Haunted Mansion Stories-Marcella

Many years ago, Master Gracey created a statuary garden outside the Mansion's gates as a place to get away from the bustle and noise within. When George and Leota both died the property fell into disrepair. Wild plants reclaimed the garden and covered it over for decades. Not until the late 90's did anyone discover the existance of this enchanting sanctuary. It has been restored to it's previous charm.
Atop the gate posts of the garden are twin carvings of a small girl in attitude of deepest despair. Her name is Marcella.

“Marcella”[1]

Name: Marcella

Born: 1847

Died: 1856

            One spirit who proved too much for Leota and almost destroyed her was that of a young girl named Marcella. In life she had been pretty and obedient with a sunny disposition. Her infectious laughter was a tonic to the sad and weary. Everyone who saw her loved the maid.

            As happened too often in those days, Missouri had a poor harvest followed by a severe winter. Marcella’s family suffered more than most. When their food ran low father went to hunt and mother tried to gather what plants and herbs she could. They never returned.

It was two weeks without sign of their parents before hunger caused 9-year-old Marcella to bundle-up her infant brother and attempt the 25 mile walk to the nearest town. The young girl struggled through snow drifts far above her own head, facing biting cold and equally ravenous wolves.

Rescuers later discovered where she had made camp and carefully fed little Steven on what undoubtedly was the last of their salt pork and corn bread. Three days she wandered in the frozen wastes trying desperately to find help. When their bodies were found on the morning of the fourth day they were a mere 300 feet from the town square. In a last pitiful attempt to save her brother, Marcella had wrapped her own coat around him and crawled, dragging the whimpering bundle a scant dozen yards before losing all strength.

The story of Marcella’s tragic death was spread far and wide, quickly reaching New Orleans.

19-year-old Leota was coming into her full powers and chaffed under her mother’s tight grip. Having just learned the secret of absorbing a soul, she was eager to begin her own ascendancy. When she heard Marcella’s story it seemed a golden opportunity. “Such a spirit would be strong with energies,” she thought, “but too immature to fight back.” She would be perfect for a first assay of new powers.

Leota had no time to lose. Spirits will stay with a body for only three days and much had to be prepared. The young witch rushed to the gravesite and began making all things ready. People, alive or dead, are controlled by force, fear or desire. This girl had shown no fear and only desired safety for herself and baby Steven. This would be her means of domination. Leota built a warm fire on the grave, laid-out good food and a fine coat. She set a nice crib nearby and shrouded herself in the plain dress of a housewife. With all of Marcella’s desires around her, Leota spoke the incantation. Out of the woods stepped the little ghost, glancing fearfully at the strange woman but she clearly wanted the food and warmth. Marcella took a couple steps forward and hesitated. Then Leota quietly said, “It’s okay honey, Mama’s here. Come to me baby. I’m so proud of you.” With this kindness, Marcella rushed forward and buried her tear-stained face in Leota’s apron. Then an evil grin lit the woman’s eye as little Marcella simply faded away.

The witch immediately felt a great rush of power. Her perception was clearer, her thoughts quicker and understanding deepened. This was glorious and sweet.

For the next month Leota reveled in her victory. She didn’t dare take another soul lest she provoke her mother but the secret of it was delicious to her. It was at this time that she noticed a feeling she had never experienced before: guilt. Each lie she told, trinket stolen or convention defied led to an ever growing discomfort and regret for harm done. Long was the battle she fought against these feelings and it drained her strength.

The anniversary of Marcella’s death approached and Leota could feel that spirit growing stronger within her. She had no doubt now that this virtuous girl was fighting her domination. On the far early morning of December 20^th, Leota was wracked with a torturous pain. She thrashed about her bed, first cursing then singing. She tore the sheets than cried like a babe. For an hour she struggled with the now powerful spirit of Marcella. Near dawn it began to subside and the woman lay exhausted, drenched in sweat. Soon she realized it had been exactly one year since a child and her brother froze to death on the Missouri plain.

Another week passed before Leota regained her strength. She knew she would be no match for this ghost next time. It was unthinkable to release her and impossible to keep her. So Leota began to scheme. Her close relationship with George Gracey jr. could be put to use. His mother often came to the shop for séances to contact her dead children. If she were made aware of her husband’s many peccadilloes and then prodded in the right direction…the son would become Master of Gracey Hall. Leota would enjoy a nice comfortable home and perhaps she might become the very wealthy Lady of the Mansion.

Before another month had passed her plan was effected. George Gracey Sr. was dead with an axe through his skull, Mary was on trial and George jr. had returned for good.

The new Master Gracey showed some reluctance to bring the beautiful but decidedly low class medium into his home. His disdain for Leota became clear that July when he married a circus performer named Lilian. They tried to conceal Lady Graceys waywardness by promoting her powerful and wealthy Georgia family but Leota knew the truth and was furious.

Halloween 1858 was fast approaching and the dreaded battle with Marcella was only a short time away. Leota demanded to be moved in and threatened to expose him as the father of her own Little Leota. He acquiesced and the now infamous Leota took residence in the Mansion.

Freed of worldly concerns and the stresses associated with them, Leota felt she might be able to contain the angelic soul of Marcella. On December 19^th she prepared spells and potions, hexes and jinxes of every kind. At midnight the pain began. By two she was tearing her clothes, unearthly screams filled the house and she convulsed like a mad thing possessed by demons. Finally she could bear no more and, beaten, released the girl. She stood before the wretched Leota as a pure and beautiful light. Her evil soul freed of Marcella’s influence, the Madam’s enmity of all things good came rushing to the fore. Summoning every bit of her remaining strength, she cast Marcella into an empty room and sealed the door with unspeakable curses.

For years after the very door could be seen stretching out, like linen being pushed from within. Every December 20^th Leota herself had to stand before it and renew the spells. It is said that in 1865, as the battle joined again, Leota was unable to restrain the now adult spirit. Marcella burst forth and pronounced a doom on Leota to live her evil ways forever without forgiveness.

 She is the only spirit to overcome Leota by power.