Haunted Mansion- April / December

In the Mansion's gallery hall are a number of most unusual paintings. Some have claimed to see the subjects move, even transform into other images. While all sane individuals would reject such piffle without question, I myself once thought I saw something odd within the frames..one dark and stormy night.

“April/December”

Name: Joy DeVie

Born: November 19, 1838

Died: May 5, 1868

            George Gracey was terribly depressed in the years following Mistress Lilian’s death. Although life continued throughout the mansion, he felt no part of it. Madam Leota used this to further isolate him from family and strengthen her hold upon his mind. Two events at this time almost undid all of her plans. First, in the spring of 1867, George took an African safari at the behest of some friends. While there he met and quarreled with Uncle Edward. The death of this beloved mentor two months later in Burma steeled George’s will against outside influence. The second event was the sad affair of Miss Joy DeVie.

            Master Gracey was a bitter man when he returned from Africa. Wife dead and family splintered, he was feeling quite alone. He took the unexpected step of visiting the priest at a nearby parish. While there he met the pretty young widow Joy DeVie. Friendship bloomed instantly and all of New Orleans was gladdened that dashing young George Gracey seemed once more happy. For almost a year they made the social rounds and companionship turned to love.

            Into the middle of this inconvenient bliss stepped Madam Leota. Sensing that she was losing control of George, the medium decided to rid herself of this meddlesome woman. Feigning support for the pairing, Leota suggested that Aunt Elma paint Joy’s portrait. This was to be a gift marking their first year of friendship. George thought it a wonderful idea and decided it would make a splendid engagement present.

            Shortly before the anniversary Joy was invited to tea by Leota and, not fearing the witch to any degree, she accepted most readily. As they sat over steaming cups, Leota discerned a surprising fact: despite her stunning beauty, Joy was self-conscious. This could prove useful. Her plan went into effect with their farewells that afternoon, “May your future become ever clearer to your eyes.”

            Over the next week Joy had the most curious experience. Every time she saw her reflection it seemed to have aged. At first she thought, “Oh, I’m just tired. So many parties with my sweet George.” But on the fourth day she could no longer deny that something bizarre was happening. By the sixth day the mirror showed her an old woman, wrinkled and worn. The seventh brought a great shock: her image was death itself, a skeletal woman of shrunken pallor; horrible to behold. Only the oaths of her maid convinced Joy that she was still young and beautiful.

It was with these strains on her heart and mind that Mrs. DeVie went to call at Gracey Manor. George was waiting at the door and conducted her through as if she were already the lady of the house. They came to a 2^nd floor balcony overlooking the Grand Ballroom and there, hung in a place of honor, was a shrouded picture.

“Joy, I have been your companion for almost a year and feel it is time to declare publicly my true feelings for you.”

With a flourish George removed the velvet covering to reveal a fine portrait of Joy at her loveliest. The resemblance was flawless and men would swoon at its beauty. But Joy began to scream uncontrollably, louder and more frantic by the second. Master Gracey was at a loss and tried to bring the lady to her senses but to no avail. For when Joy DeVie looked upon the painting all she could see was that same terrible visage and grotesque form of herself on the edge of death.

“How can you do this? I thought you loved me!!” her mind wailed. Reason overthrown by the strain and seeming betrayal, she turned and fled blindly. She tripped on a loose rug and fell over the railing to her death on the floor below.

 Master Gracey hung her portrait in the main hallway to honor his lost love. A tear sprang to his eye each time he caught sight of it. Never again was he joyful or carefree. Death held sway over his heart.

A pall fell over the house and for months the only laughter to be heard was Madam Leota’s soft chuckling at her own cleverness.