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

“I cannot believe that for a moment. Marabelle was a strong woman. It does not seem likely to me. Besides, she should not have been up there in the first place. The guests were on the ground floor only. For some reason Marabelle was in the Mountjoy’s private rooms.”

“That is odd,” he agreed. “What would have induced her to go up there?”

“I cannot say.” I lifted my eyes to settle upon his. “Dominic, why did you not come last night?”

His face fell. “I am sorry, Jillian. But by the time I returned from Kendal after seeing Billy, and tended the animals, I was done in. The prospect of spending the evening with you was more than tempting, but I had no desire to be among the community, especially with things the way they are. If I had been less selfish, you would not have endured this alone. I am truly sorry.” He reached across and took my hands, a gesture I was becoming familiar with.

“There is no need for you to apologise. I completely understand. It is far better you spend time with your brother. I would wish nothing else.” I thought of Hollyfield. “I wonder how the LaVelles fare this morning. They must be devastated.”

He nodded. “There was no love lost between Evergreen and Marabelle, but the woman was cousin to her mother. It will be a shock, I’ve no doubt. I plan to call on Victor this afternoon for I have other matters to discuss with him. I’ll let you know how the family are coping once we have talked. That is if I may call again?”

“I would like that.”

MY UNCLE RETURNED JUST after Dominic had left. He was not alone, for I heard him talking to someone as he came down the hall. I thought it was Mrs Stackpoole, but when the parlour door opened, it revealed both Uncle Jasper, and of all people, Lady Mountjoy.

“Jilly, my dear. Look who has come to call.” He offered Louisa Mountjoy a seat and then left us alone while he went to make us tea.

Louisa Mountjoy sat down and glanced over at me. “How are you faring?” she said, with genuine concern. She looked tired herself. Her face was pale and drawn, lacking the vitality I had seen in her before.

“I hardly slept a wink,” I answered honestly. “You?”

“The same. Exhausted. Monty and I are devastated that something so tragic happened on a night which was supposed to be pleasant. Why Marabelle was upstairs in our private apartments defies explanation. ’Tis beyond my comprehension and that somehow makes everything seem so much worse.”

“I wonder the very same thing,” I said quietly.

Louisa’s dark eyes were compassionate. “And for you to be so close when she fell. I am so sorry.”

“Lady Mountjoy—”

“Louisa.”

“Louisa, May I be frank with you?”

“Of course.”

“I am uncertain about what happened.”

“What do you mean?”

“Jareth Flynn was murdered recently, and now this bizarre accident with Marabelle. Do you not find it coincidental that a village this size has two tragedies occur within weeks of one another?”

She gave a sharp intake of breath. “What are you suggesting? You think them connected?”

I shrugged. “I do not know. I am no sleuth, but I cannot help but think it strange.”

Her expression changed, she looked frightened.

“What is it? Are you troubled?” I asked, and much to my surprise, she looked as though she was about to cry.

Louisa rummaged in her reticule and pulled out a small, lace handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes. I remained quiet while she composed herself.

“I wish to tell you something of a sensitive nature. But it must remain confidential,” she said with a muted tone. “I do not know you well, Jillian, but I think you a sensible girl. As a matter of fact, you remind me of myself many years ago, before I was a member of society.

“Back then I was a shopgirl, working at a famous department store in London called Liberty. It was there I met Monty, who was a widower. He was childless and lonely, and it was not long before we became dear friends. Much against his family’s wishes, he proposed to me and I accepted. After we married, Monty brought me to Ambleside. Ours was not a romantic relationship, more companionable, you understand.”

I was both surprised by the tale, and ill at ease being told such personal details by a woman of her standing. But out of respect, I remained quiet. She continued.

“A few years ago, I met Jareth Flynn and was instantly smitten. You may not have known the man, but he was a handsome devil who knew the powerful effect he had upon women. We were close in age, and similar in upbringing, if the truth was known. Before I could stop myself, I had quite fallen for him.” She paused as the clinking of teacups rattling on a tray became audible.

“Here we are,” Uncle Jasper exclaimed as he entered the study and set the tea things on the table. He looked at us and with unusual tact, sensed he had interrupted something private. He blinked several times. “I shall be in my study ladies. If you will excuse me.” He backed out of the room.

I rose to pour our tea.

“You are shocked by my confession, Jillian?”

“I am.”

Louisa smiled weakly. “I do admire your frankness, my dear. I have never confided this to a living soul.”

“I am flattered by your trust in me, Louisa. Truly.”

“I would continue with my tale if I might?”

“Indeed. Please do.”

“Jareth ardently returned my feelings, or at least, so I thought. We had three wonderful years together. My marriage with Monty was comfortable. My husband seemed happy with his choice of wife. I placed his wants and desires before my own and tried to be an exemplary Lady of Mountjoy House. But Jareth was the only person I had in my life who accepted me for myself. An ordinary woman—with desires and needs. I believed he cared for me