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

Chapter Twenty-Six

HE SAW ME AT THE SAME TIME and immediately headed my way. I hesitated, wanting to escape—I was not yet ready to speak with him, for I still smarted. But he called my name, and there was nothing for it but to wait for him to approach.

“Jillian. Where have you been? I take it you are feeling better?”

“What do you mean?” I had no idea what he referenced and then remembered my excuse for avoiding him yesterday. “I am well. Why do you wish to see me?”

“To ask if you would join me for a short walk. It is a fine morning, and we have much to discuss. Will you come?”

In truth, I did not want to walk with him, I was still disgusted, full of regret. I wanted to spit my accusations in his face. Tell him I was no fool and berate him for giving me false hope. Tears pricked my eyes, but my fury dried them instantly.

“Fine,” I relented. “I shall walk with you, but not far. I have much to attend to before Uncle returns later.” I did not look at his face. I could not.

If he noticed the distance in my voice, he did not comment upon it. He joined step beside me, and we made our way down the street toward the village.

“Jillian,” he began. “I want to clear the air between us. I know you are angry with me because of the behavior I displayed at the Mountjoy’s. But you must let me explain what has been going on before you convict me and toss me aside.”

He was more intuitive than I had credited him to be. Consequently, he had my attention. I was extremely interested in what he would say and how he proposed to extricate himself. I glanced over at him none too kindly. “Go ahead. I cannot wait.”

He threw me a wary glance. “I am innocent until proven guilty. Remember that.”

I nodded acquiescence.

“These past weeks have been surreal, and I have often found myself in a state of despair. The nightmare that began with Billy’s arrest, has spread like a thick fog, saturating my mind until I do not know if I come or if I go.” He ran his fingers through his dark wavy hair. “At each turn, there is conflict. To accuse one is to devastate another. My head has spun so much I am dizzy.”

“Can you be more specific?” I said bluntly, not giving him an inch—he deserved it.

“When we found evidence at the boathouse that day, I was astonished. I knew should Víctor learn of his daughter’s discretion he would be beyond devastated. So, I asked Evergreen to meet me, and I told her what I suspected. She was furious, and at first denied it all, but eventually owned up to having met the man once or twice.”

“She lies.” The words burst from my lips.

Dominic looked at me. “I know.” He went on. “As you discovered more of Flynn and his other liaisons, I believed Evergreen’s role in the entire affair must be greater than I first imagined. I became worried and also torn. I have a brother in the gaol while his half-sister conceals the fact she was involved with a murder victim. I was conflicted, but also concerned for Victor to bear this knowledge. I confronted Evergreen once again, but this time she decided to use a different tack, she began flirting with me.”

I stiffened, and Dominic looked at me quickly. He continued. “When I was very young, Evergreen bestowed upon me my very first kiss. To a poor young farm boy, she was a princess. I was completely smitten with her from that moment on, though she had no feelings for me other than wanting my homage. However, as the years passed and I grew up, I finally understood the kind of woman Evergreen was then and is now. She has relied upon her gender and beauty her entire life. She has effortlessly collected young saps, myself included, along the way.

But Evergreen has no moral compass, no concern for any but herself. When she decided to set her cap at me once again, it was not difficult for me to ignore her advances—I understood her intent. She sought to control me by seduction. But Jillian, I am no longer the foolish young boy from years ago. I have no interest in the woman beyond that of friendship. Besides.” He stopped and reached to take my hand. “My heart is already taken.”

I saw the earnest affection in his eyes, and still I pulled my hand away sharply.

“I have seen how she impacts you, Dominic. I have watched your expression change when she enters a room. She is lovely, and I cannot blame you for having your head turned…”

“No, Jilly.” He gave a deep sigh. “You have it wrong. I admit my feelings toward Evergreen are complicated, but only because I have seen through the veneer of her character. I have been troubled, and I realise I should have explained my feelings to you. But where to start? Since we met I have worked the farm, seen Billy at every opportunity while also becoming involved with you, and trying to protect Victor. I am at a loss to juggle everything in my head. I have tried to behave as though all is well, especially when I am with you. Our time together has been the only thing stopping me from going mad—you have to believe that.”

“I do not,” I said flatly.

He was undaunted. We reached the church, and he indicated we should sit on the bench. I did so but kept a great distance between us.

“The day of the Mountjoy’s dinner, Evergreen told me she had something of importance to tell me. She came to the farm and said the reason she hated my brother was that he had molested her on more than one occasion.”

I gasped. “No, that is ridiculous!”

“Yes,” he said mournfully. “I agree.” He turned to me. “But regardless