Briar Woods (Re-working)

Chapter 34: Grandmother's Ghost

A storm thundered through the night. Wind howled, while the rain tapped at the glass of my window and trickled down. The storm alone would have been enough to keep me awake and restless. Alas, I could not blame my sleeplessness on the storm.

I had an unnerving sense of urgency and yet I was not sure what I supposed to accomplish. Somehow my mind kept turning to the secret passage way and my eerily coincidental dream.

Several times I had intended to broach the subject with my father. I was sure he would know of a secret passage way if it existed. I feared somehow that he would not react well to me looking for one, especially while he was so concerned for my safety. I finally came to the conclusion I would have to simply search for one myself. Since I was confined to the premises, I would have plenty of time on my hands.

Now, the question was, where could such a secret passage way be? Of course, it would not appear to be one, as the purpose of a secret passage way was to remain secret.

The next day after I had spent the morning in the tilt yard training with the men, I set out to find this secret passage way. I looked in every room, behind curtains, along walls. I searched everywhere I could possibly imagine one to be.

It was in the afternoon, when I found myself in the library moving a table over in front of the fireplace. I cinched up my skirt in a very unladylike manner and climbed on top of the table. Reaching out I felt along the top of the mantle of the fireplace, hoping I could find a lever or something and the fireplace would reveal some kind of opening or false panel. I realized how ridiculous the notion sounded. I was however growing desperate in my search.

"What is it you are doing up there on that table?" I turned to see Avis standing behind me. She had her hands on her hips and the look on her face revealed she was not pleased at all to find me in such a position.

I grinned sheepishly and tried to think of an excuse as to why I was on top of a table and practically climbing on the fireplace.

"I was looking for a match?" I offered smoothing down my skirt nervously.

Her eyes narrowed and she gave me a doubtful look before saying, "Do you mean to tell me that you were looking for matches under the rugs and behind the curtains as well?"

I had thought I had been fairly discreet in my search, but it appeared that Avis had noticed my odd behavior. I felt a little ridiculous standing on top of a table while Avis scolded me, so I carefully hopped down, which made her click her tongue in disapproval.

Avis sat down on a small sofa, and patting the spot next to her, motioned for me to come join her. I frowned; I didn't have time for a discussion. She folded her arms in her lap and looked at me in way that indicated she could wait all day.

Realizing I was not going win, I sighed and sat down next to her. I was not certain why, but I felt a sudden need to tell her everything. I told her about my dream and the voice calling me for help. I then told her how Cook had mentioned a secret passage way somewhere.

"I don't believe that these things are a coincidence." I insisted.

Avis had a strange expression I could not read. "I cannot imagine what good finding a secret passage way would do. You should forget these foolish dreams and gossip of servants." She scolded with a slight tremor in her voice.

"But there is a secret passage way, is there not?" I persisted. She did not reply, but I noticed her face had gone pale.

"Please Avis," I pleaded. "I can't explain why, I just know I have to find it. My dreams, they are for a reason. The harder I try to ignore them, the more tormented I become. Believe me I wish they would go away. I know that I will never find peace until I find out what it all means."