Eleanor estate hadn’t changed in the seventeen years since James Wilston had last been there. The mansion was still kept in excellent condition, not like he expected any less of Jane. When Natalia had asked him why he had ever been with her in the first place, he had explicitly lied to her. It was much easier to pass Jane Eleanor off as a crazy woman than it was to explain how complicated his feelings for her were. There was a time that he did love her, truly and deeply. But above all, he had always admired her strength of character.
Until he found out that she wanted to kill their daughter.
He couldn’t understand why Jane could garner such hatred for Lana. What had the girl done to her? James could admit that he didn’t really known Lana that well, but nothing about her suggested anything worth killing. He rather admired the strength she displayed amidst all the turmoil she had faced during the past few months. So much about her reminded him of Jane. Which begged the question once more, why did Jane want Lana dead so badly? Surely there had to be more to it than simply hiding their affair from her husband.
James had decided to travel to Eerea himself, rather than send a messenger for Zane. The conversation they needed to have was better done in person, and this way perhaps he could get answers to Jane’s motives.
While James didn’t want to admit it, he was nervous. He had known for a long time that he had a son, but he never dreamt he would get to meet him. After Jane told him about Zane and Lana, she refused to let him see them. He wasn’t allowed to be a part of their lives, and there was no way he could fight her. He always hoped that one day he would be able to have a relationship with his children, and now finally that day had arrived. He would find a way to indispose Jane. She wouldn’t keep him from his son a minute longer.
He straightened out his coat and after a moment’s hesitation, knocked on the front door.
Several minutes later, the heavy door swung open, on the other side stood a young girl who appeared to be only a couple years older than Lana, perhaps Natalia’s age. She had long copper hair, and inviting hazel eyes. She wiped her hands on the apron she was wearing and met his gaze steadily. “Lord Eleanor is currently away on business,” she announced.
“That is okay, I’m not here to see the lord of this fine estate. Would the lady of this fine establishment happen to be home?”
The girl bit her lower lip and shifted her weight from one leg to the other, unsure how to answer. “I’m not allowed to divulge such information with the Lord of the house not present. If you are looking for someone here, you will have to wait until he returns. He will be back in a forth night if you would like to return then.”
“I’m afraid the business I am here for is time sensitive. If you cannot permit me to see the lady, what about her son, Zane Eleanor? Surely there is no misdemeanor involved in letting me see him. He is acting Lord when Lord Eleanor is away, is he not?” James inquired. He knew he was making the girl uncomfortable, and that she was merely doing her job, but he couldn’t wait until Lord Eleanor returned to speak with Zane and inform him that his sister was not as dead as he was led to believe. That, and he was anxious to meet his son. His only son.
The girl fumbled for words. She wasn’t sure whether or not allowing James to see Zane was permitted, and that gave him the little glimmer of hope he needed.
“Mary, who’s at the door?” a male voice called from somewhere within the house. She turned toward it, relief coloring her features.
“Lord Zane, there is a gentleman here that wishes to see you, but I wasn’t sure whether or not I—“ Zane held up his hand to cut her off as he stepped into James’ line of sight. James eyed the boy curiously.
“All is well Mary. I will take over from here.” She bowed her head politely and left the area. Zane crossed his arms as he eyed James.
He had his mother’s eyes. “Can I help you?”
James took a deep breath. “Yes, you can. We need to talk, and you may want to sit down for this conversation.”
Zane raised his eyebrows. “Who are you?”
“My name is James Wilston. And I am your father.”
YOU ARE READING
Haunting Shadows (Book 2)
Fantasy"What if my sins are all I've become? Will you still love me if the Andreas you once knew is too far gone to ever get back?" Lana had survived burning on the stake, but at what cost? Every time she closes her eyes, she revisits the horror of burning...
