Shadows of the Past: A Supernatural Suspense Mystery (Shadow Slayers Stories Book 1)

by Nellie H. Steele

  “Childish behavior?” Theodore asked.

  “Yes. The Duke has proposed marriage to her and she, in her infinite wisdom, has refused him and now continues to act as a child, feigning illness and refusing to come to dinner. It’s an embarrassment, Teddy, we will be considered socially inept.”

  “Has he? And you have said no? May I know your reasoning?” he asked Celine.

  “No,” she said, crossing her arms.

  “I must insist,” Theodore said.

  Celine remained silent. “Celine, while your father is away, you are under our care. Now, I must insist that you give me your reasoning for what I consider to be a very foolish decision.”

  Celeste answered for her. “She was blubbering earlier about him being rough with her and about love. Have you ever heard a more ridiculous reason for marriage?”

  “Celine, I will speak plainly to you. As your brother-in-law, I care for you. I want to see you succeed and settle into a good marriage. This is a good match offering you a good position and incredible wealth, love will come later. I would be remiss in my duties as your guardian if I did not stop you from making a grave error.”

  “I will not marry him.”

  “You are being impossible,” Celeste said, her face growing red with frustration.

  “Can you give me a reason you cannot marry him?” Theodore asked her. She did not answer. “Perhaps another man? Perhaps Mr. Carlyle? Is there an understanding between you?”

  Celine considered the question. Lying would provide the easiest solution. However, she did not want to thrust that position on Michael. It would be unfair to him, particularly if the Duke challenged him for her hand. “No, there is no understanding.”

  “Well, then there is no obstacle preventing you from accepting the Duke. I must insist that you dress at once and find your way to dinner. I also urge you in the strongest possible terms to reconsider and accept the offer, assuming it still stands with the utmost haste,” Theodore said.

  “Perhaps it does not. And would you wish me limp in my chair, having fainted away from illness at the dinner table?”

  “It wouldn’t hurt, perhaps Duke Northcott will take pity on you and forgive your error in judgment,” Celeste said.

  “Either way, Celine, I must insist that you dress and attend dinner and I encourage you to make an opportunity to speak with the Duke in private following dinner. Even if you are still wavering on an answer, tell him you were too hasty and are considering his offer,” Theodore said.

  “Yes, ill or not, it’s time you grow up, Celine, you can’t claim illness and hide yourself away at every turn. You are soon to be a married woman if all goes well and you will need to learn to manage your moods and be a gracious hostess and dependable wife,” Celeste advised. “Now, come,” she said, calming her voice, “I shall help you ready yourself. Perhaps the rose dress, it brings out the pink in your skin, it will make you look quite becoming for Duke Northcott.”

  “Why must I? Have I no rights to my own opinion? No ability to make my own life?”

  “Celine! My patience is wearing thin,” Theodore said with a clenched jaw. “Must I resort to threats to encourage appropriate behavior? Perhaps the Carlyles create too much of a distraction. You spend a great deal of time with them. Perhaps I need to ask them to leave at once, maybe this will allow your mind to focus.”

  “No. You mustn’t,” Celine begged.

  “I must if I consider it in the best interest to those in this household,” Theodore threatened. “There’s a good girl,” Theodore said to Celine as she plopped herself in front of her dressing table.

  Theodore exited the room, rejoining the men downstairs.

  “I hope there isn’t a problem?” Duke Northcott inquired as he entered the room.

  “No,” he assured him with a smile, “just a little indecision over which dress is most becoming for the evening.”

  “Ah, I can’t imagine either woman in an unbecoming ensemble,” Duke Northcott said.

  “Well, you know women, everything has to be just right, particularly when the evening is important,” he hinted. “The poor girl has herself in quite the tizzy over it. Luckily my beautiful Celeste is an expert in such matters and should have everything smoothed over soon.”

  The two women entered the room within a few moments. True to his word, Celeste had Celine pulled together smartly in a rose gown and bejeweled hair barrettes. “My deepest apologies,” she said to everyone.

  “There is no need to apologize, Mrs. VanWoodsen,” Duke Northcott said, approaching Celine, “you were both worth the wait.” He kissed Celine’s hand.

  “How kind of you, Duke Northcott. What an understanding man you are,” she answered, shooting Celine a glance.

  “Careful, my dear, I may become jealous,” Theodore said, laughing. “Shall we? I believe Cook may become impatient with us.”

  They entered the dining room. Polite dinner conversation was made, as usual, before the ladies went through to the sitting room to play cards while the men enjoyed a final drink and a cigar. Before joining the ladies, Duke Northcott asked if he could speak with Theodore, sending Michael and Damien to the sitting room ahead of them.

  “I assume you’ve heard by now that I offered marriage to Celine?” Duke Northcott asked once alone.

  “Yes, I did. I advised her, as did Celeste, that it is in her best interest to accept the offer. It is my understanding that she is considering it.”

  “She has declined my offer.”

  “A childish and impulsive reaction, I’m sure. The poor girl doubtless didn’t know what to say, you are quite an imposing man.”

  “Don’t patronize me, Theodore, I am not in the mood. Either way, we must proceed. I will not take any chances. Since she has not expressed interest on her own, we proceed as discussed previously. Is everything prepared?”

  “Yes. Although I think you may find that she may have come ‘round to the idea now.”

  “We shall see. What of the two Carlyle gentlemen? Have they been approached?”

  “No, but I plan to this evening.”

  “Good,” he said, turning to leave the dining room.

  Theodore and Duke Northcott joined the others in the sitting room. They found the four engaged in a game of cards.

  “Oh, Celine,” Theodore said, already sipping a brandy, “I’m sorry to delay you, I know you wanted to take a walk this evening.”

  Celine’s heart sank. She was hoping to avoid this, but Theodore would not allow her to get away without facing it. “Yes,” she said, reluctance filling her voice.

  “I could accompany you, I’d like to get some fresh air, too,” Michael said, standing.

  “Oh, Mr. Carlyle,” Theodore said, holding a hand up, “I was hoping to discuss a rather important matter with you and your brother.”

  Celine forced a weak smile. “Thank you, Mr. Carlyle, for your kind offer, but perhaps Duke Northcott would be kind enough to accompany me since you are unavailable.”

  “I would be only too happy to,” Duke Northcott said, nodding toward Celine.

  “You may want a shawl, sister dear, you wouldn’t want to catch a chill. If you come with me, I will fetch mine for you to borrow. Duke Northcott, if you would be so kind as to meet us in the foyer, I promise we will not be more than a moment.”

  “Of course, Mrs. VanWoodsen.”

  Celeste guided Celine from the room and up the stairs to her bedroom, retrieving a shawl and wrapping it around her sister’s shoulders. “Be charming, Celine. Apologize for being too hasty, beg his forgiveness, and accept him. If he should question you, tell him you were feeling ill and exercised poor judgment, but make him aware that it is only on the rarest of occasions you do this. Don’t be foolish, Celine. I shall look forward to a blushing announcement of engagement from you when you return.” Celeste fussed with her hair, pinched her cheeks to give them color, and pushed the bust line of her dress down just a tad. “There, I think that should do.” She turned her around, pushed her out
the door and down the stairs toward the waiting man.

  Celine felt as though she were being ushered to the gallows, every step another one closer to her doom. The words in the letter reverberated in her mind constantly, warning her not to trust Duke Northcott, Theodore or Celeste, urging her not to give in to him. If she didn’t, Theodore had threatened to remove her only two allies. Sometimes winning the war was more important than winning the battle. She plastered a smile across her face and approached him across the foyer.

  Smiling, he offered her his arm and she, feigning graciousness, accepted it. Celine glanced back at her sister who nodded to her as they made their way out the door.

  “Everything is so beautiful in the moonlight, wouldn’t you agree, Celine?” he said as they entered the garden.

  “Yes, it casts a romantic glow,” she said before taking a deep breath and beginning her performance. She stopped walking, turning to face the Duke. Her heart beat hard in her chest. She hoped he didn’t notice the sweat forming on her brow as her nervous instincts went to fever pitch. She glanced down at the ground then up to him. “Duke Northcott,” she began, then fluttered her eyelashes as she had seen her sister do so many times when charming a man, “Marcus.” She offered a small smile. “I must apologize for my behavior earlier and beg your forgiveness.” She paused, unsure if she could continue without choking on the words. “I haven’t been feeling well and I believe it has had an unintended effect on my judgment.”

  Duke Northcott tilted his head, considering her words. “Have you a different answer than you had earlier?”

  “Have you the same offer?” she asked demurely.

  “Yes, my offer remains unchanged.”

  “Then I should choose to accept it. Oh, please know that I am not always so imprudent in my decisions.”

  “I should hope not. I will need my wife to be a sensible woman. Let us consider the matter forgotten and begin our engagement with a fresh start, shall we?”

  “I would appreciate that very much. You are an understanding man, Marcus,” Celine said, choking back the bile creeping up into her throat.

  Duke Northcott leaned forward, sweeping her into his arms. He kissed her lips hard. “Together, my dearest Celine, we will conquer the world.” She smiled at him. “But I shall need you to trust me and obey me, do you understand?”

  She nodded. He smiled at her. “Tomorrow we shall wed and I shall secure your place next to me for eternity.”

  “Tomorrow?” she asked, shocked.

  “Yes, Celine. There is no reason to wait. Tomorrow on your sixteenth birthday you shall become my wife for all of eternity.”

  Celine was in absolute shock. She had planned a long engagement in light of her father’s absence, then she could fulfill the obligations tasked in the letter, return home and break off the engagement. “My father is away, we mustn’t marry without him.”

  “Oh, my darling, he’ll understand.”

  “No!” Celine said, pulling away from him.

  “Celine,” he said, growing serious. “Do not test my patience, again.”

  She set her jaw, turning to face him, no more demure looks, no more batting eyelashes. “No.”

  He grabbed her wrist, pulling her close to him. “Do not dare to defy me again, Celine. You try my patience. I will not tolerate this kind of behavior.”

  She pulled at her arm, trying to break free of his grip. ‘’You’re hurting me,” she squealed.

  “I shall do more than that if you don’t learn to obey me, my dear. I will soon be your husband and you my wife, you will obey me!”

  She struggled and broke free, taking a few steps back. “I will not obey you! And I will not marry you!” she shouted before fleeing back to the house.

  Celeste, Celine and Duke Northcott left the room, leaving Theodore alone with Michael and Damien.

  “I’m glad we have this opportunity to speak,” he said to them. “I have what I think is an intriguing offer for you gentlemen.”

  Michael turned his head, showing interest.

  He smiled. “I have a small club of men, like-minded, successful, interested in furthering their fortunes in the world. Tell me, do either of you gentlemen have any experience with the occult?”

  “The occult?” Michael looked to Damien who shook his head. “No.”

  “Then I have an interesting opportunity for you. I’m having a small meeting tomorrow night and two spots are open. It is a very exclusive offer since Duke Northcott will be in attendance and he is well-versed in the occult. In fact, one may never come across an opportunity like this again. What do you say, gentlemen? Interested?”

  “Very interested,” Michael said. “It sounds like an intriguing offer.”

  “Excellent,” Theodore said, smiling at them, “excellent, then I shall expect you to be ready at ten o’clock. I shall meet you in the gardens outside.”

  “We will see you then,” Michael said as Celeste entered the room.

  “Well, will your sister be warm enough on her walk?” Theodore asked her, ending the conversation.

  “Oh, I hope so, I worry about her,” Celeste answered, pacing the room.

  “Come and sit down, my dear, I’m sure she will be just fine. Duke Northcott will let nothing happen to her, I’m sure.”

  The four made light conversation before Michael and Damien excused themselves announcing that they were retiring for the evening. A few moments after Michael and Damien departed, Celeste and Theodore heard the front door open and slam shut. Footsteps raced across the foyer moments before the door opened again and closed. This time footsteps approached the sitting room. The door opened and Duke Northcott entered.

  Both Celeste and Theodore stood as he entered. Celeste looked around him, anxiously hoping to find her sister, but fearing the worst. “If you are looking for your sister, you won’t find her. She has refused me again, Mrs. VanWoodsen.”

  “What?” Celeste was incredulous. “How dare she? I shall speak to her again. Please, Duke, give her another chance.”

  “She is out of chances. I much preferred her to come to me of her own accord but now she must be made to do what we want,” he answered her.

  “Of course.” Celeste dropped her eyes to the floor.

  “By any means necessary, wouldn’t you agree?”

  “Yes, of course we agree, Marcus. Please, tell us what we can do to help,” Theodore said.

  “You must follow every direction I give you and never question me. I may need to employ some rather extreme tactics to achieve our goal. You must give me your absolute and unfettered loyalty.”

  “Yes, you know we do, Duke,” Theodore answered.

  “Celeste?” Duke Northcott said, turning to her.

  “You know you have my unwavering support. I am sorry for Celine’s heedless behavior.”

  “Your apology is unnecessary, Celeste, your steadfast support will be enough. What of the Carlyles, Theodore? Has that end of our plan cooperated?”

  “Yes, Duke, they are very interested.”

  “Excellent. Then we proceed as planned. By tomorrow night, Celine will be ours for eternity.”

  Chapter 29

  Celine heard a quiet knock at her door then a whispered voice said, “Celine? Celine, it’s Michael and Damien, are you in there?”

  She raced to the door, throwing it open and ushering them inside while checking that no one saw them. “Quickly, come in.”

  “Are you okay? You weren’t at breakfast, we were worried,” Michael said.

  “I am fine, although… ” Celine paused, lowering her eyes to the floor. “I am afraid that I may have ruined your chances to retrieve the book.”

  “What do you mean?” Damien asked.

  “Assuming that Duke Northcott has the book, he’ll never give it to me now. Never!” she cried, covering her hands with her face. “I’m sorry.”

  “What happened last night?” Michael asked. “Did he hurt you again?”

  “I tried my best, really I did. I played along, apo
logized and accepted his proposal as my sister instructed me to do. He said we were to marry today. I panicked, I didn’t know what to do, and I refused. He became angry and I could not pretend anymore. I told him I would never obey him nor marry him. He must be furious, as must my sister be, surely she knows by now. We should prepare to leave the house,” she said, unable to hold it all in.

  Damien put his arm around her, pulling her close and rubbing her arm to reassure her.

  “No, you did the right thing. You can’t marry him, you had to keep yourself safe. Don’t worry about it; we’ll figure out a way. We may already have one, in fact,” Michael said.

  “You have a way?” Celine asked.

  “Your brother-in-law asked us to join him in some secret ceremony tonight. If that book is going to make its appearance I’d put money on it being at the secret occult ceremony he’s taking us to tonight,” Michael explained.

  Celine considered it. “Yes, you may be right. But it may be very dangerous. Surely you cannot risk it.”

  “It’s more dangerous for the people from our time if we don’t risk it,” Damien said.

  Celine nodded. “Then I will go, too,” she said.

  “No!” they both replied in unison.

  “I can help!”

  “You can help us by staying here, safe,” Michael said.

  “That is ridiculous,” Celine said, crossing her arms.

  “Hey, we need you to help us get back to our time, so we need you safe. We’ll meet you back here as soon as we get that book and you can send us back,” Damien said.

  Celine frowned but acquiesced. “Agreed, but only because I am a necessary part of the plan.”

  “We’re meeting Theodore at ten, so expect us maybe two or three hours after that,” Michael said.

  “I’ll be ready. Do you suppose the book will be there and you’ll be able to take it?”

  “I’m not sure but it’s our best shot so we will have to make it work,” Michael replied.

  “Good luck. You should be going, I expect my sister to visit me soon. If she found you here, it would be the end of our brilliant plan.”