Valley of the Ravens — Nancy Buckingham

Following her father's death Sarah returned to the Elizabethan manor on Exmoor where she had spent a happy childhood. At first it seemed a magical place, but soon she felt a curious foreboding. What was it that Jerome, the heir, did on his visits to the abandoned hunting lodge in the Valley of the Ravens, and why did the smiles and charming ways of his wife Nadine always seem so false?

THE TERRIBLE TRUTH

At her father's death, Sarah Haddow is left with only a small legacy and his dying wishes for her to return to her uncle's home where she had grown up. The family believes that Sarah's older sister, Felicity -- supposedly eloped five year's earlier -- had stolen a valuable necklace from their uncle. Sarah is determined to clear her sister's name.

Tension fills the air and a gruesome story emerges, threatening her relationship with the man she loves. Theft, deceit, and finally the threat of death stand between Sarah and the truth.

DEATHBED PROMISE

My father motioned me to come and sit by his bedside. “Let us not pretend with one another, Sarah,” he began, reaching for my hand. “We both know that I shall soon breathe my last, and there is something I must say to you. When I am gone, I want you to return to Farracombe.”
I averted my face so that Papa should not see my sudden tears.
“How can I go back to Farracombe?” I asked in a whisper. “They would not want me there.”
“Joshua Lefevre has a great many faults, my dearest, as none knows better than I. But he will not refuse you a home.”
“Surely, Papa, there is no need for this. You have explained to me that I shall be adequately provided for.”
“Hardly adequately, my dear child!” He had exhausted himself with the effort of talking so much. I said soothingly, “Very well, Papa, I will go back to Farracombe.”
“You promise?” he whispered.
“Yes, I promise.”
Satisfied, Papa closed his eyes and drifted into sleep. He died shortly after midnight, without waking again. He would never know about Farracombe, about the Valley of the Ravens, or about the terrible secret that awaited me!