The arrival of the earl’s groom brought his request back to the forefront. I had no choice but to comply with the summons. I smoothed my hair under my cap as best I could and wiped my hands in the folds of my apron. It may seem silly, but I was meeting Duncan’s father and my natural desire was to make a good impression. Why? I couldn’t say. It just was.
My mind whirled as I followed the young man up the wooden stairs of the tavern to the Earl’s room at the end of the hall. I’d never been on this floor of the inn and couldn’t help feeding my curiosity a bit. The walls were covered with flocked paper and appeared smooth and well kept. As we progressed down the hall with its well tread-upon floorboards, I noticed the doors grew further and further apart; indicating that the rooms they led to were slightly larger and intended for their more important guests. This made sense since the noise of the tavern was also quite muted this far back in the building.
The groom had barely tapped his knuckles against the polished oak door when it swung opened. The earl’s valet bowed and motioned me to enter. I passed by him hesitantly while I scoped the room for the earl. I found him sitting in the shadows on the opposite side of the room. He was so near the thick tapestry draperies; he could have easily been lost in them, had he chosen to be.
I stood motionless while the valet stepped quietly out into the hallway and carefully closed the door behind him.
We were alone.
I don’t know exactly how much time passed in silence. It was probably less than what it felt like, but it was long enough for panic to start spreading through me. My legs threatened to turn to rubber and collapse at any moment while my arms felt like they’d been filled with lead. Not only couldn’t I move them, but their weight was bound to pull my torso to the floor with swiftness when my legs finally gave out.
That was exactly what was about to happen when he spoke and stopped the process with three little words, “Good evening m’ lady.”
I stood frozen, unable to make sense of his statement. My panic was immediately transmuted to curiosity. After an even longer interval of silence, during which I managed to regain control of my facilities, he spoke again.
“I fretted you were lost to us forever. ‘Tis splendid you found your way back,” he continued.
If there was ever a time when I could admit to being stuck on stupid, this was it. I had absolutely no idea what he talked about and no idea how to respond. So, I just stood there like an idiot and stared at this shadowy figure that obviously had me confused with someone else. I forced myself to relax enough to find my tongue.
“Might I know with whom I speak?” I asked stiffly, while I searched my mind for an idea of how to correctly handle this situation.
This mistake in identity could actually work in my favor.
“Of course,” he said as he stepped slowly into the light.
My heart caught in my throat as I stared at the man who could have easily been Duncan’s older brother. With the exception of a stronger jaw line, graying temples that blended in with his light hair, and lines that spoke of his years on earth, they had amazingly similar features. His height was very close to Duncan’s. If I stood them back to back, I think I’d be hard pressed to measure a half inch difference in Duncan’s favor. Their body type was so similar they could have easily exchanged clothing. What caught my breath in my throat were the eyes. They were the same, piercing sea foam blue eyes that captured my heart and changed my life.
I suddenly felt very dizzy.
“Are you unwell?” he asked as he rushed forward to steady me.
I felt a twinge that could only be compared to a light electrical shock run up my arm as he held my elbow to steady me. It created an odd mixture of unsettling comfort.
He felt familiar; comfortable.
Yet, being near him also felt scary, and possibly a little dangerous.
Confusion mingled with frustration and fear as I pierced through to the recesses of my mind to somehow pull up the reason why I’d have this mixture of emotions and feelings when I’d only just met this man. He obviously felt he knew me and I was apparently held in high regard. This leverage could be used to get me close enough to Duncan to pull off what I’d come to do.
It was imperative that I said and did the right thing. This was not an opportunity to waste. I might not get another.
I grabbed my head and allowed my legs to go limp.
“Come, my dear,” he said with genuine concern as he guided me to a nearby silver and aubergine dauphine chair.
I allowed him to lead me as I scrambled for a plan.
“Your time travels have clearly taken more out of you than anticipated,” he said softly.
Okay. I wasn’t expecting that. My body froze for a second before I collected my wits and went along with it. Apparently the plan was working itself out without my brain getting involved.
“I believe so,” I replied weakly.
“I hate that you returned as this,” he said as he swept his arms over my person. “I regret my duties prevented me from receiving you sooner. There was jargogle of times and places. Please forgive me.”
“Fret not,” I replied with a weakness that wasn’t completely false. The sudden change of events had literally knocked me off balance. “I require but a bit of rest.”
“Of course. Let us get you home where you belong. I have no doubt you long to burn those rags and soak in a soothing lavender bath. I shall send ahead to inform Elizabeth to be prepared,” he said as he walked toward the door.
I listened while he gave his valet, Jonathan, instructions on preparations for our leaving and did my best to release the tension that threatened to become a permanent condition in my muscles. I wondered how long it would take before I was actually in that lavender bath. I could already feel the water swirling around my tired bones and aching muscles.
When he returned, I grabbed both his hands in mine.
Startled, he gasped and knelt before me.
“What is it?” he asked gently.
“I beg your assistance with a difficulty that has arisen,” I said softly. I allowed my eyes to brave his mesmerizing orbs. I felt that the sincerity of contact was needed in order to pull off my ruse, “I have lost much of my recollection. ‘Tis coming to me in bits and pieces, but I fear I shant know all I should know and people shall question me.”
He chuckled.
“Our house will ne’r think a thing of it,” he assured me. They are well aware of your mission and, although they might be surprised of such a side effect after several successful trips already completed without such a side effect, they shall remain loyally silent.” He massaged his chin while he thought, “It might not do to have you enter society until you have regained your memory. The house guests and staff are one thing… society…. hmm, ‘twould be best to take precautions. I hope you agree.”
Wow, that was way too easy. I had no idea who this lady he mistook me for was, but I wanted to thank her profusely for the opening she gave me into Duncan’s home and life. With any luck, I’d be heading back to the future with my mortal honey by my side within the week. Things were looking up.
The inn was surprisingly close to Duncan’s family estate. I soon found myself immersed in a deep copper tub filled with soothing lavender scented water, while the heat of the fireplace sent warm waves over my exposed flesh.I was in heaven.I’d learned from various covert conversations that the woman they mistook me for was Margaret-Jane Bush. I found this interesting since my given name was also Margaret–Jane and I’d shortened it to Jane. She’d shortened hers to Margaret.It was remarkable enough that we shared a name, but the fact that we looked the same topped the scales of uncanny.I found a small portrait of Lady Margaret and was amazed by the resemblance. It could have easily been me who’d sat for the artist. Not only did we look alike, but I soon discovered we wore the same size when Elizabeth helped me dress for dinner. I marveled over the fit of the yellow dress with orange underla
Having been a sufferer of acute claustrophobia for as long as I can remember, I find the black of night frighteningly confining. Since there were no night lights to ease my discomfort and it was far too dangerous -not to mention wasteful- to keep a candle going while sleeping, I had to force myself to acclimate to the darkness. I managed, but I certainly couldn’t claim to be comfortable in it. That was when I missed Duncan the most. He always made me feel so safe.The following morning didn’t bring me much comfort, other than the light of day.Duncan. My heart sank at the thought of him. I needed to know how he truly felt about me, but how? He was in the twenty-first century going through his day without any inkling that I’d ignored his wishes and traveled back in time.To the wrong time!Worst yet, I’d done it without the aid of Isabelle. Now that I’d learned more about the fin
I remembered all too well how tiring the transfer through time was. I’d also needed time to adjust. I led her to my bed and helped her get comfortable. Elizabeth hadn’t been notified of my return and she wouldn’t be looking for me until it was time to dress for dinner. This gave Isabelle a few hours of rest before we had to worry about her presence in my room.I moved around the room as quietly as I could so as not to disturb her. Even though I’d been the recipient of Isabelle’s surprise visit, I was still anxious to learn as much as I could about Margaret. After fingering through her meager belongings, I sat in one of the armless baroque chairs placed against the wall opposite the room’s entry. I took a moment to admire the remarkable comfort of the seating while stroking the thick floor to ceiling tapestry that hung on the wall. Its intricate wooded scene was breathtaking. I couldn’t r
My water was cold by the time we realized we’d better get me dressed and down to dinner before someone came looking for me. I shivered through my bath like a trooper and dressed as quickly as possible. It was of the utmost importance to keep Isabelle’s presence a secret. Elizabeth proved a valuable ally in this cause. Her admiration and reverence for Rosalie spilled onto Isabelle. There was nothing the lady’s maid wouldn’t do to guarantee my friend’s safety. Although grateful, I couldn’t help being a little jealous. I got the impression that if it came to a choice between saving Isabelle or me, I’d lose.With Isabelle tucked safely away under the watchful eye of Elizabeth, I went about my daily routine as Lady Margaret while I furthered my discoveries of the type of person she was. I learned that she’d been born into a magical family. When I learned her parents were kin to the faeries, b
I don’t know how long I was in that cart or to where we traveled because we either went over an enormous rut and I hit my head and passed out, or someone hit my head for me. Whatever the means, I was unconscious for a while. When I awoke the sac was off my head, my arms were free, and I was in a large cage at the edge of the woods with six other battle worn females. After a series of cautious questions, I learned that we were all convicted of witchcraft and were to be hanged at dawn.I experienced a whirlwind of emotions.I feared for my life.I feared for Isabelle’s life.I longed to have Duncan come rescue me.I missed Duncan.I hated Duncan.I regretted meeting Duncan.I regretted falling in love with Duncan.I still loved Duncan, even though he was a shit who hooked up with me because Margaret was no longer available.I regretted trying to save him.
I found it humorous and fitting that I spent my evening in my room dining on oxtail soup; although it was far tastier and more robust than anything the cook at the inn provided. We always got the broth that was left over after she’d ladled the thick chunks of meat and vegetables to the paying guest. The occasional chunk of meat and vegetable were far and few between. The bread the estate’s bakery produced was light and crusty and the sweet butter couldn’t be compared with. It struck me for the first time that I’d been eating organic the entire time I was there. Even my watered down oxtail soup and crusty stale bread at the inn had been free of preservatives. Between the clean food, fresh air, and enforced exercise, I had to admit I felt better. I wondered if the benefits of this lifestyle on my body would teleport with me into the future or if I’d return to the Jane I was prior to my little adventure.I’d decided to
I’d been awake for hours before Elizabeth entered my room with hot chocolate and warm sweet buns. I had to admit that there were some things about my time there that I’d miss. Their hot chocolate was chocolate mixed with water instead of milk. It had a bitter base and was sweetened with an oversized dollop of whipped sweet cream and their warm sweet buns would rival any bakery in Manhattan.I felt good. This was the day I was going home. Bye-bye eighteenth century, hello twenty-first century. I felt excited, yet relaxed. Since I was never one to eat in bed, after a long cat-like stretch, I climbed out of bed and padded over to the small table Elizabeth set my breakfast tray on.“Today is the day I return,” I managed between alternating mouthfuls of sweet bun and hot chocolate.“Yes, m’ lady,” she replied hesitantly.I questioned Elizabeth about her hesitancy and, once again, she
The sun was setting.Elizabeth and I sat huddled together in one of the oh-so-familiar cages they placed their witch trial victims in to await hanging. It was dark when Vivian captured me the first time and tossed me into the confines of death. I’d had little opportunity to really inspect the cell’s composition and structure.This one appeared pretty much like the other. The bars were made of iron and spaced eight to ten inches apart. It was fortunate that none of the captive’s height exceeded six feet or they wouldn’t have been able to stand upright. The cage was slightly more crowded than my previous prison, making it difficult to tolerate the stench of dirt and sweat that was inevitable on such poor mistreated creatures as we.The one difference I noted in the construction of the iron cell block was a major one and probably sealed our fate. Elizabeth managed to rescue me by slicing through the leather hinges on