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

“I brought my family back home to England after the loss of Emma, because staying in India without a mother proved too painful for the twins, especially Evergreen. I hoped both the stability and the influence of our British family would aid my children after losing their mother so young. Yet I believe my absence has rendered me oblivious to signs that all was not as it should be.” He sighed, and I felt such empathy.

He continued. “When Evergreen committed her indiscretion—though it was not her first—I thought it best to bring her here, away from the temptation of London and under the watchful eyes of Marabelle, my wife’s cousin. I knew it was not an ideal situation, but at least it would offer some structure, short of sending the girl away, which I did not want to do. But as time has passed, I have been increasingly aware that Evergreen has—” he struggled for the word. “Some difficulties adhering to rules, especially those dictated by her class in society. I have long overlooked her problems because, in truth, I have always feared she might be more like her mother than I suspected.”

Dominic and I looked at one another. I knew his puzzled expression was the same as mine must be.

“Evergreen’s mother was of a nervous disposition. I believe there was some thread of it in her family, yet it would not be noticeable to most. Emma struggled with many things in life. She was shy of strangers, and then alternatively too forward with others. She was prone to fits of anger and then might cry for days. Emma was somewhat of an enigma. But I ignored any misgivings I had and buried myself in my work.

“In our first three years of marriage, we lost two sons to cholera. It is my belief Emma had not the time to recover emotionally before she was with child again. This time she gave birth to the twins, Perry and Evergreen. After their arrival, Emma’s depression became all-consuming, and her interest in the children was simply absent. It was a most trying time for all involved, culminating in her fatal overdose of laudanum before the twins’ second birthday.”

He stopped for a moment, and I thought he must have travelled back to that time in his mind. There was such sadness in his story. I thought of his young wife, Emma. How unhappy she must have been to feel as though taking her life was the only choice.

“Perry and I adjusted to moving back very well. We brought Marik with us, so I am sure it helped my son having as good as a brother to share things with. But for Evergreen, well, it was quite challenging. There were a succession of friends who marched in and out of her life. Yet none stayed long—I fear they saw in her that which I could not.”

He stopped short as the sound of conversation approached. The dining-room door opened, and Perry and Marik walked in, closing it behind them.

“Dom, Miss Farraday,” Perry said pleasantly. “What brings you here so early?” He must have comprehended the atmosphere in the room and seen our serious dispositions. “Is something amiss?” He addressed his father. “What is it?”

“Would you and Marik join us please, Perry?” Victor requested. Perry looked swiftly over at Marik’s worried frown. They seated themselves across the table from Dominic and I and then glanced to Victor for clarity.

“Son, why was Jareth Flynn blackmailing you?” His words were quietly spoken, yet their impact was as though he had shouted them.

“Flynn?” Perry looked puzzled. “What on earth are you on about, Father? I barely knew the fellow. Don’t think I ever spoke to him more than once. Why ever would you think he was blackmailing me?” Perry’s voice was incredulous. He was telling the truth. “What’s this about?”

Victor sighed. “We have evidence and information which proves Flynn was blackmailing several people in the area, and you are among them.”

“That is ridiculous.” Perry was outraged. “I have never heard anything so preposterous. Do you think I am lying?” He rose to his feet, his face red with indignance.

“Your father is right,” Marik said softly.

Perry stared at him. “What do you mean?” He sat back down.

Marik looked to the head of the table. “Victor, Perry has no knowledge of this, I promise you. Jareth Flynn planned to approach him, but I intercepted and told him he would have to deal with me instead.”

Perry was aghast. “You never said—”

“…I did not want to worry you.”

“Why was he blackmailing you?” Victor addressed them together. Marik’s black eyes quickly shifted to Perry, whose face flushed—his blue eyes, so like his sister’s, shone bright with emotion. Neither answered.

“Did Flynn discover you were lovers?” Victor asked, and the room went completely still. I could not look at them. I was an intruder to something too personal, too private. I kept my eyes downcast and wished I were somewhere far away. I had no desire to embarrass Perry or Marik.

“Come on, Perry. For once, can my family not be honest with me?”

Perry looked up at his father, his face both a mixture of sadness and defiance. “How long have you known about us?” he said quietly.

Victor shook his head. “Years,” he said softly. “I was but waiting for you to tell me.”

I glanced at Marik. He held his head high and did not flinch as Victor turned a cat-like gaze in his direction. “And what of you, Marik. Do you have nothing to say?”

“I love your son, Victor—with all of my heart. Because of that I tried to protect him from Flynn. That despicable man would stop at nothing, and so I paid money for his silence. I just wanted to buy time so that I could determine the best course of action. But then he was killed. I would be lying if I did not say I felt immense relief when I found out