Page 43 of The Legend of Lovers Hollow
“Yes, it is. There was a Tudor portrait hanging there until recently, but as we’re doing the Lovers Hollow weekend, which is Lady Clare’s story, we brought her down from the upstairs gallery so she could hang in pride of place.”
“I’ve seen this before,” Thad mutters as he reaches the small landing where the stairs fork left and right. “In a history book of the local area.”
“This is where the poor cow died, isn’t it?” Kem asks as they look down at the flagstones at the foot of the stairs.
“There have been a lot of variations of the legend,” I reply. “Most of them agree that she died in this house, but there are different theories as to where and how.”
“Thad here has done extensive research.” Kem raises their chin in Thad’s direction as he wanders back down the stairs towards us.
“This isn’t the original house where Lady Clare lived, is it?” Thad asks. “Part of it was rebuilt?”
I nod. “The original house was built back in 1580 and owned by a family closely aligned with the Tudors, but during the Interregnum, it was seized and the family executed for their loyalty to the crown. During the Cromwell years, it remained empty until The Restoration. When Charles II came to the throne and the monarchy was restored, Augustus Ashton, who had been a devoted royalist and instrumental in the execution of Cromwell, was gifted the land and house by the king in 1661.”
“I thought Cromwell died of natural causes?” Bez says.
“He did.” I chuckle. “But Augustus Ashton dug him up and executed him posthumously.”
“They dug up and killed a guy that was already dead?” Warren says incredulously.
“Yep.” I grin. “They hanged Cromwell’s body, then cut his head off and placed it on a pole which was displayed at Westminster hall on the twelve-year anniversary of the death of Charles I, whom Oliver Cromwell had executed. ”
“You Brits know how to hold a grudge, don’t you?” Warren’s mouth twitches as he turns to his brother. “Morgs, your ancestor literally dug up a dead guy and cut off his head to earn this house.”
“I admire a man with ambition who’s not afraid to think outside the box,” Morgan says mildly.
“His ancestor?” Thad says curiously. “Is he not–”
“Half brother.” Warren shrugs. “I’m a hundred percent American, born and raised. Morgs is only fifty percent at best, but we don’t hold that against him.”
Morgan snorts.
“Go back to the story about Lady Clare,” Bez says. “The house was rebuilt, wasn’t it? But after her death.”
I nod. “Lady Clare died in 1686. The house was partially rebuilt in 1740. There was a fire. Apparently, the house was struck by lightning during a summer storm. The blaze tore through the east wing, but luckily there was a downpour too. The rain became so heavy, it doused the flames and saved most of the house. They rebuilt and expanded, but the heart of the house remained intact, just with a different facade. This”—I lift my hands to encompass the whole lobby—“was part of the original house, including the flagstone floors. So yes, this probably was where Lady Clare died.”
“Well, I think that’s enough of a history lesson for now,” Morgan interjects, and I look down at my watch.
“You’re right. Aggie will be getting ready to serve lunch soon.”
“If Wally can get it to the tables without catapulting it at the walls,” I hear Morgan murmur.
“John the Maid will help you get your bags up to your rooms.” I see John straightening all the portraits and dusting them with a pink feather duster. He looks over at my request and tucks the duster into the waistband of his frilly apron before heading towards the bags.
“Not all of them need to go upstairs.” Bez looks down at the massive pile of gear. “There’s also a few more in the car that we couldn’t carry, so we’ll have to hike back and get them.”
“I can call Harold,” I offer. “He’s local and has a tractor. He can tow your vehicle up to the house.”
“Thanks, Ellis. That would be great,” Thad says warmly.
Warren scowls. “Christ, you’re staying for three days. How much stuff can you actually need?”
Thad gives him an easy grin. “The search for the dead is a serious business, and it comes with a lot of cool accessories.”
“Ridiculous,” Warren mutters and shakes his head.
“Why don’t I show you the library?” I suggest. “It’s currently closed to the guests, so you can store your equipment in there until you decide where you want to set up.”
“That would be great.” Bez picks up a couple of bags.