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Chapters (44)
  1. Table of Contents
  2. Title Page
  3. Copyright
  4. Dedication
  5. Chapter One
  6. Chapter Two
  7. Chapter Three
  8. Chapter Four
  9. Chapter Five
  10. Chapter Six
  11. Chapter Seven
  12. Chapter Eight
  13. Chapter Nine
  14. Chapter Ten
  15. Chapter Eleven
  16. Chapter Twelve
  17. Chapter Thirteen
  18. Chapter Fourteen
  19. Chapter Fifteen
  20. Chapter Sixteen
  21. Chapter Seventeen
  22. Chapter Eighteen
  23. Chapter Nineteen
  24. Chapter Twenty
  25. Chapter Twenty-One
  26. Chapter Twenty-Two
  27. Chapter Twenty-Three
  28. Chapter Twenty-Four
  29. Chapter Twenty-Five
  30. Chapter Twenty-Six
  31. Chapter Twenty-Seven
  32. Chapter Twenty-Eight
  33. Chapter Twenty-Nine
  34. Chapter Thirty
  35. Chapter Thirty-One
  36. Chapter Thirty-Two
  37. Chapter Thirty-Three
  38. Chapter Thirty-Four
  39. Chapter Thirty-Five
  40. Chapter Thirty-Six
  41. Chapter Thirty-Seven
  42. Chapter Thirty-Eight
  43. A word about the author...
  44. Thank you for purchasing this publication of The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

Philomena hesitated, her lip caught in her teeth. What would become of this woman if Muldrow knew she had helped in the escape?

“Now, there’s no time for worrying,” said the housekeeper. “You slip away from the back of the house. By the time Mr. Muldrow realises you’ve gone, he’ll be too befuddled with his wine to give chase and so will that vagabond he’s brought along to shame himself and you.”

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Six

As the Manor came into view, Hugh slowed his horse to a trot, then a walk. The animal, not in the first flush of youth, was happy to slacken his pace. While still a field away, Hugh slid from the saddle, hooked the bridle to a gatepost near a drinking trough, and left the horse to enjoy a handful of hay.

The Manor was eerily silent. No servants called to each other in the yard. No noise came from the stables. No one spoke. Surely, Hugh had not made a mistake. Was this not where Joseph was heading with Philomena? If this was the wrong place, all would be lost. He must make haste.

Hugh hurried closer, slipping round a corner and halting by a window. The heavy drapes were drawn shut against the falling dusk but there was a narrow gap, where the curtains did not quite meet. A servant had pulled them carelessly across with a sloppiness that would never be tolerated at Thatcham Hall. Hugh peered in. He could see little except the end of a long table, but voices came from the other end of the room. Hugh heard the splash of wine into glasses, and bursts of raucous laughter.

“She’ll have a night she’ll never forget.” The snigger was rough and uncouth. Hugh recognised Joseph’s voice. “And now,” Joseph went on, “it’s time for the blunt you owe me.”

“Just you wait until afterwards.” Muldrow spoke coldly. “You’ll get your reward, never fear.” There was a sneer in the voice. “Once tonight is over, no one can touch me. The house, and the enterprising Miss Stanton, now to be known as Mrs. Muldrow, of course, will both be mine to do with as I please. Meanwhile, enjoy the rest of the wine while I prepare myself for the forthcoming encounter with the young lady.”

The white heat of Hugh’s anger all but overcame him. He would break through the window and give Muldrow the whipping he deserved. He took a breath. No. He must wait and find Philomena. He walked round the corner and along the side of the house, and met no one. All was quiet. Muldrow must have sent most of the servants away for the night.