The Settling of Scores

Chapter 31

January 3rd, 1888   Howell House, Docking Green

            "I had a wonderful time at Warrick Abbey," Priscilla told her butler, Poole, "but it is good to be home again.

            Avery let them all know he was against the plan Oliver and Sir Alex thought out before they left Warrick Abbey. Priscilla was to return to Howell House as if she and Avery were still at odds with one another to see how Brent Hollister reacted to her return and Avery's. Avery didn't care for the idea she would be alone at Howell House without a protector against Hollister.

            They convinced him that she was not the one in danger unless she was to marry the man. Hollister wanted to marry her and acquire her money before he would harm her. Avery said he would sneak over in a few nights to visit her.

            He'd also informed her before they left Warrick Abbey that he stopped their divorce months ago. She was angry with him for all of a few minutes until…well just until. Her husband kisses did curl her toes after all.

            "We are happy to have you home, Miss," Poole told her as he took her wraps.

            "Nothing terrible happened while I was away?" she teased her proper butler.

            "Well they did find a stranger unconscious on the main road; they think a robber hit the poor fellow over the head. When he awakened he had no idea who he is," he answered her.

            "Oh my," Priscilla replied. "How awful for him. Did they learned who he is yet?"

            "No, Miss," Poole answered. "He was well dressed and they have a photograph of him someone made circulating around and they even sent it to London for the newspapers there hoping someone will recognize him."

            "Well I hope they find out who he is," Priscilla said. "I would like some tea and a something light sent to my room, Poole. I think I will retire early the trip here was more tiring than I thought it would be."

            "Yes, Miss. I will let Cook know," Poole told her.

            "Good night, Poole," she told her butler as she started up the stairs to her bedchamber.

            "Good night, Miss," he answered her.

            Priscilla was happy to be home but unhappy to be apart from Avery and hoped it would not be for long. Lily was in her dressing room unpacking her trunks. Her maid was informed how they hoped to capture the man who shot Avery but not informed who they thought it was. She'd promised not to tell a soul of their plans or that Priscilla and Avery had reconciled.

            "It shouldn't take me long," Lily said popping her head out of the dressing room door.

            "I know you must be as tired as I am, couldn't that wait until the morning?" Priscilla said as she looked at the basket of mail on the desk in her sitting room. Memories of what she found last year flooded her mind as she quickly pushed the basket aside. Maybe she should hire a secretary to open her mail.

            "I'd rather get it over and done with tonight unless I'll disturb you," Lily said.

            "No go ahead. I've sent for some tea and a light dinner," Priscilla answered thinking this time she would not put off her mail. She would see right away what arrived for her while she was gone. She sat down at her partners desk and started going through the mail, starting this time with the pieces on the bottom, since they arrived first. By the time her tea and meal arrived, she was halfway done and found nothing of interest.