Free Midnight Secrets by Jennifer St Giles Page B

Bridget’s voice died as a man on a white horse raced up. He slowed as he passed and I saw with surprise that it was Stuart Frye. He rode like a gentleman to the manner born, but when he saw us, he became so distracted for some reason he almost fell from the saddle when his horse leaped forward.
    Bridget grabbed my arm as if needing support. When I glanced her way, I found her face had blanched white.
    “What is it, Bridget?”
    “Nothing. The man races as if the devil’s on ’is arse, don’t ’e?”
    “Stuart?”
    “Who else? Rides around like ’e’s the bloody Killdaren or the viscount.”
    “The viscount would be Sean Killdaren’s brother, right?” Though I knew that, I wanted to hear what Bridget had to say about him.
    “Aye, Lord Alexander, the Viscount of Blackmoor. ’e lives on the other side of the forest in Dragon’s Cove in a larger castle, as ’e’s, h-he’s the heir to the title. Earl of Dartraven he’ll be someday, since he was birthed first. Heard it said they came out of the womb with their ’ands, uh, h-hands around each other’s throats. Alexander feet first and Sean headfirst, killed their mama in the birthin’ of ’em.”
    “Good Lord. Is there nothing but tragedy upon the Killdarens’ doorstep?” I was pleased to see Bridget remember to correct her own speech.
    “It’s the curse, mind ya.”
    “All their wealth, and yet they’re poorer than you or me when it comes to what really matters.”
    Bridget gave me a puzzled look. “Ye have an odd way of thinkin’. Ha! The Killdarens poor.”
    “Think about it, Bridget. Would you want to have all that they possess if it meant that your mother died in childbirth? If it meant you would either kill your sister or she would kill you?”
    “Aye. I would.” Bridget sighed. “No, and ya knew it afor ya asked. Ack, what are you doin’ to me mind, Cassie? Me mother would cosh me had she heard, giving up all that wealth, just to have me family.” She giggled and grabbed my arm, urging us into town.
    We stopped on the street to part. “Can’t wait to see me mum and little brother. We’re havin’ meat pies and sweet cake for my birthday.”
    “You didn’t tell me. When is your birthday?”
    “This Friday. I’ll be eighteen. Old enough to be kissed, right?”
    “Well, yes. If the gentleman had honorable intentions and asked your permission, I suppose it would be all right.” I was shocked to learn that she was no older than Gemini.
    “Blimey, all of that has to happen first? Have you ever been kissed, Cassie?”
    Heat plastered my cheeks. “No.” I’d been too busy writing my proper advice column to associate with gentlemen enough to reach the kissing point in a relationship. “Why?”
    Bridget sighed. “Just wondering what it was like. Ye’ve a funny notion about yerself, what with always bathin’ and no snorin’ and no kissin’ unless it’s all proper. It all seems so complicated.” She pointed down the street. “Remember to meet me at the church right there on time. Mrs. Frye will have our hides if we’re late.”
    As I watched Bridget leave, I found myself wondering what a kiss would be like. Sean intruded into my thoughts and I imagined him kissing me. Shock rippled up my spine. Good lord. The man was a stranger and a dangerous one at that. What was wrong with me? I dashed to Seafarer’s Inn as if the devil was on my heels.
    The carriage with the Killdaren’s double dragon crest on it pulled away from the entrance of the inn as I approached. As I watched it disappear in the direction of the village, an eerie warning crept over me. Who from the Killdaren household had come to the inn? And why?
    I considered going to Constable Poole to see if he’d made any more inquiries into Mary’s disappearance, but decided to keep my presence at Killdaren’s Castle a secret for now and just have Aunt Lavinia call on him later in the week.
    Easing around to the servants’ entrance, I stole quietly through the