Chapter 42

“Lady Caver sent me a note asking me to call,” Matthias said. “Is it necessary for me to produce it?”

“She wrote you?” Caver’s disbelief was obvious. “What could she possibly have to speak to you about?”

Matthias met Nick’s eyes briefly before he spoke. “She learned I was searching for some of my father’s possessions and was kind enough to inform me she had them.”

“That globe!” Caver was seething. “Damnation, Matthias, I warned you about this! How could you involve my mother? How dare you distress her by—”

“It was never my intention to distress her,” Matthias interrupted, and Nick thought he saw the cool composure crack slightly. “I can assure you I did not contact her about the matter. I thought perhaps you had mentioned it to her.”

Caver moved closer to the desk. “I would never dream of mentioning you to—” He stopped and turned slightly. “What in the—what the devil is this?” he demanded, staring at Nick.