The Secret of Hollyfield House Page 5

  Chapter Six

  I AWOKE UNUSUALLY GRUMPY—the prospect of the day unappealing. I had slept fitfully, my dreams a cavalcade of strange events. I dreamt of the moonstone and my mother, of Marabelle and the blacksmith, though I could not remember anything more than feeling disturbed.

  As the day progressed, Mother stayed on my mind. Her lovely smile, and her gentle touch. I would find myself pausing from transcribing Uncle Jasper’s notes to stare off into space, my thoughts whirling with impotent understanding. Though I did not like it, I allowed myself to accept theoretically that Mother had been involved with someone other than my father. This unknown man surely gave her the moonstone, for she would not have had the coin to purchase the blasted thing. So, who was this mysterious person, and where had she met him? Why had their relationship ended?

  I had too many questions and no answers. Those, Mother had taken to the grave. I would speak with Uncle Jasper once again. He must know more about what happened before I was born.

  Mrs Stackpoole went off to the village to the butchers. Not long after her departure, I heard a rap upon the front door, followed by the sound of Uncle Jasper’s feet going down the hall. I heard him speak and then the higher-pitched tone of a woman. Who on earth was here?

  I put down my pen and went along to the study. There, among the cluttered room littered with piles of papers, sat Evergreen LaVelle. Why my uncle had not taken her into the parlour was beyond me. I was overwhelmed with shame at the poverty of our home, distressed she would find us in no fit state to receive company.

  “—and here she is, Miss LaVelle.” Uncle Jasper gestured in my direction as I stood speechless in the doorway.

  “Come in, Jilly. Look, we have a visitor.” His face beamed with pleasure and I knew he had no idea how out of place Evergreen LaVelle appeared sitting on our threadbare armchair by the hearth.

  “Jillian,” she exclaimed, a smile on her face. “I do hope you can forgive me for showing up unannounced, but I’ve come to ask a huge favour.”

  I stepped closer and took the opposing chair. Uncle Jasper mumbled something about going out to the vegetable garden and left the room.

  “A favour?”

  “Indeed.” Evergreen sighed and leaned back in the chair. Her immaculate dove grey cloak accentuated how old and worn the furniture appeared. “I have commissioned Dominic Wolfe to paint my portrait as a birthday gift for my father.”

  “That is a lovely present,” I said, “but what has it to do with me?”

  She chuckled. “Jillian, you are so forthright with your manner of speech. ’Tis a little off-putting at times.” She shook her head, “Still, I am sure you mean no harm. I have a request. Would you be willing to come out to the house while I sit for the painting? ’Tis improper for me to be alone with a young man—even an artist.”

  I shook my head at her ridiculous request. “I am sorry, but that is impossible. I have far too much work here to be spared. Can you not ask your cousin, Marabelle? She lives with you, after all.”

  “Absolutely not,” Evergreen snapped, and all warmth flew from her pretty eyes. “I detest the woman. Besides, she thinks me vain to have the painting done at all.”

  Clutching my hands together on my lap I laced my fingers and struggled for a response. “Miss LaVelle—”

  “Evergreen,” she interrupted.

  “Evergreen, surely you understand I am not in the same position as you to do as I please. My uncle depends upon my work, and I cannot ignore my responsibilities to spend time with you, especially when there is much expected of me here.” My words sounded feeble even to my ears, for though I did have many duties, Mrs Stackpoole took care of cleaning the house and all the cooking.

  “Jillian, please,” she injected a pleading note to her voice. “I would be so grateful if you could find the time to help me in this matter. Hollyfield is such a dull and boring place. I shall go mad if left to my own resources.”

  “I am truly sorry for your unhappiness,” I replied. “But I cannot leave my uncle—”

  “What’s that you say?” Uncle Jasper rejoined us. He held a small cabbage in his hand and granules of dirt fell to the floor.

  “Professor Alexander,” Evergreen rose to her feet, her blue eyes shining in earnest. “I have asked Jillian to assist me in a small matter at Hollyfield while Dominic paints my likeness as a surprise for Father. Not only would it help me, but I should like to get to know her better. However, she insists she cannot leave her duties here with you.”

  Uncle Jasper set the cabbage down upon his desk. “What’s this, Jilly? You shouldn’t turn down a request for help, my girl. Wouldn’t be polite. No, not one bit.”

  I stifled the groan trapped in my chest. “Uncle Jasper, ’tis not that I am unwilling to help, but my time is limited with all I need to do each day. What about your lecture notes?” I knew that would rally him to my way of thinking.

  “Mrs Stackpoole can help,” he suggested.

  “What?” I was amazed. As intelligent as the housekeeper might be, she was not proficient in interpreting Uncle Jasper’s technical work.

  “Perhaps not.” He had apparently come to the same conclusion. “But you should help Miss LaVelle, Jilly. ’Tis what a friend would do.”

  I looked at the wealthy woman who glanced from my uncle to me in anticipation of a final answer.

  “It would only be every other weekday for three hours in the morning, for the next few weeks, Jillian. And I would be forever in your debt.” Evergreen turned her beautiful smile upon Uncle Jasper. “Father will be so pleased with the portrait. And I shall tell him of your kindness, Professor. Of course, you could accompany your niece whenever you felt the inclination to spend time in our gardens and park. Not just for the specimens Perry granted you, but to procure anything which takes your fancy.”

  With that, my fate was sealed. Uncle Jasper was completely on the hook.

  “What an excellent notion, Miss LaVelle, and a generous offer indeed. I should be delighted for Jilly to spend time with people of her own age. It will do her the world of good. Consider me in agreement. ’Tis all right with you, is it not?” he asked me as an afterthought.

  I felt Evergreen’s perusal. I had no choice but to comply, though I was not at all pleased with the outcome.

  Uncle Jasper made small talk until Evergreen took leave of us, with my promise to attend her the next morning at ten o’clock. She would sit for her portrait for two hours, and then I would be given luncheon before returning home. I watched her step into her carriage and then I closed the front door. My new responsibility felt like a burden upon my shoulders. The only consolation was I would see Dominic Wolfe again.

  THE NEXT MORNING, THE SULLEN grey sky reflected my mood. In the carriage, my mind knotted itself into a muddle of irritation. Though I had examined the reason for feeling so out of sorts, I determined it was from being at everyone else’s beck and call. Seldom did my time belong to me, always to my family—and now, Miss Evergreen LaVelle, as well.

  At Hollyfield, I rapped the knocker and was ushered inside by the same girl as before. But this time she led me through a library and out into an enormous glass conservatory. It was a veritable jungle, teeming with pots and baskets full of lush green plants, and all manner of flowers. Many were unfamiliar, but I recognised the pungent scent of honeysuckle blossom, which permeated each breath I took. The maid escorted me through a maze of gravel pathways, the plants brushing against me as we passed.

  The far end of the conservatory opened into a broad area, filled with white wicker furniture, adorned with ornate pillows of bold green satin. Semi-reclined upon a chaise longue lay Evergreen, and my step faltered as I absorbed the picture she presented.

  She could pass for a Roman empress in her gown of pure white silk. Several layers of sheer taffeta fell from underneath the bodice, and the square-cut neckline plunged to reveal Evergreen’s creamy décolletage. I was so captivated by her appearance I failed to see she was not alone, so when Dominic Wolfe steppe
d out from behind a large easel, it startled me.

  “Miss Farraday. It is a pleasure to see you again.”

  His greeting was friendly and my face warmed at his singular attentiveness. “Hello, Mr Wolfe.”

  “Oh, good grief.” Evergreen swung her legs down, so her sandaled feet touched the floor. “You shall both need to dispense with formalities, after all, you two have already met.”

  Dominic inclined his dark head to acknowledge her command and then turned his amber eyes to fasten upon my own. I saw the question there and realised he awaited my consent.

  “Yes. Do call me Jillian,” I stuttered with embarrassment, though I knew not why. He smiled kindly, and I began to relax.

  “Jillian, you are late. We have already begun the session.” Evergreen remarked with a hint of petulance. She gestured to one of the chairs. “Do have a seat. Tell me, what do you think of my dress? I thought it whimsical and romantic for a portrait.”

  “It is beautiful.” I heard the wistful note in my voice. “And you look lovely, Evergreen. Your father will assuredly adore the painting, once it is finished.”

  “Now, don’t get ahead of yourself,” Dominic chuckled. “I have just begun sketching. You will have to wait before passing judgement.” He moved back behind the easel, and I took my seat.

  We fell silent and I suddenly felt awkward. I sought to fill the quiet. “How long have you both known one another?”

  Evergreen responded. “Since childhood, although I can’t remember much of that. Father kept us in London mostly. Our time at Hollyfield was brief, but frequent.”

  “And I was more familiar with Perry, and Marik.” Came Dominic’s voice behind the easel. “We three played together when the family was in residence.”

  I glanced at Evergreen. “Marik has been with your family some time then?”

  “Oh yes. He and Perry have grown up together. He is like another brother to me.”

  I recalled the dark face, the black eyes. What an interesting family the LaVelles were in comparison to mine.

  “But thank goodness for Dom. If I am forced to stay this long at Hollyfield, at least I have one person of my age besides my brother and Marik. And now we have met, Jillian, I have two friends to amuse me while I die of boredom in this godforsaken village.”

  “Evergreen’s behaviour has always bordered on the melodramatic,” Dominic said dryly. “She forgets how fortunate she is and tends to complain about one thing or another.”

  I smiled while Evergreen pouted. “I do not. It is because I should be in London attending the theatre, going to balls, and—”

  “—see what I mean.” Dominic’s head peered around the easel. He gave us both a devilish grin. Evergreen giggled and acquiesced the point.

  How close were these friends? Was it a romantic alliance? The idea rubbed against me like an itchy wool vest. Why should it concern me one way or another? But I knew the answer. I was intrigued by Dominic Wolfe. From his tousled dark hair to those intelligent eyes and strong jaw. He was a good-natured fellow to be sure, yet I sensed something more mysterious lurking beneath his exterior. He was an artist. Therefore, I knew he would have a sensitive spirit and an open mind. If Dominic had studied with Millais, then he must be a member of that secret society of painters they called the pre-Raphaelite movement. I had read much about the men who embodied the ideals of reformists, daring to be unconventional.

  As if knowing he filled my thoughts, Dominic stepped out from behind the easel and glanced at me before retrieving his bag. I watched him crouch to fumble through the leather satchel in search of an item. Though no giant in stature, he was still a well-built man with a healthy physique—no doubt from years of labouring on his family’s farm. His back muscles rippled beneath the soft linen of his shirt, and my eyes followed the bulge of his thighs as he squatted down low.

  I started as his eyes connected with mine, catching my intense study. Our gaze held a moment longer, and I was the first to look away. Had my face betrayed my reflections? My skin warmed with embarrassment. Then I saw the smirk spread across Evergreen’s lips, and I felt ashamed of her observation. Her knowing eyes were full of comprehension and feline in expression.

  Nervously I got to my feet. “Shall I get us some refreshment from the kitchen?” I offered.

  “Don’t be silly, Jillian. I’ll ring for tea.” Languidly Evergreen stretched out to the glass table next to her and rang a small silver bell.

  Dominic resumed his sketching, but the atmosphere had shifted.

  “What’s all this then?” Perry LaVelle approached us, wearing a white linen suit and a friendly smile. He nodded at me. “Good day to you, Miss Farraday.”

  “Good morning.”

  “Wolfe, old chap. What on earth are you up to?” Perry shook hands firmly with Dominic, who pointed to the canvas before him.

  “I have been commissioned to paint a portrait of your lovely sister.”

  Perry stepped behind the easel. After a moment he peeked around it and grinned at Evergreen.

  “Damme, Dom, you’ve captured her perfectly. She’s as broad as a house!”

  Evergreen gasped, swung her feet to the ground and made her way to the easel. Her face flushed bright with indignance.

  “Whoa.” Perry laughed, signaling for her to stop. “I jest, dearest sister. Calm yourself. Dom has barely started sketching.”

  Evergreen wrinkled her nose in annoyance and slapped her brother’s outstretched hand. “You are a rotten swine, Peregrine LaVelle.” But the grin on her face belied her beratement. Evergreen returned to her seat but did not resume the pose. “What are you doing here, anyway? I thought you were with Mr Sneed, studying father’s boring accounts.”

  Perry sat on the end of the chaise longue. “I was. But poor old Nicholas has a chill. He was sneezing so violently, at one point, his spectacles popped off his nose.”

  We all laughed.

  “So instead, I’m off for a ramble up Thatcher’s Peak. Does anyone want to tag along?”

  “I might.” The Indian gentleman I had seen at dinner came towards us carrying a large silver tray. He placed it carefully on the table next to Evergreen.

  “At least you shan’t be in any danger now they have nabbed the murderer,” Evergreen said drolly. I thought something passed between her and the foreigner, a slight change of expression. Or had I imagined it?

  “Let us stop prattling about such a macabre subject.” Dominic stated, looking directly at me. I understood he was aware of my involvement in the body’s discovery, and I gave him a smile of thanks.

  “Yes let’s,” commanded Evergreen. “I’d rather talk about something more exciting. Marik, do stay and join us. Miss Farraday has yet to be properly introduced to you.”

  The handsome man complied and pulled a chair closer so we could all sit together in a group. Our hostess poured tea and handed around the cups and saucers, and a plate of shortbread for those who were hungry.

  “Miss Farraday.” Marik sat to my immediate left, close enough for me to detect the musky scent of exotic perfume which I found very pleasing. “Evergreen tells me you are new to this part of the country. How do you find the Lake District?” His accent was crisp and British, as educated as any noble Englishman.

  I smiled. “This is a beautiful part of England. Especially, I think, at this time of the year. I have yet to venture far, only the village and not much further. But I like it here very much.” I took a sip of tea. “And you, do you like this part of the world? I imagine it completely different from your homeland?” In the background, I could hear the others having their own conversation regarding someone they knew from the village, but I was far more interested in speaking to this foreigner. Both his appearance and manner intrigued me. He was clean-shaven, his complexion smooth and even. His jet-black hair shone with lustre now there was no turban to conceal it as it had the evening of the dinner party. Strong brows were set above pitch eyes, and he had the thickest lashes I had ever seen.

  “England and
India are as similar to one another as the Sahara and Lake Windemere,” Marik stated, his generous lips parted, revealing pearl white teeth. “There is much to appreciate about both countries, I believe. The opportunities available here to learn from fine universities are second to none. There is a wealth of history before our very eyes, and the beauty of the land is breathtaking. Yet in my country, there is the rawness of nature, untouched places and a wildness that renders England tame as a domesticated dog. Here you have your manners and polite society, in India lies the heart of the tiger, a call to prayer, the smell of spices in the wind and vivid colours only a fierce sun and heavy monsoons can paint upon the land.”

  I was mesmerized. As he spoke, my imagination saw the vibrant colours he spoke of, vast lands, wild beasts. “Your description fascinates, Mr—”

  “Call me, Marik.”

  “Marik.” I took a breath. “To have lived in a place so extraordinary is more than I can comprehend. In comparison, my life has been small, so uninteresting.”

  “Oh, please do not say so.” He reached over to place his empty cup on the tray. “For there is no such thing as a small life, Miss Farraday. When you are the only player on your life’s stage, it is an epic story you tell.” He rose to his feet and bowed before me. “And now I must excuse myself and return this to the kitchen.” Marik lifted the tea-tray and accepted the empty cups from the others.

  “Can you be ready to leave in ten minutes?” Perry asked Marik.

  “Naturally.” Came the reply as he walked away from our little group. I watched him depart and then looked at Evergreen. Her face bore a curiously amused expression.

  It was Perry’s turn to get to his feet. “Well, Dom. I’m off. I’ll leave you to put up with my sister. At least you have Miss Farraday to assist.” He gave me a wink and then bade us all a friendly farewell.

  I settled back in my chair, deep in thought. Evergreen resumed her pose and Dominic began working once again.

  “I should like to paint that chap, one of these days,” Dominic commented after a short while. “Marik has the most interesting bone structure. He would make a fine study.”