Anne-Elisabeth Devereux Posted February 8, 2019 Share Posted February 8, 2019 John's story was quite fascinating, and Anne-Elisabeth believed that his account was the true version. Tales, even those based on historical facts, tended to transform with time and that was probably why she had been taught an alternate version in Barbados. The island was isolated and didn't even receive news of important events until months after they occurred. Until she had moved to England, she had not realized just how out of touch Barbados was. “If the English leader died in the Tower, he might have left some clues behind. It could be worth a visit, especially if we can find out which cell he was held in.” She glanced up at John, thinking that, as a soldier, he might be able to track down such specific information. How peculiar that the bookseller's sister had died around the same time as he had. It couldn't be a coincidence. Both of them must have been murdered because they had an object or knowledge that their killer didn't want to be tracked back to him. So he had left no witnesses. “I'm always looking for good investments,” she remarked. “Do you know when the auction is to be held or who to contact about it?” If she could buy the store and its stock, she would be able to search for information at her leisure. And so would Nicolette, because she would give her a key. If the price was high, maybe the two of them could purchase it together. Lady Cambray had already offered two theories on why the bookseller had been killed, but John either hadn't heard or chose to ignore her opinions. She was about to voice them again when Nicci suggested they visit the temple at midnight. Her eyes lit up and she grinned at her friend. “I have nothing planned for tonight,” she said. Tightening her grip on the Baronet's arm, her eyes sought his. “Do you think you can get us inside? If there is a meeting, we can hide in the shadows and listen in.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackguard Posted February 9, 2019 Share Posted February 9, 2019 "Let us be sensible ladies," John tried to assure the pair. "A murder was conducted here but a few days ago. The man was not caught. He may have killed the sister as well for all we know. If he has no qualms about killing a lady, then you are not safe." There was also the fact that he could not protect two ladies at once and they were likely to get in the way. Of course, he could not allude to that. It would hurt their feelings potentially. "I might be able to convince the curator to let us in by day, but not by night. I imagine that he has added locks to keep out trespassers." He hoped that logic would sway the ladies. Anne suggested a visit to the tower cell of the English master. "It was over 300 years ago and many prisoners have likely filled the cell since. I would doubt there might be anything left behind ... but I would be willing to escort you there." Perhaps he carved something on the wall. He could only hope that Nicci would not endanger herself. He did not want to lose his sweetheart, especially not so recently after having won her affection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicolette Vauquelin Posted February 19, 2019 Author Share Posted February 19, 2019 "Did sensible ever find a treasure?!" Nicci replied, although she was already aligning herself to accepting Johns admonishment. There would be no midnight skulking around this murderous district. She sighed of it and curled her arm around his arm tighter. "We would just love to adventure for a Templar treasure, wouldn’t we Lady Cambray?" Nicci knew Anne Elizabeth’s feelings on that already! But men were less attuned, so she had to explain that properly for John. "It does not sound like we need to bother much with the Tower." She supposed, past the Barons chest, towards her new friend. "But we simply must attend the Book shop auction. Lord Burgoyne, will you take us with you to it, please? It might sell for not much, because of the blood stains, and everything." She was curious to see where a murder had took place too, for as well as interest in treasure Nicci housed a closet interest in the macabre. (Exhibit 1: the shrunken head) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne-Elisabeth Devereux Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 “Yes, I, too, am fascinated by the possibility of discovering the Templar treasure. It has to be somewhere, and I think the temple is a good place to start.” Lady Cambray grinned at Nicci. “If Sir Burgoyne does not want to go with us, perhaps we can find another escort. Not tonight, but next season when the evenings will be warmer. Maybe someone else will know when the meetings are held.” Anne-Elisabeth didn't agree with her friend about the Tower. “The Templar master could have left a clue behind that might still be there … something subtle that might only be discovered by those who are actively looking for it.” She looked up at John. “I will take you up on your offer, also next season. Even if we can't find the right cell, I would still love a tour of the Tower.” Her gaze returned to Nicci. “Yes, we must attend the auction. Maybe we can bid on it together and share its ownership if we win.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackguard Posted February 22, 2019 Share Posted February 22, 2019 "Of course I will escort you to the auction," John pledged. If Nicci wanted something, it was almost certain that he would become an enabler. Anne-Elizabeth threatened to find another escort for a midnight tour in the spring. "I would be happy to arrange a tour during the day," he replied. "As for the night, it will be no safer in warmer weather. I will help protect you but how we will be able to enter the chapel at night will be a challenge." He agreed that he would escort Anne to the Tower next season. After all, she seemed to be a good friend to Nicolette and he needed to influence her to help Nicci see that he was the right man for her. "Why the interest in the bookstore ladies?" he found himself asking. It was a peculiar distraction for ladies of court. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicolette Vauquelin Posted February 22, 2019 Author Share Posted February 22, 2019 (edited) While Nicci remained not at all interested in visiting the Tower. It was a prison after all. She hardly understood why Anne Elizabeth was interested in that place (Niccis disinterest in frequenting cells had her happy to be convinced by Johns disincentives). "You wont be the first one to search there." She said to the Countess, careful to hide the 'dont be daft; tone from her voice. But the bookshop, well that was sure to be where the clues were (as far as Nicci was concerned) and she was delighted when John promised to escort them both. "Well books are the record of all wisdom that went before us!" she cheerfully explained her interest - and becoming distracted as the following thought became, "But you must be a man who appreciates the Academic too, surely Sir Burgoyne?" Or was he a very practical man? If he was practical he might notice Nicci shiver, they had been outdoors a long while now, it might be time to get the ladies back into the warm. Edited February 22, 2019 by Nicolette Vauquelin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne-Elisabeth Devereux Posted February 23, 2019 Share Posted February 23, 2019 Anne-Elisabeth had no doubt that John would escort Nicci anywhere she wanted to go. He only agreed to take them to the temple during the day, probably because her friend had not insisted they go at night. “There isn't any reason to visit it at night until we discover if there are secret meetings and when they are held. I will attempt to find that out and if I am successful, I will also find a way to get us in.” Maybe she would meet a gentleman over recess who was involved in the new order of Templars or knew somebody who was. Cleverly cloaked questions got answers. Nicolette wasn't interested in the Tower, and the Countess was a bit surprised that John agreed to give her a tour by herself. “Of course I won't be the first.” She smiled warmly at Nicci. “But I might be the most thorough. Maybe I won't find anything, but it's worth a try." Her smile was the only warm thing about her. The chill of the air was beginning to seep into her bones despite being swathed in fur. “I think the bookstore would be a good investment,” Anne-Elisabeth said to John's question. “Everybody needs books now and then. I think it will make me more money than I spend on its purchase.” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackguard Posted February 24, 2019 Share Posted February 24, 2019 The ladies seemed to be losing some of their vigor for immediate action, just as their bodies were slowly losing their warmth. The sight was not lost on John. "You ladies sound like shrewd investors," he complimented. "Books are rare treasures only likely to increase in value over time." There were so few tomes publicly available. Most valuable books were trapped within private libraries. Printing presses could not meet the demand for literary works. "Come, let us return to the fire in a friendlier clime." He offered his coat to Nicci, who seemed the most susceptible to the cold. OOC~ Shall we wrap up? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicolette Vauquelin Posted February 24, 2019 Author Share Posted February 24, 2019 (edited) Perhaps it had been the cold, for it took a moment for the English penny to drop (Nicci was usually so good at spotting attractions!) But now that she was attuned to it, there was no way that Nicolette was going to intrude her way into John and Anne-Elizabeths assignation (even if it was in the most unromantic of locations that anyone could imagine.) "Well I shall wish you both the best luck, with new discoveries." As to an auction, John agreed to escorting them to that. "La, thank you... and yes the warm of fireside beckons, it is seeming to get colder don’t you think." OOC: yes & thankyou for an interesting thread! Edited February 24, 2019 by Nicolette Vauquelin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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