| |
ADRIANA THOMPSON WAS so excited about her trip to Louisiana. She saved the money she earned tutoring just to afford this trip. This summer, instead of teaching summer school, she would enjoy herself. This was the biggest and most expensive vacation she had ever taken and it would be worth every dime it was costing her.
Adriana had taught American History for ten years now, but for some unknown reason, Louisiana history had always drawn her in. She made plans to go to New Orleans for a week and absorb as much history as she could. New Orleans was known to be the land of vampires, ghosts and, of course, voodoo. This was a fantasy come true for her. She found an inexpensive hotel to stay in while there, and then she would rent a car and drive to Rexma, Louisiana. Part of her vacation would be spent at an actual plantation home.
She was giddy with excitement. She had not decided yet if she wanted to see an actual ghost at Marquette Plantation or just experience the ambiance of staying there.
AS ADRIANA ARRIVED at Marquette Plantation Bed & Breakfast, she bubbled over with excitement. New Orleans had been more than she expected. She had not been bored once while there. She ate more than she should have, but the food was to die for. Most days she explored The French Quarter, enjoying all the jazz musicians that played for entertainment there and visited Bourbon Street with its grand nightlife.
Adriana was ready to relax a bit though and enjoy her stay at the bed & breakfast. As she drove up to the house, she was in complete awe. This place was truly historic and fantastic. It was something straight out of the movies.
When she entered Marquette Plantation Bed & Breakfast, she looked around and just absorbed everything. If she were to close her eyes, she could envision an elegant tea being served in one of the front parlors or the ballroom in use. She could see the elegant Southern belles swirling around in their gowns being led around the dance floor by handsome gentlemen in their dress attire. She could imagine someone sitting at the grand piano playing a musical piece while a fire burned in the enormous hearth.
The staircase in the foyer was the grandest she had ever seen. Even the furniture proudly displayed around the house had been chosen with tender, loving care. The owners of this plantation took great pride in keeping it well-preserved.
After checking in, she walked upstairs to inspect her room. She turned the light on and was taken aback by its beauty. A beautiful, four-poster canopy bed sat on an antique Persian rug, allowing the natural beauty of the hardwood floors to shine through. As with most houses this age, there was no closet, but an antique wardrobe was available for her use. She was, however, glad that the owner did renovate the upstairs to where each room had its own private bath. She was not sure how she would feel about sharing a bathroom with other guests. Large French doors opened to the balcony that wrapped around the house. She looked out and noticed her room overlooked the courtyard and the bayou that ran along the back of the property. She could not wait to get a book and curl up on the chaise lounge that was available for her use on the balcony.
The courtyard out back was breathtaking. It was paved with red brick and in the center sat a fountain surrounded by red roses. Out on the bayou, a white egret came in for a landing. This place was more than she had ever hoped for.
BY THE TIME ADRIANA returned to her bedroom, it was almost midnight. She had stayed up with several of the other guests in the front parlor and talked to Ms. Marquette about her family history and living here. Even if she did not see any ghosts, this place was magical. A chill went down her spine as she thought of all the history these walls held.
Before crawling into bed, she stepped outside on the balcony. Off in the distance, near the bayou, a flickering light caught her attention. She swore the light was moving. She tried to peer into the darkness to make out what she may be seeing. A movement in the courtyard drew her eyes, and a ghostly image seemed to be walking around. It must have sensed that it was being watched because Adriana swore it turned around and looked at her. Suddenly, the image lifted its arm and pointed toward the flickering light.
A feeling of uneasiness washed over her. The moon shifted and the image disappeared.
She wondered about the flickering light. Could it be another ghost? If only she had a better look. She was certain that she saw a ghost in the courtyard, it had a nearly translucent look to it.
As she drifted off to sleep, a vision of an elegant lady flitting around the courtyard filled her mind. She paced back and forth, mumbling something, but Adriana could not make out what she was saying. It sounded as if she was speaking in French, but she did not understand the dialect. She kept pointing to the bayou. The picture was so clear in Adriana’s head, she wondered if she was dreaming. The room became chilled and she reached for another blanket at the foot of the bed. The ghost seemed to pace faster and faster, as if agitated.
When Adriana awakened the next morning, the dream was still fresh in her mind. She would have to ask Bridgette about the woman who visited her.