Last Chance by Tess St. John

Author:Tess St. John [John, Tess St.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781500344719
Barnesnoble:
Publisher: Createspace
Published: 2014-05-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

The grandeur of Kendrick Castle awed Celeste as the carriage neared. When they’d arrived amidst the fire, she’d not gotten a good look at the land and buildings. But now it took her breath away. Set close to the cliffs, the high outside walls built on two sides of the castle were meant to keep out trespassers, while the ocean bordered the other two sides.

Whereas Lachlan estate was lushly landscaped, Kendrick Castle had a few hedges in front and no flowers, nothing extravagant. Obviously built as a stronghold, the design was utilitarian. The landscape could use some colorful plants and flowers.

The carriage stopped and Silas opened the door from the outside. He and Aiken rode along on their horses to help settle the Greens into the manor. Celeste held Brianna’s hand until Silas helped his sister down. He assisted Celeste out, then Lorna and Jean.

Wide-eyed, Celeste took in the front entrance. Stairs, high and steep, led to the main house. She placed Brianna’s fingers on her arm as they walked forward. “The railing is here, dear.” She moved Brianna’s hand to the wood. A week ago Brianna scaled these steps on her own and had even taken care of a hurt man.

That man, Keith, along with Victor, stood at the top of the stairs. At a slow pace, Celeste followed behind Brianna while Jean and Lorna were at their sides. Celeste noticed the sisters were unusually attentive to Brie today. Her fall must have shaken them a bit.

Celeste glanced behind her. Silas, Aiken, Hamilton, Eric, Jonathan, and the two footmen were unloading the luggage from the carriage they’d borrowed from Jock.

Silas stopped and turned his head to look straight at her.

Had he felt her gaze?

Odd, how she’d missed him since their arrival last night. She guessed it must have something to do with having been with him many days alone in the carriage to and from Gretna Green. A slight smile came to her lips, and then she continued up the steps.

The men quickly unloaded the luggage and climbed the stairs on the women’s heels.

The castle’s magnificent double doors stood open. The fortress was an architectural mix of old and new. The windows must be new. Castles built to defend, to guard against intruders, would not have so many openings. Once in the foyer, the acrid scent of paint assailed her.

Brianna squeezed her arm. “What does the inside look like?”

Jean responded before Celeste had a chance, “It is a bit dark, and decorated in blue and red.”

Victor proudly puffed out his chest. “Blue and red be Kendrick colors.”

“How many floors are there?” Brie asked.

“Four,” Eric answered. “The dungeon is used fer storage.”

“How do you know so much about the castle, Eric?” Lorna unbuttoned her pelisse. “You have been with our family since I can remember.”

“I grew up here, miss.”

“I see.” Lorna twirled in a circle while studying the high ceiling. “Where are our bedchambers?”

“This way.” Eric shuffled past them and down the hallway. The walls, painted a dark yellowish gold, possessed a richness.

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