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Chapter or Story 
Chapter or Story
Mystic Voices
Chapter two: "Forbidden Lovers"
Angle's Bluff, Maine (5:00 PM)
Jarod was about to explain who Isabelle Parker was when suddenly the room seemed to grow cold. Picking up his thermal-scanner, Jarod noticed that he and Miss Parker were not the only heat bearing persons in the room. The electromagnetic field detector began to scan as well showing large evidence of disturbances. Jarod feeling a bit uneasy grabbed Miss Parker by the hand pulling her from her current location, under a hanging chandler. Not a second later the chandler came crashing down, shattering into a dozen pieces on the wooden floor.
"What the hell is going on?" Miss Parker growled, feeling a slow rise of panic from within her.
"We need to get to another room Miss Parker." Jarod said, pulling her into the entrance hall.
"I am not going any further until you tell what the hell is happening in this house." She hissed, yanking her hand from his.
"I told you it is said to be haunted."
"I thought you didn't believe in such things Jarod."
"Well this past month I have seen and heard a few things that have changed my mind." Was all he could say be for the cold from the living room entered the hall in which they were standing. The compass in his hand went haywire and the thermal-scanner again eluded to another heat bearing form in the room.
Miss Parker felt the hairs on her neck begin to stand on end sending a shivering sensation trickling down her spin. She grasped the diary tighter in her hand, as she suddenly felt a cold wind rush past her mingled with the faint sound of someone weeping. Her body shuddered as the heat of the room returned and the sound disappeared up the stairs. She stood dumbfounded then turned to look at Jarod. "I don't know about you Pez- head but I am getting the hell out of here." she hissed heading towards the door. Placing her hands around the cold metal handles she twisted and pulled, but the doors did not budge. She tugged and pulled again but to no avail the doors would not open. Turning to face Jarod, fear and anger burned in her eyes. "Open the damn door Jarod."
Jarod could tell she was afraid and so he walked forward handing her the equipment he had in his hands. Once his hands where free he began to pulled and bang on the doors, but still they would not open. The sound of a thunderous laughter stilled his efforts. He turned to look at Miss Parker whose face was suddenly a milky white. The meters in her hand offering proof that they were once more not alone. Jarod grabbed her by the hand once more pulling her at a frenzied pace up the stairs.
When the finally reached the third floor of the house, both were out of breath. Jarod released her hand and began to fumble with a light fixture on the wall. "We are trapped in a house with god knows what and you feel the need to fix the light." She scoffed, still attempting to catch her breath.
Suddenly a panel of the wall moved to reveal a long, dark, narrow staircase. Jarod walked over to a small table that stood at the end of the hall. He lifted an old fashion oil lamp into his hands and came back to stand with Parker. Lighting the lamp, he moved to illuminate the passageway. Cob webs were draped from wall to wall and entangled along the hand rail. The stairs seemed to go on forever ending into some dark unknown abyss. Jarod reached for her hand, but she yanked it away. "You wanted to know the truth Miss Parker. Well I have reason to believe that we might find some up these stairs."
She cocked her head to the side, running her hand threw her hair once more. Footsteps echoed up the staircase of the main house making her mind up for her. She took Jarod's out stretched hand and the two moved inside the the passage way. Pushing past cob webs and dust balls Jarod lead her up the narrow stairwell. As they neared the top, the faint sound of weeping they had heard in the entrance hall returned. Miss Parker stopped abruptly and looked up at Jarod.
"It's all right." he whispered. Then pulled her hand until they were moving upward once more.
At last there was a glimmer of light, that told them the end of the passageway was near. They climbed the remainder of the stairs until their faces where bathed in the light of the setting sun, that shone through a window in the room. Walking over to a table in the far corner, Jarod set the lamp down and turned to look at Miss Parker who still lingered in the doorway. Her face was pale with fear. Walking over to her, Jarod reached out to her. Looking up to meet his eyes, she yanked herself away from him and moved around him to enter the room.
She moved around the room silently examining in the contents of the room. The furniture was once again from another time and place. A large, wooden canopy bed sat in the far corner. It's wooden rails draped with fine silk and lace that matched the aged white silk bedspread and pillows that lined the headboard. In the center of the bed sat a child's doll, it's silk gown spread in a perfect circle surrounding it. In the middle of the room there was a small couch and chair that encircled a small table where a vase of pink roses sat a top a yellowed lace doily. In the room opposite the bed sat a table and chairs draped with an aged lace table cloth. In the center of the table was a vase just like the one that adorned the coffee table only it was filled with pink forget-me-knots instead of roses. A vanity sat in another corner accompanied by a chair. The vanity top was dressed with bottles of perfume and and a sterling sliver Brush and comb set. There was a closet full of period clothes next to the vanity and a small wash closet next to the door they had entered through. A few aged photographs adorned the dresser next to the bed along with a worn and weathered looking teddy bear. Placing down the equipment , she had been cradling to her chest in their journey up the stairs, she looked to him once more. "Well care to shed a little light on the situation?' She asked waiting for an explanation.
"Isabelle was your great-great grandfathers middle child. So that would make her your great-grand fathers older sister. She lived in the late 1800's. Local legend is that Isabelle fell in love with the stable man's eldest son. Daddy Parker disapproved of the union. He felt it would tarnish the Parker name if one of his heirs married a commoner. He had already arranged a marriage between her and the owner of the town bank. It's said that he offered to pay the young lover to disappear from his daughter's life. The young man refused the money. So Daddy Parker hired a carpenter to build this room just above the attic. Legend has it that he kept her locked away here in this very room."
"Sounds like a something a Parker would do. I mean come on lock away your own daughter from the man she loves or burn her to death in the middle of the night. What's the difference as long as you have total control over her." Miss Parker whispered sadly, as she moved to sit on the couch. " So, what happened to her?"
"Well no one really knows the whole story, only that she fell to her death on the night of her fathers annual Halloween masquerade ball. I found that diary hidden in a tree on the grounds yesterday. I haven't had a chance to read it yet." Jarod said walking over to sit beside her. As he walked a loose floorboard sprang up almost tripping him. Upon further investigation, He discovered it was a secret hiding place filled with someone's treasures. Reaching inside, he pulled out a stack of letters carefully bond with a pink silk ribbon, a silver chain that held a small heart shaped locket and rolled piece of parchment paper. With the items in hand, he got to his feet and joined Miss Parker on the couch. "Look these were hidden underneath the floor board."
"They must be love letters to Isabelle from her forbidden love. She must have hidden them in the floor board to keep them from being discovered by her father. Do you think there is clue to what happened to them?"
"Only one way to find out." Jarod said untying the ribbon. "I'm not sure what we will find, but I am learning that every stone unturned brings us one step closer to the truth."
Miss Parker looked at him for a minute then carefully opened the book in her hands. A soft gust a wind seemed to come from no where turning the pages until suddenly and just as abruptly as it had started it stopped leaving the book one to a page marked June 21st 1885. "All right Isabelle lets see what secrets you hold." She whispered, as she began to read aloud from the weathered pages, pealing back the veil of time and taking them to another place. . . . . .
June 21st 1885
Summer on the bluff is beautiful. The trees are full and green and mama's garden makes the whole air itself smell like perfume. Papa returned today with good news. He finally found someone to help with the land. He said it is a family. I can't wait to meet them. I still have not made many friends since we moved from Scotland. It will be nice to have someone to talk to besides my brothers and mama. They are to arrive tomorrow afternoon,I await them with baited breath.
June 22nd 1885
The MacGregors arrived today. They seem very nice. They have five children. The eldest boy's name is Michael. He is breathtakingly beautiful, so tall and handsome. And his eyes so deep, dark and mysterious, I found myself immediately lost in them. He has a smile so bright it rivals the morning sun. I must have seemed a fool. I couldn't keep my eyes off of him nor was I able to wipe the schoolgirl smile from my lips. I hope father didn't notice he'd be dreadfully angry. I have to see him again, perhaps I can sneak away after dinner and make sure they are settled.
Turning the page, Miss Parker continued to read aloud, as Jarod began to shuffle through the letters in his hand.
June 25th 1885
Father left on business today . He'll be in Blue Cove for two weeks and Mama is off at a social gather in town till tomorrow afternoon. The MacGregors are going to watch over myself and the boys until their return. At last I might be able to see Michael again. Father has been hovering and I haven't had a chance to see him since our first meeting the night he arrived. He must think I am such a child. I have sat in my window these last three nights watching him work in Mama's garden. He is so handsome. For the first time in my life I can actually feel my heart beating beneath my breast. I wonder, Is it possible to love a man you don't know?
June 27th 1885
These past two days have gone by in a blur. Mama was held over in town and I was given an extra day with the MacGregors. Michael joined me on a walk after supper on the first night. I was intoxicated by the closeness of his body to mine as we walked among the apple trees in the orchard. His deep , teddy bear eyes seemed to glimmer in the early evening sun and I found myself once again speechless just by looking into them. He shared with me his upset that his family had moved yet again and how he missed his studies at the university. It seems his family has fallen on hard times and he left behind his studies to help them. As we walked among the cherry blossoms , he took my hand to help me over the puddle from the evenings watering, I was filled with the strangest sensation like a million butterflies filled my belly and were swirling about. I could no longer speak and found myself simply nodding as he continued with his tale.
Yesterday we spent the day in the garden. He worked as I read to him out of one of Mama's books of poetry. I think he is the smartest man I have ever met and I worry that his longing to return to his studies will take him from us before I've had a chance to know him. After supper last night we took another walk, this time along the edge of the bluff. It must have been the sea air, all I could think of was what his lips would feel like on mine. It was difficult to control the urge that grew within me to lean over and kiss him. Mama says a lady never makes the first move. She is to be demure and delicate. A thing of beauty to be worshiped and cared for.
He wrote me a letter, I found it tied to a bundle of flowers on the garden table this morning. I mustn't let Mama know , I will read it after supper.
"I think I found that letter." Jarod said pulling the top letter off the pile. Carefully unfolding the aged and warn piece of parchment he began to read the words aloud.
Dearest Isabelle,
You have been a constant thought in my mind since you returned to the main house last eve. I had a lovely time on our walk through the grounds these past nights. Your company was indeed a welcome distraction from my loneliness. I know that your father disapproves of a friendship between us but my heart aches to think that I might not spend another moment just talking with you. I beg that you meet me under the maple tree after supper this evening. If you do not show I will understand, my heart shall miss the beauty of your delicate presence but I shall understand. I await your answer with baited breath.
Sincerely, Michael
As Jarod finished the letter, Miss Parker resumed reading from the diary.
July 4th 1885
It has been nearly a week since I met Michael under the maple tree on the far side of the grounds. We have met every night after supper since. Each time I am awed by his seemingly infinite wisdom. For a man who has never traveled aboard he seems to know about more faraway places than I can even imagined truly existed. He has become a trusted friend in this short time and every moment we spend together I can feel my heart grow fonder. Father is still away and I feel guilty for everyday I find myself grateful for this fact. But I know that he would never approve of my friendship with Michael.
July 15th 1885
Father returns home tomorrow and my heart is a well of sadness for I know that I will be unable to see my Michael . In these past weeks, He has captured my heart. I shall miss our late night walks along the cliffs. But I think it is our talks I shall miss the most. When he speaks it is as if his words entangle themselves around my heart. How will I live with out the sweetness of his voice each eve? I hope he understands why I must keep my distance. I shudder to think what father would do to us both if he knew of our friendship. It is better this way , maybe if I keep telling myself this, my heartache will subside.
July 30th 1885
It's been nearly two weeks since I was last alone with Michael. I have tried to find excuses to see him, but father always intervenes making the task all but impossible. All I can do is watch him from the window of my room as he works in the garden below. I wonder if he misses me as I miss him. I wonder if I fill his dreams as he fills mine each night I lay my head to rest. Alas will I ever feel the softness of his lips pressed with mine under the basking cast of the moonlight.
"He must have written her this letter about then." Jarod interrupted, then began to read from the parchment in his hand
My dearest Belle,
It has been so long since I heard the sweetness of your voice. My heart aches without your presence. I wonder often , how I ever lived without knowing you. I dream at night about the softness of your voice in laughter. Only to have my heart broken when dawn comes and I must live another day without it. I miss you my sweet Belle. I shall think of you as I walk among the cherry blossoms this evening. I shall be wishing you walked beside me. Perhaps one day you will, until that day I shall simply rely on my dreams to see you .
Sincerely, Michael
"It's horrible to watch the person you love from a distance and know. . " Miss Parker began but caught herself and stopped. "It must have been terrible for them." Jarod, who had caught, what Sydney would call a Freudian slip, smiled.
"I wouldn't worry Miss Parker. The heart can not be denied forever. Keep reading."
She resisted the urge to look at him and instead brought her eyes back to the book. She continued reading. . .
August 3rd 1885
Michael and I have arranged a secret meeting tonight under our tree. I hope I can get past Father in the study. My heart is filled with such joy to know that in just a few hours I will be near him.
August 4th 1885
Last night was like a dream, I met Michael under the maple tree after father had retired to the study to work. He looked so handsome standing in the glow of the setting sun. As I walked towards him I feared my heart would leap with joy from my very breast. I was intoxicated by the sweet aroma of him as it was carried to my nose on a wave of sea air. Coming to stand in front of him, I asked if he had missed me then waited not breathing for his reply. His face spread into this sparking smile as he leaned in towards me and whispered "How can I miss you when you are never far from my mind?" I giggled in response probably a childish thing to do but I did it just the same. He pulled from his back a bouquet of pink Forget-ME-Knots and I blushed as I took them. Deciding then and there they were to be my new favorite flower. We went on to talk till the sun had sank deep into the depths of the ocean but still it felt like we had just arrived when it was time from him to go. I waited praying for the kiss to come, but instead he leaned forward brushing his soft lips tenderly across my cool cheek warming my entire body instantly before he scurried off. His lips they are soft , it was all I could think as I came back to bed.
August 10th 1885
Michael and I have met each night for the last week. I am growing a bit worried that father will catch us soon. He seems a bit grumpier than usual and I am a bit fearful when he gets this way. But my heart is in conflict with my head. My head knows that I put both our lives in danger as I go to him each night but my heart it will not let me stay away. How can I deny my heart?
August 11th 1885
Father and Mother left this morning for town. At last I was able to walk with Michael amongst the sun bathed hours of afternoon. We met in the garden just after breakfast. It amazes me still how handsome he is. He brought a picnic lunch for us to share. As he reached for my hand, I could feel all the fear within me diminish. He lead me to a blanket he had placed on the edge of the bluff and we spent the day bathing in the warmth of the sun overlooking the ocean. He had brought with him his favorite book "Romeo and Juliet" and read to me from it after we finished our lunch this afternoon. His deep voice is entrancing. I could have listened to him forever. When he finished his passage I asked him why it was he enjoyed such a hopeless tragedy. He told me that love is never hopeless only hopeful. That was when it happened, the moment of my life that I shall remember always. He placed the book down on the ground and leaned over to me. His teddy bear eyes sparkling in a way I have never seen , I was pulled into them and felt myself inching forward as well. He brought his hand to my face, cradling my cheek in his palm. The butterflies that came so often in his presence returned fluttering within my belly. His tan face bathed in the glow of the setting sun , I watched both anxious and afraid , as he moved closer to me still. That was when he said it a whisper carried to me on a late summer breeze. " I have fallen in love with you Belle." I was awed by the profoundness of his hearts confession and whispered those same words in return. He smiled and I knew it was going to happen I could read it in his eyes. This was it the moment I had dreamed of since the first day I looked into his big beautiful brown eyes. I held my breath waiting as he inched slowly towards my lips with is own. My heart pounding so loud I wondered it he could hear it as well. Then at last in one tender brush of his lips my dreams were reality. The kiss was better than I could have imagined soft and tender and had I not known better I would have sworn I could feel his heart beating within his lips as they pressed to mine. We seemed to linger there forever our lips then bodies embraced together and I hoped it would always be as it was in that moment. As night fell the sky was bathed in an endless pattern of stars, He looked up and pointed to the brightest in the sky telling me it was ours, a shining reminder of our love etched in the heavens above. This night shall live in my heart always. . . my first kiss and the love of the boy who gave it to me.
As Miss Parker grew silent, Jarod began to read from the letter in his hand.
My darling Belle.
It has been but hours since my lips brushed with yours and my heart aches in your absence. I await the day when you no longer have to leave my arms and return to you father's house. Some day my love we shall be free to love without caution. Someday we shall walk arm and arm through onlookers and know we are safe from all scrutiny. Know that even if we can not be together that we are never apart for I carry a piece of you with me always. It is tucked safely within the confines of my heart safe from those who would forbid our love Know that until I can hold you in my arms again I will hold you hold you in dreams.
All My Love Forever, Michael
As Jarod finished reading the letter, the room grew colder. A soft whispering echo of tears washed over the room. Jarod turned to Miss Parker in time to see her body shudder from the cold. He immediately slid his the leather jacket down his arms. Reaching over, he gently draped it over her shivering shoulders. She was instantly intoxicated by the sweet, sexy aroma of his cologne, that seemed to be almost woven into the jacket itself. Subconsciously, she pushed her arms down the sleeves and pulled the jacker tighter around her body. She looked up whispering a soft, almost unheard, thank you before she continued reading.
August 23rd 1885
Michael sent me on a scavenger hunt today. Leading me from clue to clue until at last I was rewarded with my treasure hidden inside our Maple tree. It was beautiful a small box wrapped in a small piece of his old shirt. My fingers fumbled unwrapping it. Inside the box was a beautiful silver heart shaped locket. Upon opening it I found he had placed our pictures inside. I was overcome with tears. It truly is the most wonderful gift I have ever received. As I turned it locket over in my hand I noticed he had etched our initials on the back. He wiped my tears with his hands and kissed me, whispering as he pulled away that I now held his heart in my hands.
September 1st 1885
As summer comes to a quiet end , I recall the imagines that are written in my memory forever. Late night walks cradled in Michael's arms, dancing in the garden beneath a star filled sky, stolen moments and kisses of our sweet but forbidden love. I know that he is growing restless here and wishes to return to his studies. He's asked me to go with him. I have hope at last that I may be free from this house. Although I love and will miss my family I am anxious to start a life and family of my own. I know father will never approve of our love but it is Michael's hope and mine that he come to see that there are not other loves for either of us.
The ink on the next page was smudged in the form of perfect tear drops. Parker touched each spot carefully brushing her fingers across the smudges feeling the agony of the words beneath them as she read.
September 3rd 1885
It has been two days since Father crushed my plans to leave with Michael. I will never forget the rage on his face when he found us kissing goodbye in the garden. He is being unreasonable and refuses to listen to me. He has forbid me to see Michael again and has threatened that if I disobey him he will kill us both. I have never been as afraid for my life as I am now.
September 15th 1885
It has been two weeks since I felt the safety of Michael's arms around me. I pray that he knows I still love him. My life in the house has been unbearable. Father watches over me like a hunter of his prey. I am allowed to go no where by myself. I feel like a prisoner in my own home. How can they say they love me and keep me from the one person who makes me happy?
Miss Parker grew silent still entranced by the tear drop smudges on the page before her. Jarod took his cue and began to read the next letter on the pile, he held in his hands.
My Darling Belle,
These past weeks I have been away from you have been torture. I long to feel the softness of your body in my arms again and the sweetness of your lips upon mine. Each night I close my eyes praying that when the dawn comes this will have all been a horrible dream and I will find you lying next to me. But with each sunrise my heart breaks , as I discover you are still a prisoner of your fathers love. Fear not my angel for everyday I am looking for a way to end this torture. I will find a way to free us both from this hell our hearts now reside in. I beg of the not to lose hope in our future for without hope we have nothing. Your father may keep apart our bodies but our hearts shall always be as one. Look for me in your dreams my love I shall be waiting for you there. Remember always that the even though we can't not be together we shall never ever be apart.
Yours Forever and always, Michael
" It sounds as if he loved her very much." Jarod whispered as he finished reading.
"How could a man deny his daughter of a man who loved her so much?" Parker said quietly, blinking the tears that had filled her eyes.
"Ask your father." Jarod said bitterly, looking away from her, unable to bare to what he would see in her eyes at his confession.
She wanted to say something in return but knew nothing she would say would change the truth, that Jarod was right. So instead she turned the page of the diary and continued to read.
October 3rd 1885
As I sat today perched in the window, I overheard father telling the MacGergors that I have left to marry Lord Winston In Blue Cove. The pain on Michael's face will haunt me forever. I wanted to go to him, to wrap my arms around him and tell him of the love that still burns undaunted inside my heart. I cried out to him but my voice was carried away on a salty ocean breeze It has been nearly a month since I have spoken with Michael. My heartbreaks with each day that passes. I cry myself to sleep each night and just when I think there are no tears left in my swollen eyes, I feel them come again. Father came today with news. . . He has made arrangements for me to wed the owner of the bank in Blue Cove. How can I marry a man when my heart is betrothed to another? I must get to Michael. I will wait until the hour is late and I am sure father and mother have drifted off to sleep. Then I shall sneak out to see him under the veil of the midnight moon. I pray that the saints are with me this eve.
October 4th 1885
Last night , long before I had the chance to leave , Father came to me. It was as if he knew I had planed to go. He told me that Michael never loved me and the proof was in the fact that he was to wed another. My heart tells me it is a lie, one of many my father has told, but my head it knows not what to believe. I begged him to let me go to Michael, but he refused . Angry at me for asking , he locked me in the attic tower. Now I truly am a prisoner. My only contact with the world outside is a small window that faces the garden and cliffs below. I could not get to Michael and fear that he will never know that I tried. My greatest fear is that he will never know of my love for him and that I shall remain forever a prisoner of this house. Allowed only to watch the world outside and never to be a part of it.
October 10th 1885
As I sat in the window today watching the colored leaves being carried across the blue autumn sky, my mind wondered to the letter my mother brought to me today. My heart aches to think of words written on this page crumpled in my hand. What I was sure was a lie was in fact the truth Michael told me himself that he is to wed another. He said there are things that I do not understand, that he has no choice. I want to believe him, to believe that he still loves me but to see those words broke my heart. How can he give another his name? How can he throw away our dreams? The pain that grows inside me is like I have never felt before and I wonder if it is possible to die of a broken heart.
"This must be the letter." Jarod said pulling a warn rumpled piece of parchment from the pile. Smoothing it with his fingers he began to read. . .
My Darling Belle.
It breaks my heart to write these words but I feel that I must be the one to tell you . My parents told me once that the truth shall set you free and I am praying they were right. There have been things Belle that you or I will never understand. Things that have lead me to make choices I thought I would never have to make. Please understand that I had no choice in what I am to tell you . Due to circumstances beyond my control and to protect my family, this was the only way. It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you I am to wed another. But know my dear sweet Isabelle that it is only my name she shall have for my heart will always belong to you. I know this must hurt you so and I am sorry to have to tell you this way but I felt it only fair that you should know the truth from me and no other. Your father tells me you are reluctant to wed Lord Winston, I hope that you will find love in his home and it shall free you from your fathers house. Please go on with your wedding for it would seem our love was not meant to be after all. Go forth sweet love and find happiness. The happiness I wanted to give you . Know that I will always remember our time together it will be with me wherever I go. I know that you may not believe me now but I hope that someday you will see I loved you Isabelle more than you will ever know. I wish you joy and happiness but above all this I wish you love. I will always love you.
Always and forever, Michael
The room grew colder once again and suddenly the window blew open sending both Miss Parker and Jarod jumping to their feet. Jarod darted over and reached to pull the window closed It was then he saw the body lying on the rocks below. Instinct made him call to Parker to look as well. Hearing the terror in his voice, she ran to his side and looked in the direction he was pointing.
"Afraid of heights?" she asked as she pulled back to look at him.
"Didn't you see her?" Jarod gasped.
"See who?"
"The girl who was lying on the rocks below. She was in a ball gown and blood, blood was everywhere. Didn't you see her?"
"There is no one there Jarod. Look for yourself." Parker said, motioning to the window.
Jarod reluctantly stepped back to the window and looked down. "I swear she was there. I swear she was."
"Well whatever it was it's gone now." Parker said, walking back towards the couch. "Do you hear that?"
"What?"
"It sounds like someone is crying." She said walking over to the far corner of the room. Suddenly her body began to shudder from the cold and it felt as if a body passed threw her own. Terrified she stood, her eyes fixed on the wall behind her.
"Miss Parker?" Jarod said, gently placing a hand on her shoulder.
Surprised, she turned around throwing a punch and landing it square on his cheekbone, sending him tumbling backwards.
"Ouch." He grumbled massaging his face, as he got to his feet. "What was that for?"
"Well although I can think of a million reasons why you deserve it, I didn't mean to hit you. You surprised me."
"Do you always lead with a punch when some surprises you?' he teased.
"Did you forget who I work for? I find most surprises unwelcome." She said walking over to admire her work. "That is gonna be a nasty bruise." she said, reaching up to touch his cheek. The touch of her hand seemed to send a volt of electricity between them, overcome she yanked her hand quickly away. "We'd better get back to reading."
Jarod smiled knowing she had felt whatever it was that passed between them as well. He rubbed his cheek once more and went to sit beside her.
October 20th 1885
As I sit in my room watching the minutes turn to hours and the hours to days, I wonder if this hell will ever end or if I shall remain a prisoner of this house forever. I see no one but father and when she came sneak up the stairs unnoticed mother has come. She has told me of the world and brought me some books to read. I know she is afraid of him and I told her so. Each time she comes she begs me to remain passive and not to try and escape again. I can see the fear in her eyes, she fears for my life. I so often wonder how it is she could have married him. She told me once that he was not always the monster he is today. I wonder what could have changed a man so drastically that he would lock his own child away from the world. Today Mother came again it filled my heart to know she loves me enough to risk her own safety just to spend a few moments with me.
Father has planed to hold the annual Masquerade Ball on the 31st of the month. This is where I am to at last to meet Lord Winston. We are to wed on November 4th. Just to think of it causes the tears to fill my eyes. Although I know I shall have no choice in this matter, I wonder how it is I can marry a man twice my age whom I do not love. Father cares not if love him , but only that our union will bring with it more money and power to the Parker name. I see now he can no longer see beyond his greed and find myself crying for him as well for a man lost in greed shall in the end have nothing.
It has been so long since I have last seen Michael and I wonder if he has forgotten about me as father claims. If I could just talk to him just for a moment if only to say goodbye and to tell him that he was wrong that our love was meant to be. I want him to know that as he I carry him with me and I know that no matter where my life leads me he will always be the best part of me.
October 27th 1885
Mother came to me today and brought me the dress I am to wear to the ball. As soon as my eyes fell upon it I recognized who I was to be. . Juliet. Tears filled my eyes as I realized at long last that my mother knew and understood. She smiled at me and took me in her arms. She held me tighter than she ever had before and it was not until she left that I understood why. She kissed my cheek as she released me then pulled a box from under the gown and handed it to me. As she turned to go she looked back one last time with tears in her eyes and told me to always follow my heart that it will never lead me astray. I watched as she disappeared down the stairs knowing what great courage she must have had to give me such a gift. When she was gone from sight , I opened the box to find my locket , a sketch, a letter and a large sum of money. As I read the letter I began to understand and my heart was filled with great joy that at last perhaps my dreams would come true after all.
"This letter is from her mother." Jarod said handing the letter in his hand to Parker, who began to read it aloud.
My sweet Angel,
I love you with all my heart and know now that you need to be free. I found these items in the maple tree in the garden and it was then that I truly began to understand. True love can not be diminished by hatred . It is only in love that we find freedom of our fears and it was in my love for you that I found the strength to set you free. Forgive a foolish woman, I was afraid for you life and never saw that without Michael you no longer had one. I see now that it is not who you are that makes you suitable but how you love. When I saw this sketch Michael had drawn of you ,I finally understood just how he loved you and I knew I could no longer be apart of the madness that kept you apart. At the ball my sweet angel you must look for your love , he will be safe under the disguise of his mask. You must find him and disappear before the unmasking at midnight. If you are late all will be lost . God's speed my child.
Love Always, Mama
Jarod unrolled the parchment paper in his hand, it was a sketch of a woman dressed as Juliet. "This must be Isabelle." He said handing the paper to Parker.
"She was beautiful." Parker said quietly, running her hand over the sketch. "There is only one entry left dated the 31st of October."
October 31st 1885
As I stand before the mirror admiring my disguise, my heart swells with hope that soon I might be in my lovers arms . At long last this Juliet shall have her Romeo again. My only regret is that I can not save my mother as well. If my fathers learns of her betrayal I have no doubt he will end her life. She is the most courageous woman I have ever met and I pray that someday she have the same chance at freedom she has given me. The hour grows late and my love awaits. I will go to him and tell him of my father's lies. I can only pray it is not to late, that at long last the truth shall set us free and our future will begin. The sound of footsteps on the stairs means that father comes for me, the game begins.
"Do you think she talked to him before she died?" Miss Parker asked.
The thunderous echoing sound of footsteps in the passageway filled the room. Miss Parker had just looked at Jarod when a sudden gust of wind, that seemed to come from no where, breezed across the room flinging the door open. Jarod protectively pulled Parker into his arms as the room grew unbearably colder. The pages of the diary, in Miss Parker 's hands began to flipped until at last the book slammed shut. It was suddenly ripped from her finger tips and sent sailing across the room and under the bed. She watched horrified as the letters followed until all that was left was the locket still held firmly in Jarod's hand.
The soft weeping sound they had heard off and on all night returned and seemed to float out the door and down the stairs. The footsteps could be heard again only this time the seemed to be leaving the room. As both sounds grew faint the door slammed shut again and warmth once again filled the room. Miss Parker , suddenly aware that she was in Jarod's arms still, yanked herself free.
"Do you hear that?" she asked moving over to the door. With a trembling hand she reached down and turned the knob. As she pulled the door open the room was filled with the sound of a clock striking seven.
Jarod put the locket in his pocket and moved to stand beside her. The sound of voices seemed to fill the house and music began to play. He moved cautiously in front of Parker readying himself for anything that might happen. The candles that lined the wall of the stairwell began to ignite one at a time until at last the stairwell was a glow with warm soft light. Without saying a word, he grabbed Parker's hand and lead her down the stairs.
Reaching the bottom of the steps they followed the sound of footsteps out into the hall. The sun had set leaving the house cloaked in darkness. Jarod could feel Miss Parker's grip tighten on his as the candles in the passageway blew out taking their only source of light.
"It's all right. I won't let anything happen to you." He said softly.
"I don't need you to protect me." she bit out pulling her hand from his grasp and moving away from him into the darkness.
"Parker now is not the time to play this little game of ours." Jarod growled annoyed as he ran to catch up with her.
"Ouch!" She shirked banging her hip on something in the darkness. "All right genius find us some light."
As if by the command of her voice, the candle torches that lined the hallway began to ignite slowly filling the hall with a soft glow. She was about to make a smart remark when she saw a figure disappear into a room in the distance. Without a word to Jarod she began to make her way towards the same room. "Looks like we aren't as alone as you wanted me to believe Wonder-boy." she huffed. When Jarod didn't answer, she turned to see what he was doing only to find he was gone. Her eye caught sight of a shadow moving up ahead of her and she turned abruptly to face it. The hall was empty. She pulled the gun from it's holster on her back and moved cautiously down the hall.
Reaching the room, she kicked the door open hoping to surprise whoever had gone inside. She was greeted by blackness and stepped back out into the hall to grab torch light off the wall. Then stepped cautiously back into the room. The room appeared to be another study. She moved over to the desk where an oil lamp sat. Placing her gun down, she used the torch in her hand to light the lamp. The window opened suddenly letting in a bone chilling breeze that extinguished the torch in her hand. Pulling Jarod's coat around her, she placed the unlit torch on the desk and walked over to the window to pull the pains closed. Feeling like someone was standing behind her, she turned ready to give Jarod a piece of her mind. Instead of Jarod, she found herself staring at another painting, the face shadowed. She walked over and grabbed the lamp lifting it to illuminate the painting fully. When able to see it clearly, she gasped reading the small gold plaque at the bottom of the painting. "Robert Parker." "Well I can finally see where Lyle gets his stunning looks and lovely personality from." She whispered to herself.
Another breeze blew through the room reminding her that the window was still open. Shivering she turned her attention back to closing the window but when she turned to face it she found it was already closed. She could feel her body begin to tremble and scolded herself for being afraid. Just when she had convinced herself that everything was fine and her mind was playing tricks on her she saw a man in the doorway.
Chapter two: "Forbidden Lovers"
Angle's Bluff, Maine (5:00 PM)
Jarod was about to explain who Isabelle Parker was when suddenly the room seemed to grow cold. Picking up his thermal-scanner, Jarod noticed that he and Miss Parker were not the only heat bearing persons in the room. The electromagnetic field detector began to scan as well showing large evidence of disturbances. Jarod feeling a bit uneasy grabbed Miss Parker by the hand pulling her from her current location, under a hanging chandler. Not a second later the chandler came crashing down, shattering into a dozen pieces on the wooden floor.
"What the hell is going on?" Miss Parker growled, feeling a slow rise of panic from within her.
"We need to get to another room Miss Parker." Jarod said, pulling her into the entrance hall.
"I am not going any further until you tell what the hell is happening in this house." She hissed, yanking her hand from his.
"I told you it is said to be haunted."
"I thought you didn't believe in such things Jarod."
"Well this past month I have seen and heard a few things that have changed my mind." Was all he could say be for the cold from the living room entered the hall in which they were standing. The compass in his hand went haywire and the thermal-scanner again eluded to another heat bearing form in the room.
Miss Parker felt the hairs on her neck begin to stand on end sending a shivering sensation trickling down her spin. She grasped the diary tighter in her hand, as she suddenly felt a cold wind rush past her mingled with the faint sound of someone weeping. Her body shuddered as the heat of the room returned and the sound disappeared up the stairs. She stood dumbfounded then turned to look at Jarod. "I don't know about you Pez- head but I am getting the hell out of here." she hissed heading towards the door. Placing her hands around the cold metal handles she twisted and pulled, but the doors did not budge. She tugged and pulled again but to no avail the doors would not open. Turning to face Jarod, fear and anger burned in her eyes. "Open the damn door Jarod."
Jarod could tell she was afraid and so he walked forward handing her the equipment he had in his hands. Once his hands where free he began to pulled and bang on the doors, but still they would not open. The sound of a thunderous laughter stilled his efforts. He turned to look at Miss Parker whose face was suddenly a milky white. The meters in her hand offering proof that they were once more not alone. Jarod grabbed her by the hand once more pulling her at a frenzied pace up the stairs.
When the finally reached the third floor of the house, both were out of breath. Jarod released her hand and began to fumble with a light fixture on the wall. "We are trapped in a house with god knows what and you feel the need to fix the light." She scoffed, still attempting to catch her breath.
Suddenly a panel of the wall moved to reveal a long, dark, narrow staircase. Jarod walked over to a small table that stood at the end of the hall. He lifted an old fashion oil lamp into his hands and came back to stand with Parker. Lighting the lamp, he moved to illuminate the passageway. Cob webs were draped from wall to wall and entangled along the hand rail. The stairs seemed to go on forever ending into some dark unknown abyss. Jarod reached for her hand, but she yanked it away. "You wanted to know the truth Miss Parker. Well I have reason to believe that we might find some up these stairs."
She cocked her head to the side, running her hand threw her hair once more. Footsteps echoed up the staircase of the main house making her mind up for her. She took Jarod's out stretched hand and the two moved inside the the passage way. Pushing past cob webs and dust balls Jarod lead her up the narrow stairwell. As they neared the top, the faint sound of weeping they had heard in the entrance hall returned. Miss Parker stopped abruptly and looked up at Jarod.
"It's all right." he whispered. Then pulled her hand until they were moving upward once more.
At last there was a glimmer of light, that told them the end of the passageway was near. They climbed the remainder of the stairs until their faces where bathed in the light of the setting sun, that shone through a window in the room. Walking over to a table in the far corner, Jarod set the lamp down and turned to look at Miss Parker who still lingered in the doorway. Her face was pale with fear. Walking over to her, Jarod reached out to her. Looking up to meet his eyes, she yanked herself away from him and moved around him to enter the room.
She moved around the room silently examining in the contents of the room. The furniture was once again from another time and place. A large, wooden canopy bed sat in the far corner. It's wooden rails draped with fine silk and lace that matched the aged white silk bedspread and pillows that lined the headboard. In the center of the bed sat a child's doll, it's silk gown spread in a perfect circle surrounding it. In the middle of the room there was a small couch and chair that encircled a small table where a vase of pink roses sat a top a yellowed lace doily. In the room opposite the bed sat a table and chairs draped with an aged lace table cloth. In the center of the table was a vase just like the one that adorned the coffee table only it was filled with pink forget-me-knots instead of roses. A vanity sat in another corner accompanied by a chair. The vanity top was dressed with bottles of perfume and and a sterling sliver Brush and comb set. There was a closet full of period clothes next to the vanity and a small wash closet next to the door they had entered through. A few aged photographs adorned the dresser next to the bed along with a worn and weathered looking teddy bear. Placing down the equipment , she had been cradling to her chest in their journey up the stairs, she looked to him once more. "Well care to shed a little light on the situation?' She asked waiting for an explanation.
"Isabelle was your great-great grandfathers middle child. So that would make her your great-grand fathers older sister. She lived in the late 1800's. Local legend is that Isabelle fell in love with the stable man's eldest son. Daddy Parker disapproved of the union. He felt it would tarnish the Parker name if one of his heirs married a commoner. He had already arranged a marriage between her and the owner of the town bank. It's said that he offered to pay the young lover to disappear from his daughter's life. The young man refused the money. So Daddy Parker hired a carpenter to build this room just above the attic. Legend has it that he kept her locked away here in this very room."
"Sounds like a something a Parker would do. I mean come on lock away your own daughter from the man she loves or burn her to death in the middle of the night. What's the difference as long as you have total control over her." Miss Parker whispered sadly, as she moved to sit on the couch. " So, what happened to her?"
"Well no one really knows the whole story, only that she fell to her death on the night of her fathers annual Halloween masquerade ball. I found that diary hidden in a tree on the grounds yesterday. I haven't had a chance to read it yet." Jarod said walking over to sit beside her. As he walked a loose floorboard sprang up almost tripping him. Upon further investigation, He discovered it was a secret hiding place filled with someone's treasures. Reaching inside, he pulled out a stack of letters carefully bond with a pink silk ribbon, a silver chain that held a small heart shaped locket and rolled piece of parchment paper. With the items in hand, he got to his feet and joined Miss Parker on the couch. "Look these were hidden underneath the floor board."
"They must be love letters to Isabelle from her forbidden love. She must have hidden them in the floor board to keep them from being discovered by her father. Do you think there is clue to what happened to them?"
"Only one way to find out." Jarod said untying the ribbon. "I'm not sure what we will find, but I am learning that every stone unturned brings us one step closer to the truth."
Miss Parker looked at him for a minute then carefully opened the book in her hands. A soft gust a wind seemed to come from no where turning the pages until suddenly and just as abruptly as it had started it stopped leaving the book one to a page marked June 21st 1885. "All right Isabelle lets see what secrets you hold." She whispered, as she began to read aloud from the weathered pages, pealing back the veil of time and taking them to another place. . . . . .
June 21st 1885
Summer on the bluff is beautiful. The trees are full and green and mama's garden makes the whole air itself smell like perfume. Papa returned today with good news. He finally found someone to help with the land. He said it is a family. I can't wait to meet them. I still have not made many friends since we moved from Scotland. It will be nice to have someone to talk to besides my brothers and mama. They are to arrive tomorrow afternoon,I await them with baited breath.
June 22nd 1885
The MacGregors arrived today. They seem very nice. They have five children. The eldest boy's name is Michael. He is breathtakingly beautiful, so tall and handsome. And his eyes so deep, dark and mysterious, I found myself immediately lost in them. He has a smile so bright it rivals the morning sun. I must have seemed a fool. I couldn't keep my eyes off of him nor was I able to wipe the schoolgirl smile from my lips. I hope father didn't notice he'd be dreadfully angry. I have to see him again, perhaps I can sneak away after dinner and make sure they are settled.
Turning the page, Miss Parker continued to read aloud, as Jarod began to shuffle through the letters in his hand.
June 25th 1885
Father left on business today . He'll be in Blue Cove for two weeks and Mama is off at a social gather in town till tomorrow afternoon. The MacGregors are going to watch over myself and the boys until their return. At last I might be able to see Michael again. Father has been hovering and I haven't had a chance to see him since our first meeting the night he arrived. He must think I am such a child. I have sat in my window these last three nights watching him work in Mama's garden. He is so handsome. For the first time in my life I can actually feel my heart beating beneath my breast. I wonder, Is it possible to love a man you don't know?
June 27th 1885
These past two days have gone by in a blur. Mama was held over in town and I was given an extra day with the MacGregors. Michael joined me on a walk after supper on the first night. I was intoxicated by the closeness of his body to mine as we walked among the apple trees in the orchard. His deep , teddy bear eyes seemed to glimmer in the early evening sun and I found myself once again speechless just by looking into them. He shared with me his upset that his family had moved yet again and how he missed his studies at the university. It seems his family has fallen on hard times and he left behind his studies to help them. As we walked among the cherry blossoms , he took my hand to help me over the puddle from the evenings watering, I was filled with the strangest sensation like a million butterflies filled my belly and were swirling about. I could no longer speak and found myself simply nodding as he continued with his tale.
Yesterday we spent the day in the garden. He worked as I read to him out of one of Mama's books of poetry. I think he is the smartest man I have ever met and I worry that his longing to return to his studies will take him from us before I've had a chance to know him. After supper last night we took another walk, this time along the edge of the bluff. It must have been the sea air, all I could think of was what his lips would feel like on mine. It was difficult to control the urge that grew within me to lean over and kiss him. Mama says a lady never makes the first move. She is to be demure and delicate. A thing of beauty to be worshiped and cared for.
He wrote me a letter, I found it tied to a bundle of flowers on the garden table this morning. I mustn't let Mama know , I will read it after supper.
"I think I found that letter." Jarod said pulling the top letter off the pile. Carefully unfolding the aged and warn piece of parchment he began to read the words aloud.
Dearest Isabelle,
You have been a constant thought in my mind since you returned to the main house last eve. I had a lovely time on our walk through the grounds these past nights. Your company was indeed a welcome distraction from my loneliness. I know that your father disapproves of a friendship between us but my heart aches to think that I might not spend another moment just talking with you. I beg that you meet me under the maple tree after supper this evening. If you do not show I will understand, my heart shall miss the beauty of your delicate presence but I shall understand. I await your answer with baited breath.
Sincerely, Michael
As Jarod finished the letter, Miss Parker resumed reading from the diary.
July 4th 1885
It has been nearly a week since I met Michael under the maple tree on the far side of the grounds. We have met every night after supper since. Each time I am awed by his seemingly infinite wisdom. For a man who has never traveled aboard he seems to know about more faraway places than I can even imagined truly existed. He has become a trusted friend in this short time and every moment we spend together I can feel my heart grow fonder. Father is still away and I feel guilty for everyday I find myself grateful for this fact. But I know that he would never approve of my friendship with Michael.
July 15th 1885
Father returns home tomorrow and my heart is a well of sadness for I know that I will be unable to see my Michael . In these past weeks, He has captured my heart. I shall miss our late night walks along the cliffs. But I think it is our talks I shall miss the most. When he speaks it is as if his words entangle themselves around my heart. How will I live with out the sweetness of his voice each eve? I hope he understands why I must keep my distance. I shudder to think what father would do to us both if he knew of our friendship. It is better this way , maybe if I keep telling myself this, my heartache will subside.
July 30th 1885
It's been nearly two weeks since I was last alone with Michael. I have tried to find excuses to see him, but father always intervenes making the task all but impossible. All I can do is watch him from the window of my room as he works in the garden below. I wonder if he misses me as I miss him. I wonder if I fill his dreams as he fills mine each night I lay my head to rest. Alas will I ever feel the softness of his lips pressed with mine under the basking cast of the moonlight.
"He must have written her this letter about then." Jarod interrupted, then began to read from the parchment in his hand
My dearest Belle,
It has been so long since I heard the sweetness of your voice. My heart aches without your presence. I wonder often , how I ever lived without knowing you. I dream at night about the softness of your voice in laughter. Only to have my heart broken when dawn comes and I must live another day without it. I miss you my sweet Belle. I shall think of you as I walk among the cherry blossoms this evening. I shall be wishing you walked beside me. Perhaps one day you will, until that day I shall simply rely on my dreams to see you .
Sincerely, Michael
"It's horrible to watch the person you love from a distance and know. . " Miss Parker began but caught herself and stopped. "It must have been terrible for them." Jarod, who had caught, what Sydney would call a Freudian slip, smiled.
"I wouldn't worry Miss Parker. The heart can not be denied forever. Keep reading."
She resisted the urge to look at him and instead brought her eyes back to the book. She continued reading. . .
August 3rd 1885
Michael and I have arranged a secret meeting tonight under our tree. I hope I can get past Father in the study. My heart is filled with such joy to know that in just a few hours I will be near him.
August 4th 1885
Last night was like a dream, I met Michael under the maple tree after father had retired to the study to work. He looked so handsome standing in the glow of the setting sun. As I walked towards him I feared my heart would leap with joy from my very breast. I was intoxicated by the sweet aroma of him as it was carried to my nose on a wave of sea air. Coming to stand in front of him, I asked if he had missed me then waited not breathing for his reply. His face spread into this sparking smile as he leaned in towards me and whispered "How can I miss you when you are never far from my mind?" I giggled in response probably a childish thing to do but I did it just the same. He pulled from his back a bouquet of pink Forget-ME-Knots and I blushed as I took them. Deciding then and there they were to be my new favorite flower. We went on to talk till the sun had sank deep into the depths of the ocean but still it felt like we had just arrived when it was time from him to go. I waited praying for the kiss to come, but instead he leaned forward brushing his soft lips tenderly across my cool cheek warming my entire body instantly before he scurried off. His lips they are soft , it was all I could think as I came back to bed.
August 10th 1885
Michael and I have met each night for the last week. I am growing a bit worried that father will catch us soon. He seems a bit grumpier than usual and I am a bit fearful when he gets this way. But my heart is in conflict with my head. My head knows that I put both our lives in danger as I go to him each night but my heart it will not let me stay away. How can I deny my heart?
August 11th 1885
Father and Mother left this morning for town. At last I was able to walk with Michael amongst the sun bathed hours of afternoon. We met in the garden just after breakfast. It amazes me still how handsome he is. He brought a picnic lunch for us to share. As he reached for my hand, I could feel all the fear within me diminish. He lead me to a blanket he had placed on the edge of the bluff and we spent the day bathing in the warmth of the sun overlooking the ocean. He had brought with him his favorite book "Romeo and Juliet" and read to me from it after we finished our lunch this afternoon. His deep voice is entrancing. I could have listened to him forever. When he finished his passage I asked him why it was he enjoyed such a hopeless tragedy. He told me that love is never hopeless only hopeful. That was when it happened, the moment of my life that I shall remember always. He placed the book down on the ground and leaned over to me. His teddy bear eyes sparkling in a way I have never seen , I was pulled into them and felt myself inching forward as well. He brought his hand to my face, cradling my cheek in his palm. The butterflies that came so often in his presence returned fluttering within my belly. His tan face bathed in the glow of the setting sun , I watched both anxious and afraid , as he moved closer to me still. That was when he said it a whisper carried to me on a late summer breeze. " I have fallen in love with you Belle." I was awed by the profoundness of his hearts confession and whispered those same words in return. He smiled and I knew it was going to happen I could read it in his eyes. This was it the moment I had dreamed of since the first day I looked into his big beautiful brown eyes. I held my breath waiting as he inched slowly towards my lips with is own. My heart pounding so loud I wondered it he could hear it as well. Then at last in one tender brush of his lips my dreams were reality. The kiss was better than I could have imagined soft and tender and had I not known better I would have sworn I could feel his heart beating within his lips as they pressed to mine. We seemed to linger there forever our lips then bodies embraced together and I hoped it would always be as it was in that moment. As night fell the sky was bathed in an endless pattern of stars, He looked up and pointed to the brightest in the sky telling me it was ours, a shining reminder of our love etched in the heavens above. This night shall live in my heart always. . . my first kiss and the love of the boy who gave it to me.
As Miss Parker grew silent, Jarod began to read from the letter in his hand.
My darling Belle.
It has been but hours since my lips brushed with yours and my heart aches in your absence. I await the day when you no longer have to leave my arms and return to you father's house. Some day my love we shall be free to love without caution. Someday we shall walk arm and arm through onlookers and know we are safe from all scrutiny. Know that even if we can not be together that we are never apart for I carry a piece of you with me always. It is tucked safely within the confines of my heart safe from those who would forbid our love Know that until I can hold you in my arms again I will hold you hold you in dreams.
All My Love Forever, Michael
As Jarod finished reading the letter, the room grew colder. A soft whispering echo of tears washed over the room. Jarod turned to Miss Parker in time to see her body shudder from the cold. He immediately slid his the leather jacket down his arms. Reaching over, he gently draped it over her shivering shoulders. She was instantly intoxicated by the sweet, sexy aroma of his cologne, that seemed to be almost woven into the jacket itself. Subconsciously, she pushed her arms down the sleeves and pulled the jacker tighter around her body. She looked up whispering a soft, almost unheard, thank you before she continued reading.
August 23rd 1885
Michael sent me on a scavenger hunt today. Leading me from clue to clue until at last I was rewarded with my treasure hidden inside our Maple tree. It was beautiful a small box wrapped in a small piece of his old shirt. My fingers fumbled unwrapping it. Inside the box was a beautiful silver heart shaped locket. Upon opening it I found he had placed our pictures inside. I was overcome with tears. It truly is the most wonderful gift I have ever received. As I turned it locket over in my hand I noticed he had etched our initials on the back. He wiped my tears with his hands and kissed me, whispering as he pulled away that I now held his heart in my hands.
September 1st 1885
As summer comes to a quiet end , I recall the imagines that are written in my memory forever. Late night walks cradled in Michael's arms, dancing in the garden beneath a star filled sky, stolen moments and kisses of our sweet but forbidden love. I know that he is growing restless here and wishes to return to his studies. He's asked me to go with him. I have hope at last that I may be free from this house. Although I love and will miss my family I am anxious to start a life and family of my own. I know father will never approve of our love but it is Michael's hope and mine that he come to see that there are not other loves for either of us.
The ink on the next page was smudged in the form of perfect tear drops. Parker touched each spot carefully brushing her fingers across the smudges feeling the agony of the words beneath them as she read.
September 3rd 1885
It has been two days since Father crushed my plans to leave with Michael. I will never forget the rage on his face when he found us kissing goodbye in the garden. He is being unreasonable and refuses to listen to me. He has forbid me to see Michael again and has threatened that if I disobey him he will kill us both. I have never been as afraid for my life as I am now.
September 15th 1885
It has been two weeks since I felt the safety of Michael's arms around me. I pray that he knows I still love him. My life in the house has been unbearable. Father watches over me like a hunter of his prey. I am allowed to go no where by myself. I feel like a prisoner in my own home. How can they say they love me and keep me from the one person who makes me happy?
Miss Parker grew silent still entranced by the tear drop smudges on the page before her. Jarod took his cue and began to read the next letter on the pile, he held in his hands.
My Darling Belle,
These past weeks I have been away from you have been torture. I long to feel the softness of your body in my arms again and the sweetness of your lips upon mine. Each night I close my eyes praying that when the dawn comes this will have all been a horrible dream and I will find you lying next to me. But with each sunrise my heart breaks , as I discover you are still a prisoner of your fathers love. Fear not my angel for everyday I am looking for a way to end this torture. I will find a way to free us both from this hell our hearts now reside in. I beg of the not to lose hope in our future for without hope we have nothing. Your father may keep apart our bodies but our hearts shall always be as one. Look for me in your dreams my love I shall be waiting for you there. Remember always that the even though we can't not be together we shall never ever be apart.
Yours Forever and always, Michael
" It sounds as if he loved her very much." Jarod whispered as he finished reading.
"How could a man deny his daughter of a man who loved her so much?" Parker said quietly, blinking the tears that had filled her eyes.
"Ask your father." Jarod said bitterly, looking away from her, unable to bare to what he would see in her eyes at his confession.
She wanted to say something in return but knew nothing she would say would change the truth, that Jarod was right. So instead she turned the page of the diary and continued to read.
October 3rd 1885
As I sat today perched in the window, I overheard father telling the MacGergors that I have left to marry Lord Winston In Blue Cove. The pain on Michael's face will haunt me forever. I wanted to go to him, to wrap my arms around him and tell him of the love that still burns undaunted inside my heart. I cried out to him but my voice was carried away on a salty ocean breeze It has been nearly a month since I have spoken with Michael. My heartbreaks with each day that passes. I cry myself to sleep each night and just when I think there are no tears left in my swollen eyes, I feel them come again. Father came today with news. . . He has made arrangements for me to wed the owner of the bank in Blue Cove. How can I marry a man when my heart is betrothed to another? I must get to Michael. I will wait until the hour is late and I am sure father and mother have drifted off to sleep. Then I shall sneak out to see him under the veil of the midnight moon. I pray that the saints are with me this eve.
October 4th 1885
Last night , long before I had the chance to leave , Father came to me. It was as if he knew I had planed to go. He told me that Michael never loved me and the proof was in the fact that he was to wed another. My heart tells me it is a lie, one of many my father has told, but my head it knows not what to believe. I begged him to let me go to Michael, but he refused . Angry at me for asking , he locked me in the attic tower. Now I truly am a prisoner. My only contact with the world outside is a small window that faces the garden and cliffs below. I could not get to Michael and fear that he will never know that I tried. My greatest fear is that he will never know of my love for him and that I shall remain forever a prisoner of this house. Allowed only to watch the world outside and never to be a part of it.
October 10th 1885
As I sat in the window today watching the colored leaves being carried across the blue autumn sky, my mind wondered to the letter my mother brought to me today. My heart aches to think of words written on this page crumpled in my hand. What I was sure was a lie was in fact the truth Michael told me himself that he is to wed another. He said there are things that I do not understand, that he has no choice. I want to believe him, to believe that he still loves me but to see those words broke my heart. How can he give another his name? How can he throw away our dreams? The pain that grows inside me is like I have never felt before and I wonder if it is possible to die of a broken heart.
"This must be the letter." Jarod said pulling a warn rumpled piece of parchment from the pile. Smoothing it with his fingers he began to read. . .
My Darling Belle.
It breaks my heart to write these words but I feel that I must be the one to tell you . My parents told me once that the truth shall set you free and I am praying they were right. There have been things Belle that you or I will never understand. Things that have lead me to make choices I thought I would never have to make. Please understand that I had no choice in what I am to tell you . Due to circumstances beyond my control and to protect my family, this was the only way. It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you I am to wed another. But know my dear sweet Isabelle that it is only my name she shall have for my heart will always belong to you. I know this must hurt you so and I am sorry to have to tell you this way but I felt it only fair that you should know the truth from me and no other. Your father tells me you are reluctant to wed Lord Winston, I hope that you will find love in his home and it shall free you from your fathers house. Please go on with your wedding for it would seem our love was not meant to be after all. Go forth sweet love and find happiness. The happiness I wanted to give you . Know that I will always remember our time together it will be with me wherever I go. I know that you may not believe me now but I hope that someday you will see I loved you Isabelle more than you will ever know. I wish you joy and happiness but above all this I wish you love. I will always love you.
Always and forever, Michael
The room grew colder once again and suddenly the window blew open sending both Miss Parker and Jarod jumping to their feet. Jarod darted over and reached to pull the window closed It was then he saw the body lying on the rocks below. Instinct made him call to Parker to look as well. Hearing the terror in his voice, she ran to his side and looked in the direction he was pointing.
"Afraid of heights?" she asked as she pulled back to look at him.
"Didn't you see her?" Jarod gasped.
"See who?"
"The girl who was lying on the rocks below. She was in a ball gown and blood, blood was everywhere. Didn't you see her?"
"There is no one there Jarod. Look for yourself." Parker said, motioning to the window.
Jarod reluctantly stepped back to the window and looked down. "I swear she was there. I swear she was."
"Well whatever it was it's gone now." Parker said, walking back towards the couch. "Do you hear that?"
"What?"
"It sounds like someone is crying." She said walking over to the far corner of the room. Suddenly her body began to shudder from the cold and it felt as if a body passed threw her own. Terrified she stood, her eyes fixed on the wall behind her.
"Miss Parker?" Jarod said, gently placing a hand on her shoulder.
Surprised, she turned around throwing a punch and landing it square on his cheekbone, sending him tumbling backwards.
"Ouch." He grumbled massaging his face, as he got to his feet. "What was that for?"
"Well although I can think of a million reasons why you deserve it, I didn't mean to hit you. You surprised me."
"Do you always lead with a punch when some surprises you?' he teased.
"Did you forget who I work for? I find most surprises unwelcome." She said walking over to admire her work. "That is gonna be a nasty bruise." she said, reaching up to touch his cheek. The touch of her hand seemed to send a volt of electricity between them, overcome she yanked her hand quickly away. "We'd better get back to reading."
Jarod smiled knowing she had felt whatever it was that passed between them as well. He rubbed his cheek once more and went to sit beside her.
October 20th 1885
As I sit in my room watching the minutes turn to hours and the hours to days, I wonder if this hell will ever end or if I shall remain a prisoner of this house forever. I see no one but father and when she came sneak up the stairs unnoticed mother has come. She has told me of the world and brought me some books to read. I know she is afraid of him and I told her so. Each time she comes she begs me to remain passive and not to try and escape again. I can see the fear in her eyes, she fears for my life. I so often wonder how it is she could have married him. She told me once that he was not always the monster he is today. I wonder what could have changed a man so drastically that he would lock his own child away from the world. Today Mother came again it filled my heart to know she loves me enough to risk her own safety just to spend a few moments with me.
Father has planed to hold the annual Masquerade Ball on the 31st of the month. This is where I am to at last to meet Lord Winston. We are to wed on November 4th. Just to think of it causes the tears to fill my eyes. Although I know I shall have no choice in this matter, I wonder how it is I can marry a man twice my age whom I do not love. Father cares not if love him , but only that our union will bring with it more money and power to the Parker name. I see now he can no longer see beyond his greed and find myself crying for him as well for a man lost in greed shall in the end have nothing.
It has been so long since I have last seen Michael and I wonder if he has forgotten about me as father claims. If I could just talk to him just for a moment if only to say goodbye and to tell him that he was wrong that our love was meant to be. I want him to know that as he I carry him with me and I know that no matter where my life leads me he will always be the best part of me.
October 27th 1885
Mother came to me today and brought me the dress I am to wear to the ball. As soon as my eyes fell upon it I recognized who I was to be. . Juliet. Tears filled my eyes as I realized at long last that my mother knew and understood. She smiled at me and took me in her arms. She held me tighter than she ever had before and it was not until she left that I understood why. She kissed my cheek as she released me then pulled a box from under the gown and handed it to me. As she turned to go she looked back one last time with tears in her eyes and told me to always follow my heart that it will never lead me astray. I watched as she disappeared down the stairs knowing what great courage she must have had to give me such a gift. When she was gone from sight , I opened the box to find my locket , a sketch, a letter and a large sum of money. As I read the letter I began to understand and my heart was filled with great joy that at last perhaps my dreams would come true after all.
"This letter is from her mother." Jarod said handing the letter in his hand to Parker, who began to read it aloud.
My sweet Angel,
I love you with all my heart and know now that you need to be free. I found these items in the maple tree in the garden and it was then that I truly began to understand. True love can not be diminished by hatred . It is only in love that we find freedom of our fears and it was in my love for you that I found the strength to set you free. Forgive a foolish woman, I was afraid for you life and never saw that without Michael you no longer had one. I see now that it is not who you are that makes you suitable but how you love. When I saw this sketch Michael had drawn of you ,I finally understood just how he loved you and I knew I could no longer be apart of the madness that kept you apart. At the ball my sweet angel you must look for your love , he will be safe under the disguise of his mask. You must find him and disappear before the unmasking at midnight. If you are late all will be lost . God's speed my child.
Love Always, Mama
Jarod unrolled the parchment paper in his hand, it was a sketch of a woman dressed as Juliet. "This must be Isabelle." He said handing the paper to Parker.
"She was beautiful." Parker said quietly, running her hand over the sketch. "There is only one entry left dated the 31st of October."
October 31st 1885
As I stand before the mirror admiring my disguise, my heart swells with hope that soon I might be in my lovers arms . At long last this Juliet shall have her Romeo again. My only regret is that I can not save my mother as well. If my fathers learns of her betrayal I have no doubt he will end her life. She is the most courageous woman I have ever met and I pray that someday she have the same chance at freedom she has given me. The hour grows late and my love awaits. I will go to him and tell him of my father's lies. I can only pray it is not to late, that at long last the truth shall set us free and our future will begin. The sound of footsteps on the stairs means that father comes for me, the game begins.
"Do you think she talked to him before she died?" Miss Parker asked.
The thunderous echoing sound of footsteps in the passageway filled the room. Miss Parker had just looked at Jarod when a sudden gust of wind, that seemed to come from no where, breezed across the room flinging the door open. Jarod protectively pulled Parker into his arms as the room grew unbearably colder. The pages of the diary, in Miss Parker 's hands began to flipped until at last the book slammed shut. It was suddenly ripped from her finger tips and sent sailing across the room and under the bed. She watched horrified as the letters followed until all that was left was the locket still held firmly in Jarod's hand.
The soft weeping sound they had heard off and on all night returned and seemed to float out the door and down the stairs. The footsteps could be heard again only this time the seemed to be leaving the room. As both sounds grew faint the door slammed shut again and warmth once again filled the room. Miss Parker , suddenly aware that she was in Jarod's arms still, yanked herself free.
"Do you hear that?" she asked moving over to the door. With a trembling hand she reached down and turned the knob. As she pulled the door open the room was filled with the sound of a clock striking seven.
Jarod put the locket in his pocket and moved to stand beside her. The sound of voices seemed to fill the house and music began to play. He moved cautiously in front of Parker readying himself for anything that might happen. The candles that lined the wall of the stairwell began to ignite one at a time until at last the stairwell was a glow with warm soft light. Without saying a word, he grabbed Parker's hand and lead her down the stairs.
Reaching the bottom of the steps they followed the sound of footsteps out into the hall. The sun had set leaving the house cloaked in darkness. Jarod could feel Miss Parker's grip tighten on his as the candles in the passageway blew out taking their only source of light.
"It's all right. I won't let anything happen to you." He said softly.
"I don't need you to protect me." she bit out pulling her hand from his grasp and moving away from him into the darkness.
"Parker now is not the time to play this little game of ours." Jarod growled annoyed as he ran to catch up with her.
"Ouch!" She shirked banging her hip on something in the darkness. "All right genius find us some light."
As if by the command of her voice, the candle torches that lined the hallway began to ignite slowly filling the hall with a soft glow. She was about to make a smart remark when she saw a figure disappear into a room in the distance. Without a word to Jarod she began to make her way towards the same room. "Looks like we aren't as alone as you wanted me to believe Wonder-boy." she huffed. When Jarod didn't answer, she turned to see what he was doing only to find he was gone. Her eye caught sight of a shadow moving up ahead of her and she turned abruptly to face it. The hall was empty. She pulled the gun from it's holster on her back and moved cautiously down the hall.
Reaching the room, she kicked the door open hoping to surprise whoever had gone inside. She was greeted by blackness and stepped back out into the hall to grab torch light off the wall. Then stepped cautiously back into the room. The room appeared to be another study. She moved over to the desk where an oil lamp sat. Placing her gun down, she used the torch in her hand to light the lamp. The window opened suddenly letting in a bone chilling breeze that extinguished the torch in her hand. Pulling Jarod's coat around her, she placed the unlit torch on the desk and walked over to the window to pull the pains closed. Feeling like someone was standing behind her, she turned ready to give Jarod a piece of her mind. Instead of Jarod, she found herself staring at another painting, the face shadowed. She walked over and grabbed the lamp lifting it to illuminate the painting fully. When able to see it clearly, she gasped reading the small gold plaque at the bottom of the painting. "Robert Parker." "Well I can finally see where Lyle gets his stunning looks and lovely personality from." She whispered to herself.
Another breeze blew through the room reminding her that the window was still open. Shivering she turned her attention back to closing the window but when she turned to face it she found it was already closed. She could feel her body begin to tremble and scolded herself for being afraid. Just when she had convinced herself that everything was fine and her mind was playing tricks on her she saw a man in the doorway.
