The Death of Revenge

By Abigail Starr

In the year 1887, a young woman with a mysterious past returns to the village of Gwynedd, England. It is the one place she has spent the past 6 years trying to forget. Her reason for returning now? Revenge.

Her veiled arrival at Belleville Manor and news of the accomplishments her racehorses have achieved across continents, places her at the center of local curiosity and gossip from resident citizens, nobility, and constables alike. She soon finds herself entangled in the local Inspector’s investigation as poison and murder threaten to undo all that she has planned, making her question whether revenge is still what is most important to her? As darkness and chaos continue to unfold, she wonders if there might still be a path to redemption through it all.

Can God’s voice still reach her in the darkness? Will the faith inspired Inspector Bixby she meets at every turn see through the façade she portrays? Can she forgive the past and choose God’s redemption to abandon revenge and accept the peace she has so long sought? Join these characters as they race to solve not only a murder, but the fate of a soul lost in darkness.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Mar 18, 2021
• ISBN: 9781664225619

Abigail Starr

Abigail Starr returns with the exciting conclusion of love and danger with Evangeline Alarie and Inspector Luther Bixby. Following her debut of The Death of Revenge and its exciting sequel, The Death of Deception, come along once again to discover a world of Romance, Mystery and Murder. Growing up embroiled in the world of Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and the Bible, her passion for writing and expressing her imagination with others is well depicted in every story. Embark in this fantastic final adventure with our heroes Evangeline and Luther and solve The Death of Darkness.

Book preview

Copyright © 2021 Abigail Starr.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by

any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying,

recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system

without the written permission of the author except in the case of

brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents,

organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products

of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

844-714-3454

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or

links contained in this book may have changed since publication and

may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those

of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher,

and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are

models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

All Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version.

ISBN: 978-1-6642-2562-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-2563-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-2561-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021904129

WestBow Press rev. date: 03/16/2021

DEDICATION

To my Mom;

Thank you for encouraging me and pushing me

to reach out and try. I could never have done this

without your support, encouragement, and love. And

all your great ideas that brought it together.

And to my Daughter Zoey, follow your dreams

and trust in God always. I love you.

CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Prologue

Chapter 1     One The Beginning to an End

Chapter 2     Two An Unexpected Meeting

Chapter 3     Three Gathering Surroundings

Chapter 4     Four An Invitation for Observation

Chapter 5     Five A Welcoming Surprise

Chapter 6     Six A Chanced Meeting

Chapter 7     Seven A Delicious Party

Chapter 8     Eight Thus, it Begins

Chapter 9     Nine Unplanned Mayhem

Chapter 10   Ten Shattered Pieces

Chapter 11   Eleven Unravelling

Chapter 12   Twelve Searching for Answers

Chapter 13   Thirteen A Surprising Connection

Chapter 14   Fourteen Unfortunate Realizations

Chapter 15   Fifteen Devastating Accusations

Chapter 16   Sixteen A Hope in the Darkness

Chapter 17   Seventeen The Revelation

Chapter 18   Eighteen Forgive the Past

Chapter 19   Nineteen The End or the Beginning

Epilogue

A Note from the Author

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I thank God. Without His overwhelming love and compassion, I would never have found forgiveness from sin and eternal life through His Son Jesus. I was able to write this story that I pray honors Him in every aspect.

To my family, who stood by me and encouraged me to follow my dreams. You guys are the best family God could ever give to me.

Thank you, Dad, Mom, Zoey, Thaddeus (my amazing cover artist), Stephanie (my awesome editor), Brandon, and Amber.

PROLOGUE

She ran. The train whistle blew, announcing that it would soon be departing from the station. She had to make it on that train. There was no other chance for escape. If she did not leave now, she never would.

Running up to the ticket counter, she slammed all the money she had down upon the battered and scuffed surface. I need a ticket for London, tonight’s train. She gasped heavily. The rickety old man looked at her over his spectacles with a suspicious glare. London ticket is two pounds.

She was just five pence short! She pushed the money towards him with a pleading look in her eyes. Please! I have to be on that train! This is all I have!

For the first time in ten years, tears dropped from her eyes. For longer than she could remember she had borne every word, every abuse, and every heartache without a sound. She could face this no longer.

The man stared at her, surprised by her sudden outburst. Most likely because she was still disguised as a young boy. Then, by the grace of God perhaps, the man sighed and took the money. One ticket to London. Evangeline hastily wiped the tears from her eyes and took the ticket. With a smile she could barely muster, she nodded to him. Thank you, she whispered, and then turned and ran for the departing train.

She jumped onto the last stairway as it pulled away from the station platform. Wheezing heavily, she made her way to the standard carriages and fell onto the first open seat she found. The train steadily picked up speed as she glanced out the window at the disappearing landscape she had known all her life.

Her gaze drifted back to her reflection in the window and she swallowed. Her normally dark, black hair looked dirty and brown, cut to just above the tips of her ears. Her face was unrecognizable, covered with mud and grime. And her eyes…she turned away from the haunted orbs set deep into her thin face.

The conductor walked up and looked down at her with a harsh glare. Ticket. He barked at her, possibly believing she was a stowaway. Nevertheless, she produced her ticket and he punched it before moving on.

She breathed a sigh of relief and laid her head back. This was real. She was finally leaving it all behind. She knew not what awaited her arrival in London and simply did not care at the moment. Evangeline shifted in the uncomfortable seat, closing her eyes as the dizziness of sleep washed over her tired and worn body. Before all consciousness left her, a final thought drifted across her mind.

Life is a continuous adventure on which the passengers have no choice upon the destination.

She could not remember where she had heard the phrase before, but it always made her laugh because people often choose their own destination. They travel the world or stay in their homes and live life as hermits. They fall in love and have many children or merely live life alone if they wish. Life can be lived in prosperity and with honor or by deceit and treachery.

Nevertheless, people can never escape the final choice that lays beneath the surface each and every day. The matter is simple - heaven or hell. There is no in between.

While she may not know the future that lays ahead her, Evangeline Alarie will set upon a path that will consequently lead to the latter destination. Only time will tell if she can find the path to heaven before it is too late.

28355.png

ONE

THE BEGINNING

TO AN END

Evangeline looked out the window and watched the scenery go by with an odd sense of déjà vu. Of course, this was not her first time here, but a lifetime felt as if it had passed since then. She remembered the parting words spoken to her the day she had boarded the train. Hatred had been forced upon her since birth. The only chance for her to find freedom was to leave it all behind. That was six years ago. She let out a sigh and Roman eyed her worriedly. Are you feeling well, madam?

Glancing up at him, she managed a reassuring smile. I will be far better off when we exit this uncomfortable train.

Roman nodded, not entirely convinced. He glanced out the window as a conductor gave instructions. Evangeline, glancing at Roman, studied his features as she had a hundred times before. His appearance was rough and sharp like a statue, but he had the kindest of smiles. At least six foot eight, he towered over normal Englishmen; Roman was of Russian decent, and his light accent affirmed it. He carried vibrant blond hair, cut short on the sides, long and unruly atop. As if to match, there always seemed to be a layer of trimmed, dark blond hair around his chin and jawline. He did this, firstly, because it looked devilishly charming (at least most women thought so), and secondly, because it hid a vicious scar he had received many years ago. His eyes were as blue as the rarest of diamonds, almost unbelievably so, and his build was all muscles. Every man who crossed his path was intimidated by the beast of a man Roman was. She could not resist the smile across her lips. Roman had been with her for three years. He was everything from butler to bodyguard, loyal since the day she had met him.

He stood up, forcing her from her thoughts, and she hurriedly smoothed her dress before standing. Adjusting her hat, she spoke in his direction. Please see to the luggage, Roman. I am going to collect the horses.

Yes, madam. She exited their first-class compartment and stepped onto the station platform. Evangeline herself was no small figure. Standing at a height of five-foot-eight, she was taller than most women. Her long raven black hair that reached to just below her waist when brushed, was quaintly piled atop her head supporting her hat. Many told her she had the face of a perfect statue, with clear complexion and perfect features. Her eyes were unique in color, somewhere between black and gray. Brushing some lint off the bodice of her red dress, she looked about her and moved in the direction of the loading bay. People milled around as she swiftly made her way along. Stumbling upon a sudden commotion, she quickened her pace. As she descended the steps, she looked over and saw Javier on the ground and two large men with hateful gleams in their eyes walking toward him. Panicked horses were whinnying inside the travel car. A deep growl emanated from her throat at the scene. You stowaway! One man yelled at Javier and went to reach for him. However, she was faster. Evangeline moved to stand protectively in front of Javier and stared the man down. What is the meaning of this? She demanded, clearly irate to all present.

The man stopped and took a step back, holding up his hands in defense. Excuse me, miss. Just handling a vagrant. The man spit again, and she narrowed her eyes at him.

That young man is in my employment and now you have caused agitation to my horses. What sort of rail line is this? She kept her voice level but firm enough that the man took more steps back, glancing at his comrade with fear. Another man dressed neatly and looking like the head conductor of the train saw her and his face quickly paled.

Madam Alarie! Please forgive the imprudence of these men. My deepest and most humble apologies. He pulled the two men to the side, deeply scowled at them both, and ordered them back to work as she turned to Javier, whose lip was beginning to turn a lovely shade of black. Are you all right, Javier? Quickly, she kneeled down and pulled out her handkerchief.

Yes, madam. I am very sorry. I was gathering Spartan’s traveling wraps when they opened the door. They thought—

They thought wrong. You see to the horses, and I will have them dealt with. She smiled and wiped at his mouth gently. The young man nodded and quickly stood, climbing into the travel car to calm the stomping horses. Evangeline also stood and turned to the conductor, who was nervously wringing his hands and looking extremely pale.

Madam Alarie, I do not know what to say … Apparently, her reputation had preceded her. The conductor trailed off and she lifted her chin, crossing her arms.

Well, I certainly do. When a young man in my employment is so rudely treated and the health of my horses is at risk, it causes me extreme disappointment with the services of this rail line. The man stuttered, clearly at a loss for words, when suddenly a large presence appeared beside them. Casually turning, there stood a tall handsome man with a charming smile, brown hair, and light-blue eyes wearing a very expensive brown suit. She heard the conductor take a deep breath and squeak. Mr. Havisham. Havisham…Havisham Family Railroad. And a face from the past. A silent breath caught in her throat, but she quickly dispensed it.

What seems to be the trouble here, madam? I am Christian Havisham, one of the rail line owners. She nodded with a look of indifference to him. His family name may have impressed other women, but not her. Well, Mr. Havisham, I have to say my experience with your staff has not been a pleasant one. My stable boy was very roughly treated, and my horses now unduly stressed. And your man here seems to be able to do nothing more than stutter. The man glanced at the conductor, who was now visibly shaking. Mr. Havisham gave him a nod, and the little man scurried away, glad to be released from her domineering presence. Please accept my humblest apologies, madam. I will personally see to it that those involved are justly dealt with. Is there anything I can do to make amends?

Not the way he was thinking. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Thankfully, she spotted Roman and another man awaiting her at the exit gate of the station. Turning back, she gave Mr. Havisham her own charming smile. Just see to it that this does not happen to anyone else.

Of course, Madame …? He asked questioningly.

She smiled. Evangeline Alarie. A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Havisham. And with that, she turned and walked toward Roman. He gave her a questioning look. Waving it off as nothing important, she simply smiled, turning to greet the older gentleman beside him. You must be Mr. Golden. I’m Evangeline Alarie.

He removed his hat, took her gloved hand and pressed a lite kiss to the back of it. Madam Alarie! It is such a great pleasure to finally meet you in person!

Eric Golden is the only renowned lawyer in the entire village of Gwynedd. After placing inquires in the local papers regarding the availability of certain real estate, she had quickly received a correspondence back from the middle-aged gentleman. He insisted that if Gwynedd was where she wished to preside, he could easily handle all of her business. ‘Carefully laid plans’, was how Evangeline had explained it to Roman when he questioned why she was not using her traditional lawyer, Edward Carfax.

She smiled at the shorter man. With graying hair peeking out from beneath his black bowler and a matching moustache trimmed to perfection, he was very gentlemanly in appearance. And you Mr. Golden. I trust everything has proceeded smoothly?

Absolutely, my dear lady. I have the carriage awaiting us out front, and the carriers for the horses have the strictest of instructions to follow your stable boy’s directions on their care and travel. It is only a few miles from here to your new residence. Evangeline smiled and took his arm, walking with him toward the exit of the station. She did not glance back to see if the impeccable Mr. Havisham was looking at her, but she knew without a doubt that he was. It was a feeling she had grown accustomed to in the last few years. One she knew was necessary but continued to make her skin crawl each and every time.

Nevertheless, Evangeline’s plan was already in action to accomplish a task long overdue. And nothing was going to prevent her from doing so.

They walked down the steps to where a large black carriage with two bay geldings was waiting for them. The luggage had been loaded into a large dogcart with a pair of mules that were already bounding on their way down the road. Mr. Golden assisted her into the carriage, and Roman took the seat beside the driver on top. Evangeline could not help but giggle as the man driving seemed to shrink away beside Roman’s large frame.

Mr. Golden stepped inside and took the seat across from her. I do believe you will love the Belleville Manor, Madam Alarie. It is everything you have asked for. He beamed as if he had just presented her with a golden nugget. Little did he know that the things she had asked for during their initial corresponding had been specifically aimed at acquiring the Belleville Manor.

Sitting back comfortably, she looked out the window at the passing scenery. Not much had seemed to change. They passed by the main road which turned off toward the heart of the village of Gwynedd. The street looked polished and the constabulary had grown larger than she remembered. She knew that, as a matter of habit, the town would not be a place she would frequent in the future. The buildings were grayer and with more decay than she recalled, but still easily identifiable.

The landscape surrounding the village was more vibrant with shades of green and springtime colors, ushering in a beautiful summer. Far off in the pastures, cattle were happily grazing with not a care in the world. Every so often, she would spot a herd of sheep carefully being watched by shepherds and their loyal collies.

Evangeline glanced back at Mr. Golden as he was looking through his small pocketbook. And what of the other matters? She asked.

He glanced up, his glasses pinched upon his nose. Yes madam. Everything is in order and all the purchases have been made. I must say, I don’t understand your reasoning behind them, but they have all been organized just as you requested.

She nodded; satisfied that everything was working according to her plan. All in due time, Mr. Golden. I haven’t become the woman I am today without keeping a few aces up my sleeve.

The man chuckled at her witty comment, and they rode the rest of the way in silence. They finally turned onto a long, cobbled drive and Evangeline leaned toward the window; excitement building with each hoof beat. After agonizing moments, the object of her dreams emerged into view.

Belleville Manor. The place she had longed to live as a child would now become her permanent dwelling. The clean, white house, complimented with black windows, trim, and doors, was the essence of elegance. The splendor continued throughout the manor. Its striking stone columns and the intricate details were still as beautiful as she had remembered. The grounds were in perfect detail, handled by expert gardeners. Beyond she could see the large wooden stables waiting to be the dwelling of priceless steeds yet again. Farther past the stables, she knew there lay a professional racetrack aching to be utilized by great horses of speed and stamina. It was the perfect residence, and now it was hers.

The carriage pulled up into the circular court in front of the mansion, a large fountain featured in the center. Evangeline personally knew that the fountain had been crafted from the purest marble imported from Italy many years before.

The carriage halted in front of the grand entrance. She smiled as Mr. Golden got up and pushed the door open, stepping down before turning to assist her descent. Roman also stepped off the carriage and gave her a quick nod to see that she was settled before moving to assist with the luggage cart.

Evangeline looked up at the three-story house and felt amazed by the place. So many years she had dreamed of this house and now … it was hers.

Mr. Golden held out his arm and led her inside, opening the black polished double doors. As you have requested, staff have already been procured for the house and grounds management. Mr. and Mrs. Bayard will oversee the manor, kitchen, and the garden. One chef and one maid will reside in the residence as well. However, no stable staff have been obtained as you requested.

Evangeline