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With slow, trudging steps, the butler escorted theh the impressive hall with a black-and-white marble floor and walls decorated with Ionic pilasters The chandelier hanging over the wide staircase was larger than any Verity had seen in the grand homes outside of town
A sudden flutter of nerves made her draw in a deep breath
As a e often used by those experiencinghand on her back and whispered, “Follow my lead”
His co presence and persuasive voice set her at ease Those who believed that illegitientleuiding her into the morbid room at the end of the hall
The library was a dark, drab place Ugly forest-green wallpaper covered the walls behind bookcases so overladen with books the oak shelves bowed There were books balanced on cluttered tables, books stacked in piles on the floor There were so many old books that dust choked her throat, left her reluctant to draw breath
Giving the butler their naure bent over the desk on the far side of the room
“Thank you, Crailey” Mr Bradley made no mention of refreshments as he watched his butler leave the rooestured to the chairs positioned randomly about the place “Won’t you sit?”
Mr Bradley did not reet them, did not call for a footman to move the chairs closer to the desk
With some reluctance, Verity sat in a chair flanked on both sides by turrets of books—a veritable fortress to the written word Mr Trent occupied the chair closest to the desk No one spoke as Mr Bradley continued to read from the open vo
lume laid out before him
Some people treated books like prized possessions and refused to read thees To some people, books were as important as their daily meal, and they devoured theered for ed to the latter
“Having witnessed the note on your calling card, Mr Trent, I presue of the Brethren” His voice held a cautious tone, though he did not tear his gaze away fro arrived with a female companion, I know you’re not here to offer membership”
Just hearing hi
“I conceive we have so stare did not leave the fellow “My brother bore the Brethren’s mark, as did yours”
Verity was about to er Verity Vale but theMrs Beckford