Chapter 39. An Appointment With the Past
Scarlet bit her tongue to avoid telling poor Mr. Crousam that he didn’t look old enough to be running his own affairs, much less anyone else’s. The boyish-looking man produced a very professional portfolio with pages of checklists. He insisted on a complete tour. “Oh, my goodness,” gasped Crousam, “I can’t believe my eyes. Wells Antiquarian chairs, St. George cabinets –and this washstand – simply priceless!’ “I thought it was a prie-dieu or something,” muttered Scarlet. “No, this piece of marble was simply laid on top. I suppose they thought they were repurposing it. And the upholstery looks original.” “Well, no one has ever sat there,” said Scarlet, while Pom echoed, “Who would WANT to?” “It’s true these pieces are thoroughly out of fashion now,” Crousam agreed. “But they are living history. All the more reason they should be protected.” “They belong in a museum,” said Scarlet, and Kirby Crousam flushed with pleasure at a comment which in her country would be more of an insult. Scarlet’s conscience smote her and she offered Kirby Crousam a cup of tea. “After I’ve finished that would be most welcome,” said Crousam. “After you’ve finished you may be ready for dinner,” said Pom. “There are three floors of this stuff.” “I feel like I’m dreaming,” said Crousam. “It’s a treasure trove!” Closer up, Scarlet saw the network of wrinkles. He looked more like a jockey, really – boyish at a distance but seen close-to he was prematurely aged, like a chimneysweep . “How can everything possibly be in such perfect condition?” Crousam continued. “It’s a curator’s dream come true.” “Well, the old lady who lived here before Miss Bottomley seemed to prefer luxury cruise ships.” Kirby turned up the carpet to study the weave. “It usually comes down to some old party too frightened to make a will.” Pom flashed his charming smile. “And whose relatives were all too shy –“ “Or too snooty –“ teased Scarlet - “To get married or have children and so when the old lady died the whole property went to another old lady the first old lady had never even met.” “How Dickensian,” murmured Crousam. “And our heiress old lady was a novelist who believed in finding the proper place for everything,” Scarlet finished. “These pieces should be where people can enjoy them.” “And learn from them. The museum would be so honored to receive any of these pieces. We have such a small endowment – people don’t realize – but sometimes we can raise funds for certain items -“ “I think you’ll find Miss Bottomley wants to be as generous as possible. Why don’t you get in touch with Bob Thomas of Thomas & D’Arcy – he’s her man of business.” “Of course,” said Crousam, making a note. “Are there any rooms I shouldn’t enter?” “I’d say the kitchen and the rooms behind it. Those are Miss Bottomley’s private quarters,” said Scarlet. “But why don’t I find out for sure?” As she walked towards the kitchen she found herself wondering at the joy she felt from Pom’s sheer presence, the lightness he imparted to her step. Quite the opposite of Ian whose mind had hardened into such an inscrutable wall. Scarlet felt she and Pom seemed always to be thinking the same thoughts – she could literally feel his ideas quivering in the air, yearning for contact with her to make them visible. Miss Bottomley was drawing on her gloves, getting ready for her banking trip. “It’s just my own things here,” she said, gesturing at her modest bedroom – more like a nun’s cell than anything the rest of the house contained. “And I like the kitchen furniture. So once again your idea was sound: just tell him anywhere but here – unless you’re attached to the furniture in your own room, of course. You can exempt anything you’d like to have.” “I am fond of the desk in my room,” said Scarlet. “Thanks. You’ve been very generous.” Mr. Crousam paid Pom and Scarlet no further attention as he wandered from room to room, making notes. They could spend the whole morning together. “We’ll have to think up a new excuse after this,” said Pom and Scarlet laughed and squeezed his hand. “How about those auctions Miss Bottomley is so eager to attend?” “Good plan,” Pom agreed. “Do you think we could get away with one auction and one gallery visit per week?” “Or perhaps two,” said Scarlet and Pom pulled her back behind a Coromandel screen and kissed her. “I wish you hadn’t done that,” Scarlet gasped huskily as she fell against him. “Why’s that?” he murmured, playing with her hair. “Because it changes everything.”
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November 2021
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