The Ghost and Miss Hodge by Caylen McQueen

Author:Caylen McQueen [McQueen, Caylen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Caylen McQueen
Published: 2024-09-29T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

“You should know, Miss Hodge, my feelings are deeply wounded!” Glynn whined. “I am deeply, thoroughly, utterly upset!”

“Really?” Augusta asked.

“No, not really... but I am hurt,” Glynn said. “You removed your goggles! Do you really like Samuel Berrington so much more than you like me?”

Glynn followed her around Esterley Manor's library as she collected books from its shelves. Augusta didn't care for Marcum Carroll, but they had one thing in common: a love for books. Marcum had amassed an impressive collection and filled several rooms with his tomes.

“I don't like Mr. Berrington more than I like you,” Augusta said. “I only removed the goggles because you have a tendency to distract me. Besides, I'm wearing them again right now. I only took them off for an hour or two, so you can't complain.”

“No, I can complain. I'm complaining right now, aren't I?” Glynn chuckled at his reply. “I'm not actually upset with you, Augusta. I do, however, have a strong desire to be part of your life... make of that what you will.”

“Are we on a first name basis now?” she asked.

“Maybe.”

“Good.”

Augusta had selected five books from the library's shelves, and they were so heavy, she grunted as she carried them. Glynn said, “You know, I would help you carry those, if I could.”

“I wish you could! I believe I might have chosen the heaviest books in this library, fool that I am,” said Augusta. “Are you not put off by my bluestocking ways?”

“Not at all. I love an intelligent woman,” said Glynn. “You're certainly smarter than me.”

Augusta was on the verge of protesting when Lewis entered the library. He immediately rushed over and took the books from Augusta's hands. “I will take these to your room, Miss Hodge,” the butler told her. “Right now, you should head to the master's study. He's been asking for you. He... doesn't appear to be in the best of moods.”

“Is he ever?” Augusta heaved a sigh. “Very well, Lewis, I will head there at once. Thank you.”

Augusta—and Glynn—left the library and headed to Marcum's office. Glynn asked, “Will I annoy you if I come?”

“No, although I wish you could save me from your father's rage. You can only look on helplessly as he chastises me.”

“You think he's going to lecture you?” asked Glynn.

“Maybe. I have a bad feeling.”

“Have you done something to deserve a lecture? I'm with you all the time, or nearly all the time. As far as I can tell, you've done nothing wrong.”

“I suppose we'll find out.” Augusta paused in front of Marcum's door and gave herself a fortifying hug. “Wish me luck.”

Augusta entered the study with her head held high, but it wasn't long before her spirits were quashed. Marcum had a storm in his eyes, and when he turned them on her, she shuddered.

“I'm told you've had... suitors, Miss Hodge,” he croaked.

“Suitors?” Augusta cocked her head and played dumb. “I'm afraid I'm not sure what you're talking about.”

“Yes you do. The Berringtons. Harold and Samuel Berrington. You're being courted by two men from the same family.

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