The Forgotten Palace

THE FORGOTTEN PALACE ALEXANDRA WALSH To Rosie and Jonathan. To sleep, perchance to dream. Ay, there’s the rub; WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE, HAMLET, III. I There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy. WLLIAM SHAKESPEARE, HAMLET, I. V CONTENTS Dramatis Personae Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Chapter 32 Chapter 33 Chapter 34 Chapter 35 Chapter 36 Chapter 37 Chapter 38 Chapter 39 Chapter 40 Chapter 41 Chapter 42 Chapter 43 Acknowledgments The Forgotten Palace – The History More from Alexandra Walsh About the Author About Boldwood Books DRAMATIS PERSONAE Present Day Characters Dr Eloise De’Ath – a medically trained doctor who now works in research Joshua Winter – Eloise’s late husband, a barrister Rose Hay – Eloise’s best friend, a barrister Leon Hay – Rose’s husband, an artist Sean and Marcus Hay – Rose and Leon’s identical twin sons. Eloise’s godsons The Four Musketeers – a.k.a. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Claud Willoughby – Josh’s best friend (1) Davina Lawson – Claud’s long-term partner Nahjib Virk – Josh’s best friend (2) Marcella Jones – Nahjib’s girlfriend Martin Culshaw – Josh’s best friend (3) The De’Ath Family Eric De’Ath – Eloise’s father, an undertaker Marissa De’Ath – Eloise’s mother, a florist Gareth De’Ath – Eloise’s older brother, works with their father Jessica Jenkins née De’Ath – Eloise’s sister, works with their mother Lee Jenkins – Jessica’s husband Jayden and Bella Jenkins – Jessica and Lee’s children Nadine Woodford – Gareth’s wife Ivy De’Ath – Gareth and Nadine’s daughter The Winter Family Quinn Winter (deceased) – Josh’s father Ethelwyn Winter – Josh’s mother Gladys Draye – Josh’s aunt who lives with Ethelwyn, separated from her husband Other Characters Faye Mostin (Auntie Faye) – Claud’s godmother Reuben Mostin (Uncle Reuben) – married to Faye Steve Lester and John Lowdon – PROLOGUE Do not die waiting Live each day with love Savour every moment For each day may be an ending As each ending is a new beginning Forget sorrows, allow grief to heal Hold your head high and do not let fear weaken your resolve Every step is a complete journey A moment in time, in truth Where love is perfect 1 LONDON, PRESENT DAY ‘I love you.’ The words hung in the air between the two women. ‘Are you sure?’ ‘Yes, they were the last words.’ Rain streaked the windows, the grey sky lowering with each clap of thunder as Eloise De’Ath moved away from her friend, Rose Hay, to take a final glance in the mirror. Her long blonde hair