Death at Kimbal

Chapter 10

"The law." Effie gasped, rising out of her seat, "What does he wish to see me for?"

"He didn't say." Jenna said nervously, "Just that he wished to speak with Lady Evangeline Kimbal."

"Allow me to come with you." Luc said, also standing, "I wish to know what this business is about."

"He said Miss Evangeline only Sir." The maid firmly, "I'm to keep everyone else here while they talk."

"I will be fine Luc." Effie said indignantly, "I can speak and stand for myself."

"Of course." Luc said, looking slightly flustered and sitting down.

"He's in the study waiting for you Miss." Jenna prompted, curtsying towards Luc and Ed, "I'm to stay here with the others."

"Thank you Jenna." Effie said, heading towards the door with a concerned look on her face, "I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Good luck Miss." Jenna smiled warmly, dipping her head slightly before walking over to stand next to Luc, looking nervously at Ed.

"I will be fine, I know how to look after myself." Effie assured them as she closed the door behind her, breathing deeply before she hurried off to the study.

"Do not linger in the doorway young lady." A voice said as Effie hesitated, her hand resting gently on the door frame, "I am fully aware that you are here."

"Of course Sir." Effie said hastily, walking into the study and curtsying in front of the man, "Lady Evangeline Kimbal. You wished to see me?"

"Indeed I did." He replied, taking her hand and kissing it gently, "My name is Ross Parkfield, a representative for the London Inheritance Guild. There is a matter of utmost urgency that I need to discuss with you."

"Please take a seat." Effie offered, motioning to one of the fine velvet armchairs by the fireplace, "Make yourself comfortable."

"Thank you my Lady." He smiled gently, walking to the closer of the two seats and sitting in it, "A couple of weeks ago," Ross started, watching Effie follow him and sit in her own seat, "It was brought to our light that you had inherited the Kimbal estate."

"I inherited nearly seven months past Sir." Effie interrupted, a tone of disbelief, "If there were any problem in my father's will, I do believe it should have been sorted already."

"Forgive me m' Lady, but even your father could never have predicted such goings on." Ross said, running a hand through his sandy, brown hair.

"Such as?" Effie asked, her heartbeat rising slightly out of nerves, "What has occurred?"

"Last week, we received this letter." He said gravely, taking out of his waistcoat pocket a small slip of paper, "From an anonymous writer, would you like me to read it?"

"If you would." Effie thanked him, tucking a small strand of ginger hair behind her ear.

"As you wish." He nodded, unfolding the paper, "

'To Timothy Ashburn, Head of the London Inheritance Guild,

I write with the hope that you may be able to assist me. I have long been questioning the legitimacy of the Lady Evangeline, owner of Kimbal estate, on the lower Cornwall border. It is my personal view that, if a female may be given such a large amount of power, it may bring ideas above their station into play. Women are irresponsible when given choices and decisions, they should been seen and not heard. However, in the case of Lady Evangeline, she has taken on a large amount of power and is in fact, employing only women. Giving the masses such jobs will surely only end badly. Men take jobs, not women. I plead that you give the thought consideration before handing this letter to Lady Kimbal.' It is left there."

"So it is not signed?" Effie asked, slightly sad that people thought such things of her and she didn't know.

"No." Ross shook his head, looking apologetically at her, "But the majority of folk do not feel this way. The thoughts of this letter would be the minority, or to put it clearer, aristocratic males."

"Thank you." Effie said, a small smile twitching at the corner of her mouth, "And are you the minority?"

"My Lady," Ross gasped, faking anger, but soon after letting a laugh escape his lips, "I look up to you most highly. Your family have done nothing but good, and I feel confident that you will follow in their footsteps."

"I thank you." Effie said kindly, blushing a bit, "May I tell my brother and step-father?"

"You may if you feel it is the right thing to do." Ross smiled at her, "But my Lady, forgive me if it offends you, but I have heard that you and your brother do not get on as well as you show us."

"Not since my mother died." Effie replied, looking down, "He has not changed for the better."

"I understand entirely." He nodded, "My brother and I never once smiled at each other after my sister left nearly five years ago. We still have not reconciled, it saddens me sometimes, thinking that I do not have the security and trust I should with him as I grow older, grow to love your brother in these difficult times. There may come points when you need him. But now my Lady, it is with much regret that I must leave. Do you wish to keep the letter?"

"If I could Mr Parkfield." Effie smiled, "I will take your advice as well, as much as Edmund and me quarrel, I could not bear to see him go. Would you like me to show you to the door?"

"I shall manage on my own Miss." He replied, handing her the paper before standing up and walking across the room, "Goodbye and it has been my pleasure meeting you."

"And you, I." Effie smiled back at him, also standing up, "I hope to see you again at some time soon."

With one backwards glance and a gentlemanly nod, Ross Parkfield left, his long coat swinging behind him. Effie followed him out of the door, heading back towards the dining room.

"Tell me everything Effie." Ed pounced the moment she walked in the door, "What was it about?"

"Sit down and I will tell you." His sister sighed.

A.N- Sorry for not updating in a while. I just can't find the motivation cos it doesn't seem like anyone's reading. Please comment if you want me to go on.