A Most Dangerous Profession(62)

She dropped into the chaise. “What a lovely ride! I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to show me your beautiful mountains.”

He beamed as he crossed to her. “They are lovely, aren’t they? Although not as lovely as my companion.”

She pressed a hand to her cheek and said in a chiding tone, “Oh, Sir Lachlan!” Perhaps Robert escaped and we just missed him. He could have—Then she saw the edge of his shoe under the huge oak desk, in the direct line of sight of anyone sitting down.

She hopped up, surprising Ross. “So? Where are these treasures of yours?” she asked.

“A few of them are on display here.” He waved a hand toward the shelves at the far end of the room.

She gave them a cursory glance, not daring to move away from the desk. “I see. Those are . . . nice. But do you have some that aren’t on display?”

“Of course. There’s not room here for all of them.”

“Where do you keep those?”

“Somewhere safe,” he replied in a tone suggesting it was too complicated for a mere female to understand.

She’d love to smack that patronizing look off his face. She walked to where Ross now stood beside the shelves he’d pointed out, making certain she was between him and the desk. “Your collection must be worth a fortune. Is that why you have guards set up outside?”

“Guards? No, no, Mrs. Hurst, you mistake. They’re merely footmen.”

“But there are so many.”

“I dislike surprises. They make sure there aren’t any.” He chuckled, then captured her hand and pressed a fervent kiss to it. “No need to worry your pretty head over it, m’dear. Some things are better left to the men.”

The words grated on Moira’s nerves. She’d never counted on a man in her entire life and was glad of it.

Some of her irritation must have shown on her face, for Ross’s thick brows lowered and he said in a rather uncertain voice, “Is-is something wrong? You seem—”

“I’m fine, thank you. I was just wondering about your artifacts. Tell me about them.”

He launched into a rather thin explanation that made it obvious he knew only minimal information.

While he spoke, she moved to the desk and leaned against it, spreading her skirts a bit to cover the edge of Robert’s shoe. Then she stepped on it lightly.

From where he hid, Robert grimaced and pulled in his foot. Damn it, I thought I was well hidden.

As soon as he moved, Moira whisked away from the desk.

Robert tilted his head so that he could see her standing by a large black marble sculpture of a jackal. Ross’s back was now to Robert, too. Clever girl.

Moira touched the statue’s wolflike head. “Ah, Anubis.”

“Who?”

“Anubis is the god the jackal represents. He was the god of death. Where did you find this piece?”

“I have many sources for my collection. I buy. I sell. Sometimes I keep something special.”

Yes, something you think has extra value.

There were many men who collected artifacts for the sheer pleasure of owning a piece of history. They were very careful with the objects, and many items would be lost or destroyed if not for them. Robert disliked it when men collected artifacts solely for their monetary value, without regard to their historical worth. Their possession of such valuable treasures was like hanging a diamond necklace on a donkey.

Robert watched as Moira sent Ross a look from under her lashes. It was an intentionally sensual look, and yet she made it somehow seem innocent. “I would love to see your private collection. If there are Egyptian items in it.”

“There are a few. Since you know so much about artifacts, what can you tell me about that one?” Ross pointed to the next statue on the shelf.

“The Madonna? Fifteenth century, I’d think. Perhaps Spain.”

“How can you tell?”

“The style, the smoothness of the stone—even the base tells you something about the piece. Hurst is an avid collector, and I’ve picked up information here and there.”

“I’ve no doubt you’re vastly superior in judging such artifacts.” His tone indulged her.

“Not compared to Hurst. When it comes to collections, Robert is an expert though it’s a love of mine, too. Some women love jewels, some houses, some gowns.” Robert saw her elegant shrug. “I prefer antiquities.”

“Perhaps that is the reason you married Hurst. I haven’t been able to see what the attraction could be. He’s not the sort of man I’d think a woman like you would enjoy.”