A Most Dangerous Profession(54)
He looked again at the gorgeous castle that towered above them, and an unusual sinking feeling gripped him. No one could compare Balnagown’s splendor to the quiet majesty of Hurst House.
Not that it matters, he told himself sharply. Moira will never see Hurst House—and why should she?
“Oh, Robert, look!” Moira pointed up. “The stained glass in the top windows is breathtaking.”
Indeed, the late afternoon sun caught the colored panes, which glittered as if magic. Robert silently damned every window of Ross’s castle to Hades, at the same time deciding that Hurst House could use some fine stained glass, as well. He’d set his man of business on it as soon as possible.
The coach rumbled through a wide gate and into the cobbled drive. The shadow of the great building made Moira withdraw into the coach. “This says a lot about Ross that we didn’t know,” she said, her expression thoughtful.
The castle appeared to be in excellent repair, and a very large number of well-dressed servants scurried around in anticipation of their arrival. “Ross is extraordinarily wealthy.”
She nodded. “Which explains why Aniston didn’t try to simply purchase the artifact. Ross has no need of money.”
“Which means that it would be impossible to purchase the real artifact—only a fake.”
“Which he sells merely to prove that he can best his fellow man.”
“That explains a lot. Since Aniston couldn’t buy the original box outright, he sent you to fetch it for him.” Robert had no illusions just how far Aniston expected Moira to go in her dealings with Ross. Robert clutched the handle of his cane tightly. He and I will have a reckoning soon.
The coach slowed to a stop, a swarm of footmen rushing to let down the steps.
Moira placed her gloved hand in Robert’s. “We’re going to have to play this very carefully. A man with Ross’s resources will be unchecked out here in the middle of nowhere. He’s like a king.”
“Only not held to public opinion,” Robert replied softly, assisting Moira down the steps. “We’ll discuss this later.”
Ross was handing his horse to a footman and hurried forward on seeing Robert and Moira alight.
Moira flashed her breathtaking smile. “Sir Lachlan, I was just telling my dear husband what a lovely castle you have! I am quite charmed. Pray tell me that there is at least one ghost!”
Ross laughed indulgently. “Oh, there are many of them. I shall tell you about them all at dinner tonight.”
Robert pulled out his monocle and examined the castle with an absent air. “Yes, it’s quite impressive.” He dropped the monocle and let it swing against his waistcoat. “I do hope there’s port in that large pile of rocks. I’m dying of thirst.”
Ross bowed, tearing his gaze from Moira with obvious reluctance. “Mr. Hurst, I’ve some of the best port in all of England. I’ll have a bottle delivered to your bedchamber.”
“Thank you.”
“I hope the coach ride wasn’t too rough for you.”
“No, no.” Robert yawned behind one gloved hand. “Though I am a bit saddened there wasn’t more of interest to see to pass the time. I slept the entire way.”
Ross looked startled. “I thought you’d enjoy seeing the castle from the road and—”
Moira placed her hand on Ross’s arm. “Oh, do not ask Hurst to express his interest in a mere building.” She gave a merry trill of laughter. “My husband prefers a good cravat to architecture.”
Though she was playing her part to perfection, Robert felt a flicker of annoyance. He met Ross’s interested gaze with a shrug. “I’m afraid I don’t enjoy a bucolic existence.”
“Unless it has to do with fashion, gaming, or antiquities, Hurst is likely to be cursed with boredom,” Moira said playfully.
“I also like port,” Robert said loftily. “You cannot forget that.”
Ross laughed and led the way inside, past the two footmen who held open the monstrous arched doors. “Och, Hurst, you’ll find yourself with enough port to swim in. I have plenty of antiquities, too. But I’ve no patience with fashion and gaming.”
More footmen came forward to take Moira’s pelisse and gloves. As Robert handed over his gloves and hat, he saw that the great hall was resplendent with symbols of heraldry. An impressive display of flintlock pistols and muskets were arrayed upon the tall walls in an intricate circular design. A similar design on the opposite wall was comprised of swords of varying sizes.