by L C Kincaide
“We have Emma. She was at the manor.”
“Whatever was she doing out there?” Elinor was incredulous. “And why are you in Poughkeepsie?”
“That’s the nearest hospital.”
“Oh, good heavens! Has she too been involved in an automobile accident?”
“No, mom. Nothing like that. She’s unconscious, and we want to rule out anything serious.
“Unconscious? Why is she unconscious? And John? He is in the same hospital, is he not?”
“I don’t know, and yes, he is. I will check in on him. I have to go. I’ll call you later.” He clicked off.
“Something went on in that house, I’m sure of it.” Rachel said.
“I have no doubt.”
“Is it too much to hope it’s really over this time?”
Matt met her gaze and shrugged. “We’ll find out.”
“Mr. Stuart?” A doctor wearing a white lab coat and sneakers entered the empty waiting room. Middle-aged, she wore her hair in a stylish bob and a pair of tortoiseshell frame glasses on a chain and a stethoscope vied for space on her bosom. Both Matthew and Rachel jumped to their feet.
“I’m doctor Ross. I’ve just gotten the test results of your sister’s condition.” She regarded them with kind, intelligent eyes. “The good news is, she doesn’t appear to have suffered brain injury resulting from a stroke or a concussion from an impact.” She said. “There is no sign of a tumor either and the toxicology report shows no trace of drugs, only low levels of alcohol.”
Rachel gasped.
“Lacking physical evidence, I am considering another type of trauma.”
“I don’t understand. What sort of trauma?”
“Psychological.” The gray eyes turned from one to the other. “Do you know of any traumatic event she may have suffered recently?”
Matthew and Rachel exchanged glances.
“It’s a possibility.” Was all Matthew was willing to reveal.
The doctor waited for him to elaborate.
“How long will she be out… unconscious?” Rachel asked.
“It’s difficult to say. It could be hours or days. The workings of the mind are still a mystery. We have her on a saline drip for hydration, and glucose, and are monitoring her progress closely.” She assured them. “She is young and healthy, which is very much in her favor.”
“Can we see her?” Matthew asked.
“You may. Just present yourselves at the Nursing Station.” She turned to go.
“There was another patient brought in earlier, John Ruskin. He was in a car accident.”
Dr. Ross’ brow furrowed. “Ah, yes. Are you family?”
“No.” He admitted sheepishly. “We’re family friends.”
“I see. Check with the duty nurse when you’re at the Station. I believe the family is visiting. Now, if there are no further questions.” She raised her brows.
“No. Thank you, doctor.”
She gave them a brisk nod each and strode back up the hallway.
“Matthew! Rachel!” Frances Ruskin greeted them just outside the door of John’s room. “Do you have any idea of what’s been happening?” She asked again, still searching for an explanation.
“How is John?” Matthew replied avoiding the question. “Any change?”
“Thank God, he is finally awake! He was in a coma for hours!”
“And he’s awake now?” Matthew continued.
“Yes, but he remembers nothing! He just keeps asking about Emma. Surely to God, someone must know what this is about!”
Godfrey Ruskin stepped out of the room upon hearing the commotion, stooped in posture with dark smudges under his eyes. “Now, Frances, we’ll have our answers in time. The important thing is he will be all right.”
“Yes, of course.” She allowed him to mollify her. “And how considerate of you to come back and check on him.”
“Actually, we’re here because of Emma. We brought her in not long ago. She’s unconscious and just down the hall.”
“Oh, dear God! What happened?”
“She was at the manor… something had been after her and…”
“It was that dreadful séance that started it up again and drove her to it.” Frances stated in disapproving tones.
Rachel turned away abruptly choking back a sob. Torn, Matthew glimpsed his wife hurrying down the hall.
“I’m glad John is all right. Tell him I’ll be in to see him later.” He chased after Rachel.
“That place ought to be locked up, and the key thrown away.” Frances pursed her lips and returned to the room.
Godfrey made no remark.
Rachel didn’t return to the hospital with Matthew, but opted to stay in their room, loath to face Frances Ruskin’s damning glare. Also, it had been an exhaustingly long and disquieting day, and a hot bath beckoned.
An hour later, Matthew was standing at Emma’s bedside.
“No change.” The nurse told him.
Still pale, she appeared to be asleep. If he didn’t know any better, he would have assumed just that. It was, after all, rather late.
“What happened to you?” He asked her in hushed tones. In Everdon Manor, it could have been anything. Its history of murder and supernatural events would have been enough to have him racing for the door. Emma had been on a mission, but the question remained unanswered — was she successful? And at what cost?
He watched her for a moment longer and squeezed her hand.
“Hang in there little sis. We’re here for you.”
A faint light glowed in the open doorway to John’s room, though no voices came from within. He poked his head in and found Godfrey sitting alone and looking contemplative in the shadows.
“Come in, Matthew.” He beckoned him inside.
He entered hesitantly. “I don’t want to intrude.”
“Not at all. Frances is back at the hotel, but I thought I’d stay a while longer.”
Like Emma, John too appeared to be asleep.
“Any change?”
“Hmm. No, not really. He doesn’t remember much, only keeps asking about Emma.”
“I wish I knew what went on there.”
“John was researching the family shortly before he left. He said he’d discovered something he wanted to share with her.” Godfrey glanced at his son. “He wouldn’t have rushed off like that unless it was very important.”
“I hope one of them remembers.”
They both watched him, pondering their own thoughts.
“Did he say how the accident happened?”
“Apparently, a deer ran across the road and he lost control. He must have been going fast.”
“But he’s not hurt, otherwise?”
“No, doesn’t appear to be except for the bruise on his head.” He took in his son’s unmoving form. “A close call, nonetheless.” His eyes to Matthew. “And your sister? How is she?”
“They have her on a drip and she’s still asleep.” He couldn’t bring himself to say the other word.
The older man nodded wearily and rose to his feet with difficulty. “Perhaps I will call it a night after all. There’s not much I can do for John at this point.” He shrugged into his jacket. “By the look of things, you could use some rest too.” He clapped Matthew on the back as he passed by.
Matthew didn’t disagree. “Where are you staying? We can share a ride.”
It took a while for John to get his bearings. He blinked around him taking in the gooseneck lamp that cast a faint light on beige walls. The curtains running the length of the room were closed. To his right, he noticed a carafe, and he poured himself a cup of water. He was in a hospital though he had no recollection of how he ended up here. A car accident, he was told. A vague memory of a fl
ash of white and tawny long legs bounding over a guardrail wire came back to mind. Then the car swerving followed by… he couldn’t remember. Had he blacked out? No, it wasn’t possible. He’d spent the afternoon with Emma and the evening as well. No specific memories presented themselves, but he was sure of it.
Mathew had come by at one point, but he was too tired to open his eyes, so he just listened. Emma was here, down the hall, he said, unconscious. Again, he strained to remember and could not, but an unease tightened in his chest, reinforcing the need to see her for himself. He had made a promise not to leave her. At least, he remembered that much.
The central hall was spinning around her, the tall pillars going round and round like a carousel at a country fair, the surroundings blurring into obscurity, except for John who held her hand. She closed her eyes for a moment to regain her balance in the midst of her whirling disorientation, and when she opened them again, only a dull grayness enveloped her. Her eyes could no longer see him, but he was still there with her in the soft, hushed stillness in which she floated. She had never known such peace and delighted in the weightlessness.
The duskiness of the mist changed, and with a sudden tug of her hand, she was drawn forward. The next pull came more insistent, and she sped up. The quiet too became a dull hum and grew louder to a roar. She had the impression of waiting on a platform with a train rapidly approaching, and just as quickly, the clamor died down, and silence reclaimed the night.
She was aware of lying in an unfamiliar bed. Someone’s fingers were entwined with hers, and when she opened her eyes, John’s face came into focus. Sitting on the edge, he held her hand, the other stroked her cheek.
“There you are.” He said, smiling tenderly.
She blinked at him. Why was he dressed like that? The shapeless cotton robe was not his style at all. She took in the bland walls.
“Where is this?”
“We’re in a hospital.”
“What? Why?”
“They tell me I was in a car accident.”
“We were? On the way back?” Emma tried to recall. “I don’t remember.”
“Not we. Just me.”
Her face was a study in confusion.
“According to the paramedics, I never made it to the manor.”
Emma’s grip tightened on his hand.
“Yes, you did. I know you did.” She searched his eyes.
“I was with you. I can’t say how it’s possible, but I know it deep down.”
She moved her arm and noticed the drip line attached to it. “How did I get here then?”
“Matthew and Rachel went out as soon as they heard I’d been brought in.”
She met his eyes utterly confused.
“They found you unconscious in the parlor, and you were out until now. The doctor said, I was in a coma until earlier tonight.”
“In a coma?” She tried to raise herself and fell on the pillows. “God! What happened to my arm? I feel like I’ve been beat up.”
“You’ll probably remember at some point. We both will. It’s bound to come back.”
“In some ways, I wish it wouldn’t.”
He grinned at her, agreeing.
She touched her fingers to his head and winced. “That’s a nasty lump you have there.”
He shrugged as if it was of no consequence.
“I don’t remember what happened out there, John, but I couldn’t have made it without you.”
“I wanted to be there for you. I would have gone with you had I known what you were planning. Maybe one day we’ll remember, and depending on what it is, we could even laugh about it.” He said.
Emma gave him a rueful grin. “I doubt that, but I think it is over. I have the strangest feeling we were not alone that someone else was on our side.”
“You may be right. I’m glad I was there with you, and you weren’t on your own to deal with it all.”
“Don’t let anyone hear you talk like that. They’ll think you’re crazy.” She whispered.
“Nobody has to know.” He winked. “It can be our secret.”
“I do remember you being with me.” She placed her free hand over his.
“I promised I wouldn’t leave you.”
“Just like a good Boy Scout, always keeping his promises.”
He inclined his head. “I’m a little more than that.”
“Oh?”
“I’ve also awakened Sleeping Beauty, who’s been asleep for quite a long time.”
“Hmmm.” Emma’s eyes sparkled. “There’s only one flaw in your reasoning, Prince Charming. Sleeping Beauty was awakened with a kiss.”
“It’s not too late to remedy that.” He breathed leaning toward her.
Emma smiled, and her hand reached for him and drew him closer.
AFTER THE WEEKEND
~*~
“How are the nightmares?” Rachel asked.
“Gone.”
“Thank God! I can’t imagine what you’ve been through those two days.”
“I don’t remember most of it. It’s hard to explain, like going out to eat and only remembering the taste of the food and not the meal itself.”
“Hmmm. Maybe it’s better that way. Some things are best left alone. That’s a good look for you, by the way.” Rachel indicated the silver streak in Emma’s hair.
Emma laughed. “I’m lucky all of my hair didn’t turn white!”
“It looks trendy. Are you keeping it?”
“I think so, as a memento.” Emma said, not yet decided what exactly she was memorializing with the silvered lock. Survival? An end to a tortured family history? Deep down, she suspected it was much more than that, something remarkable and very precious.
They were in Rachel’s and Matthew’s living room sipping hot chocolate by the fire. Emma had lost her appetite for alcohol for the time being, saving it for special social occasions. It was one of many changes before her. Robert, having made a speedy recovery, was looking forward to his wedding in May. The accidents and brush with death had them all re-evaluating their lives. She was genuinely happy for him, knowing her heart had finally found a home too.
“So, when are you seeing John again?”
“On the weekend.”
“And?”
Emma gave her an enigmatic smile in response.
“I see! I’m so glad!” Rachel beamed. “Come here!” She wrapped Emma in a bear hug. “I really am happy for you. He’s a great guy!”
She released Emma and found a perplexing expression on her face, but it quickly disappeared. Maybe she had imagined it.
“Yes, he is. I wish I’d realized it sooner, but the timing wasn’t right.” She looked at her sister-in-law with affection and a new happiness. She had never mentioned they were trying for a baby, and Rachel didn’t know yet what Emma had just learned, but she would let her find out on her own soon enough. Yes, their collective future was looking more promising with every passing day.
Emma couldn’t say when she first became aware of this new phenomenon. Over time, more came back to her, but they were not clear memories, rather brief glimpses into the past, and gone before she could grasp them for a closer look. If her mind could not understand, her heart did, for she sensed deep down the essence of what those unbidden and elusive visions was. Maybe they were not meant to be examined logically like the intricate bond she shared with John. Despite being miles apart physically, they were nevertheless together, joined in supporting one another when the fight for Emma’s life began. Could she have battled her way out on her own without his help? She would never know, but it had been frighteningly close. She almost didn’t return. John was her tether between this realm and theirs, his strength and the depth of his love for her, which she didn’t even suspect then, and now was all she needed.
So much had changed since that weekend. For the first time, Emma was able to look ahead, free of constraints of the past laid down by her forebears. They too were finally at peace. After a lifetime spent in darkness, Emma stepped out of the shadow of Everdon Manor and into her future.
~*~
THE END
THE EVERDON LEGACY
Book 3
~*~
Some families have skeletons in the closet. The Everdons have ghosts.
Finally free of the family curse, Emma flies to England for the anticipated Langstone wedding heralding the start of a new era for the Everdon family. Shortly after her arrival, a chance to visit the original Everdon Manor presents itself.
Unable to resist visiting the place where it all began, she sets into motion a cascade of events. Old family secrets surface as she struggles with ghostly encounters and her own conscience.
A decision made by her ancestor cast four generations of the family into a life of sacrifice and fear, and Emma doesn’t want to repeat old mistakes. She was already tested once, and she will need to gather her strength again.
~*~
THURSDAY
LONDON
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
BOSTON
THURSDAY
~*~
The little dark-haired boy drifted farther away. Soon. We’ll see you soon, Emma said/thought as she rose to consciousness. She had started dreaming of him recently as Rachel’s date drew near. The parents-to-be wanted to be surprised, so Emma never mentioned what she knew though she enjoyed having inside information. A smile tugged at her lips when she envisioned the day she would hold her nephew in her arms. It would not be long now.
