“Some of it, but not all. She wouldn’t have access to the genealogical sites or my notes from the conversation with Reverend Hargreaves.”
Kyle shrugged. “I’m not at all sure that whoever took your notebook was after the information.”
“So, what are you suggesting, exactly?” I asked, taken aback by Kyle’s observation.
“Perhaps it was a warning of sorts.”
“Back off or you’ll end up like Alys? Think that tree will take my weight?” I quipped.
“Don’t even joke about that,” Kyle exclaimed. “I think you should make it known that you’ve abandoned the project. You can research all you like after you leave. Work with what you have and don’t ruffle any feathers.”
“Is that your expert opinion?” I asked tartly.
“Nicole, I write about murder, so I research both past and current cases. You’d be surprised what can set someone off. People don’t like writers digging into their family history, especially not without their express permission.”
I nodded, feeling chastised. “You’re right. I’ll keep a low profile.”
“Good. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you.”
“Now you’re scaring me,” I replied, gratified when his hold on my hand tightened. The pressure of his fingers reminded me that he was married, and I pulled my hand away, angry with myself for allowing him to hold it in the first place. “I could really use a cup of tea. Join me?” I said to cover up the awkward moment.
“With pleasure.”
Both Lisa and Alastair were in the dining room when we returned to the house, clearing up after lunch. Kyle gave me a meaningful glance.
“I seem to have misplaced my notebook,” I said airily. “Have either of you seen it?” If I had been expecting guilty looks, I got nothing.
Lisa shook her head.
“Could you have left it in Kyle’s car?” Alastair asked as he headed for the door with a tray laden with dirty dishes. “You had it with you when I dropped you at the cemetery.”
“I’ll check,” I said, even though I knew I hadn’t left my notebook anywhere.
Kyle poured me a cup of tea, and I stirred in sugar and milk, considering my next move. I’d reconstruct my research of this afternoon, but this time, I’d save the document on my laptop instead of making physical notes. And I would change my password just in case someone had a mind to get into my laptop. My password was ridiculously easy to crack.
Kyle and I chatted for a few minutes, then I excused myself and returned upstairs. As I looked around, my gaze fell on my bag, which I had left on a chair near the door. I could see my notebook peeking out from one of the unzipped compartments. Had I not thoroughly checked my bag before going downstairs, I might have thought it’d been there all along.
Journal entry
My Husband is like a caged beast, prowling the corridors in search of diversion. He’s not accustomed to a life of Piety and Humility. He longs for gaiety and the lewd discourse of his friends. I would happily introduce him to the joy that is unwavering Faith, but he’s too frivolous a man to find solace in prayer and quiet contemplation.
I submit to him as a wife must, but the marital act is intended for procreation, so that we may bring into the world faithful Christians who will revel in the glory that is God. I will not deny him access to my body; as a woman I have no such right, but I will not permit him to gain pleasure from our coupling. I will not compromise my soul and my place at the Heavenly Table so that he can satisfy his Lust.
Chapter 32
Alys
Alys was glad when Sunday finally came, and she walked down the hill with the rest of the servants to St. Botolph’s. She had no desire to sit through the service, but she did want to see Will, and even Bess. It’d been a long week, and being back in the village made her feel more like herself.
But the feeling was short-lived. Will’s greeting was warm and genuine, but Bess seemed distracted, her gaze straying to Lord and Lady Lockwood, who sat in the front pew. Matthew walked in with his new bride, giving Alys an apologetic smile before taking a seat on the other side of the nave, his attention focused on his new family.
“Can ye stay for dinner?” Bess asked once the service was over.
Alys nodded miserably. “I’ll be there soon. I just want to have a word with Annie.”
“Ye take as long as ye need,” Bess said magnanimously. “We’ll wait for ye.”
Alys promised she wouldn’t be too long and went to join Annie, who was waiting for her by the lychgate. They strolled away from the church, eager for a few moments of private discourse.
“It’s good to see ye, Alys. How’s it up at the big house?” Annie asked.
“I’ve never seen so many beautiful things,” Alys replied.
Annie laughed. “That’s not what I meant, ye silly goose. How are they treating ye?”
“All right, I suppose,” Alys replied. “There’s so much to do.”
“That’s the problem with having so many rooms. There’s always something as needs doing. Much easier to live in a one-room hovel,” Annie joked. “Where do ye sleep?”
“In the attic. I share a room with a girl from Ashopton.”
“Well, I suppose that’s better than sharing a room with Will and Bess. Nothing so off-putting as a newly wedded couple.” Annie smiled impishly. She always had the ability to make Alys laugh, but Alys’s eyes filled with tears.
“I feel so lost, Annie. It’s like I don’t belong anywhere anymore.”
“Now ye’re just being daft,” Annie said. “Will and Bess miss ye, as do I. And Matthew…” She
