Never Wager Against Love by Maureen Driscoll

Author:Maureen Driscoll [Driscoll, Maureen]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Romance
Published: 2012-03-29T07:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Dinner was a strange affair. No expense was spared as course after course arrived, served by liveried footman and placed on china which had been in the duke’s family for generations. The duke himself expressed little interest in the food, which was, Arthur was forced to admit, exquisite. Vanessa handled herself remarkably well, considering the daunting array of silverware on the table. Even posing as a servant in the great houses of the ton, she would have had few opportunities to witness the intricacies of such an elaborate meal. But she was an excellent mimic. Whatever Arthur did, she was sure to follow.

Newcastle spent most of the meal talking about his favorite subject, which was himself. A new bottle of wine was uncorked to go with each new course. He had considerably more than a few sips at each tasting. Toward the end of dessert, Newcastle raked Vanessa with his eyes and said “I would very much like to see the Larsen broadsword.”

“And we would very much like to see the chalice,” replied Vanessa, smiling at Newcastle in a way which particularly irritated Arthur.

“If you accompany me to my strong room, my dear, you can see any number of treasures,” he said with a bit of a slur.

“That sounds like a capital idea,” said Arthur, inviting himself along.

“Wasn’t talking to you, Kellington,” said Newcastle, frowning.

“But I am looking forward to telling Lynwood about your treasures, although it will likely upset him. He has always envied your art collection.” Arthur inwardly winced. Lynwood had never done any such thing, but Arthur felt his brother wouldn’t mind being used in order to better protect Vanessa. And to complete their mission, of course.

After ordering his butler to pour Arthur a snifter of brandy, the duke led them through the maze of the castle’s hallways. They went down to the cellars, then through a hidden staircase to the level below.

“Your ancestors must have had a sizable treasure to have this much security,” said Vanessa, as they found themselves in front of a massive door with three separate locks.

“I don’t think they were as concerned with locking away treasure, as much as they liked keeping miscreants in dungeons,” said Newcastle, as he fumbled for the correct keys. “The Newcastle dynasty has also been the local magistrate for centuries. Anyone disturbing the peace in the shire – and particularly on this property – would have been locked away here then held for however long it took to teach them a lesson. I often wondered if any of them died down here. It would certainly lend an air of the macabre to the place.”

“I’m not sure it needs it,” said Arthur, as he looked at the wall of ancient manacles opposite them as Newcastle opened the locked door. But once they were ushered inside, all he could do was stare at the accumulated wealth. Paintings, coins and jewels were systematically stored on shelves throughout the room.

Vanessa was also amazed by the treasure around them. “Why don’t

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