THE car rolled smoothly along winding country roads, trees arching overhead like a green cathedral. They had been driving for quite a while now, and Orlanda’s curiosity was nearly eating her alive. Every so often she would glance at Oswald, trying to read his expression, but he only offered that maddening half-smile that said he was enjoying keeping her in suspense.

Finally, the road curved into a quiet bend, revealing a set of ornate wrought-iron gates. They were flanked by towering stone pillars, each crowned with lanterns that gleamed in the morning light. As the gates swung open, the car glided forward onto a cobblestone driveway that seemed to stretch...