leaned closer and his gaze trapped hers. “I am offering you an opportunity that will never come your way again, Miss Montini. The chance to create a prominent, if not preeminent, private museum. Unfettered by the meaningless tyrannies of a board of trustees who can’t tell the difference between an exquisite twenty-four-hundred-year-old Greek amphora and a worthless flower vase. You would have unlimited funds at your disposal to acquire new pieces, to complete what I have only begun.
“Think of it, Miss Montini.” His voice lowered in a seductive manner, and in the back of her mind she wondered if this indeed was what it felt like to be seduced by a man, not a boy. To feel your resistance fade with every word. To feel an ache, a longing build slowly but inevitably toward surrender. To know, even as you denied it, even as you knew it was a dreadful mistake, that you would succumb. “You will never be among those who search for treasure, but you could be the one who brings those treasures to the world. With your knowledge and my fortune, you and I together could—”
“But won’t you be dead?” Nathanial blurted.
“Nathanial,” Gabriella snapped.
“He said he wanted this to happen after his death.” Nathanial shrugged. “Which would indicate to me there would be no ‘together’ in any way unless he plans to oversee this from beyond the grave.”
“Quite right, Mr. Harrington,” Lord Rathbourne said in a cold, clipped tone. “However, while I am increasingly aware of my own mortality, I do not intend to depart this earth in the immediate future.” His gaze returned to Gabriella. “As much as I have implicit faith in leaving my acquisitions in Miss Montini’s capable hands, I would like to begin planning my legacy while I am still able to do so. And I would like you to begin cataloguing my collections as soon as possible.”
She thought for a moment. It was, as he had said, irresistible.
“Gabriella?” Nathanial said.
And what else was she to do with her life? She squared her shoulders. “How soon?”
Nathanial’s brow furrowed. “Surely you’re not thinking of accepting this offer?”
The older man ignored him. “You may begin as early as tomorrow if you wish, at least to get some idea of the immensity of the job. I do not expect your complete attention until you have resolved the matter of the missing seal.”
Nathanial stared. “Gabriella—”
“That is most gracious of you, my lord.” She narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. “I imagine the salary would be commensurate with the position?”
“Not at all, Miss Montini. I had planned on paying you an exorbitant amount, far more than any comparable position anywhere.” Lord Rathbourne smiled. “I find nothing ensures loyalty better than overpaid employees. We can discuss specific terms now if you wish or later if you prefer.”
“Another day would be fine, there is no particular hurry. Indeed, until the matter of my brother’s seal has been put to rest, I would be reluctant to accept any monetary compensation. Let us consider anything I do until then to be no more than preparatory.” Gabriella extended her hand. “I shall return tomorrow, then.”
Lord Rathbourne took her hand in his. “I foresee nothing but success in this venture we are engaging upon, Miss Montini.”
She had the distinct impression this was a man who would permit nothing but success. His touch still triggered distaste, but then he didn’t want her in the manner in which other men might. He wanted her skill, her knowledge, her mind. Nonetheless, it would be an uneasy alliance. She certainly didn’t trust him, and she suspected he didn’t trust anyone.
“Good day, Miss Montini.” He released her hand. “Mr. Harrington.”
“Sir.” Nathanial nodded and they took their leave.
They didn’t say a word to one another in the carriage ride back to his house, which suited her perfectly. She didn’t wish to hear his admonitions, his warnings, his arrogant insistence that he knew better than she how she should live her life. He had no right to do so. Besides, she fully intended never to see him again when the matter of her brother’s seal was resolved. It would be better that way. For them both.
The moment they entered the house, he took her elbow and steered her toward the library. The line of his jaw was tight with tension.
She huffed. “Where are we going?”
His voice was low, barely under control, and she realized she might have pushed him just a touch too far. Not that it wasn’t his own fault.
“Short of taking you to my rooms, which I would dearly love to do—”
“What? And turn me over your knee?”
“That too,” he snapped. “The only place in this house that I can ensure privacy that would not be considered highly improper—”
“And we wouldn’t want that.”
“No, Gabriella, we wouldn’t. I have the sensibilities of my mother and my sister to consider, as well as your reputation. Not that you seem to be giving it any thought whatsoever.”
“When did you become so concerned with propriety?”
“When I met you.” He kicked open the library door and fairly hauled her into the room.
Mr. Dennison jumped to his feet behind his desk. “Master Nathanial! Is something amiss?”
“You might say that, Dennison.” Nathanial jerked his head toward the door. “Now, get out.”
Gabriella folded her arms over her chest and glared.
Mr. Dennison’s gaze skipped from Nathanial to Gabriella and back. “If there is something I can do to be of assistance—”
“I will call you.” Nathanial blew a long breath. “My apologies for my rude behavior, but—”
“None necessary, sir.” Mr. Dennison gathered up some papers on his desk, then quickly crossed the room to the door, casting a curious glance at Gabriella as he passed. She didn’t doubt there would a note on its way to Florence within the hour. “I will be in the back parlor, sir, if you have need of me.”
“If you will simply make sure we are not disturbed.” Nathanial mustered a weak smile. “I would be most appreciative.”
“Of course, sir.” Dennison took his leave, closing the door firmly behind him.
Nathanial narrowed his eyes and stared at her in silence. One minute stretched to a second and then a third. She resisted the urge to stamp her foot on the floor.
“Well, go on. Say it.”
“Say what?” He practically growled the words.
She shifted uneasily. “Whatever it is you have to say.”
&nbs
p; His eyes narrowed even more, if possible. “What makes you think I have anything to say?”
“Come now, Nathanial. You are very nearly about to explode.” She sniffed. “Your restraint is not that good.”
“My restraint.” His voice rose. “My restraint?”
“Yes, your restraint,” she said in a lofty manner, and started toward the door. Perhaps this was not a good time to talk about Lord Rathbourne or anything else. Besides, there wasn’t anything he could say that hadn’t already crossed her mind.
“Oh, no.” He stepped directly in her path. “We are going to discuss this and we are going to discuss this now.”
“Very well.” She turned away from him to take one of the chairs in front of the desk, sitting pointedly with her back to him. And realized it was not a good idea. “If you’re going to ask if I’m insane again—”
“Oh, I no longer think there’s a question about your sanity.”
“I wasn’t mad the last time you asked and I daresay I am not mad now.”
She heard him behind her, and without warning he grabbed the chair she was in and spun it around to face him. “I won’t allow it.”
“You have no say in the matter.”
“As you are in my home—”
“And I needn’t be! I have my own—I have elsewhere I can reside and do so precisely as I think best.”
He ignored her. “Nonetheless, I promised to protect you and I cannot do so if you are in that house. Rathbourne is a dangerous man.” He leaned closer and braced his hands on the arms of the chair. His eyes blazed with anger. Without thinking, she shrank back. “He wants to add you to his collections the same way he has added his wife.”
She scoffed. “Don’t be absurd.”
“He wants you to be the beautiful and brilliant curator of his collections. As much an acquisition as his art and his artifacts.”
“Even if you’re right…” She pushed him aside and got to her feet. “…why shouldn’t I do this? I am more than qualified. Lord Rathbourne said it and he was right. I have indeed been training for this very position most of my life. Why shouldn’t I be the curator of his collections?”
The Virgin’s Secret Page 20