The House Called Edenhythe by Nancy Buckingham

Author:Nancy Buckingham [Buckingham, Nancy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romantic Suspense/Gothic
Publisher: Belgrave House
Published: 1970-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

There was the strength of a wild animal in my attacker—and as little mercy.

Forcing the feather pillow hard upon my face, he fought me quietly. The only sound, bursting my ears, was the frantic pounding of my own heartbeat.

It was easy for him to hold me down, however much I struggled. My feeble strength was fast draining away.

It would be a silent death, and silence meant safety for my murderer. But the house was full of people. Somebody would surely hear if only I could cry out.

As my body weakened, my brain became more feverishly active. I had to make a noise. Somehow. Anyhow!

The bell-rope!

My arms were free and I clawed wildly, reaching to my right. A little farther... It must be there!

But my groping fingers found nothing.

I abandoned the bell as my hand touched the cold marble top of the bedside table. Almost without thought I pushed at it, felt it lurch away—and then rock back into place with scarcely a sound.

I had seconds left—only seconds. In a last mad frenzy I screwed my whole body over to one side and put the dregs of my strength into one groat heave.

The table moved again, stayed balancing for a moment. Then with a tremendous crash and a splintering of glass, it smashed heavily to the floor.

Instantly the smothering pressure against my nose and mouth was eased. The pillow lay loosely upon my face.

But before I could pull it aside, I was roughly bundled into the bedclothes, and wrapped up in them like a huge parcel. And while I was struggling to free myself, the attacker made his escape.

As I worked my head clear and gasped the fresh cool air, I heard a commotion outside my room. Voices were calling one to another, questioning.

For the moment I could only suck in sweet breath. I could spare none to cry out.

The noises outside grew louder. Doors banged, running footsteps passed and re-passed. And then my door burst open, and someone came in at a run.

‘Rachel! What is it? What’s the matter?’

It was Luke.

Others were crowding in now. A match flared, and Esmond lit the gas. I could see Ellen and Albert in their night clothes, standing gasping together just inside the door. And from behind them, several of the servants were peering into the room.

Luke exclaimed in a shocked voice, ‘Rachel, you look dreadful! Whatever has happened?’

Gently he pulled the bedcovers around me, and eased a pillow under my head. Then he called over his shoulder, ‘Tortman, fetch some brandy for Mrs. Jonathan! Quickly!’

Esmond came over and sat on the edge of the bed. He took my hand gently, watching my face with grave anxiety.

‘There, there, Rachel. Try to be calm.’ With his free hand he stroked a strand of hair from across my eyes. ‘Can you tell us what has upset you?’

I nodded, but it was an optimistic gesture. When I tried to speak, my voice was an incoherent rasp. My whole body was shaking uncontrollably.

‘What is going on in

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