Read Online The Locket of Dreams by Belinda Murrell - Free Book Online

nightie, hide the locket around her neck and climb under the doona. How did Alexander and Eliza die? How did the girls become orphans? Sleep, sleep – oh when would it ever come?

This time, the light was different in Scotland when Sophie floated above the house of Dungorm. It was grey and flat and dreary. Squalls of rain beat against the windows and soaked Sophie’s nightdress.
    As quickly as she could, Sophie faded through an upstairs attic window and into the house. She searched the house, looking for Charlotte and Nell.
    Sophie floated down the back stairs, dodging a chambermaid carrying up a load of coal. On the ground floor she checked the sitting room and the conservatory; then she heard the sound of low voices coming from the drawing room.
    Cautiously she glided through the door and into the room. A fire was blazing on the hearth, but it did little to disperse the chill, so everyone was wearing thick, warm clothes.
    She seemed to have come in on a family discussion of some seriousness, judging by the sombre expressionson Eliza’s and Alexander’s faces. Sophie felt momentarily guilty to be eavesdropping on a private conversation.
    It’s too late for that , she thought. I’ve been eavesdropping on private conversations for nights now. And maybe I’ll find out something useful .
    Charlotte and Nell sat quietly on stools near the fire, with Flossie at their feet. Flossie noticed Sophie and sat up, her ears pricked, but for the first time she didn’t bark or growl. She thumped her tail in greeting then lay down once more.
    ‘But Alexander, what business could be so urgent that you need to travel by ship at this time of year?’ Eliza argued, jumping up from her armchair and dropping a small linen cloth she was embroidering. ‘Why not take a little longer and go by road?’
    ‘The roads are dreadful at this time of year too, and I need to get to Glasgow urgently to sign some papers,’ Alexander replied patiently, patting her on the arm. ‘If I take the ship, I need only be away for a matter of days, and then I can be back here with you and the girls all the sooner.’
    He smiled over at Charlotte and Nell, who smiled tentatively back.
    ‘It will be fine, Eliza,’ continued Alexander. ‘You know we have done this trip dozens of times. Eliza Mackenzie is a sturdy, safe ship and is standing by in the harbour ready to go. My valet is packing, so I can leave as soon as the carriage is ready.’
    Eliza sighed, admitting defeat, and dropped back into her chair, her embroidery forgotten.
    ‘I do not like it at all,’ she finished anxiously, twisting the Star of Serendib ring on her finger.
    Alexander smiled and quoted his favourite poet, Robbie Burns, with a voice thrumming with mock drama, and with exaggerated hand gestures. It was a poem he knew by heart.
    ‘From thee, Eliza, I must go,
    And from my native shore;
    The cruel fates between us throw
    A boundless ocean’s roar:
    But boundless oceans, roaring wide,
    Between my love and me,
    They never, never can divide
    My heart and soul from thee.
    ‘Farewell, farewell, Eliza dear,
    The maid that I adore …’
    Alexander trailed off laughing, as Eliza threw a green velvet cushion at his head.
    ‘Not very ladylike, my Lady Mackenzie,’ he chided with false severity.
    ‘But you are not leaving your native shore or crossing a boundless ocean, my Laird Mackenzie,’ Eliza retorted.
    ‘Exactly, so I will be fine, my love,’ Alexander reassured her. ‘Now, what pretty trifles can I fetch my three beautiful girls in Glasgow – silks, lace, ribbon?’
    ‘Presents!’ cried Nell in glee.
    ‘Books,’ added Charlotte. ‘We need some new books.’
    ‘I shall bring plenty,’ agreed Alexander dotingly. ‘I should be back by Wednesday week so tell Cook to plan a fitting dinner for the laird of the house.’
    A discreet knock sounded at the door.
    ‘M’ laird, the carriage is ready,’ announced the butler.
    ‘Thank you, Wilson. I shall be there in a