DYNASTY OF DREAMS: The Triumvirate
18:43 Oct 13 2011
Times Read: 556
BOOK ONE
©2009 RKB
CHAPTER ONE
A voice in the distance, almost a whisper on the wind, called Claire. Although faint she sensed her vulnerability as she approached the graveyard. Should she turn back? Her fears were mounting but her curiosity winning. Ahead a raven sat quietly atop a headstone. The bird appeared to be watching her progress down the path toward her macabre destination. The quiet disturbed her. The birds had stopped the usual chatter. Claire paused and looked around. Fear hit her in the midst of her stomach and a knot formed. The graveyard was empty. The distant sound of rustling foliage filtered through the silence. She focused her attention to the trees as someone emerged into the clearing.
"Hello, do you need help? This is my family's graveyard."
The man haunting her dreams stood gawking at her. He acted surprised to find her there. The urge to scream quelled as she froze, mesmerized. Overwhelmed, she sat down on a bench nearby. He remained fixed on the spot where he emerged, motionless and unresponsive.
Claire entertained the idea of running. She realized it wasn’t fear driving her uneasiness, flat-out awe. The stranger seemed lethal yet enticing.
"Answer me, sir."
Did he plan to leave, attack or greet her? The presence of the stranger brought memories of sensual moments while she slept. The dreams aroused her but also caused her shame. An unknown person invaded her waking thoughts.
His behavior decidedly aloof and enigmatic reeked of mystery. The nails on his hands extended long enough to slit her throat.
"Answer or I'll scream. I'm not alone."
Her anxiety level increased with anticipation. Why did he remain mute?
The sun receded beneath the horizon as day succumbed to the inevitability of darkness. She waited hoping for a reply. Instead he bowed, turned and left disappearing into the trees. The manor seemed far away but the need to leave the graveyard urgent. Claire shivered as rain began to fall. She raised her umbrella hoping not to get drenched before she arrived home. Compelled she turned glancing upward. The intruder stood on the crest of the hill gazing down at her.
The house was warm still Claire felt soaked and shaken by her encounter. Someone called her name but the voice entirely different. Thank god she thought, as she peered into the face of her fiancé, Garrett.
"Where have you been?"
'Why are you asking Garrett? I took a walk, remember?"
"Three hours long Claire? What about the wet clothing?"
"That can't be right. I thought an hour had passed. Sorry I worried you. The scenery is beautiful here. I guess I began to daydream. Call the distraction a self-imposed cure for grief."
“The family doesn't approve of your gallivanting about the property without a chaperone. It's not seemly for a young, unwed lady."
“This is the only place I wear my hair down. Feel free to go out and do as I wish. I’m not under the scrutiny of family and can be myself.”
“Yes, understandable Claire. Please don’t take anymore sudden trips wandering the estate. I worry for your safety. Uncle Maxwell needs you nearby. He’s in mourning. Although appearances might fool others, obviously he loved her deeply.”
“All right, you have my promise. I need to change for supper. Give me thirty minutes."
“Very well.”
Claire turned, went through the hall and up the staircase to her bedroom. A luxurious place her uncle maintained for her alone. He treated her as his own daughter. Garrett showing up was a pleasant surprise. Claire knew Garrett arrived for two-fold reasons, one being the obvious and the other to assist Uncle Maxwell with legal matters. This new mystery would plague her thoughts until resolved. Whoever he was, he was in her dreams the prior night.
CHAPTER TWO
Everyone dressed for dinner and supper, the usual custom of those raised in the upper classes. Claire had to be downstairs prior to 8:00 pm. They were formal and she had been brought up to be gracious and on time. Tonight she was running late and hurried in her dressing. She had the help of the upstairs maid. Regardless, she remained apprehensive. She hadn’t seen Garrett for two months. The whole incident left her overwhelmed with guilt. Claire regretted keeping secrets from him.
"Isabel, what do you think? Is the dress I've chosen appropriate for someone in mourning?"
"Yes, Miss Claire. A fine choice for this evening. Let me help finish your hair. We can put on the jewelry last."
"Thank you Isabel."
Claire meandered down the stairs hoping to remain unscathed, not wanting to fall in her rush to be on time. She managed to reach the bottom step and stopped. The sound of voices she didn’t recognize came from the dining area. They were male and this puzzled her since neither her uncle nor her fiancé had mentioned any guests would be coming to dine. Claire entered the room and saw a man in the opposite doorway with his back to her. They never had visitors for supper outside of family members. The custom dictated they be invited to dinner around 3:00 pm, but things had been jumbled since her aunt’s passing.
“Claire, I wondered when you would join us. Lord Michael Desmond, may I introduce you to my niece, Miss Claire Corlaine.”
He turned and Claire audibly gasped. The man she had encountered in the graveyard stood in front of her. Something appeared different about him. He seemed pleasant and not at all sinister.
Uncle Maxwell and Garrett exchanged glances with each other and shrugged at Claire’s obvious outburst. They dismissed the faux pas as a feminine case of the nerves.
Claire curtsied and the young man gave a slight bow. He peered into her eyes and said, “Lovely meeting you Miss Corlaine. Your uncle speaks highly of you."
“Thank you, you are too kind."
"Excuse me Claire, another guest just arrived." Garrett left heading toward the front entrance.
She was confused by the turn of events. Claire jolted from her thoughts, interrupted by the sound of her fiancé talking to a man. She heard him approaching the dining room. Garrett's presence eased her persistent case of nerves. Someone cast a shadow outside the doorway. Their voice sounded vaguely familiar to her, but she didn't know the identity of the person speaking.
Garrett returned and walked over to Claire placing her hand on his arm. “You look lovely as always, my dear. I'm sorry I forgot to mention it earlier.”
“Thank you,” Claire mumbled when she glimpsed the face of the man standing directly behind Garrett. Twins, how could she have guessed? Claire felt faint again, but maintained her composure.
“Our other illustrious guest, Lord Matthew Desmond, just arrived. I'd like to introduce my fiancée, Miss Claire Corlaine”
"An honor to meet you, Lord Desmond.” Claire curtsied but openly stared.
He bowed avoiding eye contact. “The pleasure is mine.”
The introductions seemed redundant to Claire. She knew she must stay calm and not ask questions. She had a nagging sense of recollection. Claire made an effort to forget what she perceived to be nonsense.
Claire’s Uncle turned and said, “Shall we be seated, I believe supper is now ready?”
The whole affair otherworldly, since her uncle’s guests arrived so late. The last meal of the day presumably set aside for family members and others residing in the manor. Visitors usually came to dinner held earlier in the afternoon, an exception being reserved for these men. Uncle Maxwell never made exceptions and she wondered why this time?
Matthew gave her sidelong glances, trying to hide his interest. The fact there were two brothers changed everything. The atmosphere unnerved her along with the inability to tell them apart. The only solution had been by seating arrangement. Which one had she met in the graveyard and why? The truth behind their identities the actual puzzle. A plan formed in her mind to piece everything together regardless the consequences.
The evening seemed too quiet and strained for a usual dining experience at her uncle's home. They sat eating as if making a conscious effort to hide a dark secret. No one spoke a word after the food began to be served other than pleasantries. The men retired for a smoke and brandy in the study and Claire went upstairs after saying a final goodnight to her fiancé.
She drifted into a restless sleep and woke to the sound of a rooster crowing off in the distance. Still drowsy, she rubbed her eyes and peered at the grandfather clock sitting in the corner. The light barely illuminated her room but enough to read 5:30 in the morning. Her uncle spoiled her. She routinely snoozed until at least 8:00, none of the maids allowed to disturb her sleep. Whatever anyone thought she craved a leisurely breakfast. Most everyone would have eaten by then, but she liked her time alone to eat and reflect on the prior day. The hired hands left earlier having finished their meals. They tried to maintain a later hour for Claire being city bred. She yearned to be a modern woman of 1903, typical of numerous young women of the time.
Many families settled in the New England area bringing their wealth. This part of the East drew numbers of people from all over the United States as well as England and the continent. The fact the twins used their titles, didn't impress her. The title, Lord, common enough.
She wanted to venture out to the graveyard but thought the best course of action to wait a while. Garrett wouldn't be pleased with her walking about the premises again. Now seventeen and a woman, she'd go anyway. The family graves didn't frighten her. In fact, she found comfort visiting the place with or without the intrusions. The brothers represented an elusive mystery to be solved.
Claire wondered where everyone had gone. She got up from the table and gazed out the window. One side of the house had a running brook a number of yards out. The whole area appeared devoid of anyone. The other direction nothing either but she could view the graveyard and the hill above. Her Uncle’s hand-held telescope lay on a table nearby. A quick glimpse wouldn't hurt she thought. Atop a horse sat one of the brothers. She was startled and dropped the spyglass on the floor. The situation uncanny considering one of them would be staring down at exactly the same time. How could that be? He was yards away. The second brother arrived on his horse as well. She spotted him pointing to the family plots. Claire picked the apparatus up and left the room shaken.
She exited so fast she physically ran into Garrett who had just come out of the study.
“Why are you in such a hurry, Claire? Isn't it bad enough you rushed into me?” He moved closer and noticed her pallor. “You look like you saw a ghost. What happened?"
“Nothing, Claire managed to say with a slight laugh. I'm a little out of sorts, daydreaming. I think I'll go for a ride and get some fresh air. Perhaps I'll feel better. Would you like to come along Garrett?”
“I'd love to, Claire. Unfortunately, I have to drive into town on errands for Maxwell. The death of his wife created a mess. Documents need to be signed and legal transactions concluded. He has asked me to take charge of everything. I can use the business, therefore I agreed. I hope you don't mind. He wants to get things in order since your cousin will be arriving.
“Julian is coming? I had no idea but I look forward to seeing him. Is he bringing Lydia with him?”
“That’s something you'll have to ask Maxwell, Claire. I've never met Julian and didn't know that was his name. He only stated his son was coming for supper tonight.”
“I'm sorry Julian hadn't come up in conversation. I'll ask him. Yes, go into town on business if it's necessary. I'll talk to you this evening.”
They said goodbye and she went upstairs to change into her riding clothes. Her horse would be ready when she was done. She had alerted the stable hands the day prior. Her anxiety level had skyrocketed. A breathtaking ride through the countryside without a chaperone a definite luxury even if foolhardy. Someone was always tagging along and it was refreshing to be alone for once and why she loved the freedom of the estate.
Claire got dressed and went down to find her horse awaiting her. She usually rode the same mare named Maiden’s Jewel. Her uncle’s primary love was raising race horses for different derbies. He prided himself in this pastime and had numerous trophies sitting around his library. At the moment he wasn't interested in the competitions. The death of his wife had been an unexpected blow.
Claire enjoyed riding by the brook. The path was never filled with riders even though a well known area for horseback enthusiasts. She didn't expect to pass anyone. The ride was to clear out all the thoughts of the past few days. She patted Maiden and left in a slow trot.
Claire rode for a while and came to a small clearing. The tree she spied a perfect place to sit and relax. She had brought a blanket and lunch basket since she would miss dinner. Claire started unloading her things from the pack on the horse when she heard a noise. She turned around and found a Desmond staring at her.
“Good morning Miss Corlaine.”
“Good afternoon I believe Lord Desmond. I’m sorry but I'm afraid I don't recognize which brother you might be. How startling the similarity between the two of you, although I know natural for many twins.”
“My sincere apologies. I should have realized. It happens to everyone until they get acquainted with us and then you will discern distinct differences in us, in all of us.”
Claire started to ask what he meant when a young lady with a strong resemblance rode up on her mare. He helped her down and began to introduce her to Claire.
“Miss Corlaine, this is our third, Lady Katherine Desmond. Forgive me for forgetting, I'm Matthew.”
“Honored to meet you Lady Desmond and an unsuspected surprise I might add. How gratifying a woman close to my age will be living nearby.”
Katherine was a towhead exactly like her brothers with luminous blue eyes. They mentioned the doctor stated true triplets hardly ever happen. Mathew and Michael, he identified as identical twins arriving one after the other, their sister a few minutes later. She wore black which confounded Claire. Perhaps in honor of her aunt's passing? This didn't follow convention for a newcomer to the area. Had the gesture come from any of the neighbors it would be considered good manners and nothing more. They appeared to be ingratiating themselves into the local society by using their titles. She hoped her judgment ill conceived.
“Thank you, Miss Corlaine. My sentiments entirely."
Katherine smiled but Claire's impression of her negative. The urgency behind their friendliness feigned in her opinion, a ruse for a hidden agenda.
“I see you have a luncheon with you as well. Perhaps we can join you, since we have plenty of food with us."
Katherine began to unpack food while Matthew put the blanket down under the tree.
“Splendid,” said Claire, wondering what other surprises awaited her.
“Might I inquire to the whereabouts of your brother? I'm surprised he isn't with you."
“He's not an outdoors type of person and spends most of his days holed up reading some confounded book in the library."
Yes, an obvious difference between you two, Matthew.
“Michael unfortunately, is the serious one of the lot. Please feel free to call me Kate, everyone does.”
“Thank you, I'll try to remember. Claire smiled but remained wary of the two of them.
They gave each other a furtive look. Katherine whispered to Matthew that it was odd Claire went riding alone around the estate. They found after talking with her how independent she wished to be. She had no qualms in regard to breaking etiquette. Matthew chuckled to himself at her naïveté.
Claire thought the Desmond family more intriguing by the minute but her thoughts veered off to Julian. Why hadn’t he arrived sooner considering the recent death of his mother?
The day seemed to slip away as they sat and ate and engaged in idle talk. Claire knew she needed to return to the manor soon. She refused to be accused of being gone for hours again. Her uncle disapproved of tardiness. They each said the usual polite remarks and vowed to meet before she returned to Chicago.
She rode back to the house thinking Matthew had pretended to be charming. What mysteries were hidden behind the façade of this very reclusive third member of their family, Michael? She had a hunch he might be the man she'd met nearing dusk on her first day. Hopefully she would be able to sort out all of these riddles bombarding her mind. Curiosity a nemesis she couldn’t beat. The retribution would be her embarrassment. She didn't plan to tell anyone too soon of her meeting with the two Desmonds.
CHAPTER THREE
Suspicion loomed large in Garrett's mind. He didn't care for the new neighbors and especially how they stared at Claire. The premonition came from deep in his gut and he couldn't forget his fear. His rational thought obscured by his overwhelming emotions had set him on edge. Maybe the problem dealt with his jealousy but he didn’t like the way Matthew kept staring at her and how Michael tried to hide his interest. Many men became smitten by her looks alone. Heads would turn even if rude. Claire stood out with her long auburn hair and green eyes. He had every confidence that her heart belonged to him yet he wanted to be careful of anything unforeseen.
He left Chicago for Connecticut to see Claire. This of course not the only reason, Mr. Corlaine harbored some misgivings about his new neighbors and then his wife died without any symptoms of illness. She had been healthy to his knowledge and there wasn’t a mark on her body. The local coroner diagnosed her condition as a stroke. He wondered why a woman would die of something unknown in their family line. Her uncle had contacted him because besides his legal services he'd done some sleuthing.
Garrett Montgomery met Claire in Chicago at a coming out party for her sister Carolyn. One glance and he wanted her. He began by courting her and finally asking for her hand in marriage. He reveled at the thought of life together but since he arrived at the manor Claire seemed to be in a world of her own. Garrett finished business in town and sent off some inquiries concerning the Desmond clan.
Julian sat opposite him in the carriage mute during most of the trip back to his father’s home. They arrived in front of the house as Claire entered apparently returning from her ride. The hour late again, and Garrett wondered why. She was being reckless for the sake of her free will, insisting her chaperone remain in Chicago. Julian never mentioned his wife or the reason she stayed behind. Perhaps he would be more forthcoming at dinner. He seemed anxious and not at all glad to be visiting.
Claire's cousin exited the coach first with Garrett following behind. The driver and the butler handled the luggage. They entered the manor tired and dusty from the twelve-mile trip back from town. Mr. Corlaine met them at the door and gave his son a warm welcome. Julian appeared to be apprehensive, his mood subtle and probably gone unnoticed by the others. Why all the agitation and no sign of grief he wondered? Garrett was positive something was wrong but he didn't know the extent.
The evening passed uneventfully. Supper was a quiet affair except for some banal chatter, unusual in this household.
Have you and Garrett set a wedding date yet?"
"No Julian, we have a list of possible dates. Garrett wanted to wait out of respect to the family."
“Very thoughtful but you'd better get one picked out Garrett before some other man steals Claire away from you."
Garrett smiled at Julian's remark, although even the servants seemed somber. Nothing lightened the atmosphere. Garrett wondered what caused the mood to change. He decided better not to ask anyone. Why stir up the fires.
The tension at mealtime bothered Claire. According to Julian, Lydia didn't make the trip because their children contracted a mild illness. Lydia remained behind for another reason but not on behalf of her little ones. She loved attention and the socials and all remotely involved in the high life in New England. She would have left them with a nanny and an attending physician. Something didn't strike her as right. She thought Garrett recognized the change in atmosphere too but they wouldn't talk about it openly considering Garrett’s sensibilities concerning decorum.
"Give my love to Lydia and the kids Julian. Visit us in Chicago when we get back. Father always has a place for family."
"I'll relay the message Claire.
"Tell her I hope to meet her and the children soon. I'm sorry Claire and I hadn't thought to invite you to come to Chicago sooner. I know she wants Lydia for her Matron of Honor. She plans on having a maid and matron for our wedding."
"Lydia will be thrilled. Perhaps we can make a trip before the big event. Lydia adores Chicago."
Claire smiled to herself. Even with all of the confusion of late, she desired Garrett. Women flirted with him wherever they went. He stood over six feet, and had dark, almost black hair with long eyelashes and bright, stunning blue eyes. When he smiled she was captivated, a reminder of her romantic side. Still she thought his dimples charming, a sign of a young woman in love.
"Well gentlemen I must retire. I'm exhausted by the events of the day."
The men stood as she left the room. They began to head for the study but Garrett begged off. He needed to sleep and went upstairs soon after Claire retired sure tomorrow would be much more illuminating.
Every evening she had to remove her corset and other undergarments. Tonight she put on her most extravagant lingerie to compensate for all the black she wore. Prior to dinner a courier came to deliver the invitation to the birthday ball the Desmonds planned for Saturday night. Everyone in the area wanted to attend but the air of excitement did not exist in their house. Claire didn’t know how to react under the circumstances. She assumed a symptom of her aunt’s recent passing. Still, she wondered what was going on and why everyone remained so jittery.
She stretched and decided to get up early for once. She couldn’t remember when she had gone down to breakfast at 7:00 am. She expected a treat because her family emigrated from England and her uncle observed many of the traditions and picked up a few American as well. There would be kippers and scones with marmalade and scrambled eggs, bacon and hotcakes and more. They had a feast every day but by the time she came down she had muffins and coffee. She had never taken to drinking tea and in fact she didn’t like the drink and would remain polite for her uncle's sake when he served the brew. This morning she'd experience the whole fare.
Her uncle, Julian and Garrett were already seated in the sunroom where everyone enjoyed having breakfast. The atmosphere always pleasant and there was a panoramic view of the gardens. The ambience felt restful and the scenery breathtaking with all the flowers still in bloom at this time of year. She joined the men and had the maid fill a sumptuous plate full of food regardless of her weight concerns. She was famished this morning and she intended on eating, lady like or not. They stood up, the usual custom when she entered the room, while Garrett walked around the table and seated her. They greeted her and Claire replied back with a slight yawn. She still wasn’t fully awake. The men chuckled and commented how pleasant to share this particular meal with her.
"You three needn’t tease me so early in the morning."
"And spoil all the fun?"
"Mind your manners Garrett. I'll get even later as you well know."
"Yes, probably one of your childish pranks."
They excused themselves since they had finished their breakfast and took their coffee into the study where they could talk as they would always do after meals. They mentioned in passing lawn bowling around 1:00 pm. Miss Katherine wanted to visit early afternoon prior to the big birthday ball since many hadn't met her as yet. She had been away visiting relatives when her brothers opened up their place.
Numerous people in New England affected airs. Therefore, the use of the term manor house became the prevailing name for a mansion. The Desmond estate appeared castle-like and expansive. She hadn't thought about the ominous structure for a number of years because it remained empty for so long. The history of the place was littered with stories of dark pastimes and spectral appearances according to the locals. In fact, she hadn’t known prior to arriving in Connecticut, the name of the owners. The structure was sprawling, a remembrance of older, grander days. Most residents no longer maintained huge estates because of the cost.
She wondered who would be accompanying Katherine. Women didn't venture to large functions alone. Propriety guaranteed always being accompanied by a family member or a servant hired as a traveling companion, at least for families who could afford to pay for one. They had arrived from the Isles with titles and money. People came from all over but those from these areas were more likely to follow strict rules of behavior. She had hoped that Michael Desmond might be present today and she would get a good chance to see what he was like as opposed to Matthew.
Kate arrived right at 1:00 pm. Claire’s uncle had a table placed outside under the shady trees not too far from where everyone planned to be playing. Claire loved lawn bowling and prepared to play. She was competitive and good at the game. Much to her dismay, Katherine brought Matthew along. She wondered if they would ever bring the elusive Michael with them again. Perhaps he’d attend the ball. She wanted to ignore her interest in the Desmond family but she longed for Michael. Even though outwardly the brothers appeared to be alike, she perceived the subtle difference. She couldn’t explain the recognition to anyone, not even herself.
The men fussed over Kate. They all had an overwhelming quality about them. Some might call it charisma. They radiated a hidden ambience making them the focal point of any gathering. Whether fact or not, the rumors were starting to circulate. Claire had heard her cousin, Julian, talking about the family in a hush-hush manner to her uncle and when they realized she might overhear the conversation, they changed the subject.
They would be bowling for an hour and a half. Accommodations had been arranged for everyone to dress for dinner by 3:00 pm. Nothing really seemed out of the ordinary outwardly but something affected her in a strange way. Clair intended to solve the riddle.
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