Lady Adalyn (The Saga Of Wolfbridge Manor Book 1), Sahara Kelly [the best e book reader .TXT] 📗

“I would sleep better at night, my Lady. I can tell you that right now.”

“Call me Adalyn,” she smiled. “I think I asked you that the first time we met.”

“It seems years ago, not weeks.” Judith stared at the fire. “I still would love to know what happened that night.”

Adalyn saw an opening for a question that had been niggling at the back of her mind. “Let me ask you something if I may,” she began. “Since that night, have any of your staff left?”

Judith frowned a little and turned to look at her. “That’s an odd question, but…I think yes? One of the footmen was getting married, so he left, since he wasn’t sure if he’d be paid anymore.”

“Are you paying them?”

Judith nodded. “Not me personally, but the estate accounts provide wages, and the housekeeper is now taking care of that.”

“That’s good,” Adalyn approved. “Anyone else that you can think of?”

“Well, let me see.” Judith pursed her lips. “Yes. Charles, who was Uncle Amery’s valet…he left since there was nobody to valet for anymore, and also…um…one of the other footmen, William. Then there was, oh what was her name,…” she snapped her fingers… “Margaret. She was a housemaid and would take care of guests, as I understand it. Those were the only other two to leave.”

“Hmm.” Adalyn thought about that. “Do you recall William’s surname?”

Judith looked as if she wanted to laugh. “Yes. It was—er—Fricklebottom.”

“Oh.” Adalyn blinked. “That is quite…memorable, isn’t it?”

The two women looked at each other, nodded, and then burst into laughter, sharing a completely inappropriate touch of humour.

Jeremy, bringing in the tea tray at that moment, was delighted to hear the sound, as was Giles, standing in the hallway outside, and wondering what the devil his mistress was up to.

Dear Diary,

I scarce know where to begin - so many things have been happening here, and so rapidly.

Sadly, I must report that Trick is not returned to us yet, but lingers in his incarceration. Being still at the Roundhouse, Jane can act as intermediary, and she is very devoted to her daily visits. I am deeply in her debt for her reports as to his health and demeanour, both of which she tells me are positive at the moment.

Once the legalities are affirmed, and our refusal to part with any Wolfbridge property relayed to Mr. Baxter Fairhurst, things will change for Trick - and not in a good way. He will be remanded into custody at Deepmere, a considerable distance further away from Wolfbridge.

I am determined to see him soon, and to ensure Jane can continue her visits, although they may lessen in frequency. My heart will not be whole until he is home here with us once more.

I am coming to understand what it means to be the Lady of Wolfbridge, dear Diary. Giles gave me the letter penned by the very first Lady, in which it describes the duties, obligations and…well…benefits of the position. I am to protect the Manor and its lands - which I can do with ease and willingness, unless it involves one of my gentlemen. I made a difficult choice, but it was the right one, even though it separated me from Trick for too long.

I am to help others wherever I can and bring honour to the Wolfbridge name. This also I hope to do as time goes on. And finally, I am to love and cherish all the men who have dedicated themselves to serving Wolfbridge and its Lady. Yes, all of them.

I took my first real step toward that end the other night when I welcomed Daniel into my bed - and my body. Can I describe those hours? Not here. Not in words. The emotions engendered by our night together were fiercely passionate, and I can truthfully say Daniel’s tender and exquisite attentions have changed my life. Changed me. I learned what it is to lie with a man who cherishes me and wants nothing more than to give me pleasure. It was an experience that will stay burned into my heart for as long as I live, so I need no words to write any details here. Suffice it to say that I am exploring all the benefits of being Lady of Wolfbridge. I believe I may explore Jeremy next.

Am I wicked to eagerly anticipate that event? Many would judge me so. But I no longer judge myself since I am encouraged by the wisdom of all the Ladies of Wolfbridge who came before me. I trust that in some way I can pass this confidence along to those who will follow me down this unique road. But that is for the future.

For the now, I continue to pursue the inquiry into who might have effected the demise of Amery Fairchild. Judith’s visit was enlightening; she is a sweet girl who is growing up rapidly amidst a great deal of pain and confusion. Nothing ages one more quickly…I can attest to that fact.

It came to me that if somehow Giles could be appointed her guardian, then he could make suitable arrangements for her, and get her away from Fivetrees - and Baxter Fairhurst. I do not like the sound of that man’s interests toward Judith and the property; combined with his accusation against Trick, he has become the villain of my continuing story.

I am determined to also pursue the two servants who departed Fivetrees after the terrible night. Does such a departure indicate guilt of some kind? I won’t know until they are found and questioned. I shall ask Daniel to make those inquiries in the morning.

I will admit to having gambled a little on Giles and his abilities. I pray he has a contact in London who might welcome Judith’s presence; staying at Fivetrees is a risk I’d prefer she not have to take. She cannot live at Wolfbridge with me, which removes so much of our ability to protect her. Once again, I shall