Haunting Kills

Prologue

The carriage came to a halt. Laurianne climbed out, her legs feeling stiff. She could feel the wind, tussling up her golden curls. She closed her eyes, wishing it would blow away her tears. 'I don't want to marry him, mama.'

'Hush now, child.' Lady Mary Ainsworth of Abbydale Park was a tall woman with a thin, stern face and hair worn in a permanent bun. She almost always dressed in black since the death of her husband three years ago. Today was no exception. Laurianne wondered whether her wedding day would be one. 'The Earl has money, power and influence. Having him as a husband will benefit you in many ways.'

'And will my newly gained money, power and influence change the fact that I've to remain loyal to a man thrice my age? His daughters are as old as me.'  Laurianne shouted.

A tight smile came over her mother's face. 'Life is strange indeed.'

'Is that all you've got to say? Why don't you try getting married instead?'

Her mother let out a disdainful snort. 'You think an old woman such as me would get a suitor? The harsh truth of life is that old men can easily find suitors if they're rich enough. But not old women. Especially old poor women.'

'Why, are we poor now?' Laurianne said with a snort. She could match her mother's snorts of disdain any day. 'We have a house and lands and horses who win races. That's much more than almost anyone.'

At that a small smile came over her mother's face. 'I see I have taught you well. You never complain of your lot, do you? I hope you can do that with your new husband too. Men like women who don't complain. And as for having to marry him darling: if you don't, we soon might have nothing left.' 

'Is it that bad?' Laurianne asked, her heart skipping a beat. 

'All the money your father left is running out. And your uncle wants nothing more than our lands and house. But if you have the Earl as your husband, we can stop him.' 

'And there's no other way?'

'You think I would force you into marrying someone you didn't love if there was another way?' Her mother shook her head. 'No my darling, I would never. However, we must look at the facts and admit the harsh truths of life. Remember, the faster you come to term with the realities of life, the faster you'll be able to deal with them. Now, let's go and watch that race you trained your horse for, for so long. And put on a brave face darling, and socialise. Your new husband will be at the race.'