For Richer, For Poorer: Love & Adventure in Regency England (The Yorkshire Saga Book 2) by Valerie Holmes

Author:Valerie Holmes [Holmes, Valerie]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Sapere Books
Published: 2019-02-14T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 13

Parthena was surprised by Bertram’s request that she walk with Jerome alone around the grounds. If Jerome had not whispered to her in the hallway previously, she would have doubted where his loyalty lay, as he had seemed very eager to engage in conversation with Bertram. He played his role, whatever it was, with complete and convincing confidence.

“So tell me, Mr Fender, what guise do you appear in today, using your own name, but having Bertram’s agreement to our meeting — and in relative privacy?” She stopped at a rose and pointed to it as though discussing its colour or scent. “You seem to have captivated him in some way.”

“Simply this, Thena. I have come to him as myself, offering him my help in solving a problem that I have recently become aware of by a man who I am claiming to be a close acquaintance.” He smiled politely at her as they walked and talked.

“What is that?” she asked.

“Why, you, of course. I overheard him talking in the coffee house in the village and have used my position to infer that I know his business partner and am a party to the knowledge that you stand in the way of him and their intentions.”

“That is very bold of you. What if the business partner should visit?”

“He will not do that, yet. Since arriving here, I have seen the drawings in Bertram’s study and they do indeed paint a dark future for this beautiful place.” He pointed at a tree as they passed it and she nodded, all to good innocent effect as Bertram looked unwittingly on from the Hall. “It appears it is to be completely destroyed in the guise of progress, as a mill is to be built and the village is to be crammed with new but cheaply-made housing.”

“I have too. I am beside myself with worry, as I cannot see how to stop this from happening. He will destroy everything for the people who have lived and worked here their whole lives. The village and the land will be changed forever. It distresses me as there seems to be nothing I can do about it, Jerome,” she said, and looked up at him. “I owe you so much already, and I doubt I can ever repay you, but is there any way you can help me to prevent him in his this? I fear that the destruction he plans may bring back a plague like the one that nearly destroyed this place centuries ago. You are a man of the law — is there any hope?” She had to turn away from the Hall to regain her composure. Her words were driven by the heat of passion that she felt for her home and by the desperate loneliness she had felt since her father died.

“That is why I am here, Thena. There may be a way, but it will involve great sacrifice and even greater trust. I met an old colleague of mine, a man who was at the Inns when I was there,” Jerome explained.

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