Free Lord of the Abbey by K. R. Richards

her. Rowena had no idea why. She felt the warmth radiating from his free hand momentarily covering hers where it rested on his arm in what she guessed to be a gesture to reassure her. The sensation of his touch, though brief sent small shivers through her. Once again she scolded herself for her girlish, nay in truth, her more womanly thoughts. The thoughts of a wanton, actually.
     
    After informing Hanford about the window and the possible theft, the house came alive with frenzied activity. Mrs. Brimble took the book herself and would see to its immediate salvation. Servants rushed about. The entire staff, inside and out, was summoned to come to the large entrance hall. It was Harry’s idea for Hanford to question the servants in case one of them saw an intruder in the library, another area of the house or on the grounds.
     
    When she entered the drawing room Rowena spoke calmly, “Aunt Frances. Sir John. Someone has broken into the library. We are left to think the books were stolen. The window catch was broken off and there are footprints outside the window in the garden.”
     
    “ Oh my heavens!” Frances was obviously distressed. “Why? Why would someone steal books about the Dulacs and Dulac Manor? The history of Glastonbury in the fifteenth and sixteenth century? And they were books about our family, Rowena. Now they are gone. That is our history.” Frances’ eyes misted slightly at the comprehension of such a loss.
     
    “ We did find The History of the Dulacs of Glastonbury, Aunt Frances. It was dropped right outside the window. It was soiled and wet, but Mrs. Brimble thinks she can save it,” Rowena offered hoping to alleviate some of her aunt’s distress.
     
    “ Sir John, will you stay with the ladies? Lyon and I intend to search the house and grounds.” Harry motioned for Lyon to follow him.
     
    “ Of course, Harry.” Sir John nodded to Lord Glaston.
     
    It was at that moment that Hanford entered the drawing room and informed them that Seth, one of the stable lads, was coshed on the head as he chased a man he spotted running from the direction of the house. Seth did not recognize the man, but thought him suspicious because he continued to run after being called to. The apparent thief kept looking back toward the house, and carried a bulky bundle under his arm as he ran. Seth gave chase. When he neared the culprit, and got close enough to try and overtake him, the man turned and flung a fist-sized stone at Seth’s head. Dazed and bleeding, Seth slowed down when the blood ran into his eyes, limiting his vision. Mrs. Brimble herself was tending to Seth and felt a surgeon should be called.
     
    Rowena told Hanford to send for Doctor Price at once. She assured him she would be in momentarily to see about the lad.
     
    Harry and Lyon, talking amongst themselves, decided to question Seth before going outside. They prepared once again to leave the drawing room when a tall man with dark hair strolled calmly into the room. He was dressed entirely in black save for the pristine white of his shirt and cravat. He carried a sturdy satchel in one hand. “What the devil is going on? It appears the house is in uproar.” He looked first at Harry, then Lyon through his spectacles.
     
    A shorter man with sandy hair entered behind the first.
     
    Rowena saw Aunt Frances was too stunned to speak. No doubt she was in shock with the strange happenings of the afternoon thus far. And apparently, as Rowena looked upon the two strangers in her drawing room, there were more odd things unfolding. “We are in uproar, sir.” Rowena addressed the gentleman, for the fine cut of both men’s clothing deemed they were indeed gentlemen. She was about to question who they might be when Harry spoke.
     
    “ Wincanton. Charlie! I’m so glad you’re here. We can use the help. There has been a break-in. The books that we needed to look for the secret chamber I wrote to you about were stolen. A stable lad was clobbered in the