Fear Familiar Bundle

by Caroline Burnes

  "What's happened that you were so eager to find me?" Mary looked around the room for more light. It suddenly dawned on her that the day was gone. It was already nearly eight o'clock, dinnertime, and the sunlight had long abandoned this part of the world.

  Sophie hesitated, her large eyes glancing left and right in a frightened manner. "Mary, there was someone in the hall, standing just outside your door when I went up to your room."

  "Just now?" Mary was trying to remember the last time she'd gone into her bedroom. Had it been just after the neighbors had all left? Yes.

  "It was about an hour ago." Sophie's gaze would not connect with Mary's.

  "Who was it?" Mary couldn't understand the dire significance of what her friend had seen. So, someone was standing outside her door. It could have been any of the household help.

  "It was William." She swallowed. "I think."

  "Well, he found me, as you no doubt know." Irritation at Sophie renewed itself. This was Sophie's big news?

  Sophie reached out and touched her friend's arm. "But maybe it wasn't William." Her voice had dropped to a whisper. "I didn't see his face clearly. But he was tall, broad-shouldered."

  "That does sound like William." Mary tried to interject a light note. "Or any of his kin."

  "Oh, Mary!" Sophie clenched her fists at her sides. "He was wearing this costume, like he was some warlord or something. He frightened me. I did see him, and William was acting out some strange fantasy. He was terrifying."

  Mary felt her body tense. For a split second, as she digested Sophie's news, she didn't breathe. She felt as if her heart had stopped beating. Her friend was telling her that William was dressing up and playacting like a Scottish warlord. That alone might be peculiar, but combined with what had been happening to William, it was frightening.

  "Sophie, are you sure?" Mary felt her body swing back into life, and with it came a sick sense of panic. "Maybe it was bad lighting, and you're mistaken about what you saw."

  "No." Sophie swallowed. "There was this fur thing across one shoulder, and he was wearing very tight leather breeches and a sword. It was a short sword, but wide, and he had a round shield, like the ones on the wall."

  Mary knew them. She'd studied the history of the MacEachern family in the heirloom weapons they'd collected. Where some families collected china and crystal, the MacEacherns seemed to specialize in weapons and armor.

  "Mary, when he saw me…" Sophie hesitated. "The look he gave me frightened me to death. It was like I was a tender morsel of meat, and he meant to roast me on a spit. It was downright cannibalistic."

  At any other time Mary would have laughed at her friend's description. Sophie had a way of exaggerating the most mundane things and making them sound terrifying. This time, though, Mary could not find the humor. What was William doing running around the castle in a costume? Especially when everyone was already worried about him.

  "Did he say anything?"

  Sophie shook her head. "He laughed. He turned around so that the light was behind his face, and he just laughed, like a devil."

  "And then what?"

  "I don't know. I ran into my room and locked the door. I've been in there ever since, trying to get up the nerve to find you."

  Mary put her arm around her friend's shoulders. Even though Sophie was a good three inches taller, Mary was the stronger of the two. "Think hard, Sophie. Could it have been someone other than William?"

  "Who?" Sophie shook her head. "It looked as if he had longer hair than William. The same dark color but longer. And…" She looked up, her eyes round. "I think he had a beard. Not a long one, but a beard. There was this darker shadow around his chin."

  "William doesn't have a beard," Mary countered. Somehow, that fact didn't make her feel any better at all.

  "But it had to be William."

  "It had to be?" Mary didn't want to push Sophie too hard, but the accusations she was making could have serious consequences. There could be no room for error; either it was William or it was not. "Why did it have to be William?"

  "He was tall, taller than anyone here, like William." Sophie saw the fallacy of her own logic. "But it could have been someone else." She closed her eyes and put her fingers to her forehead. "I was so frightened, I didn't look all that close. That's the truth. It looked like William, so I assumed it was him." A new thought made her snap her eyes open. "But if it wasn't William, who was it?"

  "That's a good question," Mary said. She'd already begun to debate that point in her mind. Who would be stalking the upper halls of Mayfair, standing outside her bedroom, if not William? And why was the intruder wearing a fur and leather breeches? None of it made sense.

  Surreptitiously casting a glance at the troubled Sophie, Mary tried to ascertain how upset her friend was. Had Sophie seen anything? Really? She had a vivid imagination, and during their friendship, Sophie had "heard" and "seen" intruders in her apartment often enough so that it was something of a joke in the police precinct that sent the officers to check out her complaints. Sophie was frightened at Mayfair. She disliked the castle, and she hated what was happening with William. Had her subconscious conjured up a William look-alike?

  "You're thinking I frightened myself into this, aren't you?" There was no anger in Sophie's voice, just misery. "I didn't, Mary. I was coming out of my room to go and talk with you. That's when I saw him. There are things here at Mayfair, Mary. Bad things. Buried secrets."

  "Where did the man go?" Mary asked. If there was a stranger in the house, he might be found. It was worth looking for him, at least. And if it was no stranger, and not William? Was Mayfair haunted? That thought made her suddenly cold. She stepped closer to her friend.

  "I don't know where he went." Sophie sighed with self-deprecation. "I didn't bother to look, because I was frightened. I suppose he could have gone into your room and murdered you, and I would have been cowering under the bedclothes."

  Mary put her arm around her friend and squeezed. "I don't think so. I would have screamed, and even though you might have been frightened, you would have come to my rescue." The idea of someone in her room was terrifying. Especially if the intruder was a ghost.

  Sophie gave her a long look. "Probably not, but at least you don't think I'm a total coward."

  "You have a very vivid imagination, Miss Sophie Emerson. It's one of your charms." She gave Sophie a peck on the cheek. "And I do believe you. I'm just wondering who you saw and what they were doing."

  Sophie cast a worried glance at Mary. "If it was William, do you suppose he was…pretending again? To be Lord MacEachern."

  The statement went right to the heart of Mary's worries. She wanted to deny it, but she and Sophie had been close friends for the past five years. She would not lie to her. "I don't know, Soph. If that was what was happening, then William is not getting better." She chose her words carefully. "I'll speak to him about it and see if he will at least talk with a doctor."

  "What kind of doctor?"

  "Maybe a psychiatrist." It tore at Mary's heart to say it. Saying the word aloud gave power to the fact that William might be very sick, sicker than anyone wanted to believe. So far she'd convinced herself, and Sophie, that William's illness was stress related. Something that rest and love could cure. If he was living in the past…She took her friend's hand. "I have to speak with William. Alone." She shushed away Sophie's startled expression. "He won't harm me, Soph. No matter what else, he'd never harm me. You go and tell Abby that we'll be ready to eat in fifteen minutes. Okay?" She gently pushed Sophie toward the kitchen door. "Go on. You'll feel better in the kitchen."

  And she would. The room was bright and warm and always filled with the delicious smells that were a part of Abby Connery's days. Mary maintained her smile until Sophie was safely in the kitchen. Then she turned to find William. Worry knotted her forehead.

  She hurried down the long hallway, passing the library and the sitting room, moving on past the parlor and the dining room. At the sound of voices, she stopped and lis
tened. Two men were talking, but neither of them was William. They were in William's office, the room that matched her afternoon room, except it was on the east side of the house.

  Feeling guilty for eavesdropping, she stepped to the slightly opened door and listened.

  "He's a fine stallion, Erick. I'd hate to see him sold, but he needs work. Either I need the time to train him, or he should be sent on to someone who will. If he's not worked, he'll go rank on us, and then he'll be worthless to anyone."

  "You're right." Erick's voice was contemplative. "We'll find a lad to take over some of your other chores, Kevin. You're too good a trainer to waste on feeding and cleaning. We'll get you another boy to work in the mornings and afternoons. How would that be?"

  "Fine. That would be fine," Kevin said. There was satisfaction in his voice. "Thanks, Erick. Now about that horse for Miss Mary."

  Before the conversation could go any further, Mary tapped lightly on the door. "Excuse me," she said, entering. "Have you seen William?"

  "He was supposed to stop by and see me at seven, but he didn't show," Erick said. He looked at the horse trainer.

  "He hasn't been to the barn. At least, I haven't seen him," Kevin said. "Is something amiss?"

  Mary forced a smile. "Not at all. I just know how you men are when you start talking about the affairs of Mayfair. I was hoping to find him holed up here with you. And neither of you have seen him all evening?"

  "Not since five-thirty or so when he decided to check on you and your company." Erick smiled. "He actually felt guilty about leaving you alone with Clarissa and Chancey. How strange that both women should arrive at the same time. And how unlucky for you." He chuckled. "They're both very strong women."

  Mary couldn't hide her grin. She liked Erick, and respected him for all the work he'd put into Mayfair. He was a handsome man, an obvious member of the MacEachern line. But he was not nearly as tall or good-looking as his cousin William.

  "Chancey could make you a good friend," Erick went on, "but be wary of her, Mary. She's had her cap set for William for many a year." His face closed. "It's a blow to her that when he returns to Mayfair at last, he's brought his bride-to-be with him."

  "Was there…" She tried to think of the right way to say it without appearing jealous. "Was there ever anything between William and Chancey?" She looked at both men. She was the outsider here, and if she was going to fit in, she had to learn the past. "I don't mean to pry, but I need to know how shaky the ground I'm walking on might be."

  Erick shook his head. "Not on William's side. He and Chancey often rode together when he was a young boy. On holidays, when he came back from school, she was often at Mayfair. There were parties and such, and she was always invited. It was clear she cared for William, but he was never unkind to her."

  "You say she could make a good friend?" Mary waited.

  "Aye, she could. She knows this area, and she knows the people. If she took it into her head to introduce you around, she could make your acceptance go smoothly. She's well respected."

  "And if it doesn't go smoothly?" For the first time Mary was aware that community approval was a big item on the agenda she faced. Marrying William was not enough. She had to prove that she could be Lady MacEachern. This was something she hadn't bargained for.

  "Mayfair is crucial to the community. It's the center of the agricultural industry around Kelso. It's always been the heart. If the community doesn't take to you, and I can't imagine that they won't, it won't be the end of the world. But it would be so much nicer for William, and for your children, if it all went well."

  Kevin stepped forward. "Don't worry, Miss Mary. The people here will love you. They'll see right off that you're perfect to be William's wife."

  The conversation had rattled Mary down to her shoes. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined she'd have to pass some community test of approval. And neither Erick nor Kevin was aware of the problems that William had been facing.

  "I'd better find William," she said.

  "I've been talking with Erick about a horse for you," Kevin said. "We should have you something suitable in a day or two."

  "Suzy is perfect for me," Mary assured him. "We get on fine."

  "But in a few weeks, you'll want to go out with William and you'll need something with a bit more spunk."

  "Please, don't bother yourselves about me."

  "It isn't a bother," Erick assured her. "We'll find a lovely animal for you. Something reliable yet with some pluck."

  "Thank you." Mary hurried out of the room, hoping that her dismay wasn't too obvious. She checked her watch and discovered that it was time for dinner. Passing the dining room once more, she saw that it was empty, though the table was glowing with candles and the china and crystal were in place.

  "William!" She called his name as she ran up the stairs to the second level. She passed her own bedroom door, hurrying as she raced to the end of the corridor where the master bedroom was located. Only five weeks before he'd laughingly teased her about what he wanted to do to her inside that room.

  The memory was like a knife wound as she knocked on the door. When there was no answer, she knocked harder. "William!" Still no answer.

  The doorknob turned in her hand and she stepped through the doorway. It was a beautiful room, with banks of windows on the south and east sides. It was a perfect place to wake up in when the dawn was just breaking.

  She saw the room was empty, as was the dressing room and the bath. "William?" Where could he have gone? She stepped forward, almost tripping on something on the floor. She bent to pick it up, her fingers burying deep in the thick pile of the fur. As she held it up in the lamplight, she recognized it as the type of clothing a warlord would wear— the garment Sophie had described— a fur to be cast over one shoulder to protect the arm that held the sword.

  Chapter Four

  Mary tightened the girth on Suzy and checked the bridle once more to make sure the cavasan wasn't too tight. "If it were left up to the two of us, neither would go on this ride," she whispered to the old mare as she straightened her forelock. With a nervous glance, she looked for the hundredth time to the open door of the barn. Chancey was late.

  "Would you like for me to come along?" Kevin asked. His gaze roved over snaps and buckles, making sure that everything was in order.

  "Do I look that nervous?" It was a stupid question. Her hands were trembling visibly.

  "Aye, you do." Kevin grinned. "Just don't let Chancey bully you into more than you feel you can manage. Stick to the trot and the walk. Tell her you aren't secure at a canter, yet. In another week, you will be."

  "I hope." She gave Kevin a smile. He was trying hard.

  "Erick will make certain that he finds a very nice mare for you."

  "I like Suzy." Mary could hear the stubbornness in her own voice, and she didn't care. She didn't want a young horse. She liked Suzy, who was slow, reliable, and had plenty of experience.

  There was the sound of a commotion outside the barn, and Mary felt a twinge of nerves as she recognized Chancey's voice, along with William's and Erick's. She and William had not really talked since she'd asked him about the article of clothing she'd found on the floor of his room— and he'd denied knowing anything about it. And when they went back to check on it, it was gone. Vanished! As if it had never been there.

  Was Mayfair haunted? A ghost could walk in and out of a room, leaving things at will. What other explanation was there?

  "She's a real beauty." Chancey's voice traveled clearly into the barn, shattering Mary's thoughts. "Mary is going to love her."

  "William thought of the new saddle and bridle," Erick said. "I got her for a real bargain. She was in a pasture, and no one was riding her. She'll be perfect for Mary. Not as big as some of our finest horses, but big enough for your petite bride-to-be."

  "She's classy," William added. He raised his voice and called for Mary to join them.

  Mary hesitated, knowing that she was going to ruin the entire surprise
by her reaction. She felt Kevin's hand on hers as he gently took over Suzy's reins. "Go on out there and show your delight," he advised. "I know you're afraid, but don't show it. For William's sake, don't show your fear in front of Chancey. It'll be all over Kelso in a matter of hours."

  "I am afraid."

  "Bah! Stiffen your spine, girl." Kevin's voice was adamant. Even though he was only a year or two older than Mary, he spoke with authority. "You're going to be Lady MacEachern. Slaytor MacEachern was the horse lord for the Clan MacDonald. This is not the time for you to show a jellied backbone, if you'll forgive me for saying so. If you can't fill the shoes, you'd best consider other alternatives."

  Mary took no offense at Kevin's words. His tone was kind, and she knew he was trying to help. "You're right." She released Suzy's reins and squared her shoulders. When she walked out into the stable yard, she was smiling.

  "Your first wedding present," William said as he led the blood bay mare over to her. "Her name's Shalimar. She's an Anglo-Arab."

  "William, she's beautiful." Mary wasn't lying. The horse was exquisite. Her intelligent brown eyes watched Mary, and her nostrils flared as she took in the smells of her new home.

  "She's well trained. Erick made certain of that."

  "Indeed she is," Erick said, stepping forward. "She's been out in pasture, but she'll settle right back to work. She just needs to be ridden."

  Mary stroked the mare's sleek neck. "Maybe it would be better if Kevin rode her for a few weeks. I wouldn't want to mess up her training— "

  "Nonsense," William interjected. "She's your horse, Mary. You said you wanted to ride and now you can. Anytime and anywhere you want."

  "And I think we have a ride planned," Chancey said, glancing pointedly at her wristwatch. "We should leave now so we have plenty of time to see the area. I've made some scheduled stops for us. People you'll want Mary to meet and know." She looked at William, and for a moment her longing was apparent.

  "You're a jewel, Chancey." William leaned over and kissed her cheek. "You've always been my friend."