The Ghosts of Oaklawn

By Donna F. Phillips

The story is a continuation of the story line of Canaan's Legacy. This book takes place in modern day time and we have the same characters as in Canaan's Legacy but in a different light.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LifeRich Publishing
• Release date: Feb 22, 2023
• ISBN: 9781489746603

Donna F. Phillips

Donna Phillips has had various interests and experiences in her life that add to the creative world in this novel. She is a mother and grandmother.

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Copyright © 2023 Donna F. Phillips.

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ISBN: 978-1-4897-4659-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-4652-8 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-4660-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023902881

LifeRich Publishing rev. date: 02/14/2023

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The author would like to acknowledge her deceased parents for instilling in her and her siblings to try all things and urging them to keep trying to succeed. She would also like to acknowledge her girls for loving her. In addition she would like to acknowledge her best friend for believing in her.

PROLOGUE

In Canaan’s Legacy we were introduced to our characters and the plantation Oaklawn. Now we fast forward to modern day where in Canaan’s Legacy we learned that Carrie’s mother and grandmother have inherited the derelict plantation. They are determined to resurrect this plantation manor and turn it into a bed breakfast. Sit back, relax and be surprised at the events that unfold.

C arrie

had never been so furious as she was when her mother and grandmother had demanded that she come to Oaklawn immediately, all they wanted us to give her some locket they had found. She was so mad in fact, that she didn’t see the deer that darted across the road, and when tried to correct the turn she had made with the steering wheels, she went off the road and into a cornfield.

Helen and Avery had never been so committed to a project before. Oh, there had been other projects in the past but none of them held the excitement that Oaklawn did. It was a monumental undertaking to get the place renovated after it had sat empty for so many years. Most people would look at it and say it was not worth it and it should be torn down. Sporadically through the past years other distant family members had taken up residence in the old place but to look at it now, you would never know it. The place still looked as if the civil war had just ended, and the plantation family had just left it. Of course, time had left its mark, but Helen and Avery had such a longing to see the plantation brought back to its former glory, perhaps because it was their heritage.

They had gone through the entire house, quickly perusing each room to see what needed to be done. They both decided that they would start with the kitchen, after all wasn’t it said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. The kitchen was huge by today’s standards, and back in the day there would be up to three or four slave women working in it. Avery took a notebook and began to sketch the space, measuring as she went. After some time, she had a temporary layout that she showed to her mother. Suddenly the two of them stopped discussing the plan and just stood staring at each other, both of them feeling a coolness surrounding them. The feeling left almost as soon as it had come and they went on discussing the plan. Neither of them knew what to say about the feeling so they dismissed it. The plan was basically good with industrial size ovens, range, refrigerators and dishwasher to accommodate the bed and breakfast guests. They left the kitchen to explore the pantry area where they found jars of home canned vegetables and fruit. These would all have to be discarded but they were interesting. Then they found the little room off the kitchen and again, the coolness descended upon them. It was as if something or someone was saying this is my area. It was not a scary or foreboding feeling but nonetheless it was a feeling. They did not know how they would use this little room.

They checked and found that there was an ample supply of china dishes with the Oaklawn crest on it. The silverware however was severely tarnished and there was not very much of it so they made a note to order stainless flatware. Glassware would have to be ordered also and of course they would order it with the Oaklawn crest on it. As they left the kitchen the coolness descended upon them again and they looked at each other in puzzlement and yet they didn’t voice it.

As they went from the kitchen into the dining room, they both stopped dead still. The sound of someone walking was very evident to both of them. Who could it be? They had not summonsed any work men to come today. So, they stood still, listening with intent ears for more of the sound. The sound seemed to fade, and they once again took a breath and looked at each other, the look a questioning one.

I know that we heard the footsteps, but there is no one here but us. I guess it was just our imagination. Avery said.

It was so real, I don’t know how it could have been our imagination. Helen countered.

Oh well, let’s forget about it and go on with our work.

They walked around the dining room, touching the velvet curtains that were covered with dust. Note taken that they would have to be cleaned or replaced. Surely the latter would be the case as these draperies were at least one hundred and fifty years old. They sure didn’t look that old and it left Helen and Avery wondering how they could still be hanging. They were surely dry rotted after all these years. The looked at the dining table with a runner down the center. They lifted the runner, and it was obvious that the light had affected the table. Basically, the table was in good shape with minimal scratches and the finish difference. They would have to have the top of the table refinished – another note made. The chairs were in good shape but the cushions were loaded with dust so they would need to be recovered to match the draperies. The buffet was in better shape than the table. They opened each drawer and door, but they did not reveal anything except more table runners and linen napkins of various colors. Touching them they seemed to be in good shape but of course they would need to be laundered. But how could they be in good shape as old as they were. The more they looked at stuff the more confused they became. The floors and the wood paneling of the room seemed to have some burn marks on them, and it seemed to Helen that she had heard that part of the house had been set on fire by the Union soldiers. Another note to have the floor and paneling refinished. They both looked up at the same time and noted that the chandelier was missing, and they wondered what had happened to it. They would have to replace it, perhaps they could find one at an antique store.

As they started to leave the dining room, they once again heard the footsteps and they seemed to be coming from the foyer. Ok, this is ridiculous, I know there is no one here but us. Avery said.

Well, let’s just see what the noise is. Helen told her as she stepped from the dining room into the foyer. Avery was close behind her. The light was streaming into the area from the windows on each side of the double doors. Even though the windows were extremely dirty the light streamed through and made all kinds of pattens on the wood floor. They both just stood taking in the sight and basking in the light shed around them. I wonder . . . Helen offered. I wonder, I mean I know that back in the day they had a slave that served as a butler. Seems like someone said his name was George. Do you think. . . it could be his footsteps?

Oh Mother, seriously. What are you saying that his ghost is here in this house? Avery questioned.

Well, I have heard of such things, there are all kinds of shows on the television about the paranormal sightings. You never know.

You have been watching too much TV. Avery told her.

You can’t deny the odd feeling in the kitchen and now this. Maybe the house is haunted. Maybe that’s why no one stayed in the house very long. Perhaps each occupant was run off by spirits.

Then what makes you think that they won’t try to run us off too? Avery countered. If your theory is correct then we have already disturbed them.

They don’t seem to be upset with us, maybe they sense our goal to make Oaklawn great again. Helen told her.

But again, if your theory is true, how will they feel when we have the house full of guests? Won’t they be upset that their domain has been invaded? Avery asked.

I don’t know. Helen told her. Oh, how silly we are being. I am sure that the sound was just the house creaking or something.

Ok. Ok, let’s get out of the house and outside. I think I have had enough for today. Avery said.

They went out the massive front doors and Avery made another note that the doors would need to be painted. Once they were on the massive wrap around front porch, they looked around them.

The whole house will need to be painted to make it look like it used too.

Helen agreed with Avery and they discussed different colors but in the end they decided that white was the only way to go as all the old plantation houses were whitewashed. Also, painting it white would make it shine in the sunlight. There were rockers on the porch and Avery fingered them. She was almost afraid to sit on one, fearing it would fall down. However, curiosity got the best of her and gently she sat down. Surprisingly the old rocker held up.

Wow. Avery said. Can you believe that these rockers are still good?

Well, they say that wood can even last hundreds of years if maintained properly. I’ve watched lots of those tv shows where they restore old wood things. Helen told her

There you go again with those tv shows. I’m glad we have this project to keep you from sitting in front of the tv all the time. Avery said.

For a while they just sat in the rockers and reveled at the sights around them. Finally, Avery broke the silence. We need to hire a landscaping company to come once the painting is done.

Yes, and I would like to have lots of roses. It seems that the stories have it that over on the side of the house Belina had an expansive rose garden. Perhaps we can redo that garden and it could be somewhere that the guests could go to relax. What do you think?

I like that idea. We could add some little arches and benches with maybe clematis vining over the arches. A gazebo would be nice at the back of the garden. More notes for the notebook.

Dusk began to ascend so they left the porch and walked hand in hand to Avery’s car. Once they were in the car they sat looking back at the house, still amazed at its beauty even in the state of disrepair and imagining what it would be like when they had it renovated. They made plans to come back to the house every day until they were done and ready to invite guests. One thing about it they were both tired, but it was a good kind of tired. Even though they were in the beginning stages of the project they were anxious to get things done.

Once home, Avery placed a call to Carrie to tell her about today’s happenings but of course got her voicemail. Instead of trying to tell her everything on the voicemail, she just left her a message to call her back. She knew that Carrie did not share her mother and grandmother’s excitement about the project, that was evident when they summonsed her to Oaklawn to see what they had uncovered in the attic. Carrie had been furious that they had called her away from her precious job and the city to come to Oaklawn and Fairville. They would have to remember the items in the attic as they renovated because some of them could be used.

Avery was just about asleep when her phone rang. Glancing at the screen she saw that it was Carrie, so she answered it. Hi honey, how are you?

I am fine Mom, just very busy getting the spring collection together. Carrie answered.

Oh honey, you work too hard. So much hard work will make you old before your time. You really should slow down some. Avery told her.

But Mom, even though it is hard work, I love it, it’s what I always wanted to do and now I get to do it. What more could I ask for? Carrie responded.

Well, you might think about a husband and family before that old biological clock winds down.

You make me sound old; you know I am only 25 years old, hardly old I think.

I know, but you should look ahead to the future. Now that you are established in the fashion world, it wouldn’t hurt to look at the prospects for a husband.

I’ll know when he right person comes along and so far, I have not found him. The old tale of the knight in shining armor has not happened. I really think that tale is overrated. Carrie countered.

Oh, I know it may not be a starstruck happening, but you may be overlooking someone you already know that could be the one to make you happy. Avery told her.

Well Mom, that’s what you don’t get, I am happy. I don’t need someone else to make me happy.

OK, enough of all that, I wanted to tell you what your grandmother and I did today. First, we started in the kitchen of the house. We measured and drew out on paper where we would place the ovens, range, refrigerators and dishwashers. Of course, they will all be industrial size to accommodate the cooking for the guests. One of the most important things will be lots of counter space for food prep. It was really odd though that when we first went into the kitchen, we felt this really coolness that enveloped us. We looked into the pantry and found jars and jars of home canned fruit and vegetables. These will all have to be discarded. There is also a little room off of the kitchen that we are not sure what it was used for other than the fact that there is a bed in there. Then as we left the kitchen, it was if there was a presence there. Oh, come on Mom, are you going to tell me the house is haunted?" Callie asked her.

Well, you have to wonder why no lived in the house for very long after the original plantation family. After Canaan and her family were gone, it seemed that any other family did not stay very long and as you saw on your quick trip last fall the house still looks as it did In the Civil War days. It is a wonder. Avery said. You know it is a mystery how the house could be as intact as it is. One hundred fifty years is a long time for it to survive but when they built things back then they were built so much better.

I have never heard you so excited about anything in a long time, but I hope that you and Grandma have not bit off more than you can chew. Carrie told her.

No honey, Grandma and I have never been so excited about a project and yes, it is going to be a lot of work but we are going to take our time and do things to restore it back to its glory. Just things like a coat of paint on the outside will make it shine, then we are going to restore the rose garden that we heard Belina had loved. We will make it with winding little paths accentuated with benches and arches of clematis and a gazebo. Guests can roam and relax in the rose garden and maybe sit and read. Well dear, I have bored you enough with my goings on. I do hope that once you are done with the spring collection you can find some time to come and visit. Avery added and then concluded her conversation.

I’ll see Mom, I’ll see. Good night, Mom. Carrie told her. All the time that Carrie had been talking to her she had fingering the amethyst necklace that her mother and grandmother had found in the attic. Canaan, that was her namesake. Carrie did kind of wonder what she had been like, what her life had been like in that tumultuous time. It surely couldn’t have been good; it must have been frightening for a young girl and her family. Facing war is a horrible thought now and surely, it was then too. Having the war end up on your doorstep must have been scary beyond belief. In the United States, after the Civil War, we had never had to fight a war on our own soil. Oh well, Carrie put these thoughts aside, left the pendant on the table and went to bed. Before she knew it her alarm would sound, and she would start the day over.

Helen and Avery went to the house early the next to continue their quest. They unlocked the front door and once again heard the footsteps, but they stopped as soon as they stepped into the foyer. Once again, they looked at each other and shrugged. They entered the parlor and looked around. The furniture seemed to be ok, again the wood preserved beyond belief. Avery moved to touch the sofa that was filled with dust, but the fabric seemed fairly sturdy. How could that be? This furniture was at least 150 years old. More notes - new draperies, windows needed caulking throughout the house, floors needed to be sanded, upholstery checked. It was then that Avery spied the piano.

Oh Mother, look at this. She exclaimed.

Oh my, what a treasure but surely it will not play after all these years. The keys are probably loose and the wires inside are probably rotten. Helen told her.

Well let’s just see about it. and Avery sat down gingerly on the stool. She lifted the lid and to their surprise the ivory keys were beautiful. Avery had taken a few piano lessons as a child but never really mastered the keyboard. Gently she touched the keyboard and then, as if taken over by someone else she played a beautiful melody unknown to her. She abruptly lifted her hands and looked at them. I can’t play like that, and I surely don’t know that melody. This is too much. And with that she gently closed the lid.

I know you didn’t learn much when you took those few piano lessons, but that was beautiful. Helen told her.

I am telling you Mother, that was not me playing. I absolutely cannot play like that, and I have never heard that song before. Something strange is going on here, something very strange. Avery said as she shuddered.

Well, whatever the case, the piano seems to be in pretty good shape. We can have a tuner come and check it as we might think about having someone play it in the evenings. The guests might enjoy that.

Whatever. Avery replied halfheartedly as she was still upset by what had happened. She quickly left the area where the piano was. Besides the piano, there was a sofa and chairs and there was a bureau of sorts. Avery ran her fingers along the top of the bureau, then gently opened the doors but the inside was empty. The odd thing also was that there were no pillows on the sofa or chairs and the walls were devoid of pictures or paintings. They would have to look for some items to spruce this room up on their trips to the antique stores. Another note for the notebook.

Are you ready to venture on? Helen asked.

Yes, but let’s leave the library until last, somehow, I have the feeling that that room may take us more than one day to go through. Let’s go upstairs and see what we find.

So, they started to ascend the stairs but stopped not far from the bottom. The sound of children running and playing suddenly descended upon them. They stood and listened but as soon as the sound came it was gone. Quietly they made their way up the stairs. When they reached the top Avery motioned to go to the left. Down the hallway they went to the end, opening the last door. Surely this must have been a guest room because it was decorated in a nondescript way that could be used by either gender. The wallpaper was a damask, velveteen, cream colored paper. It was very blah but useable. The paper did not seem to be peeling or sagging which was good. Still though, this paper was one hundred fifty years old, how was it not peeling or sagging. No water stains were evident either. The room had no furniture or window coverings. This room had windows and a sitting area that faced the front of the house. They would have to completely furnish this room with bed, dresser, armoire, chairs and small table.

Now they ventured to the next room, before they could open the door though they both felt hostility and anger. They vaguely heard an angry man’s voice, but they couldn’t make out what he was saying.

Now do you believe that we have ‘spirits’ in this house and why shouldn’t there be? There is so much history here, I just knew we would uncover some odd things and it seems we have. Avery said.

I guess you may be right, there have certainly been some unusual things going on. We have to go on though, this place is ours now, you know. Helen answered.

Pushing open the door to the room they were shocked at what they saw. The wallpaper which was a darker blue was marked up and even torn in places. The mattress on the bed was ripped and feathers had flown all about the room. The door of the armoire was hanging at an angle. Avery gingerly glanced inside and saw