VESPER

CHAPTER 2

The morning sun bathed Ravenfell village in a warm, golden glow as Mavis trudged up the winding path to the doctor's house. She clutched a wicker basket filled to the brim with fudgy brownies and an array of cookies, their sweet aroma trailing behind her. It was a gesture of appreciation for Mrs. Wells, who had selflessly cared for Mavis's ailing aunt.

Ruth greeted Mavis with a bright smile that instantly made the young woman feel welcome. "Oh, Mavis! What a lovely surprise!" she exclaimed, ushering her inside. "Timothy's out playing; he'll be thrilled to know you came by."

Mavis followed Ruth into the cozy living room adorned with family photographs and the faint scent of herbal tea. She set the basket on the table, feeling a warmth in her chest at the sight of Ruth's delighted expression. "Thank you, dear. You didn't have to bring anything! But these look absolutely delicious!"

As Ruth began to sort through the contents of the basket, Mavis couldn't help but notice a glimmer of excitement in her eyes-a twinkle that hinted at gossip brewing beneath the surface.

They settled into the plush couches, Ruth pouring two steaming cups of tea. "Did you hear about the festival beginning tonight? The whole village is buzzing with anticipation!"

Mavis nodded, her interest piqued. She had heard about the annual celebration from her aunt yesterday but had not thought much of it. "Yes aunt Agnes did mention it".

She beamed, "you and Agnes must come! It's a mix of traditions-music, dancing, and of course, plenty of food. But mostly, it's a special time for the villagers to come together. This year, they're putting a lot of focus on the folklore surrounding Lord Vesper Arkwright, the former lord of the Arkwright manor."

Mavis leaned in, her curiosity deepening. " I've heard tales about it from my aunt. But is there more to the story? I heard he disappeared suddenly."

Ruth lowered her voice, glancing toward the window to ensure Timothy was outside. "It's quite tragic, really. Lord Vesper fell deeply in love with Lady Eleanor DeLune many many years ago. But she betrayed him in the most heart-wrenching way, leaving him broken. They say his spirit haunts the manor, waiting for vengeance against the one who wronged him."

Mavis's heart raced. She hadn't heard this information from her aunt, but hearing it from someone steeped in the village's history felt entirely different. "What happened to Lady Eleanor?"

"Her family left the village, fearful of the curse that descended upon the Arkwright name. They say none of her descendants can return here without facing dire consequences," Ruth replied, her voice still hushed. "The manor still stands, overgrown and shadowed. Some say you can still see Lord Vesper looking out from the highest tower, eternally waiting for a love that never returned."

A shiver danced down Mavis's spine; the allure of the manor felt tangible to her, like a promise of secrets longing to be uncovered. "Have you ever seen him?" she asked, half-joking but equally intrigued.

"Only in dreams," Ruth said with a wistful smile. "But many villagers - older ones, that is - claim to have had encounters when passing the manor at night. The air grows cold, and they feel a presence watching them, as if the lord is aware of their every movement."

Before Mavis could respond, Timothy burst through the door, his cheeks flushed and a wild energy about him. "Mavis! Mavis! Come play!"

Both women laughed, the spell of the manor momentarily broken by the child's exuberance. But as Mavis watched Timothy race back outside, her mind lingered on the story that Ruth had shared.

Both women laughed, the spell of the manor momentarily broken by the child's exuberance. But as Mavis watched Timothy race back outside, her mind lingered on the story that Ruth had shared.