<br><br><center>*The sweetest smiles hold the darkest secrets...*
― Sara Shepard</center>





<br><br><center>![Lightbourne House.jpg](https://images.hive.blog/DQmd6Ssjt7g6F8DZYf9F319ABa9PKjkVecnTStQmLTDWrNo/Lightbourne%20House.jpg)
*Lightbourne House*</center>






<br><br> I was actually looking forward to my dinner engagement at the Lightbourne's and hoped I wouldn't disappoint.

This was an entirely new experience for me having to struggle with feelings of inadequacy as I tried to re-enter society after my head trauma and subsequent loss of memory.

But I needn't have worried because Clay Lightbourne and his beautiful wife, Sylvia, were so gracious and charming that all my previous anxieties evaporated.

<br><br> "Clay tells me, Marcus, you've taken up residence at *Sunnyside*. Can I assume you plan to make West Harbour your home?"

Sylvia's frank and open manner was disarming―she practically invited privileged disclosures by the assurance that she held no ulterior motives other than genuine interest in my welfare.

"Honestly, I haven't made any long-range plans. Ever since my accident I've been living moment to moment."


<br><br> "I see," she whispered, and I could detect a slight sadness in her tone.

"But I am impressed by the town and people I've met so far," I added hastily, hoping not to offend her.

"That is reassuring," she smiled. "Then it appears we haven't disappointed you so hopefully we can become friends."

"I would welcome that," I smiled warmly.

<br><br>"Why don't you show Marcus around the house, Clay, while I see to dinner? But don't be long--it's almost ready."

"I'd love to see the house," I readily responded.  "It was very impressive as I drove up, perched on the edge of the escarpment. Your house shows well from the street."

Clay rose and guided me out in the direction of the patio. "Don't be fooled by appearances, Marcus," he whispered conspiratorially, "word has it among the locals that our family made our wealth back in The Prohibition Era as rum-runners."

"I sincerely doubt that," I laughed.

<br><br> The back gardens reminded me of *Whitehern* with its well-manicured lawns, low stone walls and huge shade trees, except for the back of the property which was characterized by long feather grass that gave way to a steep ravine.

It was l'heure bleu as the French call it and myriad yellow lights danced like fireflies in the trees. 

"There's a road down there," Clay said.  "It leads back to the lake and your house. I could probably see *Sunnyside* on a clear day from here."

"Very impressive!" I enthused, and meant it. It was a spectacular view early in the evening and probably just as impressive during the day.

<br><br> Clay led me back inside and showed me through several huge rooms--a huge den he called a great room, a glassed-in conservatory, and a billiards and game room. Compared to *Suunyside* his house was palatial.

Upstairs was much the same story and featured five bedrooms and a tower room he called the library. 

I was almost dizzy from  gazing at the graceful architecture and elegant decor.

As we exited the library, I went to turn down the hallway toward a set of closed doors, but Clay gently grasped my elbow and steered me in the opposite direction.

<br><br> "That part of the house is off limits at the moment, I'm afraid."

"Oh, are your redecorating?" I asked.

"No, it's been renovated though....I think it best to let Sylvia explain."

My curiosity was piqued and not just by closed doors. Despite Clay and Sylvia's forced gaiety, a pall hung over the house that was palpable and seemed to permeate each room.

<br><br>I noticed that for a house of such size there was no domestic help apparent and the estate seemed desolate of any social activity. There were no family pictures on the walls and the rooms seemed somber, if not, funereal.

If there was a mystery here in this dark mansion on the hill I was determined to uncover it.


<br><br><center>To be continued…</center>
<br><center>© 2020, John J Geddes. All rights reserved</center>
<br><center>[ Photo](https://images.app.goo.gl/1uWt2Ho8187ySLHK9   )</center>
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