At Love's Bidding Read Online Free

not?” Cornelius asked.
    â€œThey wouldn’t have it yet, but we mustn’t tell them what we’re looking for,” Father explained. “It’s an auction house. If they know we’re desperate to get the piece, they’ll make us pay dearly. Better to act uninterested in that particular item and buy it back unopposed.”
    Even a novice knew better than to disclose one’s intent at an auction, but Cornelius rarely dirtied his hands at their place.
    â€œWhere is Hart County?” Miranda asked. “Could there be many antiques there? Enough to keep an auction house in business?”
    Her father shrugged. “Fine estates have lined the Mississippifor years, especially around St. Louis. And not only is there an auction house in Hart County, but it’s also for sale. The owner telegraphed me to give me a bid.”
    â€œWe could buy the whole auction house?” Her grandfather clapped his hands together. “How much?”
    â€œI don’t think it’s necessary,” Father said, “but the price was surprisingly low.” Absently, he stuck a finger in his ear and twisted as he thought.
    â€œI’m responsible for the sale, so I should be the one to recover it,” Grandfather said.
    â€œYou won’t be able to find it,” Cornelius said. “And how can you afford an expensive trip west? Especially if word gets out and no estates will hire you?”
    â€œI’ll have Patrick prepare my bags.” Bless Grandfather and his ability to ignore Cornelius. Leaving his sword and scabbard on the table of items for the next sale, Grandfather strode away.
    â€œIf he’s determined to go,” Cornelius said, “then I suppose Miranda and I will do what we can from here to smooth things over.” He trailed his fingers along her arm. “Maybe this unfortunate mistake will finally convince you how much you stand to gain.”
    The brooch skittered out of her fingers. “I’m going, too.” She shoved her chair backwards and pinched her skirt narrow to fit around Cornelius and reach her father. Her words spilled out in desperate eloquence. “Grandfather hasn’t been himself. Under normal circumstances he could out-bargain and out-deal anyone, but recently his thinking has been impaired.” She searched Father’s face, looking for any sign that her words were hitting their mark. “I could check on the details—timetables, tickets—and make sure he remembers to take his meals.”
    After a searing look toward Cornelius, her father nodded like the sage he was.
    â€œNot a bad idea. Your mother and I think you spend too much time at the auction house. Maybe a little travel would bolster your confidence.”
    â€œI think she’s perfect in every way,” Cornelius said. Miranda could only guess that confidence was one attribute he thought she could do without. “And what if things don’t go as planned? She could come back even more fearful. Don’t forget, I’ve done a complete phrenological examination of Miranda, and from the way her skull is shaped, she has an overlarge capacity for caution and a cavity in the self-esteem area. We’re proceeding against nature to try to cultivate—”
    â€œPoppycock.” Charles Wimplegate pinched his daughter’s chin. “We all know she is smart and capable, but maybe she needs to prove it to herself. Four weeks, Miranda. You and Grandfather will have a grand adventure and return with the LeBlancs’ troublesome portrait. Then we’ll put these rumors of our incompetency to rest. You can do this.”
    Probably not. More than likely Cornelius was right, but it was her fault the painting hadn’t been saved. If she couldn’t recover it this way, then Cornelius’s suggestion might be the only solution.
    A train ride. No public performances, no uncomfortable confrontations. Merely making sure Grandfather’s