Page 20 (1/2)

Jacob shrugged “Mrs Birch for one She’s been the housekeeper here for ten years And then there’s Molly, but she tends to agree with Mrs Birch Mr Blackwood says they’ll say anything to squeeze another shilling from him”

Tristan raised a curious brow “Mr Blackwood?”

“He lives in the gatehouse He takes care of things, es the estate, but he spends a lot of his time in London”

In a bid to escape the torrential downpour, Tristan had not paid ates “Is Mr Blackwood here now?”

Jacob shook his head “I’ve not seen him about for a few days”

Why would Mr Blackwood spend tie? “Is Lady Fernall aware of his fondness for roa?”

“Even if she is, I don’t suppose it es” Jacob sneered “It’s Lord Fernall who pays all our wages”

Not wanting a repeat of their earlier rooather you speak of Lady Fernall’s stepson”

Jacob nodded

So Isabella had not inherited the house from her husband else Henry Fernall would not have assumed direct responsibility for the staff

The sudden ruuilt to flare The poor coach at the side of the road He had kept the groo

“Just to clarify before you go, other than what the housekeeper has told you, you have never witnessed any strange occurrences yourself”

“Strange occurrences?” The words caated sound He scratched his head “I’ve heard the odd howling noise at night I’ve found dead ani odd about that … just a fox hiding his secret food store”

It was as Tristan suspected Depending upon how one chose to perceive a situation, one could easily regard an ordinary everyday event as macabre

“I thought to find headless knights and persecuted priests haunting an old place like this,” Tristan said feigning amusement