A letter from Sarah Pluckett, companion to the infamous
ghost-hunter Lady Philomena Radcliff, dated August 2, 1861:
Dearest Mama:
We have arrived at Grimspell castle without too many
misadventures, which as you know is the usual case when my mistress
travels. Despite having to walk from the
village of Trollersby and a stickman attaching itself to my lady’s skirts, we
arrived to find the baronet, Sir Nicodemus Wulfson, frolicking with his
hounds. My protective instincts could
not be denied, and I found myself shifting to my were-form to protect my
mistress from the beasts, although in hindsight, it proved to be quite
unnecessary.
Sir Nico appears to be a gentleman, despite his predatory
nature, and much to my surprise, dearest Mama, he does not abhor my
were-shape. Indeed, his entire staff
consists of shape-shifters, which is quite unusual, and despite their instincts
to fear my snake-form, I feel more accepted here than I have ever felt before.
I do not want you to worry, but I must confess that
Grimspell castle is a queer, haunted place, and the members of Sir Nico’s
family are perhaps a touch…eccentric.
But as you know, this is exactly why the baronet hired my mistress and I
have the most absolute confidence that she will ferret out the mystery behind
this family and their ghostly visitations.
Indeed, Mama, my only worry is that Sir Nico--despite the
disparity of their ages--is intensely attracted to Lady Philomena. I feel it my duty to discourage the handsome
young man, and I fear that I will have to rely on all of my were-senses to stay
one slither ahead of him in his pursuit of my mistress.
Despite the strangeness that surrounds me (or perhaps
because of it?) I find myself most content here, and have even made friends
with many of the staff. So rest assured
that I am safe and well, and will protect and serve my mistress as faithfully
as I ever have.
Your Loving Daughter,
Sarah
PS. I should mention that there is a footman named Cheevers,
who, despite being a were-duck (do not laugh, Mama) is quite an extraordinarily charming young man.
Read more about Sarah and her mistress in ENCHANTING THE
BEAST, which earned a Top Pick rating from Romantic Times BOOKreviews, Night
Owl Reviews, and Romance Reader at Heart! http://www.KathryneKennedy.com
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