Tony Wild - The Moonstone Legacy

I T HAD BEEN TWO YEARS to the day since her mothers death, but the horror of that moment was seared in her memory for ever.

As fourteen-year-old Lizzy stood under the great cedar tree where the accident had happened she laid a bunch of lilies on the ground. Sighing, she brushed a strand of long dark hair from her face as she looked across the sweeping lawns to Shalimar. Its intricate stone arches and pavilions glowed in the last rays of the setting sun. The Taj Mahal of the Yorkshire moors! her mother had called itand promised to take her to see the famous monument one day. But there would be no trip to India, no Taj Mahal

It was almost dark by the time Lizzy made her way back home to Maya Lodge. She was surprised to find her Uncle Williams old Bentley parked outside.

Whats he doing here? Lizzy wondered. Uncle William hardly ever came to visit. Her father, who was a scientist, rented the lodge from his elder brother, but he and Aunt Lavinia were usually far too busy hosting fancy shoots, dinners and weekend parties at Shalimar to take much notice of them.

Sitting on the bench under the wooden veranda, Lizzy pulled off her wellies and let herself in. Uncle Williams voice was booming from the living room. If I were you, Henry, Id be worried sick about Lizzy, he said. She stopped in her tracks, listening intently. I dont know how youve coped, I really dont. After Alices death, I hardly slept, I can tell you. All I could think was that it could be my kids next

Dont be so melodramatic, William, Lizzy heard her father reply. You cant honestly expect me to still believe that ridiculous curse story Nanny used to frighten us with!

What the hells he talking about? Lizzy tiptoed down the narrow hallway and stood stock-still near the half-open door.

Come on, Henry! Uncle William said. You know full well that ever since that no-good George Abercrombie disappeared off the face of the earth, one in every generation of the family has died in some sort of terrible accident. And when did they all die?

Her father didnt reply. Lizzy could sense the tension between them.

On the full moon! Uncle William said. And unfortunately your wife was no exception. Is it any wonder they say that the Abercrombie family is cursed!

Oh my God! The full moon! Lizzy flashed back to the moment of her mothers death.

The springs of the armchair squeaked as Uncle William hauled himself to his feet. Listen, Im sorry, I really didnt mean to end up arguing with you like this, not today of all days. But just take care of Lizzy, thats all. Id better get going. In any case, Lavinias got a houseful of guests, and therell be hell to pay if Im late back

Lizzy slid unseen into the loo under the stairs as her father accompanied Uncle William down the hall. She leant back against the door, heart pounding.