It was hot, a very hot July morning, and would be worse by the time the sun set. However, it stayed cooler inside the stone walls of Wolfbridge, so a brief trip outside wasn’t unpleasant.
“Over here,” called Gabriel. He was working in the front of the Manor, alongside the steps leading from the drive to the door. “I think these peonies will do well here. What do you think?”
“They like sun, don’t they?” She stared at the green plants, knowing they had probably already bloomed.
“Yes, and they’ll see plenty of it in this spot,” said Gabriel, waving a trowel around. “These are pink and white. We’ll keep an eye on them, cut them back in the winter, and with a bit of luck we’ll have some lovely colours come next spring and early summer.”
“Then I’m all for it.” Gwyneth nodded her approval.
A sound made them all turn, and Gabriel stood, joining them as they watched a carriage appear in the distance.
“Are we expecting anyone?” Gabriel glanced at Jeremy.
“Not that I know of. And it can’t be from Fivetrees because that’s the wrong direction.”
Puzzled, they stayed where they were as it drew nearer. Covered in dust, it looked as if it had travelled quite a way. Finally it drew up right in front of them and Darcy surprised them all by giving what had to be his first bark. It came out as more of a yip, but Gwyneth was very proud of him all the same.
“This ‘ere Wolfbridge, right?” The driver wiped his face with a cloth.
“It is, yes.” Gabriel called back.
“Good. Got a delivery fer a Mister Jeremy.”
“What? Me?” Jeremy started in surprise. “I’m Jeremy.”
“Then this is fer yer.” The driver leapt down, opened the door of the carriage and struggled to drag out what looked like a badly wrapped rug. He tossed it onto the grass, then jumped back into his seat and whipped up the tired horses.
“Wait…” yelled Gwyneth. “Stop, wait…”
The driver ignored her, and in moments he’d disappeared down the lane that led out onto the road back to Ditchley, a cloud of dust marking where he’d whipped up the horses.
“What the hell is that, Jeremy?” Royce had come outside at the sound of the carriage. “I heard the wheels on the driveway…”
They all tentatively approached the bundle lying on the grass, and Jeremy moved forward, pulling away what looked like a thick sheet or blanket of some kind.
Gwyneth had to bite back a scream of horror as a body rolled out. A woman’s body.
Jeremy fell to his knees, his face white. “Oh my God…it’s…Susannah Brockford.” He leaned over her, reaching for her neck to find a pulse.. “And she’s still alive…”
To Be Continued…
Look for The Saga of Wolfbridge Manor - Book Three
Autumn 2019
In case you haven’t read the first book (which really does help with some of the settings, characters and ideas set forth in Gwyneth’s story), here’s an excerpt to whet your literary appetite…
Lady Adalyn
The Saga of Wolfbridge Manor – Book One
Excerpt
She entered the Rose room, a charming space for relaxing while also serving as a study, with shades of pinks and reds throughout, Adalyn spared a moment to wonder about the house itself as she seated herself and waited for the estate manager.
If she had been asked to dream up her ideal home, something very close to Wolfbridge Manor would have appeared behind her eyelids.
How was it so perfect for her? How did it possess so many wonderfully kind men who seemed to have her satisfaction and comfort uppermost in their minds? She had yet to hear a cross word, or an oath spoken in anger. Everyone interacted with everyone else on a level of civility she’d not believed possible.
There had not been hide nor hair of a maid or tweeny, or housekeeper—and yet her surroundings were spotlessly clean and the service impeccable.
She rose and crossed to the window, looking out over a winter lawn, edged with evergreen shrubs of some kind. Their branches drooped with damp, since the rain had started once more, but even so, the prospect was charming. At the far end of the lawn there was a small hedge, and beyond a thicket of fir trees.
A harsh call distracted her attention and she raised her eyes, watching a large jackdaw heading for the forest.
“Noisy birds, aren’t they, my Lady?”
She jumped, hand to her heart, spinning around and nearly toppling as her heel caught on the edge of the carpet.
He was there in a trice, strong arms supporting her, bringing the fresh fragrance of sandalwood and leather, and whiskey-brown eyes that crinkled into a smile. “It’s all right. I’ve got you.”
He did indeed. And for a split second, Adalyn toyed with the notion of suggesting he might hold on to her for a little while longer.
“I am sorry. I am so clumsy…” She stuttered an apology, lost in the warmth of his gaze and his embrace.
He righted her. “Entirely my fault, I’m afraid, my Lady. I startled you.”
“My wits were wandering,” she smiled. “And that’s why I stumbled.” She moved to the elegant desk, gesturing to the chairs in front of it. “You must be Mr. Daniel, my estate manager? Please sit. I am eager to speak with you.”
“It’s Daniel, my Lady. Just Daniel. And yes, I do my best to manage Wolfbridge Manor and its assets.”
“I have questions, of course.” She sighed. “It seemed like a dream when Giles came up to me at my late husband’s funeral. In fact, it still does.”
“I can’t even begin to imagine, Lady Adalyn.” He crossed
