Christmas Ghosts at the Priory

by Fenella J Miller

  'I hope this will be some compensation for my absence.' He bowed and hastily backed out before she could react. Hopefully when she looked inside the leather box she would be mollified by the splendid diamond bracelet that he had purchased for her. He had never given her family jewels, had always had them made especially for her.

  His carriage had now turned, the horses were stamping and tossing their heads eager to be on their way. Now he had severed his link with her he was ready to drive down to meet his future wife with a clear conscience. He had no intention of laying with her until after the marriage was blessed in front of his grandfather. This would give him approximately five weeks to woo her – with luck that would be sufficient.

  Chapter Two

  Eloise did not remain inside for a second tray of coffee to be fetched to her. She needed to get out, have a wild gallop on Emperor and forget who she was. Being in constant pain from the leg that had been so badly broken meant she was never able to forget she was an orphan and crippled. The fact that she could communicate with the spirit world was usually something she revelled in. From today she was beginning to think it might be a curse rather than a blessing.

  Tom always accompanied her when she rode in case she needed a gate opening or took a tumble and was unable to remount. His hunter could keep pace with her horse and he enjoyed the excursions as much as she did. He remained a fit and healthy man despite his increasing years.

  'Where to today, Miss Eloise?'

  'Anywhere as long as I can gallop and take a jump or two.' She rode astride as hooking her damaged leg around the pommel of a side-saddle was impossible. They never ventured off the estate so the neighbours could not possibly be offended by her outrageous behaviour.

  There was no time to dwell on her worries – as always, thundering about the countryside on her gelding took her full concentration and allowed her to feel whole again. Eventually they drew rein to let the horses walk and cool down before they returned to their stables.

  'That was exactly what I needed. I expect Polly has told you I'm to be married to a Viscount Forsyth.'

  'It's all a bit sudden like, miss, but Sir Thomas wants only the best for you. As long as Polly and I can come with you, it makes no nevermind to us where we are.'

  'That's the problem, Tom, I have no idea what sort of gentleman he might be, or if he will allow me to bring my own staff to wherever I am going to be living. I don't think my grandparents have actually met him, therefore, they are relying entirely on the word of his grandfather that he is a suitable match for me. I would not be so upset if they had told him the truth. He cannot back out any more than I can and I know that he will not wish to marry me once he sees…'

  'Now that's enough of that, young lady, you're beautiful inside and out and I defy any gentleman of sense not to realise that the moment he sets eyes on you.'

  'The ghosts are upset and threatening to murder him in order to keep me with them. I am at a loss to know what to do about that. If I tell my future husband I can communicate with spirits he will be even more appalled that he has to marry me.'

  Suddenly Emperor shied at a pheasant that flew up under his hooves. He cannoned into Tom's mount and her companion vanished into the hedgerow. By the time she had calmed her own horse his hunter had bolted down the path.

  'Are you injured, Tom?' She thought it unlikely as she could hear him cursing and swearing in the middle of the hawthorn hedge.

  'I ain't hurt, miss, but I reckon I'm stuck fast in these blooming bushes. The more I struggle the worse it gets.'

  'We need a couple of strong men to pull the branches beside. Fortunately, we're only half a mile from home. I'll fetch help.'

  The bushes moved and he managed to part them sufficiently for her to see his face. She was shocked to see so much blood trickling down his cheeks. What had seemed like a minor incident was nothing of the sort.

  'Please, Tom, remain still or you will receive further lacerations. Here, take my handkerchief and hold it against your forehead. You have a nasty gash which is bleeding copiously.' She edged Emperor closer so she could lean down and pass the object to him.

  'Don't you be worrying about me; a few scratches won't hurt your old Tom.'

  'I'll be as quick as I can. I hope to catch your horse as well and will return with him.'

  The gelding responded to her touch and sprung into an extended canter, she pushed him into a gallop and covered the distance in minutes. There was a carriage trundling up the drive and she thundered past it too worried to give the occupant any heed.

  She yelled the name of the head groom as she pulled her mount to a rearing halt. The man appeared instantly his face etched with concern.

  'Tom is stuck in a hedge and has several nasty cuts. He cannot extricate himself without assistance. Has his horse come home yet?'

  'No, miss, no sign of him. I'll come with Jethro, together we can get him out easy enough. I'll send one of the boys to look for his horse. Tom can ride with me for such a short journey.'

  She walked her horse around the turning circle whilst she waited for Ned and Jethro to appear. There were more than half a dozen riding horses kept in the stables as well as two teams to pull the various carriages.

  In less than ten minutes the two men joined her. She led the way at a canter, again flying past the carriage that had by now almost reached the final stretch of the drive. This time she was aware there was a gentleman sitting inside. He raised his hand in salute and smiled.

  The only visitor they were expecting was the viscount. He was indeed a handsome man and her heart lifted at the thought that he had seen her at her best.

  *

  When the carriage had slowed to pass through the gates Garrick had looked around with interest. There was no sign of the Priory, only endless parkland scattered with ancient trees and with several herds of red deer attempting to graze on the sparse winter grass.

  The long drive curved round and then he could see the full glory of the edifice. He was impressed. There was a magnificent archway which must have been the original entrance the Priory and adjacent to this was a row of equally ancient buildings all built from similar golden sandstone. A single-storey meandered across the courtyard until it met the main structure.

  Instinctively he grabbed onto the strap at the sound of a galloping horse approaching from the rear. A massive black gelding raced past and he caught a glimpse of the rider. This must be his future wife and the earl had not been wrong when he had said she was a good horsewoman.

  Did she always travel at that speed or was there something untoward taking place? He settled back on the squabs intrigued by his first few of Eloise. There was no time for niceties, he would address her by her given name and ask her to do the same for him. They had only three weeks to establish some sort of rapport before they would be obliged to commit themselves to a lifetime together.

  It was a comfort to know they had one other thing in common – the love of fast horses. The team pulling his carriage were fatigued after the long journey despite having had overnight to recover. He had told his coachman to complete the journey at a walk so his horses would be cool enough to be fed and watered immediately.

  He sincerely hoped there was a horse here up to his weight. Despite the fact that it was December the weather was surprisingly clement and so far there had been no snow and the ground remained firm but unfrozen.

  When they were within a hundred yards of his destination he saw Eloise and two grooms galloping back the way she had just come. This time he leaned forward waved and smiled and she saw him and laughed. She was an original – was it possible that he had found the perfect match for him?

  The huge oriel window was the best he'd ever seen. Penston Hall was considered an impressive building, the height of modernity, having been constructed by his great-grandfather on the ruins of the old house. This had been razed to the ground by a fire. However, he was forced to admit that St Cuthbert's Priory was the most magnificent edifice he had ever set eyes on.

>   As expected the butler and housekeeper were there to greet him. He had no doubt offended their sensibilities by not sending his luggage ahead with his valet. Foster had travelled on the box and willingly acted as under-coachman. His man didn't enjoy being cooped up inside a carriage and was an indifferent horseman.

  'My lord, the master has asked if you would join him in his study as soon as you have refreshed yourself.'

  'I'll see him immediately. Direct me to him.'

  Everywhere he looked there was evidence of this building's provenance. There were exquisite tapestries hanging on the walls, suits of armour, a whole array of ancient weapons. This entrance hall deserved more of his attention but it could wait until he had spoken to his host.

  The liveried footman bowed and led him down a wide, flagstone corridor with mullioned windows on one side, that overlooked a splendid inner courtyard, and stopped outside an arched doorway.

  'There is no need to announce me.' Garrick strode past the servant. He paused and bowed to the elderly gentleman sitting in an armchair in front of the fire.

  'Forgive me, my lord, if I do not rise. I am not at all well today.'

  He moved swiftly and took the chair opposite. 'Sir Thomas, my grandfather was unaware that you are infirm. I hope this is a temporary situation.'

  'Sadly, my boy, it is not. You will not tell my granddaughter, she has no idea that my days are numbered as are those of your grandfather. My dear wife, fortunately, is in better case and I need to be assured that you will take care of her after my demise.'

  This was not how Garrick had thought his first meeting with his future relative would go. 'You have my word, sir. Although I will not lie for you if your granddaughter asks me directly about your health. I can see now why there is this urgency for Eloise and me to be married.

  'I saw my future wife in the park. I believe there might have been an accident of some sort from the urgency with which she and the two grooms departed.'

  'If it was anything serious I would have been informed. I must tell you that Eloise is not overjoyed at this arrangement. She is resigned but not happy.'

  'How could she be? To be obliged to marry a gentleman she has never met is enough to upset any young lady of sensibility.'

  Sir Thomas chuckled. 'My granddaughter's reservations are because she has no wish to leave here, I think marrying you – or any other suitable gentleman – is not her main concern. I must ask you if you will agree to remain here until I have departed from this world.'

  'My grandfather has a congestion of the heart. His physician is sanguine that he will survive for several months. Nevertheless, I have given him my word I shall return with Eloise by the middle of January so our marriage can be blessed in our family chapel.'

  'I have a canker in my chest. My doctor has said that I shall be lucky to survive for more than a few weeks after the new year. Once I am safely buried you can leave with my dearest Emma and Eloise and return to Penston with my blessing.

  'I wish this to be a memorable Christmas for my girls. I intend to have the house decorated with as many frills and furbelows, baubles and ribbons, greenery and candles as my staff can lay their hands on. Do not look so despondent, my boy, I am in my eighty-fifth year and ready to meet my Maker.'

  There was further conversation about what had been planned to celebrate the wedding, and the twelve days of Christmas. It was a horrible coincidence that both Eloise and he were going to lose their grandfathers in the new year. This was one connection he sincerely wished they did not share.

  'I shall leave you now, sir, and change out of my disarray. I apologise for appearing as I am but I was eager to make your acquaintance and have the matter settled.'

  'What did you think of my Eloise, my lord? She is a lovely young lady, is she not?'

  'Indeed, she is. Have no fear, I'll make this work for both of us. I could wish she was a few years older, but I can assure you I'll not ask her to do anything she does not want until she is ready.'

  This was his oblique way of telling Sir Thomas he would not demand his conjugal rights the moment the knot was tied.

  'Thank you. I know I am leaving my dearest granddaughter in safe hands. My wife will be waiting to greet you in the green drawing room. We rarely use the formal chamber as it is too big for just three of us. I shall see you at dinner. We keep country hours here and dine at five o'clock.'

  Garrick bowed and left the study with more to think about than he had expected. Something puzzled him and it was the fact that Sir Thomas had not thought it relevant to inform the earl that he too was not long for this world.

  He was going to find it difficult to keep this information from Eloise. Surely, she had noticed the yellow tinge to her grandfather's face and his extreme thinness?

  His palatial apartment was everything it should be, if a tad old-fashioned for his taste. He had an enormous tester bed the curtains of which were heavy brocade – these would be necessary as an icy wind blew through the room as he stood there admiring it.

  The hair on the back of his neck stood up for some reason. He shrugged this off and left Foster to set out his clean garments whilst he inspected the sitting room. The cold draught mysteriously followed him and he shivered. The enormous fireplace had a cheery fire burning brightly, so why did he feel cold?

  He pushed these fancies to one side, stripped off his soiled shirt and replaced it with a clean one. He preferred to tie his own neckcloth and shave himself.

  'Allow me to assist you to put on your topcoat, my lord. I have selected the dark blue as it complements your waistcoat.'

  He shrugged it on and waited impatiently for his valet to smooth it across his shoulders. His boots were now pristine and he was ready to descend and meet the lady of the house. He was even more eager to make the acquaintance of the woman he was going to spend the rest of his life with. He was intrigued to know what had transpired to make her rush about the countryside with such abandon. It had not escaped his notice that she was riding astride – that was something that would cease once she was his concern.

  *

  With the assistance of the two grooms Tom was able to free himself without further harm. He scrambled up behind Ned, and Eloise led the three of them back at a more decorous pace than she had arrived.

  'You must ask Bates to put a couple of sutures into your wound, Tom. It might well go putrid if it isn't stitched.'

  'I could do that, miss, but I reckon my Polly can do as good a job as the housekeeper. It won't be the first time she's patched me up.'

  She smiled at him. 'As long as it's done. I could not manage without you. Viscount Forsyth has arrived in my absence. He waved and smiled as I galloped past so I'm inclined to think he might be a reasonable gentleman.'

  This conversation was carried on as if the two grooms were both invisible and deaf. It might be better not to discuss such matters in front of them.

  She completed the remainder of the journey in silence. She guided her horse to the block so she could dismount without overbalancing. A stableboy was waiting to take the animal's reins and lead him away. She entered her own domain through the side door with Tom close behind her. She must quickly wash and change into something more suitable for her first meeting with her future husband.

  Polly had everything waiting for her. 'I've put out the burgundy velvet, the one with a high neck and long sleeves. The weather's turned right cold today and you'll need something warm.'

  'Thank you, I can manage this very well on my own. Tom needs your ministrations more than I do at the moment.'

  Within half an hour she was free from the taint of the stable, freshly dressed in her favourite winter gown and on her way to the main part of the house. There was something not quite right and she could not put her finger on it. Then she realised the doorkeeper was no longer at his position.

  Why had he abandoned his post? A shiver of apprehension ran through her as she recalled the words spoken by the ghosts. At times like these she hated the fact that she could not run –
for some reason she believed his lordship was in deadly danger and only she could keep him safe.

  Chapter Three

  Garrick finished his inspection of the apartment he would be using for the next few weeks and turned to his valet who was hovering in the bedchamber doorway.

  'What is it?'

  'There's something downright strange about this place. I've been closing doors and minutes later they are open again. I reckon the Priory is haunted.'

  He had been about to dismiss Foster's claim as nonsense when it felt as if an icy hand had brushed across his face. Like most sensible fellows he had no time for superstition, was not even sure that he believed there was a Supreme Being controlling their every move, but there was something about the Priory that was making him reconsider.

  'Are you telling me you wish to leave here? I cannot do so, obviously, but I will accept your resignation if that is what suits you.'

  His man gaped at him. 'No, my lord, I'm happy in my position. I just wanted to warn you to expect the unexpected whilst we're here. I'm not afraid of the odd ghost or two – only to be expected seeing as this is such an ancient building.'

  'I'm forced to agree with you, although it goes against everything I believed in before I came here. We must just hope these spirits are not malevolent.'

  'Malevolent or not, my lord, they cannot hurt the living. Maybe I need to fetch us both some garlic from the kitchen to be sure.'

  'Not for me, Foster, I cannot abide the smell. I shall recite the Lord's Prayer – that should keep them away.'

  This was a ridiculous conversation to be having and he was smiling as he left his sitting room. He would ask Eloise to give him the full tour of this extraordinary place but first he must make his bow to Lady Granville.