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

shall consult with him and decide what road we must take.” The muscle in his jaw worked. Even in his state of unrest and worry, I was again struck how handsome Dominic was. I chased the thought from my head. It seemed wildly inappropriate to think so foolishly when his world was caving in.

“If I might offer some advice,” I said. “You are powerless until Mr LaVelle arrives, and it would be prudent to get rest and nourishment for the long days ahead. You will benefit and be far better prepared. Go home, try to sleep, and come back here if you have need of company or food. You will be no help to your brother should you fall ill with exhaustion.”

He nodded solemnly. “Are you always so wise?”

I smiled weakly. “Unfortunately, no. But I do understand hardships are impossible to overcome when your mind is weak from lack of rest.”

“Then I shall take your advice.” With that, he squeezed my hand and left. As soon as the front door closed, I went to my uncle’s study.

“Has he gone, Jilly?”

“Yes.”

Uncle Jasper shook his head, took off his spectacles and rubbed his eyes. “This is a terrible business indeed. Young Billy is in an atrocious mess. Lord knows it would be bad enough if he were like you or me, but in his condition—it is a nightmare. Dominic says the boy is frightened out of his wits and does not understand what is going on. The Wolfe brothers have a difficult road ahead of them.”

I went to stand before the desk. “What about the man they first arrested? Has he been released?”

“Yes. According to Dominic, the fellow had a legitimate alibi. He was in Cartmel Village the night of the murder. There were many witnesses who saw him in a fist fight with another gambler. Apparently, it was that chap’s blood, not Flynn’s, all over his clothes. Anyway, they have let him go.”

I considered this. What a terrible predicament Billy Wolfe was in. “Do you think Mr LaVelle will be able to assist the Wolfe brothers. Or even want to?”

Uncle replaced his glasses. “Hmm. I believe he will. The Wolfe family has strong ties to the LaVelles. According to Dominic, Victor has the reputation of a fair and just man. He was not always wealthy and is known for his benevolence to those in need. I’ll warrant he’ll help secure a solicitor and barrister to represent the boy, at the very least.”

I pondered his words and then looked at my uncle. “Do you honestly think Billy capable of killing someone?”

“Jilly,” Uncle Jasper said quietly. “If there is one thing I have learned about the human race, it is that when necessary, we are all capable of doing anything.”

Chapter Nine

MRS STACKPOOLE FLEW INTO the kitchen after lunch the next day while I was working, and Uncle Jasper was reading and sipping a cup of tea. Her chubby face bore two distinct red spots on her cheeks, and her ample bosom heaved with excitement. I stopped reading to see what was amiss. Even my uncle put down his newspaper and looked up.

“Lord a’mercy the village is agog with gossip.” She set her shopping basket on the kitchen table.

“Prunella, have a seat, you are quite breathless,” Uncle Jasper said.

I turned my face to hide the astonishment. When had my uncle become familiar enough to be on first name terms with our housekeeper?

Mrs Stackpoole sank onto a chair. I fetched her a glass of water which she gratefully accepted and took several unladylike gulps. Her hazel eyes glittered.

“What do you think? Mr Victor LaVelle has arrived this very day from London.” She searched our faces for some recognition of shock or surprise. “It is said he’s come to aid Billy Wolfe’s plight, though why, no one knows. I had it from Mr Bonfield, the postmaster, that Dominic Wolfe sent a telegram askin’ Mr LaVelle to come immediately. He’s got some nerve; I’ll give him that. How can a farmer, ask an important and rich man like Mr LaVelle, to drop everythin’ and come to the rescue of his brother.” She shook her head, and her chin wobbled.

I glanced at my uncle. His expression was unreadable. He did not seem to think it unusual at all. It gave me pause for thought. Why would he be in the minority when the residents of Ambleside found Dominic’s actions audacious?

I shrugged. “Considering the Wolfe family have a long relationship with Hollyfield House, who are we to know the extent of their friendship?”

“Yes, Miss Jilly, but they are of different classes. ’Tis not as if the families ever meet socially. The Wolfes are employed by the LaVelles,” she insisted.

“And there you have it.” Uncle Jasper joined the conversation. “’Tis as his employer that Victor LaVelle graces us with his presence. And glad I am to hear it too. If you ask me, the boy will not have a fair trial without someone with power and money in his corner.” He rose from the table, picked up his newspaper and tucked it under his arm. “And now I must away to my study. Mrs S., why don’t you join me for a sip of sherry? Under the circumstances, I believe it might be medicinal.”

Mrs Stackpoole was on her feet before he had completed his sentence. With newfound energy, she followed Uncle Jasper out of the kitchen, while I stood rooted to the floor with my mouth open. What on earth was going on between the two of them?

IT WAS A STRANGE DAY. I WORKED, but it took every ounce of my willpower to remain focused. How could I concentrate? The workings of a mushroom’s gills were of no interest to me when a boy’s life was at stake. Yet I pushed myself along. These notes were important to my uncle, and at present there was naught I could do to help the Wolfe brothers.

I was relieved Dominic would now have the guidance of Mr LaVelle. Surely his influence would carry