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

“Nonsense,” she said. “It was entertaining to see you go from duckling to swan.” And there it was again. Evergreen’s uncanny knack to let the needle pierce the veneer of friendship. As I sipped on my sherry, I wondered what kind of relationship we might have had were it not for her cruel tongue. I thought of her comments about Billy. Despite her kindness to me, Evergreen had such a horrid propensity to wound.

I watched while across the room, Mrs Stackpoole spoke with one of the other guests. Prunella was fetching in her lilac gown, her hair up in a tidy bun. It was kind of Louisa Mountjoy to include people such as us. Had we lived in London, the paths between our social classes would never have crossed.

“And here are the lovely ladies.” Lord Mountjoy entered the drawing-room with the rest of the gentlemen, along with wisps of cigar smoke. My eyes hungrily searched for Dominic, but he was not there. It was Victor who came over to where I sat.

“Are you enjoying the evening, Jillian?” He smiled pleasantly, and Evergreen stiffened beside me. I remembered Dominic’s remark that she sought her father’s attention.

“Yes, thank you. It is a nice gathering, is it not, Evergreen?” I attempted to include her in the conversation.

“Anything is better than being cooped up at Hollyfield.” Her voice was petulant.

“I could not help but notice your pendant earlier,” Victor said. “Is it not a moonstone? If so, I assume you wear it in honour of our guest?”

“Yes,” I replied, realising that had been the object of his perusal at the dining table. “It belonged to my mother, and now me. I know little about the stone, but I find it pretty and comforting to wear as it was hers.”

Victor frowned. “I understand your mother passed away not long ago, and that is how you came to be in Ambleside.”

I was distracted as Evergreen abruptly rose from the settle and moved away. I looked up at Victor. He wore a thoughtful expression. His pallor was somewhat pale. “Are you feeling unwell, Victor?” I asked, getting to my feet.

“I am sorry,” he said, clearing his throat. “I fear the cigar was a little strong and has upset my constitution. I must go and find a glass of water. Please excuse me.”

I watched him walk away and scanned the room to see if Dominic might have joined us by now. He had not. I found his absence unsettling. There was nothing for it but to seek him out.

At length, I discovered him in the billiards room, engaged in a game with both Perry and Marik. Much to my surprise, Evergreen stood in one corner, a brandy glass in her hand.

There you are, Dominic,” I said. “I thought you gone home.”

He set down his cue and came to where I stood. “I am sorry, Jillian. These two ruffians kidnapped me after dinner and challenged me to a game.”

“We wanted to play against someone we could beat,” laughed Perry, who pocketed a red ball into the side net.

“Good shot,” exclaimed Marik as he poured himself a drink from a decanter. He looked over at me. “Miss Farraday, you are quite lovely tonight. The green of your gown sets off the richness of your hair.”

“Dear me,” Evergreen said. “You wax poetic tonight, Marik. I did not think Miss Farraday your—type.” The room tensed for just a moment, and then it passed. I understood her reference, though the LaVelles and Marik were unaware Dominic, and I knew their secret.

“Thank you for the compliment, Marik. Evergreen was so good as to lend me this dress and the use of her maid. She has been most kind.”

“Not an adjective I’d use to describe my fair sister,” Perry announced, and I noticed a flash of anger from his twin.

The atmosphere in the room was unsettling, edgy in a way which one expected something was about to happen. I did not want to remain and promptly decided to leave the men to their billiards. Dominic appeared to have finished his game, and I told him I was returning to the drawing-room, assuming he would offer to escort me. But instead, he smiled and said he would see me later.

I left the room in irritation. Dominic, normally so attentive, had behaved indifferently. What was wrong with him this evening? I thought he would spend a little of his time with me. Indeed, had I not dressed in finery purely to turn his head? All my hopeful anticipation of the night dissolved, and I could not dam the flood of disappointment.

I returned to the party, but as I sipped sherry and spoke with the other guests, my heart was not in it at all. It travelled to the billiard room, where Evergreen LaVelle and Dominic remained.

I watched the mantel clock as an hour passed by. As it struck eleven, Uncle Jasper summoned me to join him and Mrs Stackpoole. It was time to take our leave. Lord Mountjoy’s carriage would deliver us home, and I had little option but to do his bidding. We collected our wraps, and though I yearned to find Dominic to say my goodbyes, I was ushered outside and into the carriage.

As we pulled away, I turned to take another look at the large house illuminated by gaslights burning bright. Why had Dominic not spent time with me? Did he no longer care?

MY STATE OF MIND WAS NOT GOOD. After a fitful night of sleep, I had awoken to heavy rain pounding on the roof, a slight headache, and the uncomfortable feeling that my life had shifted position. I lay under my blankets, loathe to get up, while I replayed the events of the evening for at least the fourth time.

What had made Dominic behave so strangely? Usually affectionate and always attentive, last night he had behaved like a mere acquaintance, not a man who had shown me his love. What could have happened to bring about the sudden change? Evergreen’s face popped