The Sinners Club Read Free Page B

polished his spectacles. “I answer my employer’s correspondence, help him write his speeches for the House of Lords, organize his staff at his various houses, and keep an eye on the butler and the household accounts.”
    â€œThe man is too busy to see to these things himself, is he?”
    â€œIndeed. My employer is an extremely active man in the government of this great nation.”
    â€œDoes he have property around here, then?”
    â€œI believe so. That is why I’m here.”
    Ferrers scratched his head. “Now, where would that be? There’s the vicarage and the Grange on the hill, but apart from that...”
    â€œThe property is called Pinchbeck Hall. Do you know of it?”
    â€œPinchbeck Hall?” Ferrers shook his head. “Nay, that can’t be right. That’s the Earl of Storr’s family seat. My cousin works up there as the housekeeper.”
    â€œPerhaps I work for the Earl of Storr?”
    â€œNay, how could ye? The man just died!” Ferrers roared with laughter and slapped his knee. “No disrespect to the old codger, mind.”
    â€œI am aware that the old earl passed away. I happen to represent the new earl.”
    His companion’s jaw dropped. “The new one?”
    â€œIt is the way of the world, Mr. Ferrers. The old order passeth to make way for the new and all that.”
    â€œBut—”
    â€œI intend to present myself at the house tomorrow. Did you say that your cousin was still in residence? Perhaps she will be able to assist me in my perusal of the estate accounts, and give me a tour of the house.”
    â€œShe is still there, sir, but so are the family.”
    â€œI’ll deal with them when I see them. I have my instructions from the new earl. No one will be turned out, or left homeless.”
    â€œWell, I’m glad to hear that, sir, seeing as how things are up there.” Ferrers frowned. “Are ye quite certain your employer is the new earl, sir?”
    â€œWhy do you ask?”
    â€œBecause I didn’t think things had been settled yet.”
    â€œIndeed.” Jack studied the landlord’s dubious expression. “Is there another claimant to the title?”
    â€œThat’s difficult to say yet, sir, isn’t it?” Ferrers stood up and bowed. “I think I hear someone calling me in the public room. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go and attend to his needs.”
    Jack contemplated the fire for a while and considered Ferrers’s cryptic comments. There was definitely something not right up at Pinchbeck Hall, but he still wasn’t clear exactly what was going on. Had somebody else claimed the title? Would he find an imposter in his place? His anticipatory smile turned into a yawn and he stood up. After his day in the saddle a good night’s sleep seemed a just reward.
    He made his way back up the stairs and found his door ajar and the very helpful Miss Ferrers turning down his bed. She smiled as he came into the room and he smiled back. Perhaps the new earl’s private secretary deserved some reward for doing his duty after all....
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    A cock crowed, waking Jack from his slumber, and he shouted down for some hot water. It didn’t take him long to shave, dress, and pull on his newly polished boots. He descended into the parlor to devour a plate of ham and eggs while getting directions to Pinchbeck Hall. Within an hour he was on his way along the narrow country lanes with their high hedges. The sun peeked out from behind the clouds bathing the sullen landscape with light and reminding him of the paintings he’d recently seen by a Mr. J.M.W Turner at the Somerset House exhibition.
    It didn’t take him long to reach the walls of the estate and halt his horse. The high iron gates emblazoned with the Storr crest were open. The stone gatehouse appeared to be uninhabited but not neglected. Jack headed up the long elm tree-lined driveway, pausing