Read Online Lord of the Abbey by K. R. Richards - Free Book Online

Glastonbury in the rain.” Harry walked nearer to the Angel as he explained.
     
    “Unless of course he left the moment he received your letter.” Lyon rose, an amused look on his face. “You know Wincanton, Harry!” He looked to Lady Rowena, “Do you know the Viscount?”
     
    “No, I must say I do not, my Lord.”
     
    “ I confess to you, Lady Rowena,” Lyon grinned mischievously, “Wincanton will be unable to pass up the chance to rummage for treasure at Glastonbury. He is passionate about history, especially the Arthurian as Harry mentioned earlier, and loves the challenge of a good hunt. When he found out Harry was taking up permanent residence at Abbey Grange he was out of his mind with excitement at the prospect of being able to poke around the ruins of the Abbey at his leisure. You cannot let him frighten you, Lady Rowena. He frightens many ladies. He is very dark and brooding. And somewhat…,” chuckling, Lyon looked to Harry for help with his description.
     
    “ Eccentric.” Harry shrugged. “Nothing to be frightened of, I assure you Lady Rowena. He is always a perfect gentleman.”
     
    “ I am not worried. His expertise will be most welcome.”
     
    Sir John and her Aunt Frances entered the room empty handed. Rowena looked questioningly at her aunt and knew immediately something was amiss by the look on her face. Frances was frowning deeply and appeared to be visibly upset. It was so uncharacteristic for her dear aunt. Rowena rose, walking toward them. “What is it, Aunt Frances? Sir John? What has happened?”
     
    “ Dear, you didn’t happen to move the books Sir John and I pulled from the shelves this morning, did you? We left them on the large table in the library.” Frances looked quite bewildered.
     
    “ Why, no, Aunt Frances. Last I saw the books they were as you left them. That was perhaps an hour ago, surely no more than two. They were on the table the entire time I was in the room.” Rowena forced the corners of her mouth upward, trying to remain positive. “Perhaps Mrs. Brimble might know something of them? One of the maids may have put them away not realizing they were needed.”
     
    “ No, we questioned Mrs. Brimble and Hanford before returning to the drawing room. The library was dusted and cleaned yesterday, and the household staff is working upstairs today. We also looked on the shelves where we originally found the volumes and they had not been returned to their original places.” Frances sat and poured herself another cup of tea. “I just cannot understand it.” Frances shook her head. “We spent an hour this morning looking through tomes we thought might be useful for our search today.” She sighed heavily as she picked up her teacup and saucer.
     
    “ The books were there when we left the library this morning, Lady Sperring. I saw them with my own eyes. And Lady Rowena saw them.” Sir John hovered behind the lady, looking as puzzled as she. He patted Frances’ shoulder comfortingly.
     
    “ Please excuse me for a moment, gentlemen, Aunt Frances.” Perplexed, Rowena rose. “This is all so odd. Perhaps someone did put them back upon the shelves but in the wrong place. I will take a look, Aunt Frances. There has to be an explanation! The books simply did not vanish.” She headed for the drawing room door.
     
    “ Allow me to assist you, Lady Rowena.” Harry followed her from the room. Even though the situation was quite serious, his eyes remained on the irresistible view he currently enjoyed of Lady Rowena’s backside, following behind her as he was. The gentle sway of her hips beneath her skirts and no doubt numerous petticoats mesmerized him momentarily.
     
    Reluctantly, Harry changed the direction of his thoughts. Clearly, something strange was transpiring at Stonedown. Harry knew Frances, Lady Sperring, to be a strong, level-headed woman. She had ever possessed a calm-demeanor.
     
    Though he did not know Rowena Locke well, he deduced she possessed