Christmas Ghosts at the Priory

by Fenella J Miller

  An hour later she was under the comforter but too excited to sleep. It was as if an unseen hand was spinning her world around leaving her no time to catch her breath or quite grasp what was happening as everything moved on so quickly.

  The catalyst had been the arrival of Garrick. People said that God moved in mysterious ways and after the past week she would have to agree. It was as if she was being hurried towards something cataclysmic and she wasn't sure if what was going to happen would be joyful or the opposite.

  *

  Garrick sprung out of bed with more enthusiasm than he could ever remember. Being in love was not something he'd ever expected to experience himself but now he was in the throes of this emotion he was enjoying every minute. He prayed that this feeling was permanent, that it wouldn't evaporate when reality took over. Even if things became more settled between them he would never change his mind. Whatever life had in store for them, one thing he was quite certain of was that his love for Eloise was deep and abiding and nothing could come between them – not even ghosts.

  The rain was still hammering down and the snow had all but gone. He'd never known such changeable weather and was beginning to suspect the extraordinary events at the Priory might well be linked to what was happening outside.

  He smiled at his foolishness. But then a chill slithered down his spine as if cold fingers had touched him. Ghosts were unbelievable – so was it so far-fetched to think that they could control the elements as well as their surroundings?

  As they'd been trapped here he'd no notion if the inclement weather had been experienced elsewhere or just in their immediate vicinity. Devil take it! If his outlandish theory was correct then they could expect the house guests to turn up next week as planned as they wouldn't be aware the lanes around the Priory were impassable.

  He banged on her door but didn't wait to be invited inside. She appeared from her bedchamber in a voluminous nightgown. 'What are you doing here so early? As you can see I've yet to get up and my maid's only just gone down to fetch my hot water.'

  His heart lurched at the way she was obliged to clutch onto the door frame in order to keep her balance. 'My darling, I must speak to you immediately. Are you going to remain in the doorway or will you come and join me in here?'

  Her delightful laughter filled the room. 'Go away, Garrick, I've absolutely no intention of holding a conversation with you in my nightgown.'

  'I can assure you that your innocence is in no danger, my love, when dressed in that hideous garment.' His smile was wicked as he moved closer. 'However, if you will allow me to remove it…'

  He expected her to blush and retreat but she did the opposite. She reached out and moved into his embrace. 'I should like nothing better than to discover the delights of making love with you. I'm not certain that Polly will appreciate the spectacle but…'

  He lifted her from her feet and kissed her until she was breathless. Then he shouldered his way into her bedchamber and placed her, none too gently, on her bed. 'You, my dear, are a baggage. I'll come back in half an hour. I suggest that you're dressed by then or I vow I'll take you at your word.'

  He was laughing out loud as he bounded down the stairs. He'd already sent his valet to the stables with the letters that had yet to be posted. A groom was to take them to the nearest inn at which the mail coach stopped.

  If the lowering clouds and icy rain was as local as he suspected then he would know shortly. What he would do with that knowledge he'd no idea, but he'd share it with his beloved at the earliest possible opportunity.

  He snapped his fingers and a vigilant footman appeared at his side. 'Send word to the kitchen that no breakfast is to be served downstairs today. Have trays sent up to Miss Eloise's sitting room for us both.'

  He enjoyed carrying her about the place but there was no need for her to be downstairs until midday when Lady Granville would be in the drawing room. Eloise should by rights be referred to as Miss Granville as she was not only the eldest daughter of the house, but the only one. In ten days' time she would be Lady Forsyth and he could hardly contain his impatience.

  Then he recalled her saying the cleric would be coming later today – he could have waited and asked him if the village was also cut off by the weather. It was no more than half a mile from the Priory, easy enough to walk even in these conditions, so he could see no difficulty with the man coming for his meeting.

  Despite the miserable weather conditions, he was in the best of spirits. He was so happy he thought he might pen a sonnet or two praising the beauty of her eyes. He was still smiling at his nonsense when he strolled into her sitting room no more than ten minutes since he had vacated it.

  The bedroom door was firmly shut as if she'd anticipated his early return. He moved the circular table from its position by the window and carried it to the centre of the room, then he arranged two chairs on opposite sides. Next, he collected the various items displayed on top of the bureau and put them on the mantelshelf.

  Satisfied that when the breakfast arrived there would be room to put the dishes out as if they were downstairs, he wandered across to look at the books on her well-stocked bookshelf. There were half a dozen romances, which he'd expected to see, but also several titles of a more serious nature, which surprised him.

  The door behind him opened and he turned to greet her. 'Good morning again, my love, permit me to say I much prefer the ensemble you have on now.'

  'Green is my favourite colour, no doubt you've noticed that.' She raised a hand when he moved to help her. 'No, much as I like being supported by you I'm quite capable of moving about the place myself, albeit rather slowly and awkwardly.'

  Something belatedly occurred to him. 'Surely you would progress more smoothly if you used a cane?'

  'I'm sure you're correct but using one would make me feel not only crippled but like an old woman.'

  'Absolute nonsense! I'm going to find one immediately and insist that you use it in future.'

  'You don't have far to look, there are a selection at the back of my closet. Feel free to bring one you think will suit. I cannot promise that I'll use it.' She moved to one side to let him pass but remained in the doorway watching him examine the canes.

  He selected one with silver filigree and jade insets. Perfect, as it would complement any outfit rather than detract from it.

  'Here you are. Will you try it for me?' He brushed her cheek with his hand as he passed and she turned her face to lean it against him for a second.

  Three footmen arrived at the sitting room door with their breakfast and they needed no telling to place them on the sideboard. Then a fourth deftly flipped a white tablecloth over the table and put out the silver cutlery, condiments and cups. The coffee jug was given central position. The four of them bowed and left them to it which was exactly as it should be.

  He deliberately kept his back to her so she could practice walking without being observed.

  'You may turn around now, Garrick, I've mastered my cane.'

  'Show me, am I right? Is it easier with or without it?'

  Her smile was blinding as she moved more quickly and with more elegance than she had before. 'I can be stubborn, but on this occasion I'm forced to admit I've made my life more difficult by refusing to use one of these.'

  He pulled out a chair and she sat with more grace than she'd ever been able to display before. 'If you pour the coffee, I'll bring the food.'

  *

  Breakfast had never tasted so delicious and Eloise enjoyed every mouthful. There was obviously something he wished to tell her and it must be important if he was leaving it until they were replete. Eventually she dropped her cutlery, wiped her mouth on the napkin and was ready to hear whatever it was he had to tell her. When he had done she was amazed.

  'Do you really think the phenomena taking place here is also affecting the weather? Two weeks ago I'd have thought you fit for Bedlam, but now I believe you might be right.'

  'If I am then it presents all sorts of other dilemmas. Heavy snow
falling only on this estate and nowhere else, and then torrential rain, this cannot fail to have been noted by your neighbours.'

  'I see what you're suggesting. Such extraordinary events might well alarm them and make them wish to keep away. On the other hand, those that live further afield and who were intending to stay for the festive season as well as our marriage will already be making their way here completely unaware that anything unusual has occurred.'

  'Exactly so. They will have no difficulty travelling until they reach this vicinity. Then, I fear, they will be unable to progress. I've sent a groom with some letters and he will be able to confirm or deny our supposition.'

  'I refuse to dwell on such things when I am so happy. I think that we would not have fallen in love so quickly without the intervention of these ghosts so for that I shall be thankful.'

  His smile made her toes curl. 'I too will be forever grateful that I came here despite the unusual circumstances surrounding your home. We have lingered here too long already, I'm hoping that the groom will have returned from his errand by now as he left at first light.'

  He was behind her in an instant and lifted her and the chair away from the table. She had dropped her pretty cane and he stooped to collect it. 'There, I'll not assist you. From now on I'm certain you will be able to move about more comfortably and will no longer require my help.'

  Standing up presented her with no difficulty and she was able to join him by the door without being obliged to clutch onto something to keep herself upright. Pride was indeed a dangerous thing and hers had kept her from accepting that she needed help to walk.

  'I know you said you would carry me down the stairs but I should like to attempt them on my own. If I struggle you have my permission to step in.'

  When they reached the staircase he moved slightly ahead of her and was ready to catch her in case she missed her footing. It took longer to descend than it would have done if she were not lame but at no time did she feel herself in danger of falling.

  His arm encircled her waist as she took the last step and arrived safely in the hall. 'Well done, darling girl, I think with a little more practice you will be able to ascend and descend stairs with no difficulty.'

  'I still intend to have that operation. I wish to be able to run after my children, play with them in the garden and even with my cane I shall not be able to do so. Neither will I be able to carry them myself as to do so requires both arms.'

  He hugged her tight. 'I've already told you I'll support whatever decision you make.' He drew her to one side where they could not be overheard by the footman who stood on guard in the hall to open doors and run errands when required.

  'If you have made your decision then I shall not share your bed until it's done…'

  'Fiddlesticks to that! There's no urgency for the procedure to be performed – it can wait, if necessary, until after our first child is born.'

  Chapter Nine

  This was a most unsuitable conversation to be holding even though it was with her future husband. Eloise cared not about such niceties. The thought of what they had to do in order to produce this first infant made her tingle all over and from the darkness in his eyes she was certain he was equally eager to begin their married life.

  'Dear girl, do you both intend to dawdle out there indefinitely or are you coming in to sit with us?'

  'Grandpapa, if I'd known you were down so early of course we would have been here.' Using her new stick, she was able to reach his side in record time. 'You look so much better than you did a few days ago. In fact, your colour is now a healthy pink and no longer yellow.'

  'If I did not know that my situation is terminal I would think I was recovering. As soon as the rain abates I shall send for the physician and get him to examine me.'

  Her grandmother was smiling and this was a rare occurrence lately. 'Sit down both of you, there are things we need to discuss.'

  Garrick bowed politely but did not take a seat. 'Forgive me, but I have business to attend to. It won't take long and then I'll join you.'

  He strode off and the room seemed strangely flat without him in it. She quickly explained his theory and instead of laughing they exchanged a glance and nodded.

  'This was what we wished to speak to you about, my dear. I've had the outside men clearing the worst of the mud from the lanes and the head gardener came to see me half an hour ago. No snow has fallen anywhere but here – the rain is also limited to this estate.'

  They agreed that it made sense to ask the curate to try and drive the brothers from the Priory. 'He should be here shortly to discuss our wedding service – but the exorcism must come first.'

  'Exactly what happens in this ceremony?' Grandmama asked.

  'I've no idea, but I'll go and search the library here. It's possible there's something hidden away on one of the shelves, especially as these ghosts have been in residence for centuries. I wonder if this house was built here because of them?'

  'It's certainly of more recent construction than the Priory, my dear, but as far as I know it was just for lay visitors.'

  'I'll be back in time to speak to the curate, Grandpapa. It's possible, of course, that he won't wish to do it in which case we'll have to do it ourselves.'

  The library visit proved unsuccessful and she had just returned the last book to the shelf when Garrick arrived. One look at his face was enough to tell her his suspicions had been confirmed.

  'What is the weather like away from the estate?'

  'Bright winter sunshine, clear skies and just a heavy frost at night. The groom handed in his notice on his return and has already left. I fear he won't be the only one to depart today. I came to fetch you as the curate is here.'

  'Is the rain showing any sign of abating? I must ensure the poor man has dry clothes before he is obliged to hear our request.'

  'The housekeeper has already taken care of that. He's with your grandparents and seems unperturbed by the strange goings-on here.'

  He, naturally, slowed his pace to suit her, but using her cane meant she could walk quite briskly and without lurching from side to side as she had before.

  'Does our visitor know what we require of him today?'

  'Not as yet. Sir Thomas has asked me to explain – but I'm quite happy to let you take the lead as you know more about these ghosts than I do.'

  From the sound of the chatter drifting from the drawing room none of the occupants were in any way upset about the unusual situation they found themselves in. This was a good sign.

  The cleric jumped to his feet and bowed to both of them as they walked in. She nodded as did Garrick and they took their places opposite the other three.

  The young man listened attentively to both her and Garrick's explanation. 'Murdered you say? I believe the spirits cannot pass over because of the way they died. I think, my lord, Miss Granville, together we can assist them to leave.

  'I've never conducted an exorcism but have read widely on the subject. The important thing is that we all go properly equipped. We need to carry a cross and to recite the Lord's Prayer continuously whilst sprinkling holy water about the place.'

  'And then what?' Garrick said.

  'Then, my lord, I shall recite the necessary words and shall entreat them to depart. It is crucial that one believes in what one speaks, and that one remains calm and pushes one's fear aside.'

  Eloise came to a decision and it was one that she thought would not be appreciated by her beloved. 'As we explained, sir, they only became violent when they knew I was to marry. I believe it would be better if his lordship remained here as his presence will antagonise them.'

  Unexpectedly he agreed. 'I'll come with you but remain outside, or in the stables if the rain persists.'

  'I've ordered a closed carriage to transport you – the weather is too inclement for walking half a mile.'

  'Thank you, Grandpapa, I was going to do so myself. That means, my lord, that you can remain dry and yet still be close.'

  The carriage was outside by th
e time she returned suitably dressed in her outdoor garments. Garrick had on his caped riding coat and the clergyman had borrowed a cloak. The footmen escorted them to the vehicle holding umbrellas above their heads.

  No one spoke on the short journey but her hand was in his and the contact was enough to give her the courage to descend when they rocked to a halt.

  'How long is this likely to take?'

  'Hopefully no more than half an hour, my lord.'

  'In which case I'll not remain here as the horses need to be under cover.'

  He came with them to the front door but remained a yard away. 'If you're not out in the allotted time I shall come in to find you.' He tapped his waistcoat pocket indicating he had his watch with him.

  'I'll go first, sir, they know me and will cause no problems.' She said this with bravado and prayed she was correct. 'Do you have holy water about your person?'

  The curate shook his head. 'I thought to obtain some in your chapel. The water used for the font has been blessed and there's a jug kept in a cupboard to be used in the event of a family christening.'

  'Good heavens! Will it still be effective as it must be years old?'

  'Miss Granville, it's holy water not a common liquid.'

  He sounded quite offended at her query and she was glad he was so sure of this one thing as nothing about this enterprise seemed at all certain. The ghosts had occupied the Priory since the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII and there must have been others who had tried to dislodge them – so why were they still there?

  It had never occurred to her to ask them such a question but she would do so today before they started on the ritual.

  'I shall obtain the necessary holy water, Miss Granville, whilst you locate these beings.'

  In order to reach the chapel there was no necessity to enter the main house so he would be in no danger – as a man of the cloth she hoped he would not be in danger anywhere.

  In their rush to leave the house had not been locked. Why should anyone wish to go in there when it was occupied by spirits? On stepping into the hall, she was immediately aware the brothers were waiting for her. At first, they were not visible but when she moved into the centre of the vast space they began to take shape.