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

He had the grace to smile. “Touché, Miss Farraday.”

MRS STACKPOOLE HAD FRIED THICK slices of bacon and made us all sandwiches. But I barely tasted the food, so preoccupied was I with the events of the day.

The knock on the door was unexpected, for it was almost dark. Uncle Jasper went to answer it, returning with Dominic at his side. My heart gladdened with the sight of him.

I rose. “Is everything all right, Dominic?”

“Yes, Jillian. Please finish your supper. I was making my way home and thought to stop in and see everyone.” I sat back down and gestured for him to join us.

Mrs Stackpoole sliced two thick pieces of bread, buttered them and made Dominic a sandwich. He accepted the proffered plate gratefully, and she rose to fetch another mug so he could have tea.

After swallowing a mouthful, Dominic took a sip of his drink. “I have been with Billy this afternoon. They allowed me to stay for several hours to talk to him.”

“Decent of them to bend the rules,” Uncle Jasper said generously.

“Oh, they didn’t really want me there,” Dominic replied disdainfully. “But Billy had a bit of a tantrum this morning, and they couldn’t stand to listen to him shouting and crying. He only stopped when he saw me.”

“The poor boy,” I said quietly, instantly feeling empathy for the man sitting across from me. “How was he when you left?”

“Much better, thank you. He has these episodes periodically. They used to be triggered when our parents were angry with him. He would become belligerent and have a fit, only to crumple and cry afterwards.”

“The lad must feel frightened in such a different environment than he’s used to,” Uncle Jasper commented.

Mrs Stackpoole said nothing, and I was glad of it. Her feelings about Billy’s guilt were still a sore point between us. I only forgave her because she did not believe it out of spite.

Dominic turned to face my uncle. “He is so scared. He’s locked in a small room with no windows and nothing to occupy him. Billy is used to being outside in the fresh air, so naturally, he feels trapped.”

“Do they allow him to do anything?” My knowledge of gaols was minimal.

“I took some of his books, and they let me leave them for him. That will help immensely. He’s also got some paper and pencils as he likes to draw pictures of animals.” Dominic finished his sandwich and tea. “Thank you for the meal, Mrs Stackpoole. I had no idea how hungry I was.”

He looked at me searchingly, and I realised he wished to speak with me alone.

“Uncle Jasper, would you mind if I spoke with Dominic for a moment?”

“Not at all,” he replied good-naturedly. We both made our excuses, and I led the way down the hall and into the parlour.

As soon as the door was closed behind us, Dominic spoke. “Did you meet with the solicitor, Jillian?”

I nodded. Dominic had been in Kendal with Billy all afternoon, so would not have heard any news. “Mr Kemp spent the better part of two hours here, Dominic.”

“And?” I could see the eagerness upon his face.

I recounted my discussion with the solicitor, and then told him of my encounter with Peggy Nash. Dominic’s face brightened. I hated to continue with what the solicitor had said, but I did, and watched sadly as the flame of hope faded and was snuffed out.

“You must not despair,” I said with more enthusiasm than I felt. “It only substantiates what we already believe about his innocence. Kemp suggests we enquire around the village because if Peggy saw Billy, perhaps someone else did too.”

Dominic seemed to draw strength from that, which pleased me.

“Did you ask your brother about the piece of note you found in his box?”

“Yes. It took a while, but he said he found it in the woods by Hollyfield House. He spends a lot of time in the grounds when he’s up at the house gardening, as there are some pretty spots close to the lake.”

“Did he recollect when he found it?” I was unsure if it had any bearing on the matter.

Dominic nodded. “He thought it was before the bunnies were born.”

“Do you know when that was?”

“Unfortunately, no. But if Peggy is right about Billy being with the rabbits on the day Flynn died, he must have found the note prior to the murder. So, we cannot dismiss its significance yet. However, Billy finding it in the proximity of Hollyfield House, interests me a great deal.”

“You think there is a connection?”

He sighed, and I saw shadows underneath his golden eyes. He had to be exhausted. My heart went out to him, and I fervently wished I could be of more help.

“Well, the reference to the boathouse and the location of the note certainly points to Hollyfield, doesn’t it? After all, it is the only home in that area. Though what relevance it has puzzles me. I have read the blasted thing several times, and I do believe the ‘or else’ is a threat. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“Yes. Therefore, the writer of the note saw something they considered wrong and then referred to the boathouse, which would imply a meeting of some sort. Yet why would they want to speak to a person who had disgusted them?” My question hung in the air.

Our eyes met across the space between us, and then in perfect unison we both spoke at the same time.

“Blackmail.”

Chapter Fifteen

WHEN DOMINIC LEFT FOR HOME, it was late in the evening. Though I believe we both felt a thrum of anticipation at our potential discovery. I was to meet him at the farm the next morning, and we planned to take a look around the boathouse at Hollyfield House.

Before taking his leave, Dominic collected me into his strong arms and pulled me close. The lingering kiss he pressed against my mouth had caused a spread of warmth and pleasure, yet the question of his relationship with Evergreen burned on my lips. Why could I not