Gene of Isis

weary-looking now, his face had many laugh-lines.

‘A vested interest, you might say,’ I commented, finding myself to be a little more cheeky and vivacious than usual. I had never so wanted to seem mature in my life and not give the appearance of a silly young girl. ‘I was fortunate enough to have had Lord Derby’s library in Dumfries at my disposal for the last ten years, and the Dowager Countess of Derby, Lady Charlotte Cavandish, has collected many fascinating and rare books from her time on the Continent.’

The viscount’s smile conveyed to me a fond recognition of my governess’ name; I rather suspected that she and the viscount would be firm friends as they held similar views. ‘I have studied the Bible closely and found many inconsistencies that I feel need more examination than those of us who are not of the cloth are permitted to undertake. For example, I wonder why the salves mentioned in relation to the embalming of the dead body of our Lord Jesus were all healing salves?’ The viscount seemed to be surprised and delighted by my musings. ‘And when Moses and the Israelites left the Nile Delta, their obvious route to Canaan would have led across the wilderness of the northern Sinai…so why did they push southward into difficult high country to spend time at the mountain now known as Mt Sinai? It certainly wasn’t to get the Ten Commandments because, as far as I can tell, they were taken from a verse in the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead. And besides, it is far more likely that the mountain Moses reportedly visited was the one now known as Mt Serabit.’

When the viscount looked to Lord Cavandish, shocked, I feared I had gone too far, yet Lord Cavandish responded with a smile and a knowing nod. The visiting lord looked back to me and a grin formed on his face. ‘That was precisely the information I was pursuing in my travels.’

I gasped. I couldn’t help it, it was as if I’d just found God! ‘You are Douglas Hamilton! Who wrote the treatise on the mistaken location of Mt Sinai?’ My grin broadened as the viscount nodded, a blush of pride upon his face. ‘Of course, the Dowager Countess of Derby bought a copy when on the Continent.’

‘I am amazed that a copy made it to England,’ chuckled the old scholar. ‘I never thought to be read at home.’

‘This is hardly suitable conversation to be having in the presence of impressionable young women.’ Lord Devere spoke up on behalf of his sister Catherine and Lady Susan, neither of whom showed any dismay at my questioning, although Lord Devere did himself seem rattled. Susan had heard plenty of the same from me in the past, but she suppressed a grin and tried to seem grateful for the intervention of her new love interest.

‘I do apologise, Lord Devere,’ Lord Hamilton replied, ‘but as your family motto is “No truth higher than the truth”, I rather expected your kin would be more open-minded.’

I was forced to suck in my cheeks to refrain from laughter, and I bowed my head and coughed into my napkin to disguise my amusement.

‘Perhaps a stroll in the garden, ladies.’ Lord Devere offered his sister and Susan an arm.

Oh yes, the young earl admired my good friend. I didn’t need to read his thoughts to know that he was falling in love with her. The rosy pink glow of his heart had almost penetrated the confines of his body and once his heart’s energy mingled with hers, it would be all over. I was pleased to note that Susan was being cautious with her affections; Lord Devere was much keener than she was at this stage of the game and that information would certainly please Susan when she came for her report later today.

Lord Neith was easily persuaded into taking a stroll with his wife-to-be. ‘Will you join us, Earnest?’ Lady Catherine asked her younger brother, who had been standing by the window admiring the view.

‘I am rather interested in the conversation,’ he said lightheartedly, and moved to join those of us seated on the lounges by the low-burning fire.

For a moment I thought I might have underestimated Mr Devere, but then the realisation hit me. Of course he’d take my side. He was after my inheritance and wealth, despite his large yearly allowance. As a second son he would not inherit. He would have to buy land or be granted an estate and title by the king—or better, and easier still, he could marry into a peerage.

I immediately turned my attention back to the viscount. ‘Did you travel to the Sinai?’

‘That I did. And I made many interesting discoveries there,’ he added, to heighten the intrigue. ‘I hope to discuss the subject with you in greater detail, Miss Granville, but as I have yet to settle my staff into our lodgings in town, I really should press on.’

‘Oh no…’ I protested, looking desperately at Lord Cavandish, who held a finger to his smiling lips to quiet my distress.

‘Would you not consider gracing my house with your presence, Lord Hereford? I know you are here to visit with your ailing sister and that Hartsford Manor is further afield from her bedside, but the town is only a short carriage ride from here. I feel sure that your stay in Derbyshire would be far more comfortably spent under my roof.’

The old scholar was honoured by the hospitality of his one-time student. ‘So generous an offer could hardly be declined, my good Derby. I would be delighted to be your guest.’

‘Very well,’ Lord Derby said. ‘I shall have my staff see to it.’ He motioned to the steward by the door, who withdrew at once to make the arrangements.

‘However,’ the viscount added, ‘for the moment, I must drag myself away from this stimulating company.’

I think I must have blushed when the distinguished lord looked my way.

‘I am still eager to see my sister and, with hope, I shall find her in good health and will return before dinner.’ Lord Hamilton rose, as did we all.

‘Would it be possible,’ I addressed Lord Cavandish, ‘and if I would not be a nuisance to Lord Hereford, for me to accompany him into town? I am in need of some stationery,’ I added as an afterthought, hoping my want of his conversation would not seem completely obvious.

‘I am also in such need,’ Mr Devere advised Lord Derby, ‘and I could save my weary horse another labour this day.’

‘Of course, my dear children,’ said Lord Hereford warmly, and my heart sank at his use of the term ‘children’. ’I’d be glad to be of service to my gracious host’s guests and to have your company.’

It seemed Mr Devere was intent on becoming my shadow—everywhere I’d turned today he was there. I did hope this was not a sign for the weeks ahead, as his presence was very counter-productive to my goals. Not that I was entirely sure what my goals were—all I wanted at this moment was to get Lord Hamilton alone and pursue our