Mystical Love by Rachel James Read Free Book Online

antiques.”
    â€œWitchwood?” Janice said, half-to-herself.
    Lloyd’s head whipped around.
    â€œNow, where in the hell did you hear that name?”
    â€œCaptain Bowers. He told me some lurid tale of pirates and sunken ships. Is it true?”
    â€œGhosts and goblins, you mean? Spook House?”
    Janice nodded.
    â€œConjecture only. None of us here have ever felt a presence or been given a sign.”
    Janice transferred her gaze from Lloyd to the cobblestone walkway they were now traversing. Ahead, she could hear the sound of tinkling chimes.
    â€œBut as psychics, Lloyd, we can’t discount the existence of the other side. Too many of us have experienced unexplainable visions throughout our lives. Speaking for myself, I know there is a spirit world. I have tapped into it on odd occasions. I know you have, too.” She slanted a peek at Lloyd’s thoughtful features.
    â€œBelieve me, Jan, we’d know if a ghost were haunting our halls,” he finally stated. “There’s too much psychic energy channeled here for a spirit to go unnoticed.”
    â€œYou’ll get no argument from me on that, Lloyd. Still, sometimes, we really can’t see the forest for the trees, can we?”
    Lloyd’s face broke into a wolfish grin as they reached the main door and he switched her suitcase to his other hand. Turning the doorknob, he pulled open the door and signaled her inside.
    â€œWe’re entering the house through the lower atrium.” His hand arced upward as she stepped inside. “The atrium is the place to be for the teens. Pool, music. Lots of those techy gadgets they love.”
    â€œNothing for techy adults?” Janice teased, glancing around.
    â€œNo, I have something better.” He picked up their stride, crossing the rec room to an outer hallway and heading toward an elaborate staircase housed in the middle of the house. He paused for a moment at the bottom of the steps. “First floor holds dining rooms, sitting rooms, parlors of all kinds. Second floor has ballrooms, music rooms, an art gallery, and solarium. That’s where Adrian is scheduled to perform, by the way. I think you will find him highly entertaining.”
    â€œSo I hear. My sister saw him perform in Vegas last year. She talked about nothing else for weeks.”
    â€œThe trade papers have dubbed him the darling of Las Vegas, but I think heavy is the head that wears that crown,” Lloyd stated.
    â€œAmen.” Janice said, giving a sudden shiver. Seeing it, Lloyd commented.
    â€œYou’ll get used to the chill in the hallways, Jan. We all did. Trust me, your sleeping quarters are comfy and warm.”
    Janice gave a grateful nod. She was feeling a strange chill all of a sudden, but she didn’t think it was from the cold air in the halls. Something … someone … damn! Why did she keep thinking that someone was involved in shaking up her senses?
    Fifteen steps later, they had reached the new landing and entered a mammoth art gallery filled with elegant but understated paintings and furnishings. Lloyd set down her suitcase and signaled to the far side of the room.
    â€œOver there, Jan. I’ve saved the best for last.” He pointed to a wall painting a few yards from where they stood and Janice found her curiosity bubbling over. It was sweet of Lloyd to remember she was partial to historical paintings. And by the look of things, he had inherited a magnificent set of portraits when he had purchased the chateau. Stopping at the second portrait she came to, she could almost feel the artist’s brush strokes saturating the canvas.
    â€œDo you know who they all are, Lloyd?” she asked, scanning the masculine face outlined. He came to stand alongside her, studying the painting as well.
    â€œThey are the past masters of Witchwood and their families.” He pointed to a painting down the way again. “Come meet Baron Aubert Dumas.”
    Janice