Ghost Mansion

I was unable to write to Cathy. The following morning lessons began. Susanna was an apt student. I admired her curiosity and her thirst for learning. Yet the thoughts of Dolche had disturbed my sleep all night. She wasn't under my care why then would she bring me great difficulty so much so that I would leave the house. Or a mishap perhaps. I explored the gallery. It went as far back as the ancestor who built Markham. The walls were empty and the current Markham's were yet to get their drawing. Though I did notice a mean streak in Thomas father's father, the lovely features of the grandmother and a lovely set of jewellery that sparkled diamond on Thomas mother. By mid-morning I wasnt stunned when a letter came in, I was eager to hear about the Holt's and how Cathy was faring. I felt deflated when I recalled I hadn't written mine and Cathy would be eager to read my letter soon. How forgetful of Amelia to not tell me that letters dressed to Markham were always fetched by the stable boy, Peter. A charming fellow he was and I thanked him for not probing in my affairs. I was sure I would have answered a few questions before Mr Will obligingly handed me the letter. I hurried to my room and sat in my chair practically ripping the letter apart.

Dear Vicky, it read

What has slowed you from writing are they not treating you well? Shall we still meet on Saturday as we agreed? I've been told there's an inn opposite the church and not further from it a charming patisserie. Of course you know I have a sweet tooth and the patisserie we must explore. We shall enjoy exploring town, shall we not? If they don't give you permission I promise you I'll make my way there and demand of it. Do hurry and confirm your presence. I have so much to tell you about the Holt's. It is just my luck it's a castle built in the mid eleventh century. It's a quaint castle and how I long you were here to share in my whimsy. It's attractive yet forbidding. It holds volumes of secrets and I daresay it will be my luck if I stumbled on two. The castle has enchanted me so. I cannot begin to elaborate it all, you must come that I may elaborate it you step by step. That you may walk on this flagged stones as I am, marvel at the architecture, shudder at the mention of its dungeons. You would never guess it Vicky, there just happens to be a maze. It's fascinating. I'm one step away from figuring my way in the charming little castle built in between. As for my pupil, you may ask well his a quiet fellow. His name is Max Holt. Not talkative and hard to impress. I've hardly seen him smile but an intelligent fellow. Imagine my embarrassment when he corrected my math to think I'm the governess. The Holt's well I shall explain them to you when we meet at well. Oh Vicky, write to me soon. I'm eager to hear from you.

Your charming friend,

Catherine.

I felt awed I knew it must be a most fascinating castle. I could read enthusiasm oozing from her every letter. I felt deprived of such a luxury to be in an ancient castle. Yet again, it seemed we ended up in places that spoke volumes of our character. I in a modern house nothing more than indifference as a cause of wonder. All the same it was civil, well until Dolche would make her appearance. I had a feeling things weren't run in the gentle manner they were when she was present. Cathy had ended up in a castle with fascinations. As she was always one for adventure, it suit her admirably. My only worry was her lack of tact in the governess field. To have a pupil correct you is a grave manner. But he was a quiet fellow, she had said and I was filled with a curiosity to know the Holt's. Helena wouldn't mind if the governess went missing for a year as long as she was catered for so I hurried to Mr Thomas. He would care. I knocked the library door and was relieved to find him there.

Ah, miss Vernon. What do I owe this pleasure you've graciously bestowed on me by your presence?"

I flushed slightly. "I wish to ask for your permission to have an off day on Saturday's. I would like to go to town and meet my friend. "

He raised his brow inquisitively.

A gentleman?

I didn't feel the need to tell him who but I parted with the information anyway.

No a lady friend of mine by the name Cathy. She's practically a sister to me. We came together and each went to her post. We only have the weekends to catch up. "

Oh? Then by all means go and meet her every weekend. I have given you an off both Saturday and Sunday's. "

Do I have permission to borrow one of the horses?

"Yes most certainly.

I said my thank you and couldn't help but notice the glint in his eyes. I wrote to Cathy immediately after. The manner I wrote it, Markham's place seemed indeed boring. I sealed it with a candlewax and hoped Peter would post it for me. The curiosity about the castle and Holt's was undeniably strong, I wondered of what importance they were. It was my luck Peter was returning with the letters needed to mail and I handed mine. I went to the stables and found Jeremy, one of the stable boys grooming one of the horses. I introduced myself and it wasn't strange that he already knew me. He showed me a black mare and I was drawn to it. I got some sugar and fed it, stroking it gently as I spoke to it. Cathy and I were great horsewomen. It was always one or the other in the races. It was thanks to Mr Carr being the vicar of town and the privileged families feeling they owed him a favor or two that we took advantage of the riding lessons offered. Cathy was mostly despised by the girls for her beauty and I for associating with her. It tripled when our talents shone. Cathy however told me that it was never our association that made me a target for their hatred it was my charm.

"My prim Vicky. You have no idea have you? How the boys beg for your attention. You're pretty and there's something about you that draws men in. But they're afraid to court you seeing the veil you've religiously put on. "

I thought she was insane for it was she who visibly had beauty and charm, I was merely stuck in her shadow. The mare's name was Cecily. We had formed an almost immediate bond. As I was free until four, I rode her round the place. She was vibrant and had I not tamed her she would have began to gallop away. She was eager to show off her brilliance. Had I been an amateur, I would have began to fret and horses being so sensitive would have sensed my mood and break into a canter. I was reminded five years back Genevieve, daughter of the distinguished Bastille's back at rowl wanted to prove she was much better than Cathy. All in the name of wanting attention of Simon, a fellow who was entranced with Cathy's beauty and Genevieve wanted him by any means possible. She got on Titus, a lovely stallion he was but a feisty creature all the same. Cathy and I had managed to break him. He was proud and resistant of anyone else who tried to subdue him. Genevieve got on him one night determined to show her worth to Simon. We woke up to the shrills of the night for Titus galloped and poor Genevieve having no whatsoever control of him was led to her death. Her neck broke and she was found an hour or two after leaving the house. We never saw Titus again for he rode to freedom and never came back. It was a sad affair and being nothing but a speck in society we were banned from joining in the races and none of the folks lent their horses anymore. It wasnt Simon or Cathy's nor mine but we paid for it. Cathy being such a sly creature would ride the horses at night and join the races disguised. I joined her escapades for I couldn't be torn away from horses. Cathy would say to me, I shall enjoy this moments that you've lost your primitive manners.

I felt elated after riding Cecily for riding always did that to me and hurried to freshen up before lunch. Take a walk round before evening classes began.

I dreamt of Edward Compton that night or rather I dream of myself waiting for him. My heart was pulsating. But the merriness drifted as fear gripped me as I came face to face with a shadow. I hadn't fathomed how the scene had changed from me standing holding the rails waiting for Edward. To I sitting and a shadow been cast over me and I looked up to see who it was only to be met a silhouette. I couldn't place who's it was. I got up immediately. Scared out of my wits when I noticed the door close. Someone was here. There wasn't a perfume in the air that I could trace who it was. It was still after awhile. I hurried to my door and closed it. I shared my predicament with Mrs Buttercup the following day. I was done with the lessons. Susanna had put up a wall between us and I wondered if it was her defense mechanism kicking in. I made an attempt to be cordial to her loose the formality but she remained rigid. I was her governess and nothing more. I went to Mrs Buttercup figuring that perhaps she had a strategy I could use to get past the shield of Susanna. Secondly it was likely she may have an answer to whom was in my room. She made a cup of tea for us to eat with the cakes. I added the cream and sugar. I didn't like my tea weak or strong. I noticed she put a few drops of whisky in hers after I swore to not spread word and asked me if I wanted some but I declined.

"I just like the taste when there's some whisky. You understand, dont you? "

I said I do for everyone has their preferences.

"You didn't come to talk about the tea did you?

"No. It's about Susanna. "

I got her full attention.

"Go on.

Shes quite impenetrable. I have tried to be a friend but she makes it clear, she sees me nothing more than her governess. The only day I saw her gay was when she came to see who I was. After that never. "

I noticed her relief.

"I thought it was something terrible. Oh miss you must be patient. It's not easy and it won't be easy. You can't assume you'll be the best of buds. Susanna is guarded that I know. Indifferent parents and a wicked sister, surely you know the child will shelve her emotions. Lock them in a cupboard and throw away the keys. If anyone new came along, it's clear she won't be as open. Patience miss and she might warm up to you. "

I wondered what her wicked sister had done to delicate Susanna.

Mrs Buttercup something happened last night in my room.

"What would that be?

"I was asleep and I had a most foul nightmare. When I woke up I noticed the door been shut. Someone was in my room. Have you any thoughts on the matter. "

I noticed a look of distaste.

Miss Vernon, do yourself a deal of good and never forget to lock your door before you sleep. Never. "

It was said with such earnest I longed to know why. But she wouldn't say anything other than I should never forget to close my door.

Say Mrs buttercup have you ever had of a family by the name Compton in Winston.

It seemed a grand opportunity to ask, for what better time could there be. She flinched in deep thought.

I don't think I have miss. I maybe cooped up here with Susanna but I know every family there is. We've had enough balls and hosted the most prestigious in this very household. I can name some of them for you. "

Please do.

It may have been unnecessary as she had clearly said there were no Comptons. But I felt the need to hear all the same for probably it could clue me in.

"I know of the Blanches, Cullen's, Dodd's, Ashberry's, the Claude's and the Holt's. The Holt's are the nearest neighbours by six miles you know. "

It wasn't much, but I would relish in telling Cathy that our ties weren't severed as our masters knew of each other. She would say it's most natural as every aristocrat would want to know who their rival is. I finished my tea and cakes, excused myself. I wish I wasn't as excited for I would have written to Cathy about this and the happenings of the night. The week went by and it was quite dull. Susanna was determined to remain remote and there wasnt much to keep me entertained. I wasn't summoned to dine with the Markham's and I was relieved for I would eat in the comfort of my room. I did see Ursula once or twice she had a haggard look. Dealing with Helena was quite a task. Saturday arrived and I was more than satisfied to get away. I wore my velvet riding habit for Cathy had a liking for it and she would give me easy time if she saw me with it. For if I wore my grey one which she always thought was drab, she would go on and on about my attire when I was eager to hear the tales of the Holt's. The others horses were on the field. Dressage miss, " Peter confided. He let me on that there was a race on the sixth month of the year and Mr Thomas insisted on early training. If I were young again, secure in Uncle Carr's house with little else to worry about I should have joined to enjoy the thrill of the race. But that was wishful thinking. I saddled Cecily and with Jeremy with me we made our way to the town. I took note of the buildings. Jeremy would accompany me to town and I had assured him once he showed me the way I would return with ease. One or two people stopped to look at us. It was interesting to us how I had risen curiosity. But doesnt every new comer do so? The church came into view. It was still a tremendous sight. I was sure Cathy was eager to explore it for our church had been nothing out of the ordinary. Jeremy bade me farewell as he went to fetch supplies he had been sent. I found the patisserie and found a spot where I could tie Cecily and watch her carefully. I hoped Cathy was already present. And she was. It was a miracle she was. She had a habit of arriving fashionably late. We greeted each other warmly it was though we hadn't seen each other in years.

"Care for some crème de menthe.

"Oh Cathy it's been less than a week and you're already exploring the meals and drinks.

"But I must. It's Winston Vicky. People here are liberate but follow tradition in their own sort. But liberal all the same. What of a tankard of ale?"

"I would like some pie first.

"We ordered for tarts.

They were delightful.

"Tell me Vicky, are they as a bore as you wrote in your letter.

"I didn't mean for it to sound as so. But I feel so. "

She smiled, "I think Winston will bring out your wild nature. Look at how you arrived here. Engaged in a romance and now looking for the lost prince. I knew you had it in you. The wild Vicky. "

"I wouldn't get such ideas in my mind Cathy.

"But it is apparent is it not. Can you smell the tea? "

"Yes, what sort is that?

"Well I shouldn't have been surprised they sell it here. It must cost a fortune. It's pekoe. High grade black tea. Mr Holt is an addict to it. I must confess that it is something. "

"How much of it did you steal?

"Oh Vicky enough for just one cup I swear. I just had to. "

"Careful Cathy. Youre stealing and the child is already finding fault with your tuition. "

"Oh come on Vicky. I've made sure to be extra vigilant and he hasn't found another fault in my math. You and I know i posses great intellect. "

But you have misused it many a times.

"Can you leave Miss Vernon at Markham's, I only need Vicky. Say Vicky, haven't the Markham's a name for their castle. "

No, there's no mystery to it. It's lucid as it is. An unfeeling home. Indifferent parents, one nuisance and a gentle Susanna. "

"Wrapped in that manner one does feel unaccomplished. The house is of a modern age you said. ?"

"Oh yes. Nothing but the flowers to cheer you and then jeer at you for having no mystery. The only puzzle was who came to my room a night after I wrote you the letter. I was dreaming of meeting Edward then the scene changed and I was sitting when a shadow was cast. I looked up to see a silhouette and when I woke up, the door was being locked. "

"Have you any suspicion.

"Not of yet. But I have a feeling things will be spiced up when Dolche arrives. "

"Ah the nuisance.

"Indeed.

"I should hope so. I'm afraid we've enjoyed mysteries back at the vicarage that you have suddenly been found with no mystery to solve. You should come to Flemstead castle. That's what the Holt's call their castle. "

"It already sounds intriguing.

"It is Vicky. I tell you i shall feel so desolate if I am to leave it. "

"Do you like it so or is it that people that leave there in? Or to be precise the men? "

It seemed she hadn't understood the implication.

"Its not the men or the people. It's the secrecy this castle holds. It entrances me. I should hate to depart, I think I'd rather die there. '

"Say no such thing Cathy.

"But it is true Vicky. I don't feel a sense of belonging I just feel I am to be there and accomplish a task. I don't understand it. It is built in a most significant manner. Two stoned wall, it's quite ancient one can see the numerous crevices. The Ivys have grown and some wilted. From what I gather the Holt's first build the wall for defence. They are an apprehensive lot for past the two stoned walls is a moat. I was mesmerised when I watched the drawbridge let down and the portcullis slide upwards. I felt I was in a dream world. I can not explain it but I felt exhilarated. I could see the Holt's in those times confirming the guests entering or the masters arrival. Watching out for the enemies that might be lingering about. It maybe too much defence but it's a worthy sight. "

I was absorbed I could see the walls and I felt a bit envious that Cathy should find it and not me. I stunned myself for I had never felt ill towards Cathy but it was clear to me that I had expected a castle handed down to generations. I felt robbed of a good adventure as I looked into Cathy's dreamy face.

"And the sight that immediately greets you is even more over awing. There flemstead lies in its most defiant manner with its grey stone. The main wing and upon nearing it the east and west wings are revealed with their octagonal towers with a flag on each. The Holt's have a family flag nothing much of color but an animal. It's the jaguar a black jaguar to be particular. A magnificent creature don't you think. "

"It all sounds ethereal Cathy. I must confess I wish I were in you're place. "

"You need not worry Vicky I'll find a way for you to visit. You'll be enticed as I am. You'll feel as strongly as I that only death can make you part with the castle. "

"I shouldn't think so. It's a castle. Forget not Cathy that you are a mere governess. "

Away with you and pouring cold water. But you must see it oh you must. Did you know it's also known as ghost castle. It was so called by the servants for thy believe at night the ancestors come to life and tell tales of their past. "

"I would say they are a fancy lot. "

"you wouldn't say so for on the first night I could barely sleep. It was either I heard tapping sounds or footsteps or horses' hooves. Believe me I even conjured a figure in my room until I noticed it was an owl on its way. "

"you have always had your fancies Cathy. "

An excitement had filled me nevertheless. I wished to see this ghost castle.