Free Thornhall Manor by George Benton Page A

you enough for what you’ve done for my son.”
    Regaining his composure, Steve allowed Annie to take his coat.
    â€œSir, you have a son to be proud of.”
    After this early excitement and an excellent meal, he listened to Mary then Ned. He realised the helplessness they must have felt, not knowing whether their son was alive or dead, and then how they must have felt when Dr Haywood received a letter saying William was alive and well, giving them hope that maybe one day they would all be together again.
    As the evening drew on Steve no longer felt alone, but part of a family. He turned the conversation back to his days in Australia and brought a smile back to their faces.
    â€œYou know, William owes his life to the Aborigines. They nursed him through a fever and took him into their little family group. Although unable to speak the language, he made friends with the children and used to play games with them. Then one morning he woke to find they’d gone - disappeared into the bush.”
    Steve would have continued, but he could see the tiredness on Ned and Mary’s faces. Maybe, with so much to tell, another time would be more appropriate.
    Annie and Mary were laughing as they made their way up the stairs to retire for the night, leaving the two men alone.
    â€œIt’s so good, Steve, to hear Mary laughing once again.”
    â€œNed, I want to visit Thornhall Manor and to see what I can discover about the day of the fire, and William’s arrest. If I’m to help William, I need to know everything. After all these years I still hope to find some small piece of evidence that might save him.”
    â€œThere’s not much I can tell you that Annie and Mary have not already told you, Steve. But there is one very strange thing. They found the squire, Mr Wheeler, in his wheelchair on the lawn in front of a blazing Thornhall Manor, unable to talk or move. How he got there is a mystery.”
    â€œIs he still alive, Ned?”
    â€œNo, unfortunately he died a few days after the fire from pneumonia. I’ll never forget that day, Steve - the thunder and lightning, and how they found the coach on its side but no sign of Peter Nesbit. Now, Steve, if it’s your intention to visit Thornhall Manor, I warn you there’s not much left after the fire. Tomorrow Mr Pegington will be passing. He always calls in for a chat. He will be passing the manor and he’ll be only too pleased to drop you off and pick you up on his return.”

Chapter Thirty-One
    AMONG THE RUINS
    â€œAnyone at home on this fine sunny morning?”
    â€œCome in, Peg. I’d like to introduce you to Steve, now back home after many years in Australia.”
    Firmly shaking Steve’s hand, he said, “Australia? Australia? Well, I’ll be damned! My name’s Pegington. Call me Peg. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Steve.”
    It was then that Mary entered the room.
    â€œYou’re looking lovelier than ever, Mary.”
    â€œOh, go on with you!”
    Although Steve had only just met him, he felt a warming towards Mr Pegington.
    â€œPeg, will you be passing the manor?”
    â€œYes, I’m going on to the Sheppards’ place. This could be my last call on the Sheppards. I hear they’re selling and retiring to the coast.”
    â€œWould you mind taking Steve, dropping him at the manor and collecting him on your return?”
    â€œIt will be my pleasure.”
    At that point Annie entered the room.
    â€œHello, Annie. It’s lovely to see you again. Steve, this is the young lady that turned me down. I’ve been heartbroken ever since.”
    â€œAnnie, Mr Pegington is taking me to the manor. Will you come with us?”
    Before she could answer, Mr Pegington said, “Of course she will.”
    â€œThat’s the manor down there. They say it’s haunted. I’ve heard cries when I’ve passed.”
    â€œThanks again, Mr Pegington.”
    â€œNow, what