Lord of the Abbey

by K. R. Richards

  “I cannot say for certain, Lady Sperring. But I do think it to be a possibility. At the very least, someone was in here and heard you coming when you came to retrieve the books, or was watching from outside when someone came into the room. The dropped copy of The History of the Dulacs of Glastonbury suggests the thief was in a hurry and had no time to retrieve the dropped book.”

  “Oh my!” A worried frown darkened her face.

  Rowena placed her arm around Frances’ shoulders. “Don’t worry, Aunt Frances. Hanford said the window shall be fixed well before dinner. He assured me the locks on all the ground floor windows shall be checked.”

  “Are we finished, Micah?” The irritation was apparent in Harry’s voice coming from outside, where he still stood beyond the window. His presence was entirely forgotten by all in the library.

  “Oh, Harry! Of course. Thank You. By all means go, get on with your search,” Micah dismissed Harry with a quick hand gesture. He turned back to Rowena, her aunt, and Sir John. “Shall we return to the drawing room? I think that perhaps Lady Sperring could do with some tea. She looks a trifle pale.”

  “I think I desire something a little stronger than tea!” Frances declared.

  Chapter Four

  The surgeon advised that Seth would recover quickly from his ordeal, though he sported a large purple egg on his forehead along with a jagged cut which did have to be stitched. Rowena checked on him while they waited for Doctor Price to arrive. The lad did not see the face of his attacker. The description Seth gave was a man wearing a brown coat and wide-brimmed, brown hat. He could not say anything of the man’s face, for chasing him as he was, he saw only the coat. The wide-brimmed hat covered the man’s face even when the thief turned his head.

  Charlie, who turned out to be Charles Inwood, Viscount Silverley, found nothing amiss inside the rest of the house. Harry and Lyon found nothing except some additional footprints in a patch of mud near the stone wall at the rear of the garden.

  The servants were questioned with the help of Charlie. Another of Harry Bellingham and Lyon Ravenscroft’s Society members, Charlie was visiting Micah when the message from Harry arrived at Horethorne Hall in Templecombe. Charlie jumped at the chance to join Micah on his journey to Glastonbury.

  With all of the excitement going on at Stonedown, the search for a secret chamber was postponed until the following day.

  Harry Bellingham volunteered to stay as a guest at Stonedown for the evening to make certain the ladies were safe. His wish was for them to feel safe and protected so they might enjoy a good night’s sleep. Of course, Sir John first volunteered to stay with the ladies at the Manor.

  Rowena noticed that the white-haired, elderly Sir John looked vastly relieved when Harry volunteered to stay also. Sir John looked to be as weary as her aunt.

  At dusk, they bid Lyon, Micah, and Charlie good night. Frances invited them to stay for the evening meal, but the men declined.

  The trio of gentlemen returned to Abbey Grange to sup and send a servant back to Stonedown with the clothing Harry required for his stay. They planned to peruse the Grange’s library for any information on Stonedown Manor to help with tomorrow’s search and keep an eye out for intruders at the Grange, just in case.

  Rowena entrusted the still damp copy of The History of the Dulacs of Glastonbury along with William Dulac’s letter to Micah Wychcombe’s care, so that he and Charlie might read them before they all began their search, in earnest, late the following morning.

  Due to the trying day, Frances declared their small party would dine informally, and none needed to change their attire. It was well past the customary dinner hour when the Stonedown Manor household finally settled down.

  “Harry, I know you and Sir John are reluctant to speak of this incident in our presence, but I want to know your opinion. Do you think someone else is after the Abbey treasure?” Frances asked.

  Rowena noticed her aunt felt more like herself this evening, there was a bit of fire back in her eyes. Ever the proper hostess, her aunt’s friendly, outgoing manner cloaked any fears or concerns she still might have. Rowena was relieved her aunt no longer looked as fearful or victimized, as she seemed to at the initial shock of the break in. Knowing the stable lad was not seriously harmed also calmed her aunt’s nerves. Of course the glass of port Lord Wincanton poured for Aunt Frances earlier that afternoon helped her immensely.

  “It seems that way, Lady Sperring. Why else would someone make off with those specific books and no others?” Harry saw Rowena cast a worried glance in her aunt’s direction. It was obvious to him that Rowena worried about the toll the day’s happenings had taken on her aunt, whom if Harry remembered correctly was in her mid to late fifties. “If not the treasure, then the thief has a very strong interest in Stonedown Manor and the Dulac family.”

  “Those were my thoughts as well,” Rowena confessed. Though she did not wish to cause any further worry to her aunt, she must be honest.

  “Harry, please, I insist you call me Frances. This is all so very strange.” Lady Sperring shook her head in bewilderment. “Everyone hereabouts knows Rowena and I have been interested in the Abbey history for ages. We never mentioned the treasure specifically to anyone as far as I know. Nor did we mention the letter.”

  “I made a point never to mention the treasure for this very reason. After I found William Dulac’s letter, I was more determined to protect his secret, until I met with you, Harry, as the rightful owner of the Abbey. I did not enlighten anyone to my beliefs and suspicions that Abbot Whiting had time to hide the Abbey’s treasure. Unless of course this thief, whoever he may be, doesn’t know what we are doing and took the books so he might find out what we are interested in,” Rowena suggested.

  “They are willing to hurt people to get what they want.” Sir John spoke softly. He glanced worriedly at Frances.

  “We are aware of that fact now, John.” Frances patted his arm. “So we will be very careful and aware going forward. And we have Harry and his society members among us. We are prepared now.”

  It was clear to Harry that Sir John and Frances were, if not lovers, then very close. Sir John’s worry for the welfare of Rowena’s aunt was evident. His high regard for both ladies was communicated when Sir John met with him to set up the initial audience with Lady Rowena.

  “Can either of you ladies recall anyone in Glastonbury being overly curious about the Abbey? Or anyone who might have mentioned treasure?” Harry queried, offering his arm to Rowena as they moved from the dining room to the drawing room.

  “I can’t say I do,” Frances said.

  “Nor I.” Rowena shook her head.

  “And you were in Glastonbury for most of the year?” He continued, “What of last season? Were you in London?”

  “We have been in Glastonbury for the last year and a half, Harry. We don’t go to London much at all,” Rowena answered hastily.

  The subject of London seemed to be a touchy one for Lady Rowena. He overlooked the obvious unease the mention of London caused her. “Hmm. So the thief must be local. Or someone associated with someone local.” Harry thought aloud as they entered the drawing room.

  He waited for the ladies and Sir John to be seated. “If we subtly questioned the acquaintances you see and visit most often, especially those who visit you on a regular basis, we might discover something.”

  Harry began to pace, “We do not want to call in the Constable. However, if any other incident occurs like today’s happening, we shall have to. It appears that either someone who knows your home well stole the books, or someone who has been watching you recently. That is why I think Glastonbury society must be questioned. Without of course, their knowing it. We might find something which points to one person over another. At the very least, we might discover that some one person has a motive for stealing your books.”

  “Ah!” Frances smiled smugly as she sat in her chair. “I have the answer, Harry! A Ball or a welcoming party! To welcome you to Glastonbury. Everyone will att
end. We don’t have much society here except on occasion in summer when some gentry come from Town to their summer houses. No one shall be able to stay away. I am certain tongues are already wagging about town these past few days since your arrival. No doubt visitors will be lining up at your door soon to renew their acquaintance with you and your family and welcome you to our town. Everyone seems to know you’re now making Abbey Grange your primary residence.”

  “That is a splendid idea Aunt Frances! Simply everyone will attend!” Rowena immediately agreed. “Balls and large parties are not common here, Harry. There are a few dances held in the assembly rooms from time to time, when the fairs are held and such. Everyone attends. We will have you and your friends who can circulate and help us talk to people about the Abbey and the Manor.” Rowena looked to Harry who did not appear to be convinced.

  Balls and parties! Bah! Exactly the reason he left London. No, in truth, it was the match making matrons and their young charges following his every move who caused him to vacate Town. He was targeted long before his father’s death as a good match for young ladies seeking wealthy and eligible husbands. His father’s death only increased the determination of the white and pastel-clad, wide-eyed, empty headed, young things and their manipulating mamas who flocked about him seemingly everywhere he turned while he was in London these past months. There was only one unmarried lady who captured his interest, and she was right here in Glastonbury, sitting right across from him. And he was, he realized, seriously interested in Rowena Locke.

  Harry noted Rowena and her aunt waited with polite but expectant expressions. He sighed. Frances and Rowena were correct. It was a perfect way to question people without their deducing there was any reason for it. The questioning would help determine if anyone was overly curious about the Abbey or the treasure. Or if, in fact, there was another reason Stonedown Manor was broken into and the Dulac family books stolen. A reason for the theft might present itself.

  Harry did not deny the fact that Lady Rowena and her aunt possibly remained in danger. He could not know for certain if they were still in danger unless he knew why the books were stolen. The Ball or party the ladies suggested would be a very good opportunity for Harry, along with the help of his trusted friends, to subtly question the townspeople in attendance.

  It served another purpose as well. He wanted to reacquaint himself with the society and inhabitants of Glastonbury. He was the new Earl after all. His father behaved as many nobles did. The Earl of Glaston was the Lord of the Manor. The elder Harold Bellingham never made himself accessible to his people. The former Lord Glaston held himself above all people, even some of his peers.

  That was something Harry waited long to change. The new Earl of Glaston was going to be a good and active overlord. A valuable part of his town and county, here in Glastonbury and in the other places he held land and property.

  “It is a very sound idea, ladies.” Harry smiled. “I cannot fault your reasoning. I suggest we start with a picnic or fair on the abbey grounds, to encourage talk of the history of the Abbey. We might even let slip a few of the myths relating to the treasures, to encourage such conversation. We can culminate the evening with a Ball at Abbey Grange.”

  “Harry, your mother and your sisters can’t possibly be here as soon as next week to begin planning such an occasion. I shall be your host, or I could host the night’s entertainment here at Stonedown if you’d rather?” Frances proposed. Every social event needed a hostess. A man should not host such events the likes they were planning. It just was not done.

  “Thank you, Frances. I shall leave all the details in your capable hands, and will provide all you need.” Harry knew full well the dictates of proper society. “It does seem the clues to the treasure might be centered here at the Manor.” Harry weighed the choices. He shook his head. “I prefer we keep people from Stonedown, for your own safety, ladies.”

  “I agree, Harry!” Sir John spoke up. “It may be dangerous, Frances,” the snow-haired man cautioned his Lady sternly. At least as stern as Harry guessed Sir John ever was with his Lady.

  “I realize, it may be a risk, but if someone is looking for the same things we are, a chance to be an invited guest here at Stonedown would be hard to refuse, don’t you agree, Aunt Frances?” Rowena posed.

  Harry didn’t wait for Rowena’s aunt to answer her, “Yes, Lady Rowena, the thief who stole the books would love to be an invited guest here, but we do not want them to find what they are looking for. We are not even certain what we are looking for as yet. Nor do we even know where to look. This person or persons might even know more than we do on the subject of the treasure. They might easily make off with it, or worse come back at a later date when the two of you are here alone. Sir John is correct, ladies, it is just too dangerous for the both of you!” Harry stated in a stern, matter-of-fact tone which invited no more entreaties. He expected nothing further to be said about a Ball at Stonedown. He found out in a matter of seconds that he was utterly and completely wrong.

  “But, Harry!” Rowena rose from her chair and approached him. “If you and your friends are here at Stonedown we will not be in danger! Our thief might not be able to pass up the chance to come to a Ball at Stonedown.” Rowena’s blue eyes were alight with hope. She looked very pleased, her full, rosy lips parting slightly as she waited expectantly for an answer.

  Oh, hardly an Angel! Though she had no idea what she was doing, she was quite a natural seductress. Her pleading expression tugged at Harry’s resolve despite knowing he was being coerced. By two obviously persuasive, stubborn and willful women.

  “Rowena has a good point, Harry.” Frances came to her niece’s defense, “Our thief will not be able to pass up an invitation to Stonedown. I think we can safely assume our thief will be at the Ball if it is here in the Manor. He may not be looking for the Abbey treasure. We do know he is interested in something here at Stonedown. Something that has to do with our family, and something to do with our house.”

  Frances continued, “Rowena and I scarcely entertain on a grand scale. Ladies come for tea and to visit. But other than Sir John, we scarcely receive any gentlemen callers. And Seth was chasing a man on the grounds today. So, the prospect for our thief to enter Stonedown Manor would be too tempting, I’m guessing.”

  “Harry, please?” Rowena stood before him. Her hands were clasped together, her crystalline eyes upon him.

  The Angel’s innocent seduction was breaking his resolve. He could say yes right now. But, no. No, he wouldn’t. There was still the danger to the Angel and her elder aunt.

  Rowena began anew, “Harry, I insist the Ball should be held here at Stonedown! The gallery in this original wing should be large enough, though we have a small ballroom or music room of sorts in the newer wing which can be used if necessary. It is not like this shall be a huge crush like in London. We are only talking about a guest list of around fifty or so persons for a Ball. The picnic will be larger with younger family members and others attending. This is only Glastonbury, after all.”

  “As much as I hate to admit it, ladies. Your logic is difficult to defeat.” Harry struggled to think of another alternative. The pleading look in the Angel seductress’ eyes again rendered him incapable of thinking clearly. “It does seem the thief might be unable to pass up the opportunity to come here for an event such as a Ball. With many people milling about here and there, the music and the dancing to occupy most guests, a thief could search the house virtually unnoticed and with much more ease than an additional break-in would afford. He might even try for the book he missed. If left on the library table in plain sight as bait we might catch him. Still, I feel we take a chance with your safety, ladies.”

  “Won’t you agree, Harry? It seems such a good idea to hold the Ball here, at Stonedown,” Rowena pleaded yet again. “Aunt Frances and I will both promise to stay in plain sight at all times. If you like, Sir John can stay near Aunt Frances the entire night and you, or one of your friends if you prefer, will stay near me throug
hout the Ball.”

  How could he refuse such a request from an angel? Why would he refuse the chance to remain by her side for an entire evening? Claim all her waltzes. Yet, Harry could not shake the feeling that there was danger involved, and he felt responsible for the well-being of the ladies. He thought for a few moments. This was something he needed to mull over. To look at from all angles. “Let us discuss everything tomorrow upon the arrival of my comrades. I wish to make certain they can be on hand for such an event. Watching our guests would be much easier, for we all will be quite busy entertaining, questioning, and observing our guests at both the picnic and the Ball. If we remain in agreement tomorrow, the Ball will be held at Stonedown. Otherwise, it will be at Abbey Grange.”

  “I agree with Harry.” Sir John patted Frances’ hand. “There is a lot to think about, and your safety is of the utmost concern.”

  “The utmost concern.” Harry echoed Sir John’s words as his gaze rested on Lady Rowena Locke, the Angel seductress extraordinaire. No, he did not want a guinea gold curl out of place on her head, nor a scratch to mar her porcelain skin.