This is a story of a young woman who inherits her grandfather's estate in Savannah Ga. And she has a ghost visit her in her dreams every night since receiving the news of the inheritance.
DREAM GHOST
Beth sat staring at computer screen trying to study for her finals, she had been attending NYU since leaving her home where she lived with her Aunt Lisa. Her mind starts to wander back to the small three-year-old little girl who was sitting on her aunt’s Living-room rug wondering what is happening and where are mommy and daddy? Why is Aunt Lisa so sad? Her aunt raised her ever since she was three, when Lisa had gained custody of her because of the car accident in which her parents had been killed.
Beth was suddenly brought back from her daydreaming by the loud knock on her door. It was a certified letter from a lawyer in Savannah Georgia. She thought “The only people she knew of in Georgia were from her father’s side of the family and they’re all dead.” As she held the large manila envelope in her shaking hands, she slowly opened it and read the letter and started contemplating on what she would do with the airline ticket she had found inside. She had no idea what this small piece of paper held for her as she decided to take the unscheduled trip to Savannah Georgia. She had no idea what troubles that letter would bring her way. Now all she had to do was to pack her bags to prepare for her get-a-way to Savannah after taking her finals.
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Beth awoke with a start, just as she had done the last ten mornings since receiving the letter about inheriting the O’Reilly Plantation. The dream was the same every time. A young woman with flaming red hair and green eyes-just like her own hair and eyes-she tells Beth that her name is Rosie and asks for her help. She had not figured out who this woman is and why she is coming to her. She thought that she would worry about the dream later, for now she must grab her bags and call a taxi. On the way to the airport Beth thought more about her father’s family who lived in Georgia. She had forgotten she even had family in Savannah until she received the letter. Her aunt never talked about her father or his family much, even when she asked her aunt about them at the age of 16. She assumed it was because Aunt Lisa blamed him and his family for the death of her mother Anne. Her decision to return to Savannah, was not a happy topic when she told her Aunt Lisa of her decision to take the trip.
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Bill was waiting at the airport, looking for the pretty redhead with the green eyes. He was lucky to have found a picture of her while doing his research when trying to locate the new heir to the plantation. It was a sad day when he went to Colin O’Reilly Jr. to tell him the bad news about his son and daughter-in-law’s deaths. Bill felt that Colin had never been the same since hearing the bad news.
Beth had arrived at the airport right on time and he went to meet her at the baggage claim. She was surprised and pleased to see the tall dark-haired man walking toward her. She assumed that he was the William Williamson who sent her the letter.
“Elizabeth O’Reilly?” Bill asked.
“Yes, and you are?”
“William Williamson, from the firm of Williamson, Williamson and Sons.” He answered.
Beth now could see that he had the bluest eyes she had ever seen and could tell by his muscular built that he must work out as well. Beth got a little excited about meeting such a handsome man in a strange city. She thought that deciding to take the trip was a good idea after all.
“Damn it,” William said when his eye caught sight of the tall slim red-haired man entering the building.
“What’s the matter?” Asked Beth.
“Sorry, I’m just running behind schedule, nothing to worry about. Elizabeth, would you like to get something to eat or go directly to the plantation?”
“Eat, the airline food was so awful and please call me Beth.” She answered with a smile.
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William had taken Beth to a little mom and pop restaurant in town. The atmosphere was very country with its red and white checkered tablecloths, basket of hushpuppies brought to them by a waitress who was dressed in cutoffs, red and white checkered shirt and with pigtails in her hair. The place felt so homey with everyone treating them like family. The waitress returned with the sweet tea that William had ordered for them, and took their order.
“William how do you know that I am the right Elizabeth O’Reilly?”
“Please call me Bill. We traced your family history, that’s how we found you.”
“I never knew my father’s side of the family. My Aunt Lisa never wanted to talk about them, the only thing she would tell me is that they were all dead.”
“Let’s start at the beginning shall we. Your grandfather has been alive and well until last year. He sent you letters in care of your aunt, but they were returned unopened. Your aunt only excepted the monthly payments from your grandfather who set up a trust fund for you. It was his money that has supported you the last 17years.”
The waitress returned to the table with their fried chicken and coleslaw, and refilled their sweet teas. Bill continued telling Beth about her father’s family, which she found fascinating.
“The plantation had been in your family since your Great-Great-Grandfather Patrick O’Reilly had it built for his new wife in 1886. It was right after the Civil War when he met her.
He had made his fortune in cotton and lumber. When he died it was left to his wife Rosie and their only child Colin who was your Great-Grandfather. The plantation then went to your Grandfather Colin Jr. and since your father had passed on, you were the next in line to inherit the plantation and everything that goes with it.”
“Bill, you mentioned Rosie, who was she?”
“She was your Great-Great-Grandfather’s wife. There has always been a mystery behind her disappearance after Patrick’s death. He was killed in a riding accident. People around the plantation thought that Rosie had killed Patrick and that is why she disappeared. There was never an investigation done, so it still remains a mystery.”
As the waitress returned to the table with the check, they thanked her and said the meal was great. As they were leaving the table, a tall, slim, red-haired man came rushing over to them stopping them from leaving.
“Hello, Elizabeth! I’m sorry I missed you at the airport. I’m your cousin Michael O’Hare. Bill, perhaps you gave me the wrong time of my cousin’s arrival?”
The stern look that crossed between the two men had Beth wondering what the beef was between them. She would have to find out more about the relationship between Bill and Michael and what she has to do with it.
“Elizabeth, may I show you around our fair city? Bill, you won’t mind if I take her off your hands for a little while?
“I’m sorry Michael, but I am quite tired and would like to find a hotel.” As Beth did not like the tension that she is receiving from the two men, she turns to asks Bill, “Do you know a good hotel in Savannah where I can get a room?”
“You don’t need a hotel, you have a whole plantation house to stay in. I’ll take you there now, Good day Michael, are you ready Beth?” he says as he pays the cashier for their meal.
“Yes, it was nice to meet you Michael, until we meet again.”
Oh, we will meet again Miss O’Reilly and soon, Michael thinks to himself as he says, “Until then Cousin Elizabeth.” Beth and Bill walk outside to the car and head out of town to the O’Reilly Plantation.
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They drove about fifty miles, till they arrived at driveway which had an iron gate that had the words O’Reilly Plantation over them. As they drove through the gates Beth noticed that it was lined with peach trees. The driveway circled in front of the huge white house with four pillars that framed the front veranda. Beth could almost picture her ancestors sitting there, sipping mint juleps on a hot Savannah summer day. All she could think of when she set eyes on the house was the Tara Plantation from the movie Gone With the Wind. The house was beautiful, as Beth and Bill exited his care they were met by the housekeeper on the front veranda. Etta Mae was a heavy set black woman dressed in a dark blue housedress with white apron attached. She welcomed Beth with open arms, “We are so glad to have the little mistress of the house of O’Reilly back home. How much you look like your Great-Great-Grand mama”
Etta Mae had said back home, this puzzled Beth; she doesn’t remember ever living here.
“How do you know my Grandmother Rosie?”
“My mama and Grandmama use to tell me what a wonderful lady she had been. My family had been taking care of the O’Reilly family since the ending of slavery and Mister Patrick hired my great-great-grand pappy and his wife to care for Miss Rosie. Mister Patrick even put in his will that the Johnson Family would have a place here on the plantation as long as an O’Reilly owned it. That’s why I’m still here, I was a Johnson before marrying Jack Jones, you’ll meet him with the rest of the staff.”
Beth thought that if she wanted to find out her father’s family history then Etta Mae is the one to speak to. As the three of them entered the foyer of the house, Etta Mae had arranged it so the house staff members would be there to greet the new mistress. She introduced Beth to the butler who was Etta’s husband Jack who was tall and slim dressed in a suit, he was the butler, the chauffer, and all-round handyman which included auto mechanic. Cook came next, who was a roly-poly woman and was dressed in white from head to toe. There were also several maids that took care of the cleaning of the house as well. Beth thought it funny that she would have a staff to keep the household running when she was not sure yet, if she would be staying or selling the plantation. She did have her studies to finish at NYU in the fall. Time will tell, but for now all she wanted was a hot shower and a comfortable bed to sleep in. Bill took this time to say his good-byes.
“I’m going to leave you in the hands of Etta Mae to get you settled and I will be back in a few days to answer any other questions you may have about the plantation or anything else. Good-bye Beth, see you later Etta Mae.”
“Good-Bye Bill and it was nice meeting you” replied Beth.
“It’s always nice seeing you Mr. Bill, Ya’ll come back.” Said Etta Mae.
Beth followed Etta Mae and Jack, who was carrying her luggage up the wide carpeted staircase, which opened to a balcony with several rooms that circled around it. Etta Mae took Beth to the Master Bedroom where Jack set the luggage down and left the ladies. The Master Bedroom was the largest bedroom in the house and was beautifully decorated in old southern style. The bed was huge with four beautifully carved posts at the corners. This was covered with a plush burgundy comforter and fluffy pillows. Everything looked brand new even the oriental rug that lay in the middle of the floor. How did Etta Mae know that burgundy was her favorite color, she thought.
“Etta Mae did you have this room decorated for me?”
“No mistress, we just had the original items dry-cleaned and mended where they needed it after the death of Mister Colin last year. We can redecorate it if you wish?”
“No, it just looks so new, and burgundy is my favorite color. I just wondered how anyone could possibly know that. You said my grandfather died last year?”
“Yes Mistress.”
“Please call me Beth.”
“I will try Miss Beth”
“No one has been in this room since Mister Colin passed, although that don’t mean some of the O’Hare clan didn’t try.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Your distant cousin Michael O’Hare, he’s kin from your Grandma Rosie’s side.”
“Oh, Michael, I met him earlier in Savannah when Bill and I grabbed something to eat. He gave me the creeps. Is he really my cousin? He actually went to the airport to meet me, but Bill had already picked me up.”
“He’s a sly one Miss Beth. Best keep your distance from him, he thinks that the O’Reilly Plantation belongs to him and he has been trying to get your Grandpa Colin to sign it over to him before Mister Colin passed on. Miss Beth, you look tired. Let’s get you to bed, we can talk more tomorrow.” Beth yawned and agreed with Etta Mae. It had been a very long day.
“I would like to shower before I go to bed, can you show me where the powder room is?
Etta Mae showed her the bathroom which was off her bedroom and was decorated beautifully with teal and burgundy flowered wall paper, the garden tub was so big it would fit two people and was also burgundy with teal porcelain taps. There was also a shower that Beth was ready to use. Etta Mae excused herself and returned with big fluffy towels for Beth.
“Etta Mae, before you go, will you show me around the house tomorrow?”
“Yes miss, now go take your shower so you can get to sleep. I have laid your night clothes out for you and turned down the bed, will you be needing anything else Miss Beth?”
“No, Etta Mae that will be all for tonight,” answered Beth.
She was not use to all this pampering, and she hasn’t had her bed turned down since, when was it again, her mother. It was odd that she had remembered such a small thing since her mother and father have been dead for seventeen years. Maybe being back here is starting to jog her childhood memories. Right now, all she wanted was to go to bed. The bed was so comfy as she climbed in and sank under the covers. Hopefully she would have a dreamless sleep tonight.
The dream started the same way it had since receiving the letter from Bill ten days ago. It seems so real that she is not sure if she’s dreaming or not.
Grandma Rosie is beckoning to her again as if she wants Beth to follow her. Beth has never followed her before now.
“What do you want?” Beth asks.
“Come.” Replies Rosie.
Rosie leads Beth through the large flower garden till she comes to a hidden path which goes off from the main path. Rosie walks to a large yellow rose bush, points and says, “Dig”
“Grandma, why did you leave after Grandpa Patrick died?”
“Dig.” As she shakes her head.
“You didn’t leave?”
“Dig.”
“Grandma did someone hurt you?”
“Dig.” As she nods.
“Why do you want me to dig, are you buried here?”
Rosie smiles and looks at Beth. She is happy that she has finally gotten through to Beth on what she needs her to do.
“Who did this to you Grandma?” Beth sadly asks.
Rosie turns and lead Beth back to the house. Beth and Rosie are now in a small library with settees, chairs, a small desk, and there are several reading lamps placed about the room. Rosie walks over to one of the bookshelves and in the middle of the third shelf behind one of the chairs, Rosie pulls out an old faded book and hands it to Beth. Diary, is all that it says on the front.
A loud knocking on her bedroom door jerks Beth awake. In her hand is a small dusty book that reads Diary on the cover. Beth is surprised at this and wonders if she was dreaming. She has a feeling that Grandma Rosie never left the plantation, and cannot wait to start reading the diary she has in her hand. The knocking starts again at her door. She shoves the diary in the draw in the nightstand by her bed. She will read it later.
“Miss Beth, I have your breakfast. Are you awake?” Etta Mae asked behind the closed door.
“Come in!” Beth calls out, and Etta Mae enters carrying a large wooden tray that is loaded with all sorts of food.
“I am not use to this service,” Beth giggles, “breakfast in bed, how wonderful.”
“Yes ma’am, Miss Beth, Cook hopes you like grits and eggs, with buttermilk biscuits with homemade jam, coffee and fresh squeezed orange juice, country ham and bacon, and fresh fruit salad. She says to tell you she doesn’t know what a Yankee’s eat.” Etta Mae laughs. “Cook says there ain’t nothing like grits and eggs with biscuits for breakfast.”
Etta Mae set the tray across Beth’s lap and Beth was amazed at the amount of food that was on it. Beth’s normal breakfast was usually a bagel with cream cheese.
“Etta Mae, may I call you Etta, or do you prefer Etta Mae?” She asked.
“Etta is just fine Miss Beth.”
“Etta, is there a secret garden off the main garden?”
“Yes ma’am, you can get to it from the back veranda. Just walk down the path in the main garden till you get to a little boy statue and turn left. There is a small walkway made of cobblestone that leads to Miss Rosie’s private rose garden. How did you know about that?”
“I think it was a childhood memory.”
Beth was hesitant to mention to Etta that Grandma Rosie showed it to her in a dream.
“Grandma use to tell me how Miss Rosie liked to surprise Mister Patrick with picnics in her little garden. She loved her yellow rose bushes, she had the largest roses in the county.” Etta continued.
“You said that I had come back, when did I live here?”
“You were three years old when you, your mama and papa were on your way to New York to visit your Aunt Lisa when the accident happened. They say it was a miracle that you survived it, but you don’t need to hear this Miss Beth, it was 17 years ago.”
“Please Etta go on. My Aunt Lisa never told me anything about the accident or my father except to tell me how the O’Reilly family killed my mother. She hated my father and his family for it and told me that his family were all dead. I’ll have to talk with her to find out why she lied to me. I had a grandfather I could have known if not for my Aunt Lisa.”
“You finish your breakfast and I promise I will finish the story, just let me know when you are ready and I’ll come get your tray.”
“Will you have time to show me around the house today?”
“Yes.”
“Thank you, Etta.”
The house was much larger than Beth had expected. With its Livingroom, den, 15 bedrooms all wonderfully decorated, parlors and back veranda, the kitchen was Cook’s domain and Cook liked to it kept that way, since Beth could only use a microwave this was a mutual agreement that she would stay out of Cook’s way when it came to the kitchen. There were some odd banging going on in the house while Beth and Etta toured the home. She asked Etta,
“Where are those noises coming from?”
“We all reckoned that it was Mr. Colin’s spirit since he died in the house.”
“Where in the house did he die, not my room I hope.”
“No miss, we had made up the den to accommodate his hospital bed when they sent him home, it was a sad thing, he just wasted away. No one but Mr. Bill and that Michael O’Hare come to see him besides his doctor and nurse. I always thought that his nurse and Mr. Michael were a little too friendly toward each other to my liken.”
There was a horse stable as well as a tennis court, pool and fountains throughout the plantation gardens. There were even some former slave quarters that had been renovated into small houses for the staff. In all the plantation was a beautiful piece of property if Beth decided to sell it. The plantation was so large that it took her two weeks to see it all, and she was still not able to find the small library that Grandma Rosie had taken her to in her dream.
After breakfast the next morning, she decided to go into town and see Bill since he had been so busy he had not had a chance to return to the plantation, and she stilled needed to sign some papers to settle the plantation inheritance. She had run into Etta and asked,
“Etta, would you go with me into town? I need to pick-up some things and would like to look around Savannah.”
“Yes miss. Cook needs me to pick-up some things for her as well. Just let me know and I’ll have my husband Jack drive us if you want?”
“I would prefer to drive myself. Is there a car I that I can use?”
“You have several cars to choose from, let me know which one and I’ll have Jack drive it around to the front veranda for you. Would you like to drive your father’s car, it’s a 1965 mustang convertible, Jack keeps all the cars in tiptop shape.”
“Yes, I would like that, just have Jack bring my father’s car out front when I am ready to leave.”
“Just let me know when.”
Beth decided to explore her beautiful home more, she had been on exploring on her own for few days, she was still hearing the strange noises which seemed to echo throughout the house that first day. maybe it is her Grandpa Colin. She would have gotten lost if were not for Etta being with her those first two week, the house was so big that she had still not seen everything. She was still having a hard time believing that it all belonged to her. All the rooms had high ceilings with chandeliers which were lowered by chains for cleaning purposes. She began to have an eerie feeling like she was being watch as she walked from room to room, she thought she had caught the glimpse of someone from the corner of her eye. Thinking she was just being silly and her mind was playing tricks on her because of this big old house and the mysteries that surround it. She continued exploring until she ran into Cook, as everyone calls her.
“Thank you for the wonderful breakfast, I love your grits and eggs.”
“Your welcome Miss Beth, would you like your dinner in the formal dining-room or on the back veranda this evening, and will you be here for lunch?”
“I will be going into town with Etta and we’ll eat lunch there. Can you prepare dinner for two? I will be inviting Bill for dinner tonight, I haven’t seen or talked to him in a week. We will have dinner on the back veranda this evening.”
Beth had located the formal dining-room two days ago and was glad to use the back veranda when eating dinner. The formal dining-room, no it was called the dining-hall. She seemed to remember that’s what her mother called it, the dining-hall, was this another one of her childhood memories coming back. It contained a table that had to be twenty feet long and enough chairs to seat twenty-six people comfortably. The ceiling in the dining-hall held six crystal chandeliers all lined up down the middle of the ceiling and ran the whole length of the room.
She still had not located the small library where Grandma Rosie had taken her. She wanted to see if the diary she had found in her hand when she had awoken that first morning is the one from that library. She had not had the courage to read it yet, she still felt that she was invading her grandmother’s privacy. But she would read it one day soon.
She heard the strange banging sounds again, she had been hearing them since she came here, she thought that they were coming from the walls. Maybe there are some workers doing repairs, or renovations somewhere in the house, she thought, she would ask Bill when she seen him today.
Beth rang Etta on the intercom, “I am ready for the car to be brought around to the front Etta, are you ready to go to town?”
“Yes, Miss Beth, Jack will bring the car now, I will meet you at the front entrance.”
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Beth and Etta were having a wonderful conversation in her daddy’s car on the way to town, when a pickup truck tried to run them off the road. Both women screamed as she slammed the brake pedal down only to find she had no brakes. Beth put the car in neutral and stopped the car just before it slammed into a big oak tree that was on the S-curve in the road.
“Etta, are you okay?” Beth asked.
“Fine Miss, how about you?”
“I’m fine. What would make somebody do that? It seemed like whoever it was meant to kill us.”
“I think you’re right. Let me call Jack and have him bring another car, I’ll have him to be sure to check the brakes on it first.” Etta used Beth’s cell phone to call Jack. While they were sitting in the car waiting for Jack, Beth asked Etta, “Why don’t you finish telling me the story about the car accident that killed my parents?
“Let me see, where did I leave off, oh yes, it was seventeen years ago. When the police notify Mr. Bill about the accident. The police in Virginia found you alive with a few bumps and bruises, but your parents, they had died on the way to the hospital. Witnesses told police that the car was going very fast as if your father was trying to get away from someone. The police even thought that the brake-lines may have been cut, but because of the damage to the car it was impossible to say. People round here believed your mother’s cousin Michael O’Hare, -before you ask no, it was Michael’s father - paid someone to cut the brakes and run them off the road.”
“Was there any proof of this?”
“No, the police in Virginia closed the case calling it an accident.”
“How did I end up with Aunt Lisa?”
“Your Grandpa Colin filed to get custody of you, but because of his age the New York Courts thought he was too old to be raising a three-year-old little girl even though he told them you would be in your own home with your nanny. (Nanny Dawn, Beth seemed to remember. Was it another childhood memory?) His lawyer Mr. Bill told them that Mr. Colin could give you anything you wanted. But the courts still gave you to your mother’s sister Lisa O’Hare instead.”
“Gave me to an aunt who lied to me all my life, that just burns me up. I could have been visiting my grandfather and getting to know my father’s family instead of being lied to. Do you know why I wasn’t allowed to visit my grandfather?”
“The way I heard it, was that your Aunt Lisa’s hatred of the O’Reilly family is what kept you from returning home to the plantation, but it didn’t stop Mister Colin sending her money to take care of you. He had set up a trust fund for you so that you would never need anything. The checks went to your Aunt Lisa so she could care for you, but all the letters he sent to you were returned unopened, he saved them somewhere around the house, I’ll be sure to look for them.”
Beth had always wondered how her Aunt Lisa could afford all the luxuries that they had. Now she knew it was her trust fund money that supported the both of them.
“Etta, do you know how my grandfather died?”
“No miss, Mister Colin was fine one day and then came down with some kind of stomach illness, and just never recovered from it. He died two weeks after getting ill. The doctors tried everything, but just could not pinpoint what the problem was.”
“Do you think he could have been poisoned?”
“That’s what Mister Bill thought, but because of you grandfather’s will requesting no autopsy, one was never performed. The doctors thought it was just old age that killed him. He was 82 when he died.”
It was at that moment that Jack arrived with the new car. Jack came bringing with him a tow-truck to tow the mustang back home, where he could repair any damage that was done during the harrowing experience the two women had been through.
Jack said, “I found that the two other cars had the brake-lines cut, I will check the lines on the mustang as well, I let you know what I find Miss Beth.”
Beth would tell Bill about the experience to see what could be done about it, if anything, since she had no idea who would want to hurt her or Etta. Beth and Etta arrived in town without any further incidences. Beth had parked the car in front of Bill’s office and walked with Etta window shopping as they made their way to eat. They had grabbed something to eat at the same mom and pop restaurant that Bill and Beth had eaten the day she arrived. It is hard to believe that she had been in Savannah over two weeks now.
Beth started to feel as if they were being followed, she had noticed the man in the dark shirt and pants several times, she knew that it was not Michael because of the man’s dirty blonde hair. Beth wanted to be sure, so she began going in and out of shops, which her companion Etta thought strange but said nothing. She hoped she might get a better glimpse of who it was. She thought she had seen the man coming out of a shop she had just been in but was not sure.
“Etta, I have some business to handle with Bill, can you carry on by yourself and I will meet you at the car later?”
“That’s just fine, Miss Beth. Here let me take your packages and I’ll put them in the boot of the car with the rest of mine.”
“Thank you.” Beth replied.
The ladies separated and Beth again thought she saw the strange man. Was he the one following her, she thought as she entered Bill’s office.
“Hello Beth, what a pleasant surprise, I didn’t expect to see you today.” Bill said as she entered.
“Hello Bill, I almost didn’t make it,” as she explained to Bill about the accident on the way to town. “I don’t know Bill, but I think someone tried to kill me today, and I feel like I have been followed all over town today. He’s a slim, blonde haired man dressed in black, I swear he was following me. Is there some reason why someone would want me dead?”
“The only thing I can think of is if something were to happen to you, then Michael O’Hare and your Aunt Lisa would inherit the plantation, unless you make a will leaving it to someone else.”
“Can I do that now?” Beth asked, already knowing who she would leave the plantation to if she were to die. “Yes, we can do it right after we get all the legalities finished on the inheritance and have you sign all the papers for that. Then we can work on your will if you wish?” Bill told her. Bill had Beth finish signing all the paper work about the plantation and its assets, and then Bill helped her with her Last Will and Testament so that would be done.
Beth was becoming frightened and wanted to be sure that her Aunt Lisa and cousin Michael did not get their hands on the O’Reilly Plantation. She only heard from her Aunt Lisa at Christmastime and her birthdays, ever since she left for college two years ago. While at Bill’s office she had asked him about her trust fund and if she could start receiving the monthly check in her name instead of her Aunt Lisa receiving them.
“Now that you are old enough, the checks can be made out to you.”
He had his secretary make one out and gave her the check that was due her for the month of June. Beth was shocked at the amount of ten thousand dollars that the check was written for. She knew that it would upset her Aunt Lisa, but Beth was not happy about the lies that her aunt had been telling her for years and not allowing her to visit her grandfather Colin only made it worse.
“Bill, how much of this money goes to pay the household bills at the plantation?” Beth asked.
“None, that is your spending money, the bills are paid out of another account.”
“I would hate to leave my Aunt Lisa penniless, even though I am not happy with her right now. I don’t need this much money to spend on myself, can I have another check for five-thousand dollars made out to Aunt Lisa?” Beth asked after thinking about how her aunt would have no money to live on, Beth did not want to be heartless, after all her aunt did take good care of her while she lived with her.
“Are you sure you want to do this?”
“Yes, after all she did raise me even with her lying to me all these years.”
“Jane, can you void this check and make one for five thousand dollars paid to Lisa O’Hare and one for five thousand dollars paid to Elizabeth O’Reilly. Also notify Miss O’Hare that she will be receiving only five thousand a month instead of the ten thousand and she should budget accordingly.” He told his secretary.
“Thank you, Bill. Oh, I almost forgot, will you join me for dinner tonight around 5:00?”
Before Bill can answer Michael struts into Bill’s office shocked at seeing Beth standing there.
“Huh, Hello cousin Elizabeth, I wasn’t expecting to see you here. I heard about your accident on the way to town, are you okay?”
“Hello Michael, yes I’m fine.”
“Hello Michael, can I do something for you?” asked Bill.
“No, I just saw Etta and she told me Beth was here and wanted to see if she was okay. Now I have seen her I’ll be going.” As Michael leaves the office.
Beth thought this meeting with him was very odd since the only ones who knew about the accident were Etta, Bill, and Jack. How did Michael hear about it, and was he involved in some way?
“Beth, Beth,” the sound of Bill’s voice pulls her out of her thoughts. “About the other matter, I’ll be there.”
“What? Oh, okay see you then.” She says as she turns and walks out the door just in time meet Etta at the car.
“Etta, did you happen to talk with Mr. O’Hare?”
“No miss, I haven’t seen him today.”
“I knew he was lying.” She says under her breath.
“Did you get everything taken care of Miss Beth?”
“Yes, and some extra things as well. Is there a BB&T bank around here? I need to deposit a check into my account.”
“Yes, turn right at the next corner, and it should be there on the right.”
After Beth had made her deposit she headed home, it’s funny how she felt so much at home on the plantation. She had already decided that she would be finishing her college education at the University of Savannah Georgia instead of returning to NYU in the fall, and as for selling the plantation she had decided she would keep her family home and hope to start a new family in it someday, as a picture of Bill pops into her head and she smiles.
As Beth finished getting ready for the dinner with Bill, she heard a lot of yelling coming from downstairs in the entrance way. “Etta, what’s going on?” she asked, Bill wasn’t due for another thirty minutes.
“Sorry Miss Beth, but we have been trying to keep this scoundrel out of the house ever since your Grandpa Colin had passed away.”
“Hello Cousin Elizabeth, can I call you Beth like everyone else.” As he turns to wave his driver off, Beth notices that his driver has blonde hair and was wearing black. “Just thought I come for a visit.” While he pushed past Etta.
“Yes Michael, you may call me Beth.” although she really didn’t like him using the familiarity of the name. “Why are you here and what do you want?” she asks.
“I just wanted to see how you are enjoying your visit to Savannah, I left Bill’s office so quickly we didn’t have time to talk.
When will Michael get the hint that she doesn’t trust him. Etta stood protectively in front of her tapping her foot with frustration at the sight of Michael being in the house.
She could see now why Etta disliked Michael so much, she just did not trust him now that she has caught him lying, it’s odd that he always seems to be hanging around wherever she is. Could it be that Michael had something to do with her grandfather’s death and is he the one who cut the brakes on her vehicles?
“Best be watchful of this one Miss Beth, he’ll steal you blind.” Etta whispered to Beth.
“I can handle myself Etta, remember I’m from New York City.” She whispered back with a smile.
“Shall I tell cook there will be three for dinner?” Etta whispered to her.
“Yes Etta, tell cook three for dinner.” Eavesdropping, Michael jumped in before Beth could answer her.
“Who is our third guest cousin, Bill perhaps?” He asked with a sly grin on his face.
Mr. Michael O’Hare had just gotten on her bad side, he had upset her plans on getting to know Bill more intimately by inviting himself to dinner. This was one of her pet peeves, she hated it when people invited themselves to things. She wondered why Michael was so interested in what she was doing, and why he’s interested in her plantation? Bill will know more about him. Bill arrived right on time and was surprised to see Michael there.
“What are you doing here Michael?” Pissed that he is there, Bill also was hoping to be alone with Beth. He has been wanting to ask her out, but has been so tied up at work that he just hadn’t had the time. He also wanted to let Beth know what he had found out about the driver of the truck that ran her off the road, and the man who had been following her today might be one and the same.
“I have just been invited to dinner with you and my lovely cousin, isn’t that right Beth?”
“Yes, but he invited himself, and showing my new southern hospitality, I agreed. Bill, will you be able to help me with a small problem I have?
“Why Cousin Beth if you need help I’m right here to help you, you don’t have to bother Bill about anything, I can stay in one of your extra rooms and be at your beck-n-call.”
“We can talk about it later, after Michael leaves, if that’s okay?”
“Yes, that will be fine.” He answered.
“Dinner is served, please follow me to the veranda”
I’ll be counting the silverware after that O’Hare leaves Etta thought to herself with a grin on her face. She led the threesome to the veranda and left.
As they were sitting down, Michael asks Beth, “How long are you planning on visiting Savannah, just till you sell the plantation and go back home to New York City?”
“I have decided to stay in Savannah and have already registered to start school at the University of Savannah Georgia in the fall, I will not be selling my plantation at all Michael.”
Michael looked pissed at receiving this bad news from Beth, he was not happy to hear her say after he leaves. He was hoping to explore the secret rooms more while staying where he could keep an eye on her, damn her, she has fouled up his plans again. He thought he would just buy the plantation from Beth, but now he must figure a new way to get the plantation from her. This put his plans for developing the plantation on hold, his buyers will not wait too much longer, before they find a new parcel of land to develop. If that nurse hadn’t overdosed the old man he would have had Colin’s signature on the deed. Now he must contend with this red-haired bitch to get it. But how, was all he could think of.
“That’s great news Beth, I was hoping you were going to stay.” Bill said, with a little too much enthusiasm. She smiled as he blushed realizing how his true feelings for her were starting to show. His eyes lit up whenever he looked at her. Such a beauty, with her hair tied back in just a ponytail. It was then that he noticed the little star-shaped birthmark on her neck. Just like her Great-Great-Grandmother Rosie had. He now knew for sure that he had the right Elizabeth O’Reilly.
Beth, and Bill continued to make small talk during dinner. Michael had gotten quiet thinking to himself and only answered when asked a question. Cook had out done herself, she had cooked collard greens, a pork shoulder roast, fresh mashed taters, field peas, buttermilk biscuits and a fresh banana pudding for dessert. They also had sweet tea to drink. Beth found she really liked Cook’s sweet tea. After dinner, the three of them went into the parlor to talk. Beth was dying for Michael to leave so she could be alone with Bill, but did not want to be rude about it.
“Beth, has Bill told you about the hidden fortune yet?” asked Michael.
“What hidden fortune? Bill, what is he talking about?”
“It’s just an old rumor. Just like the one about your Grandfather Patrick being murdered by Rosie, just rumors.”
“It’s not a rumor, Aunt Rosie did murder Uncle Patrick.” Michael interrupts.
“Michael, you and I know there has never been any proof as to how Patrick died, some say that Rosie cut his saddle strap, but it was an old saddle, and Rosie killing him for his fortune and then hiding it in the house is just hogwash, Patrick gave her everything she ever could want and she loved him too much to ever kill him.”
“IT’S NOT A RUMOR, AUNT ROSIE DID KILL PATRICK AND THEN HID HIS FORTUNE IN THE HOUSE,” Michael yelled at Bill, “THE O’HARE FAMILY HAD BEEN TELLING MY KINFOLK THAT STORY EVER SINCE PATRICK O’REILLY WAS MURDERED.”
Beth knew that this was not true . She vowed to herself and Grandma Rosie that somehow, she would find out the truth about the deaths of not only hers, but also Grandpa Patrick’s as well. She would also be researching to find out more about the car accident, if it was an accident, that killed her parents. She would begin her search with the diary.
“I think you have out stayed your welcome cousin, Bill could you show him the door?”
“I would be happy to, let’s go Michael.” Forcing Michael towards the front door.
“THIS IS NOT OVER BETH, I BE COMING BACK REAL SOON!” Yells Michael back at her as Bill heads him towards the door.
“Just keep walking Michael,” Bill gave a tug on Michael’s arm, “you had best just leave Beth alone, you understand me?”
“Sure Bill, I know you want her and her fortune for yourself, but you’ll never get it.” Michael sneers at him which gives him a bad feeling. He throws Michael out of the house and warns him again that he best stay away from both Beth and the plantation. He returns to the den where he calls the sheriff and tells him to be sure to keep an eye on Michael and his buddies. As Michael gets into his car he vows to get that red-haired bitch and the plantation too before the week is out.
*****************************************************************************
Bill returned to the parlor and sees Beth staring at the portrait that hung above a very large stone fireplace in the parlor. She wondered who the couple was and feeling Bill put his arms around her, she asks.
“Bill, is that Patrick and Rosie?”
“Yes.”
“Look she has a star-shaped birthmark like mine and Aunt Lisa’s.”
“It was the birthmark that convinced me that you are the right Elizabeth O’Reilly, all of the O’Hare women have been born with that mark, even your mother had it.”
“They look so in love with each other.”
“Yes, that’s why the people who knew your Great-Great-Grandparents never believed that Rosie could have killed Patrick.”
“Bill,” can I tell you something? I don’t want you to think I am crazy but” she hesitates for a few minutes, could she really trust Bill, she had only known him for few weeks. What if what Michael had said was true that Bill was just after her fortune, she decides to trust him. She feels like she has known him her whole life.
“Beth, what is it that’s got you all upset?”
“I have been having dreams ever since I received the letter you sent.”
“What’s it about? I hope you know that I will help you in any way, heck, we used to play together, whenever your Grandpa Colin needed legal business done by my father.” She now knows why she felt she has known Bill forever.
“Well, it starts out with my Grandma Rosie beckoning me, she is trying to show me something. I follow her to a small secret garden with a large yellow rose bush and she tells me to “dig,” and points to the rose bush. After that Grandma leads me to a small library in the house and gives me a diary.” Beth is happy that Bill believes her and continues, “I woke up with the diary in my hand the first night I stayed here, and I have been hearing a lot of banging noises in the house, Etta thinks it’s ghosts. Are there any renovations going on in the house that you haven’t told me about?”
“No, but I think I know where the noise is coming from, Michael had been caught digging around the house before, looking for the hidden fortune. Etta had called me and said that Jack had caught him sneaking around inside the house as well.”
“Is there a fortune hidden in the house?”
“No, for years my family’s law firm has been the O’Reilly family attorneys, Patrick hired my Great-Great-Grandfather William. My family never believed that Rosie killed Patrick, or that she had run away, and had been investigating her disappearance ever since the day it happened.”
“Could Grandma have been murdered? Is it possible that she is showing me where she is buried?”
“It could be possible, stranger things have happened? The way that my Great-Great Grandfather always told it was, that Michael O’Hare, who was Rosie’s brother, a gambler down on his luck, did something to Rosie. She had been paying off his gambling debts without letting Patrick know. Patrick caught her giving money to Michael and told Michael that would be the last of any O’Reilly money he would ever get.”
“What happened after that?”
“A week later, Patrick was out riding and his saddle straps split causing Patrick to fall and hit his head, people thought Michael had something to do with it but could never prove it.”
“Do you think Michael went after Rosie for more money?” she questioned.
“They never could figure out why Rosie disappeared. Have you read the diary yet?”
“No.” She answered.
“Oh Bill, look at the time, and it’s storming outside? You can’t go home in that. Your welcome to stay the night, we can read the diary tomorrow okay?”
“Sounds like a good idea, and I don’t trust Michael, he might return tonight and I want you to be safe. I found out the man that was driving the truck that almost hit you and who was following you today was Michael’s driver Buck. I have already had an arrest warrant put out for Buck and the police were looking for him now.”
Bill knew that when the police found him he would sing like a bird about the accident, who hired him and what else he was hired to do.
“Don’t worry I have it all under control.”
Beth lead Bill to one of the guest-rooms next to hers so he would be close in case she needed him. Bill gave her a kiss on the cheek and told her he would keep her safe.
******************************************************************************
After Beth and Bill ate a wonderful breakfast, Beth asked Etta while she was clearing the table.
“Etta, do you know where the small library is?”
“Yes miss. In the main library, there is a secret passage that leads to the small library, or you can get to it from your bedroom, just turn the angel head on the mantel of the fireplace and it opens up into the library. Now, how’d you know about that library, it’s not even on the plans to the house. I only know about it from my mama, she showed it to me when I started working here so I could keep the books dusted. I haven’t been in there in weeks, books must be mighty dusty by now. Mister Patrick had that made especially for Miss Rosie. She loved her books as much as her yellow roses.”
Beth and Bill headed back to Beth’s room and found the angel head that Etta spoke of. Bill turned it and the door swung open just as Etta said it would. Beth stepped through the doorway and was surprised to see Michael standing in a pile of books.
“MICHAEL, WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE? WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?” Screamed Beth. Michael reached for Beth’s throat.
“You were supposed to die in that car wreck with your mother and father, my father cut the brakes so that they would crash. You are a hard bitch to kill, you didn’t hit that tree like you should have when I had Buck cut the brakes, I figured you’d want to drive one of the cars. Imagine my shock when I went into Bill’s office to tell him you had died in an accident and found you standing there. I guess I’ll have to do the job myself.”
Just before Michael’s hands reached her throat, Bill grabbed him and threw him down on the books.
“Beth, call the police, I’ll hold him till they get here.”
“What did you think would happen if you killed Beth?” He asked Michael.
“The plantation would be mine, and I could look for the hidden fortune, once I found it I could then sell the plantation to my buyers for developing. It should be mine, Old Colin would had signed it over to me if Etta Mae would have kept her nose where it belonged. I sweet talked the nurse in to keeping Colin doped up and he was ready to sign the papers until Etta called you. She convinced him not to sign the papers till you looked them over. That black bitch cost me millions.”
“Idiot, there is no hidden fortune. Rosie turned all her money over to my Great-Great- Grandfather so that he could take care of her and her son Colin. The money has been in a trust fund ever since. Beth also has a will on file so you would not have gotten the house.”
The police arrived to take Michael away, and told Bill,
“Buck has been talking up a storm about how Michael hired him to cut the brakes on the cars and to run Miss O’Reilly off the road. He said that he tried to kill her the same way that him and Michael Sr. killed her parents, he told how he and Michael Sr.had to follow them all the way to Virginny before he could run them off the road. Tell Miss Beth, that Michael and Buck won’t be coming back for a long time, he confessed to attempted murder on her and Etta Mae, not only that but, we now have the proof that he and Michael Sr. killed her parents.” This was a shock to her once Bill told her what the police officer told him. At least she knows it was her mother’s own Uncle that killed her and father. Aunt Lisa will be shocked to find out, or should she even tell her, maybe it would best to let Aunt Liza believe what she does about the accident as long as Beth knew the truth.
A childhood memory had returned to her at that moment, she had been playing in the den under the desk when Uncle Michael had entered with a young man, who was a teenager, they were talking about brakes and following someone, she did not realize that it was her parents that they were talking about and the accident. After the police had left with Michael, Beth and Bill returned to the sitting room and began to talk.
******************************************************************************
“Bill, how would I go about having the spot where Rosie showed me excavated?”
“When do you want to do this?”
“As soon as possible, if Grandma Rosie is there, then we’ll know she didn’t run away.”
“Let me make a few phone calls and see how fast we can get it done.”
“Great.”
Bill found that he could get a backhoe that afternoon, and let Beth know.
“Why don’t we check out that diary your grandmother gave you while we wait for the equipment to arrive?” Beth went to her room and retrieved the diary and met Bill back in the sitting room. Beth and Bill looked in the diary, the inside cover read To Rosie O’Reilly, Welcome to the family dear daughter. from Molly O’Reilly. It had been given to Rosie by Patrick’s Mother Molly it began:
June 9, 1886
Today I married handsome my gentleman Patrick O’Reilly, and he has taken me to our new home. The plantation is beautiful but extravagant. Patrick said, “Nothing but the best for my beautiful wife.”
They continued to read about how Rosie is learning how to run a household and the rest of her life in the first year of marriage to Patrick until:
April 25th, 1887
My brother Michael is back to borrow more money, he has lost again at cards. Patrick does not know that I have been giving Michael money since our wedding night. I must stop before Patrick finds out, but Michael is my brother and Patrick gives me more than I need.
They continue to read about how many times Rosie has helped her brother and how she is worried that Patrick will find out about them. They come to the part about Colin Sr. and his birth:
June 26th, 1887
I told Patrick that I am with child today. He is so happy that he has already started the house keeper working on the nursery. I do hope it is a son. We will know in nine months.
Nine Months Later and the diary continues
March 14th,1888
I gave birth to our beautiful son, Colin Patrick O’Reilly today. I am a bit tired, but I had no problems with delivering him. He is such an angel, red hair and green eyes. Patrick says he looks just like me, but I see his father in him as well.
Beth smiles and Bill hands her his handkerchief as she wipes a tear from her eye, they continue reading.
March 16th, 1888
Patrick has caught me giving money to Michael. I knew he would eventually. I told Patrick that I had already spoken to Michael about the money and let him know that this would be the last time I would give him anything. Patrick and Michael had quarreled about it. Patrick threw Michael out of the house and off the plantation and told him he was never to return. Michael was very angry and yelled that he would get Patrick for this. I am very worried, Patrick does not know Michael as I do. Michael does not make idle threats, and I feel that Patrick is in danger.
Beth and Bill are getting excited about what Rosie has written in her diary and they continue to read.
April 26th, 1888
Patrick is dying, he fell from his horse while checking the cotton field today. The doctor says there is no hope for him, Patrick has fractured his skull and no amount of medicine can fix that, it is just a matter of time. Everyone is saying it was an accident and that his saddle straps had torn and the saddle slipped off along with Patrick. I know that Michael had something to do with this, but I have no proof. The law said that the saddle was old and just worn out, but I know better.
April 27th,1888
I buried my love today. (Beth could see the tears stains on the page as she reads on.) My heart has been broken in two and if it were not for my sweet Colin, I would have joined my Patrick in death. Michael showed up today to borrow more money. I told him to get out and to never return to my home again.
April 30th,1888
I am frightened, Michael has been seen around the plantation. I went to William Williamson today, to make arrangements for my sweet Colin. I am afraid that I will meet my end soon. I have signed all of my inheritance from Patrick’s will over to William Williamson, to put in a trust fund for Colin and me, I also added the rights for the Johnson Family to remain on the property as long as an O’Reilly owns it. I’m sure that is what my Patrick would have wanted. I am not sure what Michael is up to, but if I disappear or am found dead, it was my brother Michael who has done it. This is the last written item in the diary.
Bill and Beth are surprised that Rosie actually thinks her brother will kill her.
There was a tap on the door of the sitting room and Etta enters.
“The digging equipment is here Mr. Bill.
“Can you save the rose bushes?” Beth asked the machine operator.
“Sure, no problem, I can replace them once we find, or don’t find what you are looking for.”
The operator of the backhoe takes inch by inch of the dirt until he locates Rosie’s remains. An autopsy was done and Rosie is found to have a bullet hole in the back of her skull, which proves she was murdered. Beth decides to have Rosie’s remains laid to rest in the family plot located on the plantation, right next to Grandpa Patrick, whom Rosie so deeply loved and her son Colin.
“It seems that your grandmother solved her own murder, and maybe Patrick’s death as well. Now she is resting in peace with her loving Patrick and her son Colin.”
“Yes, she is,” smiled Beth, who is getting to feel towards Bill as Rosie felt towards Patrick.
She loves her new home and had even invited her Aunt Lisa to visit and live with her if she wishes. Michael will never bother her again since he is in jail until his trial for attempted murder. She is no longer having the dream since placing Rosie next to her love Patrick. Bill has finally asked her out, she smiles and thinks she is home.
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