The Secret of Hollyfield House by Jude Bayton (first ebook reader TXT) 📕

They looked at one another, smiled and then looked back at me.

“Well done, Jilly.” Dominic sounded pleased. “You’ve a quick mind and have arrived at the same conclusion we did.”

“Indeed,” Victor frowned. “We doubt this was a random killing. We believe Flynn must have had many enemies, including one with a strong enough motive to kill the man. We must prove the theory as quickly as possible, or Billy will assuredly be sentenced for a crime he did not commit. Therefore, our first task is to discover who had something against Jareth Flynn? Enough to want him dead.”

WE TALKED FOR ANOTHER HALF an hour, until Victor got to his feet.

“Dom, I must get back to the House, I’ve pressing business to attend to. Come by and join us for dinner later. All right?” He squeezed Dominic’s shoulder and then stopped to extend a hand to me. “A pleasure to see you again, Jillian. I am grateful for your help with this.” He gave me a wink and then Dominic walked him to the door.

I remained where I sat, my mind a whirl with their conversation.

“What did you think of Victor?” Dominic asked as he rejoined me at the table.

“I like him. He seems intelligent and a fair man.”

“Yes, he is. I think that is why he has been so successful in business. Victor’s employees are loyal to a fault. He commands that trait from every one of them, and he compensates them well. Have I told you he has engaged a solicitor? A Mr Roger Kemp. He comes with a solid reputation and hopefully will be able to get to the bottom of this mess.”

“It is very decent of Victor to come to your aid. That he would travel from London is especially considerate. He must think very well of your family.” I meant it kindly but then saw the serious expression upon Dominic’s face.

“I am sorry. Have I said something to offend you?” It had not been my intention.

Dominic gave a heavy sigh and then looked right at me, holding my gaze. “Jillian, I may as well tell you, though ’tis not common knowledge among the village, and I would ask you keep it to yourself.”

“Of course.” I held my breath. What was he about?

“Victor LaVelle is helping us, because he is Billy’s father.”

Chapter Twelve

MY MOUTH DROPPED OPEN IN surprise. “What? Billy’s father? I do not understand.”

“My mother strayed from her marriage,” Dominic said softly. “And Billy was the result of that indiscretion.” He rose from the table, pushed the chair back in, and leaned his elbows on the frame. “Mother was forty-nine years old, too old to carry a healthy babe, but carry she did. When Billy was born, the doctor explained there was a high incidence of Mongol children born to women in their later years. But my mother loved Billy regardless, as did Victor.”

“And your father?”

Dominic shrugged. “My father was a difficult man of little words. He loved my mother and ultimately forgave her. He even continued working at Hollyfield. Fortunately, the family were in London most of the time, so Father and Victor seldom encountered one another, which probably helped alleviate the tension. Victor provided a monthly stipend for Billy’s care and needs. Though my father was a proud man, he was also sensible. There was not much money to go around, and he needed whatever he could get.”

“Does Billy know?”

“Yes. I told him after our parents died because he was grieving badly. I decided he would cope better if he knew he still had a living parent. That was when Victor told his family the truth of Billy’s parentage. It did not sit well, especially with Evergreen. Perry is for the most part indifferent, but they both avoid the boy. Victor does what he can, but he will not allow Billy to live at Hollyfield. His only demand was that I come back home to care for my brother.”

It was much to take in. My mind could not decide which fact to run with first and explore. I looked up at Dominic, and my heart softened. He had sacrificed his future as a result of other people’s actions. It was so unfair.

“You gave up your own dreams to raise your brother?”

“I don’t like to look it that way—but I suppose I did.”

“I think it wrong for a man like Victor to place his responsibility upon your shoulders. Why should he pursue his career, while you cannot?” My good opinion of the wealthy shipbuilder was tarnished. “It seems particularly selfish for him to have those expectations.”

“Perhaps,” he agreed. “But what are my options? Force Billy to live at Hollyfield with people who do not love him? Move him to their London residence where he would be ostracized more than he already is? Or send him to an institution, so none of us have to look at his face each day?” He raised an eyebrow. “Which of those choices do you consider better than him growing up in his family home, a place he feels safe and loved?”

Of course, he was right. Had I been in Dominic’s situation, I would have done exactly the same. A sudden rush of admiration for this man filled me. He truly was a good person to put his welfare after that of his half-brother’s. I was also glad Victor had good reason to help Billy. This brought another thought. “Is Victor concerned the truth of Billy’s parentage could come out in court?”

“No,” he answered easily. “Though it is not yet broadly known hereabouts, Victor does not need the public’s approval. He is successful enough to weather any gossip or bad press should the newspapers pick up on the story. Obviously, he would prefer the matter kept private, but he is far more concerned with Billy’s future than his own reputation.”

“Well, that is a relief.” I glanced at the clock on the mantel. I had tarried too long and should get