Javamomma0921 waved her magic purple pixels over this and made it better.

SM gave us a world to play in, though I'm sure she never thought just how much we would!

~HOH~

Chapter 10: Whispers in the manor house

Pleased with the reaction to the preliminary report, Bella quickly tidied up her papers and tucked them into her leather portfolio. Eleazar had left her alone in the library more than satisfied with the information she had provided. Her team had done a fabulous job, and she was so proud of their hard work.

Bella quickly examined the restored library shelves which had very few books on them. She recalled reading an inventory that had stated the majority of the holdings had been auctioned off just after World War I in an effort to pay taxes on the land.

A sudden blast of cool air tickled the back of her neck, much like when an air conditioning unit kicked on. Bella shivered and looked up toward the ceiling to find the source of the air but was surprised to see no ducts in sight. She spun toward the windows but found them properly sealed as well.

Shrugging off the breeze as an opening and closing of some unseen door, Bella returned her attention to studying the book titles.

You need to leave.

Bella straightened suddenly and looked around to find the source of the voice, no louder than a whisper.

"Hello?" she inquired in a much thinner voice than she had intended. Bella cleared her throat and repeated her call.

You need to leave quickly. You and the others. It's not safe here.

Bella shuddered and clutched her portfolio to her chest as her eyes darted around the room in a futile attempt to find the source of the whispers.

"Why?" she demanded, her heartbeat pounding in her ears.

A highly decorated mirror over the fireplace began to vibrate, its frame clattering louder and louder against the stone wall. Bella's eyes flew open in shock before she squeezed them shut and threw her arms over her head as the entire piece shattered, raining shards onto herself and the hardwood floors. She winced as the sharp edges cut into her arms and the top of her head.

Out of reflex, Bella shook herself, sending tiny pieces of glass skittering across the floor. She groaned and held her breath. Bella had long hated the sight and smell of blood and carefully lowered her arms to inspect the damage.

When Bella opened her eyes, she realized she was several feet to the right, beyond the reach of the majority of the dangerous glass. Before she could completely regain her equilibrium, a chill raked over her. Bella thought she saw something dart behind a large rocking chair set next to the fireplace and turned to get a better look. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary she returned her gaze toward the shelves to find the mirror whole in its frame.

"Well, that's odd," she mumbled, glancing down at her arms, expecting to see blood but found none there.

"What's odd?" a voice came from the doorway.

Bella turned to see Eric standing there, a strange, far-away look in his eyes.

"I'm not sure you'd believe me if I told you."

Eric grinned broadly though the smile did not completely reach his eyes, giving him a hard almost foreboding look.

"Try me," he continued.

Bella mutely waved her hand around the room, trying to figure out where to start.

"The empty shelves," Eric replied, his face suddenly changing to his normal amenable self. He strode into the room, pointing at the few books. "The Masen Foundation has tried to keep the house purely as it was at the time of Anthony and Marie. Anything found to be … er … unauthentic has been removed."

"Yes," Bella murmured distractedly. "I seem to remember reading something about that. But I wasn't referring to that."

"Oh." Eric looked remarkably abashed. "What happened?"

"Just … unbelievable," she whispered under her breath. Bella glanced over at the mirror only to see her reflection in it.

"Well, strange things happen in old houses like these." He smiled tightly at her, the sunlight streaming in one window giving him a slightly hazy glow.

"Yes. Yes, they do," she muttered, shaking her head slightly. "I think I'll go see how the others are faring."

Bella started to leave the library before she remembered that Eric was not expected at the manor house until closer to evening time. She spun on her heel, almost bumping into him. Bella took a step back, catching herself before she stumbled.

"Weren't you supposed to drive up with Maggie and Sweetie?" she asked.

"Change of plans," Eric smiled. "Thought I'd beat the weather up."

"Yes, it was quite bad."

Bella turned and headed down the hall but not before hearing another faint whisper, this voice different than the first. She spun around and waited expectantly.

"Everything alright, Bella?"

She paused for a moment, considering her answer and gave a quick nod before silently hurrying off in search of her group.

~HOH~

"You sure you're ok?" Alice inquired as she watched Bella fuss with her dress. "Oh, give off. You're going to tear the thing."

Bella froze in her place although her fingers itched to pull off the entire ensemble. Dresses were not part of her everyday attire, especially ones of silk with ribbons and frills.

Alice calmly fixed the irritating over-drape, settling the pale blue and silver embroidered fabric across Bella's shoulders.

"You should be thankful this is the time of no heels," Rose murmured, adjusting her own dress.

"That would be a disaster," Bella agreed, glancing at her reflection in the mirror.

Alice had worked wonders, creating three gowns that captured the 1790s. After the evening meal, the garments would be showcased in a display at the Masen Manor welcome center. Her own dress was a white silk gown with gold covered paper flowers sewn on in a cascade from her slim waist down to her toes. Rose's dress was pale lavender with wisps of gold threads that gave her the appearance of movement even while standing still. Bella's gown with its silver stars seemed to twinkle in the light.

A light tap at the door brought their attention around and Maggie swept into the room in a becoming jade green dress.

"Oh, how lovely!" Bella gushed, smiling broadly.

"This old thing?" Maggie demurred, spinning gracefully. "I've had it for ages. I just needed the appropriate time to drag it out again."

"Well, it is amazing," Alice agreed, approaching and taking a skilled hand to one sleeve to examine the stitching. "Absolutely beautiful."

"Thank you," Maggie smiled. "I think everything is ready for the dinner. First, Dr. Cullen will perform and a small string ensemble will provide dancing music after the meal."

No one missed the light groan from Bella when the words dancing music were announced.

"I don't dance," she explained.

"Oh," Alice smiled, "it's all in the leading. My brother is a wonderful dancer."

"I hope his insurance is paid up," Bella grumbled.

"Did you get caught in the rain?" Rose inquired, taking one last look at herself in the mirror.

"Rain?" Maggie exclaimed. "Oh, no. Not a bit of rain."

"Must have come through before you because we sure were in a gully washer," Alice agreed, nodding her head.

"The roads were completely dry when Sweetie and I drove up," Maggie insisted, a slightly concerned frown puckering her brow.

"And Eric," Bella added.

"Eric?" Maggie blinked disbelievingly.

"Yes. He rode up here with you two," Alice insisted.

"No, he didn't. I haven't seen him since yesterday."

"Well, Bella was saying she saw him in the library earlier today. Right?" Rose interjected.

Bella nodded in agreement.

"Well, isn't this interesting," Maggie murmured, casting a strange look at all three women. "Very interesting, indeed."

She quickly pulled her cell phone from her reticule and typed a quick message. Bella, Rose and Alice all exchanged concerned looks, wondering just what was going on.

"Well, the party is not going to start until we are all there," Maggie said, looking expectantly at the three women who had no idea what was going on.

"Shall we?" Sweetie smiled yet her eye did not light up with their normal cheerfulness.

Slightly confused, Bella, Alice and Rose lead the way out of the room and headed for the music room where the others were waiting. Just before entering, Maggie took Bella's arm and pulled her to a stop.

"Do not go anywhere alone tonight," she whispered.

"What?" Bella inquired in a confused voice.

"Tonight is not the night to go off exploring the house. Stay with us or at the very least, with Dr. Cullen." Maggie nodded as if this was crucial advice. "In fact, going off alone with Dr. Cullen would not be bad at all."

"Going off? Is that a euphemism because he and I are just in the getting-to-know-you phase and other than a few kisses, we've not done anything else."

Bella blushed furiously as she realized just what she had said.

"Believe me," Maggie smiled gently, "you'll want to go off with him once you see him in his suit. Alice did a fabulous job recreating one like Anthony wore. Just a little alone time with him would be fine, but don't go off with anyone else tonight."

"Maggie, I …"

"There you are!" Eric announced, suddenly appearing at their sides. "We have been waiting on you."

"I was just telling Ms. Swan how important it was not to go exploring the house alone in the dark. Not all of the lights have been installed and it would be a bit dangerous," Maggie announced, straightening up to her full height as her eyes bore into Eric's.

Eric smiled toothily and nodded in agreement.

"Absolutely. Strange things happen in old houses in the dark," Eric said. "Very strange things, indeed."

"Certainly," Maggie stated flatly as the three wound their way down the hall and around the corner toward the music room. "Eric, would you show Ms. Swan her seat while I go ask Ms. Mobolade something?"

"My pleasure," Eric said with a half-bow, offering his arm which Bella took.

"Did your wife join you, Eric?" Bella asked, trying to break the silence as they meandered through the halls just a few paces behind Rose and Alice.

"Wife?" Eric inquired, turning back toward her. "I'm not married, Ms. Swan. Never have been."

"Oh. I would have sworn the others said…"

"No," Eric interrupted, his normally jovial face growing serious for a moment. He carefully adjusted his glasses. "No, the love of my life fell for another."

With that, Eric turned and entered the music room where everyone else had their seats around a beautiful grand piano. The room was filled with carefully placed candelabras, giving the space a soft, warm glow.

Take care tonight.

Bella stiffened as the gentle voice floated through her mind. She glanced around to see if anyone else heard. Based upon the casual conversations surrounding her, she was certain no one else was aware of the voice.

"Are you a ghost?" she whispered, nodding in greeting to Jasper and Emmett as she worked her way down the row of chairs to her place.

Take care tonight.

Although confused as to what was going on, Bella found her seat and smiled at the other members of the team. Just then, she caught sight of Edward in his suit. Clad in black velvet tailcoat, waistcoat and breeches, he brought to life every Romantic hero she had ever studied and then some. Fleeting images of courtly gestures, tokens presented, evenings by the fireplace reading to beloveds, and stolen kisses in dark stairwells flew through Bella's mind.

"You're drooling," Alice whispered, smiling ever so slightly.

Bella laughed uncomfortably and ran a quick finger check around her lips before glaring at Alice when she found the area completely dry.

~HOH~

"If we are going to do this, we need to act now," Maggie whispered as she pulled a few small glass vials from her reticule. She lay them next to a silver bowl filled with water. In the bottom of the bowl sat a small button that had been taken from one of Anthony Masen's coats and a pearl earring from Marie Cigno's jewelry box.

"But Eric?" Sweetie questioned, arranging her own collection of bottles before her.

Maggie's eyes widened as she saw Sweetie pull a thin bronze rapier from her voluminous robes.

"I don't know," she admitted, pouring powders into a common vessel after regaining her composure. "I don't remember him from before but…"

"If he's amanaged to keep you in the dark until now, he mebbie stronger than we are."

"I have faith in Ms. Swan and Dr. Cullen's talents," Maggie insisted, pouring her compound into Sweetie's.

A thin gray mist threaded up from the crucible, wafting gently in the still air. Maggie carefully poured it into the water where it swirled around and around until one end floated atop the surface while the other linked to the objects in the bottom of the bowl.

"You a bettah. They gonna have to be the ones to figure out how to get home. This is a one way trip, you know."

Sweetie grasped the knife and quickly pricked one pale finger. Five drops of scarlet blood spilled into the bowl. She held the blade out to Maggie. Six more drops joined the first five.

"No turning back now," Maggie murmured, staring at the bowl as the compound began to glow neon blue and a small but brilliant flame began to consume the contents of the vessel.

~HOH~

Bella groggily blinked open her eyes. She felt tired. No, she felt beyond tired. Her very bones ached with exhaustion. With her eyes closed, she nuzzled deeper into her pillow with a soft sigh. Subconsciously, she burrowed into the warmth behind her. She started to pull the covers up over her shoulder when she realized what surrounded her was a strong arm wrapped tightly around her waist.

As she regained a level of consciousness, Bella realized she was nude under the sheets and someone was pulled flush against her back.

"Oh, God," she murmured, rubbing her forehead as if she could erase the giant headache that resided there. Had she drunk too much at the party? She did not remember having more than one glass of wine to be sociable. Surely, that would not have done it.

The body behind her began to rouse, yet due to their positions and the darkness in the room, Bella had no idea who it was. She could tell it was a male, a very virile male if the forearm wrapped around her waist was any indication. Bella tensed as the hand drifted up her ribcage, lightly tickling her. She wiggled ever so slightly against the body, feeling other parts begin to awaken.

"What the …" a hoarse grumble purred in her ear. The hand lowered to her hip, holding her still. "Do not move," he ordered in a low whisper.

Bella felt the man shake his head as if he, too, were trying to clear the cobwebs from his brain. She truly wished either for a light to see who it was or a magic carpet to transport her far away. She was not the type to have a one night stand and was confused beyond belief as to what was going on.

"Who?" came a soft rumble. His breath tickled the loose hairs at the nape of her neck, causing goose bumps to erupt all over her body.

Bella tensed at the sensation. Her mind darted from face to face at the party the night before. The only single men were a few servers, Eric and Edward. At least she hoped it was a single man.

"Shhh," he soothed. His fingers caressed her hip absentmindedly. "I won't hurt you."

Both started as a loud knock echoed on the bedroom door.

"Sir!" a voice, shrill with age boomed. "'Tis time to waken."

"Fuckin' Hell," the man behind Bella grumbled, rolling out of bed from behind her but not before whispering, "You stay right there. We need to talk."

Bella watched as a shadowy figure stumbled across the bedroom in the dark, bumping into what sounded like a writing desk, sending a book to the floor and a curse to the heavens. She clutched the sheets around her tightly, wondering what in the hell had happened to her.

The man pulled on a pair of breeches he found thrown over a chair and threw open the door, apparently startling the man who had pounded on the door.

"What do you want?"

"Y-you wanted to be awakened at this time, Sir."

Bella squinted her eyes to adjust to the sudden light that came in the door. Blinking furiously, she made out a fine figure of a man at the door, broad at the shoulder, narrow at the hip, finely muscled without being over-done. If she had to pick someone physically to have a one night stand with, she supposed she could have done much worse. Bella just hoped the face and mind were on par with the back and derriere.

"Fine," the man muttered coarsely. "You've done your job now go."

"Yes, Sir. Wish the missus a good morrow as well."

The man stiffened at the words.

"The missus?"

"Your new bride, Sir." He chuckled gently. "Surely you haven't already tired of the lass, though you did partake a bit much at last night's festivities. I can see why things would be a bit bleary in the morn. I'll send someone up with a bit to break the fast. A young man has to keep his strength."

Bella felt the blood drain from her face. She shook her head in denial as the door was quietly shut.

Without her knowing, the man approached the bed hesitantly.

"I … who?" he croaked, running a hand through his hair.

Bella thought the action was familiar and wracked her mind trying to remember where she had seen it before.

The man stumbled across the room, tripping on what sounded like scattered pieces of clothing before reaching the tightly drawn curtains. He pulled them back ever so slightly to allow the early morning light to filter in before turning back toward the bed. Bella's heart stopped. The shock she was certain that filled her eyes was mirrored in the face before her.

"Edward? What happened to us?" she stuttered.

~HOH~

Thank you for reading & your patience as I muddle through real life and try to write when I can. We are in the process of putting up our house for sale & have been packing away everything that makes a house a home. I may have sniffled when I had to box up most of my cookbooks.

If, by chance, you have ever read this on Twilighted, please know that I've not intentionally abandoned the story there. I cannot get anything to load to go to my V-beta there and I've tried for 2 weeks. Makes FFn's issues look puny.

As always, I treasure what you think. Thank you!

I'm dejeansmith on Twitter and bookloverandwriter on WWF/SWF in case you're interested!