Tytchfell Abbey

By Veronica Leigh

When her father dies, Cassandra Hollingsworth is devastated, but when a young man surfaces claiming to be his illegitimate son, she suspects something sinister is going on.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Black Cat Weekly
• Release date: Nov 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9781479467778

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COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

TYTCHFELL ABBEY, by Veronica Leigh

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

Copyright © 2023 by Veronica Leigh.

Original publication by Wildside Press, LLC.

wildsidepress.com | bcmystery.com

TYTCHFELL ABBEY,

by Veronica Leigh

May 1813

It may have been spring, but to Cassandra Hollingsworth it felt more like a bitter winter night in Tytchfell Abbey. The current of the drafts emanating off the cool stone walls trailed her as she padded down the hall to her father’s bedchamber. She shivered and pulled the shawl wrapped around her shoulders tighter to ward off the chill. Gooseflesh rippled along her neck, forearms, and hands as she reached his door.

Her whole being trembled, but now was not the time fall prey to fear. She pushed the door open and crossed the threshold. Father was tucked in bed, pale, perspiring profusely, his white-knuckled fingers clawing at his abdomen. Gastric fever. The doctor pronounced, solemnly shaking his head.

Despite all of the prayers and wishes, his condition worsened, and he was expected to die. Cassandra had been at his side all day but needed a couple of hours rest. Mother and Cousin James stood in for her, then summoned her when they knew the end was nigh.

Cassandra nodded to Mother and James, who lingered at the foot of the bed. Upon seeing her, Father reached out, beckoning her to come forward. She did as bidden and perched on the side of the bed, beside the poor man.

Dear God, I am not ready for this! She drew in a deep breath, though rather doubted anyone was prepared to lose a parent.

My girl... Father squeezed his eyes shut, panting for air. A man in his fiftieth year, his ailments advanced him twenty years at least. Between his graying hair and gray skin, he was gray all over. I am so sorry.

What do you have to be sorry for? Cassandra cradled his clammy hand, pressing it to her cheek.

A long tear trickled down his cheek and his eyes opened. There are things you do not know, for which I must beg your forgiveness. His weakness temporarily subsided and his grasp on her tightened enough