Unholy Nights: A Twisted Christmas Anthology (39 page)

“It’s haunted if you ask me” Lucy replied in a matter of fact tone.

“I didn’t ask you and please don’t say such things.” Elizabeth crossed her arms across her chest. As much as she was already regretting dragging herself and Lucy out here, she was determined to make the best of it. At least nobody was trying to marry her off.

Lucy just sniffed and went about setting out her clothing in silence. Elizabeth walked back over to the offending window from the night before and looked out. The rain had stopped and a thick mist hung over the orchard below. The view was attractive and might even be considered cheerful earlier in the year when the sun was high and the trees were covered in leaves and heavy with apples. 

Elizabeth penned a quick letter to her father to let him know that they had arrived safely and dressed for the day. Now that the weather had calmed down she was determined to see the estate. Lucy pinned up her hair and helped her into her thick emerald colored velvet pelisse trimmed with dark brown fox fur. She had some beautiful matching satin slippers, but reached for her sturdy walking boots instead.

She was just grateful that her time in mourning clothes had ended. They were such an invitation for sympathetic gazes and words. As soon as her year was up she had taken herself to the dressmaker in London and had a new wardrobe made up. She had no interest in her wedding clothes that, while still nearly new, only reminded her of the past. No expense had been spared and the result was quite captivating. 

Always considered rather pretty, Elizabeth was well aware of the power of her good looks. It was what had caught John’s eyes across that assembly room so long ago. She considered her reflection in the mirror. Lucy had done a reasonable job pinning up her difficult to tame glossy dark hair. Her green eyes were radiant against the jewel toned velvet, though they did not sparkle like they once had. She pinched her cheeks. She may not have the blush of her seventeen year old self, but she would do her best to fake it.

Elizabeth slipped out into the hallway and made her way toward the breakfast room. John’s aunt, Lady Allen had given her a quick tour the night before, but it looked entirely different in the daylight. In the flickering candlelight, with the wind howling outside it seemed like something out of a gothic novel, but it was really a very ordinary hall. The cold stone was warmed by thick colorful carpets and intricate tapestries. She never had the chance to visit with her husband, but he had said members of his family had lived in the manor for five hundred years. Elizabeth shivered. The home she had grown up in was only a few hundred years old—relatively new in comparison—and she could not help but feel the presence of all those generations of inhabitants.

Nearly the whole party was at their morning meal when she walked in. She quickly surveyed the room. Lady Allen sat next to her husband, the Viscount, who was buried behind a recent copy of
The Times
. Miss Anne Easterly and Miss Mariah Easterly, her husband’s young cousins, sat in confidence at the far end of the table. John’s younger brother Edward, sat with his friend Mr. Oxley and someone she had not yet met. She observed them for a moment in animated conversation. The latest addition to the group was quite handsome.

His chestnut curls were cropped short giving him a boyish look, although she guessed by the tiny lines in the corner of his eyes he must be at least thirty. His strong jawline was softened with laughter and his brown eyes looked mirthful beneath his heavy lashes. Just as she was trying to determine the exact shade of his fine brown eyes she realized they were focused on her. Her cheeks burned as she chastised herself for being caught. He looked at her expectantly. She awkwardly stepped forward and looked to Edward.

“Dear sister,” he came to her rescue, “I’d like to introduce you to my good friend Captain Sebastian Wolfe. Wolfe, this is Lady Elizabeth Darling, John’s widow.”

Elizabeth had regained some of her composure, “Pleased to meet you Captain Wolfe.”

“The pleasure is mine I am sure.” He replied smoothly, bringing her hand to his lips, “I am sorry for your loss.”

Her heart raced at the small gesture and she struggled to keep herself from blushing yet again. What was wrong with her? She was an experienced woman, not some debutant in her first season. She stiffened her shoulders and looked him squarely in his deep brown eyes. “It has been a difficult year.”

“I’m sorry, you must think it very impertinent of me to comment, but I’ve known John since we were children. He was the best of men.” He paused to take a sip of his tea before continuing, “He had written me of his lovely bride and I must say he did not exaggerate.”

“He did not mention you Captain Wolfe.” Elizabeth was caught between her attraction to this stranger and her growing irritation at his familiarity with her. 

“Doesn’t surprise me. Wolfe has been at sea for nearly three years.” Edward jumped in, seemingly unaware of the tension in Elizabeth’s voice. He had his brother’s sandy blond hair and speckled grey eyes, but he had never been particularly observant. John always knew just what she was thinking. “Couldn’t separate those two as boys, though Wolfe here was a few years John’s senior.”

“Some of us must make our own fortunes you see Lady Elizabeth.” Sebastian raised his eyebrows ever so slightly as he looked over her richly embellished costume.

Edward slapped him on the shoulder “And a fine job he’s done at that. We’re set to tour the countryside today to check out a few possible estates, see if anything suits.”

“You seek to settle in the country?” Elizabeth was surprised. She did not know any Navy men herself, but from what she had heard, those who were lucky to win prizes all went straight to London to spend their newly minted fortunes on women, drink and gambling.

“I have a place in London of course, but I’d like nothing more than a bit of this great open land to call my own. Perhaps you think all Navy men lose their fortunes at the gambling table?” he gave her a reproachful look. His two companions shifted their eyes to Elizabeth awaiting her reply.

Why was this man so infuriating? She was not going to let him continue. “I wish you well with your search Captain Wolfe. Now, I really must have a cup of tea. It looks as though you’ve finished yours and I would hate to delay your departure.”

He simply smiled and dipped his head in acknowledgment before returning to conversation with Edward and Mr. Oxley. Elizabeth turned away to hide the blush burning once again on her cheeks and found an open seat next to the Easterly girls. A servant appeared and poured her a cup of tea before she could reach for the pot herself. The maid was  a slip of a girl, probably a few years younger than herself with clear blue eyes and the palest golden hair she’d ever seen peeking out from her cap. 

To say this girl was a beauty would be an understatement. There was something about her that almost seemed unearthly. Elizabeth looked back at the men. That Captain Wolfe would probably run off with the girl if he had the chance. She’d have to keep an eye on him. 

The Easterly girls’ looks were in complete contrast to the maid's pale features. They were both petite with unruly dark curly hair, dark eyes and ample figures, which they were not afraid to put on display, even at this hour of the morning. They would certainly be considered pretty, though not quiet elegant by society’s standards. Their father was the rector at a nearby town and they were often invited to stay with their wealthy relatives at the Scarsbury. While they might not have the breeding or dowry to land too high, Elizabeth guessed they did not lack for suitors.

“Lady Elizabeth!” Anne Easterly grabbed her hand in a dramatic fashion, “Wasn’t the storm last night thrilling? Mariah and I were sure the house would just crumble with all the crashing about. I cannot imagine being in a room by myself. Were you very scared?”

Elizabeth did her best to smile. This was going to be a long two weeks. She had promised Lady Allen she would stay through the Twelfth Night festivities. Going home even one day early would just be ammunition for her family to reinforce that she shouldn’t have come and that she needed a man to care for her. No, she just had to make the best of it. “The wind did make a frightful racket, Miss Easterly, but I did not fear for my safety. This house has been standing much longer than all of us and I expect it has weathered a few such storms.”

Anne looked a little deflated by her response, but it did not deter her from trying again. She dropped her voice to a whisper, “I’ve heard this house is quite haunted.”

“Oh really?” Elizabeth looked back at her questioningly, catching herself from rolling her eyes. Why must young women create such drama? 

“There are ghosts of course, but it is our fortune that the evil spirits are kept away. You’ll still be here for the Wassailing will you not? It is to be most exciting?”

Elizabeth had heard of the term, but wasn’t really familiar with the tradition. It was not customary where she grew up. “It is on the Twelfth Night?”

“Yes! A crowd from town stops by each big orchard in the area and sings for a good harvest. At Scarsbury they always stop at the big tree just west of the great house.” She said excitedly, “There shall be loads of cider and amusement. I’ve even convinced Captain Wolfe to lend his Violin to the cause. ”

Elizabeth’s ears perked up, “Captain Wolfe plays the violin?”

“Oh yes, he’s very accomplished.” Her eyes glazed over with a starry look of infatuation. Of course the young Miss Easterly would be taken with the handsome Captain. They probably both were. Elizabeth felt bothered at the thought.

“That sounds like quite the event.” she said before she could stop herself. Was it really proper to be parading about the grounds in the dark of night? Her father would certainly not approve. As the daughter of an Earl, she was used to being told what social engagements were suitable for her to attend. She was so tired of being told what to do. “I should very much like to join in the festivities.”

Anne smiled widely, “Of course you shall. Mariah, did I not tell you that Lady Elizabeth would turn out to be our great friend?” 

“You did, sister.” Mariah nodded, looking as pleased as her sister. She turned to Elizabeth, “We’re planning to take a turn about the garden after breakfast would you like to join us? We’ve promised Lady Allen we would clip some holly from the bushes in the park.”

“Yes, I would like that very much.” Elizabeth found them to be quite a bit too cheerful for her taste, but harmless enough. If she was going to get through the next week she had better make the best of their acquaintance. In truth, she was lucky they had chosen to view her with seeming adoration. Young ladies could have the most brutal temperaments at times, particularly to other young ladies.

Elizabeth finished her tea and toast and greeted her Lord and Lady Allen before retreating to her room to pick up her heavy wool cape. She hadn’t wanted to bring it, but now she was glad her maid had insisted on putting it in the trunk. The last thing she needed was to catch a chill and be stuck in this place for a day longer than necessary.

CHAPTER 2

Twenty minutes later Elizabeth walked into the front hall to await the Easterly sisters. It was so cold she could see her breath hanging in the air. There was a large stone fireplace to one side, but the grate held nothing but a trace of ashes. It probably wouldn’t matter if a fire was lit anyway with the draft that was blowing through the cracks in the big door.

She paced back and forth hoping she wouldn’t have to wait long. She heard footsteps approaching and swung around. Anne and Maria approached arm in arm, clutching three small baskets.

“Here is your basket,” Anne said in a commanding voice. It was apparent which sister was accustomed to taking the lead. “We’ve got the directions from Lady Allen. The best holly bushes are just past the tall hedge at the end of the great lawn. Apparently there is quite an impressive garden hiding back there which we shall explore.”

Mariah smiled shyly. “Your pelisse is very beautiful. It is sad to cover it with a cape, is it not?”

“Thank you Miss Mariah.” Elizabeth returned her smile, “Beauty does not always keep one warm however so the practical must sometimes win out.”

“Those blessed with beautiful things can choose to be practical, but the reverse is not always possible, is it?” Anne’s voice held an edge that piqued Elizabeth’s curiosity. She did not elaborate however and her tone became light once again. “Let us be on our way while the sky is clear.”

The grounds of the estate were very well kept and it did not take long to walk the stone path to the garden. They crossed through a break in the tall hedge and were rewarded with beautifully laid out grounds. Even with the blooms long gone it was enchanting. Elizabeth wondered what it must look like in the full glory of a fine spring day. The tall hedge that they had walked through now surrounded them on all sides forming almost an outside room with more openings on each side. There was a big row of holly bushes to the left and she slowed her pace to let the sisters run ahead.

She wandered over to the far hedge and walked through an opening, revealing yet another garden. This one had hedges on three sides, but opened up to the orchard. The scenery was so captivating that she almost missed the young girl sitting on the stone bench. It was the maid from breakfast and she was sobbing. 

Elizabeth hurried over to her side and laid her hand on her shoulder. She wore only a thin spencer at least ten years out of fashion and she must be frightfully cold. “Are you alright?”

The girl looked up in shock, her large pale eyes brimmed over with tears. She couldn’t be more than sixteen or seventeen. “Oh Miss! I mean Lady Elizabeth. I’m sorry.”

“What is your name?” Elizabeth sat down. She could immediately feel the cool stone through the thick fabric of her skirts.

“Mary.” She said quietly, looking down at the rose in her hands, its paper thin leaves crumbling as she caressed the fragile petals.

“Now then Mary, whatever could cause such distress?” Elizabeth leaned toward the girl and brushed a lock of her golden hair from her eyes. With two younger sisters she had a knack for getting people to talk. “It cannot be so very awful.”