The Keepers

Chapter 12

Lying face down on a pillow, Josie sobbed uncontrollably until the material was soaked through with her tears. There was no doubt in the girl’s mind; the house – or whatever evil was controlling it – was trying to harm her. It was also quite possible that it was her name – Josephine Lyttleton-Bradley – those specter-like figures were carving into the tomb.

Josie shuddered. Unfortunately, escaping didn’t seem to be a viable option. She’d tried several times already only to end up back inside.

Telling Donatella about the strange events also didn’t feel wise. The woman was either orchestrating everything, or she wouldn’t believe any of it. In that case, she may just decide to send Josie away to an institution on claims of superstition or worse yet, hysteria.

Nothing good came out of those types of places, even if Josie was too young to remember Mother’s brief stay at St. Marylebone. She’d gone to the asylum to treat a dissipation of nerves after the girl’s birth, but Father said the woman was never the same.

No, Josie had to first figure out what was happening before she tried to come up with a successful plan. And for that, she had to start by going down to dinner.

Looking into the dressing table’s mirror, Josie was met with quite a sight. Her cheeks were red and blotchy from crying, while her wet hair hung in unruly strands. After splashing her face with a bit of cold water, the girl grabbed a silver-handled brush and set to work.

She untangled her long, dark locks before piling most up into a neat bun on top of her head. Finding a set of iron tongs in a drawer, she carefully heated the metal end of the contraption in the fireplace. Wrapping a loose strand of hair around the shaft, she held it in place for a few seconds before letting it go.

There. A lovely ringlet of curls now framed her face.

Repeating the process with the rest of her untied hair, soon Josie looked not only presentable, but also more mature than her fourteen years. The dress Great Aunt Donatella had provided also had a lot to do with the enhancement. Twirling in the center of the room, Josie caught glimpses of her reflection in the mirror and smiled.

She looked quite pretty. Gone were the simple patterns, puffy shoulders, and high collars of her childish dresses. Now she wore a more form-fitting gown with a low-cut neckline and luxurious beading appropriate for a young lady.

Father would never let her put on something like this even within the privacy of their own home, much less to meet strangers. That was one more reason Josie liked it so much.

Dizzy from going around in circles, the girl stopped and took one more look in the mirror. Pleased with her appearance, she finished off the outfit with dainty shoes and elbow-length gloves, before walking out the door. She didn’t get far, but rather nearly collided head-on with a man standing outside her room, his hand poised to knock.

“I was just coming to see if you were ready to go downstairs.” Hyde smiled and courteously offered her his elbow. He had also changed from his professional suit into a dinner jacket and black-tie.

Too surprised to answer, Josie hooked her arm into his and let him lead her down the corridor, toward the staircase.               

“You look lovely this evening.” The former physician glanced at the girl as they walked. “I trust you’re feeling better.”

Josie blushed at the compliment, but finally found her voice. “Yes. Thank you.”

At the top of the stairs, a rush of cold air hit them, and goose bumps formed on the girl’s bare arms. Her shoes clicked as they touched the marble risers, and the sound echoed through the grand entranceway. They were almost to the bottom when Hyde pulled her to the side.