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

the real hero. He was clever enough to find help.” He reached down and tousled the boy’s hair. Jem gave a broad grin, devoid of front teeth.

I felt strangely left out as I watched the scene before me. Not being a local, I knew so few people. I turned my head to stare into the fire.

“Jillian, come and meet Maggie Riley.” Dominic said. I rose and joined them. The young woman reached a hand to grasp mine.

“Thank you, miss, for comin’ to their rescue. ’Tis so naughty of Jenny to slip out. She do like that water, and we can’t seem to keep her away from it. As soon as yer back is turned, she’s away!”

“Is there no one else to watch her while you are working?” I asked, although I did not want to sound judgmental.

“Usually, it’s my oldest boy we leave in charge of the young’uns. But he went to Kendal to get our horse shod—with Jareth gone we’ve no blacksmith in Ambleside. Jem here had to watch over ’em instead—” She fixed the lad with a harsh glare and his face reddened as he stared to the floor.

“Still,” she continued. “As long as no one comes down with a chill, they’ll be no real harm done.” She smiled at me and I saw the etching of fatigue around her dark eyes. At once, I felt fortunate indeed with my situation. Maggie could not have been much older than me, yet already her hard life took its toll.

The young mother declined the offer of a hot drink and instead wanted to get home and settle her children. She bade us farewell, and I waited while Dominic saw them out of the farmhouse.

When he returned to the kitchen, he pulled his chair closer to mine so that he faced me and then reached out to grasp my hands in his. “My goodness, Jillian Farraday. You must wonder what kind of wild place you have landed in since you came to Ambleside. It has been one adventure after another, has it not?”

I smiled. “I would hardly call it that, Dominic. But you are right. It has certainly not been dull.” I squeezed his fingers. “You did a fine thing today, saving little Jenny. You are a courageous man. ’Tis no wonder I find you so dashing.”

He gave a low chuckle, “Then you are easily impressed, madam.” His eyes shone with the glow of the fire, and he leaned forward. Our lips met gently, and the slow ripple of pleasure trickled through my senses as it always did whenever he touched me. It was a lingering, tender kiss, no urgency or passion, simply a joining together and a comforting acknowledgement. I drew away after a time and stared at his face.

“Are you all right?” I said softly, for he looked spent—and no wonder.

“I am fine. Cold, tired and worried. But at least I have you to bring a little sunshine to my night. You have been invaluable as my dearest of friends. Thank you for helping me.” He reached for my chin and lifted it, so that our eyes met. “I mean it sincerely, Jilly. You are more than a tonic to me at this terrible time.”

Abruptly he got to his feet and pushed the chair back to its usual place. “But now, I must get ready. I am to see Billy later this afternoon. It looks as though the rain is beginning to abate. Will you excuse me while I go and dress for the journey?”

“Of course,” I too stood up. “I had better make my way home and see to Uncle Jasper. There is bound to be something I can help him with in readiness for this evening. Will you attend the lectures tonight?”

“Yes, I would not miss it.” He paused thoughtfully. “About Jared’s watch, can you keep the discovery between us for now?”

“Why?” I frowned—it was an important find, after all.

Dominic looked at me, earnestly. “Because of its implication. If indeed it was Evergreen meeting Flynn at the boathouse for a tryst, I would rather keep our suspicions from Victor, until we have substantial proof. The man has enough on his plate as it is.”

Dominic was right. I agreed and slipped on my sodden coat. I gathered my umbrella. “I shall see you tonight then.” We embraced, and our lips met briefly, but I could see his thoughts had already travelled to his next concern, and I could not fault him for it.

JUDGING BY THE MESS IN MY uncle’s study, an observer would have thought the world was coming to an end. Uncle Jasper was in a dither, his wispy hair stuck straight up, his spectacles were askew, and papers lay scattered upon every surface. Mrs Stackpoole stood by his desk, her hands placed on her hips. Several strands of white hair had escaped her mob-cap, and she appeared quite vexed.

“Is something amiss?” I enquired having just arrived home.

“’Tis page eighteen,” Uncle Jasper gasped. “I cannot find it.” His eyes were wide, and his worry evident.

I went to him and took his shaking hands. “Do not panic, Uncle. It will be here somewhere.” Behind him, Mrs Stackpoole rolled her eyes. I glanced at her. “Would you pop the kettle on while I help Uncle Jasper?”

She raised an eyebrow and then shrugged. “Of course.” She left the room.

I helped my uncle to the fireside, and he sat down. Whenever he was upset, I had noticed he would suddenly appear very frail and old. I did not like to see him in such a state.

“Uncle, you need to have a nice cup of tea while we think about where you last had your papers.” A long conversation ensued. By the time Mrs Stackpoole appeared with a tray of refreshments, page eighteen was nestled between seventeen and nineteen once more. All was right with the world.

I SPENT THE REMAINDER OF THE afternoon preparing for the evening at Lord Mountjoy’s home. I took great pains to iron Uncle Jasper’s shirt, cravat and