The Vanity

By Roberta C.M. DeCaprio

After purchasing an old mansion, Jules Wheaton, during renovations, finds an antique vanity walled up in a partition. Upon her discovery, the evil presence trapped in the mirror is unleashed….waiting to haunt and possess her. Will Jules be taken over by the monster within the looking glass, or will her husband's love be strong enough to save her?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9781597051545

Book preview

One

May 1894

Port Rose, Massachusetts

S

he was a dead woman, as dead as her ancestors who fought with Napoleon, if her husband found out what she was doing. Calissta held her sleeping son tightly in her arms and nervously took in the rich tapestries hanging about, admiring the cool, blue walls of the beautifully decorated room. If Eleazar discovered she was here, his wrath upon her would be severe, more so than any hurt he’d inflicted thus far during the two years they had been wed.

TJIA WATCHED THE LINES around Calissta’s mouth deepen. Pity swelled in her heart for the beautiful young woman, flaxen-haired and fair-skinned next to her own darkness. If Tjia’s grandmother could rid this gentle and kind person of the beast she had married, Calissta just might live to see her twenty-first birthday, and the child spared growing up under the rules of a cold-hearted tyrant.

Are we doing the right thing, Tjia? Calissta whispered. My heart is pounding so loud I’m sure it will wake Brennan from his afternoon nap.

Tjia nodded slowly. It is the only way, my lady. I fear for your life each day I breathe. She looked lovingly at the infant asleep in his mother’s arms. And for his as well.

But I am a Christian woman, Tjia. The practice you uphold as truth is not my belief. Perhaps it is best I just learn not to provoke my husband so he’d have a gentler nature toward me.

Tjia seriously doubted Eleazar Montgomery had a gentle nature or a kind bone in his body. She heard the kitchen servants talking about his escapades with a wanton woman living in the dockyard district, and the dark, sadistic tactics he enjoyed while taking his manly pleasures with her. She wondered if he left her as badly bruised as his wife. Eleazar’s handsome and sophisticated charm masked the brute within, allowing him advantages many men only dreamt about, gaining him his way with many of the young female servants in his charge right beneath the very bedchamber he shared with his wife. Whether Calissta Montgomery was ignorant of his infidelities, or just turned a blind eye for fear of rebuttal, Tjia didn’t know because her mistress never spoke of such things. But one fact was clear... it was only a matter of time until he came forcing his way into Tjia’s bed. She wasn’t about to let that happen. No, Eleazar Montgomery needed to be dealt with now, before he stripped all the women he bedded of much more than their clothing.

Yunet will show us what to do, my lady. We must trust her.

Calissta gave a taut nod. You’re right, Tjia. This can no longer go on. If for nothing other than my son’s sake, he must be stopped.

Tjia smiled warmly when her father entered the small parlor. Abana was tall and dark, soft-spoken and respectful to Tjia’s mother and two younger sisters, always putting their needs first. She was proud of her father, his passive strength, the courage he displayed in troubled times, and the Egyptian heritage he passed down to her.

Abana moved slowly toward Calissta and extended his hand to her. Yunet will see you now, my lady, he said softly. He smiled encouragingly. Come, there is no need for you to fear.

Reluctantly Calissta rose from the white brocaded chair she occupied. Tjia will come too?

Tjia stood, taking the baby from Calissta. I will not leave your side, my lady. Not now... not ever. Always be reassured of that.

CALISSTA LET OUT A soft sigh of relief and allowed Abana to lead her into another room, brightly decorated in gold and red tones. The settee was covered with a fabric that appeared to be hand-stitched and hand-dyed, the colorful cotton squares arranged with an eye for quiet balance. The pattern’s tone coordinated harmoniously with the rest of the room’s décor.

Yunet will be in momentarily, my lady, Abana said, bending to pour her a cup of tea.

Calissta shook her head, knowing full well that if she attempted to swallow the hot brew, it would spurt right back up. No thank you, sir.

Abana brought the delicate China cup closer. Take it, my lady. It will settle all that churns within you, and you will be open and ready for Yunet’s help.

With trembling hands Calissta accepted the herbal mixture and slowly brought the cup to her lips. In a matter of moments the warm, spicy liquid began to sooth her nerves.

Tjia reached over and affectionately rubbed Calissta’s arm. First we make you ready, both in spirit and strength, then we can accomplish our task.

Calissta’s eyes began to tear. What would I do without you, my dear, sweet Tjia?

You will never have to find out, my lady, Tjia vowed. And I mean every word of what I’ve promised. Eleazar Montgomery will humiliate you no more after this day.

The archway curtain moved aside and in entered Yunet. The well-endowed woman, a long braid saturated with gray hanging to her waist and a multi-strand of coral-hued glass beads around her neck, hobbled into the room using a wooden cane. She took a seat beside her granddaughter.

Abana handed his mother a cup of the tea and she slowly took a sip, keeping a close eye on Calissta.

There was a long silence. The awkward pause made Calissta shift uneasily in her seat, a crazy mixture of hope and fear rising from the pit of her stomach. Respectfully she waited for the elderly woman to speak first.

Slowly Yunet placed her cup on the table before her, and with chubby fingers smoothed the silk of her sarong. The rich greens and yellows wrapped her girth and flowed to her ankles. Her warm brown eyes, still on Calissta, softened.

You have much sorrow locked in a heart so young, Yunet whispered. The tiers of silver bangles she wore around her wrist jingled when she reached over to caress the baby’s cheek. My granddaughter has taken it upon herself to intrude on the goings on between a woman and her husband. If this is not your wish as well, I cannot help you.

Calissta’s own voice was barely audible. It is my wish.

Yunet nodded slowly, and cast a glance at Tjia. Take her to the cleansing room and prepare her. She opened her arms lovingly to take the baby. I will do the same to the child.

Tjia stood and gently handed her grandmother the sleeping infant.

If he wakes and finds me gone... Calissta began nervously.

My grandmother knows how to comfort a child, Tjia reassured her. She held out her hand to Calissta. Come.

Reluctantly Calissta accepted her handmaiden’s warm grip and allowed herself to be led down a long corridor to another room. A gold-framed painting of vibrant lizards stepping lively along a garden wall hung over a rustic black apothecary chest made of elmwood. Positioned in various places about the soft peach-colored sanctuary lit candles and burning incense filled the air with many pleasant aromas.

Tjia shut and bolted the door behind them and Calissta removed her bonnet and shawl, placing them on the slatted seat of a nearby chair.

Gently Tjia assisted Calissta in removing the pink organza dress embroidered with flowers and curling leaves.

Uncontrollably Calissta trembled with each layer of clothing that was removed.

All will be fine, my lady, Tjia whispered. Trust me.

I do, Tjia, I do, it’s just that...

Tjia brought a tanned finger to Calissta’s full lips. Hush, my lady, and let Tjia take care of you now. She slipped off the last of Calissta’s undergarments and led her naked to a tub in the corner of the room.

Calissta’s weary body sank willingly into the steamy bath, resting her head back against the rim.

Think nothing but peaceful thoughts, my lady, Tjia instructed, as she opened one of the chest’s tiny drawers and took from the compartment two glass vials. I will use sandalwood and dragon’s blood to evaporate the heavy space of grief lingering about you. Slowly she added a few drops of each oil to the water.

Calissta wrinkled her nose. The smell is putrid.

These oils are needed for the cleansing; you will get use to the scents. Tjia reached for the sleek, satin-finished dish filled with dried rose petals and sprinkled a few in the water. This is to bring you true love when the door is open again, my lady, she explained.

Calissta’s eyes widened. I hardly care about such things, Tjia. It is bad enough that I am breaking my vows and ridding myself of the man I am already wed to.

You are not breaking your vows, my lady. You are cleansing yourself and your home of the bad fortune he has brought into your life. Once the spell is cast, your husband will leave and you will be free to live a good life, one of love, peace and happiness... the life you deserve.

Calissta appreciated Tjia’s help, but secretly doubted Eleazar Montgomery would suddenly pack his belongings and leave the home that had been built by his father because of a hex put upon him, let alone grant her the freedom to have a life with another.

TJIA WASHED HER MISTRESS’S body with the lather of castile soap made from the most virgin of olive oil, dried her with a soft, downy towel and led her over to an inviting resting spot, heaped with pillows, at another corner of the room.

Calissta lay face down on the bed, resting a cheek against the geometric designs of the pillow, while Tija administered a healing massage.

Tjia’s experienced hands glided over Calissta’s lyrical female form, gently rubbing cucumber juice into the scars and marks of abuse, paying special attention to the wounded areas along the lower back, buttocks and thighs. Ancient Egyptians were the first to learn that the juice of a cucumber could sooth the skin and restore its tone.

Calissta spoke with light bitterness. At least he’s careful not to mar my face.

Tjia knew that her employer spared his wife’s beauty only to conceal the beatings he took pleasure in giving. Who would look at a genteel woman’s bare backside, other than her husband? And Eleazar counted on his wife being too proud, too embarrassed, to say a word against him. If it weren’t for the nights Tjia was summoned to tend her mistress’s wounds after his rampages, she would also be oblivious to the true situation of their marriage. Calissta’s bravado, her outward appearance, showed nothing but wedded bliss. The travesty that really went on in the Montgomery household would sicken even a hardened war veteran’s stomach.

Tjia traced with a finger the welt’s line, purple and puffy against the pale flesh. She seethed with mounting rage. He will do this no more, my lady, she reassured Calissta. I will not allow it.

If only that could be true, Calissta whispered.

GRAHAM JEFFRIES HAD taken a dangerous liking to the beautiful young woman he drove about town. He enjoyed making her laugh, mainly because he didn’t think she did much of it being married to her overbearing husband, and partly because she had one of those lilting giggles that made one feel giddy and young again.

Calissta Montgomery’s large, round eyes were like rare turquoise opals, milky and translucent, and when they looked up into Graham’s, it was all he could do to keep from pulling her into his arms and loving her the way she deserved. In fact, she was the sole reason he stayed with the Montgomery family; if not for her, he’d have long ago returned to New York to run his father’s jewelry business, which was flourishing and badly in need of another helping hand. There was something about her that made Graham feel she needed his protection, and kindness.

If Calissta were his wife he’d never leave her side, nor treat her as her husband did. Eleazar Montgomery was a man who had no scruples. Every Thursday after dark he visited the dockside whores, drinking more brandy then ten men twice his size. Graham of all people would know this to be a fact. He waited on the brougham carriage seat, the brass lamps that adorned each side of the coach doors burning brightly, for the adulterous bastard in the dead of the night. On winter evenings frost formed on Graham’s beard and brows and he swore beneath his cold breath. Yes, he knew firsthand of his employer’s unfaithfulness and often wondered if Calissta did.

Graham, we are ready to return to the mansion. Calissta moved closer to the front of the brougham, tapping the tip of her umbrella on the steel-rimmed wheels when he didn’t respond. Graham, did you hear me?

Her soft voice brought him back from his thoughts. Instantly he jumped down from atop the carriage. I am so sorry, my lady. Graham opened the carriage door and offered her his hand. Been thinking of all those millions I am entitled to.

Calissta accepted his help, her warm, delicate hand resting in his large one. And what millions are those?

Graham was utterly taken with her beauty. He smiled broadly. Why the millions I deserve because I am such a jolly and rightfully honorable man, my lady.

Laughter floated up from Calissta’s throat as she gathered her full skirt and sat. Well, at least you are straightforward in the assessment of yourself, which is a hopeful sign.

He bent down and tucked the skirt’s hem away from the carriage door, gaining himself a quick whiff of sandalwood. A hopeful sign of what, my lady? Graham countered playfully.

THE RICH OUTLINES OF his shoulders strained beneath the fabric of his jacket, and his firm mouth curled, as if he was always on the edge of laughter. For an instant Calissta found herself wondering what it would be like to have Graham’s muscular arms around her, or to feel his lips against her own. That... that you are... are more honest than you are conceited, Calissta stammered, her face suddenly growing hot with her bold thoughts.

TJIA STIFLED A SMILE. It was good to see her mistress enjoying herself. Perhaps the cleansing had already begun to work. She handed the baby to his mother and accepted the hand Graham offered her. For a brief moment she remained standing on the brass step. Her eyes locked with his and suddenly it became clear to Tjia that Graham Jeffries was the man her lady would happily spend her life with; that is, after Calissta was rid of the one who plagued her now.

You are a good man, Mr. Jeffries, Tjia whispered. And if our lady needs you to swear your allegiance to her, would you?

GRAHAM’S FACE GREW serious. There is no doubt that I would. He waited until Tjia was seated before latching the door. Once on top of the carriage Graham gathered the reins and clucked his tongue at the horse. No, there is no doubt at all, he whispered, navigating the brougham in the direction of 82 Hazelwood Drive.

CALISSTA SAT QUIETLY in her seat across the table from her husband. The crisp white cotton shirt he wore lent his twenty-four years the look of casual sophistication. Eleazar’s amber eyes stayed fixed on the morning newspaper he read; now and then he raised them only to search out his cup of coffee or to slather strawberry marmalade on another muffin, but never to acknowledge Calissta’s company. Yet, if she left the table before him, he’d promptly drag her back, spewing humiliating remarks, assassinating her character and degrading her intellect.

Calissta turned her attention to the open French doors, the winds of spring caressing her face. One of her everyday joys was watching the birds gather around the backyard birdbath, chattering their morning gossip and fanning their wings in the water.

A butterfly fluttered past, and Calissta smiled from within, remembering the one dancing in the garden on her wedding day. Her French grandmother told her then that butterflies evoke longevity, luck, and romantic felicity. Again Calissta glanced over at her husband, and sadly thought how wrong that beautiful prophecy had been for her. Eleazar had given her nothing but heartbreak and anger, squelching any hope she might have entertained for a close and loving relationship.

Eleazar looked up briefly from his paper, skewered a piece of muffin with a fork and popped it into his mouth. Why are you not eating your breakfast? he snapped.

Calissta looked down at her plate, her eggs barely touched and growing cold. I am not really hungry this morning.

His lips puckered. You are not coming down with anything, are you? Eleazar slammed his fist on the table. By God, woman... if you are ailing it certainly stems from all the gallivanting you do with that handmaiden of yours to undesirable sites. It is not a wonder you are not filled with disease. He gave her a black-layered look. If you have not a care for your own well being, Mrs. Montgomery, you might think of our son!

Oh, how he irked her. The gall to say she would bring home disease when his weekly travels to the disreputable side of town held more promise of contacting such disgust than her shopping jaunts with Tjia. Calissta took a deep breath and bit back the words she really wanted to rain down upon him. Such a verbal spray would only end up with her receiving a beating. Her grip on the coffee cup accentuated her annoyance with herself for not being able to say just what she felt about their marriage and all his indiscretions around town. Did he really think he fooled her?

It does not mean I am ill, because I have no appetite, Calissta said, making an effort to speak calmly. Eleazar riled was not a pretty picture, one she never needed, but especially wanted to avoid this morning.

You are not with child again, are you? Eleazar ripped out the words impatiently.

No, I am not, Calissta replied in a small voice.

Thank heaven, he shouted. One crying brat around here is enough, don’t you agree?

Such a question was a stab in her heart, since Calissta thought her son’s life was a wonderful and beautiful gift. He is not a brat, just a baby, she said, all the nerves in her body tensing. That is what babies do when they need to be fed and cared for.

Eleazar stiffened as though she had struck him. Then I suggest you bare those breasts of yours more often and feed him well, so I am spared the wailing I am forced to endure at ungodly hours... or else.

Calissta felt a wave of panic as her mind jumped on the or else.

Or else, Eleazar continued, throwing the words at her like stones. I will employ the service of a wet nurse, and you will not be allowed near the child at all during feeding time.

Icy fear twisted around Calissta’s heart, and she tried desperately to stay in control of her emotions. You will be troubled by him no longer, she answered stiffly.

He stood abruptly, and Calissta jumped.

Eleazar chuckled wickedly. Relax, dear wife, I have not the time to continue this discussion right now. But tonight... His voice drifted off as he fingered the unpolished leather belt around his waist, which had deepened in color with age.

Calissta’s pulse began to beat erratically at his threat. She was all too familiar with the way the leather strap felt against her flesh. There is no need, Eleazar. I said you would not be further troubled.

In one fluid motion he was beside her, pulling her roughly to her feet. Within an inch from her face he brought his own. Never tell me what I need to do in my home to maintain order. Eleazar threw Calissta back onto the seat. I will deal with you later, he shouted and stalked out of the room.

Tears silently streamed down Calissta’s face. No you will not, she whispered. Not ever again.

AS SOON AS ELEAZAR left the house, Tjia began burning incense of frankincense and sandalwood. In addition she also lit candles and placed a bowl of salt water and one of herbs in every room. She sprinkled around rose buds for love, lavender for preservation, and rosemary for protection. Counterclockwise Tjia proceeded to sprinkle salt water around the house, cleansing every corner, window, and door.

I ask, in the name of the sorcerer Djadjaemanjh, the great Pharaoh Snefru’s wizard, that any evil or disruptive influences be gone from this home, Tjia chanted.

Then she proceeded around the mansion clockwise, sprinkling the herbs. I bless this home with peace, tranquility, and prosperity.

In the center of the house, the great room, she erected a small altar using a wicker table and covered it with a white lace tablecloth. There Tjia lit five candles.

I light the blue candle for tranquility, the green for healing and prosperity, the purple for protection, the brown for hearth and home and... She paused, looking briefly over at Calissta, who stood solemnly beside her. The pink for love.

Calissta gave Tjia a quick smile, and watched as she lit the last candle.

Now we must share food and drink, Tjia explained, breaking a piece of bread in half and sharing it with Calissta.

Reluctantly Calissta accepted the bread and popped it into her mouth. A quick sip of wine was shared from a crystal goblet, Calissta swallowing hard.

Tjia then brought a portion of the food and drink out to the garden, and sprinkled a few crumbs of the bread and drops of the wine on the ground, giving back to the earth what had been received.

Tjia smiled warmly at Calissta. Come, my lady to the bedchamber you share with your husband.

Why must we go there, Tjia? Calissta asked in a shaky voice.

UNLIKE ANOTHER’S BEDCHAMBER, offering solace and comfort to its weary occupant, Calissta’s was a reminder of the brutal beatings and forced intrusions on her person. The nightly violation, humiliating and degrading, remained the same. She was made to strip to the flesh, her private parts poked, prodded, and entered to appease Eleazar’s lust. Then Calissta was bent over a chair to receive a beating, the thick, un-buffed leather belt welting her backside until she passed out from the pain. When she regained consciousness she’d find Tjia bending over her, washing her clean of his remainder. She’d then tend to Calissta’s wounds, an agonized look of sorrow and despair upon the handmaiden’s gentle face. Calissta’s heart was overwhelmed by such loyalty.

Tjia placed a comforting hand on Calissta’s arm. That is where the most maltreatment is done. It must be cleansed separate from the other rooms. And it must be done during the eighth hour after sunrise, which is soon, my lady.

Calissta sighed heavily. Very well, but let’s be about the task quickly, in case Eleazar unexpectedly comes home. It would be a disaster for him to walk in on you performing the ritual.

Tjia prepared and placed on a tray one lit candle and frankincense stick in a holder and a bowl of blessed water, salted and consecrated. Taking the candle in one hand and the stick of incense in the other, Tjia walked around the interior of the room chanting.

"By fire and flame, I drive out the shame... I smother the hate,