Page 58 of Secrets of Capell Manor
Devlin tasted the bile that rose from his throat as feelings of rage and fear coursed through him.
“I will draw up the papers,” Mr. Kelley said.
He turned his head slightly, and Devlin saw sadness in his expression.
“Just a moment, Mr. Kelley,” Devlin said. He took a deep breath and knew that there was only one chance for Rosalind to get home. He reached into the inner pocket of his doublet. “Your Majesty, I have something for you. I don’t know what it means,but I was told to give it to you if, after your questioning, you doubted the character of Lady Rosalind.”
Devlin pulled out the ruby that Benton had given him. He placed it in the king’s hand. The king looked down at the jewel and was silent. Beads of sweat formed on Devlin’s brow.
He doesn’t know what it is.
After what seemed like an eternity, Charles asked, “Where did you get this? I gave this to someone a very long time ago. But surely, he would have died by now.”
Devlin was able to grin slightly. “A very ancient butler, known as Benton, gave me the ruby.”
King Charles laughed, then paused, as if he was lost temporarily in the past.
“He said you would know what it meant. And Lady Rosalind is very special to him.”
The king smiled. “The lady is free to go, Sir Devlin. You may escort her home.”
Chapter Seventeen
“And he just said I could go? He didn’t ask any more questions?” Rosalind asked, still not believing the ordeal she’d been anguishing over for the past weeks was finally over.
“That’s exactly what he said. And Mr. Kelley will be back in Capell Manor in the upcoming weeks with details on how funds from your father’s estate and Capell Manor will be distributed.”
Rosalind rode in silence, still stunned. When she recovered from her faint, her first feeling had been intense fear. She had been afraid to open her eyes, fearing she’d be locked in a cell, but that hadn’t happened. When her door opened, Devlin voiced the sweetest words ever spoken, that he was taking her home. She’d nearly fainted again, but from relief this time.
“Does the king intend to investigate my uncle’s involvement with the Parliamentarians? Where did Benton get the ruby, and what did it mean? And does he plan to marry me off to some old lord who has outlived his last wife?”
Devlin smiled. “Slow down, Lady Rosalind, so that I can answer some of your questions. Yes, the king has tasked several of his closest advisors and a few hired men to investigate the matter of Edmond’s alleged deceit. He will get his answers. And as for marrying you off to anyone, let alone an old man, he did not say. He only mentioned that he needed someone loyal to the throne living in Capell Manor to watch over those who he deems suspicious on the border.”
“And the ruby? What did it mean?”
“Honestly, the king did not explain, and I didn’t want to waste any time getting you out of there.”
Rosalind nodded. She was thankful Devlin wanted to leave immediately. “I suppose we will have to ask Benton, then.”
Rosalind was quiet. At the pace they traveled, they would reach home well before dawn, and she was conflicted. Shewanted to be back at the manor with the children, Marta and Benton, but she also knew that Devlin would be leaving soon after he delivered her safely home. Dread settled over her, thick and heavy, and her breath hitched.
Devlin and Rosalind rode in silence as the sky darkened overhead, thick clouds blotting out what little light the moon provided. They were nearing the village of Aysgarth, and Rosalind’s heart grew heavier with each passing moment.
“Let’s stop for the night.”
Devlin pointed to a small inn ahead. The sign creaked in the wind, reading The Sleeping Lamb, an old, weathered emblem that had stood the test of time.
Rosalind nodded, feeling sad but also tired.
Inside, the inn was warm and inviting. Flames flickered and danced in the hearth, casting shadows on the stone walls, and the smell of roasted meat filled the air. Devlin spoke briefly with the innkeeper, and the man behind the counter shook his head repeatedly. Devlin finally nodded in agreement with the man and offered her a small smile as he returned to her.
“Only one room was available,” Devlin said quietly, glancing at Rosalind.
She saw the softness in his eyes, but it only deepened the ache in her chest. Rosalind no longer cared about propriety. Spending every last minute she had with him was all that mattered.
When they entered their small chamber, Rosalind walked to the window and stared out into the dark. She couldn’t bear to look at Devlin, knowing what the morning would bring.
“When we return… you’ll leave again. Won’t you?”
