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

There was much to think on. I set down my pen and stared at the paper with my scribbles. First, I would talk to Billy Wolfe. There was something both Dominic and I were missing in this story. Though I could not see it, I was aware it lingered in the corners of my mind and knew it was only a matter of time before clarity came. For now, I would focus upon the mess at hand. In that precise moment, something inside me budded. Finally, I felt as though I had real purpose. I closed my eyes, making a promise to myself. I would determine what had happened to Jareth Flynn and Marabelle Pike, if it were the last thing, I would do.

DOMINIC CALLED BY LATER IN THE day. I waited until we were sat in the kitchen before I asked permission to see his brother.

He was surprised by my request. “I am not sure if that is wise, Jillian. After all, Billy is in a state of flux as it is. He might be confused as to your intent.”

I had already considered this. “I realise that. But I can tell him I have checked on the calves to make sure they are faring well. Billy would like that, don’t you think? I also have a new book for him to read. He might even enjoy seeing someone different for a change?”

He was not convinced. Dominic was extremely protective of his younger brother, which was commendable. Yet at this stage in our investigation, we needed anything we could grasp.

“Look, Dominic. What is there to lose at this point? We have been so focused upon the victims in this crime that we have not considered Billy a victim himself. How could it hurt to explore the theory, see if there is another angle we have missed? I do not know Billy well, so I will not be as biased in my appraisal of him, as you and even Victor are. I will not be threatening either, so he should feel comfortable talking to me. Especially if you tell him I am to come ahead of time.”

Dominic’s shoulders sagged. I felt badly for him. I laid a hand on his forearm. “Dear man, I have naught but the desire to help you. I believe your brother is innocent, and I only want the chance to see what I can do to prove it.”

He looked up at me then, and my breath caught in my throat when I saw the pain shining in his beautiful eyes. Dominic had already borne so much. How brave he was keeping his emotions in check, concealing the weight of his concerns each and every day.

“Then you may see him, Jillian. I will ask permission at the gaol today.”

“Thank you.” I smiled with as much reassurance as I could muster. He was exhausted, and my heart went out to him. But as I looked at his face, a knot of fear gnawed in the pit of my belly. Because I realised that if Billy Wolfe hanged for a crime he did not commit, I did not know what Dominic would do.

Chapter Twenty-Two

DOMINIC JOINED US FOR DINNER on Sunday evening. I found his appearance worrisome. I comprehended that as the days drew closer to Billy’s trial, so Dominic’s concerns and fears increased. This was evident in the harsh set of his features, the shadows under his eyes. Dear God, I hoped I could ease his distress.

After dinner, Dominic seemed in a hurry to leave. This would have been disappointing except when he bade farewell to Uncle and Mrs Stackpoole, he asked me to go along with him, at least to the end of our street. It was a beautiful night, and I readily agreed. I took my shawl to wrap across my shoulders as there was a little chill in the air.

As soon as we were outside, he spoke. “I go to see Billy in the morning, Jillian. I have permission from the gaol for you to come with me.”

I linked my arm through his. “That is good news, Dominic. What time shall I be ready?”

“We can meet in the village for the ten-o’clock coach, if it suits you?”

“Yes, that will be fine.” We had already reached the last house in the street.

Dominic stopped under the gaslight and then turned to face me. “Jilly,” he said softly. “You are the kindest, loveliest person I know. I’ll never be able to thank you enough for all you have done—are doing to help my family.” He leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on my lips.

The sensation was tender, and tears pricked my eyes. As Dominic pulled back, I studied his face intently.

“I wish I could make your problems disappear. You and Billy are so undeserving of all that has happened. I cannot tell you how I admire the way you have dealt with this dark episode in your life. Your kindness, dignity, and grace in such a time of turmoil are an example to the rest of us. I am so fortunate to count you as my dearest friend.” My voice wavered.

Dominic reached up and wiped a tear from my face with the pad of his thumb, and then slowly caressed my bottom lip. “And you are mine, Jilly. I could not endure this without you by my side.” He became quiet, yet his eyes told me his desires. I kissed his thumb, and we both smiled.

“Until tomorrow,” he said softly.

I RECOGNISED MANY OF THE landmarks on our way to Kendal, for I had accompanied Evergreen not so long ago. But where the town had brought joy and a happy day of shopping, visiting the gaol brought me low.

The constabulary was a dreary old building, and though the attached gaol had been added on in later years, it was shabby, dismal, and unclean. Dominic preceded me through the myriad of locked gates until we finally arrived at a row of cells. The air was damp, and