LOGINShare
Chapter 18: Enter,Fallon
Last Updated:
2021-02-17 04:12:42Rutherford Estate, 1809
Abigail Rutherford closed her parasol, as the sun disappeared in the darkening sky. Not even ten in the morning and already it seemed they were in for another dreary day of rain.
How she loved her travels abroad, away from this miserable weather. Her heart jumped with excitement as their upcoming trip to Egypt came to mind, especially since this time, Arthur had promised that Fallon could join them. It was the last time they would do anything so extravagant as a family, for soon everything would change. Lord Carrick had made his intentions clear, and Arthur had been more than willing to accept his proposal. Come the summer, Fallon would marry Lord Carrick’s son, Warren.
It was an arrangement which did not sit well with her young daughter. A husband and marriage was the last thing on her mind. She wanted excitement, to travel and see the world. Gentle, but free spirited with a steely resolve, Fallon was anything but a traditional English Rose.
“Mother? You wanted to see me?”
Abigail spun around, taking in the sight of her beautiful, only child. Fallon was dressed in a white, highwaisted muslin gown, accentuating her hourglass figure. Her dark hair hung loose around her shoulders and her head was adorned with a simple white hat, to protect her delicate complexion from the sun. Warren Carrick, would indeed be a lucky man.
“Darling, you know Lord Carrick and Warren will be paying us a visit later today. I need you on your best behaviour.”
Fallon cast her eyes down. “Yes, Mother,” she replied. “My betrothed and his father. How lucky I am.”
“You must not let your father or anyone else hear you speak that way,” Abigail admonished. “This is a very good match, for both our families.”
Defiantly, Fallon’s eyes met her’s. “Warren is feeble of mind, Mother! What will I do with a simpleton for a husband? Am I to spend my days as a caregiver? Why can I not marry for love, and not duty?”
Abigail’s heart wrenched at her daughter's emotion. Such passion would indeed be wasted on the Carrick heir, but for Arthur’s extensive business enterprises, it would be a dream come true. Abigail wished there was another way, but there was not. Fallon had to marry him, for the sake of her family.
“He may be a bit slow and eccentric, but feeble he is not, Fallon,”Abigail said sternly. “He was in a carriage which overturned, when he was a young boy. It must have affected him somehow.”
“His mind was indeed affected, Mother. Have you noticed how he leers at me? It places great discomfort on my sensibilities.”
“Stop this Fallon. They will be here soon, and you had best behave.”
“Of course,Mother,” Fallon replied, turning away in anger. “And someday, when Lord Carrick dies and Warren inherits his title, I will be a Lady, just like Aunt Katherine.”
Related chapters
Haunted Chapter 19: The Egyptian Boy
Fallon hid her disgust behind a shy, ladylike smile, taking in the sight of Lord Carrick and his son. Both appeared utterly unkempt and their clothing had definitely seen better days. Ever since Lady Carrick succumbed to her fever, two summers ago, her husband and son had done nothing but travel to distant lands and left the upkeep of their manor and grounds, to an army of servants, at their beck and call.Fallon wondered if they even ever bathed. The smell of sweat from Warren, where he was sitting opposite her in the sunroom, was overwhelming. Thank God she had the presence of mind to open the window, before taking her seat. This was what she would have to endure as his wife? Being bedded by a regal urchin? Her stomach turned as she imagined doing her womanly duty with such a foul creature. How would she survive?Unfortunately, her mother had told her it was a woman’s duty to submit to her husband at his choosing. No woman must ever initiate the act of surrender, nor a
Last Updated : 2021-02-17Haunted Chapter 20: The Human Trade
“Lord Carrick, how fascinating for you to allow Warren to have an Egyptian boy as his manservant,” Abigail commented.Somehow she had overheard the idiot telling Fallon, and was now bringing it up in conversation. Fallon was immediately alert. The young man confounded her. Why did he have such an electrifying effect on her? Was it his exotic appearance? Or the way his eyes had bored into her soul, in the brief moment he’d looked at her?Whatever it was, she resolved to find out. There was never a mystery which did not appeal to the young Miss Rutherford.“I concur,” Arthur said. “Wherever did you find him?”Lord Carrick lifted his decanter to his dry lips, draining it of its contents. Instantaneously, one of the servants refilled it. He coughed as he cleared it once more.“I bought the boy from his mother,” Lord Carrick announced nonchalantly.Fallon covered her mouth with her hand, fearful they would hear her outraged gasp. Who was Lord Car
Last Updated : 2021-02-17Haunted Chapter 21: Carnal Pleasures
“You should close your drapes dear,” Abigail said. She sat behind Fallon on the four-poster bed, gently brushing her daughter’s hair.“Yes, Mother,” Fallon replied. “Though I doubt I will get any sleep, seeing as Father invited the Carrick’s to stay the night.”Abigail stopped and turned her daughter to face her. ”It would have been unforgivable, for your father to turn guests away in this storm. They will leave early tomorrow morning, I think.”Fallon cast her eyes down, fearful her mother would see her utter disgust. The more time she spent in Warren’s presence, the more her hatred for him grew. This was what her life was to be. Married to a simpleton. Without his father’s riches, he would be no more than the village idiot.“Warren will make a fine husband,Fallon. You must simply be the dutiful wife and acquiesce to his will,” Abigail continued. &ldqu
Last Updated : 2021-02-17Haunted Chapter 22 : New Revelation
It was just after dark when her shift was done and Beth went out into the parking lot, to wait for Emma who was picking her up tonight. Although she appreciated their concern, Beth had to admit she felt a bit riled by Ethan and Emma, who it seemed had some unspoken agreement between them to babysit her. They even took turns picking her up at work and were constantly checking up on her. It was out of love, she knew, but it could also be extremely aggravating. It was almost as if they decided she needed around the clock care. She quicly cast her unpleasant thoughts aside, realizing this was her best friend and the man she loved. And after what happened today, with the animated corpse of the young man and the lady in the shadows inside of him… She suppressed a shiver at the memory, trying not to let it upset her mood as Emma pulled up beside her and honked the horn. “ All done?” Emma asked. “Sti
Last Updated : 2021-06-18Haunted Chapter 23: Marcus and Polly
Propped up against his pillows, Marcus pondered the question Noah had just cast his way.“Why do you think something is going on?” he asked innocently. He dreaded the thought of Noah finding out the truth and then just disappearing in a mist of shock and delusion.Noah was not only his nurse, but also his best friend. In the four years Noah had cared for him, they’d grown quite close and although Marcus hated the idea of lying to him, he consoled himself with the thought that it was all for Noah’s safety.“ Because it’s disconcerting,” Noah replied. “The way you,your dad and Beth have been acting. Like there’s some big secret. If you need to talk Marcus, you know I’m here for you.”“It’s just the adjustment,” Marcus lied. He surprised himself with the effortless ease with which he could do it. “For so long it wa
Last Updated : 2021-06-18Haunted Chapter 24: Self-Harm
“ I hope Marcus is still awake,” Beth said as they took the turn down the dimly lit road leading to the manor. “We talked so much I lost track of time.”Emma smiled as she shifted gears. “I’m still concerned about what you said earlier Beth. About bringing danger to us, the people who love you.”“In a way it’s true though Em. You’re in danger by way of associating with me. We still have no idea what this spirit wants or why, well, besides myself and Ethan dead. And it’s frightening to think she confronted Mrs Feeney in her own home. How will she protect herself? I don’t even know what I’m feeling nowadays. I never imagined this would be the path I would walk someday and it kills me to think anything could happen to you guys.”“Enough with the martyrdom Beth. We love you and we will face this with you. We’re famil
Last Updated : 2021-06-18Haunted Chapter 25: Lady Swann Continues
October 13, 1811I have barely had the strength to write the last while. The final months of my pregnancy took a terrible toll on me and I was ill for some time. Charles and I prayed that I would deliver a healthy baby and our prayers were answered. William is six weeks old and very robust. We can not be more proud. For so long I feared I would never give Charles the child he so truly desired, but God heard my cries and gave us this greatest of blessings.I nearly died giving birth to him but from the moment I laid eyes upon his beautiful face, I knew all the pain and strife had been worth it. His presence completed our lives and our marriage is stronger than ever, despite the madness that overcame me three weeks ago….“Dear God in heaven!Katherine, calm yourself!”Charles’ voice bouldered in their bedroom,
Last Updated : 2021-06-18Haunted Prologue: The Diary of Lady Swann
February 10, 1810Today I received the tragic news that my dear sister Abigail and her husband Arthur have succumbed to some terrible illness while traveling through Egypt. The news greatly disturbed me as Abigail and I have shared a bond so much stronger than sisterhood all our lives. I took ill upon hearing the tidings and when I awoke my dear Charles was sitting next to me, holding my hand. He has been such a comfort to me, such as I can not put into words.It was he who suggested, before I could even collect my thoughts, that my niece Fallon should immediately be brought from Egypt and live with us.I can only imagine how bereft the poor girl must be.Only sixteen years old and already an orphan.My heart breaks for her. Thank heavens Charles is such a compassionate man.May 1, 1810 Fallon has been here a while now and it concerns me that she is not the young girl I had known. She has turned from a lovely, energetic a
Last Updated : 2021-02-08
Latest chapter
Haunted Chapter 25: Lady Swann Continues
October 13, 1811I have barely had the strength to write the last while. The final months of my pregnancy took a terrible toll on me and I was ill for some time. Charles and I prayed that I would deliver a healthy baby and our prayers were answered. William is six weeks old and very robust. We can not be more proud. For so long I feared I would never give Charles the child he so truly desired, but God heard my cries and gave us this greatest of blessings.I nearly died giving birth to him but from the moment I laid eyes upon his beautiful face, I knew all the pain and strife had been worth it. His presence completed our lives and our marriage is stronger than ever, despite the madness that overcame me three weeks ago….“Dear God in heaven!Katherine, calm yourself!”Charles’ voice bouldered in their bedroom,
Haunted Chapter 24: Self-Harm
“ I hope Marcus is still awake,” Beth said as they took the turn down the dimly lit road leading to the manor. “We talked so much I lost track of time.”Emma smiled as she shifted gears. “I’m still concerned about what you said earlier Beth. About bringing danger to us, the people who love you.”“In a way it’s true though Em. You’re in danger by way of associating with me. We still have no idea what this spirit wants or why, well, besides myself and Ethan dead. And it’s frightening to think she confronted Mrs Feeney in her own home. How will she protect herself? I don’t even know what I’m feeling nowadays. I never imagined this would be the path I would walk someday and it kills me to think anything could happen to you guys.”“Enough with the martyrdom Beth. We love you and we will face this with you. We’re famil
Haunted Chapter 23: Marcus and Polly
Propped up against his pillows, Marcus pondered the question Noah had just cast his way.“Why do you think something is going on?” he asked innocently. He dreaded the thought of Noah finding out the truth and then just disappearing in a mist of shock and delusion.Noah was not only his nurse, but also his best friend. In the four years Noah had cared for him, they’d grown quite close and although Marcus hated the idea of lying to him, he consoled himself with the thought that it was all for Noah’s safety.“ Because it’s disconcerting,” Noah replied. “The way you,your dad and Beth have been acting. Like there’s some big secret. If you need to talk Marcus, you know I’m here for you.”“It’s just the adjustment,” Marcus lied. He surprised himself with the effortless ease with which he could do it. “For so long it wa
Haunted Chapter 22 : New Revelation
It was just after dark when her shift was done and Beth went out into the parking lot, to wait for Emma who was picking her up tonight. Although she appreciated their concern, Beth had to admit she felt a bit riled by Ethan and Emma, who it seemed had some unspoken agreement between them to babysit her. They even took turns picking her up at work and were constantly checking up on her. It was out of love, she knew, but it could also be extremely aggravating. It was almost as if they decided she needed around the clock care. She quicly cast her unpleasant thoughts aside, realizing this was her best friend and the man she loved. And after what happened today, with the animated corpse of the young man and the lady in the shadows inside of him… She suppressed a shiver at the memory, trying not to let it upset her mood as Emma pulled up beside her and honked the horn. “ All done?” Emma asked. “Sti
Haunted Chapter 21: Carnal Pleasures
“You should close your drapes dear,” Abigail said. She sat behind Fallon on the four-poster bed, gently brushing her daughter’s hair.“Yes, Mother,” Fallon replied. “Though I doubt I will get any sleep, seeing as Father invited the Carrick’s to stay the night.”Abigail stopped and turned her daughter to face her. ”It would have been unforgivable, for your father to turn guests away in this storm. They will leave early tomorrow morning, I think.”Fallon cast her eyes down, fearful her mother would see her utter disgust. The more time she spent in Warren’s presence, the more her hatred for him grew. This was what her life was to be. Married to a simpleton. Without his father’s riches, he would be no more than the village idiot.“Warren will make a fine husband,Fallon. You must simply be the dutiful wife and acquiesce to his will,” Abigail continued. &ldqu
Haunted Chapter 20: The Human Trade
“Lord Carrick, how fascinating for you to allow Warren to have an Egyptian boy as his manservant,” Abigail commented.Somehow she had overheard the idiot telling Fallon, and was now bringing it up in conversation. Fallon was immediately alert. The young man confounded her. Why did he have such an electrifying effect on her? Was it his exotic appearance? Or the way his eyes had bored into her soul, in the brief moment he’d looked at her?Whatever it was, she resolved to find out. There was never a mystery which did not appeal to the young Miss Rutherford.“I concur,” Arthur said. “Wherever did you find him?”Lord Carrick lifted his decanter to his dry lips, draining it of its contents. Instantaneously, one of the servants refilled it. He coughed as he cleared it once more.“I bought the boy from his mother,” Lord Carrick announced nonchalantly.Fallon covered her mouth with her hand, fearful they would hear her outraged gasp. Who was Lord Car
Haunted Chapter 19: The Egyptian Boy
Fallon hid her disgust behind a shy, ladylike smile, taking in the sight of Lord Carrick and his son. Both appeared utterly unkempt and their clothing had definitely seen better days. Ever since Lady Carrick succumbed to her fever, two summers ago, her husband and son had done nothing but travel to distant lands and left the upkeep of their manor and grounds, to an army of servants, at their beck and call.Fallon wondered if they even ever bathed. The smell of sweat from Warren, where he was sitting opposite her in the sunroom, was overwhelming. Thank God she had the presence of mind to open the window, before taking her seat. This was what she would have to endure as his wife? Being bedded by a regal urchin? Her stomach turned as she imagined doing her womanly duty with such a foul creature. How would she survive?Unfortunately, her mother had told her it was a woman’s duty to submit to her husband at his choosing. No woman must ever initiate the act of surrender, nor a
Haunted Chapter 18: Enter,Fallon
Rutherford Estate, 1809Abigail Rutherford closed her parasol, as the sun disappeared in the darkening sky. Not even ten in the morning and already it seemed they were in for another dreary day of rain.How she loved her travels abroad, away from this miserable weather. Her heart jumped with excitement as their upcoming trip to Egypt came to mind, especially since this time, Arthur had promised that Fallon could join them. It was the last time they would do anything so extravagant as a family, for soon everything would change. Lord Carrick had made his intentions clear, and Arthur had been more than willing to accept his proposal. Come the summer, Fallon would marry Lord Carrick’s son, Warren.It was an arrangement which did not sit well with her young daughter. A husband and marriage was the last thing on her mind. She wanted excitement, to travel and see the world. Gentle, but free spirited with a steely resolve, Fallon was anything but a traditional E
Haunted Chapter 17: Life Essence
Days later….“Time of death….15:03.”The silence in the emergency room was solemn as Beth took a deep breath and squeezed Dr. Casper’s arm as he called the time of death. This was the part of her job that she hated deeply and passionately,losing a patient when they had done everything in their power to save him.She stepped forward to take a closer look at the young man,the victim of an automobile accident. A bus carrying twelve passengers had crashed into his car. The emergency room was completely overrun with all the injured, but he was the worst off.Dr. Casper turned to her, his face clouded with sadness. He had been a doctor for over thirty years and every time death touched his work it seemed like the first time.“You did everything you could,Doctor,” Beth said. “He’s in a better place now.”She looked down at him. So young,not even thirty yet. His
