Page 73 of An Unwanted Bride for the Duke
"The clues will be given in the form of riddles," Thalia said as servants began distributing papers. "Solve one clue and it shall lead you to the next. The final answer will reveal the treasure's location."
She paused dramatically before grinning. "No breaking furniture, no interrogating servants, and absolutely no bribery."
Caspian coughed suspiciously.
Thalia pointed directly at him. "That includes you."
The crowd dissolved into cheerful chaos as guests studied their clue sheets. Seraphine accepted hers and quickly scanned the first riddle. Before she could fully consider it, a familiar voice addressed her.
"Lady Seraphine." She looked up to find Lord Everend offering a polite bow. His pleasant expression immediately put her at ease. Of all Damien's suggested suitors, Everend had remained her favorite.
"I was wondering," Everend said, tucking his clue sheet beneath his arm, "whether you might permit me to partner with you."
Seraphine smiled warmly. "I should be glad of the company."
Everend's face brightened. "Excellent. I confess I am dreadful at riddles and shall require assistance."
She laughed softly. "Then you have chosen your partner very poorly because I am only marginally better."
As they moved towards the doorway with the other competitors, Seraphine found herself thinking unexpectedly of Mr. Harper. It was rather disappointing that he had not remained for the final day. He had been amusing company the previous evening, and she suspected he would have enjoyed the treasure hunt immensely. Unfortunately, he was a local guest rather than a house guest.
Expecting him to appear would be foolish.
Her gaze drifted across the room. Damien sat comfortably beside Caspian near the fireplace, a glass in one hand. Neither man appeared remotely interested in participating. Caspian looked amused by the commotion while Damien looked entirely indifferent. Seraphine told herself she was pleased by that fact.
It will make the day considerably easier if I do not have to encounter him at every turn.
"Let the hunt begin!" Thalia declared with theatrical enthusiasm.
Instantly the guests scattered throughout Amberhall. Laughter echoed through corridors. Doors opened and closed. Several gentlemen nearly collided in their haste to reach the same destination. Servants stepped aside to avoid the chaos. Within moments the orderly household resembled a battlefield fought entirely with riddles.
Everend and Seraphine began their search in the library. They studied paintings, examined bookshelves, and debated possible meanings hidden within the clues. Much to Seraphine's surprise, she genuinely enjoyed his company. He was intelligent enough to hold a conversation and possessed a dry sense of humor that appeared when least expected. Still, there was something distinctly brotherly about their interactions.
"I believe this clue refers to the clock in the music room," Everend said, examining the paper thoughtfully.
Seraphine tilted her head. "Because it mentions time?"
He looked pleased with himself.
"Naturally."
She shook her head. "That seems far too obvious."
Everend placed a hand over his heart. "You wound me."
Seraphine smiled. "I am merely preserving your dignity."
The next clue led them through several rooms before eventually depositing them near the conservatory. Along the way they encountered other competitors equally confused. Lady Branson was certain the answer involved a fountain. Lord Nathanson insisted it referred to a statue. Neither sounded particularly convincing. Seraphine was beginning to suspect Thalia had written the clues specifically to torment everyone.
"You know," Everend said as they examined another riddle, "if I win the vase, I shall present it to my mother."
Seraphine glanced up. "That is very dutiful of you."
He smiled. "She collects them."
Seraphine folded her arms. "And if I should find it first?"
Everend considered the question. "Then I imagine you shall place flowers in it."
