The Secret of Pembrooke Park Read Online Free PDF Page B

hall.
    “Well?” Mr. Arbeau asked, with an impatient look at his pocket watch.
    The house, beneath its layers of cobwebs and mystery, was beautiful. Once cleaned, it would be a privilege to live in such a place. She looked at her father as he surveyed the hall once more with a pinched expression.
    “It will require a great deal of work . . .” he said.
    “Yes,” Mr. Arbeau allowed. “But work you will not personally be required to perform. I shall ask Mac Chapman to recommend qualified staff to ready the house, if that meets with your approval?” Again that condescending glint.
    But staring up at the formal portraits of his distant ancestors, her father didn’t reply. In his stead, Abigail answered, “If Mac is willing, yes. I think that an excellent idea.”
    “So you will take the place for a twelvemonth, at least? And sign an agreement to that effect?”
    Abigail looked at her father. Would he accept her advice after she had failed him before? She wasn’t sure but gently urged, “I think we should, Papa. If you agree.”
    Charles Foster nodded as though toward a painted gentleman in Tudor attire. “I think we must.”
    They spoke with Mac Chapman before they left, and he assented to engage a trustworthy cook-housekeeper, manservant, kitchen maid, and two housemaids, as requested.
    “Give me a few days to interview folks and investigate their characters,” he said, looking uneasily at the dim, blind windows of the upper story as he said the words. “Can’t hire just anyone, you know—not to work here.”
    Abigail and her father thanked the man and said they would see him soon.
    As they took their leave of him, Mac cautioned Abigail, “Now you’ve taken the place, yer sure to hear gossip. Pay it no mind.”
    “Gossip?” she asked. “About the supposed treasure, you mean?”
    “Aye.” His green eyes glinted. “And other rumors far worse.”

Chapter 3
    T hey returned home, told Mamma and Louisa all about their new lodgings, and accepted the highest offer on their London house. The buyer, having recently returned from the West Indies, desired to take possession immediately, so Abigail launched herself into preparations to vacate the premises.
    Some of the art was to be sold separately, and a few special pieces of china and linen taken with them, but the rest would remain with the house. Abigail oversaw the packing of trunks but left the negotiations with the art dealer to her father.
    She felt nostalgic as she packed things from the bedchamber she had occupied for most of her life. How strange to leave the furniture and bedclothes for someone new to sleep in. She hoped he or she would appreciate them. She packed away her own clothes, sorting between those she would take in her valise for immediate use and those she would pack away in her trunk to be sent down later. She packed her favorite books—books of house plans, landscaping essays by Capability Brown, and a few novels.
    Because the new owner was willing to retain the household staff, the Fosters decided they would take only the lady’s maid, Marcel, though she would remain behind in London with Mamma and Louisa for the time being. Her father’s valet refused to leaveLondon and requested a character reference to use in seeking another situation.
    The horses were sold, as well as the town coach. They would hire a post chaise for travel.
    A fortnight later, everything was settled, allowing Abigail and her father to return to Pembrooke Park. Meanwhile, Mrs. Foster and Louisa removed to Aunt Bess’s home, planning to join them in Berkshire after the season.
    The night before they left, Abigail finished packing her remaining personal belongings, checking to be sure she had everything she would need for a week or so in her hand luggage—nightclothes, a clean shift, toiletries, the novel she was currently reading. She went through her desk drawer, looking for a drawing pad and pencils to take along. She spied a tube of paper and unrolled it, her