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

afternoons in Kendal with Billy and the solicitor. But no real progress had been made. It was imperative we find out as much as possible before Billy went to trial—time was running out.

“What are your plans for the rest of the day, Jillian?” Dominic broke the silence.

I sighed. “I do not feel much like working. I think I would rather be outside. It is so lovely.”

“It is.” He looked at my face. “And perhaps more so after attending a funeral. Life is so precious, Jilly, yet we fritter our time away until it is too late.”

“That is quite morose, Dominic. You are glum, indeed.”

“Not really. The death of a person at so young an age should be enough of a lesson to ensure we not waste what little time we have.” His expression was serious. “There has been too much sorrow in Ambleside, of late. More than I wish to deal with.”

Without a care who saw, I took his hand and gave it a squeeze. “I am sorry. You have not had an easy time of it, Dominic. Take comfort in all we have learned. I feel certain we will get to the bottom of this horrible business.”

“What do you think, Jilly?” Uncle Jasper came to a sudden stop and turned to look at us. I quickly released Dominic’s hand, but he had not missed it. His pale eyes met mine for a brief moment, and I could not decide what he thought about my display of affection.

“Mrs Stackpoole has a nice pork pie to share with us for lunch. Hurry along, you two.”

AFTER LUNCH, DOMINIC ACCOMPANIED me, and we set off walking towards the lake.

“How was your brother, yesterday?” I usually waited for Dominic to raise the subject of Billy. I was not sure if it made him unhappy to be reminded of their bleak situation.

“He does surprisingly well. Billy likes things to be familiar and the same. He has been in gaol long enough now that I believe he has become less frightened. The wardens understand him better, and therefore are kinder than they were in the beginning. But Billy still cannot comprehend the gravity of his situation.” He shrugged. “Perhaps that is for the best.”

“Has Mr Kemp said much about his strategy for the trial?”

“No. Though I believe he converses with Victor regularly. Kemp is an intelligent fellow. He is sincere about wanting to help my brother. But it still all hangs on the blasted knife used and Billy not having an alibi.” He stopped as we reached the end of Lake Road.

“Would you like to walk a little further? We could venture down to the trees?” He gestured along the shoreline where the woods began. Three benches were placed in scenic spots where one could rest and enjoy the panorama of the water. I nodded, and we made our way to one of the seats.

The afternoon sun was intense and bright. I sat back against the seat with my face upturned. Freckles and a dark complexion were not in fashion, but I cared not one whit. The soothing blush of warmth kissing my skin was relaxing. Beside me, I sensed Dominic mirrored my actions.

“We are like a couple of lizards basking in the heat, Jilly. This is pleasant, is it not?”

“Yes,” I sighed. “I imagine it must be just like this all the time on the continent. Little wonder it is popular to travel there during winter. But just think how much warmer it was when the LaVelles lived in India? It must have been strange for the family to get used to. I expect Marik misses his home.”

“I believe he is happy here. From what he has said, it was a big adjustment coming to England, but he has embraced our culture and traditions wholeheartedly.”

I turned to look at Dominic. He was such a handsome fellow. His head was tilted towards the sun, and I watched in fascination while the light played across his strong jaw, thick brows and sensual mouth. His dark hair fell back in a mass of waves, and I wondered how a man could look so masculine and beautiful at the same time.

“Do you study me, Jillian?” Dominic opened his eyes.

Caught, I gave him a nervous smile. “Yes.”

“And have I passed inspection?” A lazy grin slid across his face, and my breath caught in my throat. How could another human being elicit such a reaction from me?

“You will do.” I chuckled, and Dominic snatched up my hand and pressed it to his lips.

“Well, you are stuck with me now, Miss Farraday, so you had better learn to live with it.” His gaze went to my mouth, and though our faces were not close, the intimacy radiating from his eyes made me feel as though he had kissed me.

The bark of a dog pierced the moment, and I quickly gathered my composure. “When will you see Victor?”

“I plan to call on him tomorrow. His company will have departed by then.” There had been a succession of relatives visiting Hollyfield. “He deserves much longer to mourn, but time is something we do not have in abundance. In light of your discoveries, we need his help.” Dominic tensed at the thought, straightened his spine, and ran his fingers through his hair. “Come, let us walk along further.” He gestured to the wooded area. “There is a small waterfall close by. Would you care to see it?”

“Yes.” I rose to my feet. “Lead the way.”

THE TRAIL THROUGH THE WOODS was narrow, and consequently we walked in single file. Dominic remarked upon various points of interest and then regaled me with an old folk tale about a local wizard who had lived in these woods. When he said the man’s name was Jacob Nash, I interrupted.

“Is he related to Peggy Nash?”

“He was her father.”

“I wonder why they lived out here.”

“Jacob was a Druid. The old man was eccentric, and no one knew exactly where his dwelling was. But somehow, he managed to support both himself and