Into The Hall Of Vice by Anabelle Bryant

Author:Anabelle Bryant
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2017-04-14T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Gemma harboured no expectations, unwilling to colour her perception with her brother’s dismal viewpoint, so when the carriage rolled to a stop at the address Vivienne had supplied to the driver, she experienced a mixture of surprise and relief. The tall, two-storey building was faced with pale-coloured stone, the window panes intact, foundation sturdy and roof complete from shingle to shingle. Three steps led to a single door, painted black, where a large grey dog slept off to one corner in a patch of muted sunlight.

The ladies gathered two baskets each, intending to instruct the driver to deliver the others once they secured Miss Devonshire was available and able to accept their delivery, which she was. Introductions were made and things proceeded with seamless care.

‘How very generous.’ The amiable woman ushered them into the hall and motioned towards the back of the house. A boy with bright eyes and a toothless smile peeked out from a nearby room. ‘Don’t mind Charlie. He likes to keep an eye on things when Mr Goodworth isn’t here. Reckons he’s in charge, the little scamp.’ She waved her hand in the lad’s direction, and he scooted backwards out of sight.

‘Mr Goodworth?’ Sophie questioned as they moved further down the hall.

‘I manage most everything here at Second Chances, but I’d never be able to help all those in need without the unending generosity of Mr Goodworth. He has deep pockets and a heart of gold for all the financial investment he’s donated over the years.’ Miss Devonshire began to unpack the baskets, setting food aside and separating various sundries. ‘He doesn’t visit often, but when he does the children are thrilled. I confess I enjoy his company just as much.’

‘He sounds an admirable man.’ Sophie lifted another basket to the table.

Gemma saw no need to detail how Mr Goodworth had attempted to save her purse. It sounded as if Miss Devonshire fancied the benefactor and there was no way to know the extent of their relationship. Gemma had seen the man leaving Miss Devonshire’s home, after all. ‘Sophie, why don’t you return to the carriage and instruct the driver as to where to place the remaining donations.’ A few minutes alone with Miss Devonshire was all Gemma desired. Either the woman would remember her father or not. There was no in between.

Sophie pivoted and rushed through the door, while Gemma waited no longer. ‘Miss Devonshire, I hope you don’t mind but I had a question concerning my father and I thought to ask, since it was mentioned he may have visited you at one time.’

‘Really?’ Miss Devonshire dashed a look from where she’d bent to place an empty basket on the floor. ‘When was this?’

‘Before he died, a little over two years ago.’ Gemma’s hope died at Miss Devonshire’s expression.

‘Pardon my bluntness, Lady Amberson, but I doubt I can remember a single chance occurrence from two years ago. Around here, a year’s worth of living happens in one month. People come and go, children are had, the lodging house population is everchanging.

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.