Бесплатный фрагмент - The Curse of the Manor

Chapter 1: The Inheritance of an Estate

The Johnson family was going through a terrible period following the unexpected death of Charles Johnson, the family patriarch. They soon learn, however, that they have inherited an estate from their late father, which will change their lives forever. The eldest daughter, Emma, and her younger brother, Thomas, are enthusiastic about the idea of a new home, but their mother, Rosemary, is cautious and concerned about the estate’s history.

Emma can hardly contain her enthusiasm as they reach the estate.

— Wow, this is amazing! It’s even more lovely than I could have imagined, she exclaims.

— Yeah, it’s pretty impressive, Thomas says, looking out the window. I can’t wait to get started.

Rosemary, on the other hand, glances out the window with fear. “I don’t know, something about this place doesn’t feel right,” she muffles.

— Don’t worry, mom, Emma says back to her mother, trying to calm her. It’s just new and strange. We’ll make it feel like home in no time.

As they approach the estate, a man introduces himself as Jack Hawkins, a local historian who has investigated the manor’s history.

— Welcome to your new home, he says.

— I’m Jack. I’ve been looking forward to seeing everyone.

— Nice to meet you, Jack, Emma says as she shakes his hand. We’ve been hearing a lot about you.

— What exactly have you heard about us? Thomas, on the other hand, appears skeptical.

— Nothing bad, I assure you, Jack chuckles. I’m just a local historian interested in the manor’s past. I’m happy to assist you in any manner I can.

— What do you know about the history of this place? Rosemary asks, skeptically.

— Well, it has a long and complicated history, Jack says solemnly. The mansion has passed through numerous hands throughout the years, and there have been reports of weird occurrences on the estate. Some even believe it’s cursed.

— ursed? Emma’s eyes widen.

— What exactly do you mean?

— Legend has it that a vengeful ghost haunts the manor, and that it’s cursed by her husband, Jack says, leaning forward. According to legend, whoever inherits the manor will face her wrath.

— That’s ridiculous, Thomas scoffs. There aren’t any ghosts or curses.

Rosemary, on the other hand, appears nervous.

— I’m not sure, Thomas. Just be cautious and don’t take any chances.

The family can’t help but feel excited and apprehensive as they step out of the automobile and approach the manor. They have no idea that their new home will carry secrets they could never have anticipated.

Jack points out numerous sights and shares his knowledge as they go around the estate.

— This estate has a long and illustrious history, says Jack. The Blackwell family erected it in the 1700s, but they only stayed here for a brief time.

— What happened to them? Emma inquires.

— Well, that’s the mystery, Jack says. According to legend, the family patriarch, Henry Blackwell, cursed the estate before his death.

— A curse? says Thomas. What sort of curse?

— No one knows for certain, but strange things have happened on this estate over the years, Jack says. Some believe it is haunted by the spirits of the Blackwells.

— Haunted? Rosemary asks. This is completely absurd. I don’t want to remain in a property with a bad reputation.

— Oh, come on, Mom,” Emma says. It’s only a story. After all, we don’t believe in ghosts, do we, Thomas?

— Um, right,” says Thomas. Certainly not.

— I don’t know about you kids, but I’m not taking any chances. We should leave while we still can.