Page 34 of Secrets of Capell Manor
“Oh yes, please!” Kaylyn said. “But wait, I must get Ridley!” And she bounded out of the room, with Luella following after.
“Your story will be a welcome distraction from this trying day, Mr. Danby. I’m sure we’ll all enjoy it. But while the children are gone from the room. I have to ask. What do we do with Lord Edmond? I mean for a funeral or burial.”
“Do the girls know he’s dead? Did you tell them?” Devlin asked, his voice low.
“Yes. I told them when I went back to finish their lessons. They were not upset in the least.”
“I wouldn’t think they would be. But there will certainly need to be a ceremony of some sort.”
Devlin nodded in agreement. “I want to take a closer look at his body. I want my report to the king to be thorough, and I need to be sure I’m not missing anything. The king won’t accept anything less. When I’m done, we can plan Lord Edmond’s burial.”
Rosalind heard the children come through the hall that led to the kitchen. They were arguing on whether the upcoming tale from Alden was true or not.
“There’s no way he sleds into the jaws of a bear, Kaylyn,” Ridley argued. “He’d be dead.”
“Perhaps he wrestled the bear? And won!” Kaylyn shot back. “It could happen, you know.”
Luella, not to be left out, said, “I bet it was actually just a small bear. Men tend to exaggerate, you know.”
Rosalind stifled a giggle. “Go to the fire and get settled. Mr. Danby will tell you his account of this harrowing story when he has finished his meal.”
A moment later, Benton entered the dining area with another tray. This one was laden with hunks of yellow-orange cheese, cold beef left over from the day before, and some dried fruit. Marta followed after him with more warm cider.
“I hear there’s a brave tale to be told here,” she said as she placed the tray on the table.
“That there is,” Alden replied. “You are welcome to join us, and Benton too. But I can’t guarantee you’ll sleep a wink tonight after hearing it!”
Devlin rolled his eyes, and Rosalind started to laugh, but the loud iron door knocker was heard—a harbinger of nothing good. Silence fell like a heavy, stifling shroud over everyone in the room. The last unannounced evening visitor proved to be quite disruptive.
Rosalind’s heart quickened, and she drew in a breath. But just as the panic welled up in her chest, she looked at Devlin.His gaze bore into hers with an expression that told her that he would not let any harm come to her or the children.
Grim rose from his favorite spot on the rug and stood at alert in front of the children and Benton started toward the door, with Devlin walking patiently behind him. The pounding on the door increased. Rosalind’s heart beat with each pound and her anxiety rose with each boom.
And then, there was silence. Rosalind looked at Marta and then Alden. Alden shrugged his shoulders. The dog stood at alert, and his ears were forward.
After a moment, Devlin returned. With him was Roland Kirkeby and a young boy. Rosalind was both appalled and confused.
Benton finally caught back up with Devlin and announced, “Milady, young James is here from the village with a message for Sir Devlin. And I’m not really certain of Roland’s business here at the manor.”
“I’ll tell you why I’m here, old man. Shut your trap! Know your place, you ancient relic.”
Devlin strode over to Roland and boxed his ears—hard.
“It seems Kirkeby here didn’t learn his lesson from his last visit here, Alden. I think he needs another. But first, I need to hear from this lad here. What is your message?”
The boy, no more than nine or ten years of age, wrung his hat in his hands, but he took a step forward. “My message is for Devlin Alastor. The king is sending his man here for a full report on your findings. Edward Kelley should arrive in three days if the weather holds for travel.”
Devlin nodded to the young boy. He then turned to Roland, “And why are you here? You were told never to come back.”
“I was there when the message from the king arrived in town. I only sought to accompany James on his errand. His father thought it too late to journey out this way, but I assuredhim I would keep him safe. The matter is urgent, is it not? And I wanted Rosalind to understand that I would be seeking an audience with Kelley when he arrives. I sent my own inquiry to the king concerning our marriage contract. Perhaps Kelley knows the king’s decision.”
Roland craned his neck and looked around Devlin. He glared at Rosalind. “You won’t be able to hide behind these two clods much longer, my dear.”
From where she sat, she saw Devlin’s jaw clench. She knew the signs all too well when a man turned dangerous. Devlin was ready to pounce. The children needed to be removed from the room immediately.
“Marta, could you serve James and the children some oatcakes with honey in the kitchen?” Rosalind suggested quietly.
“Yes, milady. Children, James, come with me. We’ll have a warm treat.”
