Read Online Thornhall Manor by George Benton - Free Book Online Page A

“Let’s hope the baby doesn’t grow up like his father. Oh, what that poor girl must have gone through!”
    â€œPeter Nesbit’s not the father of that child, Mary. It’s William.”

Chapter Twenty-Six
    A WARNING
    â€œSo you’ve decided to return, William.”
    â€œYes, I think it will be for the best, John. I owe Steve so much. I don’t know what I’d have done if it wasn’t for him. William, there’s something you should know. I wanted to tell you before. It’s about Paul.”
    Before he could say more he was interrupted by “There’s a Lieutenant Morgan to see William Bradley, sir.”
    John could see the surprised look on his brother’s face.
    â€œShow him in, Jeffrey.”
    John shook Lieutenant Morgan’s hand firmly.
    â€œI can never thank you enough for what you’ve done for my brother, sir.”
    â€œIt was my pleasure, sir.”
    John could see by their long embrace the great affection between these two men.
    â€œWilliam, I’m here to warn you. You are in grave danger.” He then handed him a letter.
    William noticed the address: ‘Lieutenant T. Morgan, c/o Admiralty, Portsmouth’.
    Looking across to the Lieutenant he said, “It’s from Steve.”
    The letter read:
    I hope you receive this letter in time. I beg of you to help him once again. That most unsavoury character you both had the misfortune to travel with, Sergeant Killjoy, has visited my spread twice and I’ve been warned that he made enquiries at the inn. I’ve also learned of late that he is now on his way to England. Please contact William at your first opportunity. Tell him it’s no longer safe to return to Australia. It’s been a miserable time for me. I’ve missed William so much. I’ve decided to sell my spread to the government and I’m hoping to arrive in England by June.
    All the best,
    Steve Bradley.

Chapter Twenty-Seven
    THE ARREST
    â€œWake up, Clare. We are home.”
    Paul and Clare leapt from the coach into their father’s arms.
    â€œI’ve missed you two.”
    â€œWe’ve missed you too, Father.”
    As they walked up to the door of the town house together, Paul looked up and saw the curtains move in an upstairs bedroom. They followed their father into the drawing room. How different their homecoming was this time, with no mother to welcome them. Paul held his sister’s hand. The tears in her eyes showed that she too was remembering the sad loss of their dear mother.
    As the day passed both children felt uneasy. There seemed to be some mystery. They knew someone was in the room upstairs, but who? The next day at the breakfast table Paul decided to ask.
    â€œWill our guest be joining us this morning, Father?”
    His question took John completely by surprise.
    â€œI’m afraid not, Paul. He needs to rest after his long journey.”
    â€œWill he be staying here long, Father?”
    â€œNo, I’ve made arrangements for him to leave today. Unfortunately I will have to go with him. I’ve written to Annie asking her to stay here with us. I’m sorry to leave you both alone. I’ve had a word with Jeffrey, and he’s going to keep an eye on you until Annie arrives. This is not the homecoming I had in mind for you both. I’m sorry.”
    As Jeffrey cleared away the breakfast things he said, “Will there be anything else, sir?”
    â€œNo, thanks, Jeffrey. No, wait. I’d like you to go along to the bank with a few documents. Give them to a Mr Hardy and tell him I’ll be away for a day or so.”
    â€œOh, Father, could we go. It’s such a fine day.”
    â€œI don’t see why not. It will do you both good.”
    It seemed strange being back in the hurly-burly of the London streets after the quiet of the country.
    â€œLook, Clare - the flower girl. Do you remember Father always stopped to buy Mother