Old Sins Long Shadows Read Online Free PDF

popping it into her mouth.
    ‘Rumour had it Daniel did it to get the farm,’ added Mary. Mrs Friggens made a face but didn’t say anything to disagree with the comment.
    ‘ He’s a murderer?’ asked Charlotte with horror.
    ‘ He was never charged, but where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Daniel and Zachariah were the only ones on the farm that day. There were no witnesses and who benefitted from his death? Daniel did,’ replied the cook, placing the dough on a baking tray. She picked up the tray and spun around towards the range, ‘I’m not saying anything or accusing anyone. All I’m saying is steer clear of Daniel Kellow, like everyone else does. He’s trouble.’
    Janey continued sewing, images of Daniel Kellow building the stone wall on the day of her interview invading her concentration . She had been alone with him, what if he had attacked her or killed her?  No one would have known what had happened to her. She shivered at the thought. Yet, she concluded as she continued to sew, there was something about the man that drew you in by an invisible force. His dark eyes seemed to hold a hidden story waiting to be told. A man who’s presence could change from being one of a threat, to one of boyish charm, in a wink of an eye. There was no doubt about it, Daniel Kellow was trouble and she would do well to stay clear of him.
    ‘ I think he’s handsome,’ said Mary, ‘and nothing was proved. The villagers keep away unless they want his help.’ Janey saw Mary looking out of the window again, watching the wagon being driven away in the distance. Janey returned to her sewing with renewed vigour.
     
    The day had finally arrived that James Brockenshaw returned from his summer stay in Bath. He arrived late in the morning, striding into the hall like a prince returning to his castle, confident in his welcome and his position within the household. His friends were to arrive later in the day, a guest list that had extended to six more than the original number. Mrs Friggens was informed of this shortly after his arrival, following his casually imparting of the news to the butler. On being told of the changes she almost fainted in shock for the number had doubled in size. She soon set to work but her usual relaxed manner was no longer evident until the guests left two days later.
    The heat of the kitchen was evident and the tension palpable on entering and best avoided if you had no place to be there. It was for this very reason that Janey found herself standing at the top of the stairs to the hall when he returned home. She had just settled Lady Brockenshaw in the drawing room with her husband, Lord Brockenshaw. He was a short, round, gouty man with a bald head and large sideburns. He had never acknowledged her, as his philosophy was servants were there to serve and not to have conversations with. She was no exception, even though Lady Brockenshaw had a more intimate relationship with her than would normally be required. She had left them both waiting for their only son’s arrival and was returning to the mistress’ bedroom to tidy up when the main entrance door opened and Master Brockenshaw entered.
    She heard his voice first, it was friendly and cheerful as he politely asked after the butler’s family and his health whilst handing him his top hat and coat . Janey turned to see him, intrigued to see the writer of those loving letters to his mother and of which she had the pleasure of reading. He was aristocratically handsome, tall and slender with blonde straight hair and noble features. He had the gift to converse with ease to a member of any class and with a friendliness that for some people takes years to establish yet James could do it within a minute of meeting someone. He was charming and in turn one was charmed by him. Janey Carhart drank in the vision of him and was captivated.
    His father entered the hall and they shook hands . Jovial laughter wafted up to Janey who sat on the top step to watch. Shyly