Gatehaven Read online

  Shannon was still trembling when he ushered her inside and shut the door.

  They sat side by side on the settee, and Ian held her for a minute.

  At last he said, “Now, what happened inside the mansion that upset you so?”

  She swallowed. “Evil.”

  “Evil? You mean because of the crystal ball and the people you told me about that wore hoods and walked the hallways at night?”

  “That is part of it but not all.” She swallowed again before saying anything more. “Gatehaven is filled with wicked people who do, say, and think evil things.”

  “Please Shannon, explain what you mean.”

  She turned slightly to the side in order to face him. “A meeting of the Spiritualist Society is being held at Gatehaven today and again on the morrow.”

  Ian nodded. “Monsieur Gabeau told me about it. What happened that frightened you so?”

  “When I first arrived, someone gave a lecture on how Gatehaven got its name.”

  “That sounds like an interesting topic.”

  “No, Ian, it was not. The man giving the lecture said that Gatehaven was named for a red gate that people are able to see occasionally but not all the time. He said that it is really the gateway to the underworld. But the earl said the red gate was a deception, a trick of the eye.”

  “The eye can play tricks, all right. It has happened to me more than once.”

  “Yes, but the man who gave the lecture said he saw the red gate—only he called it Lucifer’s gate. My father said that Lucifer is another word for the devil. Papa also said that the dragon is a symbol for Satan and the devil. As I think I told you, there are dragons carved into the headboard of my bed here. The people at that meeting attempted to call up spirits while I sat and watched, and they talked about something called divination.”

  Ian frowned. “Divination. I’ve heard that word somewhere.”

  “It sounds evil, Ian. Do you know what divination means?”

  “No. But our pastor back in Luss talked about evil often. He also told me things to do to fight evil.”

  “Tell me what they are, Ian. I have to know.”

  “I’d forgotten about it until now, but he said that God lives in the praises of His people. When we thank the Lord and praise Him in the name of Jesus, we know God is near. What could be more comforting than to know the Lord is close at hand? The important thing is that we do as the Bible says to do if we expect to receive God’s best for us. The battle is the Lord’s. And if God is with us, who can be against us?”

  “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Shannon repeated. “I find that scripture reassuring. Still, I have more to tell.” She took a deep breath and released it slowly. “Just before I left, Miss Foster’s face changed completely. She was seated at the head of the table, and she—and all at once she talked in a deep voice—like a man.”

  “You jest?”

  “No, I do not. If only you’d heard her. If you had, you would think as I do. You would think that a man was speaking through her.”

  “Wait.” He looked around. “There must be a Bible in here somewhere.”

  “I noticed a podium when we first came in.” She motioned toward a wooden stand by the door. “A Bible might be there.”

  “Of course.” Ian got up and went to the podium.

  Shannon followed him. She wanted to be as close to Ian as possible.

  A Bible lay on the podium as Shannon expected.

  Ian thumbed through the pages. “I think the scriptures I want are found either in Leviticus or Deuteronomy. I cannot remember which.” He turned to the next page. “Oh yes, here it is. Deuteronomy chapter eighteen verses nine to eleven.” He looked down as if he was reading.

  “Read the verses aloud, Ian,” she ordered. “I want to hear them, too.”

  “Of course.” He cleared his throat. “When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times . . . or a necromancer.”

  “What does that scripture mean, Ian?” she asked. “And necromancer, what does it mean?”

  “I da not know the meaning of a lot of these words. But I intend to learn.” He glanced at Shannon and smiled. “We need to find a volume that tells the meaning of words. Now, you search the shelves to our left. I will search those on the right. If you are able to find such a volume, let me know. Then we will sit at the table by the window there and study the book together.”

  They combed the shelves for almost an hour. At last it became clear that no such book existed—at least in the earl’s library.

  Ian shook his head. Then he moved away from the shelves and sat down at the table. “The information we need does not seem to be here.” He hesitated and looked away like he always did when he was trying to find the answer to a puzzle. “But I think we might be able to find the kind of book we are looking for in Monsieur Gabeau’s library. His library is even larger than this one, and I found a peculiar book there. I feel sure there are other strange volumes in his library as well. He might also have a book on the definition of words. We must wait and see.

  “Perhaps Etienne Gabeau is also a member of the Spiritualist Society,” Ian went on. “Time will tell. Regardless, I will have the best opportunity to survey his library tonight after the French gentleman goes to his bed.”

  Ian smiled. “For now, Shannon, I would like to take you on a picnic in the woods. An outing such as this is sure to cheer you up. And frankly, I am hungry.” He snatched up the basket from the table by the door. “Will you agree to go on a picnic with me—or not?”

  “Yes, Ian.” Shannon returned his smile. “I should like a picnic—very much.”

  He chuckled softly. “See, the thought of a picnic in the woods is already cheering you up. Think how much better you will feel when we start eating.”

  Leon stood by his horse in the shadows near the entrance to Gatehaven. He’d intended to attend the meeting inside, but today he had more important matters on his mind. Since morning, he’d been following Ian Colquhoun to see where he went and to whom he spoke. So far, he hadn’t been caught.

  True, his leg ached. But it didn’t hurt enough to cancel his quest.

  He pulled a letter from his pocket and smiled.

  Rachel. He opened it.

  Dear Shannon,

  Your father and I are well, and your baby brother is growing by the day. Javier did not want me to tell you this, but your brother is in England now and plans to find employment near the earl’s estate. Say you are not angry. Your father is concerned for your safety, as am I.

  Peter penned a letter to us that was mailed in Scotland before he reached England. The village of Rosslyn, I believe. Your father insists that the village is dangerous. We are glad you are well away from it now.

  Peter said that he misses Kate. He said he also wrote her a letter and intends to marry her as soon as he returns. In fact, Kate and her mother are already preparing her wedding gown.

  We hope you are well and that we will receive a letter from you very soon.

  We love you,

  Mama

  Leon gazed at the letter a moment longer and put it back in the pocket of his vest.

  The earl brought Shannon to England instead of her beautiful mother, and that was a huge mistake. Nevertheless, if his plan continued to work, he would see Rachel again—perhaps sooner than anyone would have thought possible.

  The side door of the mansion opened. Someone came out. No, two people exited the mansion through the side door.

  Leon sucked in his breath. Ian and Miss Aimee were moving around to the front of the mansion. He wanted to rush forward and introduce himself to Rachel’s lovely daughter, but it might not be a wise decision.

  A new thought came to him. Leon slowly made his way to his horse and put his left leg in the stirrup. He swung h
is other leg around. Thoughts mixed with pain engulfed him.

  Gone were the days when he mounted a horse like a champion and rode like the wind. The simple act of mounting his black gelding had become a huge task, and all because of Rachel Aimee.

  Revenge. He had to welcome it—embrace it. Otherwise, he would never be free of her.

  “Look, Ian.” Shannon pointed to a window on the top floor of the mansion.

  “Look at what?”

  “That woman. Can you not see her? She is standing at a window.”

  Ian squinted in the direction she indicated. “I see nothing.”

  “She is gone now. But a woman with black hair was there, and this was not the first time I saw her. She was standing at that same window on the day I arrived at Gatehaven, and on that day, she was not alone.”

  “Who was with her?”

  “A woman with long blond hair.” Shannon shrugged her shoulders. “The earl said I was imagining things. But I know what I saw.”

  They were standing in front of the mansion, and Shannon realized she was trembling.

  “Cold?” he asked.

  Before she could answer, he removed his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders.

  “The breeze is swift this afternoon,” he added. “And this entire estate is more than a little disturbing.” He chuckled softly. “When I visit here, I expect ghosts and goblins to come out and grab me at any moment.”

  She gazed up at him, hoping that somehow he would understand. “Please believe me, Ian. I know it sounds absurd, but I did not see a ghost or a goblin. I saw a real person.”

  He put his arm around her and gave her a quick hug. “As strange as it may sound, I do believe you. A moment ago I had the strangest feeling that somebody was watching us.”

  Leon trotted his horse through the main gate of his estate and on toward his stately home. He noticed McGregor carrying a bucket in the direction of the horse barn. He assumed his driver was watering the horses.

  It was about time. McGregor had been out sick for several days, and his work was of poor quality since he returned.

  “McGregor, hitch up my carriage. I want to go for a ride.”

  “Very good, sir. I mean Monsieur.”

  He intended to follow Ian and Miss Shannon Aimee that very afternoon— see where they went. Perhaps he would invite them to take a ride in his carriage. His lips formed a mocking smile. Yes, that was exactly what he must do. Later, he would persuade them to join him for supper at his estate.

  Ian and Shannon strolled hand-in-hand through a green pasture and into the woods beyond. They spread a blue cloth on the ground, put the basket of food in the middle, and sat down.

  Ian watched Shannon as she removed the food from the basket, one item at a time, and placed them around the basket.

  “That cheese looks good,” he said. “I think I will try it first.” Ian took his knife and chopped the cheese into slices.

  He didn’t want to push unpleasant topics down Shannon’s throat, but he’d learned from his mother and sisters that sometimes women just needed to talk. If Shannon wanted to discuss what happened inside the mansion that morning, he was willing to listen.

  At first, she didn’t say anything.

  Ian swallowed a bite of cheese. “The cheese tastes good, too.” He smiled. “Have you heard from your family in Scotland yet?”

  He thought she looked a little sad.

  “No. I have not,” Shannon said. “Have you heard from yours?”

  “Yes. I am happy to say. Letters from Mama and Kate arrived yesterday. And apparently your family is well and hoping to hear from you very soon.”

  “Do you know if they received any of my letters?” Shannon asked.

  “I do not.”

  “Strange. I posted letters to my family as soon as I arrived. And Mama promised to have a letter waiting for me as soon as I arrived at Gatehaven. But so far, none have reached me.”

  A blue ribbon circled her wrist, and a sack that matched her blue dress was attached to it. She opened her drawstring sack and peered inside.

  “I wrote another letter to my family last night. I planned to give it to my chaperone tonight and ask her to mail it.”

  “Scotland is a long way from here, lass. Sometimes letters are delayed or lost during the journey.”

  But deep down, he didn’t think that was the case. He couldn’t stop wondering if the earl had allowed any of her letters to go out. And if she received letters from home, had he withheld them from her?

  “I plan to go into the village on the morrow to see what I can see,” he said. “If you will give me your letter, I will make sure it is posted.”

  She pulled her letter from the sack and handed it to him. “Thank you, Ian. I appreciate your willingness to help.”

  After they finished their meal, they started back to Gatehaven. They had some distance to walk in order to get there.

  The path ahead was uneven and dotted with mudholes. One hole looked especially deep. Ian hadn’t noticed it the last time he came that way. And Shannon was headed straight for it.

  “Look out!”

  Her ankle turned to the side at an awkward angle. He grabbed her arm to keep her from falling.

  “Oh, Ian,” she said. “My ankle is most painful!”

  He swooped her up in his arms.

  A carriage pulled out from behind a group of trees as if it had been parked there on purpose. Ian recognized McGregor. He sat up top, wearing his uniform. Monsieur Gabeau was sure to be inside.

  “Who is that?” Shannon asked.

  “Monsieur Gabeau, the Frenchman I’ve been telling you about.”

  The carriage pulled to stop directly in front of them. Gabeau got out and limped toward them, leaving the carriage door open.

  “I see that you and the young lady are in a bit of trouble. May I assist you by driving you back in my carriage?”

  Ian was prepared to refuse the offer. He mistrusted the Frenchman and didn’t want him around Shannon.

  He still held her in his arms. “Thank you for the offer, Monsieur. But Miss Aimee is as light as a child might be. I can carry her back.”

  “Nonsense. You must climb in my carriage. Miss Aimee needs to see a physician at once. I will have it no other way.”

  “He is right, Ian,” Shannon put in. “I will not allow you to carry me all the way to Gatehaven. I wish to ride in the carriage.”

  Ian didn’t move.

  “Please Ian. My leg hurts. As the gentleman said, I need to be seen by a physician as soon as possible.”

  Ian placed Shannon inside the carriage as gently as he could manage. Then Gabeau climbed in and finally Ian.

  “May I introduce myself? I am Monsieur Gabeau. And you are Miss Shannon Aimee, I believe.”

  “Yes. I am.”

  “It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Miss Aimee.”

  “I am pleased to meet you, sir. And thank you for your kindness.”

  The carriage moved slowly at first. Then in what seemed like an instant, the wheels turned faster. But instead of driving back to Gatehaven, the carriage sped off in the opposite direction.

  “Where are we going?” Ian demanded. “Gatehaven is north of here. We are going south.”

  “Miss Aimee needs to be where she can rest immediately,” Gabeau insisted. “And she needs medical attention. My estate is closer to the village where the physician lives. We will be going there, now.”

  Shannon sent Ian what he called a pleading look—as if she was begging him not to protest.

  He released a deep breath. “Very well. We will go to your estate, but only for a short time. Miss Foster will worry if Miss Aimee does not return soon.”

  “Do not concern yourself, Mr. Colquhoun. I will send word so Miss Foster will know that Miss Aimee will be delayed. Then her chaperone will have no reason to worry.”

  Ian doubted that statement on several counts. Most of all, he was beginning to think the Frenchman was as wicked as the earl. In fact, he mi
ght be worse.

  The driver placed Shannon on an extremely long settee near Gabeau’s chair by the fireplace, and he had McGregor push the settee closer still. Ian was allowed to sit in the chair across from them, and even that surprised him. Judging from the way Gabeau was studying Shannon’s slender form, Ian had expected to be banished from the room, if not the entire estate.

  The Frenchman hooked his cane on the arm of his chair and turned to his driver. “McGregor, fetch the physician from the village at once.”

  “Aye, sir. And shall I also inform the young lady’s chaperone of her mishap?”

  “Bring the physician here first. Then you can ride over to Gatehaven and tell Miss Foster what happened today.”

  “Very good, sir.” McGregor turned and left the room.

  “Are you still in pain, Miss Aimee,” Gabeau asked, “or has it faded a bit?”

  “I am feeling better, thank you. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.”

  Gabeau’s smile held menacing overtones. “Splendid.” He reached for a wooden frame by his chair.

  Ian had seen Monsieur Gabeau holding that frame and fingering it tenderly many times, and he had wondered if it might be a favored painting or a portrait of someone dear to him. However, Ian never found the right time to ask that question.

  “So, Miss Aimee.” Gabeau smiled. “I understand you are visiting here from Scotland.”

  “Yes.”

  “The earl said you lived in the village of Luss near his hunting lodge.”

  “That is correct.” She bit her lower lip.

  Ian wondered if her leg hurt more than she was willing to admit.

  “I visited Scotland some years ago, but not recently.” The Frenchman gazed down at the painting and smiled. “Can you humor a lonely man and tell me a little about it?” He turned and looked at Shannon. “I believe you live on a farm with your parents. Am I right?”

  “Yes.”

  “Please tell me about your family. The earl said that your parents were well thought of in the village and that your mother was extremely beautiful.”