The Ghosts of Winworth Manor -Now Published Sample Only!!!

Chapter Eight: May I Have This Dance?

Sarah stared at him is fear, not liking the fact that he touched her face. She found it creepy that this older man, a complete stranger, would touch her like that. Yet she could also not deny how handsome he was, standing there in all of his 19th century regalia . She was almost speechless, not knowing what to do, or how to react to the situation. He smiled at her, and then bent to kiss her hand.

"Forgive me, my dear Sarah, it is impolite of me to stare at you.", he said, "I have always prided myself on being a gentleman, and a gentleman never stares at a lady. However a begger can look upon a queen." Suddenly a full length mirror appeared before her. To her surprise she was now wearing a red ball gown, ruby tiara, and diamond neckless with a ruby pendent.

She looked back at him, still feeling uncomfortable because of his constant amorous stare. He then extend his hand.

"May I have this dance, my lady?", he asked. Not knowing what else to do, even though she felt uneasy because of him, she took his hand. He then gently placed his other hand on her back. Although she had no idea what was about to happen, she instinctively placed her other hand on his shoulder.

"Don't worry, I'll lead.", he told her, and with that he started to spin around with her. Then all of a sudden, they were in a grand ballroom, and an orchestra began to play. It was the same ballroom she saw when she stared into the manor the first time.

As they moved along the dance floor, they kept staring into each other's eyes. She was still frightened, but mesmerized by his eyes. They seemed almost, not human.

"How are you doing all of this?", she asked, "I don't even know what dance we're doing, how am I able to do it?" He let out a playful laugh.

"You're asleep, remember.", he told her, "I have taken over your subconscious by entering your mind. The dance we are doing is a waltz. You are more or less just moving along to the music with me."

"You've entered my mind?", she asked. She couldn't help but feel a little violated.

"Yes.", he replied, "This his how I know so much about you. I know your favorite color is red, hence why I chose this ball gown for you. And as my queen, you deserve a matching tiara, and the finest jewelry. I am also showing you what the grand ballroom, of the manor, once looked like. But most important, I wanted to show what I look like. I hope my appearance is quite pleasing to you."

"Y-yes, you are very handsome.", she said. Although she did find him handsome, she was still nervous about the entire situation.

"I'm glad you think so my dear, because I find you extremely beautiful.", he said with longing in his eyes.

"Th-thank you.", she replied, "Is that Mozart?' She was trying to change the subject. She could see, and feel his lust for her. It was frightening for her. No other man, that she knew of anyway, ever looked at her like this.

"Yes it is.", he said smiling at her, "I knew you were a smart girl. Are you enjoying our engagement party? You will make a perfect bride." She then look at him with fear, and confusion in her eyes. She was about to say something, but he stopped her. He then let go of her hand, and placed his index finger on her lips."

"Shhh.", he told her, "I know what you are about to say, but this is not the time for negativity. This is a celebration, just for you, my love. I don't want anything to spoil this precious moment." With that he took her hand again, and the music became louder. The more he kept dancing with her, the more the music began to become hypnotic. It was almost as if she was becoming intoxicated. She closed her eyes, and let the music take over her mind. She began to fall under his spell, and let out a pleasant sigh.

"I love you, Sarah.", he whispered in her ear. She then opened her eyes, and stared deeply into his. He then leaned in, and gave her a passionate kiss. Still under his spell, she didn't even try to stop him. Instead, she reciprocated his passionate kiss. This put her even deeper into a trance.

"Sarah.", he whispered again, in her ear, "Soon you and I will be together forever." That phase actually frightened her. So much so that it not only broke his hypnotic spell, but it suddenly woke from the dream. She let out a startled gasp, as she came out of her deep sleep. The gasp surprised her father, who was still driving her back to Jonathan's. He could see the shocked look upon her face.

"Are you okay, sweetheart?", Robert asked. He was so concerned about her, wondering how much Todd's death might be effecting her.

"I'm fine.", she said, "I just had a weird dream."

"I guess.", he replied, "You were talking in your sleep."

"What was I saying?", she asked out of curiosity.

"I don't know.", he told her, "You were just mumbling."

"How long was I out?", she asked him.

"Um, I'd say almost five minute.", he told her.

"Really?", she asked, "The dream seemed a lot longer." She felt so confused about everything that had just happened.

"Well I guess linear time only exist in the real world.", he said, "Honey are you okay? Do you want to talk about it?" He couldn't help but noticed the confused, yet fearful expression on her face. She didn't know what to say, she didn't even know that he would believe her. All she knew is that she had been seduced by the one who had violently mudered Todd, and that scared the hell out of her.