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

“Evergreen has always been quite a demanding young lady. Before you, it was Dominic Wolfe she pestered. He is probably enjoying the break.” She gave a little laugh.

Her words stung, though I did not think it was her intention. Yet I did not like the thought of Dominic and Evergreen spending time together. I was jealous.

“I believe the LaVelles and Wolfes are friends of old,” I replied.

“That is one way of saying it,” she said sardonically and then got to her feet. “Miss Farraday, I have enjoyed our chat this evening. I hope to see you again soon.” She nodded towards me and walked in the direction of her husband. “Come, Monty. ’Tis time for us to take our leave.”

There followed polite goodbyes, and then the Mountjoy’s were gone, leaving Uncle and I to make our own farewells. I rose to go over to where my uncle stood, but was stopped as Marabelle Pike drew near.

“You seem keen to gain Lady Louisa’s good favour.” At first, I did not realise she was addressing me. The woman had made it her practice to ignore me at every other encounter.

“Not at all,” I replied, irked at her tone. “We found something of common interest to discuss.”

Evergreen arrived to stand with us. She shot her cousin a withering look. “For goodness sake, Marabelle. Stop being so annoying. Are you so aggravated at anyone enjoying their evening that you must spoil it?”

Marabelle stiffened, and walked out of the parlour. Evergreen chuckled, and though I was still annoyed with her dour cousin, I found her delight in Marabelle’s discomfiture unsettling.

Uncle Jasper came over with Victor behind him. “Jilly, Victor has offered us the use of his carriage home. I have accepted as the hour grows late and I am tired.”

“Thank you, Mr LaVelle.” I smiled politely at our host. He waved a hand.

“Say nothing of it. I am pleased you were able to join us this evening. I hope my family’s outbursts did not offend?” His green eyes slanted over to Evergreen, who held her head high and met his disapproval without flinching.

“Not at all,” I said, looking between the two LaVelles. “Better to be forthright and honest than not.” I extended my hand to shake his. “Thank you for a nice evening. It was kind of you to include my uncle and I.”

“Indeed,” he said pleasantly. He escorted me out to the hall with Uncle Jasper and Evergreen close behind still in conversation.

“Miss Farraday. I wonder if you would be available to meet at Wolfe Farm tomorrow. Shall we say at one in the afternoon?” My heart leapt at the mention of Dominic’s farm. I would welcome any opportunity to see him.

“Of course. I would be happy to come.”

“Where are you going?” Evergreen asked as she had overheard her father. “And why am I not invited?” Victor stopped at the front door. He turned towards his daughter.

“It is none of your concern.” His voice was flat and cold.

Evergreen bristled, spun on her heel, and trounced away. My level of discomfort grew. Was this family constantly at odds with one another?

Uncle Jasper came to the rescue. “Come along, Jilly, dear. The carriage awaits. Thank you, Victor, I will see you at the lecture Thursday evening.” He shook our host’s hand, then led me through the door and out into the evening.

I was not talkative on the journey home, though Uncle Jasper did not remark upon it. I was busy recounting Lady Mountjoy’s comments regarding Evergreen and Dominic Wolfe. Was there more than a childhood friendship between them? It was entirely possible. After all, they were both attractive, interesting people. It would be natural for them to form an amorous alliance over time. Yet surely it could not be, for had not Dominic kissed me? Had he not declared the desire to get to know me better once Billy’s situation was resolved?

I hated my naiveté, that I had no experience with romance. For though my heart ached to strengthen my feelings for the handsome artist, my common sense reminded me that to entangle myself with Evergreen LaVelle’s dislike, was tantamount to treason.

Chapter Fourteen

I BARELY CONCENTRATED ON MY work the next morning. I was obsessed with thoughts of seeing Dominic later in the day. For every speculation of what might have transpired between us had Jareth Flynn not been murdered, there was another where I pictured Evergreen LaVelle wrapped in Dominic’s embrace.

The irony was that after months of solitude, my move to Ambleside had unexpectedly brought someone into my life. A man who I not only had a physical attraction to, but also a profound interest in learning about as an individual. I liked Dominic Wolfe. I respected his kindness, his sense of duty to family, and the quiet strength I sensed lay within. Did I have the nerve to ask him about his feelings for Evergreen?

After luncheon with Uncle Jasper and Mrs Stackpoole, I excused myself to go to Wolfe Farm. The day was sunny and warm enough to leave my shawl at home. I wore an old cotton dress of my mother’s, and though the fabric was now a faded periwinkle blue, I still loved it as it reminded me so much of her.

I walked briskly down Lake Road, nodding occasionally as I passed by other pedestrians, some whose faces were growing more familiar. The sky was a brilliant blue and completely cloudless. I marvelled at the beauty of nature’s palette as I surveyed the bright green grass fields that contrasted so magnificently with the faultless sky.

Dominic opened the farmhouse door to me with a welcoming smile, and I felt a spread of warmth fill my heart. As I stepped inside, he pulled me into a warm embrace.

“I am so glad to see you, Jilly,” he spoke softly into my ear. “You are a wonderful tonic when the rest of my world seems so upside down.” His eyes searched my face and settled upon my lips. He touched his mouth to mine and kissed me