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

conversation. “Evergreen called today. She was bored from having family company so long and sought to be entertained by me instead.”

Dominic frowned. “How did that go? I’ll warrant she was as pent up as a caged beast.”

“You could say that. I shocked her because I asked about the relationship she had with Flynn.”

Dominic raised one thick brow. “You were feeling brave.”

“Apparently. Although I was rather surprised because she actually answered my question. Of course, she did not confess to having any type of romantic attachment to him but said it was a light flirtation and that he made her laugh.”

“Is that the secret to making a woman yearn for a man, then? Dear me, I shall throw down my paintbrush and learn to be funny.” He grinned devilishly, and I smiled back in amusement.

“She also spoke about her mother. I was quite hard on her for the way she talks about Billy, but it seems she has a deep-rooted fear of any type of mental indisposition.” I watched Dominic take a sip of ale. “Did you know what happened to her mother?”

He nodded. “Yes, it is no secret, though most people don’t speak of it out of respect for the family.”

“I was ashamed of myself for being so inconsiderate. Yet Evergreen brushed it off and went on her way. But I did discover she saw Jareth the night before he died. She said he was near the boathouse as he had business at Hollyfield.”

“Well, that explains the watch being there. I wonder what business a blacksmith could have with the LaVelles?”

“She did not say. I still think the watch must have come off in a struggle. What if Jareth was there the night before and Evergreen saw something. She will not step forward in order to protect her reputation. For some reason she is intent on naming Billy as the villain, and I wish I knew why.”

Dominic pushed away his empty plate. “Evergreen was incensed with Victor when she discovered he was Billy’s father. I think she feels tainted by his condition, that it somehow makes her pedigree ignoble. She might not show it, but she is fiercely jealous of anyone receiving her father’s attention.”

“Really? I would not have guessed that. Evergreen seems to antagonize him at every opportunity.”

“A sure way to earn his attention,” Dominic said. He was right. It was working. There was far more to Miss LaVelle than met the eye.

Dominic pushed his chair back from the table but did not rise. I got up and went around to take away his plate, but he grasped my wrist and pulled me onto his lap. His thighs were firm and strong as he easily supported my weight. His arm encircled my waist while mine slid up to wrap around his neck. I savoured the sweet moment of anticipation before his lips met mine and lost myself in the warmth of his kiss. It was endless, and when we finally broke for air, my mouth felt deliciously stung and swollen.

His breathing matched my own, and as we looked into one another’s eyes, he gently traced a line down my cheek with a finger. “You are so beautiful, Jilly. You are like a siren, with your cat’s eyes and sable hair. My god, I am tormented with the need to either take you to my bed or paint you.”

Warmth enveloped my cheeks. No one had ever spoken to me in this manner. Desire pulsed through my veins as I relished the flattery while simultaneously felt shy. “I am unsure how to respond and maintain my ladylike reputation,” I stammered weakly.

Dominic stared at me for a moment and then gave a short laugh. “Oh, I have embarrassed you? I am sorry.” He leaned back to see my face better. “I meant it as a compliment sweet Jilly. It was not my intention to make you uncomfortable.”

He was so sincere. I moved my face closer to his, while the stirring in my body throbbed like a drumbeat. Much to my own surprise, I initiated a passionate, deep kiss.

When the kitchen door handle turned, I leapt to my feet and hit my knee against the table.

“I’m back, Miss Jillian—” Mrs Stackpoole stepped into the kitchen and stopped in her tracks as she saw Dominic at the table, and me red-faced, rubbing my knee.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realise you were keepin’ company this evenin’.” Her face registered disapproval, enough for me to recognise her opinion of my being unchaperoned, alone in the house with a man.

“It is only Dominic, Mrs Stackpoole. He is back from Kendal and thought to see my uncle. I shared a sandwich with him. We were just speaking of the funeral yesterday.”

The mention of the funeral did precisely what I had hoped. Mrs Stackpoole’s judgmental expression changed instantly as the insatiable village gossip within her took charge.

“Now that was a strange affair, was it not?” The older woman settled herself across from Dominic. “I never before saw a family in such a hurry to put a body in the ground. Didn’t even stay to see all the mourners as we came out of the church. Shockin’ manners if you ask me. An’ them the gentry.”

Dominic pretended to agree. I could see him preparing to stand and make his escape. I did not blame him. His day had already been long, yet I was reluctant for him to leave without telling me about his meeting with Victor.

“I’ll not tarry. If you will excuse me, Mrs Stackpoole.” He rose and gifted her with a smile.

“I haven’t chased you off now. Have I, Dominic? ’Twas not my intent I assure you.” She gave him a beguiling glance.

“Not at all. I have been gone the better part of the day. I should get back to the farm and tend the animals before they run away to find somewhere else to eat their dinner.” He glanced my way. “Can you stop by tomorrow at your earliest convenience, Jillian?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Well, then I bid you