Ghostly Inheritance

Ghostly Inheritance
Written By Lady Cat

CHAPTER 19

The girls were putting the finishing touches to their hair.  “I can’t believe this afternoon,” Penelope said.  Erik was so

gentlemanly.  I swear, though, if I had looked into those green eyes once minute more…”

Caroline giggled.  “Karl is such a….. oh I can’t describe him.”  She picked up her golden lacy fan.  “What surprised me is how natural it all went, like you’ve been here before.”

Penelope picked up her blue fan.  “It surprised me, too.”  She gave herself a quick once over.   The door opened.  It was Lady Von Kempstein.  “Oh you two are beautiful.  Karl and Erik are waiting downstairs.  They won’t be able to take their eyes off you.”

Her aunt did indeed tell the truth.  Karl and Erik were mesmerized as soon as they saw the girls.  They held their arms out when the girls reached the bottom.  All four headed to the ballroom.  The music was lively as young couples were dancing.  As soon as they entered, the girls were whisked to the dance floor.

When the tune was finished, the couples found a place near the patio doors.  The guys went to get the girls some punch.  Mean while, Lady Von Kempstein introduced them to the other young couples.  After the introductions, Lady Von Kempstein went to the parlor.  “The guys are so handsome tonight,” Penelope commented.

“Why are two beautiful ladies sitting alone?”

The girls turned and looked upward to see two young men bowing to them.  Penelope fluttered her fan.  “Sir, we are not alone.  Our escorts are getting us some refreshments.”

One of the young men looked around.  “They seem to have gotten lost,” the young man observed.  “It should be a crime.”

The girls noticed Karl and Erik returning.  “Our escorts are here,” Caroline pointed.

The young men turned and frowned as they saw Karl and Erik approach.  “You two shouldn’t leave gems such as these alone.”

“Wilhelm, Stuttgart.  A pleasure to see you here,” Karl said with a forced smile.

Erik chose to ignore them and handed Penelope her cup of punch then sat beside her.  Karl gave Caroline her cup and sat beside her also.

“We were going to ask if they would care to dance, but…” Wilhelm began.

“But as you can see they are occupied and will be for the rest of the evening,” Karl said.

Taking it as their cue to leave, Wilhelm and Stuttgart bowed slightly.  “We apologize for the intrusion.”  Both men left.

Penelope eyed her cousin.  “I sense they are not friends of yours.”

“How did they get invited?” Erik sneered.

“It’s nothing to get upset about,” Penelope said.  “Why don’t you take me for a walk in the garden,” she added, arching her brows.

“That sounds like a wonder idea,” Caroline added, taking Karl’s arm.

The foursome exited through the double doors, each couple then going a different direction.  Karl and Caroline ended up at a small arbor located near the front part of the house, which was intertwined with ivy, making it secluded. Underneath was a small bench, just large enough to cozily seat two people.

“Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?”

Caroline lowered her eyes.  “No, not until now,” she softly replied.

Karl lifted her chin and lowered his head, gently covering her lips.

Erik and Penelope were sitting among some trimmed hedges.  Penelope gazed at the full moon.  She turned to see Karl staring at her.  “Is there something the matter?”

“No,” Erik replied, shaking his head.  “Just admiring the scenery.”

Penelope blushed.  “Thank you.”  She took a small breath.  “I sensed you and my cousin did not seem too happy with those two men.”

Erik’s face became grim.  “Wilhelm and Stuttgart are the kind you never let get close to you or someone special.  They’ll do anything to get what they want.  I was surprised to see they had been invited.”

Penelope put her hand on his.  “I don’t think you and Karl need worry.  Neither Caroline nor I were impressed with

them.  We were glad when you returned.”

“Enough about them,” Erik said in a lighter tone.  “Let’s talk about how beautiful you are tonight.”

Penelope felt her cheeks grow warm.  “Sir, you flatter me.  What do you expect to get from it?”

Erik grinned.  “Oh, I hope to at least get a kiss.”

CHAPTER 20

Karl and Caroline left the seclusion of the arbor and walked toward the hedges where Erik and Penelope were.  Turning the corner, they saw Erik just about to kiss Penelope.  Penelope spied the two of them and backed

away.  Erik saw her point behind him and turned around and growled softly.  Karl grinned. "We didn't interrupt anything, did we?"

Erik heaved a sigh.  "Good timing.  Some friend you are."  He offered his arm to Penelope.  "Let's get back inside."

The couples entered the ballroom.  Lady Von Kempstein was waiting.  "I wondered where you went.  I looked all over for you.  After all, I invited everyone in your honor."  She looked at Karl.  "Wilhelm and Stuttgart left rather early.  You wouldn't happen to know why, would you?"

"I don't know," Karl replied with a shrug.  "Perhaps they had elsewhere to go."

"I would hate to think they weren't welcome."

The rest of the evening went by in a blur.  It was well past midnight when the guests left.  After the last carriage had gone, everyone collapsed in the parlor.  "This has been a wonderful evening," Lady Von Kempstein said.  "Did you have a good time, Penelope?"

"Yes, I did," Penelope wearily replied.  "Thank you."

"I enjoyed myself very much," Caroline added, with a smile at Karl.

Lady Von Kempstein arose.  "Well, I for one am tired.  I shall leave you young people.  Good night," and headed for the stairs.

"Since it's late, Erik, why don't you spend the night," Karl said.  "The room next to mine is ready."

"Thanks." Erik nodded.

'Do you mind if I walk you to your room?" Karl asked Caroline.

"Thank you," she replied.  "Aren't you coming?" she asked Penelope.

"I'll be up in a few minutes."

Karl and Caroline left.  Penelope got up and went to the window.  The moon was half way settled in the west.  She felt a pair of hands on her arms.  "In just a few hours it will be morning," she commented.

"Now that we're alone, I'm going to finish what I started earlier."

Penelope turned.  "What perchance was that?"

Erik bent and kissed her.  It seemed like an, but not unpleasant, eternity before Erik lifted his head.  Penelope took a deep breath.  "Whoa!" she trembled as her cheeks warmed.  "Maybe I should retire also.  It's become just a bit too warm in here."  Erik escorted her upstairs to her room.  "Good night," she said when they reached her door.  "I'll see you at breakfast," Erik said softly and went to his room.

CHAPTER 21

Penelope woke to the sound of knocking.  "Yes," she sleepily said and sat up.  "It's the maid, ma'am."

"Come in."

"Lady Von Kempstein wishes to know if you'll be joining her and the Count for breakfast?"

"Tell her we'll be down in a few minutes."

"Yes, ma'am."  The main closed the door.

Penelope took a deep breath and stretched.  "Maybe I should have said we'd eat in bed," she said aloud.  "Oh, well."  She turned and shook Caroline, who mumbled.  Penelope shook her again.  "Mmmm!  Leave me alone," Caroline

moaned.

"Come on, sleeping beauty.  We have to get dressed and join my aunt for breakfast."

"Go on without me," Caroline said.

"Karl may be there."

Caroline opened her eyes and turned over.  "Okay."

Twenty minutes later the girls entered the small dining room.  The buffet was laden with sausages, eggs, bread, fruit, jams and jellies.

"Good morning, my dears," Lady Kempstein greeted them. "I trust you rested well."

"Good morning," the girls said.

"Bueler will bring your plates.  So, did you enjoy yourselves last night?"

"Very much so," Caroline replied as she sat.

"Yes, indeed," Penelope added.

Karl came in and sat next to Caroline, giving her a wink.  "Good morning, mother," Karl said.  "I'm starved.  Bueler, bring me my usual. Erik must have decided to sleep in."

"No, I'm right behind you," Erik replied, and helped himself to the buffet.

"So, what do you two intend to do today?" Herr Von Kempstein asked.

"Erik and I have to be in the village today.  There's a club meeting then we're all heading towards the river to hunt that wild boar," Karl replied.  "I hope to be the one to bag the old man this time."

"Don't be too sure," Erik arched his brows.  "That animal's too smart to go down easy."

"True.  I've tried for years but he always manages to get away," Herr Kempstein nodded.

"Well, some of the ladies will be coming this afternoon for tea and to meet the girls," Lady Kempstein said.

The girls forced a smile.  "That sounds delightful," Penelope said.

CHAPTER 22

That afternoon Karl and Erik left for the local inn, which was their meeting place.  When they got there the members were already pretty much in their cups.  “Just in time!” one of the members shouted as they sat.  “We were about to leave you two behind!”

Karl ordered two steins of beer.  “No way.  Not when I feel lucky today.”

“You?” Stuttgart laughed.

Karl swallowed half the contents.  “Go ahead and laugh.  That boar’s head will look pretty good above my fireplace.”

“Erik?  What about you?”

Erik put his cup down.  “I’m not talking.  We’ll see.”

The group left and got on their horses, heading toward the river.  Once there the men split up to search for the boar.  For two hours they searched the bushes for signs – nothing.

“Are you sure you heard right?” Erik asked.  I don’t see tracks anywhere.”

Karl was in one of the groups that headed up river.  A gun shot from down river caught their attention.  They galloped down a narrow trail till they saw the second group.  Erik was kneeling close to the water’s edge.  “Is it?” Wilhelm asked.

Erik nodded.  “It’s him alright.  No other animal would leave that much broken brush.  Looks like he’s headed further inward, where the brush is thicker, easier for him to hide and attack.”

“Let’s go!”  Stuttgard yelled.

The young men followed the trail, their guns ready.  In the distance, they heard music.  “What’s that?” Erik asked.

“Sounds like gypsy music,” one of the others replied.

“There was a group that came through town yesterday.  That might be them.”

“Let’s take a peek,” Wilhelm said.

They got off their horses and walked toward the sound as quietly as possible.  They were close to a clearing and hid

behind some trees.  In the clearing were six wagons.  The young men watched the gypsies going about their business.  They were about to leave when Wilhelm spotted a young girl emerging from one of the wagons.  He motioned for the

others to look.

“If they catch us spying on them, they’ll put a curse on us,” one of the young men whispered nervously.  “And don’t’ get any ideas about their women either.”

“Come on, let’s get back to town,” Karl said.

The young men went back to the inn.  Karl and Erik left with some, while the others stayed, including Wilhelm and Stuttgart.  “You should have seen her,” Wilhelm said.  “Hair long and shiny black, like a raven.”

“Wilhelm, I don’t like the sound of your voice.  Remember….,” Stuttgart reminded him.

Wilhelm brushed it off.  “That’s poppycock.  I don’t believe any of it.  Every one knows how loose they are, especially

when it comes to money.  They’ll do anything for a few coins.”  He downed the rest of his drink.  “I’m going back there.  Come on.”  He got up and headed to the door.  “You coming along?”  Stuttgart slowly nodded.

CHAPTER 23

At the manor, the girls were dong their best to have a good time, but it seemed the ladies were more interested in catching up on the latest.

"I wish the guys would show up," Penelope moaned softly, sipping her tea.

"So do I," Caroline whispered.  "I didn't mind at first but this is getting boring."

"To tell you, I'm a bit worried about the guys," Penelope said.

"What?"

"This so-called hunt they're on.  Remember what Karl told us.  I get the feeling this is it."

"Dear, is something the matter?" her aunt asked.

Penelope shook her head.  "What?"

"Is something the matter?" Lady Von Kempstein repeated.

"Nothing's the matter.  Perhaps I'm still just a bit tired still from last night."

"You have been on the go since you arrived.  Why don't you and Caroline relax on the patio for a bit."

"You sure?"

"Yes, dear.  It's quite alright."

The girls left the drawing room and went outside to the patio.  They found a bench near the water fountain, glad to be away from the chattering group. "I do hope the guys come here as soon as they're done," Penelope said.  At

the same time, the guys had stopped to look at some horses.  After a few minutes, they headed back toward the manor.

Wilhelm and Stuttgart were hiding in the bushes just beyond the gypsy encampment.  They had hidden the horses well down the trail and had walked the rest of the way.  They crouched and waited.  It seemed like forever when Wilhelm saw the young girl they had seen earlier exit from a wagon. He poked Stuttgart.  "See?  Wouldn't you love to get your

hands on that?"

"I don't like this," Stuttgart whispered nervously.

They watched as she left the circle of wagons.  One of the men caught her arm.  Although they couldn't hear, they could tell the two were having a heated exchange.  The girl jerked her arm and walked away in the direction

of the river.  Wilhelm motioned to follow her.

They got behind some bushes once they saw her stop on the bank and begin to undress.  Wilhelm salivated as his eyes took her in.  Stuttgart was not unaffected either.  The young girl dove in and swam about.  Wilhelm got an idea.  He slipped closer to where her clothes were, watching till he saw her go under.  He reached through and grabbed them.

The girl continued to swim for another few minutes.  When she got out of the water, she began frantically searching for her clothes when she saw them gone.  She jumped when she heard rustling behind her.  Turning, she saw Wilhelm holding her clothes.

CHAPTER 24

Karl and Erik arrived back at the manor and went straight to the parlor to check on the girls, thinking to rescue them.  "My dear, the girls are out on the patio relaxing," the Lady Von Kempstein told them.

The young men excused themselves and immediately went to the patio, ordering one of the servants to bring something for them to eat.  As soon as Penelope saw them she breathed a sigh of relief.  "Thank goodness you

came back," Penelope said.    Karl noted the tone of her voice.  "What's wrong, cousin?"

"I just had a bad feeling about you and Erik going out on that hunt," she replied.

"You needn't have worried.  We didn't see the old boar," Erik said.

The butler came out with a light snack and wine for the men.

The girl lay on the ground watching Wilhelm and Stuttgart dress.  Wilhelm reached into his pocket, pulled out a few gold coins and threw them at her.  The girl got up and dressed, then picked up the coins from the ground.

"How would you like more of those?" he asked, having come up with a sudden thought.

The girl was naturally greedy. "How?"

"Go back to your camp and tell them you were taken advantage of.  If they ask for proof, show them the bruises.  Tomorrow afternoon, close to this spot, two men will be here.  Tell your camp that they were the ones who did

it to you.  Tell them they told you they   would be back for more with the promise of more gold coins."

"But I have no bruises," she said.

Wilhelm approached her and sneered.  "You will."

Lady Von Kempstein had just seen the last of her guests off and went out on the patio to join the young couples.

"I'm sorry," Penelope apologized.

"Do not worry yourself," Lady Von Kempstein said.  "I was starting to get tired of their company so I was glad when they left."  She turned to Karl.  "How was the hunt?"

"No one saw the old boar although we saw tracks," he replied.  "We came back intending on rescuing the girls.  Along the way we stopped and looked at some horses. I've talked Erik into staying for dinner."

"But I do have to get back home as my father needs me to attend to some business, but I will be back in the morning."

The young gypsy girl staggered back to the camp, her arms bruised and her clothes in disarray.  But before appearing in camp, she hid the coins Wilhelm had given her.  Upon seeing her, the men in the camp became angry as she told her story, adding that she had overheard them saying they would be back tomorrow for more. The chieftain of the camp

said they would be waiting for them.

Part 4

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