Page 9 of Haunted Hearts

Arthur took a swig of ale to wash down the food and then answered her. “It was from Baron Edward Bancroft. He has agreed to your betrothal.”

“He has?” This surprised Lillith, since it was the first she had heard about it. The baron didn’t bother to even tell her, and she was just there visiting at his castle.

“Lillith, it seems your little trip with Serena to meet him is what sealed the deal,” added her mother. “He wrote in the missive that he enjoyed having both of you there. He called you both charming women.”

“Oh, sister, that is good news,” said Serena, looking up at her with a smile.

“Yes, Lillith, it is,” said her mother. “You’ll be marrying a wealthy man and will never need for anything in your life.”

I – I suppose so,” said Lillith, flashing a smile. She had truly wanted this betrothal ever since she heard Blaze was a warlock and the feud began. But now, after seeing him today, old feelings were stirred and rising to the surface again. She felt confused and her head became fuzzy. Mayhap she didn’t really want this betrothal with the baron as much as she thought she had after all.

“The baron has already started posting the wedding banns,” announced Arthur. “As soon as we can agree on arrangements and a dowry, we’ll have the wedding.”

This announcement made Lillith feel suddenly trapped. For some reason, she felt as if she were betraying Blaze. There was absolutely nothing between them anymore, so it didn’t matter. Yet, part of her felt like it did.

“If you’ll excuse me, I am not feeling well.” Lillith hurried away from the table without waiting for approval, making her way out to the courtyard. Everything was happening too fast. She didn’t know what to think. The rain had let up as quickly as it came, so it would make her trip to the graveyard to pay the undertaker easier. Lillith decided that mayhap a ride in the fresh air would help to clear her head.

It didn’t take long to get to the cemetery and find Huntley. He was standing near her father’s grave. The gravediggers were just finishing up filling in the hole since they’d waited until the storm let up to complete it.

“Huntley, there you are,” she said, stopping her horse. The man ran over to take the reins as she dismounted.

“Lady Lillith? What are you doing here? I expected to see a messenger, not you. Are you here unescorted?” Huntley didn’t live at Alderwood Castle, but instead, in a small cottage in the village between her castle and Lord Blaze’s manor. He worked as an undertaker for both sides.

“My uncle can be hard-headed at times,” she explained. “I wanted to make sure you and the grave diggers were paid as is proper.” Lillith opened her pouch and removed three coins, handing them to Huntley. The gravediggers wandered over to collect their share. Huntley gave them each a coin and then stuck the last one in his pocket.

“Thank you, my lady. You have always been kind to me as well as everyone in the village.” Huntley bowed slightly.

“I appreciate you taking care of my father’s burial so quickly. However, I wish I could have seen him before the coffin was closed and nailed shut.”

“I’m sorry, my lady. I wanted to wait until you and Lady Serena returned from your trip, but Lord Arthur insisted on taking care of things right away. He said it would be easier for your mother that way since she was so distraught.”

“Aye, I suppose he’s right. Well, thank you, Huntley. I’ll be off then.” She was about to mount her horse, but Huntley stopped her.

“My lady, there is something I feel I need to mention.”

“What is it?” she asked curiously.

He looked over at the gravediggers and waited until they climbed aboard the wagon and started away before he spoke.

“There is something about your father’s death that bothers me. I know it’s not my place to speak freely, but he was always good to me, and I feel you should know.”

“Know what? What are you talking about?” The man’s odd choice of words made her curious.

“Well, you know I really shouldn’t say anything since I don’t know all the facts. It’s really just idle gossip.”

“I see.” She reached into her pouch and pulled out another coin and held it out to him. “You deserve more than the gravediggers. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have overlooked it.”

“Nay. That’s not what I mean.” Huntley held up a hand and shook his head. “It’s not money I’m after, my lady. All I want is to give you the information. I’m not sure if you know.”

“Huntley, I don’t understand. What are you trying to say?” Clutching the coin, she slowly lowered her hand, seeing how upset the man suddenly became. “Tell me what’s bothering you.”

“It’s what Milo saw. Or thinks he saw.”

“Go on,” she said.

“A man was seen next to your father’s dead body. He was bent over him and touching his face.”

“What are you saying? Who was it?” she gasped. She had thought her father was alone, except for Milo who he left in the dust. By the time the page caught up to him, he was dead.