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

I looked up as Uncle Jasper came in through the back door. He had been on an errand to the village. He took off his hat and placed it on a hook. His face was pale, his expression grim.

“What is it?” I asked, already getting to my feet. “Does something ail you?” I fought off the panic rising. I had lost my mother so recently and I could not bear to think of losing another. Uncle Jasper held out a hand.

“I am fine, Jilly. Do not concern yourself. I have just heard disturbing news, and that is what shocks me.”

I went to him immediately and tugged his arm. “Then sit yourself down and let me make you a hot drink.” I went to the stove.

“No, Jilly. ’Tis not necessary.” But he sat at the table and gave a mighty sigh. “I have just seen Constable Bloom, not five minutes hence. He has been out at Wolfe Farm, searching through Billy’s room.”

My hand froze over the kettle. I turned around. “What has happened?”

Uncle Jasper shook his head. “They have found the blacksmith’s wallet hidden amongst Billy’s things.”

“Oh, no.” My heart sank. My first instinct was to rush to Wolfe Farm and speak with Dominic. Uncle Jasper must have read my mind.

“Do not think of going to see Dominic. He has enough on his plate to contend with, and does not need anyone bothering him, even someone with good intentions. Victor LaVelle will counsel him, and that is the only person he should talk to for the time being.”

As much as I hated to agree, I knew Uncle Jasper had it right. But I felt useless. No matter how much I tried to push the thoughts from my mind, the dilemma of Billy Wolfe lingered.

I RECEIVED A NOTE EARLY THE next morning, requesting I come to Hollyfield House at my convenience. It was signed by Evergreen, and though I baulked at the notion of spending time with her, in truth, my curiosity got the better of me. I wanted to meet Victor LaVelle, the illustrious tycoon who was spoken of in such reverent tones.

I left as soon as I read the missive, looking forward to a walk. The day was pleasant, and I took my time, my steps slowing as I neared Wolfe Farm. But I remembered my uncle’s advice and did not stop to intrude. Today, even the sweet lambs in the fields aroused no interest from me.

I arrived at Hollyfield before ten in the morning and was shown into the parlour where I sat alone, until Marabelle Pike entered the room.

“Oh.” Marabelle stopped short upon seeing me settled in one of the armchairs. “What are you doing here?” Her tone was unpleasant, her question rude.

“I asked Miss Farraday to come.” Evergreen’s authoritative voice barked from behind her cousin, who bristled with indignation. She swept past the disagreeable woman and made a grand show of sitting down across from me. Her full dark blue skirts settled about her like a puff of cloud.

“Thank you for coming, Jillian.” She smiled prettily and then her gaze rose to give a hard glare at Miss Pike, who gave an angry huff, turned and left the room.

“That woman is insufferable,” Evergreen commented disparagingly. “Now tell me, what do you think about all that has transpired since we last saw one another? Is it not exciting? Murder in Ambleside, and the village idiot to blame.” She sounded almost amused by the prospect, and I could not stop my grain of resentment develop a little more towards this woman. How could she be so likeable, yet in an instant so incredibly cruel?

“I do not find it exciting at all, Evergreen. A man’s life was taken, and another will hang for it. It is a tragic state of affairs, and I cannot fathom how you find it anything else.” My words sounded harsh, but I cared not.

“Well said, young lady,” a male voice interrupted, and my eyes darted upwards. Coming through the doorway was a tall, well-built man. His black hair peppered with white, his skin dark from the sun, his eyes a piercing green. He wore no facial hair, and though older, he was one of the most handsome men I had ever laid eyes upon.

My daughter,” he continued, “can be quite insensitive to the trials and tribulations of others.” He strode in on long legs and went to stand next to where Evergreen sat, dwarfing her. He patted her shoulder. “Yet we love her regardless of her imperfections.” He smiled, and I could see that Victor LaVelle was larger than life, and assuredly a force to be reckoned with. No wonder Dominic wanted him to help Billy. I judged him to be in his late fifties, yet he carried himself with the confidence of a young man in his prime.

He stared at me, and something shifted in his expression. Then he seemed to brush it away and turned to his daughter. “Evie, please introduce me to this plain-speaking friend of yours, I do not believe we have met?”

“Oh Papa, this is Jillian Farraday, Professor Alexander’s niece.”

I watched him closely, and he paused momentarily before walking over to where I sat. He extended a hand, which shook mine firmly.

“Victor LaVelle. Pleased to make your acquaintance. You are new to Ambleside?” He released his grip.

“Yes,” I replied. “I have been here but a few weeks.”

“We met when our carriage knocked her down, Papa. Honestly, I feared the worst.”

“Goodness. You were not badly hurt, I hope?”

“No, just a little rattled.” I smiled. “Your daughter plied me with tea and crumpets, and I made a miraculous recovery.”

“That sounds just like her,” Victor grinned. “God forbid Evie should ever take up nursing. All her patients would stay sick, yet simultaneously become obese.”

“Papa,” Evergreen protested.

“I jest dearest. Now—” his face became serious. “I am away to visit Dominic Wolfe. I shall be gone all morning.” He nodded his head towards me, an odd expression in