The Secret of Hollyfield House, Jude Bayton [books for 20 year olds txt] 📗

get done. Uncle Jasper is required to submit monthly papers to the university, and I have to transcribe his notes first.”

He turned to look at me, his face troubled. “I am sorry Evergreen burdened you with this. I had no idea you’d get coerced into chaperoning when she asked me to paint her portrait. I was too busy thinking of what I might earn. In truth, I expected Marabelle to be there, or even one of the servants.”

“Please do not apologise. I am sure Evergreen could have her choice of chaperone, but for some reason, she wanted my company. Though I do not know why.”

His eyes were warm as he met mine. “Really? I do.”

“Dom likes you,” Billy giggled next to me. “He’s gone all sappy.”

Dominic stepped forward and good-naturedly put his arm around Billy’s neck and rubbed his knuckles on the boy’s head. “Less of the lip, little brother, or I’ll have to give you a good walloping.”

“Please.” I stepped back out of their way, laughing. “I must be on my way before I change my mind.”

The brothers ceased. “Will you be all right walking the rest of the way alone?” Dominic asked politely.

“Absolutely. I will be fine.” After all, the murderer had been arrested. With that, I bid them both a good day and left the farm towards the village. As I made my way home, I contemplated my morning. It had undoubtedly been an interesting day. Speaking with Marik had been thrilling, meeting Billy, and then feeling Dominic’s interest stir was exhilarating. I took a deep breath, looked up at the blue sky and felt my heart swell for the first time in weeks. Perhaps coming to Ambleside had been the right thing to do after all.

“IS THAT YOU, JILLY?” UNCLE Jasper called as I shut the door and hung up my coat. I followed his voice into the study. He sat at his desk peering into a microscope.

“Ah, you’re back. How was the chaperone duty, were you terribly bored?”

“Surprisingly, no. Evergreen LaVelle is a nice girl, but so very spoiled. But I did enjoy chatting with her brother, and the Indian fellow, Marik. Then I walked back with Dominic as far as Wolfe Farm and he introduced me to his brother Billy.”

“Did he now?” Uncle Jasper looked up. “He’s a friendly young lad, isn’t he?”

“Yes. He was knowledgeable about the livestock and so gentle with them.”

“’Tis an unfair misconception held when it comes to those afflicted with mongolism, Jilly. The alteration of their looks can have a disarming effect on people who have regular features, yet it does not signify stupidity. There can be a negative impact on their capacity to learn as quickly or understand some things the way you and I might. They have more challenges to get by in this world than the rest of us, but given time, can learn and participate in life every bit as fully as we do.”

“People are cruel, Uncle. I thought Evergreen a little harsh on him.”

“I agree, my dear. But Billy is luckier than some. At least he has his brother looking out for him and a warm and comfortable home. Sounds as though you had an interesting day.”

“Indeed, I have. Is Mrs Stackpoole about?”

“In the parlour, darning socks—last I checked.”

“I think I’ll pop the kettle on if you would like a cup of tea?”

Uncle Jasper grinned. “Only if there’s a jam tart going.”

THE NEXT MORNING MRS STACKPOOLE LEFT FOR Kendal to visit her daughter, Ruby. She would spend the night and return the following day. After a busy few hours, Uncle Jasper and I were in the kitchen finishing up our lunch when there came a knock on the front door. Dominic Wolfe stood on the step. My heart lifted. He was such an attractive man. I liked his tousled wavy hair, those interesting eyes. I might not be a great judge of character, but part of his appeal was the man seemed indifferent to his admirable qualities.

“Dominic. Come in.” I stepped back.

“I hope this is a convenient time—”

“Yes, of course.”

“Wolfe, what brings you here this fine day?” Uncle Jasper joined us, and we all went into the parlour.

“Why don’t I make tea,” I suggested as they both sat down. I returned promptly with the tea-tray and handed each man a cup.

Dominic and my uncle sat in the two armchairs, I settled on our rather threadbare sofa. They continued their conversation started while I was in the kitchen.

“There is much speculation about him,” Dominic stated, and I quickly realised they were talking about the dead blacksmith. A wave of nausea hit me, but I took a sip of tea and willed it gone.

“Jareth had a reputation as a bit of a gambler,” Dominic said. “There is talk of debt, and perhaps him being mixed up with the wrong people. The man they caught was a gambler as well. Apparently, there was bad blood between the two. But they have not yet found the murder weapon.”

Uncle Jasper tutted and took a sip of tea. “Well, I am glad they have him locked up. I did like Flynn, but in truth, I cannot say I knew him that well. Always was a confident fellow, and a bit of a lady’s man, according to Mrs Stackpoole.”

“I am sure the police are working diligently to get the case before a judge and keep the fellow behind bars.”

“Or hang him.” The words blurted from my mouth. Both men looked at me with expressions of surprise.

“You did not see what had been done to the poor man,” I said plainly.

Uncle Jasper awkwardly cleared his throat. “Dominic, will you attend the lectures at Mountjoy’s?” Uncle Jasper got back to his favourite subject, and I took the opportunity to slip out of the room. I returned to the kitchen and cleaned up from our earlier meal, but my mind kept straying to the man sitting with my uncle down the hall.

After some time, their voices grew louder as a door opened. I realised