There was only one way to find out.
Pushing back the covers, Devin swung her feet over the edge of the bed and made to stand. Her upward motion caused the room to dip and sway before her. Slowly, clutching first at the bedcovers, then furniture, Devin moved from the bed and toward the coat rack.
She thrust her hand in the inside pocket of her coat and withdrew the package. The smell of peat immediately filled the room, invading Devin’s senses and causing her stomach to lurch.
Devin headed back to bed, holding the packet at arm’s length to fend off the smell. Eager to get back into the warmth it offered her cold body, and the hot water bottle she found nestled against her toes upon awaking earlier.
Tucking the covers tightly about her legs and upper body, Devin looked down at the material wrapped square.
What could this be? Possibly a record book of sorts for the peat delivery? It didn’t make sense. Something like that would have been kept in the kitchen, for easy access to record and make notes on fuel consumption. That was if they even kept records for such a thing.
Whatever it was looked as though it had been there a long time from the tattered wrapping and the horrendous combined smell of peat and mildew that emanated from it.
Slowly, Devin peeled back the material from the square, carefully, so as to preserve what was left of the coverings. Little by little, she peeled back the material revealing a time-worn leather book. The book smelled slightly less offensive, she noted thankfully. She didn’t know how much more of the peat smell she could take.
With the wrappings now laying in a tidy pile on her night stand, Devin turned the book over in her hands. A single piece of faded blue velvet held the cover shut.
“Oh, how beautiful,” Devin remarked.
Soft, creamy off-white leather, though cracked and faded with time, the journal maintained an aura of old world elegance. Hand-tooled, intricate designs graced the front cover.
Sliding her fingers across the cover, Devin felt the raised letters almost immediately. Slowly, she held the book closer to the bedside lamp and studied it. Gradually she could make out the initials embossed on the front.
E. M.
Elsbeth.
Lady Elsbeth Morehead.
The name popped into her head the second she read the lettering. Could it really have belonged to Lady Elsbeth Morehead, Kyle’s betrothed?
Her shivering increased as she beheld the journal before her—a journal from hundreds of years ago. Reverently, Devin untied the piece of velvet and opened the cover. The leather made a few creaking sounds, shifting after centuries of non-use.
Her fingers trembled as she paused, unsure of whether she should turn the page or not. Curiosity got the best of her and Devin opened the cover to a watermarked parchment-like sheet, tattered with age. The inscription contained within read...
January 1, 1602
“To my bride to be. May these blank pages soon fill with the wisdom of your words. Always, Kyle.”
Devin’s hands shook as she stared down at the words written in a large, mannish script. Kyle had given Lady Elsbeth the journal, before they were to be wed.
Devin slowly turned the page, reading the words printed there…
February 1, 1602
“Dear Diary, isn’t this journal delightful? Lord Kyle has given it to me. To keep my thoughts, wishes and prayers for all eternity. You will be my closest companion in the ensuing months, as I make the transition from maiden to wife. The wife of Lord Kyle MacLay, the man I have been betrothed to since the cradle. I know virtually nothing of the man with whom I am to marry, but it does not matter for I am told he is a good man, an honorable man, and so strong and powerful. Mother and Father made a very wise choice in selecting him.”
Elsbeth
“Oh, my.”
Devin quickly closed the book and laid it upon the bed. Lady Elsbeth’s journal. Devin stared at it before once more picking it up. Taking a deep breath, she opened the cover and turned to the next entry. The words were printed, in a tiny flowing hand. Devin squinted to make out some of them. Time and water had smeared the edges of the papers, yet most of the text could be easily read.
March 13, 1602
Dearest Diary, I apologize for my lengthy absence. Horrid news has come upon us. Mother and Father were set upon by looters as they made their annual sojourn to Glasgow. Alas, the struggle was fierce but in the end they were taken home to their maker in Heaven.
Oh, Diary, what will I do? It is terrible. Aunt Cecelia cries all night long. She thinks I do not hear her for she puts on a brave face during the day. I too, shed tears of sadness into my pillow in the eve, but never in public. I shall close now, my silent friend. Till the morrow,
Elsbeth
Devin felt the sting of tears at her own eyes as she reread the note. Elsbeth’s parents killed at the hands of robbers. How terrible cruel, even back then, to have suffered such a fate. What made it all the more sad was that it came at a time when Elsbeth should have been filled with joy at her upcoming nuptials.
Without hesitation, Devin turned to the next entry…
March 14, 1602
What am I to do? How shall I get through this? Why could it not have been me Diary, instead of my beloved parents? I know nothing of how to get through this tragic time.
The daylight hours are filled with my aimless wandering through the halls of Castle Greymore, hoping to hear Father’s voice as he tends to his calculations or Mother as she instructs the household staff in their daily duties.
At night, I lie awake in my chamber for hours, tears streaming down my cheeks as I pray this to be all a terrible, terrible nightmare that will end upon the morrow. But it is not to be, I fear. It is all too real.
Elsbeth
Devin’s heart caught in her throat. So young to be left without parents. She knew firsthand what it was like to lose a parent at a young age. It wasn’t something she wished on anyone. Life was cruel enough without adding death to the mixture. Thanks to her aunt and Rollie, she had come through things unscathed. Without their continuous love and support, she probably wouldn’t have made it through the first year after her father’s death, let alone when her mother died. The morning passed into afternoon as Devin continued to read, caught up in Elsbeth’s words.
March 16, 1602
Dearest Diary, Lord Kyle arrived today with his many guardsmen. They are here to protect the land in our time of need. He was closeted with Aunt Cecelia most of this afternoon in Father‘s study. I was not privy to their meeting. But within the last hour, I have been told of his plan to assist us. I must go dear friend. They are calling for me.
Elsbeth
Devin bit back a sob. Poor Elsbeth. The tragedy she’d suffered far surpassed Devin’s own misery at the moment. The heart wrenching words tore at her, even now centuries later. Though centuries separated them, Devin knew exactly how Elsbeth felt.
Curiosity forced her to read on, to continue delving into the tales left behind by Lady Elsbeth Morehead. Devin’s chattering teeth and chill-numbed fingers were forgotten in her eagerness to learn more.
March 22, 1602
Lord Kyle has asked Aunt Cecelia’s permission to become my guardian until the wedding. He will leave men here to protect our home and lands, and I will travel to Castle Loch Haven and stay until we are wed. This will provide security and sanctuary for me. Aunt Cecelia says she will stay here and oversee the lands, she does not wish to become an additional burden to Lord Kyle’s Castle. I do not wish to leave the only home I have known for all these years, but I will not disrespect Aunt Cecelia’s wishes.
Lord Kyle has gone over and above the call of duty with his offer. Aunt Cecelia tells me she has agreed to this as it is best for all parties concerned. She will make the journey for the wedding, under the protection of his men. Then with Lord Kyle’s blessing, she will return to Castle Greymore for the duration of her years.
Diary, I fear for her health. She is frail and the news of Mother and Father has add
ed more strain to her life. She will be alone here, with the servants and of course Lord Kyle’s men. I wish to stay on and assist, but know it is for the best that I do as they bid.
Till next time,
Elsbeth
Devin’s hand clenched around the diary, as she tried to imagine the horror Elsbeth had gone through, and the sadness that continued to dog her. The death of her parents, leaving the only home she had known, and coming here to Castle Loch Haven. It was as though each incident quickly followed the next, without giving the young girl time to recover between each event. Kyle had been so kind, asking her to move in until their wedding.
Their wedding.
The words made Devin’s stomach tighten. Her heart twisted. It wasn’t jealousy, she told herself. It was…it was….
What was it she felt?
It’s not like she was dwelling on his muscular body, or lean legs, she told herself. Nor on the way he filled out his breeches so snugly it made Devin want to run her hands over the material.
With a snort, she pulled herself from her musings. How long had it been since she last went out on a date?
Without having to really think about it, Devin knew the exact time, day and even year. Two years ago was the last time. She told herself it was her career that put her social life on hold, but it really wasn’t true. The men she dated just didn’t interest her.
So, instead, she was ogling a dead man’s backside. God, she was pathetic. How much lower could she get?
Setting the book on the bed next to her, Devin lay back against the pillows and contemplated what she had read.
Elsbeth’s diary. The story of Elsbeth’s life since coming to live at Castle Loch Haven. If she remembered her facts correctly, it wouldn’t be all that long after, that the wedding was to occur, and then the kidnapping of Elsbeth and the untimely demise of Kyle.
Was she pretty? Was Elsbeth a raven-haired beauty that no man could resist? Devin bit at her lip, contemplating the thought. Possibly she was tiny and petite with long flowing hair that men fought one another over, in their haste to escort her to a ball, or maybe, Elsbeth had suitors lined up a block deep, waiting to offer their hand in marriage.
Devin snorted. She was letting her thoughts get ahead of her. So far, the diary had made no reference to Elsbeth’s looks. Of course it wouldn’t, Devin decided. Women didn’t go around writing down how beautiful they were in their diaries. At least, the women that Devin knew didn’t do that.
If she were to read on, would it shed light on the growing relationship between Kyle and Elsbeth? Devin wasn’t sure she wanted to know. Just thinking about it made her stomach clench anew.
****
“Good morning, your Ladyship. How do you feel today?” Mrs. Goode entered the room, bearing a large serving tray before her. “I’ve brought breakfast up this morning, and here’s the mail from yesterday.” The older woman paused. “Though, I was positive there were more letters. Oh, well.” She shook her head and put the breakfast tray on the bed in front of Devin. “Perhaps it might be best if you stayed abed awhile longer.”
Thinking of the still somewhat stinky diary tucked securely under the covers beside her, Devin smiled at the housekeeper. “Actually, I feel a lot better, warmer too, finally. But you’re right. It might be a good idea if I stayed in bed today, just to be safe, of course.” She hated lying to the woman, but she did want to read more of Elsbeth’s diary. “But I am hungry.”
The loud rumbling of Devin’s stomach punctuated her sentence.
“Wonderful, wonderful. I’m so glad. Yesterday was terrible, just terrible. I’ve told the grounds crew to do whatever it takes to wall up the entrance to the cave. That place is too dangerous, now and before.”
“What do you mean, before?” Devin asked.
“The cave was used for peat storage as you are now aware, Lady Noone, but it was also used years ago as a spot for lovers to meet. Ah, yes, many a time when I was a child my grandmother would tell the tales of young lovers, sneaking away in the evening to spend time together alone.” Mrs. Goode sighed, as if she recalled the stories.
Devin smiled. “A secret lover’s lane of sorts, I guess. But what about the water? Didn’t it prohibit their meeting?”
“Ah, that’s the catch, your Ladyship. Most of the trysts were between the young female staff of the castle, and their paramours who would arrive by boat. Many a wee bairn came out of their meetings, many marriages as well, once the gal revealed she was with child.”
“Wow, that’s kind of neat in an odd sort of way.” Devin thought what a great article it would make. Castle Loch Haven used as a trysting point in the past.
“And by chance, would any of your family have resulted from these trysts, Mrs. Goode?” Devin asked with a grin. She could already envision a two-page spread with a glossy view of the castle in the background.
“Well, you see, I, we….”
The woman was actually blushing, Devin noticed.
“I am told that my great, great, great-grandmother met up with her husband this way. Their union produced fourteen wee ones.”
“Oh, my gosh, that’s so romantic.”
“Aye, it is, milady. Now enough of my blathering. Go on and eat your breakfast before it gets cold. There’s time for talking later.”
Devin took a sip of the tea, and then sat the cup back on the tray. “Mrs. Goode?”
“Yes, dear.” The housekeeper turned from the foot of the bed, the half-folded quilt on her arm.
“It’s none of my business, but what about you? Did you find true love under the castle, as well?”
The older woman sighed and shook her head. “No, lass. I’m afraid I’ve never had much luck in the romance department. Once, I thought I’d found love, but alas, it wasn’t meant to be.”
A dreamy look came across Mrs. Goode’s features. Devin waited, hoping the woman would continue her tale.
“It was wonderful, such a grand adventure for a time there. He was a local farmer, so strong and handsome. Ah, he could have any gal in the county and he chose me. But things were different back then, times were tough and we parted as friends in the end. I guess I’m more of the—what is it your Americans say? ‘Always a bridesmaid, never a bride.’”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s all right, milady. I’m very satisfied with the way my life has turned out. My wee nieces and nephews fill my free time and that suits me just fine.” Mrs. Goode laid the now neatly folded quilt across the foot of the bed and headed for the door.
Turning back, she added, “Besides, if I had a man to keep me company and warm my bed, I wouldn’t have been able to meet such fine people as Lord Roland and yourself, now would I?”
Devin watched the housekeeper pull the bedroom door shut behind her.
“Fine people, my butt. First, I badger the poor woman relentlessly, threatening her with the sale of the castle in order to get her to tell me about Kyle, then I almost frighten her out of her wits with my own carelessness. Oh, I’m a fine example, all right.”
“I must say you look fine to me, milady.”
Devin uttered a startled gasp and made a wild grab for the delicate teacup at the sudden appearance of Lord MacLay.
“I thought we agreed you would give me some sort of warning before you popped in and out.”
“No,” he shook his head. “That was your request, Lady Noone. I never said yes or no,” Kyle finished with a roguish grin.
Boy, for a ghost he sure was a handsome one, Devin thought. His clothes looked clean and freshly pressed as though he had just put them on. His nearness still unnerved her, and now he was scant feet away.
A shiver of excitement shot through her as he moved closer, resting his hip against the footboard. For a ghost, he sure seemed real. Just like a living, breathing man from where she sat.
“So, what did you learn, lass? Anything that would help me end my journey here on Earth?”
Devin thought of the old journal tucked safely away under the bed pillow besi
de her. “Nothing that would help, I’m afraid. Nothing at all.”
It was the truth, she told herself. So far, she’d found nothing that would assist him in passing on. Okay, so it was a little white lie. Devin had found the journal and soon she would tell him about it. But not just yet, not until she’d read more and possibly learned something that would help.
She watched as Kyle stopped pacing abruptly to stare at her. His penetrating look rocked her clear to her toes, warming every inch of her body with a single glance.
“I never should have let you search alone. It was my fault you found yourself in such a dire predicament. It will never happen again, your ladyship. I am truly sorry.”
“Lord MacLay, what happened yesterday was no one’s fault but my own. I shouldn’t have gone into the cave without some prior knowledge of its interior. I know better. I’ve written tons of articles telling readers what to do in situations such as this one. But I panicked and forgot my own advice. You are not to blame.” Devin stated firmly.
“No, milady, you were searching for answers to aid me. It was my fault. You could have been maimed or killed.”
“Listen here; this wasn’t some diabolical plot to take over the world by having me die in the cave. It was an accident, plain and simple. A stupid one, but still, just that. You don’t have to go about like some old-world James Bond, trying to annihilate anything that gets in your way.”
“James Bond, is he some American countryman of yours? I have not heard the name before.”
Devin shoved her hand through her hair and groaned. “No, he’s British, but forget I said anything. Just know this, I’m fine and I plan to stay that way.”
Kyle reached out and took hold of her hand, his touch inciting a riot of shock waves coursing through Devin’s body. Her skin tingled within his warm embrace.
“Your ladyship, from this moment on, I vow to protect you with my life for as long as I am here on this Earth. No harm shall come to you under my protection.” Emphasizing his point, he executed a low bow over her hand.
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