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

his eyes. “A pleasure to meet you, Miss Farraday. I hope to see you again soon.”

We both fell quiet as he left. I considered the man I had just met. Victor LaVelle appeared used to hard work yet had the refinery of a gentleman. It was an odd combination, though it served him well. His bearing gave him an air of authority, which increased my relief that he had come to aid Dominic and his brother. All at once, Billy’s dire circumstances did not seem as insurmountable.

“I cannot believe my father is helping Billy Wolfe.” Evergreen’s petulant voice sounded immature. “What can he do anyway? The boy killed a man—even Father cannot change that.” She rose and went over to the window.

“You are right. He cannot alter what has already happened. But your father has the power to influence the outcome by ensuring Billy gets a fair trial.” I joined her at the window, and we stood side by side. “Who knows what may have happened, Evergreen. Perhaps Flynn tried to harm Billy. He could have stabbed him in self-defence?”

She looked at me and there was no warmth in those beautiful blue eyes. “Billy still left Flynn’s body in the lake and threw away the knife. Not the actions of an innocent, wouldn’t you say?” I met her gaze. For a moment, I believe we both tried to read each other’s real thoughts.

“Why, Miss Farraday.” Perry LaVelle entered the room. “I did not know you were coming this morning.” He smiled and went to his sister, kissing her lightly upon the cheek. “I’m off to see boring old Sneed.”

“Poor you.” Evergreen laughed, all animosity gone from her face. “I’d rather have a tooth pulled than spend the day studying figures and sums. You have my deepest sympathies, dear brother.”

“Oh, Sneed’s not such a bad fellow,” Perry said amiably. “A bit eccentric, but a bloody mastermind with numbers.”

As I watched their exchange, I had the sudden urge to leave Hollyfield and go home. I did not want to be rude, so I told a white lie. “Evergreen, I feel the start of a headache. Would you mind very much if I went home? I am sorry.”

“No, of course.” She was at once all kindness. “I understand. You must come back another day when you feel better. Let Perry walk with you some of the way. He is headed in the same direction. Are you not, Perry?”

“Yes, indeed. Come along, Jillian. I’ll be pleased to escort you.”

After saying our goodbyes, Perry LaVelle, and I set off down Lake Road. He chattered about inconsequential matters and was friendly. His personality was far different than his sister’s. They were both outgoing and amicable, yet Evergreen appeared to have a sharp sting always at the ready. In contrast, Perry, or what I knew of him anyway, had a more jovial disposition.

“I met your father this morning,” I commented. “He was charming.”

“Pa’s a good chap. Though he can be a bit of a tyrant at times, his heart is in the right place.”

“He would make a formidable opponent. He has quite a presence.” I hoped I did not sound rude.

“Indeed,” agreed his son. “Father built his business from the ground up, you know. My mother’s family helped him get a start, as Grandfather was with the British East India Company. Father got into the shipping business right as the cotton trade took off. He made a fortune, paid my grandfather back every penny, and then went on to form one of the largest independent shipping lines in Europe. He has earned the right to be a tough businessman. He’s a lot for me to try and live up to—I can tell you.”

He continued to speak of their time in India, but I was not giving him my full attention. My mind wandered back to his father, and what he might be able to accomplish with Billy’s awful situation.

“…and then Marik came with us.”

I snapped my focus back to our conversation. “How did that come about?” I hoped I was not too inquisitive.

Perry did not appear to mind the question. “Marik’s father was my tutor, and we studied together as children. When Ashok died, Marik became part of our family.”

“It must have been quite a change for him, living in England.”

He chuckled. “Oh, yes. I think he almost froze to death the first six months we lived here. But after fifteen years, I believe he has finally acclimated.” Perry spoke of Marik with the affection of a brother. I warmed to him even more.

“Well, here we are. This is where I must leave you, Jillian. I hope your headache doesn’t tarry and that you’ll be back at Hollyfield soon. Do tell the professor to come with you next time and have a forage.” He bowed his head politely and turned to go.

“Perry?”

He paused.

“We did not speak about the murder of Jareth Flynn. Can I ask you, do you think Billy Wolfe capable of such a heinous deed?”

“I am unsure what to think,” he said finally. “What I do know of Flynn was not entirely favourable. Yet I would not have thought it in Billy’s nature to harm another.”

“Do you think now your father is here, Billy will at least have a fair trial?”

Perry smiled. “Miss Farraday. With Victor LaVelle on his side, anything can happen.”

Chapter Ten

AFTER LUNCH, I EXCUSED MYSELF and spent a few languid hours reading up in my room. But by four o’clock I became restless and went downstairs to see where everyone else was. I was in the mood for company, but as I neared the parlour, I heard the distinctive sound of a feminine giggle. I put my ear against the closed door. There it was again. Good lord, it was Mrs Stackpoole! There was a rustling noise, and then the low chuckle of my uncle. I quickly backed away and hastened through the kitchen and out of the door.

Whatever Mrs Stackpoole and my uncle were doing together involved more than just chatting.