Shades of the Past by Kathleen Kirkwood

Author:Kathleen Kirkwood [Kirkwood, Kathleen]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2012-03-07T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Vanessa touched a hand to the large, coiled chignon at the back of her head, then smoothed the black-and-teal striped skirt of her gown. Unabashedly, she'd chosen the dress knowing its color and graceful design to be especially flattering.

For a dozenth time, she checked her watch, anticipating Adrian's arrival. The piece showed it to now be five minutes beyond the agreed time.

Vanessa returned her attention to the drawing room and to the double doors that opened onto a small, light-filled conservatory. She'd taken scant notice of the room when the family gathered here two nights before. With its walls of clear glass and its sun-washed space, the conservatory provided an excellent source of light for the portrait, strong yet indirect.

Vanessa moved to adjust the carved oak chair she'd chosen for Adrian's sitting, repositioning it closer to the open doors. Her every muscle issued a complaint, being yet sore and stiff from yesterday's misadventure. Dr. Hambley had advised she would continue to be so for days to come, but confirmed she'd suffered no breaks or fractures.

Vanessa's thoughts ran to the hours ahead. Geoffrey would not be assisting her until later as he'd joined his father for a dawn fishing expedition to the River Wye. Before their return, Vanessa hoped to print out her latest photograph, taken in the gallery.

When she collected her equipment from the Photo House this morning, she made a quick examination of the negative which she was keeping stored out of sight. The detail on the plate showed no signs of change or deterioration. The figure recorded there remained distinctly visible, beckoning with its glowing, transparent hand.

Sooner or later, Vanessa knew, she must disclose her discovery to the family. For the present, however, she was inclined to keep her secret until she could learn more. The shade seemed benign enough, and its interest apparently centered on her alone. Besides, were not the Marrables accustomed to sharing the manse with otherworldly entities? Presumably, this particular spirit was a long-haunting resident already.

Again, Vanessa consulted her watch and wondered if Adrian had changed his mind. The possibility pricked unpleasantly at her heart. Just then, as if he'd heard her concern, Adrian entered the drawing room.

Her spirits rose as he moved briskly toward her, obviously aware of his belatedness. But in the next instance, she perceived a marked tenseness in his body and observed how he held his broad shoulders in a straight, rigid line.

Apprehension purled through Vanessa. There was a hard shine to his midnight eyes, and an equally hard set to his jaw. Adrian was not simply in a rush, he was wholly agitated.

Self-consciously, Vanessa fingered the frill of pleated satin surrounding the square neckline of her bodice. The small movement drew Adrian's attention to the exposed column of her neck. His gaze slid downward then, skimming over her figure-conforming basque. Unaccountably, his countenance darkened further.

Vanessa tensed. Had she done something wrong? She gestured toward the chair, at a loss to understand his mood.

"Please, be seated and we'll begin."

Adrian complied and moved to the carved, Gothic-style chair.

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