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was a tempting offer, Estelle did not dream of insulting her hosts. Besides that, she did not care to be confined to her room.
    “Mary, do you know much of the estate’s history?”
    “Only what I have heard from the other servants gossiping.”
    “What about ghosts?”
    “Well, that, Miss, you should know too many unexplained things have happened since I came to work here five years ago. So it would not be a far stretch of the imagination if most of us believed in specters coming back to haunt us on unfinished business if you catch my meaning.”
    An interesting fact.
    “Most excellent, I do hope that you will share your stories with me, when we are alone again.”
    “Certainly, Miss. Now, let us get you into a fresh gown for dinner. It is my understanding that all the guests have arrived, and the countess has already rang for dinner to be served within the hour.”
    Estelle nodded and retrieved a gown from her trunk. Now, to get on with the evening. If that was the first strange thing to happen since their arrival, Estelle shuddered to think what would transpire next.
    First, she was plagued with a vision of a cellar and blood, and now she received otherworldly advice to stay away from the walls. Estelle shook her head with dismay. Perhaps coming here was a mistake.

Chapter 4
    “Are you well, my dear?” Benedict asked his fiancée. Her usually rosy complexion had blanched, and her hands slightly trembled as she raised a water goblet to her lips. He suspected exhaustion was the culprit, and considering she had not mentioned any other ailments, Benedict did not overly concern himself.
    “I am fine, Ben. Whatever it is shall pass.”
    “If you are certain, however, if you find yourself in a situation where a physician is required; have your aunt summons me and I will fetch one myself.” He squeezed her knee, only to receive a warning glare from her aunt who sat on the other side of her.
    She nodded in response and he carried on eating. It had been so long since he had seen his friends and found it immensely convenient and peculiar that all of them were invited to Lord Cuthbert’s estate in welcoming his son. At the very least, it would make their stay less dull. The boys at the best of times were well known to be ill-mannered, walking and living demons bent on sin, and brawling. But what young man did not?
    He nodded at his friends across the table, and would introduce his lovely wife-to-be to his companions from university. There were times he wondered what the boys had been up to. A few months back he had heard rumors of Camden’s money trouble, and his father’s scandal with investors.
    One never knew what could be trusted in the whispers, but everyone knew an ounce of truth could always be found in rubbish.
    “Miss Estelle, how is Baron Humphrey these days?” Lord Cuthbert called out from the end of the table.
    Benedict looked at his lovely fiancée, who blushed furiously at the attention. The poor, dear woman disliked being the center of attention.
    “Aren’t you going to answer him, dearest?”
    “My papa is well, Lord Cuthbert. Thank you for inquiring,” she said.
    “St. John, I would like for you to visit after you and Estelle are wed. I would be honored to host another gathering in your name. I imagine your coffers will be well-stocked for years to come.”
    Benedict nearly choked on his biscuit. “Certainly, my lord. It would be us who would be honored, but we would hate to be any trouble at all. In regards to my financial situation; I assure you my countess will want for nothing, nor will our children.”
    “Pish-posh. My countess and I would like nothing more. I, for one, think an opportunity such as this is something you should greatly consider.”
    As the dishes were lifted away from the table, their host and his wife led the party into the ballroom for some music, dancing, and post dinner refreshments.
    He led Estelle down the hall when a guest bumped into him, sending Estelle into a