Timeless Moments

by Michelle Kidd

  “Was she a brunette with her hair drawn back? And glasses with frames that looked like cat eyes—A black chain dangled from them.” I spoke for the first time. They both seemed to have forgotten I was sitting there.

  “Well, now, aren’t you the observant one. As a matter of fact, she did. She was so plain she reminded me of a brown toad. She would have had to pass right by here.”

  “I guess she did. But I missed which direction she went. I don’t suppose it would do any good to identify her anyway—not if a stranger handed her the message,” I noted.

  “We could ask her to describe the person who gave her the note,” Boomer said. “Someone in this city recognized you! It’s the first clue we’ve had in finding out your identity.”

  “Identity!” Betty’s eyes grew round as saucers and her mouth formed a perfect O.

  I resented the probing stare and didn’t try to hide my irritation. “I’d like you to take me home now.”

  “Don’t she know who she is?” She hunched closer to Boomer and whispered as if suddenly my IQ level had dropped.

  “No, she doesn’t. She also hasn’t lost the capability to hear or answer for herself. Can we go, please,” I repeated. All the joy had gone out of the afternoon.

  “Oh, honeybun, I’m so-o-o sorry. Don’t pay any attention to old Betty. I never met anyone that had lost their memory. Imagine, a pretty little thing like you. Won’t you sit down? I’ll fix ya’ll up with my best apple pie . . . anything you like—it’s on the house.”

  “Thank you, but I’m a little shaken up. It’s been a long afternoon.”

  Betty’s face crumpled as if she might burst into tears. “Now I’ve gone an’ opened my big mouth and upset you. Honest, I didn’t mean a thing by it.” She turned to Boomer with an imploring expression. “I don’t know when to keep my mouth shut sometimes. If you two will sit down and let me try to make amends, I promise I’ll contact you if I see that lady again. Just give me your number. I’ll call you if I hear something.”

  Betty wrapped up several generous hunks of pie for us to take, but I didn’t have the heart to eat. My mind was too full. Someone had recognized me. So why didn’t they come forward? What was with the cloak and dagger? Was the person afraid I’d recognize them? I know who you are.

  The Lizzie-bug ate up the miles between the café and Greyson Manor in silence. We both were absorbed in our particular thoughts. I stared out the window at the passing landscape, wishing for the hundredth time I’d paid more attention to the direction the woman had taken when she left. Boomer was right, if we found her, we could at least get the description of the person who handed her the note. Now we might never find out. I could only pray that if someone recognized me, they would try to make contact again. For better or worse, I wanted to know about my past. Before we arrived, the sun broke free of the clouds, shining down in all its glory.

  “Hey, let’s go for a walk,” he said, pulling in front of the house and throwing the van in park. “I have something I want to show you.”

  “I don’t think—”

  “Now, don’t give me the mopey face.” He stretched out his hand. “Come on, it will take your mind off things. Guaranteed.”

  The corners of my mouth turned upward, despite my best efforts to cling to my sulky mood. He grabbed a blanket from the back and the pies Betty had forced on us, and steered me along a path I’d never noticed.

  Before us a narrow, sun-splotched trail looped like a lazy green snake. With deliberate slowness, we picked our way along the path of leaves and vines that led to a small pond not far from the house. Birch. Oak. Paradise Trees. Their names sprang to my mind—how odd I recognized trivial foliage, but couldn’t remember a single noteworthy aspect of my life.

  Without realizing it, I guess I was happy for an excuse not to see Nurse Albrecht. I didn’t realize how much I disliked being under her watchful eye. The woman detested the sight of me. My mere presence set her off.

  The woods shimmered with movement. Each dainty leaf and bush exploded with light. We’d come to the end of the forest, leisurely, tree by tree; and in a few minutes we were out in the open. The view was amazing. The clouds broke to reveal a cerulean sky that reflected with perfection above the serenity of the lake.

  Everything was sopping from the recent rains. I had long ago removed my shoes and carried them in my hand. “Next time you plan on taking me through a swamp, let me know; I’ll dress accordingly.” I feigned annoyance.

  “Sorry, I guess I wasn’t thinking. There’s a rock over here that shouldn’t be too wet,” he answered by way of apology.

  “I’m teasing. It’s beautiful here. You’re right, I feel better already. You come here often?”

  “Not as much anymore. I practically lived here when I moved in with my grandfather.”

  “That must have been hard to lose both your parents. I can’t imagine.”

  He nodded, his eyes clouding in a way that made me think he didn’t wish to talk about it. Instead, he took me by the hand and helped me over a log. “Over here.”

  I let the wind fill the silence between us as we trampled through the wet grass. The rock was almost dry. Large and flat, it made a perfect shelf to dangle our feet in the water. He spread the blanket out, and we sat down looking across the lake.

  I loved how he could smooth out every situation through laughter. He could tease me out of the worst moods. I wanted to do the same for him. “I noticed your grandfather calls you Aiden, so I’m guessing Boomer’s a nickname? I’ve been meaning to ask you about it, but I guess I’ve been a little preoccupied.”

  Was that a twinkle in his eye?

  “So you noticed that, did you? Yes, he refuses to call me anything else,” he admitted with a chuckle.

  Oh, how I’d learn to love the sound.

  “Okay, so here’s the story . . . In my freshman year, I had a slight mishap in the lab.” He snatched up a blade of grass, and caught it between his teeth. “I’m not proud of it, but I blew up the entire science lab. It’s a wonder no one was killed. You know how guys can be . . . every time someone would see me afterward, they would make a loud ‘BOOM’ noise . . . Eventually, the name stuck.”

  I covered my mouth so he wouldn’t catch my smile. “Hmm, I have to agree with your grandfather. I like it better. It suits you. Aiden,” I said testing the sound of it.

  He cocked his dark brow and gave me that lopsided grin. “I have to say I like the way it sounds when you say it.”

  “So you don’t mind if I call you that?”

  “No, I rather enjoy the sound. Grandfather . . . he . . . well, if Grandfather were here, he’d tell you I almost got kicked out of school because of my little stunt. He had to pay to have the whole lab replaced, and a generous donation to boot. He’s never let me live it down. It’s a sore spot with him, and he refuses to call me anything else.”

  “It must be great to have family to rely on.” A twinge of envy shot through me. I felt alone and vulnerable, once again wondering why, if someone recognized me, they would send a note. Was I so horrible?

  “Janie, my grandfather and I haven’t always seen eye to eye . . . it’s complicated. He’s a tough old bird. I love him, of course, but he isn’t the most understanding person. He’s been generous, but he’s a hard man to comprehend.”

  “He’s been so kind, and sometimes I can’t help wondering if I’d even been here if you hadn’t found me that day.”

  “Nothing happens by chance. You’re a gift, Janie. God saved you for a purpose.”

  I thought of the baby that grew inside me, and placed a timid hand on the rising bulge. “Is it weird I have trouble believing that I’m going to be a mother?” A slight flutter, resembling the beating of a butterfly’s wings caused me to jump. “Oh!” I sat up straighter, thrilled and astonished.

  “Janie? What is it?”

  “Here.” I grabbed his hand, placing it on my belly. This time another shudder, harder than the first.

  He looked at me, his eyes growing
wide. “Is it . . . that’s the baby!”

  I nodded, tears clouding my vision—my own happiness mirrored in Aiden’s expression. He moved closer, lips inches from mine. The way his eyes darkened with emotion made my mouth go dry. My lashes closed with anticipation, feeling his breath on my face, inhaling the scent of him like sunshine and soap. His lips softly brushed against my cheek, and I clung to him.

  “So beautiful,” he murmured against my neck. He sighed, a quivering sound of defeat. “Why must you be so tempting?”

  I opened my eyes and stared up into his face. Oh, how I loved him. Minutes stretched out. If only I could stay in his arms forever, but he pulled back, leaving an emptiness, as if the sun had slipped behind the cloud. An involuntary shiver skipped up my spine.

  “You cold?” He was out of his jacket before I uttered a sound, wrapping it around my shoulders. It was warm from his body and smelt of aftershave. I’d have to settle for this shallow substitute.

  “How about some pie?”

  “Pie?” The randomness of the question made me giggle.

  “Yeah, you know, a little lard, flour, sugar, and apples. I’ve got a piece right here.” He produced the somewhat smashed dessert we’d brought with us.

  “We don’t have forks.” Once again, I laughed and loved him for it.

  He unwrapped the pastry, still holding it by the clear wrapper and offered it to me. “We don’t need them. Here.”

  Like a baby bird, I opened my mouth and took a bite. Warm from the sun, I don’t think I ever tasted anything so good.

  *****

  We were late returning to the house, and both Dr. Greyson and Nurse Albrecht were waiting when we entered the dining room. We had changed out of our muddy damp clothes, but my cheeks still stung from the blustery April wind.

  “Forgive us, Grandfather.” He held out my chair for me, waited until I took my seat, and then took his own chair before continuing. “We were out this afternoon, and I showed Janie the lake.”

  Dr. Greyson eyed his grandson. I thought I detected a flash of anger, but if I did he quickly covered it. “We were beginning to worry. Having her out in this damp weather couldn’t be good for either her or the baby.” This time I definitely heard reproach in his voice.

  “Janie is stronger than you think. I’m sure it didn’t harm her to get out of the house and into the fresh air.”

  “Oh? Since when did you become an expert in the field of medicine? Do you remember the condition you found her in a month ago?”

  I watched several expressions pass across Aiden’s face before he resigned himself to keeping the peace with his grandfather. He looked down at his empty plate. “You’re right, Grandfather—as usual. But I thought it might relax her. Something happened this afternoon that rattled her.”

  Dr. Greyson set his fork on his plate with deliberate precision and leaned in.

  Aiden unfolded his napkin, placing it in his lap before continuing. “She received an anonymous note from someone claiming to recognize her. The odd thing, the person clearly didn’t want to be seen. I’m not sure what to make of it.” He helped himself to a bowl of mashed potatoes and passed them to me.

  “What did the message say?”

  “‘I know who you are. I’m watching you.’”

  “Sounds like a threat.”

  “We’re trying to find the woman that delivered it to see if she can give us a description of the person who gave it to her.”

  “Be sure to give it to Henry. Perhaps he can nose around and find out something. I don’t like it. Finding someone who knows you, my dear, should be a joyous thing. It concerns me they’ve chosen to remain unknown. You shouldn’t venture out alone until we find out who this person is.”

  “I agree,” Aiden said.

  “If you ask me, you’re making a big deal out of nothing.” Nurse Albrecht had not spoken since I entered, but now glared at me over her plate. “After all, there has been no specific threat.”

  “You don’t call ‘I’m watching you a threat’? I take this to be quite serious. I’ve extended my protection to this dear girl, and I mean to see she remains safe.”

  “Then I should think you’d take better care of the company she keeps.” She let her knife clang onto the china, and pushed her chair back. “If you’ll excuse me.”

  “Don’t be crass, Hilda. Jane, you must excuse her, she has been with the family for a good many years, and she can be protective. She takes a while to warm to people.”

  “You don’t have to apologize for me.” She called over her broad shoulder.

  “Have I done something to offend her?”

  “Nothing, my dear. Hilda is a peculiar one. She is quite protective over those she cares for, but wary of strangers. She’ll come around.” He reached across the table and patted my hand in a fatherly manner. His fingers were cool. A rush of warmth ran through me despite his touch. My fingertips prickled. The sounds of the room dropped away and a high-pitched ringing filled my ears.

  Dark. A damp morning. Laughing, harsh, and cruel. The taste of blood. I stood in a garden, confused and dazed. Shivers of cold radiated through my legs as my bare feet slapped against the smooth stones. The fog swirled in the courtyard, surrounding me, pressing in. My breath rolled out in a cloudy mist to blend with the haze. With heart pounding, I paused and tried to gain my bearing. He’s out there, watching. I could sense it. Which way to run? Locked in! Weak and dizzy, I swayed, an arm reached out to me . . .

  “Janie!” Aiden’s voice crashed through my thoughts.

  I blinked, trying to clear the vision. What just happened?

  “Are you okay?”

  “Are you ill?” Dr. Greyson spoke.

  I shook my head again, determined to make sense of the image.

  “Did you remember something?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “Aiden, don’t press her. The memory has to flow. The more you push, the more stress you put on her. My dear, I suggest you keep a journal. It’s a good idea to have it close and write down anything you recall . . . any sort of impression, no matter how unimportant you think it might be.”

  “A journal? You mean like a diary?”

  “Exactly. This has to be a good sign.” He patted the corner of his mouth with his napkin and placed it beside his plate. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’d better see to Hilda.”

  “Shall I ring for James, Grandfather?”

  Dr. Greyson held up a hand and shook his head. “Thank you, no. I’m quite capable of doing it myself.” He grabbed the wheels of his chair and maneuvered himself away from the table, as if to prove to his grandson he was still adept.

  I watched him, stirred by the straight posture and proud tilt of his shoulders.

  “Perhaps keeping a journal wouldn’t be a bad idea.” I would try anything at this point.

  “Great. I’ll pick you up one while I’m in town tomorrow. Anything else you need?”

  “You’re spoiling me.” I warned.

  “Well, I do have ulterior motives.” Aiden slid me a sly wink.

  Ulterior motives, oddly the phrase made me think of the note. I hugged myself to keep away the shadow of apprehension.

  Chapter 23

  Huddled in the shadows, Hunsdon trailed Addie up the back stairs that led to the tower. He liked watching her. Although he was certain he’d earned her loyalty, it never hurt to keep alert for trouble. She struggled to balance the heavy tray while digging around in her pocket. So intent on her purpose, she failed to hear him edge up behind her.

  “Here, let me help you with that.”

  She issued a sharp squawk, almost dropping her load. “Oh, Mister Wiltshire, you gave me a fright!”

  “Sorry to startle you.” He offered what he hoped was his most apologetic smile, and held out his arms to relieve her. “How’s she doing?”

  “Quite well, I’m sure.” She continued to search in the folds of her pocket for the key until she produced it.

  “Just a moment,” he said, staying he
r hand with a light touch. “Is there any improvement? I’ve trusted you to be my eyes and ears. She gets so agitated when she sees me, I’ve stayed away. I don’t wish to put more stress on her than necessary.”

  Addie shuffled in place, glanced at the carpet, and pursed her lips.

  “Please, speak your mind.”

  “It would seem she has improved, sir. But if you don’t mind me saying, she’s becoming too dependent on the elixir you’ve prescribed. I’ve an aunt who got herself hooked when she injured her back—I’ve always said, in the end, it’s what killed her. I’d hate Miss Jewel to end up that way.”

  “Quite right. Why don’t I check on her myself, and see if I concur with your assessment, doctor?” He turned on his full charm, stroking the older woman’s ego.

  “As you wish.” She attempted a clumsy curtsy and picked her way prudently down the steps.

  Hunsdon entered the room, watching Jewel pace across the rug. She whipped around, lashing out. “Addie, where have you been? You’re late—oh! Hunsdon, it’s you.” She drew in a ragged breath, her dark eyes roaming over the lunch platter . . . searching, searching . . . “Where’s Addie? She has my medicine.”

  “You mean this?” He extracted a blue-tinted flask from his breast pocket.

  Her body seemed to momentarily relax as her eyes feasted on the bottle. Her head bobbed with affirmation. “It’s past time . . . and . . . I . . . need . . . it.” She swallowed, giving an air of nonchalance, but her petite frame shook. She clenched and unclenched the folds of her dress. “May I have it?”

  “Of course, my love. Won’t you sit down and have a bite of lunch first.”

  “NO! I mean . . . no, I’d rather take it now. It’s already past time . . . I don’t . . . like . . . to wait.” The white handkerchief fluttered in her hand as she dabbed at the moisture forming on her brow.

  “Of course.” He suppressed a chuckle at her obvious agitation. She looked as if she might fly off the spot and into his arms any moment. He rested the food on the table, setting down the elixir while he searched for a cup. “Oh, dear . . . it seems Addie forgot a tumbler. Let me go fetch one. I’ll be right back.”