sat down with a heavy thud. The quiet of the night eased his tortured spirits, until the tranquil sound broke apart with a plaintive cry.
Chapter 2
The cry of a distressed maiden drew Malcolm to his feet, and he moved deeper into the shadows of the courtyard. The chill of the night air seeped beyond the protective barrier of clothing, but the sound called to him like a moth to a flame. High shrubs and floral blooms grew in abundance but a quick search of the area proved fruitless, and revealed no maiden nearby. The only occupant of the courtyard revealed a statue on the circular fountain that stared into the dark. When the soulful cry returned and drifted across the stone head, Malcolm shuddered and returned to the ball. Whoever you are my lady, I cannot deal with your despair. I have enough of my own.
Once inside, Peter found him at the refreshment table and pulled him to the side with an urgent whisper “What is wrong with you Fenton? Your hasty departure caused quite a tiff, and you left me stranded too. Thank heavens I had some ladies to put me in a more amiable mood than you are tonight, but I digress. I have something to cheer you up. Do you remember Sedgwick’s imposing library? There is a new book in their collection about that ancient culture you find intriguing. The Greeks I think? Do you care to whet your appetite and see what they found?”
Malcolm breathed a deep sigh of relief, and patted Peter on the back “Thank you for that. Show me the way, so I can trounce my mood and avoid more unpleasant behavior.”
~~~~~~0~~~~~~
The Gloucester library contained a collection of books with leathered bindings in wooden bookcases. The red paneled walls and high ornate ceiling gave testament to Sedgwick’s desire for fine details, including the large framed paintings that hung along the walls. The soft light of the candelabra illuminated the surroundings, and a quick glance revealed a variety of historical books on the inlaid table.
Malcolm’s primary interest lay in the treasure trove of books. He loved to read and he indulged himself as often as the time would spare. His studies of the past greatly influenced his present life and made him, in his view, a better gentleman than his peers. Politics did not concern him not did royalty and the questionable treatment they dispensed to others. He preferred to treat others with respect and dignity. And despite the title and the fortune to go with it, he never used it for dishonest gain and treated all in an impartial manner. Because of his gentlemanlike behavior, he was beloved by all of his staff.
He examined the collection of written material, and noted The Waverly novels written by Sir Walter Scott, which remained a favorite of his. The writings contained the sort of fair-minded writing that appealed to his nature and Ivanhoe, just published the year before, engrossed his attention. But, he would save it to read at a later date.
A volume hidden beneath the others with a silver lock in the shape of a heart stood out, and he picked it up with curiosity. With frayed edges the engraved title read: Time Travel – Tales of the heart . What in the king’s name did that mean? The lock could not be opened, but the design intrigued him. It seemed to be a heart within a heart and a red stone like a flame in the center. When he heard the sound of his name in a whisper, he spun around and peered into the darkened corners of the room. The candelabra shone brightly but the light did not illuminate every corner. The book slipped from his hands, and fell to the floor. His brow furrowed into a frown and he called out “Is someone in here? Show yourself at once.”
“Yes my Lord?”
A household maid emerged from the shadows near the main door. Strange that he hadn’t seen her before. Fine lines marred her face, and her bent figure gave testament to her years. Malcolm chastened himself for his sense of
Chapter 2
The cry of a distressed maiden drew Malcolm to his feet, and he moved deeper into the shadows of the courtyard. The chill of the night air seeped beyond the protective barrier of clothing, but the sound called to him like a moth to a flame. High shrubs and floral blooms grew in abundance but a quick search of the area proved fruitless, and revealed no maiden nearby. The only occupant of the courtyard revealed a statue on the circular fountain that stared into the dark. When the soulful cry returned and drifted across the stone head, Malcolm shuddered and returned to the ball. Whoever you are my lady, I cannot deal with your despair. I have enough of my own.
Once inside, Peter found him at the refreshment table and pulled him to the side with an urgent whisper “What is wrong with you Fenton? Your hasty departure caused quite a tiff, and you left me stranded too. Thank heavens I had some ladies to put me in a more amiable mood than you are tonight, but I digress. I have something to cheer you up. Do you remember Sedgwick’s imposing library? There is a new book in their collection about that ancient culture you find intriguing. The Greeks I think? Do you care to whet your appetite and see what they found?”
Malcolm breathed a deep sigh of relief, and patted Peter on the back “Thank you for that. Show me the way, so I can trounce my mood and avoid more unpleasant behavior.”
~~~~~~0~~~~~~
The Gloucester library contained a collection of books with leathered bindings in wooden bookcases. The red paneled walls and high ornate ceiling gave testament to Sedgwick’s desire for fine details, including the large framed paintings that hung along the walls. The soft light of the candelabra illuminated the surroundings, and a quick glance revealed a variety of historical books on the inlaid table.
Malcolm’s primary interest lay in the treasure trove of books. He loved to read and he indulged himself as often as the time would spare. His studies of the past greatly influenced his present life and made him, in his view, a better gentleman than his peers. Politics did not concern him not did royalty and the questionable treatment they dispensed to others. He preferred to treat others with respect and dignity. And despite the title and the fortune to go with it, he never used it for dishonest gain and treated all in an impartial manner. Because of his gentlemanlike behavior, he was beloved by all of his staff.
He examined the collection of written material, and noted The Waverly novels written by Sir Walter Scott, which remained a favorite of his. The writings contained the sort of fair-minded writing that appealed to his nature and Ivanhoe, just published the year before, engrossed his attention. But, he would save it to read at a later date.
A volume hidden beneath the others with a silver lock in the shape of a heart stood out, and he picked it up with curiosity. With frayed edges the engraved title read: Time Travel – Tales of the heart . What in the king’s name did that mean? The lock could not be opened, but the design intrigued him. It seemed to be a heart within a heart and a red stone like a flame in the center. When he heard the sound of his name in a whisper, he spun around and peered into the darkened corners of the room. The candelabra shone brightly but the light did not illuminate every corner. The book slipped from his hands, and fell to the floor. His brow furrowed into a frown and he called out “Is someone in here? Show yourself at once.”
“Yes my Lord?”
A household maid emerged from the shadows near the main door. Strange that he hadn’t seen her before. Fine lines marred her face, and her bent figure gave testament to her years. Malcolm chastened himself for his sense of
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