Unholy Nights: A Twisted Christmas Anthology (45 page)

She tossed and turned trying to sleep, but could not stop replaying the days events in her head. It was not unexpected when a loud boom captured her attention. The telltale scream followed. Elizabeth had stopped leaving her room for the nightly drama, but tonight she reveled in the opportunity to escape the confines of her room. She pulled on her dressing gown and slipped out into the hall. Another scream rang through the hall from Anne.

“It’s just me, it’s just me.” Elizabeth lifted her candle illuminating her face.

“Oh you,” Anne replied flatly. “I thought you did not believe in ghosts.”

“I don’t,” Elizabeth’s voice was curt and she didn’t care. “but I haven’t lost my hearing.”

Anne looked away, the irritation plain on her face, but quickly turned around again when footsteps approached from the main hall. She was once again the picture of a frightened maiden. Captain Wolfe, Edward and Mr. Oxley sauntered toward them. There was no rush. This had been going on for nearly a fortnight now with little consequences other than some broken household items.

“Ladies,” Sebastian smiled. “I trust you are all well?”

“I think we have the source of the problem.” Edward held up a shard of glass. “One of the windows in the front hall. Wretched time of year for it.”

“I am sure I saw the ghost who must be responsible!” Anne held up the back of her hand to her forehead dramatically and began to wobble, ready for her main performance. 

Sebastian was quick this time. He gave Mr. Oxley an inconspicuous shove toward Anne, making it impossible for the man to do anything but catch her as she began to fall. The corners of Elizabeth’s mouth twitched as she watched. It was very well done and she could see he was pleased with himself.

“Sorry Oxley,” Sebastian looked apologetic. “Blasted candle almost burned me.”

Mr. Oxley looked almost as shocked as Anne, who recovered very quickly from her spell. “It’s nothing, nothing.” He turned to Anne, “I trust you are well Miss Easterly?”

“Yes, of course.” Anne replied brusquely as she smoothed out her skirts, her cheeks a deep shade of pink. “I think my sister and I shall return to bed.”

Sebastian smiled, “I am glad you have recovered so quickly.”

Anne grabbed Mariah’s hand and jerked her back to their room, closing the door behind them with a thud. Poor Mr. Oxley still looked stunned and took a few steps back.

Sebastian touched her elbow, “Lady Elizabeth, may I have a word?”

“Good night,” Edward smiled and nodded to them before heading back down the hall with Mr. Oxley.

“You look beautiful,” he whispered in her ear. “I love you with your hair down.”

“It is quite inappropriate to say such a thing,” she said playfully, suddenly feeling conscious of her thin dressing gown. “Our ghost is not very exciting, is he?”

“What makes you think it’s a he?” he looked down the hall to make sure they were alone.

She put her hand on her hip, her voice skeptical. “Do you pretend to know the identity of our nightly visitor?”

“Miss Easterly.” He wrapped his arms around her tightly.

“Miss Easterly?” Elizabeth was genuinely shocked at the accusation.

“Miss Easterly has not been smashing about the house herself of course,” he said in a matter of fact tone. “She paid one of the housemaids to knock over a piece of furniture here or there and give the impression the house was haunted.”

She could not wrap her head around it. “But why?”

“Perhaps an opportunity to secure her future,” he frowned. “Their father has provided little for their dowries and they have no title to recommend themselves”

“I see.” She traced the line of his jaw with her finger. “And a prosperous sea Captain would make a good conquest?”

“Perhaps,” he smiled. “I shall not pretend to fully understand the motivations of ladies.”

She couldn’t believe such a trick was played out, almost since she’d arrived. “How long have you known?”

“Since the night after you tried to find the ghost yourself.” He slowly kissed her neck sending shivers down her back. “I had my suspicions and decided to follow her which led me to the maid.”

She tried hard to not lose her focus. “But why did you let it go on?”

He smiled mischievously. “I kept hoping I’d get to see you again in your dressing gown.”

She could not argue with that and had no interest in wasting any more of this moment discussing ghosts, real or fake. Elizabeth wrapped her arms around him and finally surrendered to his kiss.

CHAPTER 13

Elizabeth awoke to the sweet aroma of hot chocolate sitting on the table next to her bed. Lucy had been up early, and snuck in the room ready to start packing for their departure. She had the feeling that Lucy was ready to depart the confines of the manor and return home. If only she knew exactly where ‘home’ was. She’d gone back to her parents' home in the country following John’s death, but before that she’d kept her own home in London for a few short months. She and John had his family estate as well, but it never felt like her home. And with his passing it was most certainly not.

Her family would expect her to return to them of course, but it occurred to her that she had other options. The pain of loneliness she’d felt at Scarsbury had been difficult, but it had also given her strength she didn’t know she had. Perhaps it was time for a change. Before she contemplated tomorrow, however, she must face today.

They had come up with a simple plan to give Mary her moment under the tree. She could not help but smile as she thought of the Captain, his eyes sparkling and radiant as they had plotted away. Elizabeth climbed out of bed, walked over to the window and pulled aside the drapes. A heavy fog obscured the landscape, but it was sure to lift by mid-day. Everything seemed possible with Sebastian at her side.

Lucy helped her into a warm walking costume and she headed downstairs. She would have to endure most of the day in the company of the Easterly girls as the men were leaving after breakfast for town and they would not see them until they returned later in the day with the crowd. 

It was a scary proposition as Anne had detected the renewed friendship between Elizabeth and the Captain and was most displeased. Elizabeth almost felt sorry for the girl as Sebastian had somewhat encouraged her affection even if he was not aware of it. How could he be so unperceptive? 

When she walked in to the breakfast room she was met with the cold glare of Anne Easterly, erasing any tinge of guilt on her conscious. It was not as if she stole the Captain away from Anne like some sort of reticule left unattended at an assembly. Good mornings were exchanged and Elizabeth tried not to blush when Captain Wolfe gestured to the open seat next to himself. She knew Anne was aware of their renewed connection, but was it obvious to everyone else? Her heart was beating at the sight of him, but she tried to look indifferent. 

“Do you always sleep late Lady Elizabeth?” Anne’s voice was cutting. “It must be very tough for you to keep to our country hours.”

“Perhaps you forget I am a country girl myself Miss Easterly.” Elizabeth sat down next to Sebastian and smiled sweetly back at Anne. ”Do you always feel the need to comment on the hours others keep?”

“I do not ask out of my own curiosity,” Anne feigned surprise. “I just hope that dear Lady Allen is not slighted by your tardiness.”

“Fortunately Lady Elizabeth is a particular favorite of Lady Allen if I am any judge,” Sebastian interjected cheerfully. 

Anne’s face was red with anger, but she did not challenge her further. Mariah pushed the food around her plate with her fork, clearly uncomfortable with her sister’s display. Elizabeth felt sorry for her. The Easterly girls adjourned to the parlor as soon as they finished their food and she was left in solitude once again.

With nothing to entertain inside, Elizabeth decided to take a final stroll around the garden. After a week of hiding out in her room in low spirits she wanted to sing out her happiness. It was unbelievable how quickly things had changed. She could not wipe the smile from her face. The air stung her nose as she stepped out in to the cool air but it felt good, so alive. 

“Lady Elizabeth.” A voice called out behind her. She turned around to find Mary slipping through the front door.

“Mary.” Elizabeth turned, smiling warmly. She was so relieved there was finally a plan in place to help the girl. She was beginning to doubt she could pull something off before she had the Captain’s help. “How are you today?”

“I cannot believe I will see my Tom tonight. My heart is bursting. How shall I ever repay you?” Her clear blue eyes were so earnest.

Elizabeth grasped her hand and gave her a knowing look. “I think you’ve already repaid me Mary.  It is I who must thank you.”

She looked down, her expression slightly mischievous. “Oh, that was nothing.”

“It was everything.” Elizabeth said softly. “And you shall have your opportunity tonight. I promise you.”

Mary beamed at her. “I best go now. Thank you for everything.”

Elizabeth nodded and released her hand. “Until tonight Mary—Until tonight.”

Mary disappeared back into the house and Elizabeth turned toward the garden and began to walk slowly. She was glad Mary had caught her leaving just now. For some reason, she felt like she might not have a chance to speak with her again. She could not help but wonder if she would leave the estate as soon as she had her goodbye in the orchard. Seeing Mary so happy had warmed her heart and she could not wait to tell the Captain. Somehow this Christmas that began with such low expectations was turning out to be not so bad after all. 

CHAPTER 14

Elizabeth heard the clock ring out five loud chimes and walked over to the window. Her stomach was in knots as she peered out into the darkness, wishing she could see down the drive. They had estimated the crowd would arrive at Scarsbury near half past five and their diversion should already be in place.

Mariah came running in, her eyes bright with excitement and nearly tripped over the tea table. “It’s time, it’s time! They shall be here any moment and we’ve got to go meet them before we miss our chance.”

Elizabeth nodded and followed her out in the entry way. The men had promised to come up to the house on horseback to escort them down to the big tree, but she knew it wouldn’t happen exactly like that. She could see her breath as they stepped out into the cold evening air. The faint sound of gunshots rang out in the distance. They would not be far off now.

A short time passed and she could finally see three figures approaching the house. Edward and Captain Wolfe rode side by side with Mr. Oxley a few paces behind. Elizabeth could now hear the faint sounds of singing and the occasional shouting, but it did not seem to be getting closer. She felt sick with worry.  Had the plan worked?

Edward jumped down from his horse first. “Ladies, we have a slight change of plans.”

Anne’s brow pinched with concern. “Are we not to join the crowd?”

“Of course we shall—not to worry.” He patted her hand as though she were a small child that might burst into tears over a minor disappointment. “But the route we plotted yesterday is impossible. Someone opened the gate to the pasture and an entire herd of sheep has taken up residence upon the road. It is impossible to move the wagons with the Wassail through so we’re just going to have to sing our songs at the far end of the orchard.”

Elizabeth’s heart raced at the news. The plan worked. Mary would get to keep her meeting.

“But what of tradition?” Anne looked in the direction of the big old apple.

“It is a new tradition in the making Miss Easterly,” Sebastian said in a serious voice as he walked up to join them. “Will it not be exciting to be part of it?”

Anne frowned for a moment, but quickly a smile spread across her face. “I shall need a lift up into the new tree like the Wassail Queen. I am determined to leave my mark on this new tradition.”

“We shall be happy to oblige.” Mr. Oxley stepped forward, staggering slightly and held out his arm to Anne. 

Elizabeth was not sure it was a good idea for Mr. Oxley to lift anyone into a tree, but there was no point to worry about it now. He had clearly been partaking in the Wassail and looked to be completely foxed.  Anne didn’t seem too worried and took his arm with a smile. Edward offered to walk with Miss Mariah and Elizabeth was left standing next to the Captain.

“Shall we?” He lowered his voice, “I believe our plan is off without a hitch. Those beasts did a better job blocking the road than even I could have imagined. It could be easily circumvented on horseback or foot of course, but that crowd has no desire to part from their cider, even for traditions sake.”

“You have been brilliant.” She looked up into his eyes. “You have given Mary the chance to be free.  I hope she is able to move on after tonight. It is so awful to think of her languishing here for another year surrounded by reminders of her lost love.”

He squeezed her arm. “Yes, we can only hope it will set her free.”

“I wonder,” she slowed, “would it be so terrible if we tried to get a glimpse of her? It would just make me so happy to see her fulfill her dream to see her Tom again.”

“I am sure it would be alright. Let’s make a quick stop by the garden where we can spy the old tree and we’ll be back to join the rest of the party before we are missed.”

They lingered a moment to let the others walk ahead, turning only when they were sure not to be noticed. Elizabeth held up her skirts and they dashed through the darkness to the edge of the garden. It looked different in the moonlight—almost haunted. Elizabeth tightened her grip on the Captain as they walked through the tall hedge. 

As soon as they were through the opening they saw a glimmer of light near the huge old tree. She ducked down behind a stone bench and pulled Sebastian with her. She held up a finger in front of her lips and strained to see into the darkness. A small lantern was hanging from a low branch on the tree, flickering in the breeze. Elizabeth could not see anyone at first, but after a few minutes she came into view. 

Mary looked beautiful, her pale blonde hair cascading over the shoulders of her ivory muslin. A thin shawl was draped over her arms, leaving her slim arms exposed to the cool air. She must be freezing. Her eyes were locked straight ahead into the darkness as if she was looking at something, at someone.  Perhaps she did find her Tom under the tree. Elizabeth suddenly felt uncomfortable to be witnessing such a moment. She knew how difficult it could be to say goodbye.