THE LADY OF GLADSTONE MANOR
by Jamallah Bergman
Jackson Belle, the son of a prominent family of landscapers
and architects whose work has been the “Showcase of the South”, goes to take
what he thinks is a routine job for his father who is soon in bed after a fall.
He soon finds himself going to Gladstone Manor, a home well known in town as a
house that once would host grand balls and parties for the town. But is nothing
more than a shell of its former glorious self. Soon Jackson finds himself
diving deep within the mystery of Gladstone Manor and its owner Brooke Langley.
Brooke Langley’s life at Gladstone Manor at one time was
wonderful and she enjoyed the many memories she had as a child, watching the
many people coming to the parties and balls that her parents would give. But a
tragic accident leaves Brooke in seclusion, afraid of what the world outside of
the Manor would think of her now. It isn’t until Jackson Belle comes into her
life and shows her that someone does care that slowly starts to come out to the
world and soon finds true love as well.
EXCERPT
“Let me ask you this, do you remember Mr. Langley’s
daughter?”
“You mean, Brooke,” Jackson’s mother interjected as she
came in with a tray holding Howard’s lunch.
“Brooke, that’s her name, right?”
“Oh yes, I remember Brooke, she was such a sweet child.
Always smiling and making everybody around her laugh. Such a beautiful child
with so much life in her until that evil woman of a stepmother messed her up. I
remember Walter was so heartbroken by what happened. He knew they didn’t get
along because they were like oil and water, they just didn’t mix well. She
hated Brooke because she was the apple of Walter’s eye and a constant reminder
of her late mother. She got more of his attention and her stepmother hated her
with a passion because of that. When she had the accident, her father had her
going to all kinds of doctors and surgeons, even sent her to Europe to see a
specialist who dealt with people in her situation. After Walter died, she
stayed in Europe for the longest time. Some people thought that she had passed
away but then one day, word got out that groceries and other things were being
delivered to the Manor.” She stared at the photo of Brooke by the fountain.
That entire day while at his father’s, they both worked on
the plans for the garden. He would go from his father’s work area to his father’s
bedroom to see what he thought of the plans so far.
“Sweetheart, you have a phone call. I think it’s from the
Manor,” Nancy said, popping her head in the room while Jackson drew on the
blueprint.
Picking up the phone, Jackson said, “Hello.”
“Hello, Mr. Belle, this is Brooke Langley calling,” a soft,
mellow voice said on the other end.
“Hello, Ms. Langley, it’s nice to finally hear from you.
How are you?”
“Fine, thank you, I talked with Nora and I just wanted to
see what your point of view on the condition of the garden.”
“Well, I will tell you that it needs plenty of work but
it’s a job that I look forward to starting. I am always up for a challenge. I
told Nora I wanted you to make a list of things you might want to see in your
garden. Have you started yet?”
“Yes, I have. I was trying to go by memory, but there’s
plenty I want to add. I have to say I’m pretty excited that this is being done.
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen the garden the way it was before.”
Her voice entranced Jackson. “I can come get the list from
you if you want. That way, I can show you what I have so far.” Jackson replied,
hoping she would agree to meet in person.
At first, he heard nothing and thought that maybe she hung
up the phone. “Hello? Are you there, Ms. Langley?”
“Yes, I’m still here. I don’t think it would be a good idea
to meet just yet. I can have Nora give you the list when you get here, if
that’s all right?”
“That would be just fine, Ms. Langley. But I do hope to get
the chance to actually see you one of these days, face to face.”
“Take care, Mr. Belle.” She hung up.
The conversation left Jackson with a sense of accomplishment
in what he’d done so far. Also, he felt curious, wondering who the woman behind
the voice was.
LINKS
FB AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/jamallahbergmanauthor
TWITTER: @silentbutloud1
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: http://www.amazon.com/Jamallah-Bergman/e/B006HT16WY/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
BARNES & NOBLE PAGE: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/jamallah-bergman?store=allproducts&keyword=jamallah+bergman
