The Sinners Club by Kate Pearce Read Free Book Online

housekeeper, Mrs. Lowden, will prepare a room for you immediately.”
    â€œThank you, my lady.”
    Mary sat opposite Mr. Smith and reached for her sewing. “Simon, I meant to ask you if you were acquainted with a family in the area named Keyes. Mr. Smith said he was seeking them.”
    â€œKeyes?” Simon looked thoughtful. “It does sound vaguely familiar. Perhaps I have encountered them at the county market or assizes.”
    â€œI understood them to live about twenty miles or so from here,” Mr. Smith said. “I will have to inquire further.”
    â€œI’ll ask the Fakenhams down at the home farm,” Simon said. “They know everyone.”
    â€œI thought to ask the vicar of St. Deny’s too.”
    Mary set another tiny stitch in the white satin. “That is an excellent idea. If you decide to stay with us while you search for this family, we can ask the Reverend Tyler to call one day and offer his services.”
    â€œThank you, my lady.” Mr. Smith attempted to conceal a yawn behind his hand. “I do apologize. It’s been rather a long, tiring day.”
    Was he eager to go to bed because he was anticipating a visit from Simon, or was he as tired as he looked? Mary was unable to decide. She glanced up at her brother, who was watching Mr. Smith intently.
    â€œSimon, do you want to show Mr. Smith to his room? He will be right next door to you.”
    â€œOf course I will.” Simon came over and kissed her on the forehead. “Good night, love. Sleep well.”
    Mr. Smith approached her, too, and punctiliously kissed her hand. “My lady.”
    â€œGood night. Please ring the bell if you require any assistance from the staff and they will be happy to help you.” At least she hoped they would. One could never tell these days....
    The men departed and Mary attempted to sew another seam, but gave up because of the poorness of the light. Should she attempt to ascertain if Mr. Smith really did have everything he needed, or should she leave that in the capable hands of her brother? She put away her sewing and decided to seek her own bed. If anything did happen, Simon was sure to tell her in the morning.

4
    J ack took the candle Simon offered him and followed the broad back of the land agent up another flight of stairs and then another. Simon took a turn to the left and headed down a wide corridor lined with dark paneling and hunting pictures. Their gigantic shadows flickered up the walls and around the corners ahead of them as if announcing their presence.
    â€œAre we in the attics?”
    Simon glanced over his shoulder at Jack and smiled. “No, there’s another floor of those above for the servants. We’re in the bachelors’ quarters in the old stone tower.”
    â€œAway from temptation.”
    â€œYou could say that.” Simon stopped and waited for Jack to come alongside him. He held up his candle. “My room is to the right, and yours is on the left.”
    He unlatched the door on the left to reveal a turned-down four-poster bed and a warm, crackling fire. “It seems that Mrs. Lowden has already been in to attend to your needs.”
    Jack walked into the surprisingly large room, which was dominated by the tapestried bed. “This is excellent and very kind of you both.”
    Simon shrugged. “My sister and I are glad of the company.” He pointed at the dresser, where a jug of still steaming water and a bowl sat ready. “There’s water there to wash in. If you leave your boots outside the door, they’ll be cleaned for you.”
    â€œThank you.” Jack crossed over to the window to close the curtains. “Good night, Mr. Picoult.”
    â€œGood night, Mr. Smith. If you need anything in the night, please don’t hesitate to seek me out. There’s a dressing room between us. I’ll leave both the doors unlocked.”
    â€œThank you again.”
    Simon nodded and