(Midwinter Manor)Poacher's Fall Read Online Free PDF

kill. But since I’ve been on my own, I set snares. It’s slower work, mind, but quieter. And I can do it alone. Toby’s getting big enough to help, but mam won’t let him come, no matter how much he mithers her.”
    Philip nodded. “Given what happened to you, I can understand her fears for his safety.”
    Danny gave a short, bitter laugh. “Wouldn’t be trees she’s afraid of.”
    “No?”
    “No, it’d be that—begging your pardon, sir. Not my place.”
    Philip stared, confused, and then it came to him. “Drayton? But the worst he’d do would be to call the constable, surely? And I doubt the magistrates would deal harshly with a child, particularly for a first offense. If it even came to court.”
    Danny gave him a long, hard look and then seemed to come to some decision. “Well, now, sir, would there be anything else you’d want to know about poaching? For if not, I reckon I’d best be trying to sleep, now.”
    “Oh! Yes, of course. I’m sorry; I hadn’t realized how late it had become. I’ll let you rest. Ah, good night, Danny.”
    “Good night, Mr. Luccombe.”
    Banished from Danny’s society, Philip felt curiously bereft. He wandered irresolutely to the drawing room, but the whisky decanter seemed to have lost its luster. Philip hadn’t realized until now just how tired he felt. But of course, that would be due to the afternoon’s exercise, he recollected. Perhaps he should make that a regular activity? He really thought he might be able to sleep tonight without the help of alcohol.
    It was a curiously uplifting thought, and Philip retired to his room with an unwonted smile upon his lips.
     
     
    C HRISTMAS Day dawned bright and clear. Frost had painted merry patterns on the windows in honor of the season, and Danny was sure the aches in his chest and leg had lessened. He had a warm bed, the prospect of good food and pleasant company later, and he knew his mam and the kids were provided for. Danny couldn’t remember a Christmas these past few years when he’d awakened so content. Even the grief that thought brought with it didn’t chase away his good humor. He fair beamed at Mrs. Standish as she brought him his porridge.
    “Well! And you’re in fine fettle this morning for an invalid, Daniel Costessey!” she exclaimed with a pleased expression.
    “It’s seeing you, Mrs. S. Does my heart good to have a good-looking woman bring me food in the morning,” he teased.
    “Get away with you! We’ll have no more of that nonsense or Mr. Standish will have your hide, that you can be sure!”
    Danny grinned as she bustled out in mock outrage. Sure enough, she was humming a merry carol as she went back to her more usual duties.
     
     
    S ETTLING back after he’d finished his breakfast to read some more about Marley’s ghost, Danny was surprised to look up after a page or two and find Standish hovering at his elbow. “Bloody hell! Begging your pardon, Mr. Standish, but you might want to warn a man you’re here.”
    Standish gave him a long, considering look. “I’m just on my way to bring Mr. Luccombe his morning tea, and I thought it would be a good time to have a friendly word with you, Costessey.”
    Danny grinned. “And here was me thinking you couldn’t wait to wish me a Merry Christmas! Well, come on then, out with it, though I’m blowed if I know what I can have done to upset you, laid up in here like this.”
    Standish’s lips tightened. “It’s Mr. Luccombe. He appears to have taken quite a liking to you, Costessey, and, to speak plainly, I would not wish to see his trust abused. You may not be aware of this, but we at the house are quite… protective of the master.”
    Danny narrowed his eyes. “Oh, aye? Well, I don’t reckon he’s done so well, moldering away in this bloody tomb with you being all protective . Seems to me he could do with a mite less protection and a mite more… life,” Danny finished awkwardly. He’d been as near as damn it to saying “love,” but