Page 27 of A Translation of Desire (The Brazen Curators #2)

“The government has informed me that there is speculation abroad from our adversaries that England is using cuneiform to send sensitive messages. It is all hearsay, but until a few weeks ago, I was the only known expert for the text, so they contacted me. The British Secret Service, and I believe it is false information.”

“Why?” Augustus asked.

“Because Hawley and I are the only ones who can decipher it,” Rose answered on his behalf.

Hawley took a sip of his drink. “That is correct, and deciphering cuneiform text is complicated. Why go to all the effort?”

Concern flared in Augustus that England’s adversaries might target Rose. “These men who think this text is being used to send messages, how do we correct that?”

“Miss Calvert’s talk at the Historical Society for Female Curators’ grand opening should clarify why using it doesn’t make sense. It will highlight how complex the analysis is.”

Augustus frowned and turned to Rose. “I hoped you and the board members would consider delaying the grand opening due to all that has happened.”

Hawley shook his head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. We want anyone speculating about these messages to understand that it would be ridiculous to use ancient text. Miss Calvert’s talk will emphasize that.”

Rose turned to him, and he saw anger in her eyes. “You hadn’t mentioned your thoughts to me before.”

Augustus hated that she was upset, but he couldn’t help his concern. She didn’t give him time to respond because she turned back to Hawley. “Why haven’t you told your wife any of this?”

“We’re not on the best of terms, and again, I have been told not to discuss this by the British Secret Service. They will feel even more strongly about that since you both seemed to believe the thefts have likely occurred because of an antiquities collector.”

“We aren’t sure. The man seemed interested in taking Miss Calvert’s work. Why would a collector want that?” Augustus questioned.

Hawley shrugged. “Most collectors are quite passionate about their artifacts. They don’t want just the one piece but everything associated with it.

I imagined a serious collector would be thrilled to have one of the first keys for cuneiform.

Right now, it makes more sense to me that a collector hired someone to take Miss Calvert’s tablets and work.

Still, I believe Rose explaining the complexities of the text at the grand opening could help the British Secret Service debunk this unfounded speculation they are dealing with. ”

Rose bit her lip, lost in her thoughts. Both Augustus and Hawley waited silently. Finally, Rose said, “I think I should still give my talk.”

“Rose—” Augustus began.

She shook her head. “If I don’t, we will have to explain to Addie and the other board members why I decided not to. And I think Hawley is right—my explanation of deciphering the text could help clarify why using it for espionage is ludicrous.”

Augustus didn’t like it, but he knew Rose had decided. “Could we meet with your contacts?”

Hawley shook his head. “I have already asked, and they don’t think it’s a good idea. Hopefully, after your talk, the British Secret Service will move on to other focuses.”

Augustus wasn’t quite sure he believed everything Hawley said, but he felt at least they were closer to the truth than before.

Rose sighed. “I need to speak with the club about Mr. Abbas and what we have learned. I won’t share anything about the British Secret Service.

The club will ultimately choose whether to proceed with the grand opening. ”

Hawley nodded. “Did Mr. Abbas provide details on why he thinks it is a collector?”

“He had tablets with a small amount of cuneiform text, and thieves stole them. During the incident, they mentioned it was for a collector.”

The scholar nodded. “I think a history lover in London has fallen in love with cuneiform. I will ask around the London Society of Antiquaries to see if any regular collectors have expressed interest. While we frown on artifacts being acquired illicitly, everyone in the club knows it still happens.”

Rose beamed. “That would be wonderful. I do have one other request. Think of it as a way to show you hold no grudges against your wife’s club.”

He sighed. “I don’t.”

Augustus chuckled, unable to help himself.

Hawley sounded like a sulky child. Rose grinned.

“The tablets I’m deciphering contain an epic well-known in southwest Syria.

Mr. Abbas indicated that two more tablets need to be found to complete the translation of the story.

He said years ago, the London Society of Antiquaries acquired an ancient map of a cave system.

He believes it shows where the last tablets are. ”

Hawley grimaced. “Unfortunately, I do not manage the cataloging of our artifacts, and the man who does is not a fan of the Historical Society for Female Curators.”

“Who is it?” Augustus asked, planning to use his influence if needed.

“I’m not even sure you can convince Lord Harston to help the club.”

Augustus grimaced because the vice president of Hawley’s club was well-known for his dislike of any research connected to Seely House.

“Can you at least try?” Rose asked.

Augustus and Hawley’s eyes connected—a silent agreement passed between them. They would find a way. Hawley said, “I’ll figure it out. I’m sure Sinclair would be willing to provide his assistance.”

Augustus nodded. Excitement flashed in Rose’s eyes. “Wonderful.”

Hawley rose, and Augustus knew their time with the scholar was at an end. He and Rose made their way to the door. Before leaving, Rose said, “You seem to want Addie to have a chance at being successful. Obtaining the map would highly benefit the club.”

Hawley nodded. “I will do everything in my power to ensure it is found.”