Moorcroft - the Possession: Book One of the Moorcroft Trilogy by Sandra Callister Page B

don’t feel very hungry. I’m sorry.”
    “Oh dear, I do hope you’re not coming down with something.”
    “No, really, I’m fine.”
    Sarah looked across at her friend and then at Richard. Her brother could be so stupid sometimes, couldn’t he see how she felt.
     
    With lunch over, Emily made one final check around the house and was assured that things were okay in the kitchen. She looked exhausted and Mrs Shaw told her to take it easy. She decided she would have a nap and went upstairs. Richard went off to the stables, he had a mare in foal and decided to check on her whilst Charles made his way to the dining room for a little peace, he had some paperwork to finish off.
    Sarah wanted to sing and dance and show everyone how happy she was. She linked arms with Victoria and they made their way to her bedroom. She hugged her friend. “Oh, Victoria, Charles really cares for me, he told me so and wants me to be his girl, he held me close and we kissed, it was wonderful.”
    Victoria smiled. “I’m happy for you, you make a handsome couple.”
    Sarah saw the look of gloom on her friends face and was cross with herself. “Vicky, I’m so sorry going on about me and Charles, you look so sad, did Richard not say anything to you?”
    Her lip quivered and she shook her head. “All he talked about was his horses and the farm. I practically had to run by his side to keep up with him and when I fell he didn’t even notice. Sarah, he still thinks of me as a silly school girl.”
    “Well, we’re not having that; there is only one thing to do. Tonight you are going to be the bell of the ball. We are going to make him notice you, make him see what he has been missing. We need a plan.”
     
    That evening Mr Howard was kept busy showing guests into the house. He had employed extra staff and they were busy making the rounds with glasses of champagne. Soon the great hall was full of chatty friends and acquaintances, all waiting for the birthday girl.
    Charlotte moved amongst the guests admiring the beautiful gowns, feeling the excitement in the air. This was just how it used to be, Moorcroft was alive once more.
    In their bedroom, Emily was busy trying to tie a bow tie for John who would not keep still.
    “Why do I have to wear one of these? What’s wrong with a simple tie?”
    Emily slapped his hand away. “Nothing at all, but tonight is for your daughter and she wants this evening to be special, so stop your grumbling.”
    Emily was wearing a long dress of palest blue. She gave a twirl and looked at John. “Well?”
    He smiled and gave her a hug. “You’ll do for me.”
    There was a knock at the door and in charged Richard bow tie in hand. “Mother, do we really have to wear these ridiculous contraptions?”
    John laughed. “A little task for you, I think, my dear.” He left the room with a smile on his face.
     
    Sarah and Victoria had connecting rooms and the carpet between the two must have been worn out that evening. Sarah’s blonde hair had been swept up into a French roll decorated with tiny sparkling diamonds on hair slides. She wore an off the shoulder cream evening dress that showed off her lightly tanned skin. She looked at herself in the mirror; she moved from side to side admiring the way the skirt swayed with her movements. Victoria had decided to sweep her auburn hair back from her face; tiny curls gently caressed her neck and showed off her jet antique dangling earrings. She wore a necklace to match, the darkness showing off her delicate pale complexion. Her evening dress was made of dark green satin, with a wide neckline, fitted bodice and a full skirt, which rustled when she walked. Both girls admired each other.
    There was a knock at the door and Emily entered. “Are you ready girls?” She gasped when they both stood before her, waiting for her approval. She made each of them twirl around. “You are going to knock them dead; you both look like you have just stepped out of a glossy fashion