Anne Barbour Read Online Free PDF Page B

Wincanon herself, she did not wish to escalate the already high level of antagonism. “I am merely here to retrieve my tools and to return the artifacts I found here.” She indicated the wooden box with a disdainful sweep of her arm.
    His interest in her presence abruptly evaporating, Mr. Wincanon swung about to approach the gig.
    “Good Lord!” he exclaimed. “This container is completely unsuitable. Whatever is in here must be completely shattered.”
    “I think not,” said Hilary through clenched teeth. “I wrapped each of the items individually and placed them very carefully. I believe you will find them to be in the same condition as when I turned them up from the earth.”
    “It would be better if you had not turned them up at all,” snapped her antagonist. “Now, I have no idea where they were found—information that would have told me a great deal, for—”
    “On the contrary, Mr. Wincanon. If you would take the time to look before indulging in ill-timed accusations, you will see that I have begun a set of grid lines with string. I noted in my log where each artifact was found and made a sketch of its position in the ground.” She pulled a small notebook from her reticule and handed it to him.
    “Ah,” said Mr. Wincanon, looking more nonplussed than pleased. He swung about once more to the box.
    “It’s locked,” he snapped.
    Drawing a deep breath, Hilary dug once more into her reticule, this time dredging a key from its depths. This she also handed to him. Snatching it from her, he applied himself to the sturdy lock that guarded the contents of the box. Removing some of the packing, he uttered an involuntary grunt of satisfaction.
    “Yes,” he could be heard, muttering to himself. “Unmistakably Samian ware. Excellent specimens. And the coins ... mm, yes.”
    “The earliest of them dates back to the reign of Trajan and I did not find any later than the early years of Postumas, so I’m assuming so far that the villa was built around 100 A . D . and abandoned some time after 250.”
    “Yes, yes,” he said impatiently, then straightened abruptly to look at her.
    “Who figured that out for you?”
    Hilary stiffened. “I calculated it for myself, Mr. Wincanon. It was quite simple, actually—as you must know.”
    “Of course it is, to one who is familiar with Roman coinage and with the dates of the reigns of the Roman emperors.”
    “Precisely.”
    Unable to ignore the asperity in her tone, Mr. Wincanon grinned. Hilary almost gasped involuntarily at the change that swept over his features. Why, who would think that his appearance could be so improved with a smile or that it could take several years from his perceived age.
    “Very well. Lady Hilary, I will concede, you have apparently learned a great deal in the few months you have studied Roman history.”
    Hilary stiffened. “Mr. Wincanon,” she began carefully, “you seem to be laboring under the delusion that I was lying when I told you that I am a student of ancient history—particularly of the period when the Romans ruled Britain. I cannot understand why you think I would do this. Are you under the impression that I seek to curry favor with you?” Her gaze swept him over him contemptuously. “May I ask on what you base that assumption? I have been interested in antiquities since I was a child. In fact, long before I ever so much as heard your name.
    “I will admit that I was pleased when I heard we were to be neighbors. I actually looked forward to meeting you, but this was solely because of your reputation in the antiquarian world. I have so longed to know someone with whom I could share my interest and further my education.” Her voice wavered for a moment, but she continued swiftly. “Can you imagine? In my ignorance, I thought we might become colleagues. Allow me to apologize for my temerity. Had I any idea that you are a boorish, conceited clod, believe me, I would never so much as spoken to you.”
    She swiveled on her