Lady Adalyn (The Saga Of Wolfbridge Manor Book 1)

by Sahara Kelly

  However, the meal itself conformed to the Fairhurst theme of overabundance.

  Adalyn, a modest eater at best, found herself merely tasting the soup course, since the joints of meat were already appearing, along with an assortment of vegetables. Two servants were kept busy with various serving platters.

  The stewed beef steaks smelled most appetising, shining beneath a rich gravy and supplemented with mushrooms. Sir Amery did justice to that dish, tucking in as if he’d not eaten in a week. But Adalyn couldn’t forget Evan’s perfect meals, where each course was fresh, tasty and modest.

  This dinner was none of the above. She shook her head at the beef steaks.

  Nevertheless, she did her best, trying a little of this and a little of that, until the plates were cleared to make way for the next course—partridges, fresh filleted fish, salmon pie and other assorted savouries.

  When the sweet arrived, she realised it must have taken them at least two hours to work through all the food. She could barely look at the syllabub.

  Judith, she noted, had exercised similar restraint; merely picking at various dishes and waving away most of those presented to her.

  However, Adalyn remained complimentary and as gracious as possible, even when Sir Amery’s conversation grew prying and he began to ask leading questions about Wolfbridge.

  She deflected most of his pointed inquiries by sipping her wine. “Forgive me, Sir Amery, but I am still learning much about Wolfbridge. Not having managed such a large establishment before, I depend on my estate manager for most of the information you seek.” She widened her eyes, trying for an innocent demeanour. “I’m sure Daniel wouldn’t mind sitting down with you, if these facts are absolutely necessary…”

  “Oh no, my dear. I was just wondering how Wolfbridge is faring. This past year has been quite an awful one, as I’m sure you’ve heard.”

  “Indeed,” she nodded. And sipped more wine.

  It struck her that if he kept this up, she might well find herself somewhat bosky at the end of the meal, not to mention fat as a flawn.

  Fortunately, before she exploded, the last dish was served, and Judith looked across the table. “I believe we might enjoy a cup of tea?”

  “What a lovely thought.” She turned to Sir Amery. “With your permission, Sir? Although I can’t see leaving you alone with your port. Perhaps you could join us? I shall have to leave before too long and it would be ungracious of me to withdraw without your presence.”

  He smiled, a feral grin that set her teeth on edge. “I cannot refuse you anything, my dear.” He rose. “By all means. Tea in the parlour.”

  Adalyn was a tiny bit unnerved by that look, and turned to beckon Trick. He was there in an instant, picking her up gently. “If you would follow Sir Amery, please,” she said calmly.

  “Yes, my Lady.” Trick was the ideal servant. Quiet and instantly obeying his mistress’s directions.

  She prayed he’d be able to remain in the parlour.

  “Here we are,” said Sir Amery, leading them inside. “I think this chair would be to your liking, Lady Adalyn.” He pointed to the one next to the fire, and Trick carried her over, depositing her gently on the cushions.

  “Thank you,” she nodded.

  “You can wait just outside,” ordered Sir Amery, staring at Trick. “Your mistress will call when she’s ready.”

  Adalyn was trapped. There was little she could do to countermand that order, but she made the best of it. “I will be less than half an hour, I believe, since my ankle will begin to pain me if I remain any longer.” She managed a little wince as she shifted in the chair. “So stay near, if you would? The door will be open, will it not, Sir Amery?”

  He frowned. But politeness dictated he had no other recourse but to agree. “Of course. Of course. You may summon your man at any time, my Lady. But I trust you have time for tea first?”

  He turned to Judith. “Pour, girl,” he snapped.

  Silence fell for a few moments, as Judith did as she was bid, bringing a cup to Adalyn. “Here you are, my Lady. If you wish more sugar or milk, please let me know?”

  Adalyn sipped. “Mmm. Perfect, Judith. Thank you. A lovely end to a delightful evening.”

  “I trust it will only be the first of many, Lady Adalyn,” said Sir Amery, with that oily smile she was coming to dislike. “I would love to show you the house when your injury has healed. There are more than a few interesting tales woven into its history.”

  “I’m sure there must be,” she agreed.

  He opened his mouth to expound further, but then stopped, and made an odd coughing sound. His cup and saucer fell, smashing on the hearth, and bringing both Judith and Adalyn to their feet.

  “Uncle Amery…” Judith rushed to his side. “What is it? Are you unwell?”

  He clutched at his throat and wheezed, struggling for breath, turning redder and redder.

  “My Lord,” exclaimed Adalyn, realising that he was in considerable distress. “Trick,” she turned and shouted through the open door. “Call for Sir Amery’s valet. Get the butler to summon a doctor. Quickly.”

  He staggered to the chair opposite hers, still clutching his cravat, fighting for each and every breath. His eyes were reddening and staring wide at her as flecks of foamy spittle appeared around his mouth.

  Finding his breath, Sir Amery screamed…a terrible sound that echoed throughout the house.

  Suddenly the room filled with his servants, his valet pushing through the throng to his master’s side. “Sir. Sir Amery…what is it? What can I…”

  His voice faded away and he moved back.

  As he did so, silence fell, and Adalyn saw him drop the hand of his master, who leaned awkwardly against the wing of the chair.

  His eyes stared blankly at nothing in particular.

  Judith screamed. “He’s dead. Oh noooo…” and fainted.

  She hit the carpet with a thud, but since everyone was so stunned by this development they were paying no attention.

  Adalyn winced, but was too far away to help. She had no idea what to do—the butler had arrived and he and the valet were now whispering to each other in distress. A maid was crying and one of the footmen looked like he was about to be very ill.

  “Trick,” she said beneath her breath. And he was there. “We must leave, I think.”

  “Immediately, my Lady. There is nought we can do here.” He picked her up just as the butler turned for the door.

  Adalyn caught his eye. “We are going to leave, Wandsworth. I am devastated by this terrible event, but there is nothing I can do to help at this time, and we'd only be in the way. Please…” she touched his sleeve. “If there is anything, any way at all in which we at Wolfbridge can help, will you send a message?”

  “Thank you my Lady.” The man was white and shaking a little. “Thank you for the offer. I…we…I don’t know…”

  “Of course not. Do what needs to be done. Please give my deepest condolences to Miss Judith.”

  “I will. Thank you again…” He hurried off, quite forgetting to fetch Adalyn's outer garments.

  Trick put her down for a few moments. “I’ll retrieve your things, my Lady. If you would wait here…”

  She nodded, keeping well away from the hubbub that was developing around the door to the parlour. Maids were now starting to scurry back and forth, two others helped a sobbing Judith up the stairs, and for the moment chaos reigned in the imposing hall.

  “I have to bring the gig around,” muttered Trick, helping Adalyn into her cloak.

  “I will be right by the door here,” she answered with a nod.

  Tucking herself into the shadows, she observed and listened, wondering what on earth could have caused such a sudden demise. Was it a seizure of some sort? She was inclined to think so, given that it had come upon him so suddenly. She’d also heard some foods could actually cause such a response in people, and she knew things like bee stings could kill.

  But there had been no bees in the house and it was Februa
ry. In addition, surely Sir Amery would have dined on similar foods before. Surely he would have been stricken then?

  The chatter grew.

  “Dead as a doornail…”

  “Just dropped, he did.”

  “Never imagined, as I live and breathe.”

  The servants were hurrying to their assigned chores and she saw one bring down a large sheet, presumably to cover the mortal remains of Sir Amery.

  Adalyn sighed. He wasn’t the nicest of men, but neither did he deserve such a death.

  “Mr. Wandsworth reckons it could've been poison,” hissed one maid to another.

  “Poison?”

  “Aye. Yer never knows…”

  Shocked to her core, Adalyn jumped when Trick reappeared. “The gig, my Lady. We can leave now.”

  She nodded. “Oh please, yes. I need to get out of here.”

  Once again he swept her up and they were outside in the cold night air. Adalyn sucked in a large breath, feeling it cleanse her lungs.

  “They’re talking about poison, Trick.”

  He stilled. “What?”

  “I heard one of the maids say that.”

  “Dear God.” He shook his head. “Dear God.”

  “Let’s go home, please…” She lifted her hand to his cheek. “Take me home?”

  He squeezed her, holding her close to him as he lifted her into the gig. “With all the pleasure in the world, my Lady. Let us indeed go home.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Trick drove them back to Wolfbridge in what felt like record time to Adalyn, and she couldn’t have been happier. By the time they’d reached the steps, she’d started to shake.

  “Adalyn?” Trick looked at her face, which she guessed was probably pale, since the shock of the evening’s events were beginning to take their toll.

  “I c-c-can’t…” she stuttered, reaching out for him as he came to her side of the gig.

  “It’s all right, sweetheart,” he soothed. “We’ll be inside soon…”

  Thankfully Giles was at the door, and after taking one look at her face, he turned and bellowed down the hallway. “Evan, Daniel…to me.”

  Jeremy was already running toward him. “What is it? Is Adalyn all right?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Giles stepped outside and Trick passed Adalyn over into his waiting arms. “Trick, take care of the gig. Has she been injured?”

  “No,” answered Trick. “It was Fairhurst. He’s dead.”

  “Dear God,” muttered Giles. “Let’s settle you down, my Lady…”

  “I can walk,” she choked out. “Oh Giles. It was awful.” Suffering from the impact of seeing Sir Amery breathe his last on the carpet in front of her, Adalyn gave in to tears, burying her face in Giles’s shoulders.

  The other two men arrived post haste, rushing to Giles and circling him like a squad of three bodyguards.

  “Something happened to Sir Amery,” said Giles briefly. “He’s dead.”

  “Jesus,” breathed Evan.

  “I can’t believe it,” mumbled Daniel, eyes wide.

  “Let’s settle Adalyn first,” said Jeremy. “She’s in shock.”

  “You’re right,” Giles nodded. “I’ll take her to her room and in fifteen minutes I want you all there. We’ll have a conference, but somewhere where Adalyn can feel safe and comfortable.” He glanced at Evan. “Maybe tea with a spot of brandy?”

  Evan nodded and hurried off.

  “Trick is dealing with the gig, so please tell him when he comes in?”

  Giles walked up the stairway as Adalyn finally caught her breath. She’d heard the conversation, but it took some time to get past the fog she felt in her brain. “I’m sorry, Giles,” she whispered. “I’m being silly.”

  “Don’t be absurd, my Lady. You have had a severe shock.”

  “It just…it brought back memories of...Wilkerson. Since I’ve been here, I could lay them aside. But now…they’re all back again.” She couldn’t help the shiver that wracked her.

  Giles held her tightly. “We’re going to get you comfortable, my Lady. Safe and sound in your chambers. Then you can tell us what happened. All of us.”

  “You’ll all stay with me for a little?”

  “Of course,” he soothed.

  She was quiet for a moment as he carried her down the hallway to her rooms. “You called me Adalyn, Giles.”

  “I did?”

  “Yes, you did,” she murmured. “I hope you will do so again. I feel more like myself when everyone uses my name, not my title. I was never meant to be a Lady anything.”

  He set her down at the end of her bed. “You’re quite wrong. You are a natural-born Lady. But it is our pledge to make you happy. If my calling you Adalyn will further that goal, then so be it.”

  She nodded.

  “Now then. Turn around, and I shall attempt to loosen your laces sufficiently for you to disrobe.”

  “Thank you,” she shot him a weak smile. “You will look the other way.”

  Mildly affronted, Giles snorted. “I shall be outside the door, my…um…Adalyn.”

  “Of course.”

  “I asked the others to join us?”

  She nodded as the tapes fell free and she clutched the front, untying the ribbon at her throat. “I heard. It’s a good idea. I think it should best be told once to everyone.”

  “My thoughts exactly. So please let me know when you are ready for company.”

  He bowed and left her to undress, which she did expeditiously, tying her thick robe around her nightgown and sighing with pleasure as she warmed her toes by the fire. “I’m ready,” she called.

  Immediately the door opened, admitting all her gentlemen at once.

  Evan was carrying a tray, and he set it down on the bedside table. “I skipped tea and went straight for the brandy,” he glanced at her. “Best thing for shock.” He passed her a glass with a healthy amount of deep amber liquid.

  “Good idea,” said Daniel. “Is there enough for all of us?”

  So glasses were filled, and everyone settled. Adalyn stayed by the fire, Giles sat opposite, and Evan, Daniel and Trick sprawled on the bed. Jeremy sat on the floor next to her.

  She glanced around, aware that this many men in the bedroom of an unmarried woman, widow or not, would be considered outrageous.

  But somehow, she found it quite the reverse. It was natural, comforting, as if her family had gathered near her for protection and warmth.

  “Tell us, Adalyn,” began Giles. “In your own words. Trick can fill in what he saw when you’re finished.”

  She cupped her hands around the brandy, sipped and nodded. “Very well. We arrived on time…”

  The story unfolded, Adalyn doing her best to be accurate, right down to the conversations. When she reached the point of their departure from the dining room, she paused for another sip.

  “It’s hard, I know, but you are doing very well,” murmured Daniel.

  “Amazingly well, Adalyn,” added Evan. “I feel as if I’d been there.”

  “I wish you had,” she answered. “The food would have been so much better.”

  There was a general chuckle at her small jest, and she found it encouraging. “There was a warm fire going,” she continued, telling of the tea, the conversation and Sir Amery’s cross-examination on the matter of Wolfbridge.

  “So he still wanted it,” muttered Giles. “Damn the man. He thought of you as fresh prey.”

  “I believe so, yes.”

  Trick cleared his throat. “I must say that our Adalyn was very skilled and adept at turning his questions aside without insulting him. I was impressed.”

  She glanced at him with a small smile. “Thank you, Trick. I was actually angry at his rudeness, but I’m glad to know it didn’t show.”

  “So how long were you in the parlour before…the trouble?” Evan posed the question.

  “I would venture to say a scant half an hour?” She cocked an eyebrow at Trick, who nodded in agreement.
r />   “So all told, we might guess that close to two hours had passed since you sat down at the dining table?” Evan’s face was sombre.

  “At least,” she concurred. “Perhaps even more. There were so many dishes I lost count. But Trick was standing the entire time we ate. What do you think, Trick? Two hours at the table, perhaps?”

  “A week more like,” he grimaced. “At least it felt that way to me.”

  She sighed. “I’m sure it did. I am sorry about that.”

  “There wasn’t anything you could do, Adalyn. Not your fault at all.”

  “All right then,” Evan harked back to his original question. “Let’s be generous and say three hours from start to finish. Er…” he paused, “That would be Sir Amery’s finish.”

  “Oh dear,” Adalyn winced. “Not how I would have phrased it, but yes. I suppose that would be pretty much on the mark.”

  “You have a reason for asking about the time, Evan…” Jeremy spoke, making Adalyn jump. He had been so quiet she’d almost forgotten he was there beside her, leaning against a bit of her leg.

  Evan nodded, his expression grave. “I do. Adalyn, do you remember who first mentioned poison?”

  She shook her head. “In all the fuss and bother, no, I don’t. One of the maids, I believe, who came hurrying out of the room after we’d taken our leave.” She frowned “Wait. I think…I think she said it was Mr. Wandsworth who had suggested it.”

  “Ah,” nodded Giles. “Fairhurst’s butler. Poor man must be in a terrible spin at the moment.”

  “It’s Judith I feel for,” Adalyn sighed. “She seems so young to have all this trouble dropped into her lap.”

  “I will see if there is anything we can do to help, Adalyn.” Daniel spoke quietly. “We are neighbours, after all. No matter the situation between Fivetrees and Wolfbridge, such an occurrence must override any kind of disagreement or animosity.”

  There was a general murmur of confirmation amongst the men.

  Which raised a question in Adalyn’s somewhat scrambled mind. It was probably nothing, but she thought it worth mentioning.

  “Daniel,” she caught his attention. “Have you…or any of you for that matter…any idea of who will inherit Fivetrees?”