To Love, Honour and Obey: Spies, mystery and romance in 19th Century England (The Yorkshire Saga) by Valerie Holmes

Author:Valerie Holmes [Holmes, Valerie]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Sapere Books
Published: 2018-09-26T00:00:00+00:00

After a fitful sleep, Willoughby refreshed himself and arose early and made his way down the rickety wooden staircase. The innkeeper was up early, organising the maids and stores. “Sleep well, sir?”

“Excellently, thank you. Tell me, where can I purchase the use of a gig? We wish to explore the coast a little.”

“Sir, this is a dangerous coast, particularly after last night’s murder, and the roads are not so smooth.”

“Murder?” Willoughby repeated. “You mean there was a murder … here … yesterday?”

“Aye, a soldier, knifed in the back and tossed into the Esk.”

“I hope they caught the culprit.” Willoughby was no actor, but he feigned an expression of utter disgust and dismay.

“I’m afraid not, but don’t you worry any, they will.” The innkeeper leaned over to him. “There can’t be too many places where a murdering priest can hide.”

“A priest!” Willoughby exclaimed.

“Aye, this is a close community. People have eyes and ears.” He winked at him and Willoughby nodded. “He ain’t no man of God. He be hiding behind God’s garments. He’ll go to hell for that and soon I reckon.”

“Look.” Willoughby fidgeted a little nervously, acting like a fop, as if the news had unnerved him grievously. “My sister, you understand, would be shocked and dismayed by such unpleasantness. Could you send your man to fetch the gig for me, if I give you the money for your services? Then I should not have to leave her on her own.”

The man, sensing a profit was to be made, nodded agreeably. “Very wise, sir. I’m sure we can negotiate a fair price for you.”

“Of course, of course… I shall need two blankets and hot bricks for the journey. Damn cold place this is, at this time of year. We may decide to return south.” Willoughby anxiously completed his deal and arranged for a light meal for them both whilst they waited. He knew the innkeeper thought he was a coward, who at the mention of a murderer on the loose had sought to evacuate the town, but that was exactly his intention.

He returned to his room. Slowly he slid back the cedar panel and stood watching Beth for a few moments as she lay on the bed blissfully asleep, untroubled. But time was precious and if he was not going to be found and hanged for two murders he had not committed, they had to be on their way. ‘For King and country’ he repeated in his mind as he gently stroked her cheek.

Beth felt Willoughby’s finger gently touch her skin. It was a warm, comforting sensation. Her half sleep drifted away as she became more conscious of the soft touch. Slowly, she opened her eyes to the early morning light. The curtain had been drawn back and Willoughby’s handsome face smiled down at her.

She opened her mouth to speak to him, but he placed a finger to her lips. His voice was no more than a whisper. “We need to leave here as soon as possible. It isn’t safe to stay any longer.

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.