Thistlewood Manor by Fiona Grace

Author:Fiona Grace [Grace, Fiona]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fiona Grace
Published: 2022-09-23T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Inspector Abernathy had been set up in Eliza’s least favorite room in the house—a study she often referred to as the “ghost study.” It had been designed by a man named Thomas, and as a child, Eliza believed it was haunted by his ghost and avoided it at all costs. Even now, the thought of entering the room made her shudder, and not just because she knew the Inspector was waiting for her on the other side.

Hell’s bells, Eliza, pull yourself together, she thought, as she shook off her dread, straightened her dress, and raised her fist to knock on the thick oak door.

Before she could even begin knocking, a muffled voice came from inside. “Don’t stand there all day on my account,” it said. “Please, come in.”

There was something about that voice. Something familiar. But she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

Eliza did as she was told and opened the door. The old oak creaked as it slowly swung open, and Eliza was struck, once again, by just how unpleasant this room was. It bore no resemblance to the warm, cozy affair that was her father’s main study on the other side of the house. Empty bookcases lined the walls, and there was no fireplace here. Thomas had apparently insisted on that. He believed heat made a person comfortable, and comfort, he said, was why the British Empire would eventually fall. Deep down, Eliza thought there was wisdom to that, though, right now, she would have given anything for the comfort of a roaring fire and the smell of old, leather books. Anything to make the moment feel less cold and overwhelming.

“Inspector Abernathy, a pleasure to meet you,” Eliza said as she closed the door behind her.

She tried to get a good look at the Inspector, but the tall, narrow window behind Abernathy backlit him in such a way that he seemed perpetually bathed in shadow. Eliza squinted slightly in hopes of bringing him into focus as she stepped forward and held out her hand.

“I’m Eliza Montagu, Lord Montagu’s eldest daughter. I wish I were welcoming you to Thistlewood House under better auspices.”

“Not chasing any trains today, I hope?” Inspector Abernathy said, his voice smooth yet commanding as he walked out from behind the desk and smiled as he took Eliza’s hand.

At first, Eliza was flummoxed by this. It was one of those moments where the brain hides important information from you. A familiar face. A past event. But she did not have to search her memory for long to find the answer.

“You’re the good chap who caught me running for the train at Kings Cross!” Eliza exclaimed as an enormous sense of relief fluttered over her. It was as though she had a connection to him, albeit a brief one, and that was enough to break the ice.

“Yes, indeed. Fascinating that our paths should cross again so quickly.”

Abernathy was as handsome as he was courteous. His blond hair was no longer slicked back in a casual style.

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