Potomac 02 - Beside Two Rivers by Gerlach Rita

Author:Gerlach, Rita [Gerlach, Rita]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Retail
ISBN: 9781426714153
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Published: 2012-11-01T04:00:00+00:00

By late evening, the rain moved off to the east. Ethan sat in his room at his writing desk. He lifted the pen from the inkwell and held it above the paper. After his salutation, he poured his heart out within a single line to Darcy. He had to see her again. He tapped the tip of the quill against the glass lip, when all of a sudden carriage wheels were borne to his hearing. A moment later, Fiona knocked on the door.

“There is a gentleman to see you. I’ve placed him in the study.”

Ethan looked up from the letter. “Who is it?”

“I asked, but he did not give me his name, only said it was important he speak to you. Do not worry. He does not look like a creditor, though he does look clerkish.”

Ethan did not go down immediately, but pulled on his boots and drew on his black waistcoat. The visitor stood in front of the fire in the sitting room, warming his hands. He turned with a graceful movement.

“My dear Mr. Brennan.” The man bowed his head ever so low with a faint smile. “Forgive me for this late hour.”

“I am sorry to have kept you waiting, Mr.——?”

“Hollen, sir.” He glanced around the room. “My father owned a house similar to this one. A mite smaller, I might say.”

Hollen breathed out each syllable as if his words were of grand importance. His head resembled the shape and features of a greyhound—a long nose and large glassy eyes. His coalblack hair combed flat over his crown hid a receding hairline. His right shoulder hunched forward. His black coat fit snug, his calves covered in wool stockings of the same color, ending with buckled shoes.

“What is your business here, Mr. Hollen?”

“If I may.” With a lift of his brows, Hollen bent toward a chair and swept his hand across the seat. Ethan nodded but remained standing. “Allow me, sir, to preface with my deepest sympathies regarding the passing of your father.”

Ethan studied Hollen as he spoke. A smooth talker, Ethan surmised, and grew guarded. “Did you know him?”

Hollen inclined his head to the left. “His good name was known by many people. I never had the pleasure to meet him face-to-face or to hear him preach.”

“Have we ever met?”

“We have not, sir. I am here on behalf of a client, who does claim to know you.”

“His name, Mr. Hollen?”

“He wishes to remain anonymous, sir.”

“Is he a coward?”

“Not at all.”

“Then why does he not make his identity known to me or come here himself?”

“It is wise he remain unnamed, for the present at least.”

“For what reason? Has he committed a crime?”

“You will understand when I explain why he has sent me to speak with you and the lady who resides in this house.”

Ethan frowned. “Go on.”

“My client has in his possession letters that he believes the lady will be interested in. They are of the most delicate nature, and if the contents were to be broadcast, it would do great harm to the lady’s reputation, as well as your father’s and your own.

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