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In the end, it was the library that brought them together. Three souls, all completely different, with one common link.
The library.
Finn had barely been able to contain her excitement as she sat through a noisy dinner in the domestics’ kitchen. She’d met almost the whole team, but she couldn’t have recalled more than four or five of their names if interrogated. They were a nice group though, and she found herself hoping, as the meal progressed, that Caradoc would do nothing to unsettle the balance.
Then again, what must it cost to employ so many people? A small fortune, she’d have bet. Whether he could afford it or not, would he think it was an extravagance beyond bearing to pay such a sum for the comfort of a widow and her daughter?
Somewhere after the roast pork had been cleared away, but before the steaming bread and butter pudding was brought out, the library was mentioned. Her eyes flew to Dougal’s face and he winked at her over his coffee.
“It’s the grandest private library in the South,” one of the women was saying. “They open it up twice a year to the general public. Just for looking at, not for takin’ books or nothin’, you understand. It was built hundreds of years ago. The shelves are all uneven and shinin’. Takes me a good day a week to keep it dust-free.”
“Oh,” Finn exclaimed with a breathless sigh. “Where is it? Do you think I could have a look?”
“O’ course you can,” the woman smiled good-naturedly. “Only be careful not to make a mess. Old Gower was prouder of the collection than any other room in the house.”
“Was he a keen reader then?” She asked, wondering if perhaps Caradoc’s father might have enjoyed books almost as much as she did.
“Him? Eh, no. He liked to boast about it, though.”
Conversation swirled on around them, but all Seraphina could think of was the room of books. She ate her pudding with almost indecent haste then scraped her chair back.
“Excuse me,” she said to no one in particular.
But Dougal stood and walked with her to the door.
“Which way is it?” She asked, her excitement a tangible force.
“I’ll show you. It’s over the other side of the building.”
She looked down at her clothes with a frown. She had changed into a pair of jeans and a fitted black sweater. Though perfectly neat, they were obviously casual. “Am I likely to see any of the family?”
“Not in the library, I doubt,” he said with a droll shake of his head.
She laughed despite herself. “Okay, thanks so much then.”
He led her down yet another corridor, this one with a timber door at its end. He pushed it inwards and the feel of the surroundings changed instantly. Timber floor gave way to tiled, and the walls were painted with a gloss sheen. The lights were elegant gold and pearl, and the furniture was obviously expensive. “The private residence,” he said unnecessarily. “This way.” He led her to a central staircase with a glistening crystal chandelier suspended in the centre, and up onto the first floor landing.
“You’re sure no one will see us?”
He shook his head. “You clocked the size of this place, right? Mrs Moore’s room is right down the other end of the house. She has a private dining room they’ll be eating in tonight. Maddie’s rooms on the other side of her mother’s.”
“And Caradoc’s?” She prompted, hating herself for the weak enquiry mocked up as lazy interest.
“Somewhere near Mrs Moore, I’d guess.” He frowned. “I don’t ever remember him coming to stay before so I couldn’t say with any certainty. Though he used to live here, that was when he was a tot, and he had a nursery upstairs.”
That was news to Finn. Placated though that she was out of danger of seeing Caradoc, she fell back into step beside the mechanic.
“You said you’re working on a Daimler?” She prompted after a few silent moments.
He let out a low whistle. “A nineteen thirty five mint-condition. Leather and polished walnut interior. Runs like a dream, but for a slight shake when you change gears.”
“Sounds beautiful,” she said honestly.
“You’ll see her tomorrow.” He paused outside a wide set of glass doors with brass detailing. “Here y’are.”
“The library?” She peered through the glass and the sight of so many books in the dimly lit room made her heart turn over in excited anticipation.
