Antique Chattel

By Sherry Boardman

Antique Chattel is a contemporary paranormal novel, 25,795 words (approx 101 pages). Romantic overtones. No erotica.

Catherine is a well-established antique dealer in a quaint shop in New York. Her orderly life is disrupted when she receives a chattel from an unknown English benefactor, willing her priceless antiques dating back to the 18th century. However, on her arrival, she soon learns the estate has a history of deceit and grief, which, if uncovered, will destroy centuries of supposedly authentic entailed lineages. Clues offered by a frequent nighttime visitor from the late 1700s helps the pieces of the puzzle become a clear picture.

Richard Frasier, a successful architect, is the newly acclaimed heir of the estate. Satisfied with his New York style of living, he resents the interruption to travel to England and claim the property that has been forced on him. However, a chain of mysterious events unwind that might prove the ancestry lineage ended long ago to release him from the chains of entailment.

Both Catherine and Richard work together to wade through the few clues provided by an apparition during nightly visits to Catherine to right a wrong that occurred over a century ago.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sherry Boardman
• Release date: Jul 30, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465831569

Sherry Boardman

After retiring from education and wanting to stay busy, I dug out all the manuscripts written through the years and began a new career, that of author. Smashwords has been amazing in its assistance in preparing for final publications. I was born and raised in Texas. Although I have lived in other states, I always return home to my roots. My books are written from the heart with my readers always in mind. I hope you find much enjoyment in allowing your mind to wander to other times and places and will return to my site often to see the latest creation available.

Book preview

Antique Chattel

(A Paranormal Novel)

by

Sherry Boardman

Copyright 2011 by Sherry Boardman

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition License Notes

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From the Author

This is a work of fiction. Names and characters and locales, other than those specifically researched and listed in the source reference section, either are the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Other works by this author may be found on the last page of this publication.

Antique Chattel

Chapter One

The taxi disappeared from sight. Catherine stood at the gate and studied the ancient English estate, no longer the exquisite structure it had once been. Roof tiles littered the ground. One of the chimneys had crumbled, and cracks up the sides of the vine-covered walls indicated its stability was questionable. The grounds were covered with overgrowth. The rose garden was no longer the picturesque sight she had seen in old photos. A putrid green scum layered the pond, no longer home to graceful swans once gliding around in the splendidly landscaped pool. Her nose wrinkled from the stench.

Shaking her head at the sight before her, she threw the carry-on bag's strap over her shoulder and pulled on the rolling suitcase to guide it up the graveled driveway toward the weathered door, dismissing the tales passed on of ghostly apparitions supposedly occupying the estate for generations as merely stories to entertain late night guests.

The overnight flight from New York was exhausting. She never had been able to sleep when flying, and this trip was no exception. The task in front of her was not one she looked forward to, but the chattel received from the London law firm gave notice the estate had been turned over to a new land holder, whose plan was to have the structure demolished and a more modern one take its place. However, the final will of the last landholder, a distant relative whom she barely remembered being discussed in her growing up years, had instructed all of the furniture and any other belongings not attached to the five bedroom property to be passed to her to be shipped back to her quaint antique store. Looking at the size of the residence, she thought she might consider disposing of most of it in London. Oxford Street was well known for its numerous antique shops, and she would certainly need the funds from sales to cover the cost of her selections to be crated and transported. The chattel had indicated £2,000 was set aside in her name to defray the cost, but from the mammoth vision before her, she doubted it would barely touch the final amount needed. The thought crossed her mind that it might not even be worth as much as was estimated in the old Will.

When she slid the key into the lock, she took a deep breath, knowing some of the furniture dated back to at least1750 and would be considered treasures by her buyers. However, the task in front of her to prepare everything for shipment was not something she looked forward to.

Well, Catherine, she said to herself, your goal has been to add to the shop's inventory. So, get to it.

The attorney had said she would have electricity and water for a month, which should be ample time to get everything done. She had planned to live at the estate while packing and crating, but with the initial appearance of the residence, it might not possible. On the other hand, she was outside of London proper, and no close accommodations were noticed during her excursion from Heathrow Airport.

Dank air filled her nostrils when the door was opened. Heavy brocade curtains blocked out the sunlight and dusty coverings were carelessly draped over the furniture.

The luggage was left in the entry. Going to the largest window in the parlor, she sneezed as she shoved back the filthy drapes and unfastened the paned window's latch and pushed it open. The effort continued until the numerous casements allowed fresh air to filter through the flying dust, relieving the shadowed room of its darkness and some of the staleness.

Deciding to go upstairs to repeat her task, she heard a car's tires crunching on the graveled driveway and hesitated. When it stopped, she returned to the front window and peered out. A tall figure emerged from a pricey vehicle and walked toward the door. Glancing at her now soiled pants suit, she brushed at the most noticeable spots to not appear as part of the cleaning crew. She wiped the gritty residue off her face and shoved her hair back that had loosened from her clip. Even though she knew she was about to accept an uninvited guest, the doorknocker startled her, thinking if much more force was used, the door might fall from its hinges.

The one standing before her was not only tall, but also quite handsome in his expensive set of clothes. Dark hair feathered in the wind and blue eyes staring at her most assuredly ignited a few emotional flames.

May I help you? Catherine asked.

He was polite enough to cease his appraisal of the present woman of the house, and looked back at her face. Richard Frasier, he said, extending his hand. I'm the new owner.

Oh, she said. Catherine Norris. Come in.

Leading him to the parlor, she removed the sofa's covering and motioned for him to sit down.

I apologize for not offering refreshment, she said. But I only just arrived and haven't even seen the kitchen.

Smiling, he waved her off. No need for special courtesies, he said. The lawyers informed me you were arriving, but I thought they said it would be yesterday or I would not have bothered you so soon.

Catherine motioned around her. As you can see, it is quite in disarray, and I have a great deal of work to do in the next few weeks.

Richard surveyed the area. Yes, in this room alone.

I suppose you've seen the entire estate? she asked.

He rearranged himself and started to rest his arm on the sofa's back cushion. However, when he noticed a layer of dust, he lowered it back to his lap. No, in fact I have not.

Shapely eyebrows rose in surprise. I suppose I assumed you had since my missive indicated you would be rebuilding.

Nodding, he said, I will. However, the property was accepted site unseen except for photos.

I see, Catherine said.

Mainly, I was encouraged to raze and rebuild because of the large acreage, he said. "In fact, other property was being considered when this offer came to me.

And, she prodded, you plan to live here then?

He looked through the open window, wondering if he ever would. Perhaps, he answered. Returning his eyes back to her, he wasn't yet ready to discuss future plans. It wasn't that it was a secret, but his life had taken a sudden turn, and ideas were thus far not recorded on stone.

Catherine did not know exactly how to continue the conversation, so she rose. I would be glad to give you a tour. That might be somewhat of an adventure since I haven't had time to investigate anything but this room.

Smiling, Richard once again surveyed the attractive female standing