Page 54 of Secrets of Capell Manor
“Alden, keep everyone safe,” Rosalind said, almost pleading.
“You have nothing to worry about there, Lady Rosalind. I will keep the children busy and regale them with more stories of my amazing bravery.”
Rosalind smiled, and then they were off. She looked back over her shoulder at the manor house.
“Stop, Rosalind, I know what you’re thinking. But you will return. I promise.”
Chapter Sixteen
As Alden predicted, Devlin and Rosalind arrived at Windsor Castle at midnight. The air was now frigid, and despite her anxiety over what lay ahead the next few days, Rosalind was glad their journey was over.
Their arrival was expected, and Devlin was well-known to the castle guard. They passed through the gate and dismounted. Stable hands appeared and took their horses, and two servants rushed out to collect their bags. Rosalind inched closer to Devlin amid the strangers but then felt relieved to see a familiar face join them outside.
It was Mr. Kelley, dressed in a green velvet doublet, breeches, and shoes. The smudge of ink on his cheek revealed he was still working at this late hour. He gave Rosalind a quick bow and immediately barked out instructions to several servants as he led them inside the castle.
Rosalind took a tentative step forward and looked up at the grand royal residence that she’d never had the opportunity to visit before. Her father’s descriptions paled in the reality of what was before her.
Torches lined the road and fires burned in the two watchtowers that faced the direction they’d traveled. Through the dark, sprawling stone walls and multiple turrets were lined with wisps of fog. The castle was an imposing presence atop a hill. As she was ushered inside, she looked behind her as she crossed over the threshold. She could see the moon’s reflection on the River Thames in the distance.
While the exterior of the palace stood as a commanding presence and announced the power of the monarchy, the interior was warm, luxurious, and welcoming. Her mouth dropped open as she viewed the grand hall she’d entered. The upper panels of the walls were lined with large tapestriesdepicting battles and several ancient emblems and banners of ancestors past. Closer to eye level, portraits of the English countryside and prized fox hounds hung at regular intervals on the vast walls. The floors in the entry were polished stone, perhaps marble, and everything glistened and shined.
Rosalind barely had time to take in the splendor as Mr. Kelley walked and spoke fast.
“The king will appreciate your promptness as he has grown most impatient with this matter. Tonight, you’ll be taken to your rooms. There, you can wash up and sleep. Come morning, you will break your fast in your chamber and then be brought before the king when he summons you. Because this is a delicate matter, you will not be allowed to confer with each other, or have any visitors. The king wants you to only speak to him while you are here. Is that clear?”
Devlin nodded, and Rosalind replied, “Yes, Mr. Kelley. I understand.”
“Good. You will be escorted now to your rooms by Reginald and Mistress Agnes.”
Devlin and Rosalind dutifully followed them up the left side of a double staircase.
“And Lady Rosalind, I have one question for you.”
Rosalind turned around.
“Did young Luella report any more ghostly happenings at Capell Manor?”
The tension broke and Rosalind smiled. Mr. Kelley chuckled, winked, and left.
As she and Devlin ascended the broad, spiraling staircase, the glow from a large iron chandelier that held at least fifty candles illuminated the faces of the monarchy eternally housed in grand oil paintings. At the top of the stairs, Devin and Rosalind followed the servants down a smaller hall to the left of the landing. Her heart slowed somewhat when she realized thattheir rooms were directly across from each other, but her relief was short-lived. A guard stood tall and still at her chamber door.
Devlin must have seen the panic on her face and quickly commented, “He’s here for your safety as much as the king’s, Rosalind. The king has enemies, and if they think you’re going to implicate or expose them, you could be in danger.”
Rosalind hadn’t thought of the situation in those terms.
But then again, the king thinks I support those who wish to see him dead.
“I’m right across the hall. I will hear you if you call for me,” Devlin promised.
With his assurance, Mistress Agnes led her inside and shut the door.
“Hot water has been brought up, milady. And there are refreshments on the table.”
To her left, a tray of fruit and cheese sat on the top of a dresser, along with a pitcher of water. By the fire and on the opposite side of the room, steam rose from a substantial bowl of water that sat on the dressing table. Rosalind was too nervous to eat, but the hot water would wash the grit and dirt from her body.
Agnes looked at her, but unaccustomed to having a maid tend to her needs, Rosalind was left temporarily speechless. She finally managed a reply that she hoped was appropriate.
“Thank you, Agnes. That is all I require for now.”
