The Ravensworth Affair by Bailie Lawson

Author:Bailie Lawson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: amateur sleuth, museum mystery, ancient language, celtic history, celtic languages, ancient manuscript, young professor sleuth, breton manuscript, lies and jealousy
Published: 2023-08-17T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 23

The hallway turned to the right, and she realized it was looping back toward the main English department wing. Feeling a bit shaken, she decided to make her way to the library. At least then she wouldn’t be totally lying to Mathilda about the day’s activities.

Emily Waldron was walking in her direction. Of course! She was now quite close to Emily’s office.

“Lia! Good to see you.”

“Hello!”

Lia was about to say she was going to the library but then realized that wouldn’t explain her presence in this hallway. The library was in a different building. Her brief hesitation had allowed Emily to continue talking, however, and Lia saw she didn’t have to explain her presence at all.

“It is probably too soon to have any updates on your application, but any updates?” Emily asked.

“Yes. I mean, it is too soon. The deadline for applying is not for another two weeks. I did send in my application already though. Thanks again for writing me a recommendation.”

Emily waved her hand dismissively.

“In fact, I am reading up on the history of Brittany for the period during which I believe the manuscript was written.”

“Interesting! You might want to collaborate with a historian at some point. I might have some suggestions. But finish the translation first. I wouldn’t share it just yet, not until you publish your paper.”

Emily must have seen something in Lia’s face because she said, “you look troubled.”

“I may not be able to write the kind of paper I hoped to write,” she blurted out. “The Ravensworth probably doesn’t want to go public with this, but the manuscript is missing.”

“Missing? That’s dreadful! Do you mean someone took it?”

“That’s the assumption. It was not in its usual locked case and can’t be found anywhere. It’s been missing for days, so it looks like someone has stolen it.”

Lia hadn’t intended telling Emily, but the woman’s reaction was that of genuine concern and that was comforting.

“But you were able to complete the application for the fellowship? That is a good thing.”

Emily shifted her large leather bag to her other shoulder. It looked heavy.

“Would you like to grab a coffee and talk some more? I have a half-hour or so before my next meeting.”

“Yes, that would be great,” Lia agreed, feeling surprised and pleased.

As they walked, Emily asked what they were doing to find the manuscript and if there were any clues as to its whereabouts. Lia told her about the keys and that someone had opened the case with a key. The lock hadn’t been broken.

Emily speculated, as had Braggerich, about the motives of the thief and reached a similar conclusion—that it was an unusual choice if the goal was monetary gain.

“Who would buy it?” Emily asked. “Well, of course, buyers could be found, but how much would they pay? And why that manuscript? There were others close by in the same room, I assume. Why not take them too?”

They had reached the cafeteria and were standing in line—a short one, thankfully. Lia fumbled in her purse.

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