Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle (Ariadne Winter Mystery) by Ellen Butler

Author:Ellen Butler
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: cozy, mystery, suspense, Ireland, New York, England, Fashion, thriller, crime fiction, 1950s, historical
Publisher: Power to the Pen
Published: 2025-10-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Three

Norah Briggs

THE HOUSEKEEPER SAT on the hard stool, staring sightlessly at the closed butler’s pantry door. Some years ago, it had been painted white. The paint was chipped on the corners and worn away around the tarnished brass push plate. She should have Daisy clean it and touch up the paint.

A job for another day.

Norah had never felt so drained, utterly depleted of energy. Even after her mother passed when she was twelve, Norah didn’t feel like this. The tears from earlier—hidden from her employer—would not come now, when she was finally alone. The veins on her hands appeared prominent today, and she rubbed an age spot by her middle knuckle.

She began working at the manor, her first job as head maid, at the ripe old age of twenty-six, when Brian’s father was the estate manager. Brian was only twenty-one and away, finishing his degree at uni. He came home for the winter holiday, bearing the handsomeness of youth. He teased and flirted with her, and she couldn’t help falling a little in love with the intelligent young man. A mere three years later, his father passed, and Brian took up his father’s position, while she was promoted to housekeeper. Brian became a good friend and confidante.

Initially, he feared he wouldn’t be able to measure up to his father. Norah assured him he could do the job but advised him not to fill his father’s shoes. Instead, to put his own stamp on the position. Initially, a difficulty for Brian, as the former Lord O’Connell didn’t care for change. Six months later, when Callum came into the title, he realized the modifications Brian suggested would yield better returns for the estate. Brian finally made the position his own.

At the age of thirty and firmly “on the shelf,” Norah knew there would be no marriage, no children, and no grandchildren. After putting off Brian’s advances for years, she allowed a reckless passion to sway her better judgment. For nine months, she and Brian carried on a secret, but sizzling affair. Her stomach tingled at the memory of his broad hands upon her body.

When they were almost caught, in this very room, Norah recognized the dangerous line she walked. If their affair was discovered, Brian, being the man, would keep his job. Lady Aisling would dismiss Norah, even if she preferred not to. Moreover, since Brian was so much younger, Norah would be branded a wanton woman, leaving under a cloud of scandal without a reference. She’d never be a housekeeper again. At least not for anyone with means and standing in the community like the O’Connells. Though upset, Brian understood her fears, and they agreed to end their rash love affair.

Over time, their relationship grew into a deep and abiding friendship. Norah wondered how she would do without it. She couldn’t quite believe he’d never walk into the kitchen and filch a biscuit off the tea tray. Never again would she rub his shoulders after a long day bent over the estate books.

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