The Secret of Hollyfield House Read online

  Uncle Jasper pondered this for a moment. He set down his glass. “You know I believe I asked her the same question all those years ago, and I think your mother knew in her heart there was another agenda.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  With a sigh he closed his book and set it on the table next to him. “Back then, many young men sought fame and fortune in India. The British East India Company was, and still is, very powerful, which drew those looking to make their fortunes. The British population in India was decidedly short of young men with good prospects, while there were a number of wealthy young women in search of husbands. My guess is whoever this chap was, he was already promised to another. Oh, he might have fallen for a young Devon girl, but he would marry where the money was.” He gave a shrug. “Of course, I do not know if my theory is true, but I believe it the best explanation. There is also the possibility the poor man might have succumbed to a nasty foreign disease. No matter, dear girl. There is nothing more I can tell you.” He smiled kindly. “The pendant is symbolic of something which lasts forever, and it is the only relic dear Gwen had after the young man went away. Fortunately, she met your father, and marrying Thom Farraday was the best thing that could have happened to her.”

  I was disappointed. Part of me had hoped for a tidbit of information which might explain away my questions. I popped the tin back into my pocket and changed the subject.

  I told Uncle Jasper of my meeting that morning with Evergreen’s father, the wealthy businessman. “I hope Mr LaVelle has been able to help Dominic. I have not seen or heard anything else since yesterday. Has Mrs Stackpoole any news from Ruby’s husband in Kendal?”

  Uncle Jasper looked at me thoughtfully. Surely, he realised I knew something of their relationship, yet I knew he would not speak of it.

  “There is talk of Victor engaging a London solicitor. That is all though. But ’tis early days, Jilly, early days.” With that, he picked up his book, adjusted his wiry spectacles and began to read.

  I returned to my room and placed the tin back in the drawer. My mind had moved from my mother’s past, back to Dominic. I was so pleased he finally had someone on his side. Surely a person with Victor LaVelle’s means could impact Billy’s fate. I sat down on my bed and closed my eyes, my heart heavy with the thought of the Wolfe brothers’ awful predicament.

  Tomorrow I would try and see Dominic. Perhaps he would have better news or at least more information. Yet as I contemplated my visit, I realised it was not merely to find out more about Billy’s situation. I would use any excuse to be able to see Dominic Wolfe again.

  Chapter Eleven

  FOUR DAYS REMAINED BEFORE UNCLE Jasper’s lecture at Mountjoy Manor. He was up early. I looked in on him as he worked in the study. He glanced up, and I could see from his expression that his anxiety had peaked once again.

  “I’ll be in the kitchen if you need anything,” I said quietly and went to leave.

  “Wait, Jilly.” He stopped me. “Are you all right? You look a little tired. I believe all this melodrama is taking its toll upon you.”

  “I am fine,” I assured him. “But perhaps I could work this morning and then take the afternoon to do something more relaxing.”

  “Excellent notion. I won’t have anything new for you to do until tomorrow at the earliest. You go off later and get some fresh air.”

  I left him to his work. He had been right about me. I was tired. But then so much had happened since my arrival in Ambleside. I had barely become used to living with Uncle Jasper, when I had made the shocking discovery of a body, closely followed by the accident with the LaVelle’s carriage. Since meeting Evergreen, my life felt changed, chaotic. I chided myself to stop thinking about everything. Instead, I made a strong cup of tea, which I took over to the kitchen table and settled down to business.

  The morning passed quickly. After luncheon with my uncle, I collected my things and set off outdoors. I had no specific plans, but it was a sunny afternoon, the temperature clement and I yearned for some good wholesome spring air. My feet automatically led me willingly to Wolfe Farm. I did not consider it improper for me to stop by in the middle of the day, although I was not certain Dominic would be there.

  I arrived at the farmhouse and heard the low rumble of male voices talking inside. I lifted my hand to rap upon the door and then hesitated. Should I go away and not intrude? My curiosity was piqued. I knocked.

  “Jilly?” The door opened revealing Dominic’s surprise at my being there. But he smiled and invited me in.

  “If you have company,” I stated. “I do not want to interrupt. Would you prefer I come back later?”

  “No, you are most welcome,” he said, and our eyes met briefly. In that moment I knew a sense of relief, for Dominic looked much improved since our last meeting. It must be due to the arrival of Mr LaVelle.

  “Come into the kitchen, Jilly.” Dominic led the way. “Victor is here, and I would like him to meet you.”

  I followed. “Actually Dominic, I have met—”

  “Miss Farraday.” Mr LaVelle rose from the kitchen table and gave a curt nod. He appeared conspicuous within the unadorned room—by contrast, he was polished and sophisticated.

  “Dominic, I had the pleasure of meeting this young lady yesterday. It seems Miss Farraday is quite popular with my family, and apparently yours as well.” He gave a dashing grin and I warmed to him immediately.

  “Jilly and I are new friends,” Dominic stated. “But I feel as though I have known her a long while. She and Jasper have been most kind and supportive.” I liked that he used the affectionate abbreviation of my name.

  “Good to know, Dom.” His green eyes drew level with mine. “I’ve long held a high regard for the professor. Miss Farraday, won’t you take a seat?”

  “Please call me Jillian, Mr LaVelle.”

  “I shall, and likewise, you must call me Victor. Now, Dominic, shall we continue with this later?”

  I had disturbed them. I rose to leave.

  “Jillian,” Dominic said quickly. “I want you to stay.” He looked over at Victor. “Jillian has offered to help with Billy’s case in any way she can. I should like her to remain, if you are in agreement, Victor?”

  The older man nodded. “Whatever you decide is acceptable with me.” He threw a friendly smile in my direction. “Now. Dominic and I were discussing the evidence brought forth against Billy. All quite damning, unfortunately.”

  “What evidence do the authorities have?” I asked.

  “The murder weapon, of course. And a wallet belonging to Flynn, found in Billy’s room. Other than that, there is nothing else. But those two items are enough to convict him.”

  “But there must also be a motive.” I rebutted. “What was the relationship between Billy and the blacksmith?”

  “There wasn’t one, as far as I know,” said Dominic. “Flynn was a show-off; he liked the sound of his own voice. He’d teased my brother on several occasions, usually if he had an audience. But it seldom angered Billy. If anything, it would make him cry. I was the one who would get angry about it. I had more motive to hurt the man than my brother.”

  “What of Billy’s whereabouts the evening of the murder? Does he have an alibi?” I asked.

  “He was in the woods looking at the baby bunnies.” This time it was Victor who spoke. “Billy has no real concept of time, but he insists that is where he was. Unfortunately, it would not be difficult for any solicitor to question him upon that point and confuse him. The problem with a lad like Billy is he is guileless. He does not understand his tenuous position and cannot in truth defend himself.”

  No one spoke as we absorbed Victor’s words. He was right. This was a horrific situation for any person, but for a boy like Billy, it was a nightmare.

  I chewed my bottom lip. “If Billy did not kill Jareth Flynn, then who do you think did? After all, initially they must have had cause to arrest the other person. A gambler I believe someone said?”

  “He was,” answered Dom
inic. “And it seems more likely that would be a far stronger motive. Perhaps not the fellow they held, but what about another? Flynn was a gambling man and money is often the cause of heinous crime. As for Billy’s motive, although he didn’t take kindly to being ridiculed by Jareth, he is easily intimidated by people. It would be one thing for him to hit the blacksmith or knock him down in a fit of temper, but quite another to stick a knife into a man’s heart. Jillian, you’ve seen him with the calves and the livestock. My brother doesn’t have that kind of rage in him.”

  “But the knife—” I began.

  “Ah, the knife.” Victor nodded. “The murder weapon is such damning evidence for the boy, and there’s no doubt it was his knife which was used. But Billy says he’d lost his knife, and we believe him.”

  “So, do you think someone found the knife by chance and killed Flynn? Or is it more likely they stole it intentionally, to blame Billy?” I asked them both.

  They looked at one another, smiled and then looked back at me.

  “Well done, Jilly.” Dominic sounded pleased. “You’ve a quick mind and have arrived at the same conclusion we did.”

  “Indeed,” Victor frowned. “We doubt this was a random killing. We believe Flynn must have had many enemies, including one with a strong enough motive to kill the man. We must prove the theory as quickly as possible, or Billy will assuredly be sentenced for a crime he did not commit. Therefore, our first task is to discover who had something against Jareth Flynn? Enough to want him dead.”

  WE TALKED FOR ANOTHER HALF an hour, until Victor got to his feet.

  “Dom, I must get back to the House, I’ve pressing business to attend to. Come by and join us for dinner later. All right?” He squeezed Dominic’s shoulder and then stopped to extend a hand to me. “A pleasure to see you again, Jillian. I am grateful for your help with this.” He gave me a wink and then Dominic walked him to the door.

  I remained where I sat, my mind a whirl with their conversation.

  “What did you think of Victor?” Dominic asked as he rejoined me at the table.

  “I like him. He seems intelligent and a fair man.”

  “Yes, he is. I think that is why he has been so successful in business. Victor’s employees are loyal to a fault. He commands that trait from every one of them, and he compensates them well. Have I told you he has engaged a solicitor? A Mr Roger Kemp. He comes with a solid reputation and hopefully will be able to get to the bottom of this mess.”

  “It is very decent of Victor to come to your aid. That he would travel from London is especially considerate. He must think very well of your family.” I meant it kindly but then saw the serious expression upon Dominic’s face.

  “I am sorry. Have I said something to offend you?” It had not been my intention.

  Dominic gave a heavy sigh and then looked right at me, holding my gaze. “Jillian, I may as well tell you, though ’tis not common knowledge among the village, and I would ask you keep it to yourself.”

  “Of course.” I held my breath. What was he about?

  “Victor LaVelle is helping us, because he is Billy’s father.”

  Chapter Twelve

  MY MOUTH DROPPED OPEN IN surprise. “What? Billy’s father? I do not understand.”

  “My mother strayed from her marriage,” Dominic said softly. “And Billy was the result of that indiscretion.” He rose from the table, pushed the chair back in, and leaned his elbows on the frame. “Mother was forty-nine years old, too old to carry a healthy babe, but carry she did. When Billy was born, the doctor explained there was a high incidence of Mongol children born to women in their later years. But my mother loved Billy regardless, as did Victor.”

  “And your father?”

  Dominic shrugged. “My father was a difficult man of little words. He loved my mother and ultimately forgave her. He even continued working at Hollyfield. Fortunately, the family were in London most of the time, so Father and Victor seldom encountered one another, which probably helped alleviate the tension. Victor provided a monthly stipend for Billy’s care and needs. Though my father was a proud man, he was also sensible. There was not much money to go around, and he needed whatever he could get.”

  “Does Billy know?”

  “Yes. I told him after our parents died because he was grieving badly. I decided he would cope better if he knew he still had a living parent. That was when Victor told his family the truth of Billy’s parentage. It did not sit well, especially with Evergreen. Perry is for the most part indifferent, but they both avoid the boy. Victor does what he can, but he will not allow Billy to live at Hollyfield. His only demand was that I come back home to care for my brother.”

  It was much to take in. My mind could not decide which fact to run with first and explore. I looked up at Dominic, and my heart softened. He had sacrificed his future as a result of other people’s actions. It was so unfair.

  “You gave up your own dreams to raise your brother?”

  “I don’t like to look it that way—but I suppose I did.”

  “I think it wrong for a man like Victor to place his responsibility upon your shoulders. Why should he pursue his career, while you cannot?” My good opinion of the wealthy shipbuilder was tarnished. “It seems particularly selfish for him to have those expectations.”

  “Perhaps,” he agreed. “But what are my options? Force Billy to live at Hollyfield with people who do not love him? Move him to their London residence where he would be ostracized more than he already is? Or send him to an institution, so none of us have to look at his face each day?” He raised an eyebrow. “Which of those choices do you consider better than him growing up in his family home, a place he feels safe and loved?”

  Of course, he was right. Had I been in Dominic’s situation, I would have done exactly the same. A sudden rush of admiration for this man filled me. He truly was a good person to put his welfare after that of his half-brother’s. I was also glad Victor had good reason to help Billy. This brought another thought. “Is Victor concerned the truth of Billy’s parentage could come out in court?”

  “No,” he answered easily. “Though it is not yet broadly known hereabouts, Victor does not need the public’s approval. He is successful enough to weather any gossip or bad press should the newspapers pick up on the story. Obviously, he would prefer the matter kept private, but he is far more concerned with Billy’s future than his own reputation.”

  “Well, that is a relief.” I glanced at the clock on the mantel. I had tarried too long and should get home. I stood up. “I really must go, Dominic. But tell me, what else can I do?”

  He came around to my side of the table and stood facing me. Again, I marvelled at the handsome angles of his face, his soulful eyes, his full mouth. There was an earthy masculinity about him which affected me whenever he was close.

  Suddenly dry, I wet my lips. “I just want to help,” I whispered.

  He took a step towards me, and I sighed as his fingers brushed back a tendril of my hair which had come loose. He tucked it behind my ear and then traced a path down my cheek to my lips where he stopped. Gently, the pad of his thumb stroked my mouth while his amber eyes fastened upon my own. There was no kind emotion in his expression now, but a smoulder which connected to what must be radiating from my own. My breathing came a little faster. My heart accelerated as he moved closer still, until I could feel the stir of his breath upon my mouth.

  His head tilted, and warmth engulfed my lips as he claimed the kiss. His arms wrapped around my waist as mine reached up around his strong shoulders. I was lost in the sensation, feeling the roughness of his skin graze against mine. I forgot who I was, where I was, and became an instrument under his instruction. As his tongue gently teased mine, I abandoned all thought, except the feel of his mouth upon my own.

  A new awareness seeped into my being, a pleasure at once strange and delightful. It coiled in my stomach, ached in my breasts, and I felt an urgency at the very heart of my womanhood which took my breath away. Though I di
d not know it, I somehow recognised this as desire. Unsure what exactly I craved, I knew only he could satiate it.

  Dominic pulled out of the kiss and we stared at one another, our breathing laboured. Warmth flooded my cheeks as I battled with my feelings of embarrassment, but at his broad smile, my worry disappeared.

  “I’ve wanted to do that since I first met you,” he said, his voice deep and sultry.

  I smiled, self-conscious in a role I had never played before. “I am glad you decided not to wait any longer.” Heat burned beneath my skin.

  He took my hands in his. “Jillian, I care for you, but my mind fights it. Guilt ravages me because I desire you while my brother sits in a gaol. Yet how can I ignore what is happening between us? Damn, but the timing is all wrong! ’Tis an injustice for us to begin something that deserves our full attention. Yet it cannot be a priority…”

  “I understand,” I interrupted. “Billy’s predicament must be your focus. Nothing else can distract you until this is resolved. I can wait, Dominic. It does me good knowing you care, as I feel the same about you. That is enough, for now.”

  He picked up my hands and pressed them to his lips. “Dearest Jillian. I am drowning in despair and worry, and you are a lighthouse in my storm. Thank you for your understanding and compassion. It means more than I can say.”

  MONDAY MORNING, EVERGREEN LAVELLE arrived unannounced. She was pretty as a picture in a pale lemon gown which complemented her striking blonde hair. She carelessly waved away my offer of refreshment. “No thank you, Jillian. I have come to collect you.”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “My carriage awaits outside. I would like you to accompany me on an errand.”

  Her casual request irritated me. Unlike her, I was not at liberty to do as I pleased every day. I wasted no time telling her. “Evergreen, I cannot go anywhere. I have a great deal of work to get finished today. You forget, I have an obligation. Though you may discount it, my uncle depends upon my administrative support for our livelihood.” I glowered at her, and much to my amazement, she burst into tears.