“I know you have been made aware of the meeting and the events that followed. We have no new information, so this is our best chance for a lead.”
Merrick nodded slightly, his attention now focused on the leather wrapped package Devon was withdrawing from his inner coat pocket.
“This was found at the scene. There was an escape route through an old priest’s hole in the floor, but this must have dropped out of someone’s pocket as they climbed down. It was partially burned, but with the description of the flames, I would have expected nothing to be left. The fire apparently stayed in a line. But Jack is working that angle, and you were the logical person for this job. This needs to be studied and translated. I hoped with your well-known habits and contacts at the museum, it could be done discreetly.”
Merrick had always been interested in science, and was a sponsor for various expeditions at the Museum of Natural History. He frequently attended lectures on a variety of subjects, so his appearance at the museum or with a curator would not cause comment. While some of his peers went to be seen, Merrick was actually interested, and the museum staff recognized the difference.
Devon handed a well-used pamphlet to Merrick. It was written in what looked like Greek and some other language, but the cover had been torn off.
“Why not have someone at the office translate this?” Merrick said as he flipped through the pages. Merrick was not an expert in languages.
Devon continued, “There is some concern that the agency has been compromised, and the content is really more up your alley to pursue without much notice or comment.”
It still seemed odd that such a simple matter as translation was being brought to him. Opening the pamphlet, the reason became readily apparent. Merrick couldn’t help but do a double take at the illustrations. They were very detailed, graphic depictions of what looked to be some type of ceremony. This in itself was not unusual, but these were all clearly sexual in nature, involving multiple people in variety of combinations and sexual preferences.
“You see why I brought this to you?”
Merrick made no comment and turned back to the first picture. It showed a man with an extremely exaggerated phallus in repose with cups of wine. There were several nubile cupids and nymphs in various stages of undress, some with their hands around the base of his member. Other couples and groups were copulating around the base of the raised throne. Additional women were being brought in naked and blindfolded. Although not inherently violent, it possessed a sinister air.
Yes, with his habits and contacts, Merrick was the most reasonable one to pursue this. But there was no excitement for it now. Instead he felt weary; it must be the death of his cousin. Shaking off what was sure to become maudlin reflection, Merrick spoke.
“Before you ask, no, I have never seen this, nor do I even pretend to understand what it actually is. It appears Greek or Roman, neither are areas of expertise for me. However, I do know someone I can take this to. He is a peer, but also a researcher and scholar.”
Devon considered this for a moment. “Maybe he will be able to help, but are you sure you want to involve someone else?”
“I’ve had some dealings with him at the museum and I’m sure he would be discreet. I have not seen him for some time, he was on an expedition in India, but I believe he is back in town.”
“Well, I don’t need to tell you the sooner we get the information, the better. You know where to reach me.” Devon rose and headed toward the door.
“I’ll be sure your valet sees that I survived the encounter.”
Seven
Recently returned from an unexpected ride with one Lord Grey, Catherine frowned slightly as she stripped off her gloves. She accepted his invitation to ride in the park only to get out of the house and away from her mother. She was feeling too restless and confined as of late. His calling on her had been a bit of a surprise, and his offer of a ride might be considered by some to have been too fast and forward. But she could count on her mother to forge ahead when it involved a potential suitor for her. It was a little unusual, especially since he had initially shown little interest. But she’d been paying scant attention to any suitors.
Lord Grey was attractive and made it known he was in need of a wife. He was a middle son, but it was a good family, and could be a potential match. Catherine was practical enough to understand this. However, there was something about him she did not like. It was nothing overt, his manners and clothes were impeccable, and he said all of the right things. He was certainly the youngest and best looking of her current admirers. But try as she might, Catherine could not imagine him taking command of her body the way Lord Sinclair did. Not that she had been thinking about the encounter on the balcony, it was simply an interesting observation. But the mere memory sent a shiver down her spine, sending her into a visceral recall of his dark, sensuality.
Catherine shook her head and laughed. She really needed to get that book out of her room. Lord Sinclair was not for her, not that she wanted him anyway. He was a libertine, everyone knew of his reputation. He did not even try to hide it. Too much attention from him could have a negative impact on a girl’s reputation and chances. To be fair though, he also made it clear he had no interest in young, nubile virgins. Catherine noted wryly that few would consider her either young or nubile. However, it had been noted that he allowed himself to be introduced to all of the debutantes at the Cabot’s, and it was being speculated that he might indeed be looking for a wife. The ton loved gossip. Whether it was true or not often made little difference. It was about entertainment and influence. It was also rumored that he attended orgies and parties focused on nothing but sex. Catherine knew affairs and trysts occurred at house parties, and most men kept mistresses or visited bordellos, but she really doubted the existence of these other things. Some people just had too active of an imagination.
Catherine realized she was pacing. She felt restless, and the twisted mass of fabric that had been her gloves was another indicator of her state of agitation. She knew a nap would not help, but perhaps she could locate another book – the one behind her headboard was too risky to read in the middle of the day. Catherine turned and walked toward the library. Had she not been imagining herself and a certain dark haired gentleman in positions from said book, she might have heard the voices in the library before she entered. Grasping the knob, she turned it and walked into the room.
Eight
Merrick had taken the pamphlet, put it back in the pouch, and reassured his valet that he was still a valued employee. He was intrigued by what Devon brought and made short work of breakfast before heading out to get the pamphlet translated. The gentleman he planned to request assistance for the translation did not live far from him, and it was a pleasant day to walk. There would also be no sign of his carriage outside of the house.
After presenting his card to the butler and waiting a short time in the hall, he was shown into the library. It was a man’s room, well used if the various papers, scrolls, and stacks of books were of any indication.
Merrick turned as the door opened to admit two older ladies. The first had a pleasant and relaxed demeanor, and was smiling in welcome. The second lady was also smiling, but hers seemed more feral, and Merrick felt his defenses sharpen. It wouldn’t be the first time he had to gently fend off advances from an older woman.
The first lady spoke, “I’m sorry Lord Sinclair. But my son is not currently in residence. We apparently ran him off when we arrived for the season, you see. Although to be fair, arriving on the doorstep unannounced was not much notice. Is there something I could assist you with perhaps?”
Merrick ran through names, lineages, and descriptions in his head while he maintained a polite, interested demeanor and was finally rewarded. This was Lady Sophia Tennet, the current Lord Tennet’s mother. He knew her to be a friend of his own mother, as they were of an age. He assumed this acquaintance made her feel some obligation to greet him versus having the butler inform him Travis was not in residence.
Merrick had taken the pamphlet out and realized she was curiously looking at it. Remembering the pictures, Merrick began wrapping it back in the pouch.
“Thank you, but no, I had not realized Travis was unavailable. I hoped to have him translate something for me, but I can go to the museum.” Merrick made to take his leave, but noticed the glance exchanged between the two women. The second lady’s eyes were practically glittering at him.
“I’m afraid you will not find him there either. I believe he mentioned going to Bath for a short time. But where are my manners? Please allow me to introduce Lady Richardson. She and her daughter are my guests this season.”
Merrick made the appropriate responses, but began to sense that the ladies were deliberately trying to detain him. He initially had no idea why, but at the mention of a daughter, Merrick had to stifle a groan. He should have known that his quiet attempts to explore options for a bride would be ferreted out. He was certain some simpering girl was having her flounces fluffed and her cheeks pinched to ‘accidentally’ appear in the hall as he made his departure.
Lady Richardson spoke, “My daughter happens to be adept at languages. There is no need for you to have wasted a trip here. Why don’t I summon her to assist you?”
Merrick recognized the speculative gleam shortly before she spoke, and did not want to drag this out. He had no intention of letting any female see this book (as if his reputation wasn’t bad enough), and ‘adept at languages’ assuredly meant he would have to sit through some butchering of a French poetry recital while balancing a teacup on his knee. Neither held any appeal. But the lady was quick, as if she sensed he were about to bolt, and had already rung for the butler.
Merrick opened his mouth to make a polite, but firm decline, and at the same time, the doors to the library opened. In walked the girl from the balcony.
Nine
Catherine! What perfect timing you have. Come meet our guest.” Lady Tennet imperiously waved Catherine into the room.
Catherine braced herself, she wanted nothing more than to go upstairs, and judging by the look on her mother’s face she was about to be presented to yet another suitor. Well, there was nothing for it; she was already in the room. It would be too obvious if she backed out. Catherine turned toward the gentleman to her right, who had been somewhat obstructed by the door when she came through. She automatically extended her hand while fixing a pleasant, but distant, smile on her face, a smile that froze even as heat suffused her body at the touch of his hand and sound of that voice.
“I had the pleasure of being introduced to your daughter at the Cabot’s ball, although she may not remember me specifically.” Merrick dutifully bent over Catherine’s hand and addressed her, “If I recall, you were quite a popular dance partner, and probably met many people that evening. I, unfortunately, did not get to share that particular pleasure.” Merrick maneuvered so his back was to the other ladies. Only Catherine could see the sardonic twist to his lips as he again allowed them to not only touch, but also linger over her hand. And if her senses weren’t already out of control, they certainly were when she felt the tip of his tongue.
Something compelled him to continue. “I would be grateful for any assistance you would be able to give me, but I’m afraid time is of the essence.” Merrick still had no intention of showing her the complete pamphlet, and he was certain she would not be able to read Greek, but it would ensure he spent some time with her. He already felt the current between them.
Catherine tried to regain some composure as he rose, thankfully blocking her heated face from her aunt and mother’s views. The man had the audacity to wink at her! Of course neither her mother nor her aunt saw that. And what on earth was he babbling about her helping with? She turned toward her mother in part for an answer, but more to quiet her senses.
“You look a little flushed dear. Perhaps the ride was a bit too strenuous.” Her mother fluttered her hands and turned toward Merrick, “She is so delicate, I must ring for some refreshments. Lady Sophia and I have another engagement, but since your matter appears pressing, the library is at your disposal. Lady Sophia’s companion is here, and we won’t be gone long.” Catherine almost rolled her eyes at her mother’s blatant manipulation, noting her mother was not too concerned that said companion was 70 years of age and currently taking her afternoon nap. She was hardly an appropriate chaperone.
Catherine narrowed her eyes and took a breath to put a stop to it, but she was also a little confused as to why a gentleman with Merrick’s known aversion to marriage was allowing himself to be manipulated so easily. She paused, glancing at him, and in that instant Ladies Tennet and Richardson turned and departed with such swiftness, that Merrick and Catherine felt they might tumble in their wake.
Silence descended. They were alone. A situation, Catherine was sure, would not suit; she decided to take charge.
“I apologize for my mother Lord Sinclair. I’m afraid in her zeal to see me married off she often does what seems most expedient. I’m sure you can find your way out.” Catherine had planned to depart, sailing through the doors much as her aunt and mother had, but during the introduction Merrick somehow positioned himself between Catherine and the door. She was not about to scamper around him like some scared mouse, and he made no effort to move. She had a sense of déjà vu from the balcony.
Noting the stubborn set of her chin and posture, Merrick had been prepared for this dismissal, and had no intention of letting her off that easily. He too remembered the balcony, and simply pretended she had not spoken.
“Your mother offered your assistance with a translation as your cousin is apparently not in residence. ”
Catherine interrupted, “A translation?” That caught her off-guard. Since when did her mother tout her linguistic abilities? She didn’t realize she had spoken out loud until Merrick responded.
“Yes, a translation. I was hoping your cousin could help with this pamphlet.”
Merrick produced the pamphlet again, but did not extend it toward her. Catherine could see some of the lettering, it seemed Greek, but there was more to it. Of course she was intrigued. Catherine clasped her hands behind her even as they itched to reach out and take the pamphlet. She absolutely was not going to help him, but it would not hurt to at least point him in the right direction. Especially if that direction enabled her to eventually see it at her leisure, without him knowing.
The butler came in with tea and lemon biscuits. Catherine indicated where he could put them and that she would pour. Not that she planned on Merrick staying, she was not above being rude to get him out of the house.
She glanced at the pamphlet once more and shrugged as if it were of little consequence. “It appears to be in Greek. I’m sure someone at the museum would be able to help.”
Actually, Catherine knew her cousin Travis was at the museum. There were accommodations at the museum as curators and researchers often worked late into the night, and he had taken over one of the rooms.
He let Catherine know, but wanted to stay out of his mother’s reach until the initial whirl of the season had subsided. He had no intention of being commandeered as an escort, especially with items from India to catalog. His hasty departure was undoubtedly what led to the book, currently in Catherine’s room, being left behind.
Catherine opened her mouth to tell Merrick where to find Travis. She had no intention of spending anymore time alone with this man. But that was before he insulted her.
“Oh, I was under the impression you were adept at languages. Greek is a little more difficult.” The butler’s interruption had allowed him time to make observations, and Merrick noted the interest in her eyes and her gesture to try and hide it.
He’d goaded her intentionally and it was precisely this condescending, dismissive tone that had Catherine bristling. Men! “Of course I read Greek, I was simply stating that others at the museum may be more available to assist you, as you had indicated it was needed in a timely manner.” She thought that came out rather
civilly, especially since it was delivered through clenched teeth.
Merrick responded with a short bow, “I’m sorry, I’m sure you have a busy schedule. You are correct, I do need this done quickly.”
“Then I’m sure someone at the museum could be of assistance.” What was supposed to be helpful now sounded a little petulant to her ears. Catherine was feeling uncharitable, she was sure he knew she was not involved in a whirlwind of activities. After a couple of seasons one knew how to maximize their time to be most efficient. It really was only a pamphlet; it couldn’t hurt to look.
Merrick sensed her wavering and allowed his face to reflect sudden understanding.
“Again, I apologize. I misunderstood and did not mean to pressure you unduly. Parents do tend to exaggerate, mine own included, and I understand that it is beyond your level of expertise. I was led to believe you had a knack for this sort of thing. I do appreciate you being so forthcoming, and will take your advice to pursue other options.”
He watched as Catherine shook with indignation, as he expected. He had no idea whether she could translate or not. It was very likely she could read Greek, but still, her mother may have over-stated her abilities. He was not sure why he kept baiting her, this banter was wasting time, but he could think of little else than unpinning her hair and stripping her naked in the library.
Simply Suitable Page 3
