Free Crystal Gardens by Amanda Quick Page A

down cups and saucers. “He says it looks like someone broke the lock when you went out for an evening stroll. The burglar must have been scared off before he could steal anything.”
    She had not gone for a stroll, Evangeline thought; she had been running for her life.
    “Perhaps a dog barked,” she said, “or one of the neighbors went past in the lane and frightened him off.”
    “None of the people who live around here are likely to drive along the lane to Crystal Gardens at night,” Molly said. “Everyone thinks the woods are haunted. My uncle wanted me to tell you that he’s certain that none of the local lads would have done something terrible like kick in your door.”
    “I never considered for a moment that it was someone from LittleDixby,” Evangeline said. And that, she thought, was nothing less than the truth.
    “My uncle says it was probably one of the ruffians from that traveling circus over in Ryton. You know how it is with those circus folk. Everyone says you’ve got to keep an eye on them.”
    When freshly washed clothes disappeared off the line or a tool went missing from a gardening shed, it was common practice in the countryside to blame the theft on the members of a traveling circus or carnival. It was certainly the simplest explanation in this case, but Evangeline was reluctant to let the innocent take the blame.
    “I don’t think so,” she said. “At the time the break-in occurred the circus folk in Ryton would have been busy packing up for the move to the next town. No, I’m convinced that it was some villain from London who arrived on the train in search of criminal opportunities. Perhaps one who was recently obliged to leave the city to avoid the police.”
    “Well, whatever the case, he’s long gone now.” Molly poured the hot water into a pot. “I’ll put some of my fresh tea cakes on the tray. A strong, healthy gentleman like Mr. Sebastian needs his food.”
    Evangeline smiled. Obviously she was not the only female in the vicinity who had noticed that—speculation on the state of his mental health aside—Lucas was a strong, healthy male.
    “Thank you, Molly.” She started to turn in the doorway.
    Molly took the cover off the dish that held some dainty little cakes. “Oh, Miss Ames, I wanted to tell you that last night I stayed up late after Ma and Pa went to bed and finished the second chapter of
Winterscar
. It was very thrilling.”
    Evangeline warmed with pleasure. “Thank you, Molly.”
    “I can hardly wait to see what happens now that Patricia is trapped in an upstairs bedroom with that dreadful John Reynolds, who plans to compromise her so that she will be forced to marry him. The wayyou left the ending, it appears that Patricia’s only choice to save her honor is to jump out the window and break her neck on the rocks below the cliff.”
    “Which would not be wise because it would conclude the story a bit too soon, don’t you think?”
    “Yes, miss.” Molly dimpled. “I’m sure Patricia will find a way to escape the villain’s clutches without losing her virtue or breaking her neck.”
    “I think it’s safe to say that you are right.”
Because John Reynolds is no longer the villain
, Evangeline added silently. “You may go home after you bring in the tea.”
    Molly was crestfallen. “Are you sure, miss? I don’t mind staying for a while. You will want help washing up after Mr. Sebastian leaves.”
    “I appreciate the offer but we’ll muddle along without you.”
    “Yes, miss. Just so you’ll know, I should tell you that my brother, Ned, delivered the eggs, milk, butter and cheese you ordered. And I made a lovely salmon-and-leek pie for you and your London friends to eat tonight.”
    “Your salmon and leek pie is the best I’ve ever eaten,” Evangeline said.
    Molly’s smile held pride and satisfaction. “Thank you, miss. Just wait until I tell my ma that Mr. Sebastian called on you today.”
    Evangeline wondered what Mrs. Gillingham would say