The Everdon Series- the Complete Set

by L C Kincaide

  The dream over, Emma opened her eyes to what would otherwise have been an exciting day if only her favorite people were coming too. Rachel and Matthew would have been going if they weren’t counting down the last four weeks of her pregnancy, but Rachel’s doctor had grounded her from making trans-Atlantic flights. Emma understood though she would have loved her friend’s company.

  Her hand brushed the space beside her despite knowing John wasn’t there, certainly not in her old bedroom at mum’s condo. He was in Kobe, seemingly a million miles away making him the third person she had been counting on being with her and the hardest disappointment to deal with. She had not seen this coming. Until five days ago they were making plans to sightsee in London and the countryside after the wedding, then — poof — he was off to Japan giving her a vague explanation about a situation with a proposed hotel. Upset by the sudden change in his schedule, his reaction disturbed her even more. He didn’t seem all that let down to be heading in the opposite direction. Sure, his responsibilities to the family business took precedence, she’d always known that, but his attitude was not one of great disappointment as hers had been. Now she could look forward to just her and mum spending hours cooped up in their seats and the next few days in London.

  She and John had become close during their ordeal when she was at the manor on her own and not on her own. The parlor became a makeshift campsite where he joined her later, and the two tried to figure out their next move. How it happened that he was never with her physically, she still struggled to understand, but they had been together; she had not hallucinated him being there.

  Whenever she brought up the subject of that weekend — and it was always she — John’s recollections were vague, if he had any at all. There were the moments she could not recall herself that were missing pieces of the whole picture and only impressed themselves as feelings of joy or a tight unease. Sheer terror raised its head at times, and she was glad to have no memories of what lay behind those emotions.

  Her return to the manor was to put an end to the horror that methodically attacked them one by one for its purpose, and had it not been for John’s presence, she may not have come out of there alive. Waging her battle with the poltergeist of Victoria Ruskin, he had been her lifeline. What she knew with certainty was that whatever occurred during that time had ended a century’s worth of both families living in the shadow of the Everdon Curse.

  At the end, Matthew and Rachel had found her unconscious on the settee in the parlor, and she remained in a coma for several hours after, same as John, who was down the hall from her hospital room. Waking, she remembered her hand in a warm grasp then opening her eyes to his smile.

  Their relationship continued slowly and full of promise, he visiting her in Boston, but more often, she driving to New Haven. Though they’d known each other all their lives, discovering who they were apart from the Weekends was fun and exciting.

  As John promised, they had headed out one day on his daysailer, Reverie, a smart-looking boat in navy blue trim and bright white sails. Sailing being his favorite pastime, Emma grasped the opportunity to share in the things he enjoyed and had looked forward to spending the afternoon of her first adventure at sea under deep blue skies gliding on a glittering ocean. On that unseasonably warm November day, a gentle breeze had pushed them along as he guided the boat, but when they entered Long Island Sound, a brisk wind came up buffeting the waves and sent the sails snapping. How adorable he looked at the helm with his butterscotch hair whipping around his head as she puked over the rail. That excursion confirmed she was a landlubber.

  After that unfortunate day, they saw each other on weekends, at least most weekends since his responsibilities kept him busy with meetings and frequent traveling. To accommodate his schedule, they resorted to the Internet for Skype dates and texted and phoned each other the rest of the time. For a while, Emma was satisfied with that though she wanted more and missed being with him. Despite making most of the situation, it concerned her it seemed enough for him. It could be she was overreacting. If she had important things to do too, she’d be viewing their relationship differently.

  Spending New Year’s Eve and the following day together encouraged her, and she made tentative plans for their next visit. Then they didn’t see each other for three weeks. A conversation from just over a year ago came to mind when she had brought up the subject of the distance between them and his busy work schedule — he had promised her he’d make time. It must have slipped his mind since then. Though she tried not to blame him, it hurt all the same. For whatever reason, they were growing apart and there seemed nothing for her to do to change it.

  She fumbled for her cellphone and squinted at the glaring display. Seven AM, which meant he was likely still at dinner and his phone turned off and not only on mute. The Japanese were sticklers for politeness and formality, he had told her, which ensured she’d never survive in Japan socially. She may as well wait and text him from the airport while waiting to board the plane.

  How had it come to this? She wondered in the back of her mind how big a role the senior Ruskins had played in his sudden trip overseas to keep them apart. Their paths had never crossed when she had visited him in New Haven so she had no way of knowing for certain, but she sensed they blamed her for his car wreck and coma, not to mention their hot-air balloon incident and Carrie’s botched piano recital. How did they even find about their relationship? Had John forgotten himself and said something or was it a suspicious mother’s intuition? Whatever it was, they didn’t approve. Emma had never been close to his parents having only seen each other on the Weekends, and even then their time together hadn’t amounted to much spending only mealtimes and scheduled events in each other’s company. The parents and children had followed their own pursuits giving them a bit of freedom and normality during the otherwise bizarre occasion. It seemed what happened with her and John seven months ago had widened the rift.

  Nor did it help to know John’s parents held Rachel and her equally responsible for having stirred up the mess that caused Robert’s accident and Grace’s mishap following the séance with Medium Mabel. If everyone knew it was a Ruskin who had been at fault, their opinion would have changed. Unfortunately, there seemed nothing Emma could say that would improve the situation, so she left it alone. To blame a ghost would only make her look crazy. For the time being, she would have to accept that no one was willing to forget those events, and apparently, some would not forgive either

  Despite what everyone else thought about her was nothing compared to the heartache of losing the precious connection she and John had shared. They had formed an extraordinary bond during those hours spent in the manor though neither of them immediately recalled what had transpired before they awakened in the hospital. The way her chest tightened when she tried to remember suggested it was overwhelming. She had very likely died at some point, or had somehow crossed over for a peek beyond the veil, for it changed her from when she first crossed the threshold. A lock of her hair at her brow had turned white, and she suddenly had knowledge of things like Rachel being pregnant before even the very-soon-to-be mom became aware of it. And more recently, the dreams of the baby boy.

  Faint light pressed around the edges of the window behind the blind and all was quiet beyond her door which meant mum wasn’t up yet. She wondered what sort of reception she’d receive from the Langstones hoping the distraction of the wedding would work in her favor, the horrors of the past temporarily forgotten.

  Her bag waited in the shadows; all her clothes hanging in the closet waiting to be packed starting with the fuchsia silk chiffon dress and matching leather jacket. Elinor had assured her that properly wrapping items of clothing between layers of tissue paper to prevent wrinkling made a world of difference in that regard, and she was probably right. Emma both anticipated and dreaded her mother’s reaction to her choice of outfit, trying to gauge the extent of her shock and dismay when it made
its debut. Elinor was still under the impression her daughter had ordered the ankle-length violet gown she herself had suggested and purchased for herself. In thirty or forty years from now she may wear such a style. While Emma didn’t consider herself a stunning beauty, she had great legs, and they deserved admiration for as long as they could get it. Again, her chest tightened remembering John would not be there to see her in her outfit.

  She groaned and threw back the covers realizing her thoughts had carried her beyond the point of returning to sleep, and she may as well get up and have breakfast. It was going to be a long day with mum. Elinor was a stickler for details and would spend the next many hours in nervous preparations making sure everything was just so, which is why it was crucial that she pack her clothes first.

  ~*~

  Emma texted a quick message to John from the first class lounge letting him know she was at the airport and was thrilled to see his immediate response. The thirteen hour time difference made it dicey to have a decent conversation; one of them was asleep or half-asleep. She’d call him from the hotel. Next, she called Rachel.

  “On your way?” She asked.

  “Almost. We still have an hour to wait before boarding, but it’s pretty nice in here.” She described the modern space in earth tones and chrome with an expansive view of the tarmac and the Boston skyline glowing in the setting sun. “How are you doing?”

  “Great. The little one had a busy day working out. I had no idea my skin could stretch this much. Otherwise, we’re doing okay.”

  “As long as you don’t do anything until I get back.”

  “Don’t tell me!” Rachel laughed. “I gave up rights to my body months ago, not that I’m complaining, though the use of my bladder as a trampoline is wearing thin.”

  “Just think, in a month you’ll be a mom.”

  “Yeah. And you’ll be an auntie.” Rachel said dreamily. “I can’t wait.”

  “You’re going to be great.”

  They’ve had similar conversations over the past months, though Rachel’s side changed as her pregnancy progressed. Emma never got tired of hearing about it.

  “Thanks. So, how’s John? Have you talked to him?”

  “I texted him before I called you. He’s busy, and it’s already night there. I’ll call him when we land. It will be lunchtime, or afternoon — I can’t figure out the time differences anymore.” She groused.

  “It’s a shame he had to change plans at the last minute.”

  “Tell me about it.” Emma said ruefully. “A part of me thinks I should have gone with him. Mum could have tagged along with the Ruskins. It’s not like I’m anyone’s favorite cousin or anything. Not after all the trouble last fall.”

  “None of what happened to them was your fault, you know. It doesn’t matter what they think.” Her voice was firm, but the memory of Frances Ruskin’s accusatory glance in the hospital when they came to see John had stayed with her, Mrs. Ruskin having made her position clear regarding their séance and Emma’s return to the manor to set things straight. “If anyone gets on your case, just remember what you did — how you risked everything to end a hundred years worth of ritual re-enactments and who knows how many more future sacrificed weekends for them. They don’t realize you saved all their lives!”

  Emma snickered. “It changes things once you put it that way.”

  “You’re the bravest person I know, Emma Stuart, and don’t you forget that. If it wasn’t for junior here I’d be right there with you.”

  “Thanks. I appreciated that.”

  “Such a shame about John though. He seemed to be looking forward to the trip.”

  “I thought so too. Doesn’t matter — I’ll make the most of it on my own.”

  “I have your back and if anyone gets uppity, just send them my way! I have to admit my protective instincts are on an all-time high.”

  “Okay, mama-bear. They should consider themselves warned.” They both laughed.

  “Oh, my God! I’m so full of baby I can hardly laugh properly anymore! I better stop before something else starts, or I pee myself!” With difficulty she brought it down to a chuckle.

  “Ooh! I didn’t realize it was that bad.”

  “Meh, things that would have horrified me before are now a daily occurrence. But if you tell anyone, I’ll deny it!”

  Emma laughed with her and remembering where she was glanced around. The bartender caught her eye and grinned as he wiped the immaculate granite top.

  She whispered. “I won’t say a thing.”

  “How’s Elinor? I hope you’ll be okay for the next many hours.”

  Emma’s gaze searched the lounge and a few steps later, she located her mother deep in conversation with another passenger.

  “She’s making new friends as we speak.”

  “That sounds promising.”

  “I’ve already gotten the rundown on the dos and don’ts of local customs and etiquette. You’d think we’re visiting Buckingham Palace to have tea with the Queen.” Emma groaned.

  “She wants to make a good impression on Robert’s in-laws.”

  “She wants me to not embarrass her. If I’m lucky, she’ll sleep most of the way there. Air travel always had that effect on her, so she says.”

  “Then it should be perfect. How long is the flight?”

  “Six and a half hours.”

  “Hmmm. Maybe they’ll have good in-flight movies.”

  “Here’s hoping.”

  “It’s such a shame John couldn’t make it.”

  Emma sighed.

  “Sorry. I already said that didn’t I? You’ll have a great time though. And take notes because I want to know everything I’m missing.”

  “You can count on it. I’ll call you when the reception is over. It will still be early for you.”

  “It should be a… how would you say… a very posh affair.”

  “I would think so. Young Sir Robert Langstone taking a bride. I’m sure you can see all the pictures and read about it online. I’ll try to do something embarrassing in the background.”

  “You mean, try not to.”

  “Yeah. Didn’t I say that?”

  “No.” Laughter was bubbling up again.

  “Oh, geez. Must be a Freudian slip.” She laughed out loud and glanced around self-consciously. Several waiting passengers eyed her with suspicion.

  Elinor looked up to see Emma laughing on the phone, probably with Rachel. The two had become close in the past year and for the most part, she approved of the friendship; they were after all sisters-in-law, and she tried to overlook the trouble they caused with their shenanigans the year before. That was not likely to happen again with Rachel becoming a new mother which would leave Emma without an accomplice, not that she wasn’t capable of stirring up mischief on her own.

  Except with Rachel, Emma had been uncharacteristically withdrawn since her return home from the hospital, and to this day remained closemouthed about what transpired during that weekend. The only explanation Elinor could come up with for Emma’s reticence was her having witnessed or been a party to some horrific incident in the manor; the old place offered a good choice of those. After a lifetime of her own experiences that would have branded her insane, she understood only too well the consequences of sharing her thoughts with the wrong persons. That would account for her attitude, but if she thought it would fool her own mother, she was mistaken.

  For now, it appeared that the Everdon scourge had run its course, and she indulged in the hope of a brighter future though she could not completely shake her feelings of unease. Not all loose ends had been tied and still more remained for her to do in order to avoid future complications, not that Emma was of any help in that regard, rushing headlong from one predicament into another with nary a thought. She stifled a sigh and retu
rned her attention to the unfortunate Mrs. Carlisle. No one was without their trials, it appeared.

  “Maybe I should go before you start labor.” Emma said wistfully, loath to end the conversation with the only person she would probably laugh with in the foreseeable future.

  “Just have a great time and when you return, John should be back too.”

  “You’re right. I’m sure I can find things to do.”

  Rachel paused. “Are you going to see it?”

  Emma didn’t have to ask what Rachel meant. The idea had crossed her mind too. “Not likely. I’m curious to compare the two, sure. But the experience is still too fresh in my mind and it would be more creepy than anything else. Besides, I can’t just show up on their doorstep and ask for a lookie-loo.”

  Activity on the tarmac caught her eye. A cart pulling several baggage cars was moving toward their airplane. She watched absently as the handlers threw a pricey Vuitton suitcase onto the conveyor belt, and it disappeared in the cargo hold along with other expensive luggage. She didn’t much care if they tossed around her old bag. It had survived worse.

  “Remember to take lots of pictures. I plan to live vicariously through your English experience.”

  “You can count on it. Should I take pictures of the local cuisine too?”

  “Oh, my! Don’t mention food or I’ll ransack the fridge.”

  “Poor you.”

  The loudspeaker crackled and a female voice speaking in a refined English accent informed them the plane would board in a few minutes.