Kindle Edition
Amazon
AuthorMarilynCelesteMorris
Blogspot.com
Category:
Historical Fiction
Publisher: Create Space
ISBN-10: 1493686135
Type: Fiction
Pages: 272
Copyright: November 8, 2013
ISBN-13: 9781493686131
Price: $4.99 (eBook)
Impoverished but proud Vanessa Danforth is forced from he mother’s home by her nmew stepfather’s treachery in 1860s England.
After graduating from stenographer’s school, she accepts a position at the estate of famed world explorer, Harrison Courtland.
Made a widower by his wife’s tragic death in the Himalayas, Courtland has retreated into his work….while Vanni forges friendships with his daughter Katrin and the handsome physician from the neighboring estate.
As Vanni encourages Courtland to unearth the ancient ruins at the edge of his property she discovers not only a stunning secret and a hidden treasure, but also her own heart’s desire.
Impoverished but proud Vanessa Danforth is forced from he mother’s home by her nmew stepfather’s treachery in 1860s England.
After graduating from stenographer’s school, she accepts a position at the estate of famed world explorer, Harrison Courtland.
Made a widower by his wife’s tragic death in the Himalayas, Courtland has retreated into his work….while Vanni forges friendships with his daughter Katrin and the handsome physician from the neighboring estate.
As Vanni encourages Courtland to unearth the ancient ruins at the edge of his property she discovers not only a stunning secret and a hidden treasure, but also her own heart’s desire.
Excerpt
At the Woosters’ home the next morning, while they were being served their breakfast in the sunroom, Esther swallowed the last sip of tea in her best china cup and sighed.
The sound was not lost on her husband. “What is it, dear?”
She sighed again.
“Esther, my dear, please get it out. Do not prolong my agony. What have I done wrong, now?”
“It’s about last evening….” She began.
Charles groaned. “Oh, my, could it possibly be about Thorne and his idiotic ideas?”
Her exquisitely coiffed head bobbed up and down. “Isn’t it always?” she asked dryly.
“I thought I handled myself with great restraint, didn’t you?”
“Oh, yes, dear. Even though you would not allow that man to dissuade you from your own ideas regarding the so-called treasure on Courtland’s grounds.”
He smiled fondly at his wife.
“Even though,” she continued casually, as she stabbed one of the hot buns and placed it on her plate, “you have yet to share with me what your true thoughts are regarding the ruins.”
Charles’ smile vanished. “Esther, when have I ever bothered your pretty little head with my theories about any archaeological site?”
Buttering her breakfast bread, she smiled sweetly. “Never, of course. And I thank you for it; as you know I have no education in such matters.”
He guffawed loudly. “Nonsense. You have gathered a great deal of knowledge by merely being married to one of the greatest archaeologists of our time, and you know you can’t stand any kind of mystery. Such as this…” he waved his hand in the general direction of the Courtland estate.
“ “Well, then, Great Archaeologist of Our Time, why are you keeping your theory to yourself? I promise I won’t share it with anyone. Least of all, Thorne.”
“Flattery, my dear, gets me every time. All right, then. I do believe there is something buried under the soil of the Courtland Estate. And it has been there far longer than the Crusades.”
Her eyes glittered in excitement. “Well, come on, then, share!”
Wooster excused himself from the breakfast table to go to the study, returning shortly with a pen and paper.
He seated himself and with great care, began writing on the paper silently.
Esther poured another cup of tea and sat as composed as she possibly could be in this situation as she waited for her husband to finish his writing.
“There. There you are, my dear assistant. If anyone ever knew that it was mostly my wife’s efforts that led up to my many successful excavations, my reputation should be ruined. It is only by your discreet inquiries, my dear Esther, that I have always had the best background information for any dig I may undertake. And I shall always be grateful.”
“Never mind, Charles,” she said impatiently. “I do enjoy my work, helping you with various mysteries. This one shall be treated no differently from any previously undertaken.”
“Ah, but Esther, these are rather out of the way, somewhat impossible to research theories, coming from legend more than from history. I have written them here, for you to ponder and research, from the most believable to the impossible.”
He pushed the paper across the table where Esther reached for it eagerly. “ Most believeable to the impossible, you say?” Her eyebrows shot up as she looked at the three theories listed in his fine hand.
The Courtland Estates Ruins:
The Crusades Treasure
King John’s Lost Crown Jewels
King Arthur’s Camelot, burial place and his Cross
“That is all I can tell you at the present, my dear Esther. It should be enough to keep you guessing and investigating in your usually methodical way until we finally discover the mystery of what lies beneath the stones at Courtland Estates.”
Her round face showed a trace of disappointment as she read the brief summary of his theories. Then she brightened and reached for the plum jam, which she slathered on her bread. “Of course. I shall do as I always do…..my own best research.”
A wicked grin accompanied her remark, and Wooster broke out in laughter that echoed throughout their large home.
|
