Page 7 of Secrets of Capell Manor
“Sir Devlin and Mr. Danby have taken their seats and look to break their fast,” he announced.
Benton then walked to the sideboard and placed a pitcher of water on a tray, and Marta added a pitcher of warm cider. She placed two bowls, a small pot of porridge, a round of bread, and then jam. Then because they were guests, some dried fruit and cheese were added to the breakfast offering.
Ridley picked up the tray and followed Benton out to the table in the great hall.
****
Lady Rosalind took a deep breath, stood, and followed.
At the table, Rosalind’s two guests sat, leaned in toward each other, and were speaking quietly. When they saw Ridley, followed by Benton, enter the room, they sat up quickly.
Ridley set the heavy tray on the end of the table, and Benton dutifully distributed the bowls, spoons, and cups between the men, then spooned out the porridge. The fruit and cheese were set out, and the pitchers were left for the men to serve themselves.
“Please send Ridley if you require anything else.” With that, Benton started his painfully slow journey back to the kitchen.
Lady Rosalind stepped into the room, hesitant at first. Taking a deep breath, she gathered her composure and crossed to her chair by the fireplace, and sat. An awkward silence lingered before she spoke.
“Good morning, Sir Devlin, Mr. Danby. I trust you slept well.”
“Yes, quite well,” Alden replied.
“Hmmph,” grumbled Devlin. “I was sleeping comfortably until I was awoken before dawn by your Ridley there.” He turned his scowl toward the boy.
Ridley’s face turned a bit pale, and he took a step back. At the sight of Ridley’s fear, Rosalind sat up straight, a flash of heat rose in her face, and she addressed Sir Devlin directly.
“Ridley was performing his morning duties as instructed by Lord Capell, and then by me, in his absence. He always stokes the fires before we wake. I, for one, enjoy waking up in a warm room. But if you prefer, he will leave your room cold,” Rosalind stated firmly.
Cold like your black heart…
“Now that I know he comes each morning, I shall not be alarmed. I, too, prefer warmth over the damp and drafts of the stone walls.”
Rosalind exhaled softly and slowly. She hadn’t meant for her voice to sound so sharp. But no one, absolutely no one, was going to scare or threaten the children. Thankfully, in this instance, the dark man did not seem offended.
The men finished their morning meal quickly.
“I will speak to the children first this morning. You said there are two young girls who live here with you, correct? I will see them first and then Ridley.”
“Is that really necessary?” Rosalind implored. “Luella is but four years old, and Kaylyn is only eight. I don’t see what questions they would be able to answer.”
It didn’t seem possible for Sir Devlin’s ever-constant frown to deepen, but it did.
“Do… not… question my commands, woman. I have orders directly from the king to question every person in this household. And that is what I shall do!”
Rosalind stood straight as if she had an iron spine. Then her chin lifted ever so slightly in defiance. Her left eyebrow rose as if in challenge. “Ridley, fetch the girls. They should be in the kitchen helping Marta. Bring them here,” she said without ever taking her gaze off Sir Devlin. “As you wish… sir. But I will remain here in the room with them during your questioning.” Her tone left no room for misunderstanding.
“That is fine. But you will not interfere with this interview.”
She agreed with a slight nod of her head.
Alden cleared his throat. “I’ll take my leave now. I will be questioning the surrounding tenant farmers to see what they know.”
Alden gave Rosalind a slight bow and a nod to Devlin.
Rosalind had a feeling she knew what they had been discussing. They would inquire with the farmers, as it clearly wasn’t enough to question Capell’s family and servants.
Well, he’s thorough…
Ridley returned with the two young girls in tow. Devlin held his hand out and motioned for them to take the two chairs across from him at the table.
