Page 20 of His Revelation
Bonnie sat straight up. “Tiffany Oliphant, are you serious?”
“As an attack of the vapors, dear sister.” Smiling, Tiffany sat up as well, tucking her feet under her. “The box was tucked in a dark corner, and although I was far more interested in the relics, I remember there beingplentyof documents, papers, scrolls, and manuscripts in there as well. It is possible some of the items are still there!”
Her sister grabbed her hand. “They would be worth much to Athena and her father!”
“I only wish I had had the chance to look though the scrolls.”
“You did not?” Her sister sounded concerned, and Tiffany found herself wincing as she explained.
“Mother discovered me gleefully digging through the antiquities, and dragged me away. She told meladies—especially ones as beautiful as I am—do not play with dusty old swords.”
Deflated, Bonnie sagged back against the covers. “You know how I feel about Mother’s opinion of your beauty?—”
“Iam?—”
“Yes, you are very beautiful, but you are more than that, Tiffany. Do not allow her to shape you into a vain, self-centered being.”
Too late.
Tiffany swallowed. “Yes, well, the point is, I did not have the chance to fully investigate that box. Icouldwrite a letter to Mr. Ferguson, assuming he is still alive, but that would clue him into the relics’ potential worth.”
“Itwouldbe better to visit,” Bonnie agreed, “And just pretend that we are browsing. We could haggle him down.”
“No, it has to be me. I am the one who remembers exactly where it was in the shop, and I am the one Mr. Ferguson used to love.” And although she didn’t want to admit it, Tiffany was suddenly desperate thatshebe the one to find those relics for her sister. She wanted to prove that she was worth more than just her beauty.
Bonnie was watching her carefully. “You are serious, sister?” she whispered. “You are considering going all the way to York for this?”
Yes.
Yes she was.
Tiffany took a deep, shuddering breath, suddenly more certain of this than she’d been of anything in her life. “I am going to find those manuscripts and whatever else is available. I am going to give them to you to sell to Athena and the laird.”
“And receive more money than Mother could ever hope to provide for your dowry?” Bonnie asked wryly.
Her brows drawn in another frown, Tiffany shook her head. “I do not— I am not planning on marrying any time soon.”
“What about Lysander?”
What about him?
It was clear, after tea last week, the man wanted nothing to do with her. Tiffany waved away her sister’s words, trying to sound breezy and uncaring, when she said, “I have changed my mind about him. Clearly we will not suit. Besides, I am beautiful enough to need no dowry, correct?”
“Those are Mother’s words, coming from your mouth,” Bonnie grumbled.
“Bonnie, pay attention! Once we have sold the manuscripts to Athena or the laird, you will have the money Mr. Grimm is asking for his publishing house!Youcan own it! You can publish not only your own works, but books and stories written by other women! You can publish booksforwomen, as you have always dreamed. What will you call your business?”
To her surprise, Bonnie burst into laughter, tugging her down into a hug. “A name? A name for my non-existent publishing house?” Still chuckling, she shook her head. “Tell you what: if you can manage this, sister, I will not only allow you to name the publishing house, I will make you a full partner as well.”
“Oh, no!” Tiffany pushed herself upright, grinning at Bonnie’s enthusiasm. “I have no interest in books.” Her dream had always been moredomesticin nature. “I will happily turn it over to you and know you are living your dream.”
“You really are remarkable, do you know that?” Bonnie whispered.
Before Tiffany could think of a way to answer without blushing, her sister continued.
“Now, I suspect Mother would absolutely forbid you to go on this journey, correct?”
“Of course. I have enough of my own money saved in my top drawer for two train tickets and accommodations, but I know she would still rant about wasting money.” Or maybe, if Mother knew about the potential to earn so much money, she wouldn’t object at all. “Besides, I do not want her knowing of it, because surely she would object to my plans for the windfall.”
