Paradise

By Jeffery Martin Botzenhart

Run away with me.

Arriving by ship to Bombay, India with her parents, even before setting foot on land, Clarissa is confronted by a mystery. Gifted anonymously, an emerald pendant fashioned in the shape of a heart, she soon learns that it once belonged to the deceased daughter of a couple whose former home they are now to occupy. Other possessions of this young woman remain in Clarissa’s bedroom, as well as a lingering spirit offering warnings.

When introduced to Major Gideon Temple, it is obvious her mother intends for him to become Clarissa’s future husband. Yet an instant infatuation Clarissa experiences with Casper, a young British soldier assigned to protect her and her parents, turns to a beautiful love affair. Gideon’s jealousy of them leads to threats and banishing Casper away from her. In the days to follow, revelations of murder, hostile intentions, and the rage of an angry spirit taint this breathtaking paradise.

PUBLISHER NOTE: M/F Historical Romance. Supernatural. 28.000 words.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Luminosity Publishing LLP
• Release date: May 28, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005241315

Jeffery Martin Botzenhart

I was born on November 9, 1967 in Warren, Ohio and grew up in a country trailer park in Southington Ohio with my two brothers and parents.I currently live in Girard, Ohio with my wife and sons. After graduating from Chalker High School in 1986, I went on to attend Kent State University.Originally, I sought to pursue a degree in education, but changed degrees after a few years in school. After working my way through college for eight years, I graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations.Aside from writing, I also draw and paint. My other passion is soccer. I have proudly been a coach of a soccer team for autistic and special needs players.

Book preview

PARADISE

Another Time – Book Three

JEFFERY MARTIN BOTZENHART

Run away with me.

Arriving by ship to Bombay, India with her parents, even before setting foot on land, Clarissa is confronted by a mystery. Gifted anonymously, an emerald pendant fashioned in the shape of a heart, she soon learns that it once belonged to the deceased daughter of a couple whose former home they are now to occupy. Other possessions of this young woman remain in Clarissa’s bedroom, as well as a lingering spirit offering warnings.

When introduced to Major Gideon Temple, it is obvious her mother intends for him to become Clarissa’s future husband. Yet an instant infatuation Clarissa experiences with Casper, a young British soldier assigned to protect her and her parents, turns to a beautiful love affair. Gideon’s jealousy of them leads to threats and banishing Casper away from her. In the days to follow, revelations of murder, hostile intentions, and the rage of an angry spirit taint this breathtaking paradise.

PUBLISHER NOTE: M/F Historical Romance. Supernatural. 28.000 words.

PARADISE

Another Time – Book Three

JEFFERY MARTIN BOTZENHART

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LUMINOSITY PUBLISHING LLP

PARADISE

Another Time – Book Three

Copyright © MAY 2021 JEFFERY MARTIN BOTZENHART

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.

DEDICATION

To the wonderful people and beautiful country of India.

CHAPTER ONE

Bombay, India, 1921

A mixture of trepidation and exhilaration confused Clarissa’s thoughts as she gazed upon the impressive morning view of Bombay, India. The sky appeared fiery orange as heat saturated the air. With the ship steaming toward the port, another chapter in her life would commence. She understood too well it had not yet been her life to lead, but rather that of her parents. All she desired had been subjugated to the whims of her father and mother. They held dominion over every aspect of her life. There was a restlessness growing inside her over this. At nineteen years old, she wished to be more than a pretty decoration to their existence.

A number of times throughout the last two years, she had almost summoned the courage to ask to return to England. Half of her life had been spent away from there, yet in her mind, she wondered if the freedom she sought might best be achieved at their former home in London. Her deep love for her father, though, always thwarted her resolve to approach the subject with him. When a new adventure would arise, the gleam in his eyes and joyful conviction of his words sealed her fate. All notions of leaving him would vanish. She would miss him too much. Although he never claimed to be opposed to returning to England one day, she believed he held no desire to relinquish the wanderlust holding him spellbound.

She held one hand to her white, wide-brimmed hat, keeping it from flying off in the robust wind. Her other hand caressed a pendant she wore around her neck. This was an anonymous gift she had received. The large, exquisite emerald, fashioned in the shape of a heart, matched the green sash of her white dress. The handwritten note in the box with it only said: I look forward to seeing you in India. She felt apprehensive of accepting such an extravagant piece of jewelry, however, her mother convinced her in not only keeping it but also wearing it on their day of arrival.

Welcome to India, Clarissa, she heard a woman’s voice say softly from behind her, almost a whisper. She inhaled a whiff of perfume, reminding her of freshly cut lilacs, after hearing this greeting. Turning around, she was startled to find herself standing alone next to the ship’s railing. More puzzling was seeing only men close by, no ladies. She attempted to focus on the tone of the woman’s voice, wondering, I recall being introduced to several women on our voyage. Which of them said this to me? The gusting sea breeze blew against her, seeming to cleanse her thoughts of this phantom woman’s welcome.

As she returned her attention toward Bombay, she watched the fluid ripples of the water. Reflecting the morning sun, the water’s surface appeared as molten lava. Small vessels passed larger ships, the port teeming with life so early in the morning. Blending with the salty sea air were intoxicating fragrances from the city, spices, and aromas unfamiliar to her.

A daydream intruded her thoughts, of a garden unlike any other she had seen before. Beds of flowers plush with brilliant-colored marigolds, lilies, and hibiscus lined white walls. Sculptured bushes, zinnias, petunias, and tulips grew closer to the house. Tree branches offered a canopy of shade to green grass. Surrounding one side of a pool of water featuring a fountain were bushes of red roses. I wonder if such a magnificent garden exists, she thought.

Her distraction over this ended when spotting the approach of her mother. A sense of dread enveloped her, knowing the next hour would be consumed with tedious details regarding forthcoming social engagements requiring her participation. In truth, she needed only to follow a few simple rules, be seen and not heard, dress better than everyone else, and watch closely and listen well. Much could be learned from idol gossip and vicious whispers.

As she grew older, Clarissa understood one other facet of her mother’s teachings. Though a future marriage proposal had yet to be discussed between her and her parents, she reasoned it had crossed her mother’s thoughts. She knew she was being groomed to be a proper wife and mother someday. What most concerned her was a belief she would have little say regarding suitors. Fortunately, she was well sheltered, having few encounters with potential husbands. In time, possibly soon, this would change.

* * *

Pull your head back inside, her mother demanded. Clarissa ignored this. Her smile beamed as she embraced the wonders of Bombay while leaning out the motorcar window. Strands of her auburn hair tousled by a scorching breeze. The motorcar maneuvered slowly through a labyrinth of narrow streets, teeming with people and animals. Joyful children waved at her while running alongside. Their meager clothing expressed their low station in society, which held no matter to her. The childish exuberance enhanced her delight and enchantment with her new surroundings.

Crowded marketplaces next captured her attention. She withheld her desire to explore each, knowing how exasperated her mother would become with the mere suggestion to do so. Merchants and customers mingled, buying and selling anything imaginable. She had experienced similar sights and sounds when living in Hong Kong and Singapore, though she was forbidden to visit such places without supervision. Protocols of proper society frowned upon immersing with those of lower standing. The wonders of these places would have to wait for future days, should she find moments to sneak away.

Continuing on through the city, humble dwellings were at times intermixed with magnificent British architecture. Should I be allowed to venture away from my prison, it will be to places such as these, she thought. What use is it to be in a foreign land, yet only be surrounded by people similar to one? Where is the sense of adventure in doing so?

"Clarissa, please. Do as your mother urges," her father requested, bothered by her mother’s continued nagging. Sighing deeply, she rested back to glance at her mother who held a perfumed cloth over her mouth and nose. Not for a moment did she attempt to hide her clear distress by what she must have deemed an appalling stench. Clarissa suffered none of this, fully enjoying the allure India offered.

With the sprawling port and city center behind them, not soon enough for her mother’s liking, they continued down tranquil tree-lined streets. All seemed quiet, which saddened Clarissa. Again, she wondered, Why travel to foreign lands and not succumb to the rapture of the people and scenery? Why journey across the world only to be sheltered in extravagant prisons? Disheartened when the motorcar slowed to their destination, her misery grew with another thought. How will I endure yet another sanctuary of solitude? She