“And you both have your heads in your arses more often than not,” Isobel interrupted with more than a little glee.
“For shame, Isobel!” Their mother gawked. “Ladies should never say such things.”
William pressed his lips together to prevent laughing. “While that might very well be true, I’d like to think being here at Hadleigh Hall will promote chances in all our lives.” Again, he looked to Andrew. “Bow Street takes most of my time and attention. There’s rarely anything left to give to my personal life, but I’ve grown weary of perpetuating animosity toward people I scarcely know.”
Shadows flitted over Andrew’s face. “I understand the sentiment. Suffice it to say, this treasure hunt might accomplish what our fathers couldn’t, but we’ll never know until we try.”
“Right.” A modicum of relief went down William’s spine. He looked about the room, saw the anticipation in the faces of the assembled guests, and he nodded. “Shall we begin?”
“Yes!” Isobel enthusiastically agreed. “You have the first clue, and this is something to do so we won’t all die of boredom.”
“Not all of us.” Doctor Marsden came forward. “Remember, we’re to gather Christmastide greenery tomorrow.”
His brother joined him. “And if we do find the treasure, imagine how joyous the celebration will be tomorrow night.”
Excited chatter filled the room as everyone talked at once, some theorizing what the treasure might be.
William happened to catch his cousin Finn exchanging a speaking glance with his wife. He cleared his throat. “You plan to help with the hunt, don’t you, Cousin?”
“Ah…” He gave an exaggerated yawn. “Travel has fatigued me. If you don’t mind, my wife and I will retire early. Besides, you will no doubt be running up and the down the stairs and dashing throughout the house. My being in the chair would only slow my team down.”
“Oh, please. When was the last time you used that Bath chair as an excuse?” Andrew rolls his eyes. “Never, that’s when. So, we’ll have none of that now.”
Finn narrowed his eyes. “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.”
From beside him, Lady Jane laid a hand on his thigh. “Hush, Finn. You’re making it too obvious.”
Andrew nodded. “Exactly.” His cousin’s grin was a tad triumphant and a trifle teasing. “The two of you can surely postpone coitus for a few hours so we can all bond as a family.” When Finn’s lower jaw fell open, he rushed to continue. “Even a blind man can see you can barely keep your hands off your wife, brother.”
“Andrew!” His aunt put her fingers to her cheeks. “Why would you say something like that in mixed company?”
“Or at all?” William’s mother added in a scandalized voice as surprised laughter went through the remainder of the company.
This was rapidly turning into one of the seedier Drury Lane productions. “Agreed.” But he couldn’t contain his grin. Perhaps hanging about his cousins wouldn’t be as dull an affair as he first thought.
“If this is the open topic for discussion,” Isobel said with a bewitching grin and sparkling eyes that always signaled impending scandal, “then I’m available for kissing, if anyone would like to find an unused room.”
“Isobel!” His poor mother. Humiliation lined her face as she looked at the girl. “What is wrong with you? Why must you always say things you know will shock people?”
“Perhaps that’s exactly what most people need, Mama—shocked out of their dull existences in order to stimulate them into doing what they ought to have the life they should.” She sought out Doctor Marsden’s gaze and the daring girl winked. She bloody well winked at the man before putting the whole of her attention back on their mother. “Why should my cousins have all the fun?”
“Oh, God,” William whispered. He looked at Andrew, who shrugged. His sister would be trouble for someone. And if he didn’t marry her off, it’d be him. With a shake of his head, he shoved that worry into the back of his mind. “If we could return to the task at hand?” When everyone nodded, he added, “I’m willing to wager my siblings and I can solve the puzzles faster than you and yours, Andrew.”
True to form, his cousin came up to the mark. He crossed his arms at his chest. His eyes flashed with anticipation. “Over my dead body, Wills.”
It was the first time he’d heard the nickname since a young man, when he and Andrew had been the best of friends making plans to explore the world and have fun at school. Regret and longing for connection clashed within his chest with enough force that he gasped from it. Keenly aware that his family watched, he schooled his features and shoved the feelings away. “Let’s crack on then.” He held up the note still in his hand.
“Pardon me.” This interruption came from the quiet friend of Lady Jane’s. She’d selected a chair somewhat away from the knot of the gathering. “From what I understood from parts of this conversation, I’m to be on your team.”
“That’s correct.” In a gown of lavender taffeta, she made a pretty image, and her chestnut hair held a glossy sheen beneath the candlelight. “We’ll get underway shortly.”
She softly cleared her throat. “The reason I mentioned it was to tell you I suffer with a limp and would hate to slow you down. You and Lord Hadleigh seem keen to compete…” A fierce blush raged in her pale cheeks. “The treasure hunt sounds like fun, but if my tagging along proves a hindrance…”
The confusion and self-recrimination stamped on her face tugged at his chest. What was her life like that had rendered her so painfully shy and retiring? “Miss Bancroft, your limitations will only hinder you if you let them.” He glanced at Finn. “Talk with Major Storme if you don’t believe me.” When his cousin gave him a nod, he grinned and returned his attention to the young woman. “I welcome any assistance that will help me beat Andrew’s team.”
“How lovely. Thank you. I appreciate that.” When she smiled, William tamped on the urge to draw her to the other side of the room and talk quietly with her, discover her story, see if she would light from within if given a genuine compliment. He was not looking for a liaison and most certainly didn’t need an entanglement.
“You’re welcome.” He looked around the room. “Anyone else have a question or concern before I read the first clue?” When there was nothing else said, he grinned. “Very well.” With a theatrical flourish, he held up the slip of paper. “‘This location is somewhere of learning to be sure, you’ve been here to browse through literature. It’s perfect with a window seat, ever so close to enjoy solitude for a retreat. With biographies, novels of fiction, and perhaps a map of the cellars, there are sorts of things among the shelf-dwellers. Though this room has a view, you’d best look within an ancient antiquity, where you’ll find what you need, for the key to success is the ability to read…’” William grinned and tucked the clue into his waistcoat pocket. “There you go. As of right now, the competition has officially begun.”