I tapped my knee to the rhythm of the carriage wheels. Sleep tried to whisk me away into its endless bliss, but Lord Barret’s prattle would draw me out.
“Certainly I told her that the perfect manor would be ours even if I had to present a dragon’s head to the duke.”
Elbow propped on the window, I leaned my chin into my hand. “Dragons don’t exist, my lord.”
“Of course not. But I’d be willing to hunt a myth.” Barret swatted the air with a dismissive scowl. “Truly, Perseus, you must use your head more.”
Lady Catherine said I used it too much. Or perhaps that was Madame Lucille. Mother had procured a new batch of suitorless women for me to meet, and all were highly impressed with themselves. I’d never said more than a greeting and a question, to which they filled in the rest. Based on that one-sided conversation, they determined I was either the perfect man or too boring.
None were masters of sophistry, yet they convinced Mother to meetings and possible unions. If only I could convince her such action was a horrible idea.
The terrain grew rugged, Barret shouting at the driver to be gentle. The incline brought us closer to the manor he intended to purchase. Seated in the mountainside, far from villages or other lords, the Collinswood Estate loomed over the overgrown brush and swaying tree branches. Its spires held the corners of the manor, masonry precise despite the raw edges. A heaviness covered the landscape as we neared.
Hairs standing on end, I straightened. Gaze fixed to the darkened windows and daunting doors.
“My, how revolting,” Barret scoffed. “No wonder it’s been abandoned.”
That wasn’t the story Father told.
Every rattle jarred my bones. Even when we stopped, our surroundings held threats. Be it the monstrous wolves who feasted on the Collinswood’s or the ghosts of the mistreated staff.
Barret swung the door wide and jumped out. “Come along. I don’t have all day.”
Mustering some strength, I stepped out of safety. The cloudy afternoon threatened rain, or perhaps the estate preferred darkness. The grounds were unkept, the cobblestone covered in leaves. Yet the manor appeared as strong as the day it was built.
The brush rustled.
Feet cemented, my heart ran away with my mind. The landscape appeared broader, yet I couldn’t see the threat.
A pair of horses came up. Lady Wilhemina’s gold curls bounced around her dainty shoulders to the rhythm of the trot. Her maroon dress accentuated her thin waist while the petticoat protected her shoulders from the chill. She and her handmaid stopped and dismounted beside the carriage.
Lady Wilhemina handed the carriage driver her reins. “What do you think, my lord?”
Barret bowed low and took her hand. “A stunning estate. Full of grand potential for your wants and desires.” He kissed her slim fingers and brought her close.
I stayed beside the carriage, bile climbing my throat. His two-faced nature had only gotten worse after the incident with Eustace Gendler. He’d whisked Wilhemina away at the royal ball to Barret’s chagrin. It didn’t matter that he’d been found to be a fraud; Barret had to prove his worth.
And that somehow included this dreaded manor.
“Shall we go inside?” Wilhemina said.
Barret laughed. “My dear, we don’t have grounds to go on. No key or caretaker to speak with.”
“We plan on buying; it’s basically ours.”
Lord Barret’s skin paled. “Yes, that would be correct.”
My gaze narrowed on the lady before me. She never spoke falsely, even to Barret who seemed to be her least favorite. Yet the sophistry of the court ladies fell from her lips as sweet nothings.
Wilhemina never met my eye.
Barret snapped his fingers. “We should look inside. Come, Perseus.” Clinging to her hand, he led the way to the entrance.
My stomach churned, feet heavy. Every chirp of insects and creak of the iron gate triggered my nerves. What could possess Wilhemina to choose this estate for her trick?
We walked past the overgrown grass and climbed the stone steps to the door. The hinges screeched. Must billowed out of the foyer.
I covered my mouth. “Certainly not.”
“Man up, my friend,” Barret said. Cheeks pale and hands quivering, he plastered a smile for Wilhemina. “Whatever the lady wishes.” He gestured inside.
Wilhemina sauntered in, dust coating the hem of her skirt.
Barret held his breath and followed.
I stepped carefully through the threshold, embraced by darkness. Grazing the wall with my fingertips, I found the windows. Pulling the curtains brought light that the grand interior hadn’t seen in ages.
“My lady,” Barret called some distance away.
I tied off more curtains, thankful for the ambient light outside. The fireplace had been empty for years, but the velvet couches seemed comfortable despite the dust. Portraits of the Collinswood horses decorated the wallpapered walls. Pillars would break up the room, carved in the shape of bucking stallions. Perhaps this would make a lovely home.
“Lady Wilhemina.” Barret stomped through the doorway. “Have you seen her?”
I shook my head.
Lord Barret shriveled his nose and stormed into the foyer again. His shout shook the glass chandelier above the dining table.
Slipping through another entryway, I looked for a lantern or candle to light. Shadows obscured so much of the house it’d be impossible to find Wilhemina without one. But why would she wander in the dark?
The smell of a flame burned my nostrils. I followed the scent to the tight butler’s pantry. A few shelves and a cabinet. But no candle.
A shudder brought a breeze along my neck. Something yanked my belt, dragging me back. The hidden door closed, leaving only a yellow glow.
Lady Wilhemina held the candle with a shaky hand, eyes wide.
I held the candle steady. “What’s wrong? Did you see something?”
She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came. Chalk white in the firelight, it was obvious.
Heart racing, I tried to breathe despite the stuffiness. “Don’t worry. Ghosts aren’t real. Or so I’m told. Either way, we can leave and never come back. We’ll tell Lord Barret you changed your mind about this dreaded house and–”
She pressed her lips against mine. Standing on her toes, she stared with awe and horror as she pulled away. Lord Barret shouted our names, but neither of us replied.
Locked in silence because of a moment that shouldn’t have happened.
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