Murder on Black Swan Lane by Andrea Penrose

Author:Andrea Penrose [Penrose, Andrea]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2017-05-02T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 14

Charlotte slowly unwrapped the oilskin and set the twine-tied bundle of manuscripts aside for later. After examining the books, she decided to begin with the one filled with exotic imagery. Setting her notebook and a pencil close at hand, she returned to the beginning and started to read.

All things are concealed in all. One of them all is the concealer of the rest—their corporeal vessel, external, visible, and moveable. All liquefactions are manifested in that vessel. For the vessel is a living and corporeal spirit....

The pictures ranged from simple geometric shapes and complex symbols to elaborately detailed engravings, and the deeper she delved into the pages, the more mystified she became. Many of them appeared based on ancient mythological or biblical references, while other weirdly fantastical images had no point of reference in her scope of knowledge.

In some ways, the sheer scope of imagination was extraordinary. But Charlotte found she could not admire them. Some, in fact, were deeply disturbing. Their essence was all about seeking control and power.

Even if it meant making a Faustian pact with the Devil.

As she read, she stopped occasionally to make a rough copy of an image in her notebook and add a few notes on its meaning. With each new chapter, it felt as if another portal was opening, drawing her deeper and deeper into a strange and mystical world.

It took several loud raps on the front door to jar Charlotte into reality. Her nerves already unsettled by the images, she slipped a small pocket pistol out of her desk drawer before rising and moving quietly into the foyer.

“Bloody hell.” The oath, edged with exasperation, rumbled through the thick oak.

She slid back the bolt. “To what do I owe the honor of yet another visit? Is someone else dead?”

“Not that I know of,” answered Wrexford. “I wanted to ask you a question about . . .” He paused, his words pinched off by a quizzical frown.

“Yes?” she encouraged. “About what?”

“Might I come in?”

“That would be best.” Charlotte quickly stepped aside. “If you are going to make a habit of paying a visit, you might try to be a trifle less conspicuous.” She eyed his exquisitely tailored clothing and tasseled Hessian boots. “I live quietly and simply, milord, and do nothing that might draw attention to my home. I’d prefer to keep it that way.”

“My apologies. I will be more careful in the future,” he murmured. Her movement must have set off a glint of metal, for his gaze had dropped to her right hand. “I am glad to see that you heeded my earlier warning to take precautions for your safety.”

“I’m always careful, Lord Wrexford.” The hammer uncocked with a tiny snick. Loath to appear rag mannered, she added, “Alas, I can’t offer you pastries from Gunter’s Tea Shop, but would you care for a cup of tea?”

Wrexford followed her into the main room. “Thank you, but no need to trouble yourself. I’ve just come from imbibing ample refreshments.” He took a seat at the table, and crossed his legs.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.