The Haunting of Donan Castle

By Kelli Burris

Lord Nicholas Carlyle loved his wife Isobel in life and in the after life. He dedicated his life to finding out how and why she died. Set in the 1600's and in present day we uncover centuries old tales of love, lies and corruption. Was Lord Carlyle right and Isobel was murdered or was it suicide as it seemed? Centuries later all will be revealed as the secrets of Donan Castle are unlocked.
Set in the 1600's we see Lord and Lady Carlyle beginning the new life together as the Master and Mistress of Donan castle. The castle was built as a wedding present by Lord Carlyle with every detail a tribute to her. But, Lady Carlyle never got to see the castle finished. Months after the birth of her daughter, Alexandra, Lady Carlyle fell into a deep depression as Lord Carlyle was sent back to the front lines to fight in the Scottish uprisings. With no word from him, she felt alone and scared and on a dark rainy night fell down the grand staircase of the castle to her death. But, was it suicide or murder? Centuries later the secrets of Donan castle will be revealed or will they? Will the new Mistress and Master of Donan castle reunite Lord and Lady Carlyle or will Donan castle still keep them apart in death as in life?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kelli Burris
• Release date: Sep 18, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370825837

Kelli Burris

I have a degree in Teenage and Children's Lit by the Institute of Children's Lit. I received the Golden Poet Award in 1991 by the International Society of Poetry. Throughout the 1990's I won several national awards for poetry and I have several of them published. In 1995 I had my own book of poetry base of The Phantom of The Opera copyrighted and published. The Haunting of Donan Castle is my first novel.

Book preview

The Haunting at Donan Castle

Kelli Burris

Smashwords Edition 2017

Chapter 1

Donan Castle sits in the lush green hills of the Scottish highlands; far away from any of the daily bustling lives of the nearest town of Inverness. It was built in 1619 by Lord Nicholas Carlyle for his wife Isobel as a wedding gift.

Nicholas thirty years of age, had spent his twenties fighting for Scotland against in the Jaboite uprisings. After a decade, he now captained a squadron of men in the northern Highlands. He was fighting the English for nearly ten years. He was far from the average looking solider. At only 5ft 5 inches he was rather small compared to the men he fought with and against. The average man on the battlefield was six feet in height. Nicholas weighed only 140 pounds where as the other men were 220- 250 pounds. But, Nicholas was far from meek and no way a coward. He was a solider, a gentlemen, land owner and very easy on the eyes. With shoulder length brown hair and chestnut color eyes he made all the women stop in there tracks.

However, the only woman who captivated his heart was Isobel McGregor. Isobel, who was twenty- two when they met. Their meeting was at a mutual friend’s wedding. Nicholas was twenty-seven at the time and just back from a six month stint at the front lines of Dunoon.

Nicholas arrived at the wedding alone. Although, he held an audience with everyone there… That was partly, due to him coming back from Dunoon a war hero and secondly due to with his heart -stopping handsome features that made all the ladies swoon.

Isobel watched Nicholas taking court from afar for most of the wedding. Isobel was beautiful with long chestnut hair with flecks of red and ocean blue eyes. But, Isobel was very shy and was soon to be married off. Her marriage would be pre-arranged by her father to local farmer John McGiever. John McGiever needed a wife to help with the 20 acres of farm land he had. John was not handsome by any means. John was a burly man of thirty-eight with white hair and bushy beard. John’s wife had died five years earlier of the plague. He wasn’t really looking for love; but, for an extra hand to help with the farm.

He had table manners of a wild animal and an irritating tick that was more obvious the more he talked. Isobel wasn’t thinking about John at the wedding at all as she was smitten with Nicholas from the first moment she saw him across the room.

Isobel’s friend Esmee , the bride at the wedding, noticed that right away. She decided to help by playing match maker.

Go on Isobel …Go talk to him. Esmee said .

I can’t …I just can’t. Look at him. Why would anyone like him want to talk to me?

Isobel, you don’t know that. I think you're much more of a person he would talk to than any of those leeches who are fawning over him… said Emsee.

What are you two going on about? The baffled groom asked .

Patrick, Isobel is afraid to speak to Nicholas.

Esmee stop it…You’re embarrassing me and anyway it’s not true.

Why are you afraid to speak to Nicholas Isobel? Nicholas maybe a war hero and he can hold an audience with anyone; but, he is the most grounded person I know. In fact he’s like a brother to me. said Patrick.

You two just want everyone to be as happy as the two of you and get married because it’s your wedding day. Love doesn’t work that way….at least not for me. replied Isobel.

Suddenly, if by cue Nicholas arrived at the side of the threesome.

Hello, Esmee and Patrick. Who might your companion be? asked Nicholas.

I….I … Isobel couldn’t get anything more to leave her lips.

This is Isobel. Esmee injected .

It’s very nice to meet you Miss Isobel. My name is Nicholas. Nicholas then bent down and kissed her hand.

Would you care to dance Isobel?

Well, I’m not much of a dancer and I may embarrass you more than anyone should be allowed to. she said.

Well, I have two left feet -so, dancing with me may embarrass the both of us. But, I know it will be worth it to have you all to myself.

Well, off you two go then…Don’t let us stop you. A giddy Esmee said.

Nicholas took Isobel’s hand to join in on the large circle of dancers. Six bagpipers were playing a Gaelic tune Ye Olde Lovers as Nicholas put his arm around Isobel for the first time to do the highland reel. From that moment on Nicholas and Isobel were never separated more than a day. On April 14th, 1618 Nicholas asked Isobel’s father for her hand in marriage. Her father Lachlan was very set to have Isobel marry John. To have her marry a lord and a war hero was more than he could every image. Not to mention the fact that for the first time that he could remember his daughter was happy. Her happiness was due to Nicholas. So, on that day he gladly gave his consent.

Nicholas proposes to Isobel in a field of heather that became the backdrop of a romantic picnic.

Isobel, I wanted to tell you that I never knew what love was till’ I met you and if I lived a thousand years I would never meet anyone as beautiful as you. You’ve truly captivated my heart beyond imagination.

Nicholas then got up from the blanket he and Isobel were laying on and took her hand as he got on bended knee.

Nicholas, what are you doing? Isobel asked even though she knew the answer Isobel make me the happiest man on this earth and be my bride."

Isobel touched Nicholas’ face gently as if she was touching a baby.

My love as if you have to ask me. Yes, Yes I will be your bride!

Nicholas moved closer to Isobel to give her the softest and most passionate kiss he ever gave her. That was quite a feat as all their kisses seemed more passionate than the last. The wedding was planned for August 13th of 1618. But, prior to the wedding in June of 1618 Nicholas was planning Isobel’s wedding gift. That gift was a castle. It would be done by the beginning of 1619. Every detail of the castle was like a love letter from Nicholas to Isobel. Over a hundred workers worked on the castle to get it done on time. He made sure that the library was done in her favorite color of teal. Isobel loved books and Nicholas wanted to make sure that this room was extra special. Lush hand made satin teal curtains were made especially for this room as well as all the furnishings. The grand staircase that would greet future visitors was made out of mahogany. Within its railings were carvings of cherubs. Nicholas had commissioned an artist to do a stain glass portrait of Isobel that would be hung at the landing of the grand staircase.

Unfortunately, Lady Carlyle never got to see the castle finished. For she died before the west wing of the castle was finished. Lady Carlyle allegedly died from what today’s doctor’s call postpartum depression. She had a daughter Alexandra just a year after she married Nicholas. Nicholas was there for the birth of Alexandra. But, the next morning he left Alexandra and Isobel to lead the uprising against the English in Glasgow. Days and months had past and Isobel still had not seen or heard from Nicholas. Without knowing if Nicholas was alive or dead; Isobel went through a deep depression.

Taking care of Alexandra was becoming too much for her; which meant most of the care of Alexandra fell onto the nanny Anastasia. Alexandra seemed to prefer Anastasia to Isobel more and more as Isobel began to get more distant. Isobel couldn’t take the thought of her daughter growing up without a father and not knowing if Nicholas was dead or alive after being at war for a year.

So, on a dark cold windy night on November 15th of 1621 Lady Carlyle walked out of her bedroom towards the grand staircase. Once she reached the landing of the grand staircase she gazed upon the beautiful stain glass window that towered high above the landing of the staircase. Isobel gazed at the stain glass window for what would be the last time. She kept stepping backwards and backwards till’ she knew she was at the edge of the staircase. The she closed her eyes one last time as tears fell down her face and said:

Nicholas and Alexandra I love you.

She died instantly. Anastasia and the maid Edith found Lady Carlyle early the next morning with a faint smile on her face and a broken neck. A disturbed Edith began shouting:

What should we do? What about Alexandra? What do we tell the Master?!"

Calm yourself Edith…calm yourself Edith. Anastasia said with authority.

Calm myself?! How can this castle ever be calm again? The sobbing in Edith’s voice began to grow and grow with every other syllable. Soon the other members of the staff came out of the collective Burroughs of labor. Instantly, the staff made a large circle around Lady Carlyle. That circle had every emotion including: shock, grief and disbelief. Edith was still the most emotional of them all and was now on her knees crying and screaming to heaven-

Why did you do this God? Why take a mother from her daughter?! Why? Why?"

At that moment Anastasia couldn’t take Edith’s emotional trauma anymore. So, she grabbed hold of Edith by her shoulders and then slapped her across the face and shook her.

Stop it! Stop it Edith! You’re not helping yourself or anyone especially Alexandra.

Suddenly a cry from the nursery was heard from the floor above. Little Alexandra had awaken only to hear the cries of sorrow of her mother’s suicide.

Alexandra…I must attended to Alexandra. said Anastasia.

Anastasia then took the position of leader in this difficult time. She told the cook’s helper Agnes to take care of Edith and said:

Give her some whiskey and take her to her room to rest.

Yes, Anastasia …Come along Edith I’ll take care of you.

Agnes then put her arm around Edith and guided her to her room. Edith was still crying and praying to God. Edith was the oldest member of the staff at age 80. She had worked for Lord Carlyle and his father for 60 years. The Carlyle’s were like family to her as her family was long since gone.

Edith was a tiny woman at only five feet and 105 pounds. She had a full head of white hair that was as white as the winter’s snow. Agnes like Anastasia knew that Lady Carlyle’s death might be more than Edith could handle. So, Agnes took care of Edith as if she was her child in need of tender loving care.

Cup of tea is what you need dear Edith. Agnes said in a Motherly tone.

Perhaps you might want to give her the whiskey I suggested earlier? It will clam her nerves much quicker.

Anastasia began to grow more impatience as Alexandra’s cries began to get louder.

I must attend to Alexandra with haste now.

Anastasia began running towards the grand staircase to the nursery to attend to Alexandra. Robert the butler of Donan Castle then took over as leader among the bereaved.

"Peter where is Peter? asked Robert.

Peter was the youngest member of the staff at age 16. Peter was one of the two dodge bodies that worked at Donan Castle. The other one was Pearce who at 21 had worked closely with Lord Carlyle for nearly five years. Nicholas took Pearce with him to attend to his needs while at the battlefield.

Here I am Sir. a shy meek fair haired boy cried out.

It was Peter hiding amongst the staff of 30. He was visibly shaken over the events that just happened: as he had never saw anyone die before. But, he was even more shaken up when Robert had to summon him. Peter always got nervous when Robert or any of the heads of staff called him. He was born nervous and any thought of a heroic adventure was a mere glimmer in his mind.

Peter you must do a very important task for little Alexandra.

What kind of task? A quivering Peter asked .

Robert cleared his throat a bit before speaking. For he clearly wasn’t a 100% sure young Peter was up for it. But, he was the only choice for this task. Robert wanted him to go to the battle front and tell Lord Carlyle the news.

Peter you must go to Glasgow and find the Master and tell him the news of Lady Carlyle. Tell him an accident occurred and the Mistress fell and died.

Sir, that’s a four hour ride. What if I can’t find him? We’ve had no word of him for months.

Then go quickly. Take Amber she is the fastest horse in the stable. Go now-boy and do not return until you’ve come back with the Master.

But, Sir what if the Master died in battle?

Dear, boy the world does not live in what ifs. The world lives in the here and now. The Master taught me that years ago and now you must too! Go get a few supplies and leave. I must make sure the doctor arrives to take care of Lady Carlyle’s body.

Robert then asked a chambermaid to retrieve a sheet from the linen closet to cover Lady Carlyle’s body. Robert then carried Lady Carlyle’s shrouded body to the library. He placed her body on the sofa with the sheet covering her up to her face to make her look like a giant cocoon.

Meanwhile, Peter couldn’t waste anymore time and now had to live in the here and now. So, he ran towards the kitchen to grab some food to take on his journey. He then noticed a small satchel that was left near the kitchen door to carry the food and other sundries. He then headed outside and ran towards the stable. He found Amber in her stall looking confused on why someone would want to ride her in this weather.

The weather was still windy and raining with an eerie sense of foreboding. If Lady Carlyle’s death wasn’t enough to unearth Peter the climate outside surly would. Amber was a dark black horse with a full coat of ebony. Isobel was the one to name the horse Amber as it was more Amber when in motion then the actually color of dark grey it was. Peter took her out of the stable and climbed aboard her to start his heroic adventure.

Chapter 2

Robert had sent Hamish the cook , to retrieve Doctor Baker. Doctor Matthew Baker was as far away to any kind of doctor in the modern world of the 21st Century that we live in today. But, if anyone in town had any kind of ailment that was thought to be incurable Doctor Matthew Baker was the man for the job.

He was interested in the mysteries of the stars in the sky; as well as the healing of the sick. At every chance he got he made sure that curing the sick involved more than leeches and whiskey. Lord and Lady Carlyle respected that while others in town called him a freak or some kind of warlock. Doctor Baker lived and worked about 10 miles from Donan Castle.

Hamish you need to go to Doctor Baker’s as fast as you can we cannot have her body lie in state without a proper examination of her body. Robert said.

But, Sir why do you need that quack Baker? The Mistress is dead. We all can see that and that she died from the fall from the stairs. It seems like total waste of time to me if you ask.

Hamish I don’t need that talk in this castle! Doctor Baker has helped Lord and Lady Carlyle numerous times and has cured them. Remember he even helped deliver little Alexandra.

Yes, I know Sir--But, all his talk about the stars in the sky moving when the Earth moves is pure rubbish. Not to mention his strange ideas about not using leaches and whiskey. My father and grandfather always used those as methods of curing oneself…and…

Robert stopped him from going on anymore about relatives and leaches and whiskey.

Enough,Hamish! Enough! I don’t care what you think about Matthew Baker. The Mistress needs him, little Alexandra needs him and I know the Master Lord Carlyle would want him here. So, Go!

Hamish finally succumbed as he knew his argument with Robert was a losing battle. Plus, their fighting was causing even more distress with the staff. Hamish began his way to the stables and found a young stead name Jock. Jock was only a year old and had a chocolate brown coat and a chestnut mane. It was yet another gift by Lord Nicholas Carlyle to Isobel. But, this gift wasn’t for her really; it was for Alexandra when she was old enough to ride. Lord Carlyle also hoped that Jock would breed an on-going dynasty for Alexandra’s children and her children’s children. No one had ever rode Jock before. Hamish was just about to find out how good of a horse Jock was.

C’mon, Jock it’s time to take me to that ‘Witch’ doctor.

Jock made Hamish thirty minute ride to Matthew Baker’s house smooth and uneventful; despite the still frightening weather. Hamish had no problem managing Jock around the down pouring rain and uneven highlands. Hamish was a far more experienced horseman than Peter and the thought of being the first rider on a young horse never fazed him in this weather or any weather. When he arrived at Matthew Baker’s small three room cottage he lost any form of formalities. Hamish pounded on his door with all his might.

Baker…Baker…Come out Baker! I know you’re in there…Come out your needed at Donan Castle.

The door of the cottage opens just a crack to reveal one small eye and a voiced that cried out:

Who are you? What are you going on about?

I’ve come from Donan Castle on behalf of Lady Carlyle.

The door opened a few inches more and the voice questioned Hamish’s actions again:

Lady Carlyle…is Lord Nicholas back from battle and wounded?

No! It’s Lady Carlyle. an annoyed Hamish answered.

Lady Carlyle…Oh, dear me what has happened to her? asked Dr. Baker.

Come out of your cottage now and I will tell you. I refuse to talk to one eye and a crack door any longer. I will not get drowned and frozen in this weather due to your uneasiness about me.

Finally, Matthew Baker or as Robert and Lady and Lord Carlyle called him Doctor Matthew Baker came out of seclusion.

Well, my dear fellow I am here amongst the dark rainy windy night. Now, tell me how long has Lady Isobel been ill?

Not long-She’s dead.

What do you mean dead? I thought you said she was ill?

No, you asked me was there anything wrong with her?

"Well, being dead is more than having something wrong with her. What makes you think she’s dead?

Well, I’m not a so-call ‘Doctor’ like you-But, I would guess it would be the fact that she’ s not breathing and is white as any sheep on the hills of the highlands. Now, enough of this chatter I must bring you to Donan castle now! Get your horse Baker! Matthew Baker went around to the back of his cottage to a small fenced area where his horse, two sheep and a goat lived. He came back five minutes later walking his horse to the front of the cottage. Hamish was still on Jock more impatience than ever before.

Well, I guess it’s a good thing Lady Carlyle is already dead because with how slow your moving she would’ve died ten minutes ago from any illness she might have!

I just have to get one thing in the cottage and then we can go.

What might that be?

It’s my bag of medicine and instruments.

You mean your bag of idiotic gibberish.

Gibberish to you…But, never the less I’ll be back in a tick.

By then the weather was getting worse. The raindrops that came out of the dark sky were bigger and to call them mere raindrops were inaccurate now. For now they became the size of a child’s boot. When they hit you in the face it was if you were being kicked by a dozen children in the cow hide boots.

Hamish’s body couldn’t last with anymore delays. Even though he knew he couldn’t get any wetter and any colder. He didn’t want to die on the way back to Donan Castle especially with the ‘freak’ Matthew Baker as a companion.

I’m giving you till the count of ten Baker and if you not out by then I will drag your sorry arse out and throw you on the back of my horse where you will remain for the rest of the journey! One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, and Nine….

Alright, Alright. No need to get excited. I told you I would be right back. I have my bag -now, we can leave.

Matthew Baker attached his bag to his saddle and he and Hamish sent off towards to Donan Castle. Meanwhile, Peter’s journey to locate Lord Carlyle was dealt with difficulty after difficulty. The terrain in between the village and Glasgow was fought with flooding and mudslides. The rain was coming down so hard and fast making it beyond any reason to see for Peter or for Amber. But, Peter knew he had to continue. He knew that Lord Carlyle had to know about his wife even if the time had past to help her see her husband or daughter again. Peter was freezing and tired and hungry. By now he had traveled 18 miles. His face was turning ivory, his eyes were dilated and he could barely speak. It would take a miracle for him to survive another five mile, never mind another thirty miles to Glasgow. Amber’s legs were visibly shaky and she was about to collapse herself and her near death rider.

Okay, Amber I know. I know we need to rest. We need to rest. We can stop here for awhile.

In that moment Amber took her cue and knelt down a little to let Peter gently glide off her instead of the regular dismantle. Peter then took refuge under a tall oak tree. He tied Amber to it and took a swig of whiskey from the flask he brought with him.

Ten minutes for Amber to rest and eat and drink something …then we can go on. Peter said in a very soft whisper.

Peter closed his eyes before he could attempt to grab a morsel of food from his satchel. He dropped the flask from his hand as soon as has it left his lips. That created a small puddle of whiskey and rain water amongst his body. It would appear that Peter’s big adventure might end here. Again Peter would only have dreams of being a hero; but, dying knowing that he tired. A figure about six feet in height draped in a dark cloak came upon Peter while he was unconscious.

The cloak figure felt his face and realized that he was still alive and needed some quick care and guidance. The cloak figure then picked up Peter and put him over his horse. The figure attached Amber’s reigns to their horse. Then the figure climbed on top of it behind where they put Peter.

The cloak figure apparently knew the area well and it had no trouble managing it’s terrain along with two horses and an unconscious Peter. Within fifteen minutes this unusual party made its way to a cave. The opening of the cave was big enough for the horses to get through; but, got smaller father down inside of it.

Inside the cave were many lit candles, and blankets of which was a makes shift bed and plenty of food, water and a few spears. The cloak figure laid Peter down near the fur blankets removing his wet clothes and then moving the fur blankets on top of him to warm him up. The cloak figure then found a piece of material lying around, wet it and put it in a bowl. The bowl had two small holes near the rim where a piece string went through it to make a handle. The figure put it aside for a minute while it lit a fire. Once the fire was lit the figure slid the bowl’s handle through a stick and hovered it over the flames. When the water began to boil the figure took the piece of material soaking now in hot water and placed it on top of Peter’s forehead.

The figure continued to do this ritual every five to ten minutes till’ it felt like Peter’s color was getting back to its natural hue. Within an hour it did. During that time the figure also took care of Amber. Putting blankets on her as well and giving her water. They were both were recovering; but, it was still some time before either once could move on their own.

Master…Master. Find the Master. mumbled Peter.

He continued to repeat that in his half unconscious state laced with guilt. Then suddenly his eyes opened to a very strange place. He didn’t really move; but, he did give a loud sneeze.

Ah, you’re awake …Good! The cloak figure said.

Peter’s savior had its back to him and was polishing a spear.

What’s going on? Who are you? What is this place? What are you going to do to me and where is my clothes? asked Peter.

The figure turns around to answer Peter’s questions. Its head was down as it walked towards him.

Peter had just realized that his naked sixteen year old skin was the only thing between him and the fur blankets. The figure was now hovering over Peter like a hawk and at that point finally removed its hood.

Calm down…Calm down I’m here to help you. You almost died out there. I’ll answer all your questions. You just have to trust me.

Scared and bewildered Peter took to embarrassment as he realized that his hooded savior who was polishing spears and disrobing him in his sleep was a woman.

You’re a…You’re a woman!

Yes…Yes, I am. My name is Ava. Don’t worry I’ll help you find your Master.

How do you know I’m looking for my Master?

You talk in your sleep.

Oh, well I’m very grateful that you helped me get better. But, I still have to find my Master.

What is his name? Maybe, I can help you find him?

He’s name is Lord Nicholas Carlyle and he needs to go back home to Donan Castle. His wife had an accident and his daughter Alexandra needs him.

Lord Carlyle is your Master!? Ava had a very concerned look on her face when she said that .

Yes. Why? And why do you have that look upon your face? Do you know something?

Well, no not really. Only that he is a hero amongst many of the Scottish people here in the highlands. Also, he is one of the reasons why I wanted to fight in the battle against the English.

But, you’re a woman!

Yes, I know. I am aware of that. But, that’s still no reason why I shouldn’t be able to help Scotland win its freedom with England. That English scum has no right to take our land, our rights, and our freedom from us. Never mind killing our fathers, brothers, uncles, and grandfathers. Which meant leaving women alone to take care of their children by themselves? Eventually, dying by themselves from being alone and heartbroken! Well, that’s not the life for me and it never will be. Believe it!

Wow, you've been through a lot of heartache.

"Heartache…Let me tell you about heartache. What is your name I never