A Grave Inheritance by Anne Renshaw Read Free Book Online

He walked a few paces then bent over almost double, hands on his thighs. Ellen watched Leo and saw him take a deep breath. Was he sobering up, coming to his senses, she pondered. The possibility accompanied a fit of shaking, as Ellen speculated on the consequences of her actions. She wrapped her arms around herself to steady her nerves, wondering if Leo was man enough to apologise. Ellen saw Amy distancing herself from them and she called to her, ‘Run, Amy. Get home quickly.’
    Before Ellen realised what was happening, Leo was by her side. He grabbed her arms, fingers biting into her flesh. ‘I mean to have her, you bitch, you can’t stop me,’ he screamed.
    Leo’s face was so close Ellen could smell his foul breath and see red veins threaded through his lustful eyes, and then she felt the full force of Leo’s fist as it hit her face. Ellen stumbled backward, her head spinning, and disorientated she staggered towards Storm. The startled horse skittered in fright and kicked out, landing a sharp blow to Ellen’s head. Amy’s screams began to pierce her ears and Ellen wrestled with the darkness threatening to engulf her, until she spiralled down into unconsciousness.
    Sobbing, Amy stood and looked at her mother lying on the ground, her face covered with blood. Certain Leo’s intention was to kill them both, and terrified, she ran out of the clearing into the cover of the trees. Once out of Leo’s sight she dodged behind a wide oak tree and, trembling, flattened herself against the trunk. The snap of a twig nearby froze her. Too frightened to look, Amy held her breath and clasped her hands over her mouth. Her hands helped to stifle sound, but did nothing to stop her flow of tears.
    ‘Amy, where are you? Don’t be scared, I’m not going to hurt you.’ Leo’s pleading voice sounded so near it caused Amy’s legs to shake. Without warning he stood in front of her, smiling coldly. ‘There you are.’ Leo grinned at Amy and began to slide his hands over her breasts. He traced a finger down her stomach then groped through the soft material of her gown. Pinning her to the tree he kissed her mouth and neck, and then suddenly he lifted her legs and dragged her down the tree. The jagged bark scraped the skin on Amy’s back and she cried out in pain. Leo discarded his breeches then ripped away the last remnants of Amy’s dress. Amy tried her best to fight Leo off, but her small fists were useless against the man’s strength.
     
    ***
     
    Laurence Deverell, Leo’s brother, was on his way to Lower Shelton, to have tea with Reverend Scattergood and his family. He carried with him a bundle of books salvaged from his sister Beatrice’s now unused pile. They were presents for the rector’s children, Ruth and Mary.
    The quickest way to Lower Shelton from Tapscott Manor was through Oakham Wood and the path he ambled along would eventually lead him to the main road. Lower Shelton’s vicarage was a fifteen minute walk from there. Once in the wood, the path twisted this way and that, and Laurence looked up in surprise when his twin brother Leo appeared up ahead. Laurence stepped to one side of the path to allow Leo and his horse to pass, acknowledging him with a raised hand. Leo ignored his brother and, without even a glance, continued along the track towards home.
    His brother’s bad manners and slovenly appearance angered Laurence. It infuriated him to see Leo’s shirt, unbuttoned and lacking a cravat, hanging out over his breeches like a flag. Shaking his head in exasperation Laurence continued along the path, brooding on local gossip he’d heard about his brother. Laurence came to a place where trees had been felled and he stopped. A hush fell over the wood and, uneasy, Laurence listened to the silence, while even the trees held their breath. In the stillness Laurence heard a noise. With his ear turned towards the sound he peered intently between the tree trunks surrounding him. There … there it was again.
    Cautiously