Now and Forevermore (9 page)

With a shrug Edith turned to Charles “We aren’t going anywhere just lounging about.”

Summer laughed suddenly carefree. “It seems that it is the only thing you know how to do. Anyway, I do wish you both the best. With your mother and my father you’ll certainly need every ounce of it.”

Charles coughed as a flush stole over his face, and Edith glared at her response. “But Summer, you aren’t leaving us right?”

Stunned at the turn of the conversation Summer stepped back and looked at them closely. They actually seemed worried that she would leave. “Do you mean to tell me that you want me to stay?”

Edith tried to brush off her words with a dismissive drawl “Go or stay. That’s your business.”

Summer crossed her arms and watched her cousins shift around with a hint of embarrassment. Would wonders never cease? “All right, I will go. So long.”

With a firm tug, she swung the backpack on her shoulders and walked towards the gate. Edith and Charles kept up the pace, biting their lips with anxious care. “But Summer, where are you going? What’s your plan? You’ve always been here. Who’s going to clean like you, and mop the floors? What about the silverware? Charles pants? You know no one irons his creases like you do. Stop Summer. Why are you doing this? Don’t you care about us?”

Summer stopped midstride and swung around. With precise tones she replied in the driest voice she could muster “I care about you as much as you have cared about me. Goodbye.”

With a happy spring to her step she walked away and did not look back.

~~~~~~0~~~~~~~

The nurse’s words spilled over in excitement when Summer arrived at the hospital. “Oh ma’am he woke up and asked for you. He’s been doing that for hours. I think he’s scared that you weren’t coming back. And he’s so handsome now. Tell me, where did you get that one and does he have a brother with him? Please tell me, my mama is driving me up the wall, can’t get away from her and I need a man. You know any good men? You seem like a good girl and I…”

Summer held up her hand with a grimace “I can’t help you with that. Just take me to him please.”

With an apologetic smile, the nurse she pulled Summer behind her “Sorry ma’am, you know my mouth runs away with me sometimes. The doctor’s always says I talk too much, but he don’t know nothing, you know what I mean? See here he is and look, his eyes are all shiny because you are here.”

Malcolm’s eyes were the only bright feature in his pale, drawn face.  Summer sat down on the bed beside him, and her heart ached to see how frail he had become. It amazed her how much he had aged in just a day. With her fingers intertwined in his own, she tried to reassure him “I am going to fix this Malcolm. Mr. Neely thinks that I can go back to your world and somehow repair the damage to the mirror, even though it’s broken. I don’t know how that is possible, but I have to try.”

His voice broke as he struggle to speak “But you know… nothing about my… world Summer ..how will…how will you…”

Summer put her hands on his lips to stem his halting speech “Don’t worry about that right now. I have one night to read up on as much regency life as I can. There is only one thing I want to know. Where do you think I will end up?”

“I was…library at Sedgwick’s, perhaps you will…you will appear there. I do not…but find Peter Langford at Wessex Hall. You must get…you cannot do…Peter will help. Get him.” When he lay back with a sigh his energy fully spent, Summer stroked his brow.

“It’s all right, I remember what you told me about Peter and I remember some of your stories too. I will convince him don’t worry about that. Now rest, the nurse will take care of you while I am gone. Don’t tire yourself out please.”

“Yes, I will stay… here. Come back, come back… to me Summer. Don’t…” with a deep breath he rushed out “Don’t stay there and leave me just when I’ve found you.”

With a lump in her throat she tried to put his mind at ease “It will be all right. I’m leaving at first light. Sleep now. I’ll be right here next to you.”

With a nod, he closed his eyes and fell into a fitful slumber.

Summer sighed in relief and released her fingers from Malcolm’s grip. Then she went in search for the doctor, as her mind spun scenarios of all the things that could go wrong. But no, she couldn’t think like that. She had to think positive and positive said that the man she loved would be fine. Nothing else would be acceptable to her.

~~~~~~0~~~~~~

Mr. Neely appeared ready but Summer couldn’t string two words together. Fear had her in its grip and she hoped to keep it intact, long enough to do whatever it takes. She only wished the weak sensation in her legs would go away.

Mr. Neely pushed her along and pointed to the gilded mirror in the corner “There it is Summer, I even cleaned it for you and I wish you a speedy journey. Now I’m off to go to the stores to buy something. You just do whatever you need to do.”

Summer gasped in dismay “You’re leaving me alone? Please don’t. I’m scared enough as it is.”

He ignored her fears as he threw his jacket over his shoulder “Nonsense child. You’ll be fine. See you when you get back.” And with that left a frightened Summer behind.

Taking a deep breath, she walked over to the reflective surface and saw a pale face with trembling lips stare back at her. Her frightened mouse like appearance did not inspire comfort, but hopefully she would get a bit more courage on the way. At least she looked the part. She found a servant’s costume very similar to the Regency period and it fit well. As a spur of the moment style, it would have to do. The shoes were quite impossible to find, but she settled for ballerina slippers and hoped that no one would look at her feet.
Now pretty mirror do your trick or whatever you call it.

When nothing happened for a few minutes, she sagged in despair. Why did she imagine it could work?

A faint glimmer in the background checked her disbelief and left her enthralled. Small at first then with greater intensity, it illuminated the entire surface until ripples of light chased across the surface. Summer fought the desire to run away and stepped closer. With slow movements she placed her hand upon the surface of the mirror and found it cold to the touch. With a shiver that reached all the way to her toes, she bit her lip and took the plunge. The indescribable sensation shook her being until darkness enveloped her in a blanket of emptiness.

Wessex Hall

Peter Langford’s residence

1820

Peter raised his wine glass and threw it against the wall with all force he could muster. The tinkling sound of shards falling to the floor did not register nor did the anxious cry of his servant.

“My lord, my lord are you well?”

“Yes Danvers, I am fine. There is nothing wrong with me.”

“Has my lord cut himself? Should I fetch the physician?”

“No, don’t do that. I repeat that there is nothing wrong with me. I just need to do something, and I would prefer to be alone. That is all.”

Danvers glanced at his master with a sympathetic gaze and excused himself “Yes my lord, I do understand. May my lord find peace.”

Peace? Peter grimaced in distaste. What peace could he find when Malcolm did not appear? So much time had gone by with countless bow street runners hired to comb the countryside, annoy the neighbors and their guests with their pestering inquiries, and still no news. They even searched the Thames just in case Malcolm had lost his senses and decided to end it all. That search proved fruitless and nothing was found.

The estate at Thornbrook would soon be in disarray. Malcolm’s servants remained fearful not knowing what would happen next. Peter did his best to reassure them that he would not leave them to the poorhouse, but in reality he could not maintain two estates. Both would fall to rack and ruin with that plan. With frustration eating at his heart, he gazed out of the high arched windows to the dark clouds beyond the horizon. The wind swirled with mournful sounds, and the leaves of the trees blew in the air as heavy drops of rain fell to the earth. Miserable weather. And yet, Peter felt just as sad as the dark outdoors.
Malcolm my friend, where are you?

~~~~~~0~~~~~~

Summer struggled to recover from the walk through the mirror and it took a few minutes for her to feel normal again. She wondered faintly if Malcolm felt that way, the first time they met. No wonder he fell over in a dead faint. Her breathing came in erratic puffs and her hands trembled as shadows danced before her eyes. She blinked against the spotted images fighting to adjust to the light in the room. It took a moment for her to focus, and she struggled against the cramps that threatened to rip her stomach in two.

Not a very nice experience when she considered the whole time travel thing, but the deed was done. At least she hoped so. She had no idea if her attempt had been successful. Suppose she had returned to the Stone Age or the land that time forgot? Any of those scenarios would be a disaster not easily fixed, so she had to figure out where she landed and soon.

With a sweeping glance, she looked around. Her eyes adjusted to the dim light with enough of a glare coming from a high window to make out the surroundings. Stone Age? Apparently not.   As far as she could tell it seemed more like a closet or attic than anything else. A broken chandelier stood off to the corner with bits and pieces strewn upon the floor, chipped oil paintings stacked up against the wall, and a trunk half opened with clothing spilled out. And the mirror, or Malcolm’s mirror as she thought of it, appeared to be the only other addition to the room. Tears sprung to her eyes when she saw the problem. The mirror had cracked on the four edges. No wonder Malcolm fell sick in her world. Wiping away the tears with the back of her hand, Summer stuck to the task. Find mirror. Check. And then find Peter who would help. In progress.

First things first. She had to get out of the closet, attic, room or whatever. The exit appeared to be a few feet away, and she turned the lock as softly as she could. It creaked under her gentle touch, but the door swung open without further sounds. Mentally rehearsing her lines in case she met someone, she tip toed into the hallway, gazing briefly at the regal paintings and stripped wallpaper along the way. The face on most of the portraits oozed pride and self confidence which told her that perhaps this was Sedgwick or his immediate family.

She continued towards the end of the hall, and when she came to the winding staircase that led to the lower level she whistled softly. Her amazement at the intricate décor remained short lived when a door closed nearby and the sound of footsteps echoed on the floor.
Someone approached.
Hide now.
Slipping into the darkened shadows of the wall, Summer held her breath and watched a beautiful blonde girl pass by. Her graceful walk led her past the shadows and over to the stairs.

Barely able to contain the excitement of her first encounter, Summer kept as quiet as she could, but as usual the fates played against her. Unable to hold back a gigantic burp which released the cramps in her stomach, she let it rip before she could help herself. The blonde woman stopped on the third step and stood quietly with her hand on the railing. Then she turned and peered into the shadows where Summer tried to melt into the walls.

“Hello and who are you?”

Her soft and cultured voice held a tinge of amusement, but Summer drowned in the heat of shame.
Just great.
All the way from the 1900’s to act just like a pig. Priceless. “Do excuse me my Lady. My name is Summer and I am the new maid.”

“Perhaps if you came forward, we can find where you need to be.”

Summer hesitated and then shrugged. It’s about time she saw if the disguise worked. She might not do a good job of being a time travel detective, so she might as well be a decent maid. Heavens knew she had enough experience. With a contrite gaze she came forward, and curtsied as Malcolm had shown her.

“I do not believe we have ever met before. Where are you from?”

Far, far away. Much further than you could imagine. “I am here from the colonies visiting my family and I was hired, I mean requested by your father to work here. I only started one week ago.” Good Summer. Not bad at all. Hopefully the blonde would buy it.

“And your name is?”

“My name is Summer Mansfield”

At the blonde’s lifted eyebrow, Summer reddened and added with a rush “My lady.” With bated breath, she waited for the blonde to call her out. When the girl did no more than glance at her feet, Summer gave an inaudible sigh of relief just a moment before she cringed. She had forgotten the ballerina slippers. However odd it appeared, the blonde made no comment on the matter. She requested something else instead.

 “I will have tea in the pink room. Kindly serve it the way I like it. If you are unsure of what that means, you may ask Mrs. Jotham and she will tell you what to do. You are dismissed.”

Summer curtsied again and wondered how she would find the kitchen. The appearance of another maid gave such a welcome relief that she leaned back against the wall with the stress of the whole ordeal. Thankfully the blonde resumed her walk down the stairs and disappeared behind a white door, trimmed in pink flowers.

Summer followed the maid and found herself in a kitchen surrounded by servants, chattering away about the affairs of the day as they cooked up a storm. When they saw the strange face, they came to a standstill with their eyes full of fear. With a friendly smile she tried to put them at ease “It’s ok ladies, I’m not here to hurt you. Just need a little direction, that’s all. Now I know that maids knew everything that goes on in their master’s home and I need some information. Do anyone of you know a Peter Langford? Lord Peter Langford to be precise? Wessex Hall?”

When they did not respond, Summer repeated herself as slowly as she could, taking care to keep her tone even and soft. One of the maids, a pretty brunette came forward with a puzzled look “Why do you search for him?”

Because my love is dying in the 1900’s and I need Peter to help me bring him back. “I need to give him an important message from the Marquis of Thornbrook.” The words had the desired effect. If the staff looked afraid before, now they were horrified. The swell of wailing that began grew until it resembled a crescendo. A few of them fainted and the men wiped their brows muttering inane words about speaking of the dead, those who roam the moors and all sorts of nonsense.

Summer rolled her eyes and waited patiently for the drama to finish. It didn’t take long. “Look guys, I can’t be here all day and I need to find Peter, I mean Lord Langford. Tell you what. If you help me to find him, I promise you that I shall find Mal, I mean the Marquis and return him to you safe and sound.”

Doubtful of her true intentions, two maids rushed Summer outdoors and over the stables. They pushed her inside and called the stable boy to come out and help them. A freckled face, lanky youth appeared and gazed at Summer as though she had two heads. Obviously the disguise did not work as well as she previously thought.  The boy spoke to the maid with the large girth and round face. “What are ya’ doing now Bessie? Who is this person with ya’?”

Bessie had no time for nonsensical questions “Listen to me Tom Farraday. I want you to take this woman and leave her at Wessex Hall. You remember Lord Langford’s place near the river, right?” At Peter’s curious nod, Bessie continued “Please do not stop for anything or anyone. Just take her there, leave her and return right away. You know his lordship will turn you out on your ear if he he finds you gone. Go now and return quickly I tell you.”

~~~~~~0~~~~~~

The carriage ride to Wessex Hall turned into an experience of equestrian beauty, as the horses ate up the ground in quick strides eager to arrive at their destination.  The well traveled road followed green shrubs and tall trees which gave way to the open moors. Flowers dotted the landscape under blue skies and big white clouds rolled by in lazy abandon.

Summer’s bit the edges of her nails and tucked her hair repeatedly behind her nape, with an anxious glance from time to time at the driver. The servant cap on her hair twisted to the side, but she only had one thought in mind:
Peter had to help.
There would be no other way to pull this off alone.

When they arrived at Wessex Hall, Summer saw a sprawling estate, flanked with tall trees and adorned with sculpted gardens and elegant walkways. With a  hearty thanks to Tom Farraday for his help, she walked up to the front door. Beads of sweat peppered her brow despite the chill in the air, but she clamped down on the sudden rush of nerves. With a firm hold, she raised the iron gong and let it fall against the hardened surface. A moment later the massive door opened and a somber butler appeared. His long face took in her appearance and he sniffed audibly, planting his nose somewhere above her head. “Can I help you miss?”

Summer’s legs weakened under his disapproving glare, but she held her ground. “I am here to see Peter, I mean Lord Langford please.”

The butler pointed to the side of the house “The servant’s entrance is around the back not the front.” When he moved to close the door,  Summer stuck her foot inside and pushed her way in. He stepped back in horror with a sputtered gasp and placed his hand on his forehead.

Summer grimaced in distaste. This era breathed too much drama. “Look, I know you are having a…wait a minute I know the word… apoplectic fit or something like that, but I don’t have time for this now. I want to you see your lordship and I want to see him know.”

When he didn’t respond except to fan himself with frantic haste, Summer crossed her arms.
Two can play at this game
. “Fine, if you don’t get him, I am going to strip right here, right now.”

His frown indicated her words were not getting through, so she took of her servants cap first and let it fall to the floor. Next she put her fingers through her hair and let her curls cascade around her shoulders. Next she undid the top bow that held the front of her dress together and loosen the ties. When she attempted to pull up the lower half of the skirt so she could pull the entire dress over the top of her head, the butler bellowed for Peter and vanished down the hallway.
Finally some action.