Vanessa set the mare to a swift pace, giving it rein and allowing it to stretch out and lengthen its stride. The breeze streamed over her as she savored the feel of the horse moving under her, its power and vigor matching her own restless energies and need for release. Galloping on, she soon came upon the remembered path that led to the follies and mausoleum and turned the mare onto it. Perhaps, she'd made an unwise decision in remaining at Sherringham, an inner voice whispered. Yet, how was she to know of its unusual activities when none forewarned her, reason argued back. Still, the night she and the family gathered in the drawing room, the Marrables had made no secret of Sherringham's history and visitants. It was she who'd held to the belief that the luminous figure in the terrace photograph was an accident of light. What did she propose to do now? the voice continued to needle. The figure had manifested itself for a second time and could no longer be dismissed. Vanessa felt tempted to flee altogether, rather than brave any unearthly presences biding here. Truly, the estate would be more aptly named "Haunted Sherringham" than "Royal." She tightened her jaw. Despite her unnerving discovery, she knew she could not easily leave this place. It was as if a great, invisible lodestone drew her to Sherringham and to all those who belonged there.
