If you’re just joining this story, you may want to start from the beginning.
This story follows the first in Jenn’s Rediscovered series, Last Assault on Oak Island.
Lauren's first morning at the chateau was not occupied as she would have chosen. She had the chance to exchange only a handful of words with Carlos before he was abducted by Madame Chatillier for his opinions on the antiques she fancied.
In those brief moments, however, over a quick breakfast of poached plums and pecan waffles, he told her simply to be nice to everyone, which she knew was not a social suggestion as much as an open-hand policy. With free rein, she would have been content to wander with Madame Varlette and listen to her accounts of the hall's earlier, lively days of youth. Instead, she found herself in the company of Elden, Monsieur Claiborne, and Lady Eldicott.
Lauren learned there were many parties interested in the hall's treasures and the current guests were but a token. Gustalav had sent invitations for the discreet auction that was to be held that weekend. The largest ballroom was undergoing strenuous decoration at the moment.
The event made Lauren glad she had packed her most formal dress, although she was sure it would pale against others present. The manner of the auction was Gustalav's attempt to keep news of the sale from his nephew for at least the two months. Surely Edmund would notice the nakedness of the chateau, Lauren knew, but it would be too late to call back the treasures. She felt an ebbing empathy for the Duke, who was willing to part with his inanimate loves rather than see them fall into his nephew's cold hands.
She sighed, her untrained eye observing the collection of Parian china bearing a center Celtic cross with the other guests. She knew Carlos was waiting for the auction, hoping Gustalav would surprise his guests with the treasure find of the century.
She studied the members of her company in the estate room. Monsieur Claiborne was a wealthy Frenchman, although not of nobility, and Lady Eldicott scarcely of richer English blood. Lauren doubted any of the present houseguests could afford the price of the Amber Chamber. She doubted the Carnegie Museum of Antiquities could either, but had confidence that museum director George Stends and assistant director Howard Cooper would secure the funds necessary—should the need arise.
Of course, she thought as Lady Eldicott commented to Monsieur Claiborne on a partial set of vitreous jasper stoneware, not all bidders were present. Agents from any country, any government, could appear at the auction. The Amber Chamber would be a delicate subject to approach, especially with such a varied guest list.
Lauren wondered just how many deals and transactions would be made off the auction floor.
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