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

one goal checked off her list, she resumed her carriage ride, eagerly awaiting the chance to see Trick again. It felt like years since they’d parted, but she understood the necessity of observing the proprieties. To the rest of the world, Trick was her head groom; a valued member of her household, but a servant when all was said and done.

No one should know that he was so much more to her, as were the rest of her “servants”.

The watery skies showed no signs of brightening, which was a pity for the spring had arrived and she’d hoped for sunshine to speed things along.

They had rattled over the bridge, where she noted the higher water levels. The rain in the hills was adding to the endless downpours and turning a peaceful river into a bustling cascade of brownish rippling foam.

Then they were past the boundaries of Wolfbridge Manor and on their way to Ditchley. Her foot brushed the basket on the floor; she’d brought some essentials for Trick and tucked them all neatly away beneath a thick cloth.

Fresh bread from Evan, of course. Some early berries—tart but juicy—and cheese. She hoped he was well fed, and Jane had reassured her he was being treated properly in all regards.

But she worried, in spite of everything. She’d also added parchment and charcoal pencils to the basket. Perhaps he might like to sketch something—to while away what must be long and empty hours by using his talents to create his magical art.

Adalyn shivered a little as she remembered his drawings—and the one she’d planned on asking him to do of her. Would it ever happen?

If she and everyone at Wolfbridge could find more answers about the Fairhurst business, then yes, it could happen. They had to find something that would free Trick, but she felt no closer to that than she did the day he was taken.

After half an hour’s journey, she saw a scattering of small houses through the window and realised that they’d arrived.

Her driver knew where to go and within moments they pulled up at the aptly named Roundhouse, a sturdy building that was square in the front with a large round protuberance at the back.

“Here we are, m’Lady.” The driver came to the side of the carriage. “Yer goes right in there.” He pointed to the old oak slab that resembled the portcullis to a small castle more than it did a door.

“Thank you.” She allowed him to help her down. “I will be an hour at most.”

“I’ll be ‘ere, Ma’am.” He touched his cap respectfully and passed her the basket.

She walked in, her heart in her mouth, not knowing what to expect.

It was a surprise, and not an unpleasant one.

There was a desk, with papers on it, some shelves, what looked like a very large and ancient cabinet which probably housed a hundred years’ worth of records, and an elderly man rising to his feet.

“Good day, Ma’am.” He bowed, a genteel move betraying his heritage. He was a gentleman, without question.

“Good day to you sir,” she dipped her head in acknowledgement. “I am Lady Wilkerson of Wolfbridge Manor and I would be most pleased to be able to visit with my head groom, who is currently residing in your Roundhouse.”

“Ah, yes. Our Trick. Pleasant lad. It may sound a bit strange, but I have enjoyed having him here. We’ve had a few lively discussions of an evening.”

Adalyn’s tension eased a little at his words.

“Come this way, if you would…” He led her into a narrow passageway that headed away from the office area. “He’s lucky it is spring. We have yet to come up with a good way to heat this place when the weather gets very cold.”

She noticed the stone walls and understood his comment.

They reached the end and turned to the right where a barred door allowed light through into the passage.

“Visitor for you, Trick…” The gentleman called out politely, took a bunch of keys from a hook high on the wall behind him, and unlocked the door.

Adalyn stepped inside and looked around the corner.

There he was, rising with a look of wonder on his face. “Adalyn,” he whispered.

She held her finger to her lips and motioned over her shoulder with her head.

He nodded. “My Lady. This is a signal honour. Won’t you sit? I cannot say how delighted I am to see you…”

The door clanged shut as she walked to Trick.

“Call when you’re done, Ma’am.” The elderly voice sounded hollow as it echoed against the thick walls.

“I will. Thank you, sir.” She called back as she sat on a bench formed by stones at the bottom of what must be the outside wall. Trick joined her and took her hand in his, squeezing it tightly and dropping a kiss on her knuckles.

She reached out to touch his face, hesitant lest they be observed.

“Is this all right?” she whispered.

“Yes,” he murmured back. “I cannot be seen unless I move to the door area.”

She lifted her face to his. “Good,” she breathed.

He smiled then, his wicked look still intact though his face looked thinner. “Very good,” he breathed.

And kissed her.

Adalyn’s heart melted at the touch of his lips and she reached for him, sliding her hands around his neck and allowing him to pull her closer than close—almost onto his lap.

She whimpered a little at the delicious taste of him, a sound that generated a tremor in his body she could feel. His arms tightened and one hand slipped down her spine to find the roundness of her bottom. That touch made her gasp and she couldn’t help but press herself closer, loving the shimmering darts of pleasure his touch awoke within her.

Something clanged in the outer office and they drew apart, Adalyn darting a nervous glance at the area near the door.

“It’s all right. I believe Gerald has dropped his abacus again.”

“Gerald? Is that his name? I forgot to ask…” She cleared her throat and gazed at the familiar features of Trick’s face. “How are you,