The Everdon Series- the Complete Set

by L C Kincaide

  The Ruskins too appeared at ease, even Frances, who, like Elinor, was high-strung had warmed after the chilly meeting. Emma tried not to wish for the umpteenth time that John were here. Instead, she wondered how to take a selfie in this lavish room without appearing gauche and being shown to the door. Would it be less uncouth to ask a waiter to take a picture? Her mother would probably die of embarrassment convinced she had just tarnished all Americans’ reputation with that request. It was easier to sneak one in when the place cleared.

  “A lovely, girl, yes!” Theo enthused about his soon to be daughter-in-law. “She manages an art gallery in Notting Hill.”

  “Ah, so she’s in the arts!” Frances piped in. “How marvellous! Our Caroline is also doing wonderfully well. Chances are she could play in London before long.”

  “Indeed, how wonderful would that be?” Elinor agreed.

  “John is terribly busy these days.” Frances continued. “In fact, he would have joined us had it not been necessary for him to be at the ground-breaking in Japan. He sends his regrets.”

  “Goodness, me! He is an industrious young lad!”

  “He is! And Grace? How is she?”

  Theo set his palms on the table. “Out of the modelling business, I’m pleased to say! It turns out she’s rather a talented photographer.”

  Frances perked up. “Is that so! Will she be photographing the wedding?”

  “Oh, no. She wanted to enjoy the event, and I agree.”

  A round of good-for-her followed, and Emma dreaded the conversation turning to her. She didn’t have much to brag about having drifted in limbo for so long. She studied her half-eaten scone slathered with cream and her appetite vanished. In a perfect world, so would she. Their gazes had so far only skimmed over her, and if luck held out, they’d change topics and move on. While she at first chafed at being the invisible party, she now preferred it.

  Another set of eyes found her, and she glanced up to meet a waiter’s solemn gaze. It wasn’t the same man who had served them earlier, and if not for his high collar and full sideburns, she’d never know the difference. Everyone ignored him, and Sir Theo at last addressed her as the waiter in the black uniform waited patiently behind his shoulder.

  “And you, Emma. How is everything with you, my dear? You’ve been rather quiet.”

  Emma’s eyes swept over them. “Have I?” She squirmed under their collective gaze, not the least the waiter’s. “Everything is fine.” She indicated the spread on the table. “In fact, all this is just wonderful!” She said with enthusiasm chancing the waiter a fleeting glance, hoping no one noticed. Finally, the enduring man inclined his head, and executing a crisp bow, he turned and strode away, almost making it past the potted palms by the entrance before fading.

  Dear God! If this kept up, she might lose it!

  “Are you all right?” Godfrey Ruskin gave her a quizzical look. “It’s as if you’ve seen a ghost.”

  Frances shot him a reproachful frown at his unfortunate choice of words.

  “Um… yes, I didn’t get any sleep on the plane.”

  “Maybe you should go lie down.” Elinor suggested. “Be fresh for the dinner tonight.”

  “Yes, quite right. It will be a smashing event with all of us and the Hyde-Smythes.”

  Emma rose on weak legs. “It was great seeing you all again. Until later.” She excused herself and headed for the palms.

  Nearing the corridor, a “thank you” sounded behind her and she stopped to meet the ghost. “You’re welcome.” She whispered.

  “It has been dreadfully long since anybody has acknowledged me.”

  She gave him a fleeting smile and hurried to the elevator passing more uniformed staff including chambermaids in old-fashioned white pinafores and caps. To be safe, she kept her head down and didn’t look up again until she closed the door behind her.

  Did anyone realize the hotel was haunted by former employees? And how did they know she could see them? More to the point, what did they want from her? Attention? Validation? She hurried to her room. Is this how her life would be from now on with ghosts waiting at every turn? She had no experience of such things, not even from watching movies and TV shows. She glanced around warily finding herself, for the time being, alone. No one had followed her in, but she couldn’t be sure.

  “If anyone’s in here, don’t hover over me when I’m sleeping and please stay out of the bathroom!”

  Nothing happened in response. No one can ever know about this, she thought taking her phone out of her purse and tapped Matthew and Rachel’s number.

  “Is that Emma?”

  She heard Rachel ask before Matthew had a chance to say, “hello.”

  “Hey. We made it.”

  “Good. How was the flight?”

  Emma knew he meant the actual trip. “It was great. Fantastic food and service. No turbulence.”

  “How’s mom?”

  “Fine. Slept most of the way. She’s having High Tea and catching up with Sir Theo and the Ruskins in the Palm Court Restaurant.”

  He laughed. “Sounds pretty swanky!”

  “Yeah, That would be one description.”

  “I’ll hand you over to Rachel before she rips the phone away from me.” He laughed. “Give my love to mom.”

  “Okay. Bye.”

  “So, tell me everything.”

  “They served champagne and honey-roasted nuts as soon as we sat down.” Emma described the flight’s menu in excruciating detail.

  “Oh my God! I’m drooling! You should not say such things to a pregnant woman!”

  Emma laughed. “Okay, but you did ask. Then how about this? The steward brought me a box of chocolates after I was freaked out by a ghost.”

  A silence followed. “You what?”

  “I saw a ghost. He was wandering around the seats until he saw me and he stopped and stared.”

  “Oh my God! What happened next?”

  “Well, I almost wigged out when the steward walked through him. I can’t tell the difference between who’s alive and who isn’t.”

  “Geez.” She breathed. “What was he doing there? I mean why would someone haunt an airplane?”

  “I think he was the one in the coffin being taken back home. Mum was chatting with the widow. She said he died suddenly, so it’s possible he hadn’t figured it out yet.”

  “That would make sense. But what did he want from you?”

  “I have no idea, but maybe it was enough for him to know I can see him. And there’s more.”

  “More?”

  “This place is haunted too. A ghost spoke to me — thanked me for acknowledging him. Is that crazy or what?”

  “Oh, geez.”

  “You keep saying that, but I don’t know what to do.”

  Rachel thought for a moment. “Do you have to do anything?”

  “I don’t have a clue. The last one wouldn’t quit staring at me until I spoke to him.”

  “Something really weird happened to you in the manor.”

  “Whatever it was, it doesn’t feel like a gift. I don’t much enjoy being haunted. There has to be a way to stop it. I should see Mabel when I get back. Maybe she’ll know what to do.”

  “I’m sorry. It sounds like an amazing ability, but it must be so distracting to live with.”

  “Especially when I’m in these old places. This country is nothing but ancient buildings and history.”

  “But none of them were… mean?”

  “No. Not since that Ruskin bitch. And speaking of Ruskins, Frances seemed awfully pleased about John being too busy to come.”

  “I’m sure she wasn’t referring to you. After all, it isn’t like the two of you broadcast your relationship to everyone.”

  Emma reluctantly agreed. �
�You could be right. I wish he were here, you know? Or maybe I’d be better off with him in Japan.”

  “So do the next best thing and call.”

  “We have a Skype date tonight.”

  “There you go! I’m sure he’s waiting for you as we speak.”

  “Thanks, Rachel. You just know…”

  “Yeah. Hang in there. And try to have fun tonight and don’t forget the details!”

  “How could I? We’ll be meeting the Hyde-Smythes!”

  “Oh, my! You’d better be on your best behavior in that case!” Rachel laughed.

  “I totally regret not having packed by black leather pants. Maybe it’s not too late to hunt down a dominatrix outfit.”

  “Now don’t you get me going again or you’ll be an auntie before the night is over.”

  “Sorry. I’m going to call John now.”

  Thank God for Rachel. She could tell her anything. Again it struck her as being odd they didn’t hit it off when she and Matthew were first married. Not until the Weekend of Ivy’s disappearance and her troubles thereafter had they became close. Life could be strange. And she was probably right. It’s not as if she was in a poltergeist situation. They were lost souls, or maybe confused and they only wanted attention. It wasn’t her job to figure out why they had stayed behind, but she could find a way to live with them without going nuts.

  She fixed her hair and plugged in her laptop. Crossing her fingers he was there, she started the app. The familiar tune played and after two more repeats, his face appeared on the monitor. Her pulse quickened.

  “There you are!“ He greeted her with a broad grin.

  “It’s great to see you. How were the cherry blossoms?”

  “Pretty. Pink.”

  Emma smiled wishing she could crawl through the screen. “I was with your folks earlier. Your mom sure is proud of you.”

  “Is she?” His smile broadened. “That’s good to know. How are you holding up?”

  “Okay.” She considered telling him of her otherworldly adventures and passed. The subject of her paranormal experiences was bound to get boring, and she’d rather have a break from everything. Instead, she chose a more mundane subject. “The hotel is amazing. We all met downstairs, and the restaurant made the manor dining room look like a cafeteria.”

  “That must be a sight! How’s your suite?”

  “Nice. Have a look.” She picked up her laptop and gave him a panoramic view. “Pretty fancy, wouldn’t you say?”

  “I’d say so, yes. Mine is Japanese spartan.” He gave her a glimpse of a bedroom with simple black lacquer furniture and a bed with the bare necessities; no mounds of fluffy pillows and blankets in sight though the framed ink drawings hanging above the bed were lovely.

  “If it’s any consolation, the mattress doesn’t compare with your hotel’s.” She said grinning. It was an inside joke from the first night they had spent together.

  “Neither does this one, but I’m glad I don’t have to sleep on a tatami mat. That would take time getting used to.”

  “When are you coming home?”

  “In a couple of weeks, or so. It’s been a great experience, and as much as I like Japanese cuisine, I could really go for a steak and baked potato.”

  “Medium rare and sour cream and chives?”

  “Is there any other way?”

  “I had my heart set on sausage and eggs and ended up with pastry for breakfast… or was it lunch?”

  “The sacrifices we make…” They laughed. “How long are you staying?”

  “We’re here for a week. Mum wanted to go sightseeing and shopping. I’m playing it day by day.”

  “And tonight is the family dinner?”

  “Yes. Us Americans, the Langstones and the Hyde-Smythes.”

  “Now there’s an interesting mix.”

  “Hmmm. I have a feeling mum will go through all my clothes and possibly drag me out for an alternative outfit. She didn’t approve of what I have on today.”

  “Let me see.”

  Emma backed away and turned slowly on her toes.

  “I approve.”

  Emma blushed pleased. “I have a good mind to tell her that.”

  “You have your own style. It’s one of your many charms, so don’t go changing that.”

  She sat down again. “Thanks.” Her eyes misted with unexpected tears. “I really needed to hear that.”

  “Hey. What’s this? Did something happen?”

  Where to start? “No. I think I’m just tired still. I came back up on the pretext of having a nap.”

  “That sounds like a good idea.”

  “Hmmm. I probably should. I lost five hours somewhere along the way.”

  “You’ll be fine by tomorrow.”

  “Speaking from experience? How do you do it? What is it — thirteen hours difference for you?”

  He made a face. “At that point, it’s better to push through. Not fun, mind you.”

  They gazed at each other for a while. Then unable to stop herself, she had to ask. “Do you remember any of what happened to you that weekend?”

  He appeared to consider her question and after a pause shook his head. “I don’t have specific memories, just impressions of an angry, dangerous presence and the need to keep you safe. Have you remembered something?”

  “Nothing new, though I suspect I went somewhere I shouldn’t have.” Or wasn’t supposed to return from.

  “The main thing is that it’s over. No more Everdon curse, and my crazy great-great-whatever aunt Victoria is gone too. You’ll never forget that, but it is possible to get past it.”

  “I hope so. It could be being here surrounded by all the history that made me think of it.”

  “You’ll be fine. You’re a real trooper!”

  “Thanks. I appreciate the confidence.” The shimmering night skyline behind him reminded her it was nearing midnight there. “It’s late. I should let you go and I don’t want to. I miss you.”

  “I’m thinking about you too.”

  “At least we’re five hours closer.” She tried a lighter tone. It hadn’t been her intention to sound needy.

  He smiled at her from halfway around the world. “Get some rest and have a great time tonight and tomorrow.”

  “I’ll do my best.”

  “In that case, I will shuffle off to my spartan mattress. Oyasuminasai — that’s good night.”

  “I’m impressed. All I have is, goodnight.”

  “I’ll take it.”

  They exchanged smiles, and the screen went blank. Emma stared at it for a while feeling strangely empty. When did that start? Their goodbyes used to end with blowing kisses as silly as that seemed. Nowadays, it was just a straightforward good night. He hadn’t said he missed her, but maybe he was tired too. She decided to go to sleep before her imagination took her to places she’d rather not visit, and slipped into her airline PJs and crawled into bed.

  ~*~

  For a long time, Emma had speculated on what type of woman Robert preferred. All she knew was that sandy-haired, slim, and quirky wasn’t it. She got her answer in the burgundy and hunter green room of the trendy, Michelin-starred Le Gavroche. Her demure cobalt blue dress skimmed her knees as she accompanied her mother on four-inch heels across the carpet. At least mum couldn’t complain about anyone seeing her undies tonight though the matching leather jacket produced a scowl.

  “Your fashion choices have likely decimated an entire herd of cattle.” She had muttered while putting the final touches to her make-up.

  It was lambskin, but Emma saw no reason to point that out. She looked good, and that made her feel good. After this afternoon, she needed a boost to her confidence and cobalt leather helped.

  Approving glances swept over her a
s they followed the host to a private dining room further inside where the chatter rose louder.

  “Elinor! Emma!” Sir Theo stepped forward happy and flushed from the excitement. He and Elinor greeted each other warmly as if they had been apart for longer than the four hours that passed.

  Emma’s gaze wandered around the room searching for Robert and Grace and caught sight of a vibrant red upsweep suggesting Frances had a dye appointment this afternoon. Emma never bothered going to the hairdresser’s. Except for the cut, she had always taken care of her own styling, and tonight she had combed it back from her brow into a high sweep accentuating the silvered lock; a memento from her Everdon ghosts experience.

  Sir Theo took both Elinor and her by the elbow and steered them toward a middle-aged couple she presumed were the Hyde-Smythes. The wiry gentleman with combed back thinning hair and toothy smile greeted them with enthusiasm and a warm handshake. “Please, call me Clive!”

  The mother, Pamela, a brittle woman with a raven-black bob and enormous jewelled earrings pulling at her earlobes offered a limp hand. Her piercing coal eyes raked over Emma’s outfit and found it at least on one level objectionable. She would get on well with mum. Luckily, Grace appeared at her side and pulled her away.

  “So, you made it across the pond and none too worse for wear!” She stopped a passing waiter and took two glasses handing Emma one. “Cheers.” She clinked and took a swallow.

  “Thanks. I didn’t know what to expect, to be honest.” Emma’s eyes flicked in Pamela Hyde-Smythe’s direction. “I don’t think she likes me.”

  Grace flapped a hand. “It’s only because he does.” She smirked. “It’s one of those things we Brits don’t talk about, but he’s a randy old goat, despite appearances.”