by M C Dulac
“I’ve released as much money from the vaults as I can.”
A heavyset man in an expensive suit and gold watch turned around. He rested his hairy wrist on the back of the seat and glared at them aggressively.
Champillon smiled politely.
“Russian,” he murmured.
The auction started. An old master painting caused a stir. Champillon put in a bid on a Louis XVI dining set but dropped out when the bidding reached half a million pounds.
Forty minutes into the auction, Barnabas Wyatt’s estate was announced.
Bidders across the room sat up straight in their seats. There were not as many interested bidders as there had been for the paintings, but they were a well-dressed and sharp-eyed group.
The auctioneer cleared his throat. “Lot 14, A Victorian Gentleman’s Collection. The heirlooms of Barnabas Wyatt, esquire. What do I hear?”
The Russian folded his arms and started at a million. A ripple of excitement went through the crowd. The woman on the phone doubled the bid. A Chinese man raised his paddle, followed by a German.
“Do I hear five million?” the auctioneer grinned widely.
Champillon raised his hand.
The man in front of him smirked and called out. “Ten million.”
The assistants in the auction room murmured.
“Eleven,” Champillon said.
“Do you have that much money?” Ellie whispered.
“I’ll find it,” Champillon said although his grey eyes were worried.
But he was soon eclipsed by the tech billionaire, who got into fierce bidding with the Russians. Champillon reluctantly bid again, before the bidder from Silicon Valley knocked the others out.
“Twenty six million pounds!” cried the auctioneer and an appreciative applause went through the room.
Ellie’s throat was dry. Someone knew the worth of the green book. In an age where science had exhausted itself, people were searching for older knowledge. Did they know about Albert Price or had Barnabas Wyatt attracted them? Or was it Isaac Newton and Paracelsus, whose works were also included in the lot?
For some reason, this auction had attracted their attention and now they had alchemy’s secrets in their hands.
“I never thought it would go so high,” Champillon said. He gazed ahead, stunned and pale as though caught unawares.
“You couldn’t risk everything.”
“I could make some gold of course,” Champillon murmured. “But I haven’t done that for a while.”
Ellie’s heart was heavy. Champillon placed his hand over hers.
“Don’t worry, Ellie.”
“But it’s all my fault.”
Her head pounded. All that effort years ago was for nothing. The book had been safe until now, when it was in greater danger than ever.
Her heart began racing. She wanted to get up and run outside. She breathed quickly. Champillon looked on with concern. His hand tightened around hers.
“Now for the final lot, Lot 15,” the auctioneer went on. “Further items from the Wyatt estate.”
Ellie closed her eyes. The auction was almost over.
The lot generated little interest. It was about to be passed in when Champillon lifted his hand and bid £2,000.00.
“£2,000.00?” the auctioneer had a sad sneer. “Do I hear £2,500.00? £2,250.00? No? Sold to the gentleman in the grey suit.”
Champillon nodded.
“Poor compensation,” sniggered the Russian.
The auction was at an end. People rose from their seats and milled around. Ellie heard people asking if scientific books were a new investment.
Some lots were displayed at the end of the room. Ellie stared at Lot 14. There were Newton’s notes and a treatise by Francis Bacon. The history of alchemy over three centuries, one of the most extensive collections she had ever seen.
“Excuse me, Miss,” a guard guided her away.
Security guards were already surrounding the case. The auction house had underestimated its value and now a full security operation was underway to spirit the items away.
Ellie watched as the staff stood defensively around the case. She peered again and her heart raced.
“Jean-Louis,” she whispered. “The green book isn’t there.”
“No,” he said coolly.
He adjusted his cufflinks and crossed the room to another glass case. No one paid any attention to this cabinet, as they were either crowded around Lot 14 or the old master painting.
“Since the author of the green book was unknown and the illustrations were not understood, Albert Price’s book was assigned to Lot 15.”
Ellie’s face brightened and her heart soared.
Champillon put his finger to his lips.
“I’m so sorry you missed out on the main lot, Mr. Worth,” the auctioneer said sympathetically. “Thank you for coming from Paris.”
“One never knows with these auctions.”
“Certainly not. Scientific books seem to be a hot item. I had no idea this Barnabas Wyatt was such a character.”
“He was,” Ellie said earnestly.
“Have the funds been transferred?” Champillon asked.
“Of course, sir, there is no problem in receiving the £2,000.00. Would you like us to ship these items to Paris for you tonight?”
“If possible, I would like to take the book with me.”
“The green book?” the auctioneer raised an eyebrow. “Of course.”
He nodded and an assistant unlocked the cabinet. She put on white gloves and handed Albert Price’s book to Champillon.
“What is it exactly?” the auctioneer whispered.
“Just sentimental value,” Champillon said, handing the book to Ellie.
The Russian called out and the auctioneer scurried obsequiously across the room.
Ellie and Champillon walked through the crowd. The other bidders gave them a pitying look. Ellie held the green book close, her heart beating against the cover.
“I think you have seen the book before,” Champillon let her pass ahead of him through the gold trimmed doors.
“The things Ed and I did to protect it.”
“Ed?” Champillon raised an eyebrow.
“It’s a long story. And that was a long time ago.”
Champillon turned his head curiously but said nothing as he waved down a black cab.
“You must see the house in Paris,” he said. “It’s almost restored. You will like the garden.”
“I think it’s time to create another garden.”
“I was considering going to Rome,” Champillon said, after he directed the driver to Chelsea. “Albert Price spent some time there.”
“I’ve never been to Rome,” Ellie said, turning the pages of the book.
“He was there in the 1760s. I’d like to know if he left anything behind. What are you reading?”
“Albert Price wrote down the stages of the alchemist’s journey,” she said. “First the fire, then the calm of nature, then separation, and uniting again,” she said with a smile as she glanced at Champillon. “And then -”
“Go on.”
“The dark night of the soul,” she frowned.
Champillon placed his hand over hers and stared ahead with a smile as they drove through the streets of central London.
The End
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Look out for the other books in the series:
Book One
THE ALCHEMIST OF PARIS
In the heart of modern Paris is an old house...
... a house that has been hidden for almost two hundred years.
The only clue to its secrets lies in a nineteenth century diary.
When research student Ellie opens the door, she will discover not just an ancient mystery, but also a tale of magic, betrayal - and immortal love, spanning the centuries.
Book Three
THE ALCHEMIST OF ROME
The thrilling tale of Albert Price’s nemesis from 18th century Italy.
Rebecca - a young woman on holiday in Italy after the tragic death of her sister.
Antonio - a brilliant and troubled artist, with an astonishing memory of past centuries.
When their paths cross one sunlit afternoon in Rome, Rebecca finds herself drawn into a world of mystery and romance, for strange forces are gathering in the Eternal City. Who is the reclusive billionaire, who exerts an unusual control over Antonio? And who are the mysterious French couple following him?
Rebecca travels to the Amalfi Coast, where she discovers the story of an aristocratic traveler in the 18th century who sought the elixir of life.
Rebecca soon realises her own life is in peril, for a deadly curse awaits those who learn the secrets of the Alchemist of Rome - a curse that will force her to face her darkest fears, and which only she can break.
About the Author
M.C. Dulac lives in Sydney, Australia, where she daydreams far too much.
For information about other books and upcoming releases, follow the author on:
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http://mcdulac.wordpress.com
OTHER BOOKS
THE ALCHEMIST OF PARIS
THE ALCHEMIST OF ROME
UNUSUAL STORIES (SHORT STORIES)
MIDNIGHT IN DUBLIN
THE WARY TRAVELER
IN THE TIME OF THE FOREST
THE BERLIN PICTURES
THE HOUSE OF LOST SHADOWS
FOUR GHOST STORIES