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

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he announced loudly. “Please join us for tonight’s featured lectures, from The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.”

The hum of conversation arose once more as the throng slowly wound their way into the great hall for the evening’s presentation.

I FOUND THE LECTURES INTERESTING. I gained newfound respect for Uncle Jasper, as he spoke about his lichens and fungi. A topic I found mundane at home came alive when he spoke so passionately in front of a crowd. The audience rewarded him with hearty applause when he was finished.

After the program, the speakers remained in the hall to mingle, answer questions and encourage those who wished to sponsor the society. I noticed Mrs Stackpoole remained close to Uncle Jasper, and I opted to stay away and allow them their moment together. Prunella Stackpoole looked quite fetching this evening in her black gown. Gone was the mob-cap she usually sported. Tonight, her hair was artfully arranged, and she was radiantly happy.

During the lectures, I had sat with the LaVelle siblings. At one point turning to see Victor sitting a few rows away, with Marabelle at his side in a bright pink dress. I was rather surprised to see her in such a vibrant colour, when normally she wore such understated tones. I also kept looking over my shoulder to find Dominic. But he was absent. I was disappointed he had not come, yet guessed there would be a valid reason. Dominic was not the type to make false promises.

In the reception room, the discarded plates and glasses from earlier had been cleared away, and fresh platters of food were laid out for all. There were many in attendance enjoying the fine wine and cuisine, most of them strangers to me. I assumed this event would have attracted prominent families from many miles outside of Ambleside, perhaps even as far away as Workington. Perry and Marik were off in the distance, speaking to another young, well-dressed man, but I had lost sight of Evergreen among the swell. That was fine with me, for tonight she was petulant. Her personality was always at odds with itself. She was either kind or mean spirited, and never anything in between.

I sipped on my wine and wandered over to the glass panelled doors overlooking the gardens. They had been left wide open to allow fresh air into the room and provided an extensive view of the estate. Though little light was left in the sky, I could still see the stretch of lawn, a fountain, and flower gardens which culminated at the shore of the lake. Now the rain had long moved away, the massive body of water was calm.

I gazed at the horizon. The sky was pink and grey, with remnants of clouds skittering across the water. Lost in thought, I almost dropped my wine glass when a large object suddenly dropped in front of the window before me, landing with a resounding thud. It was so unexpected, I gasped out loud, taken entirely by surprise. I stepped out onto the flagstones to see what it was.

A mass of pink silk lay in a crumpled heap upon the ground. It took a moment for my mind to register what was right before my eyes… “Dear God!” I shouted. “Someone fetch a doctor!” For there, lying broken and twisted upon the sodden grass, was Marabelle Pike.

Chapter Seventeen

MY BODY STILL SHOOK. I SAT in a warm study with a glass of brandy clutched between my trembling hands. Next to me on the sofa, Lady Mountjoy looked intently at my face, her brown eyes soft with compassion.

“How are you feeling, dear?” she said gently.

I let out a breath. “I am unsure. It does not seem real, Lady Mountjoy.”

“Louisa, please.” She touched my arm in reassurance.

“How can Marabelle have fallen from up there?” My mind whirled. What possible reason could the woman have to be upstairs in the family’s private quarters?

“I do not know, Jillian,” Louisa replied. “That is for the constable to discover. Victor and Perry are up there with him as we speak.

I finished the brandy and placed the empty glass upon a side table. “I am better now, I think. I would like to see my uncle if it suits you.” I rose to my feet, and she followed. “Thank you so much for taking care of me, Louisa. I believe I should go home now.”

We left the study and found the reception room empty. As we approached the great hall, Uncle Jasper met me and took me into his arms. Tears pricked my eyes, and I willed them gone. This was neither the time nor place to allow my emotions to run riot.

“May we go?” I asked.

Uncle Jasper nodded gravely.

When the Mountjoy carriage arrived at our house, I was never so happy to be home. I was exhausted. Uncle Jasper insisted Mrs Stackpoole take me straight inside while he helped the footman unload the items from his lecture.

I was already in my bed when Uncle Jasper came upstairs. He knocked on my bedroom door, and I bade him come in. My gaslight still burned, and I was sitting up with my book laying untouched on my lap.

“Are you all right, Jilly dear? Is there anything you need?”

I shook my head. “I will be fine, Uncle. It was the shock of seeing her.” I heard my voice wobble and swallowed hard. “In truth, there was no friendship between us, but she did not deserve to die in such a terrible manner.”

“You are right, my dear. But you must not dwell upon it for it will only cause you grief. As a member of the LaVelle family you can rest assured that Victor will get to the bottom of it. ’Tis their worry, Jilly, not yours. Try to push it from your mind this evening, for rest is important after a nasty shock. You will be able to think clearer come morning.