Haunted Ground Read Online Free PDF Page B

Brendan hissed as he heard footsteps in the other room.
    “I am suggesting that Jasper might have purchased some poison.  A death from poison could easily be mistaken for apoplexy.  It’s not as if there was a physician to attend father.  He died and was buried, so no one would be the wiser.”
    “Meg, Old Bertha is a shrewd woman, one well-versed in the ways of human nature.  Do you think that if Jasper came and bought poison and a few days later his father died of apoplexy, she might not have been suspicious?”  Brendan was surprised by the stubborn look on Meg’s face.  She’d always been so calm and practical, and now she sounded nearly hysterical, her fears getting the better of her.  He wished he could reassure her somehow, but at this point, he had no idea what to believe.
    “Perhaps, but as you pointed out, she’s wise enough to know when to keep her mouth shut.  With Father gone, Jasper is now the landlord, and Bertha lives on his land.  What good would it do her to start trumpeting her suspicions?  He could have her evicted, or worse…  Maybe telling me was enough to soothe her conscience.”
    “Meg, even if that were true, you don’t have a shred of proof.  So Jasper went to see Bertha.  He could have been suffering from constricted bowels, for all you know.  Or maybe his humors were out of balance from all that drinking.  He wouldn’t be the first or the last to seek some tonic from the wisewoman.  Had she actually said that he bought poison?” Brendan asked patiently.
    “Well, no,” Meg conceded.  “Maybe you’re right.  I just haven’t been myself lately.  It’s all been too much to bear.  I didn’t get a chance to tell you about Rob.”
    “Rob?”
    Meg nodded miserably, nearly jumping out of her skin as the door flew open, a tipsy Jasper leaning against the doorjamb as he took in the scene. 
    “I know you’ve been lonely since your husband died Meg, but try to keep your hands off your own brother,” he sniggered, obviously pleased with his tasteless joke.  “Just say the word and I’ll find you a new man, although they’re thin on the ground these days, thanks to Brendan.  How many men did you take with you when you left?” he asked, not waiting for an answer before stumbling off to bed.
    “Rob’s dead?”  Brendan choked out, as he took in his sister’s gaunt face and unusual pallor.  That explained much.  “When?”
    “A few months now.  A fever.  I’m completely at Jasper’s mercy now, and I’ve never known him to be this cruel,” Meg mumbled as she handed Brendan a towel.  “I fear for you, Brendan.  Go to mother’s people.  You’ll be safe there for the time being, and once this war is over you can come back and claim what’s yours with no fear of being betrayed by Jasper.”
    “Meg, I know Jasper has never been particularly softhearted or generous of spirit, but you’re suggesting that he killed our father and would gladly betray me — knowing that I would be executed — just to retain control of the estate.  I just can’t believe that.  I won’t.”  Brendan looked at Meg in the hope that she would agree with him, but she shook her head at his naiveté. 
    “Brendan, have you not seen what men will do for power?  Jasper has always resented you and now that he’s gotten what he’s always wanted, he’s not about to just voluntarily step aside and let you reclaim your rightful place.”
    “I can appreciate that, but murder???  This is our brother we’re speaking of.”
    “He’s changed, Brendan.  He’s no longer the Jasper we knew as children.  Promise me you’ll go.  I need to know that you’re safe.”
    “Will Mother be all right?” Brendan asked, his mind spinning with shock at Meg’s insinuations. 
    “She’ll be fine.  I’ll look after her as I always have. The children have been staying with Rob’s family these past few weeks so that I can devote myself to caring for Mother. Besides, Jasper’s got