The Ghost of Lockesley Hall

By Devon Ellington

When a dark, mysterious stranger arrives on Edwina's snowy doorstep on Christmas Eve, is he the answer to saving her beloved family home, or another threat? 

Edwina Lockesley is desperate to save her family home from a conniving neighbor who claims the house --and her -- in payment for a debt. When Theobold Vertingras shows up on the doorstep in a Christmas Eve blizzard, will he help Edwina coax the hall's ghost to give up her secrets in order to save the manor? Or is Theobold there to complicate matters even more -- especially since Edwina finds him so attractive?

• Language: English
• Publisher: DEW Books
• Release date: Dec 15, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393003335

Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington publishes under half a dozen names in fiction and nonfiction. She is also an internationally-produced playwright and radio writer. She has published six novels, dozens of short stories, and hundreds of articles under the various names. She spent over 25 years working backstage in theatre, including Broadway, and in film and television production. 

Book preview

The Ghost of Lockesley Hall

LATE IN THE REIGN OF Queen Victoria

Oh, bother, must you interrupt just as the ghost is about to reveal her secrets? Edwina Lockesley swung the large, carved wooden door open and glared at the poor soul on the doorstep, nearly paralyzed by the howling winter storm.

Ah, I, well—

He was tall, and, Edwina supposed, rather good-looking if you liked the sort. He must have topped six feet tall, with dark hair and dark eyes. The planes of his face were sharp, and his nose a bit too long for traditional handsomeness. The snow fell around him in large flakes, landing on his cloak and not even melting. You're not a ghost yourself, are you, sir? She stared at him with keen interest. If they'd conjured up a completely different ghost, well, it would be a completely different story.

I will be, my lady, if I don't get out of this storm soon.

It wouldn't be very Christmas-like if I left you out on the snow on Christmas Eve, now, would it? Edwina continued. I suppose you have a horse? She peered past him. Oh, a lovely one at that. Let me just slip into my boots and fling on a cloak. I'll take you round to the stable.

Several cats fled up the stairs. A trio of dogs of undetermined parentage heaved themselves to their feet. No, dears, she told them in a gentle, firm voice. You stay here. It's too cold for you outside. She looked at the man on her doorstep. I hope you don't mind dogs and cats. We have rather a lot of them. Abandoned animals tend to find their way here.

Don't you have a groom—

Mrs. Fengest! Unlock the door to the stable passageway so we don't have to go all the way round when we come back from the stables, will you? There's a dear. As Edwina spoke, she slipped into a pair of a man’s lined boots far too big for her. She grabbed a cloak and some gloves from pegs on the wall. Warm up some supper and get a room ready, please. We've got an unexpected guest. She gave the man before her a bright smile. Now, then, let's get started. Right this way.

She trudged past him, to where the large, coal-black horse stomped and complained in the drifting snow. He's lovely. We'll make sure he's well-fed and rested. We've got plenty of supplies put by, so even if you're stuck here for a few days, all will be well. She petted his nose and he nuzzled her. You're a handsome one, aren't you? she crooned. She took his reins and led him around the side of the house, the man stomping behind her.

Don't you want to know who I am? he demanded, as they headed for the stable block, attached to the house by an enclosed stone passage.

It would be nice to have a name and not just refer to you as 'man', Edwina agreed. "Although I warn you, Miss Petal may do so anyway. My