“So I’ve heard. I saw him at many auctions, but I was never quite sure what he was attempting to collect. At one auction, he purchased a very boring Gilpin, and then a French silver set at the next. It will surprise me if there’s anything I might wish to buy.”

“I’m sure you’ll be happy with some of the artifacts. If it will convince you of their quality, I’ll allow you a quick look at the items. My assistant is even now putting them on display.”

Hurst’s gaze warmed. “Ah, yes. Miss MacJames, isn’t it?”

“Mrs. MacJames,” Bancroft said, unable to keep the disappointment from his voice. “She’s worked with me for only a week, but she’s very knowledgeable.”

“Ah. I will take a look at those artifacts, thank you. Mrs. MacJames can assist me if I have any questions while you stay here and enjoy a cigar. I insist you try one of mine, from America. It’s the finest tobacco to be had.” Hurst flicked back a lace cuff, reached into his coat, and withdrew a small silver case. He snapped it open, removed a tobacco leaf, then handed a perfectly rolled cigar to Bancroft, its fragrant aroma tickling the banker’s nose. “The loose leaf keeps the moisture in the case at the proper level.”

The banker sniffed the cigar and rolled it between his fingers, sighing with pleasure. “I don’t normally smoke while working, but it’s so blasted cold here.”

“I completely understand.” Hurst returned the case to his coat and then touched his hat brim. “Enjoy your cigar. I shall return shortly.”

“Please take your time! I’ll just wait here and—” But Hurst had already crossed the terrace and entered the house, the door clicking closed behind him. It wasn’t until Bancroft had almost finished the cigar that he realized that Hurst hadn’t shared the second reason he’d made the trip from London.

CHAPTER 2

A letter from Michael Hurst to his brother Robert over a dozen years ago, after his first sale of an antiquity.

Robert, I’m astonished you received so much money for that small statuette. It appears that you were correct in your assumption that Egyptian artifacts are growing in popularity among the wealthy.

Your silver tongue has always won your way into the beds of London women. I now realize that it can be applied to more lucrative opportunities.

I shall send you more objects to sell. Pray apply your persuasive ability to raising funds for my future explorations with all of the enthusiasm and vigor that you use to capture those beautiful ballerinas, handsome opera singers, and seductive actresses.

Moira MacJames placed two coins on a black velvet cloth. She squinted at the second one, then lifted it to the light. “Athenian, but—” She tilted it to one side. “Ah. Just as I thought.”

“A fake, hmm?”

She jerked upright at the deep, masculine voice, her gaze flying straight ahead to the ornate gilded mirror above the table. Instantly, she found herself looking into the dark blue eyes of Robert Hurst.