Christmas in Crimson (Colors of Scandal Book 18) by Sandra Sookoo

Author:Sandra Sookoo [Sookoo, Sandra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: New Independence Books
Published: 2022-11-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

December 21, 1819

Belle’s plan to not grow too fond of the captain hadn’t gone as anticipated, for he’d thrown himself into creating paper snowflakes yesterday without complaint. Even when Mathieu had run off with two of his creations. Now they were being hung on the ballroom ceiling with fishing line and tacks, for she wanted a magical effect for the Christmas Eve ball.

More decorations would be placed later today, which meant she would supervise the footmen and maids, but while she adored such work, a part of her wished to find Hawk and spend that time with him. Then she berated herself for a fool.

Once his mission is over, he will leave, Amelia. Best keep your heart aloof.

On her way to the study, the sound of books tumbling to the floor in the library caught her attention. What on earth was happening? She frowned and entered that room, only to discover Philip standing at one shelf and methodically removing volumes, flipping through them, and then dumping the books on the floor.

“What are you doing?” Already, a small pile of books lay scattered about, some opened, some closed, and others with cracked spines. “Some of those volumes are very old.” It was a tragedy, to be sure. Belle scurried over the floor and began retrieving as many books as she could hold.

“I am looking for something, and I don’t require your assistance.” Annoyance wove through Philip’s voice. He never once glanced her way but continued to search through book after book.

“Stop it!” She laid the stack of books on a nearby rose-inlaid table. “This is destruction of property, and I won’t have it.” To say nothing of the fact that her brother-in-law stunk of brandy. Not yet teatime and already he was well on his way to being inebriated. Perhaps that had prompted his behavior.

“I will remind you I am the lord and master here. That means I can do what I want with anything beneath this roof.” His tone brooked no argument. “Where is the treasure, Amelia?”

Oh, dear. The best thing she could do was pretend she didn’t know what he meant. “What are you talking about? At the risk of sounding trite, isn’t the treasure found within the books you have so carelessly thrown to the floor?”

“Spare me such drivel.” He half turned toward her with narrowed eyes. “The treasure allegedly hidden on this property. I have reason to believe there are great riches possibly buried on these grounds. It is here somewhere, and I am not convinced you are innocent in the knowledge therein.”

This was not a positive development, and even if she knew the location of the treasure, she wouldn’t have told him. Unease pushed down her spine. Instead, it was probably best that she attempt to distract him. “You are not here to take over the reins of this estate, are you? Perhaps that’s the treasure you should seek.”

He snorted. “And what? Wait years for a fortune to be made through the usual means? Collect rents that are never raised?” With a shake of his head, Philip waved his hand.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.