A briny breeze drifted up from the heather tousling my Titian curls. Always when my soul is in torment, I sought the savage beauty of the moors. Duke Reginald has discharged Mr. Morgan, my art tutor and my heart’s desire.

I implored the Duke that I was his ward not his property. He bellowed in rage and I ran into the cool arms of the night. Chill winds slapped my burning tears as my feet headed for Moonstone Hill.

Head down I marched forward then I saw it. Strangely sleek, a tower of ebony and pearl sprang from the hill before me. I fell to my knees in wonderment. The structure was two stories tall but only a carriage wide. Adorning the top, a small jonquil yellow window like an all seeing eye. Despite the hammering of my heart, I had to explore.

Against reason I approached. I touched the supernaturally smooth surface. The tower opened its gaping maw. Then the world turned black.

I awoke to a cool towel on my forehead. A pair of ladies in weird men’s garb bent over me. I screamed.

“Good no one sick could yell that loud,” the fair one said.

“We are so sorry. This was never supposed to happen. Trish I told you bargain time travelling AirBnB is never a bargain. We could have given this kid a heartache,” the swarthy one shouted.

The fair one called Trish hung her head.

“Deena my love if I say you were right and I was wrong can we fast forward through this argument? Help me get her out of the dirt. Would you like some bottled water or a Coke?”

Gently they lifted me.

“No thank you my lady. I have no need of cocaine. Have you come to capture me? What is this magic?”

“You handle this and I am going to grab her some water and something for her dress.”

Deena the dark beauty hurried into the magical tower. Her fair companion scratched at her chin.

“Umm yeah we are magical creatures and we mean you no harm. We are just having technical difficulties. What are you doing here?”

“Dear weird sisters tell me what to do? Should I elope with Desmond or accept my Duke’s choice Viscount Cartwright?” Implored flinging myself to the witch’s breeches.

Trish grasped.

“Oh honey, how old are you? Do you have to get married?” Deena asked.

“I’m nearly seventeen, lady. What am I to do? Tell me my future.”

Merriment danced in the gentlewomen’s eyes. I looked from one to the other and despite my shattered heart I felt a heaviness lift from my spirit. My future unfurled as wide as the untamed moors.