Bobbi Smith by Heaven Page B

feeling this way because he’d been without a woman for so long. It had been a long five weeks since his uncle’s funeral. He told himself that he would have reacted that way to any woman’s touch right then. Still, he released her hand quickly.
    Alex invited him inside. “Please, come in so that we can talk. Lawrence’s letter arrived last week, and I was hoping I would hear from you soon.”
    “Thank you.” He followed her into the small, comfortable, well-kept house and down the hall into the parlor. Floor-to-ceiling bookcases filled with leather-bound volumes lined the walls of the room. “Impressive collection,” he remarked as he paused to read the titles. The majority were historical reference works.
    “Father and I love to read. History is our driving passion,” Alex told him. “Please, sit down. Would you care for any refreshments?”
    “No thank you. I really just needed to meet with the professor. Do you know how soon he’ll be back? It’s important that I speak with him personally, right away.”
    “My father’s been in London doing research, but he’s due to return the end of next week.”
    “I see. Well, I’ll come back then. It will be better if I deal directly with him.”
    Alex bristled at his dismissive attitude. “Father Bradford, I handle all of my father’s correspondence,” she said with great dignity and more than a little force. “I’m aware of all his business as I travel with him on most of his trips. I know all about the crown. In fact, Father and I have been looking for it for years.”
    “It’s important we begin the search as soon as possible,” Winn explained.
    “I agree, and I’m sure my father would, too. The Crown of Desire means too much to him. Can you handle the delay? It wouldn’t be right to make the search without him.”
    “Of course. According to what Lawrence wrote, it’s essential that we make the trip together.” Winn didn’t even consider going without the professor. Though Alex might be very competent, the last thing he wanted to do while playing the priest was travel across the country with a beautiful woman.
    “Good. As soon as Papa returns, I’ll let you know. I’m sure we can be ready to leave right away.”
    Winn told her his room number at his hotel. “I’ll be waiting to hear from you.”
    “Father Bradford, my papa’s going to be more excited about the possibility of finally finding the crown than I am. I’m looking forward to making the trip.”
    Winn knew he had to discourage her right then and there from any idea she might have that she was going to accompany them. “I’m afraid your traveling with us will present a problem, Miss Parker. There will be myself, your father, and one other man making the trip, and the traveling conditions may be rather difficult at times.”
    His arrogant assumption that she was some simpering miss who needed to be pampered set her nerves on edge, and she felt it necessary to make it clear to him right away that her father trusted her completely and accepted her as his equal. She squared her shoulders and her dark eyes flashed as she told him, “You needn’t worry about me, Father. I’ve been working with my father on his archeological digs for quite some time now. I’m used to the hardships. I won’t present any problems for you.”
    Frustrated with her response, but not quite sure how to convince her to stay behind, he decided to let it pass until the professor returned. He stood to go. “In that case, please let me know as soon as you hear from him, and if there’s anything I can do for you in the meantime just send word.”
    “I will.”
    She showed him from the house and watched him walk down the path to the street. As her gaze lingered on his tall, dark-clad figure, she thought he moved with exceptional grace and that, unfashionable though his coat might be, it certainly fit his broad, powerful shoulders to perfection.
     
     
    Philip and Robert checked the address on the note they