Undying Love

By Louise Roberts

What if you discover your long-lost soulmate is a lingering spirit; how far would you go to be reunited?

What if “love at first sight” was no more than two soul mates recognising each other through eons of time? But what would happen if one of those such souls was a lingering spirit, whilst the other had reincarnated into another human life form? If that were the case, how far would anyone go for the sake of love to be reunited?

For Peter Grant, the moment he steps into a house for sale in a coastal hamlet in Norfolk, England, a feeling of déjà vu descends on him, and the need to purchase the cottage is overwhelming.

Divorced and retired, he has ample time to enjoy the peace and quiet of his surroundings, with just his faithful dog for company. The only distraction is the nightly sound of a woman weeping . . .

READER ADVISORY: Supernatural themes.

PUBLISHER NOTE: Contemporary Supernatural Romance. Ghost Story. 41,800 words.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Luminosity Publishing LLP
• Release date: Oct 19, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463045459

Louise Roberts

Louise Roberts grew up and was educated in London, England and has always held a passion for history and English Literature. She has been writing since her teenage years, but only began writing fiction in the 1990s having been inspired by her mother, Viviane Elisabeth Borg, who is a published author. Although Louise had immigrated to Sydney, Australia in 1988, she relocated to Europe in 2016 and today resides at the coastal town of Golfe-Juan in the south of France. Louise retains membership of Romance Writers of Australia; Australian Romance Readers Association; and Australian Society of Authors.

Book preview

UNDYING LOVE

LOUISE ROBERTS

What if you discover your long-lost soulmate is a lingering spirit; how far would you go to be reunited?

What if love at first sight was no more than two soul mates recognising each other through eons of time? But what would happen if one of those such souls was a lingering spirit, whilst the other had reincarnated into another human life form? If that were the case, how far would anyone go for the sake of love to be reunited?

For Peter Grant, the moment he steps into a house for sale in a coastal hamlet in Norfolk, England, a feeling of déjà vu descends on him, and the need to purchase the cottage is overwhelming.

Divorced and retired, he has ample time to enjoy the peace and quiet of his surroundings, with just his faithful dog for company. The only distraction is the nightly sound of a woman weeping . . .

READER ADVISORY: Supernatural themes and graphic sex scenes.

PUBLISHER NOTE: Contemporary Supernatural Romance. Ghost Story. 41,800 words.

UNDYING LOVE

LOUISE ROBERTS

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UNDYING LOVE

Copyright © OCTOBER 2020 LOUISE ROBERTS

Cover Art by Poppy Designs

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

No part of this literary work may be reproduced in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without the written permission of the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

The author acknowledges the trademark status and the following trademark owners mentioned in this work of fiction:

Google ™

Jameson Franciscan Well ™

DEDICATION

To Robert L J Borg, may your dreams continue to create captivating stories.

"As we live through thousands of dreams in our present life, so is our present life only one of many thousands of such lives which we enter from the other more real life and then return after death. Our life is but one of the dreams of that more real life, and so it is endlessly, until the very last one, the very real life of God."

Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy

(September 9, 1828 — November 20, 1910)

Russian novelist and writer of philosophical and moral texts

CHAPTER 1

March 1803

How wonderful to see you here, James, Anne Collins said as she and her husband, Francis, stepped out of their parish church, St. Clements in Burnham Overy. Shouldn’t you have been at Sunday worship with your family at Burnham Market?

James Rushden smiled. I had hoped to see Eleanor one last time before I leave for Essex, he said, glancing over Anne’s shoulder to acknowledge her daughter, who was standing behind.

In which case, perhaps you could accompany us home, and join us for luncheon? Francis Collins interjected.

That is most kind. Thank you, James answered enthusiastically.

The two families had known each other since Francis Collins had been appointed by the Board of Customs to the position of Riding Officer, an important role in the community. James’ father, Richard, was a merchant of high esteem, and being in good terms with a government official went a long way in promoting his business ventures. As such, it had been hoped that their children would one day marry, thus strengthening their bond.

As it was, James aged twenty-two, was now betrothed to Eleanor who was three years younger, and her brother, Jeremy, a year older than James, was also engaged to be married to one of James’ younger sisters, Jennifer. However, both marriage plans had been postponed due to the war with France. Jeremy had joined the navy at ten as a powder boy, but as soon as he was old enough, he joined the royal marines. He was currently on active service, and James, a junior officer in the navy, was due to return to sea in the near future.

James followed their carriage on horseback. Although they weren’t a wealthy family, Eleanor’s parents did engage a kitchen maid to help with chores, but it didn’t stop the women of the house to lend a hand; as Francis was of the opinion that they should never be idle.

Do you have any news of Jeremy? Francis asked James, as they sat around the dining table enjoying a spread of seasonal vegetables, mutton, bread, cheese, and fruit.

"His ship, Polyphemus, was fortunate not to be damaged at the Battle of Copenhagen, unlike ours, so the last I heard they were still participating in the Channel Fleet," James replied, an envious tone to his voice.

I expect being constantly at sea would be difficult for him to send word, Anne added sadly, but we pray he is safe.

He is sure to have written but sending correspondence whilst at sea is near impossible, James explained, defending his friend’s honour. If a packet ship wasn’t available, he may have given letters to any other ship heading for home, but the destiny of these vessels is always in question.

Whatever do you mean? Eleanor asked at the ambiguity of James’ comment.

Well, a ship might be sailing for a specific destination, but may encounter adverse weather conditions, making them change course, or heaven forbid, sink. There again, as we are at war, the captain might receive word to sail to another destination. It might also be captured by an enemy vessel, James explained. The possibilities are endless, he added apologetically.

"Our ship, Defiance, for instance, James continued, although being in the same battle as Jeremy’s ship, was unfortunate to have been badly damaged. Which is why for the past twelve months or so has been undergoing major repairs at the naval dockyard in Harwich."

At least, in a way, you have been able to visit your home during that time, Francis said, a slight edge to his voice.

James picked up on the hint of criticism, and tilted his head sideways, as though in thought, before answering.

You’re right, of course, but then again, perhaps my family might have been mourning my loss.

A silence fell around the table as they each pondered their thoughts. As Eleanor nibbled on a piece of cheese, James cleared his throat, making her look up at him.

Would you mind if Eleanor accompanied me for a short walk? James asked her father.

Of course, Anne answered quickly, as she saw her husband hesitate. Only a short walk though, as she has to help me with some chores.

For early spring it was a wonderfully warm day, and although a fresh breeze was blowing in from the sea it still didn’t warrant the need to wear a cape. Eleanor walked along the sandy pathway that hugged the estuary of the River Burn. She wore a light, pale peach-coloured summer gown; a shawl draped across her back and tucked in around her forearms.

Beside her, in his smart naval uniform, James listened to her plans for their wedding just as soon as they were able on his next return to England. When that would be, only God knew. For now, he enjoyed these precious moments with the love of his life, prior to his impending departure, was all he could wish for.

In turn, she listened to his animated resume of the last battle they had been engaged in, and tried for his sake to show interest, although, in truth, she was terrified at the way his life and that of her brother’s, as well as the lives of the other mariners, were in such peril; where, as James had expressed earlier, death wasn’t too far away. She shuddered involuntarily at the thought bringing James to silence for a moment.

Are you cold? he asked and removed his jacket as he spoke. Here, put this about your shoulders, he added kindly.

When do you leave? Eleanor enquired, but not really wanting to know the answer.

Tomorrow, I’m afraid, James answered glumly.

They continued on their walk in silence for a while. The path led them to a copse of pine trees that marked the edge of Holkham Beach. James stopped walking and turned to face Eleanor. She leaned forward and kissed him gently on the lips.

I’m going to miss you so much, she whispered, tears beginning to sting the back of her eyes.

James led her deeper into the small cluster of trees, then removing his jacket from about her shoulders placed it on the ground and encouraged her to sit. He removed his hat before sitting down next to her and held her close.

At that moment Eleanor wished the world could stop, she wanted nothing more than for James to make love to her. Heart pounding, using her right hand she pushed the material off her left shoulder thus allowing the front of her dress to slip and expose her breast. She then reached for James’ hand and encouraged him to touch her intimately.

They kissed again, this time more urgently, and James no longer needed any other invitation. He swiftly loosened his breeches to expose his hardened and very erect manhood. It wasn’t the first time they had enjoyed carnal pleasures, but each time seemed different thus adding extra pleasure in the act. Eleanor raised her skirts exposing her nakedness; she had pre-planned this moment by not wearing any undergarments.

I always knew you had a wicked streak in you. James laughed teasingly. He leaned down and lightly kissed the star-shaped birthmark located halfway up on the inside of her right thigh. He recalled when she had told him that she had been named for it by her mother, who had explained that Eleanor originated from the Greek meaning shining one. He inwardly smiled at the memory of it, whether true or not, he didn’t care, for all that was important was this moment in time. He shifted his attention to the small mound of tight light brown curls above her thighs and kissed it.

Eleanor moaned from pleasure as she felt his tongue expertly explore her sex. Then slowly, ever so slowly, he began to kiss her flesh above it, an inch at a time until he had reached her mouth. As their lips met, she could feel his manhood penetrate her. It was heavenly.

The return to the house was taken at a slower pace. For James, the thought of returning to sea, perhaps not as exciting as he had previously envisaged, especially after having experienced his coupling with the beautiful woman walking beside him. His heart ached at the thought of being away from her, for God only knew the length of his absence.

Will you stay with us a while longer? Eleanor asked as he opened the front gate to the property.

Only to say my farewell to your parents, then I must be away. I should spend some time with my own family, James answered reluctantly, as he stepped aside to allow Eleanor to walk ahead of him to the house.

The front door opened as they approached, the servant stood aside to permit them to enter unhindered. They walked into the parlour and Francis Collins rose from the armchair he’d been sitting in.

I would like to thank you for your hospitality, and the wonderful luncheon, James said, walking over to Eleanor’s father, hand extended. After they shook hands, James turned and bowed respectfully to Anne, who was seated on a padded chair by a small table that was located by the window.

It was kind of you to come, she said, we shall pray, that both you and our son, return to us soon.

As James stepped out of the room, Eleanor followed him to the door.

I shall await your return, however long that might be, she said.

James leaned forward to hold her close for one last parting kiss.

CHAPTER 2

March 2017

How was your flight? John asked.

As always, long and tiring, Peter answered his brother-in-law, as he stretched out on the sofa.

But you’re staying for good this time, aren’t you? Peter’s sister, Claire said, more like a statement than a question.

Peter nodded his head. There’s nothing left for me in Australia, now, he added, sadness in his voice.

You never really told us what happened. Well, not properly that is, Claire said caringly.

It’s not something one can discuss on the phone or explain in an email.

"Is there no chance that you’ll