His Immortal Embrace by Hannah Howell Lynsay Sands Sara Blayne Kate Huntington

Author:Hannah Howell, Lynsay Sands, Sara Blayne, Kate Huntington
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Zebra Books

Chapter Two

“It’s an evil place, miss,” declared Mrs. Flannery in horrified accents. “You can’t truly mean to go there. Everyone what’s been foolish enough to cross the threshold of Alverstone Keep has come to a bad end.”

“Not everyone,” demurred Georgiana, slinging on her heavy gray woolen cloak, which, while far from fashionable, afforded ample protection against the chill that was like to pervade a large, abandoned stone pile. “My Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandfather Thomas Thornberry lived to see ninety. And his son, Johnathan, to all accounts enjoyed a long and prosperous existence. And now I should like the key, if you please, Mrs. Flannery.”

“Belike it was only because they had the sense to get out before the curse could lay permanent hold on them,” grudgingly asserted the housekeeper, retrieving the iron key from the pocket of her apron. “Will you not at least wait until Sir Godfrey returns, miss?” she added, obviously reluctant to release the key into her mistress’s waiting hand. “Mr. Flannery would tell you if he were here. You hadn’t ought to go by yourself.”

“I am grateful for your concern, Mrs. Flannery,” Georgiana replied, smiling. “However, it really is not in the least necessary. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself, as Sir Godfrey would inform you himself if he were here.” Firmly, she took the key from the older woman and inserted it into her own pocket. “I pray you will not worry about me while I am gone. I daresay I shall be home in time for another of your admirable evening repasts.”

“Beggin‘ your pardon, miss,” interjected Mrs. Flannery, leaving little doubt that she was far from persuaded. “I think you would do better to be home well before nightfall, if’n you don’t mind my saying so.”

“No doubt I shall try and remember to heed your advice,” said Georgiana. Taking up a lighted candle lantern and her leather pouch, which was well fitted out with spare candles, not to mention a small repast of bread, cheese, two apples, and a flask of tea, she let herself out the door.

She was met with the not unlovely sight of Charnwood Forest wreathed in low-hanging clouds. No doubt Mrs. Flannery was right to warn her mistress against trying to make her way back in the dark, thought Georgiana, inhaling the fresh scents of wet foliage and damp earth. Unfamiliar with the forest, she might easily become lost at night if there were a thick fog to further obscure the way home. On the other hand, judging from past experience, Georgiana did not doubt that the fog would likely have burned off in another hour or two.

At any rate, that was hardly the danger that Mrs. Flannery had had in mind. The resident evil of Alverstone Castle allegedly came out only at night. In which case, she should be safe enough during the daylight hours, Georgiana reflected with a wry gleam of a smile. It was also why she fully intended to remain in the keep until well after the sun had set.

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