by Haley Harper
After chatting a bit longer, the two friends said their goodbyes. Shannon felt relieved that Maureen had agreed with her, but puzzled at the same time. Was Maeve losing touch with reality? She supposed she would have to talk to some of her family to get that answer. She would make that her priority. After all, she couldn’t write about a ghost and include it in her book unless she had evidence of honest encounters. The ramblings of an old lady with a tenuous grip on reality would not be accepted by her readers.
Since the day was so lovely, she decided to follow Elena’s suggestion and head outside for a walk. She hadn’t seen the grounds in daylight yet, and was eager to go exploring.
The gardens near the house were starting to lose their summer bloom and were gradually turning several shades of brown. Winding stone paths spread out in several directions, some leading to quiet sitting areas, some down to the river’s edge and some wove their way to several outbuildings located on the grounds. Thinking that the best place to meet some of the staff would be in one of those buildings, Shannon decided to follow one of those paths.
The first building she came upon was obviously a garage of sorts. Several old cars were parked inside, one with its hood up ready for repair. Shannon smiled thinking about the different terms used here to describe cars. First off, they were most often called autos, and they had bonnets and boots instead of hoods and trunks. Learning these kinds of differences were what she loved most about travelling.
One glance around the garage satisfied her that no one was working there, so she headed further down the path. The next building was obviously a barn of some sort, and its odor intensified as she approached.
She was a city girl, and hadn’t been in barns much except for a few times she had ventured out to a country fair. And even then, her main objective was to gorge herself on the many culinary offerings available, or watch the agility dogs. Trips into the barn to visit livestock were never at the top of her list. But here in the Irish countryside, she felt different.
This old stone building was almost as intriguing as the castle itself. It was constructed of a yellowish brown stone that was almost completely overgrown with moss and vines. It looked as though it had withstood the tests of time and would continue to do so for decades more.
A chorus of soft bleating reached her ears as she got closer. The large door was open and she could hear a voice drifting her way that seemed almost as though it were echoing the animal’s sounds. She peeked inside before entering, not entirely sure what she was walking into.
To her surprise and delight, she saw Sean the Shepherd sitting on the floor of the shed surrounded by a group of fuzzy, cuddly lambs. For a moment she watched quietly, enthralled by the obvious connection between man and animal.
Although she made no sound, the animals immediately sensed her presence. One of the braver ones headed over to her and the rest followed behind. Before she could speak she was being nuzzled by the group of them. Not sure whether she felt excited or terrified, she looked to Sean for help.
“Don’t be afraid,” he chuckled. “These babies are quite harmless. They seem to like you.”
“That’s good. I think.” Nervously she reached her hand out towards them. Immediately the little creatures moved in closer. Thankfully Sean rose at that point and waded through the group to reach her. He took her hand and led her out of the fray, closing a small gate that kept the lambs confined in one area of the barn.
“So we meet again,” he said smiling.
“We do, and here you are helping me out again. I wasn’t totally sure about those guys. You looked quite at home with them however.”
“That I am,” he replied. Shannon thought she could sit and listen to his Irish accent all day. “These are last spring’s babies. We’re getting them used to the barn for the winter months.”
“And did you get all those other sheep home last night?”
“I did indeed, and it looks like you made it to the castle too.”
“Safe and sound,” she replied. “Today I was hoping to run into some of the staff and chat a bit about the castle and the day to day stuff that goes on.”
“Well then, I’d say you are successful in your quest. I am part of the staff, and there’s nothing I like more than chatting with a lady. What do you say we head down to the river? I know a particularly pretty spot.”
“Sounds wonderful.” She followed Sean back the way she had come till they reached one of the paths that veered off towards the river. “These paths are like a maze. I think I could easily get lost.”
Sean laughed. “And I would have to rescue you yet again!” Shannon laughed along with him. As promised he led her to a beautiful spot by the river’s edge. Green hills rolled as far as the eyes could see across its banks and the hillsides were dotted here and there by sheep grazing along their slopes.
Sean stopped where a small grove of alder trees formed a natural canopy over a little glade. Someone who had discovered this spot had placed an iron bench under the protection of the trees facing towards the river. The whole scene was simply breathtaking and Shannon stood silently taking it all in.
“Cat got your tongue?” Sean grinned that grin that had charmed her at their first meeting.
“It’s just so beautiful. I appreciate all the descriptions that I’ve read much better now.”
“And this is the fall. I wish you could see it at the height of summer. There is nothing greener in all of God’s creation!” Shannon could sense the pride the man had for his country, and she admired that. As much as she loved her country, her state and her home town, she didn’t know that she would ever feel it was the only place she would be happy. She sensed that was exactly how Sean felt.
“Do you live far from the castle?”
“Not unless you consider across that pasture there far away. I live there and oversee a small staff of gardeners and sheep hands.”
“So you’re really not a shepherd.” Shannon couldn’t resist the tease.
“Not really, no. But my name would have one think otherwise.”
“How did you become head groundskeeper here? Are the Shepherds and the O’Tooles family friends?”
Shannon was surprised to see an uncustomary shadow cross Sean’s face. He waited a few minutes before speaking.
“Not exactly. Maeve’s second husband was Braden O’Toole. Her first husband was Colin Shepherd. Maeve is my Mum, and Aiden is my stepbrother.”
“Oh, I see.” Shannon didn’t want to pry, but her curious nature just took over. Puzzled, she asked, “If Maeve is your mother then why don’t you live at the castle? Surely you’d still be close enough to your work?”
“It’s not for that reason that I choose to live outside the castle walls. While I love my mum dearly, and visit her often, I cannot say the same for my brother. Aiden and I do not see eye to eye on much of anything and I fear our constant bickering and the tension between us could take a heavy toll on our mother.”
Now Shannon felt as though she were being nosy. “I’m sorry,” she said. “If you don’t want to talk about it, I completely understand.”
Sean’s happy grin returned. “It’s fine. There’s not much more to it than that anyway. Our biggest difference centers on the castle itself. My brother would like to sell it and divide the profits so he can invest in other business interests. Mum wants to keep the castle in the family, and I agree with her.”
Shannon nodded. “I can see how that could get messy.”
Sean shrugged. “As long as Mum is alive we don’t really need to worry about it. The real fun is going to come when we see what she has written in her will. But I am a man who likes to live in the present so I refuse to dwell on that. Now, on a happier note, what do you say we walk back to the castle for hot tea by the fire? It’ll give me a chance to pop in and say hi to mum.”
“I’d like that very much.”
“And maybe we can chat a bit about you instead. Here you’ve practically heard my life history and I don’t know a single thi
ng about you except your name.”
“I’m afraid my life is not nearly as exciting or mysterious as your seems to be, but I do have some stories I can share.”
They walked amiably back down the stone path as comfortable as old friends, silent until Shannon decided to ask about the ghost. That was, after all, her prime purpose for talking to people.
“On a somewhat different note, do you mind if I ask your opinion of the ghost who supposedly haunts the castle?”
“Oh I don’t mind at all. Aiden and I were pretty much raised on stories about that ghost. Mum insists that she has been appearing to her for as long as we have owned the castle and is quite a good friend. I can’t say that I myself have seen her, but I do feel an odd sort of presence when I go to visit mum, almost as if someone is there watching over her. It’s hard to explain.”
“But you’ve never felt an evil presence or heard of the ghost being harmful in any way?”
Sean shook his head. “No, why do you ask?”
“Oh, just something your mom said yesterday. Actually, Elena Winthrop mentioned it too. She said that there have been weird things happening lately that are being attributed to the ghost. Apparently a couple even left the castle because of it. They heard strange clanging in the walls, lights flickering, objects falling off shelves for no reason, that sort of thing.”
“Hmmmm. That certainly doesn’t sound like our friendly Lady in Grey!”
“I agree. I called a friend of mine who knows a thing or two about ghosts and she says it’s very unusual for a spirit to suddenly change their behavior. It’s all very mysterious.”
“Well I shouldn’t get too worked up about it. Mum is getting on you know. Perhaps her imagination is just getting the better of her. It may well have been her ramblings that scared the guests away as much as anything else.”
Shannon nodded in agreement. “I suppose you’re right. Maybe I’ll get a chance to see for myself. That is what I’m here for!”
When they entered the castle it was plain to see that Sean was held in very high regard by all the staff. The butler and maids all greeted him warmly and they were barely settled in the great room by the fire before a tray of tea and sweets were placed before them.
They chatted over their tea and at Sean’s insistence Shannon talked about her life. She talked about Edgar and some of his antics, she told him about her mom and the upcoming wedding, she filled him in quickly on the research trips she had taken for her book and lastly she mentioned Kevin and the relationship they were building.
“It sounds like an exciting life, if you ask me” Sean commented. “I rather envy you. There doesn’t seem to be any of the drama that plagues my life in yours.”
“Well that is true, except for somehow getting involved in murder investigations everywhere I go.”
“I doubt that will happen to you here. Now, I best go say hi to mum before its time for her afternoon nap. I’ve enjoyed our chat. I hope we can meet up again soon.”
“Me too,” Shannon replied with genuine feeling. And she sure hoped he was right about not getting involved in a murder. It would be so much simpler just to get her work done and enjoy her stay.
Chapter Six
The next morning Shannon awoke to the sounds of an angry voice drifting through her open window. She supposed not many people slept with their windows open this time of year but she enjoyed the fresh air.
Climbing out of bed and grabbing her robe as she went, she pulled the corner of the drapes back just a bit. Her room overlooked the back terrace and she could Aiden standing there obviously engaged in a very animated telephone conversation.
“Yes, I want you to come and do it. And soon. There isn’t any what’s or ifs about it. It has to be done. I have power of attorney for my mum and I say she is not capable of making this kind of decision.” There was a quiet moment while the person on the other end of the line spoke. Aiden paced up and down the terrace while he listened.
“Fine. I will see you in two days.” Aiden punched a button on his cell phone and shoved it into his coat pocket, stomping back inside.
Shannon let the curtain drop back into place, wondering to herself what that was all about. Then she shrugged.
“Family business I suppose and nothing to do with me.”
She returned and sat on the edge of the bed to find her slippers. Since she was up, she might as well shoot a quick email to her mom and Kevin. She really missed Edgar too and wished he were there for a warm fuzzy hug.
Since she had no real plans for the day except looking around and talking to folks, Shannon decided to be adventurous and take the back staircase down to breakfast. No one had told her that any parts of the castle were off limits so she didn’t think anyone would mind. This time, she would watch her step and be a little less distracted. If the lady in Grey did show up again, she wanted to be prepared.
She took her time navigating the stairs, keeping a watchful eye for flashes of grey while studying the many photographs that hung in the stairwell. Many were of a much younger Maeve with her first and second husbands and her sons as they grew.
She couldn’t help but smile at the freckled faced Sean as a toddler through to a young man. In every picture he was smiling as though the world were his oyster. His brother Aiden on the other hand seemed never to smile at all. Even as a small child he looked angry.
She reached the bottom of the staircase without any ghostly encounters, and passed through the kitchen to the dining room. This morning it was completely empty except for the chef who manned the egg station. He smiled as she helped herself to a cup of coffee.
She supposed with the guests gone and Maeve in her room, there wouldn’t be anyone else for breakfast. She doubted if Dr. Winthrop came by every day, and she had noticed Aiden leaving the castle before she came down. Sean was probably hard at work in the garden or barn, so here she was with no one around except the butler and one of the maids who were huddled in the corner of the room deep in conversation. It looked serious so Shannon decided not to interrupt.
The maid was whispering and waving her hands about as she spoke. The butler was listening and glaring at her, but not saying much. Shannon watched with avid curiosity.
People watching was one of her favorite activities and one of her most used writer’s tools. Even though she had no idea whatsoever what their conversation was about, she loved to make up stories that matched their body language and expressions.
Looking at these two, she imagined the maid was quite unhappy with something the butler had done. He, in his own defense appeared to feel that whatever he had done was right and she shouldn’t be criticizing him. Shannon smiled to herself, wondering if she was anywhere near the mark in her assumptions.
They finished their conversation and left the room before Shannon had even finished weaving her little scenario.
Suddenly a huge commotion burst the silence of the empty dining room. Shannon could hear people shouting followed by the sounds of footsteps running down the hall. The chef hurried from his station and headed out of the room as well.
Never one to miss the action, Shannon headed towards the voices. From the bottom of the staircase she could see a distraught maid crying into her apron. The chef was trying to console her, and the butler was talking animatedly into a handset.
Clicking a button to end the call he spoke with authority to the others.
“Dr. Winthrop is on his way.” Pointing to the chef he said, “You get out to the barn and fetch Sean. Don’t breathe a word of what’s happened. Just tell him he is needed here immediately. I’ll see if I can get in touch with Aiden.”
Shannon wondered what in the world was going on. Not the least bit afraid of appearing bold, she stepped in front of the chef as he hurried down the stairs. He had no choice but to stop.
“What is it? What’s happened?”
The chef looked nervously back up the stairwell. There was no sign of the butler but he leaned towards her and whispered, “Maeve was apparently foun
d dead in her bed this morning. That’s all I know. Now please let me by so I can go fetch Mr. Shepherd.”
Shannon stepped out of his way and grabbed the newel post for support. All she could think of was Sean and the words he had uttered just yesterday, something about no need to worry while his Mum was alive. He was going to be devastated.
Within the hour the entire castle was a buzz of activity. Dr. Winthrop and Elena had arrived along with an ambulance, police car and both Aiden and Sean. All of the staff clustered about in hallways, waiting for some kind of announcement. No one could quite believe it was true. Sean, Aiden and the doctor had been in Maeve’s room for some time.
Eventually the door opened and a very somber looking pair of brothers emerged. The doctor remained in the room with the officials and once Sean had confirmed to the staff what had happened, they dispersed to absorb the shock in the privacy of their rooms.
Aiden said nothing and headed down the hall to his own room, slamming the door behind him. Sean noticed Shannon standing there and took her hand.
“Come sit by the fire, you’re as white as a ghost.” A feeble smile crossed his lips. “Maybe not the best comparison to use just now.”
Shannon walked with him back to the great room. The warmth from the fire felt so good. She hadn’t realized she was shivering. Finally she found her tongue.
“Sean. I am so sorry. Do you know what happened?”
Sean shook his head. “Preliminary findings suggest it was natural causes, perhaps a heart attack. We won’t know for sure until a more thorough examination has been performed.”
Shannon placed her hand over his. “If there’s anything at all I can do, please let me know.”
Sean stood as he thanked her. “I’m just going to go back up now and see her one last time. I’ll see you later.”
Shannon’s heart broke for him. She still remembered the overwhelming sadness she had felt when her dad died. It had been years now, but some bit of sadness always remained with her. Suddenly she wanted nothing more than to hear her own mom’s voice.
