Wednesday, February 4, 2009

The DeVine Sisters



"Mama?"

The tentative whisper wavered in the rose-scented dusk of the darkened room. One of the heavy draperies covering the tall windows quivered slightly, allowing light to spill across the thick-piled carpet in a bright stream that vanished almost as quickly as it had appeared.

"Mama?" The child-like voice was louder -- this time with an edge of impatience.

Hands linked around the tapestry-covered table, the seated figures remained motionless as . . .




That's a taste of the historical plot I propose for the next Elizabeth book.

1888 -- The famous psychics, the beautiful DeVine Sisters, weary from a European tour, have come to spend a quiet summer at the luxurious Mountain Park Hotel in Hot Springs, NC. They will, however, if the financial inducement is adequate, hold seances for congenial fellow guests -- especially the recently bereaved . . .



The present day plot (May, after the events of In a Dark Season) finds Elizabeth's sister Gloria seeking refuge at the farm. Gloria hates Nature and is not a happy camper . . . but she suspects her current husband is trying to kill her. And then there's the matter of a marriage proposal . . . and that strange message from Aunt Dodie . . .

All subject to my editor's okay . . . and until Miss Birdie's book is approved, Herself and I won't be discussing this. But it's on my mind . . .
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14 comments:

Sue P said...

OK, Vicki - I'm already excited about this. It sounds marvelous. Hope you and yours are doing well, anticipating the Miss Birdie book. I personally can't wait.

Vicki Lane said...

I'm excited too -- all those sisters have been sloshing round in the back of my mind for over a year.

BUT, as I said, it's all subject to the approval of Herself -- who might have other ideas.

Susan M. Bell said...

Oh, to heck with Herself. ;-) I heartily approve. I love ghostly type stuff. Can't wait for the Miss Birdie book, but I must say, I think I'm anticipating the next Goodweather even more.

Vicki Lane said...

There's a generous helping of 'woo-woo' in the Miss Birdie book that I think you'll like, Susan.

Kathryn Stripling Byer said...

A generous helping of "woo woo," to which I say Bon Appetit!

Carol Murdock said...

Vicki.....you know me, give me Paranormal anyday ! Tarot Cards,a Seance!

Vicki Lane said...

I've always been interested in the paranormal since I did my high school senior term paper on Rhine's ESP experiments -- may still have those funny cards around somewhere -- back in the closet with Jimmy Hoffa, perhaps.

Liz said...

There's so much rich history in the Mountain Park Hotel - The fire in 1886 that destroyed it - changing the name from Warm Springs to Hot Springs at the discovery of the new hotter spring. Our first visit to Madison County we stayed at the Mountain Magnolia Inn - they have a locket of civil war soldier's hair! I love reading about Colonel Rumbough and the restoration of the Mountain Magnolia (after it was made into a Victorian ranch in the 60's by Peggy Rumbough to save on heat). You certainly would have a lot to work with!! Can't wait to see what you do with all of that.

Marta McDowell said...

Mmm. Intriguing. It puts me in mind of various Victorian mourning practices: hair wreaths and brooches, memorial daguerreotypes and photographs. Will look forward to learning the motivations of the DeVine.

Vicki Lane said...

Liz, Yes, Hot Springs is full of great stories. I'm getting excited about going over there and doing a bit of research. Mountain Magnolia is wonderful -- and I look forward to visiting it -- maybe having dinner there!

Marta - the Victorians were rather obsessed with death, weren't they? Lots to work with here!

Liz said...

Vicki - Have you seen the new place in Hot Springs that Karen and Pete Nagle have opened? I think it's called Iron Horse Station - like a B&B but with an artists market on the main floor - and a restaurant.

Vicki Lane said...

Liz, I've heard about it but it just opened last weekend and I don't get out much -- we're effectively snowed in at the moment. Sounds great, though.. My friend, the artist Mary Maupin (Brumo) has a booth there.

Marta McDowell said...

The Victorians had that firsthand involvement. So many more died younger, usually at home, laid out by members of the family. Interesting to contrast with our rituals today. There's a garden history link too, with landscaped cemetery movement starting in the mid-1900s with Mount Auburn in Cambridge MA.

Vicki Lane said...

Marta, Follow this link for truly bizarre graveyard quilt or just Google 'graveyard quilt"

http://205.204.134.47:2005/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/quilts&CISOPTR=24