Christmas Ghosts at the Priory

by Fenella J Miller

  She started in the room he'd been treated in then hobbled to the far end of the passageway and began to search systematically. Although the fires were lit every morning, the passageways were cold and the fires were allowed to go out overnight. The fourth door was the one to the library.

  She pushed it open and held her candle high. The room was empty, just a faint glow from the dying fire to light it. As she turned to leave there was a slight sound and the hair on the back of her neck stood to attention.

  Her heart was doing its best to escape from her bodice. Her legs were trembling. She moved a few feet into the room and listened. There it was again – the sound of heavy breathing. She crept forward and peered over the back of the armchair.

  She was so shocked her fingers released their hold on the heavy candlestick and it fell, hitting Garrick on the head for a second time that day. His language made her ears burn.

  'Devil take it! Have I not had sufficient injury?'

  Naturally the candle had been snuffed out and she was unable to see anything at all. She was gripping for dear life to the back of the chair unable to comprehend how he could have been so stupid as to sleep here all day whilst the entire household had been searching for him.

  'We thought you taken by the ghosts, or outside freezing to death. Your men are still searching in the darkness. It will be entirely your fault if one of them perishes in your stead. I cannot believe you could do anything so stupid.'

  He surged to his feet and towered over her. She didn't need to see his face to know he was irate. She could almost hear him grinding his teeth. She waited for him to reply but instead he strode past her as if she was invisible. The fact that he slammed the door was indication enough that she was better off without him.

  Her eyes had now adjusted to the gloom and, by holding onto the arm of the chair, she was able to grope about on the carpet and recover both the candle and the candlestick. She pushed the candle into the embers and it lit, then she put it back where it belonged and was ready to depart.

  How in heaven's name did none of the searchers see him sleeping in the chair? They must have merely opened the door, glanced around and then gone on. Why he had been asleep all day she had no idea and had no intention of enquiring until the morning when he would, hopefully, have recovered his temper.

  It would have been preferable to take the servants' staircase but this was too steep for her so she was obliged to make her way to the main staircase and begin her laborious ascent. She was a third of the way up when he bounded down.

  'Let me help you, you've done enough walking today.'

  She waited for him to put one arm under her legs and the other around her shoulders as he had done before, but to her horror he grabbed her about the knees and slung her over his shoulder like a sack of corn. He reversed his steps and bounded back to her apartment. The door to this was open and he walked in as if he had every right to be there.

  All this done without a word being spoken on either side. He tipped her onto her daybed and then strode out. Despite the fact that he was obviously still furious with her he had been kind enough to assist her on the stairs. To be transported about the place in such an undignified manner was no doubt part of her comeuppance for dropping a candlestick on his head and then calling him stupid.

  In the time it had taken her to get halfway up the staircase he had returned to his chamber, changed his shirt, put on a fresh neckcloth, jacket and boots. How she envied him his ability to dash about the place like this. However hideous the procedure she was determined to have her leg reset if it would give her the slightest chance of being more mobile.

  Her eyes filled and she brushed away her tears. She was a veritable watering pot at the moment and it was all his fault. He was a most disruptive sort of gentleman. When he wasn't giving her palpitations, and sending heat flooding into most unexpected places, he was frightening her half to death with his anger.

  *

  Garrick found the search party easily enough as their torches flickered brightly in the darkness. He crunched through the snow waving his lantern until they came towards him. His men were most apologetic to have caused so much upset when in fact he had been safely sleeping in the library.

  He returned to the house feeling a trifle foolish. If he hadn't imbibed so much wine he would not have passed out in the chair and slept for most of the day. He had fences to mend with Eloise as he had treated her poorly.

  His valet had accompanied him and was there to take his outdoor garments when he stepped into the central hall. 'I shan't need you anymore tonight. Make sure you get into something dry and have a substantial meal.'

  The mention of food made his stomach rumble. He'd eaten nothing since the night before and was sharp-set. He sent a footman to bring whatever was still available and told him he would be in the drawing room. With the shutters closed, the curtains drawn and the fire burning in both grates the room was warm, almost too hot for comfort.

  In his ancestral home he was used to food arriving cold because the kitchens were so far away from the dining room, and for all the chambers to be barely above freezing in the winter because they were so vast even the biggest fires could not keep them comfortable.

  He settled in a padded armchair some distance from the fire and picked up a journal to peruse whilst he waited for his meal to arrive. Apart from the tug of the sutures in his scalp he was fully recovered from his unpleasant experience.

  The overmantel clock showed the time to be a little after seven. He would eat his supper and then go in search of Eloise as she was unlikely to have retired so early.

  He paused outside her sitting room and saw there was a sliver of golden light showing under the door. He knocked loudly and heard her call for him to enter. On opening the door, he saw her stretched out on the chaise longue with a rug over her legs. She put down her book and raised an eyebrow.

  'Good evening, Eloise, might I be permitted to join you?'

  'As you are already inside I doubt that anything I say to the contrary will prevent you from coming further in.'

  This was not an auspicious start. 'I owe you an apology for causing so much disruption and worry today.'

  She waved towards a chair on the other side of the fire as if he were of no account. No one had ever had the temerity to treat him as if he were a servant. He took the seat without comment knowing that if he spoke it would be to say something he might regret.

  'I drank two pints of wine which had not been sufficiently diluted on an empty stomach and after a serious head injury. It's hardly surprising I behaved erratically and passed out in the library.'

  'I cannot understand how you did not hear those who came in search of you.'

  'And I cannot understand why those very people did not have the sense to search the room properly.'

  'My footmen and your servants did a poor job indeed. I consider they got their just deserts for their shoddy work by being obliged to tramp about in the snow for several hours.'

  'I'm sure you will be happy to know that none suffered from this experience. Now, there are more important matters we must discuss.'

  When she put forward the idea that he send for a licence to allow them to marry in the parish church he was pleased to give her good news.

  'The banns were read in the village as well as in your chapel so we can marry there without the necessity of obtaining a licence to do so. The snow is several feet deep in places where the wind has caused it to drift. Will it be possible to get to the village?'

  'As we have the sledge I can see no difficulty on that score. I doubt that any of our house guests will attempt the journey unless there's a thaw. Even those that live locally are likely to remain at home.'

  'In the circumstances the fewer strangers here the better. Servants gossip and you can be very sure everyone will be aware that St Cuthbert's Priory is haunted and that these ghosts are dangerous. I doubt any will remain once they hear that.'

  'Then I'm glad it has snowed so heavily. For myself, I care
not who comes to witness our wedding as long as my beloved grandparents are there. The house will be decorated in garlands and ribbons, there will be a yule log burning in the entrance hall – that is celebration enough for me.'

  He leaned forward and she guessed what was coming. He watched her cheeks flood with colour and thought how enchanting she was when she was flustered.

  'About your pronouncement, Eloise…'

  'I made it up, I've not seen anything in any books about virgins and their ability to communicate with ghosts. I don't know what made me say such an outrageous thing.' She was looking down at her hands as she twisted them in her lap. She looked up and her magnificent eyes held him mesmerised.

  'That's not strictly true. I do sincerely believe you'll be safer if I'm your real wife. I know you made a solemn promise to both our grandfathers but I think in the circumstances how we conduct our marriage is entirely our own business.'

  'The reason I was in the library was to find the book you mentioned. I agree entirely with your statement, my love. Shall we leave that decision until after the ceremony?'

  Her smile made her even more lovely. 'Thank you for being so understanding. I should also like to thank you for bringing me to my apartment, but could I request that in future you do not sling me over your shoulder in such an undignified manner?'

  'I'll agree to your request if you promise not to drop things on my head in future.'

  'That's an easy one to make. Did you have your supper?' From the plaintive note in her voice he suspected she might be hungry.

  'I did, but I shall go and fetch you something similar. I had no coffee so I'll bring that as well.'

  She picked up the bell and rang it. A maid appeared at the bedchamber door. 'Kindly bring some coffee plus whatever's available in the kitchen.' The girl curtsied and vanished. 'I should have asked for a tray to be sent up at dinner time but had no appetite then. Now I find myself quite ravenous.'

  He strolled across and picked up the book she'd discarded. 'Some Gothic nonsense I perceive – small wonder those monks found you receptive.'

  'I've always been interested in the spirit world. I believe it's because I hoped my parents would come and speak to me directly.'

  'I was told I would meet mine again in heaven which was some comfort at the time.' He changed the subject, talking about his parents was not something he enjoyed. 'Do you have an ensemble in mind for our wedding?'

  'I'm so glad you asked. Grandmother is, as no doubt you have noticed, very short-sighted so there's no point in asking her opinion. I have chosen three that might be possible and would be so pleased if you could make the final selection for me.' She smiled ruefully. 'Although, I rather think it matters little what I have on as I'll be obliged to wear my cloak so it will not be seen.'

  'It will be on view when we return here, won't it?' He nodded towards the bedchamber. 'Are they in your closet or on display?'

  'The latter. I'll not tell you which one I prefer and just hope you make the same choice.'

  He pushed open the door and immediately saw the gowns. He didn't need to examine them – he knew at once which one would be perfect. It was a dark green velvet with emerald decorations around the neck and hem. It was the perfect match for her beautiful eyes. He ignored the other two and returned to her sitting room.

  'The green – no question about it.'

  'It's the one I like best too. I hope you have something equally impressive to wear on our wedding day.'

  'I have a topcoat almost the same hue as your gown and a green silk waistcoat the colour of your eyes. I think we'll be a handsome couple.'

  'More importantly, Garrick, I truly think we shall be a happy couple which is far more important in my opinion.'

  Chapter Eight

  Eloise watched the man she was about to marry fold his long length onto the chair opposite. The more time they spent together the happier she was about this arranged marriage. There could not be another gentleman in the world who would not only be happy to marry someone with her infirmity but also to accept the fact that they were plagued by ghosts.

  'I doubt that you will have a scar when the stitches are removed. Even if you do it won't show as your hair falls across the injury.'

  'They will be removed before the ceremony. I want to look my best for you.'

  She wasn't sure at first if he was jesting or serious but then the expression in his eyes told her he meant every word. Was he beginning to have feelings for her as she was for him?

  The rattle of crockery interrupted their conversation. Polly came herself this time and pushed open the sitting room door and held it whilst two footmen staggered in with laden trays. Her maid set out the table and then curtsied and left them alone.

  'Remain where you are, sweetheart, I know what to do.' He grinned over his shoulder as he picked up a plate. 'This is an excellent spread and more than enough for both of us.'

  'I should think so – I might be hungry but I doubt even I can devour more than a fraction of what has been fetched.'

  Whilst he was dishing up she swung her legs to the floor and waited eagerly to see what he'd given her. She had expected him to give her far too much but what he handed her was perfect. She waited for him to return to his place with his own food before picking up her cutlery.

  Despite her claim that there was too much on the table by the time they had had several helpings there wasn't much left. She was sipping her third cup of coffee when something rattled the window. Her heart leapt, her hand jerked and the contents of the cup flew into the air to land on the priceless rug.

  He was beside her in a second. 'There's nothing to be afraid of, my love, they cannot reach us here. It was merely a gust of wind.'

  'I know it was. I was never bothered by them before because I knew they wouldn't hurt me. I couldn't bear it if anything were to happen to you because you came here for me.'

  He removed the empty cup from her fingers and then sat beside her. 'I came here for myself originally, and for my grandfather, but everything changed when you galloped past me. I wish to marry you because I love you.'

  For a moment she couldn't comprehend what he'd said then she flung her arms around his neck. 'I love you too.' He kissed her, a brief hard press of his lips, but it was enough to seal their new accord.

  When she'd recovered her composure, she smiled shyly. 'I cannot understand how our feelings have been so quickly engaged. I know nothing of such matters as you might imagine.'

  He took her hand and raised it to his lips. Her stomach clenched in anticipation. That familiar rush of heat engulfed her. His eyes were dark. How could someone as flawed as she have such an effect on him?

  'Darling girl, I cannot wait to show you how much I love you.'

  He kissed each knuckle in turn and the touch of his lips made her want to throw herself back into his arms but discovering the pleasures of the marital state must wait until they were wed.

  'I don't want to leave you alone if you're worried about unwanted visitors during the night.'

  She giggled quite inappropriately. 'The only unwanted visitor I'm worried about is yourself, my love. I think it best if you go away now before we do something we shouldn't.'

  'Listen – is that rain I can hear on the window panes?' Without being asked he went to the window, parted the curtains, pulled the shutters open just enough to see the glass. 'Yes, the thaw has begun. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not.'

  She recalled what they'd discussed before about it being better there weren't guests staying with them over Christmas. 'This will be my grandfather's final Christmas and I want it to be special. Having people staying here, listening to them enjoying themselves, is exactly what we all need at the moment.'

  He didn't return to his position beside her but headed for the door. 'I believe you told me the monks have been haunting the Priory for centuries. There must be a mention of them in a journal or notebook – are there such things anywhere? Also, why has no one tried to exorcise them? I think it might be wo
rth trying as matters could not be worse than they are at present.'

  'The curate is coming tomorrow to discuss the wedding. We must ask him to perform an exorcism, but I think he might well cavil at the prospect. It means going inside the rooms I used to inhabit. I'm not sure that would be safe for anyone now.'

  'Journals? What about them? They might well hold valuable clues as to the reason these ghosts have remained here and not passed over. They were men of God and surely they must wish to worship at his feet and not lurk about here causing havoc?'

  'Whilst the curate is performing the ceremony, that is, if he agrees to do so, I shall go to the library and seek out the books you mention. I'm certain there's a shelf full of such things somewhere.'

  'On that note I'll take my leave. Good night, sweetheart, I'm counting the hours until I can remain here with you.'

  He was gone before she could gather her wits and reply. No sooner had the door closed than Polly bustled in and piled the debris onto the trays.

  'My Tom says the snow will be quite gone in a day or two but the roads will be nigh on impassable for at least another week unless it freezes.'

  'That's true. The snow will leave the roads and lanes knee-deep in mud. Even if it does freeze I doubt that even a rider would get through without his horse breaking a leg. I cannot decide if I'm happy or disappointed that we're unlikely to get any visitors.'

  'Don't you fret, my lamb, it'll be a wonderful Christmas with or without guests. I can't tell you how happy the staff are that you're getting wed and to such a handsome gentleman.'

  'Polly, can I tell you a secret?'

  'La, Miss Eloise, it's no secret that you and he are head over heels in love. The good Lord sent him to us and you're made for each other. He'll look after you and be a good husband and father to any little ones you have.'