Her Sky Cowboy by Beth Ciotta

Author:Beth Ciotta
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Romance, Paranormal, Fiction
ISBN: 0451238478
Publisher: Signet
Published: 2012-11-05T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 16

The Bibliothèque Nationale. The most important library in France—according to their hired driver—and one of the oldest libraries in the world. As much as he enjoyed reading, Tuck had never visited this majestic literary monstrosity. When in Paris he indulged in the marvels of Montmartre, exploring decadence, not cerebral stimulation.

Given Amelia’s unpredictability, he shouldn’t have been surprised that she’d chosen a library over a famous monument or museum. He hadn’t expected a request to tour the fashion district, but he had anticipated a visit to the Musée des Arts et Métiers, home to a unique collection of inventions. He would’ve understood a request having to do with any aeronautic or technology-based establishment. But the Bibliothèque Nationale?

“I’m specifically looking for books pertaining to Leonardo da Vinci and his studies whilst in Tuscany,” Amelia whispered as they entered the grand foyer. “Sketches, maps, journals.”

“This have to do with Peg?”

“Only as a coincidental connection. You shared a secret. Now I shall do the same.”

Hell’s fire. Da Vinci? Tuscany? Italy. Did this have to do with the invention of historical significance? He’d hoped that by his relating the story behind Peg, Amelia would confide in him regarding her guilt about her pa. He hadn’t expected this. This was the damned mother lode. Did this mean that Amelia trusted him? Implicitly? Knowing he meant to benefit from her secret treasure and being twice as intrigued knowing it might be related to da Vinci, Tuck wrestled with guilt. He interlaced his fingers with hers, giving a supportive squeeze as she gawked at their impressive yet overwhelming surroundings. At the very least, he could help to ease the anxiety he sensed simmering below her surface.

“What collection do you suppose we should locate? Arts? Science and technology? Crikey,” she said as they moved into a vast room containing floor-to-ceiling shelves. “Where to begin?”

Where indeed? And this was just one room. Centuries old, this multilevel library contained thousands upon thousands of periodicals, books, maps, sketches, and documents. Multiple and extensive collections. The burgeoning stacks were tight as a tick. “We need a librarian.”

Amelia pointed to a woman standing behind a desk.

Dressed in a conservative gown, she wore gloves and a set of complicated spectacles with several magnifying loupes similar to the lenses attached to Tuck’s Fantasy Factory goggles, only he suspected hers actually functioned. Her nose was buried in a massive tome. As if sensing she was being watched, the studious woman looked up, traded one loupe for another, and frowned across the marble floor at the extravagantly colorful Peckinposhes.

“I say, I don’t think she likes the look of us.” Amelia hurriedly fastened her crimson coat, duly hiding Cherry’s provocative bodice. “Probably thinks we’re pesky foreigners or obnoxious show people.”

“Obvious assumption. Have you forgotten your pink hair?” Adopting a friendly expression, Tuck approached the librarian, quickly winning her over with quiet charm and his exceptional language skills. Minutes later, after escorting them to a table in the cavernous and impressive reading room, Mademoiselle Galibru rolled a brass cart over.

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