Darkwood by Rosemary Smith

sobs still racking my body as I tumbled headlong into his arms, his arms went around me cradling my head on his shoulder, no matter how I tried I couldn’t stop crying, I’d never felt such despair.
    ‘Silvia, sshhh,’ he whispered trying to calm me but to no avail so he led me into the bedroom which he’d so caringly refurbished for me, the thought of which made me worse. He sat me in the armchair by the fire which was still burning in the hearth and pulled a bell cord that I had not noticed before.
    Leaning on the floor before me he tried so hard to pacify me, in no time at all Dotty appeared, her eyes were like saucers taking in the scene before her, we would be the talk of the kitchen, but I didn’t care. My dishevelled hair, red cheeks and sobs would be relayed to the cook no doubt.
    ‘Dotty, please fetch Miss Silvia a large brandy and tell no-one,’ Gareth instructed the bewildered girl. ‘Now Silvia please tell me what causes you such distress.’
    ‘Jared... Jared...’ I sobbed looking Gareth in the eye, I must have looked a sight. ‘Jared is not your brother, he is our uncle!’ I paused for breath, ‘And our beloved grandmother took her own life in Darklady’s Wood! Oh Gareth, I cannot bear it.’
    Dotty arrived with the brandy, Mrs Trigg at her heels.
    ‘Is there something wrong, sir?’ Knowing full well there was, as she took in the scene before her.
    ‘Please leave us, Mrs Trigg and tell no-one,’ said Gareth, thrusting the glass of brandy into my trembling hand.
    ‘But the mistress is asking for you both, sir. What shall I tell her?’ Mrs Trigg persisted.
    ‘Tell them we’ll be down soon, Mrs Trigg please, now leave us.’
    ‘Come along, Dotty,’ said Mrs Trigg pushing the girl through the door, taking her displeasure out on the poor child. I gulped the brandy, clutching the glass with a trembling hand, and thankfully the sobs subsided.
    ‘I know you are distraught dear heart, but tell me how you found this out,’ Gareth asked softly.
    ‘I found this letter in Lizzie’s bag.’ And I fumbled to unclasp the bag and handed Gareth the letter, sobs starting again as I handled it. Gareth stood by the fireplace slowly reading the words which must have been as painful to him.
    ‘This would explain why we can’t find Lizzie’s grave, for it would be in unconsecrated ground. I can understand your distress for I feel it to, but we need to tell my mother, for it would appear she could shed further light on all this.’ Gareth spoke sensibly I realised and at last I was beginning to calm myself, sound sense was suddenly replacing hopelessness.
    ‘You are right, Gareth, but I need to freshen up and do something with my hair,’ I said to him and once again he rang the bell. On this occasion Mrs Trigg answered it.
    ‘Yes, sir,’ she said with a hint of dissatisfaction.
    ‘Please bring Miss Silvia a jug of hot water and a face cloth.’
    Mrs Trigg returned once more with Dotty who carried a jug of water which she tipped slowly into a china washbowl on a stand near the door.
    ‘Dinner is ready, sir,’ Mrs Trigg addressed Gareth as she spoke, ‘What shall I tell your mother?’
    ‘I shall come down and speak to her myself. Now that will be all, I thank both of you.’ No sooner had Gareth spoken than the housekeeper and Dotty left the room.
    ‘I cannot go down to dinner Gareth, for I could not eat a thing, this has upset me so much.’ My voice was almost a whisper as I held the warm face cloth to my burning cheeks and eyes.
    ‘Don’t fret, I will go down to Mother and explain that you are feeling unwell, and that we will see her and Father in the drawing-room afterwards if you are able. I will fetch you a towel,’ he said thoughtfully. When he handed it to me some seconds later he asked, ‘Shall I send Pru to you to tidy your beautiful hair?’
    ‘Yes please Gareth, you are so kind, however could I have thought...’ My voice trailed off, not wishing to tell him that I’d