Roswell Heritage — Mary Forker Ford

Madeline came to Roswell House unaware of the legacy of murder and injustice that tormented those who live there. And when she learned the truth, it was too late to leave...

House With A Past...

It was prophetic that Madeline Hunter arrived at Roswell House in the middle of a storm. The petite high school teacher knew nothing about Jason - "J.C." - Roswell, who had hired her as his secretary for the summer, except that he was a writer. So it was a surprise to discover that he was also young and extremely attractive. But other surprises at Roswell House were much less pleasant. For instance, the rumors of "ghosts" and the enigmatic warnings Madeline received to ignore any strange "noises." Certainly the house had a history that called for ghosts -- stories of secret passages and buried treasure, of betrayal and even murder! Of course, all that was in the past... Then one of the staff mysteriously disappeared and Madeline was attacked by a midnight intruder. The shadowy evil of Roswell House still lived and before long there was no doubt that Madeline was its next intended victim!

When the principal of her high school offers teacher Madeline Hunter a chance to be a summer secretary for the famous writer, Jason Roswell, Madeline jumps at the chance. With her mother's recent death, she is only just emerging from a staggerling piles of debts and the generous salary will be most welcome. Madeline's love of literature makes this the perfect job for her. Her friends were pleased, too, when they heard of her luck--all except the high school coach who lately has been viewing all of Madeline's plans with special interest.

Summer recess begins and Madeline starts out for the Roswell country estate, driving rapidly down the roads in her battered car and wondering what the old writer will be like. An intense summer storm leaves her car stranded and Madeline shivering and alone on a deserted road. She is already late for her new job. Will her crochety employer be annoyed by her seemingly propensity for misfortune and send her away? Bad luck hounds Madeline again as she walks along the road in the direction of the Roswell home. A huge dogs bounds from the shadows and knocks her to the ground. The owner of the giant Mastiff quickly rescues her and puts her at ease--until she discovers that the handsome, athletic and young man at her side is none other than Jason Roswell!

The Roswell's, Jason, his mother, Nella, and Granny Roswell, welcome the dripping Madeline into their home and she looks forward to a summer with these kind people, but before the first night is over, she knows that all is not well. Why did Nella, Granny, and Mattie, a servant, all refer to the "noises," each with their own explanation of what these mysterious sounds are? A
And why did Granny Roswell insist that "It's all over again?" Despite her deep exhausted sleep that night, Madeline had troubled dreams and seemed to sense, at the edge of her consciousness, that somebody or something was standing in her room.

She learns gradually of the tragedy that has permeated the lives of Nella and Jason. The atmosphere of murder and injustice, done many years ago in the house, still keeps its occupants on edge. Events take a sinister turn until one night, in the midst of a thundering storm, the evil and guilt are purged from the old house, and Madeline discovers that she will become part of a brighter Roswell heritage