The Secret of Hollyfield House

by Jude Bayton

  I frowned, her words sounding like nonsense to my ears. Then I remembered what she had said at the tearoom. I sighed. “Oh, I am so sorry, Evergreen. It completely slipped my mind. I—”

  “Slipped your mind?” she said with disbelief. “An invitation to Hollyfield is so irrelevant it cannot stick in your thoughts?” She glowered at me. “Were you so besotted with Dominic Wolfe that you only had time for him and not me?”

  I took a step towards her as my anger sparked. “How dare you speak to me thus, Evergreen. You are not the only person living in Ambleside with whom I am acquainted. If I forgot an invitation so quickly mentioned, then I am truly sorry. That does not give you leave to speak so disrespectfully to me. You might think you are important because you are rich, and live at Hollyfield House, but at this moment all you resemble is a spoiled brat.” I snapped.

  Her shoulders sagged; the fight gone out of her. And then she did the unexpected. Evergreen burst out laughing. I had not expected that response, and all at once I found myself laughing too.

  “Oh, Jillian,” she sighed after we had calmed. “Only you have the gumption to speak to me like that. ’Tis why I am so fond of you, I’m sure.”

  “Yet you have a strange way of showing it. Look, Evergreen, I really did forget your invitation. Has it occurred to you, that even I get tired sometimes? After seeing you yesterday, I came home and slept the day away. I was so weary.”

  “You did look a little peaky.” She conceded and took a seat by the hearth. “Why don’t you make us tea and then I can tell you my plans.”

  I bade her sit and went to organise refreshment. As I readied the cups and saucers, I thought about my outburst. I wondered if my eagerness to shout at her came not from her tone with me, but rather from what Billy had told me of her dealings with him. I was sure of it. My feelings toward Miss LaVelle had metamorphosed into something I did not yet recognise.

  I returned with our drinks and a small plate of blackcurrant tarts. I sat across from Evergreen, and we sampled them. They were delicious.

  “Are you going to tell me what important matter warrants all this fuss?” I asked.

  She set down her empty tart plate on the side table. “Why the Mountjoy dinner, of course. Jillian, I want you to come to Hollyfield to dress for it.”

  “What?”

  Her eyes gleamed with excitement. “You have been to Hollyfield twice for dinner and worn the same outdated dress.”

  I gasped. “How dare—”

  “Wait.” She raised her hand. “I am not trying to insult you. I am being completely frank.” She grinned. “Not unlike yourself. But that’s beside the point. I have so many things I do not wear, and I would love for you to pick out something for the party.”

  I cringed. “No, Evergreen. ’Tis kind of you, but I would rather not.”

  “Why?” She was horrified at my refusal. “What is wrong with you wearing something more befitting a woman of your age? Jillian, your old dress is decent enough, but it is better suited to an old maid than someone as young as you.”

  I did not reply.

  “Look,” she said. “Humour me for a moment. Do not take this so personally. The fact is I have many clothes, and you do not. We are friends, so why not stop being proud and say yes. It would be so much fun helping you pick something out. Especially as I have to wear blasted black for the next three months.”

  I studied her face as she spoke, noticing how agitated she became in her effort to convince me to do her bidding. As she continued her argument, I thought of all I knew about her, and the information which had recently come to light. Evergreen was the one person linking all the recent events together. Spending more time in her company could help me discover some of her secrets. If there was anything to learn which might help Billy, then it was worthwhile indeed.

  “Perhaps you are right,” I said suddenly, stopping her mid-sentence.

  “You’ll let me dress you?” she said excitedly.

  I nodded in agreement. “But just so we are clear, I refuse to wear anything pink.”

  Evergreen clapped her hands together with delight. “Oh, this shall be such a lark. I promise you, Jillian. You shall not regret it!”

  I sincerely hoped I would not.

  I SET OFF FOR HOLLYFIELD THE NEXT morning without stopping at Wolfe Farm. Dominic had much work to do in the fields, and I did not want to be a distraction. But the walk down Lake Road was pleasant even so, and as usual, I enjoyed watching the livestock in the green fields.

  Evergreen was in high spirits, contrasting greatly with the atmosphere of the house, which lay deep in mourning. Black crepe paper adorned the doors and windows of each room, and the servants wore black armbands over their uniforms. Evergreen herself was in a dark grey gown but wore bright ruby earrings in defiance.

  “Come up to my chamber,” she announced merrily, grasping my arm and tugging me up the vast staircase. I had not been to the second floor at Hollyfield and was at once impressed by the lavish furnishings and beautiful paintings strewn across the walls.

  When I followed Evergreen into her bedchamber, I let out a gasp of delight. Her room was so magnificently decorated, I thought I had walked into Aladdin’s cave. Such rich colours I had not seen before, and what fabrics! Her bed was adorned with vibrant orange and pink silks, and an abundance of satin pillows. Curtains floated at the open window, as sheer as clouds, adorned with tiny jewels, which twinkled as they caught the sunlight. Sheets of silks hung from the ceiling above the bed, and it was like stepping into an exotic land instead of the heart of the English countryside.

  “Oh, Evergreen. This is the loveliest room I have ever seen.” I was spellbound. It was magical.

  “Nonsense. ’Tis only India silks and such to remind me of when we lived there. I much prefer the eastern colours. The British are so dull, don’t you agree?”

  I laughed. The girl had more English blood in her veins than I did. Her family probably went back to the Crusades. But I did not comment. I followed her to one part of the room where there stood a massive ornately carved wardrobe.

  “Goodness me,” I said. “This is a wardrobe? I thought it another room.” I grinned and received a glare.

  “Stop being silly. I want to show you the dress I have in mind for you to wear. It shall be the perfect complement to your hair.”

  She swung open the doors to reveal a startling variety of ball gowns hanging inside. I could easily have been standing in a dress shop. Every conceivable colour and fabric greeted my eyes. Though I had not been excited at the prospect of borrowing a dress, now I saw the beauty before me, I was quite swept up in the moment. “Oh, these are stunning, Evergreen. You have such lovely things,” I said in admiration.

  She all but purred under my flattery. “They are superb, are they not? I suppose that is one advantage to having a wealthy father. He does not complain about my dressmaker’s bill. Now—” She reached inside and plucked a garment from the centre. “See what you think. This is the one I selected. Do you like it?” She held out the gown, and I caught my breath.

  The silk dress reminded me of a piece of dark jade I had once seen in a shop window. A shade so rich it was almost iridescent. “Evergreen, it is simply gorgeous.” I ran my fingers down the length of the fabric. It was soft and cool on my skin. I glanced up at her face, which radiated pleasure.

  “I cannot possibly wear something as fine as this,” I said wistfully. “’Tis far too pretty for me.”

  “Nonsense,” she snapped, guiding me to stand before a full-length mirror where she held the dress up against me. “Now look. I am right. With your dark hair, the green silk works perfectly, wouldn’t you say? We can braid your hair into a loose knot, and you will look wonderful. Well?”

  I hesitated. I was torn. My vanity ran on full steam while my common sense hid out of sight. But the truth was, regardless of everything, I wanted to wear the dress. I could at least try it on—where was the harm in that?

  Evergreen helped me out of my clothes, and I
stood in my undergarments facing the mirror. I felt a little self-conscious as I had no maid and was not used to having another person see me so undressed. Evergreen had grown quiet. I turned to look at her. She stood staring at my reflection, her eyes upon my birthmark.

  “Good lord, what on earth is that?” she asked.

  I was embarrassed. “A birthmark. One I keep hidden. Do you think it ugly?” I automatically covered it with my hand.

  She blinked. “Not especially, I was wondering if the neckline will be too low on the dress. But I think it will conceal it.”

  “Good, I prefer no one sees it.”

  She helped me into the gown. “I think that wise. It would only serve to distract.” She examined the bodice. “Ah, yes. The neckline is perfect.” She fastened the buttons at the back of the dress. “Now, let us take a look at you.”

  I stepped before the mirror and though my mouth opened, no sound came out. The dress was magnificent. Tight in the bodice, the modest neck square and high. At the waistband, the material fell away in waves of deep green silk, so lustrous that the fabric looked wet. The sleeves were full at the top and narrowed to the wrist where they were secured with tiny pearl buttons.

  “I think this suits?” Her voice had lost some enthusiasm.

  “Yes, I like it very well.”

  “Then it is yours to wear on Saturday. You must come here to dress and get ready. My maid, Peters, can do your hair. Then you may ride with us to Mountjoy House. It shall be such fun and we shall make a jolly night of it!”

  There followed some hair arranging ideas and after that an enjoyable time of selecting accessories. In truth, I enjoyed myself immensely, and by the time I set off for home it was almost four o’clock in the afternoon. I walked back as though I floated on the air. My head spun with silly delight at the prospect of wearing the pretty dress.

  It was only as I went up to my room and looked at the contrast of my bare, dull chamber to Evergreen’s sumptuous bedroom that I realised I had forgotten my quest. I had been so wrapped up in silliness and fashion, I had forgotten Evergreen’s cruelty to Billy. Was I so shallow that a fancy gown could sway me from my goal? I had failed in my task, and I was not happy.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  DOMINIC HAD BEEN SCARCE ALL WEEK for he was busy with the farm. We had seen one another as frequently as possible but were restricted to meals together, and a stolen kiss here and there. Tonight, I looked forward to seeing him at the grand dinner party almost as eagerly as I anticipated meeting Mr Wilkie Collins. Uncle Jasper was invited and would escort Mrs Stackpoole while I went with the Hollyfield group.

  Unlike my previous experience at Mountjoy House, and perhaps in an effort to erase unhappy memories, the place had a festive and jolly air. No society lecture tonight, but rather a gathering of people with a common love of art and literature, not science.

  It was thrilling putting on the lovely gown at Hollyfield. Evergreen’s maid styled my hair in a loose chignon and dusted a light amount of rouge on my cheekbones and my lips. I felt transformed. But I looked nothing as exotic as my friend. For when Evergreen descended the stairs down to the hall, we collectively gasped. Still respecting the colours of mourning, she was attired in a magnificent black silk Indian sari, the fabric shimmering under small beads of jet. She looked particularly stunning. Her hair was swept into an elaborate arrangement of curls with pieces of jet liberally placed through her gold tresses. The tunic was tailored to hug her body and reached just above her knee. Matching trousers clung to her shapely legs, and on her feet she wore ornate slippers.

  As we entered the house, Evergreen elicited much attention from both the ladies and the gentlemen, though for different reasons I knew. I did not mind. I was happy to bask in her shadow as long as Dominic liked how I looked this evening.

  In the drawing room, Mr Wilkie Collins, the guest of honour, struck me as a formidable looking gentleman. He held court with a number of his admirers while Louisa stood sentry at his side. Lady Mountjoy looked lovely tonight. Her dark beauty was complemented by a ruby gown, her eyes warmed to the colour of brandy in the soft light of the room. She saw me come in and gestured for me to approach.

  I joined her with some trepidation. I had never before met anyone of Mr Collins’ ilk. Not only was he famous, but someone I greatly admired.

  “Wilkie, here is a dear friend. Jillian Farraday, please meet Mr Wilkie Collins.”

  He extended a hand, and I shook it. He peered at me through his spectacles, and his eyes went straight to my neck.

  “Why, is that a moonstone you have there, Miss Farraday?” He was smiling. I automatically reached to touch the pendant. I had fashioned a chain of sorts so I might wear it. It hung on a thin piece of leather.

  “It is, Mr Collins. Though I do not know its origin, it belonged to my mother. I believe it is from India.”

  He nodded enthusiastically. “Most likely, I’ll be bound. They mine for ’em, near Kashmir. My favourite stones. Find ’em fascinating.”

  “Yes, dear,” Louisa agreed. “Hence the title of your book. Have you read The Moonstone, Jillian?”

  “Oh, yes. It is a wonderful book. I have read it more than once. I do enjoy your work, Mr Collins and should like to thank you for it.”

  “Pleasure, my dear,” he said kindly. I was then aware of others waiting to meet the author. I made my excuses and stepped away.

  When Dominic arrived, I sensed, rather than saw him. I smiled at him as he stood speaking with Perry, and they both approached.

  “What do you think of our Miss Farraday, Dom? Does she not look elegant?” I looked at Dominic’s face to see his reaction and saw his eyes darken as they raked over my costume.

  “Jillian, you look stunning,” he said quietly, and I could not help the smile that found my lips. “The colour,” he continued, “It brings out the copper in your hair, and your eyes are shining like emeralds. You look like someone from a mystical world.”

  “I am sent from Merlin’s court, perhaps.” I laughed, enjoying the attention and feeling more feminine than I ever had before.

  “And what do you say of my outfit, Dom?” A voice purred from behind. Evergreen stepped forward, and I watched Dominic’s face register surprise. He took a few seconds to respond, and I felt a twinge of jealousy.

  “What a lovely sari. Most unusual to see in this part of the world. You look wonderful. I am sure you will be the talk of the village,” he said.

  “I believe that’s the intent, old boy,” muttered Perry. “She does like getting the tongues wagging, does she not?”

  “Oh, bother to the both of you,” Evergreen snapped. She took my arm. “Come, Jillian, let us go and find someone interesting to talk to. These boys are tiresome.” She led me away before I could protest. I glanced over my shoulder at Dominic and raised a brow. He grinned.

  After much conversing with several of the other guests, we made our way to the dining room when dinner was announced. I found to my relief, that I was to sit next to Uncle Jasper. Victor LaVelle would be directly across from me.

  I counted at least twenty for dinner, and I had never attended such a grand affair. Mr Collins was feted and praised, and the food was outstanding. I did not speak to Victor, for the table was too broad and full of dishes and concoctions. He seemed busy engaging with the people next to him. But I noticed on more than one occasion that when I happened to look up, I would find Victor’s eyes on me, his expression curious as though he thought something odd. Was it my dress? Did I indeed appear so changed that he did not like it? Dominic was seated several places down the table from me. I was disappointed not to have his company, but I knew he would not be bored as he sat next to Evergreen, whose laughter I heard throughout the meal

  After dinner, we ladies left the gentlemen to their cigars and Evergreen came instantly to sit by me. “Is this not fun?” she said with a twinkle in her eye. “I am so relieved to be out of the house. Are you enjoying yourself, Jillian? Have you been much admired?” She was proud of he
r handiwork in my appearance, and I thanked her once more.

  “Nonsense,” she said. “It was entertaining to see you go from duckling to swan.” And there it was again. Evergreen’s uncanny knack to let the needle pierce the veneer of friendship. As I sipped on my sherry, I wondered what kind of relationship we might have had were it not for her cruel tongue. I thought of her comments about Billy. Despite her kindness to me, Evergreen had such a horrid propensity to wound.

  I watched while across the room, Mrs Stackpoole spoke with one of the other guests. Prunella was fetching in her lilac gown, her hair up in a tidy bun. It was kind of Louisa Mountjoy to include people such as us. Had we lived in London, the paths between our social classes would never have crossed.

  “And here are the lovely ladies.” Lord Mountjoy entered the drawing-room with the rest of the gentlemen, along with wisps of cigar smoke. My eyes hungrily searched for Dominic, but he was not there. It was Victor who came over to where I sat.

  “Are you enjoying the evening, Jillian?” He smiled pleasantly, and Evergreen stiffened beside me. I remembered Dominic’s remark that she sought her father’s attention.

  “Yes, thank you. It is a nice gathering, is it not, Evergreen?” I attempted to include her in the conversation.

  “Anything is better than being cooped up at Hollyfield.” Her voice was petulant.

  “I could not help but notice your pendant earlier,” Victor said. “Is it not a moonstone? If so, I assume you wear it in honour of our guest?”

  “Yes,” I replied, realising that had been the object of his perusal at the dining table. “It belonged to my mother, and now me. I know little about the stone, but I find it pretty and comforting to wear as it was hers.”

  Victor frowned. “I understand your mother passed away not long ago, and that is how you came to be in Ambleside.”