Finding Elizabeth

by Faith Helm

  "Just what do you think you are doing out of bed," Claire turned to see Janet and Daniel standing in the doorway.

  Smiling guiltily, "Please don't send me back to bed. I'm going to lose my mind. I promise to be careful and I will take breaks to rest my ankle," Holding up three fingers on her right hand, "Girl scouts honor."

  "It's ok, the doctor said you could put weight on it in a few days if it wasn't painful. But promise me if it starts hurting you will get off of it," Daniel said.

  Claire smiled sweetly, "I promise."

  "I know you a have a job, and the last thing I want is to put you out, but I was hoping I could ask another favor of you. Promise me you will say no, if you don't want to do it," Claire said.

  Pulling up a dusty chair, Daniel motioned for Claire to sit, "You know I don't mind and right now my work schedule is slow. So just tell me what it is."

  "Since I only planned to be in Eureka for a few days, I haven't packed up my apartment. I was wondering if you would take me to Bentonville and help me pack up everything so I can bring it home. It's on the ground floor so no stairs to worry about," Claire laughed.

  "Count me in. Do you want to go today? It's still early, we should have plenty of time," Daniel said.

  "Yes that would be great. Let me get my coat and I will meet you out front," Claire said.

  As they drove to Bentonville the realization that she would have to go through Adam's belongings hit her. She had been avoiding it for months, but she couldn't keep putting it off. She couldn't help but wonder what she should do with everything. Sure there were things she would keep, things she would never think of parting with, but she knew it didn't make sense to keep everything. Wondering how she would decide what to keep, she was brought back to the present when Daniel reached over, and placed his hand over hers, "A penny for your thoughts."

  "I don't know. I was thinking of what I would do with Adams things. I know I don't need to keep everything, but I just can't bring myself to part with it yet. Do you have any ideas?" Claire asked eagerly.

  Daniel thought for a moment before responding, "I think you should bring everything back to the house. This is still new territory for you and if you don't keep it you might be sorry later. The basement is clean now, so you can store it down there and when the time is right I will help you get it out."

  "Thank you Daniel, you are always so thoughtful. And you're right, if I throw it all out or give it away there will be no way to get it back if I need it," Claire said.

  As they continued to drive Daniel turned up the radio and began singing to the Johnny Cash song on the radio. When the song got to June's part, Claire happily joined in.

  As they neared Claire's apartment, she showed him where Adam had worked and pointed out where she had gone to school her entire life. As he followed her directions, he thought of everything Claire had gone through in the previous months. He wished there was a way to remove the pain he saw in her eyes, but he knew that it was just something she had to go through. Thoughtfully, he decided that he would do anything he possibly could to make her happy. He wanted to see her as she was the first day Jen visited. She truly seemed happy and carefree, and at least for a while she wasn't consumed with grief.

  He wasn't sure what happened. He had planned his life and it didn't include marriage and children, at least not anytime soon. But somehow in the matter of weeks his vision of his life had changed. He knew he wanted Claire, but would she ever be ready for love again, or would she even want him?

  Pointing Claire said, "This is it. Pull into the space on the left."

  As they entered the apartment Daniel was awe struck, "Who knew an apartment could be so charming."

  "Awe, Thank you, that is very sweet," Claire said.

  "I'm serious, you know how to decorate. I love the way you have combined the old with the new, it looks amazing in here. You need to come decorate my apartment," Daniel said.

  Claire looked at Daniel, "Actually I have been thinking of having you convert the carriage house into a home. I know how much you love the estate and I love having you there. It has always been your home and it's where you belong. Of course it would be your space, so you would have free rein on how to convert it. You could start any time you like, and I would be happy to help you decorate it if you want me to."

  Stunned Daniel said, "Claire that is an amazing, and generous offer. I don't know what to say except, thank you. I would love to convert the carriage house and live there. But I have a full schedule coming up soon so the project will have to wait."

  Smiling Claire said, "Oh, that's great that you are busy. But if you are talking about my projects, I think we should wait on the house until after the store is done. I already have so much going on right now with the move and opening the antique store. And I'm still trying to figure out what happened to Elizabeth."

  "I thought you had quit reading Elizabeth's journal?" Daniel said with worry.

  Claire twirled her hair guiltily, "I tried to quit reading it, but I know she wants her story told. Besides, do you know what a treasure it is to find a Victorian era journal?"

  "If you start having nightmares again, please stop reading it. I was so worried about you the other night when I found you in the hallway. You said the baby was crying and honestly I haven't heard a fox since I have been staying there," Daniel said.

  As the thoughts were racing through Claire's mind she nodded in agreement, "Ok shall we get this over with?"

  But as she worked she couldn't help but think about what Daniel said. How could he not have heard the fox. Jen heard it when they slept in the upstairs bedroom so it couldn't have been a dream. Something was definitely going on and Claire just had to know what it was.

  Packing up the apartment and Adam's things didn't prove to be as difficult as she had thought it would be. Daniel set up several boxes as Claire started packing. Things she knew she was keeping first, then things she wanted to store, including Adams things and finally things she didn't really want or need.

  After a few hours, Claire turned to Daniel, "I am starving, are you ready to eat lunch?"

  "Yes, I'm starving too. Any ideas on what you want to eat?"

  "Do you mind if we go to my favorite Mexican restaurant? Now that I'm moving I won't get to eat there as often," Claire said with a frown.

  Daniel grinned, "I love Mexican food as long as it's authentic. No fast food for me, please."

  After they ordered their food Claire said, "I need to drop something off with an attorney here in Bentonville. Do you mind running me by there before we head back?"

  Daniel looked puzzled, "No, I don't mind, is everything okay?"

  "Yes, everything is fine. I just wanted an attorney to look over the paperwork that James wants me to sign to make Van White estates legally mine. I'm sure it's fine, but I want to make sure that I'm not responsible for a ton of debt. Of course I doubt that's the case, but I would rather be safe than sorry," Claire said with a smile.

  After lunch Claire dropped off a copy of the forms with the attorney's secretary and she promised to have him call as soon as he was finished with them. Claire felt relieved that things were coming together. Soon she would be completely moved to Eureka, and then she would be ready to open the store. Yes, things were definitely improving for her.

  Returning to the apartment, Claire looked around and decided that much of the furniture wouldn't be needed. Her new house was full and most of what she had in her apartment wasn't old enough to be vintage or antique. There were however a few smaller pieces she had refinished. They would be good for display or to even sell in the store, so she marked the pieces she was keeping with a sticky note.

  While Daniel loaded the last of what was to go, onto the trailer Claire spoke to the apartment manager. She decided to donate the remaining furniture to new residents who had just moved in next door.

  Claire took one last look around the apartment. She was happy to be moving to Eureka, but at the same time sad to be leaving the place where so many wo
nderful memories were made. She thought about all the meals her and Adam had shared, playing games on cold evenings and of the night they conceived their child. Blinking away her tears, she slowly picked up the two small boxes that held the ashes of Adam and their son, before she turned and walked away.

  ***

  Chapter Fourteen

  As the weeks went by Daniel and Claire settled into a comfortable routine. He would work during the day as she went through the items that had been brought up from the basement. In the evening she would cook dinner for him and sometimes Janet and Steve would come over. They spent their evenings watching movies, playing games, and occasionally they went dancing.

  True to her word Jen visited often and had even brought David a few times. Claire was thrilled that her best friend had found someone she could love, and someone that loved her. Claire was hopeful she would find love again too. Maybe even with Daniel, but she was still dealing with her loss of Adam and her child. And then there was the store to open, the house to renovate and her ever nagging need to find out what happened to Elizabeth.

  Claire wasn't sure how to tell Daniel that she was still hearing the baby cry. What if he thinks your crazy? She hadn't read anymore of Elizabeth's journal because she was trying to convince herself she had been dreaming it. Finally needing to get to the bottom of it she sat down with the journal and opened it to the page she had marked.

  July 22, 1886

  Dear Diary,

  I can not tell you how lonely I have become in my prison. I look forward to the visits from Annie and pray for word of Thomas and William.

  I worry night and day over Williams welfare. Without Mother, Andrew or I to protect him, I worry that father will turn his harsh words and abusive hand toward the poor boy. I have tried thinking of any way to get out of this situation to rescue him, but I just can not figure it out.

  Today when Annie brought my dinner she had word of Andrew. It seems dear brother has become engaged to Rebecca. Andrew will be coming for a visit soon. He plans to start building a home at the rear of the property. It should be completed by the time he has graduated, and weds Rebecca. I love my dear brother and Rebecca, but how I envy them. Why can Thomas and I not have the same?

  I have spent countless hours practicing what I should say to father. I know if someone should hear me they would think I have gone mad. I suspect father would have me locked away in an asylum.

  Elizabeth

  August 18, 1886

  Dear Diary,

  To my dismay, father continues to visit me. I have learned to just lie still and let him do what he must, for if I try to fight him I know I will surely be beaten again. And I fear he might kill me or my Emma. I awoke the other night to find him standing on the opposite side of my bedroom. I became fearful at the thought of the things he could have done to me as I slept. I am not certain how I did not hear him when he entered the room as he traipsed around with his heavy footsteps.

  When father visits me, I always think of a song I love that is soothing to me. It is a hymn Annie always sings called "Down to the river and pray." It is a beautiful hymn and I have found myself singing it over and over day and night to ease the silence. I should think that my daughter would surely hear it and perhaps it soothes her too.

  I can not help wondering if Thomas knew of what father has done, would he still love me, or should he think I was a loose woman? Or would he risk himself and rescue me?

  Today when Annie came she brought me mothers wedding ring. I do not know how she has the courage to take these things but I do appreciate her so. I pray for her safety as if it were not for Annie I would most certainly go mad.

  Elizabeth

  October 1, 1886

  Dear Diary,

  It is with great sadness that I write this entry. Alas all hope of a rescue or a life with Thomas is gone. Annie came to me today with tears in her eyes and she told me of Thomas' death.

  She overheard father talking to one of the hands about digging a hole just beyond the cemetery, near a grove of small pine trees. Later Annie asked one of the hands who has been her friend for years. He told her that Thomas had come to father with a dowry and asked for my hand in marriage. Father forbade such a thing and when Thomas insisted on seeing me and that we be married, father shot him.

  I shall continue to love and miss my dear Thomas, and I shall never forget him. It saddens me that he will never know his daughter, nor will she know him.

  As Thomas was not afforded a proper burial, I asked Annie to sit and pray with me and then we sang the beautiful hymn that brings me so much comfort.

  I shall cherish every moment I have ever spent with Thomas and his memory will live with me now and forever. But I am assured that my beloved Thomas is watching over me, for eternity.

  Elizabeth

  October 24, 1886

  Dear Diary,

  Yesterday was a day I shall never forget. It was the day I met my beautiful daughter Emma Olivia Campbell. She is such a tiny thing and has already brought me so much joy. When I look into her perfect little face I just can not imagine how a parent can harm a child. I feel more love for her than I ever could have imagined was possible.

  I had not prepared for such a tiny baby, so I have kept her swaddled with her new blanket. I can not wait to see her in the beautiful dress I made, but fear it will be months before she will be able to wear it.

  Annie has remained by my side for the last few days fearing my time was near. I am thankful to have such a wise and wonderful woman, who is so dear.

  I have thought how tragic it was that less than a month ago my Thomas was right here on this property. I keep thinking over what it would have been like if father had permitted us to be married.

  I become fearful at the thought of father seeing Emma. I worry he will make good on his threat and send her away, but I am hopeful that she may steal his heart as she has stolen mine.

  Elizabeth

  Hearing Daniel yell from the doorway Claire quickly sat the journal down and ran to meet him.

  Worried Claire asked, "Daniel, is everything ok?"

  "Oh, yes everything is great. I'm just excited," Daniel said. "The mezzanine loft we ordered has come in. We are going to start working on it this afternoon. I thought you might want to join me."

  "Oh my gosh, that is wonderful news. Yes, I would love to go," Claire said.

  After a few errands Claire and Daniel walked into the shop. Claire couldn't believe what she was seeing. There were several men working. Some were installing huge metal bolts in the brick as others were welding together the various pieces.

  "Wow, this is unbelievable. I can't believe how many pieces there are, it's like a giant jigsaw puzzle. How long do you think it will take before it's finished?" Claire asked.

  Smiling Daniel said, "It depends on the size and how it's being installed. You happen to be in good with the boss, so yours won't take long, even though it's pretty large. I'm guessing three or four days at most."

  "That is amazing. There are so many parts, I would have thought it would take weeks. I appreciate you installing this for me, but there isn't any rush. I certainly don't expect you to put any other jobs on hold just to focus on this one," Claire said.

  "I promise nothing is being put on hold, and everything is right on schedule. Are you ready to go home? This will be a long process, I just thought you would want to see it."

  Smiling, Claire said, "I'm ready. If you have time I have something I want to do in the attic, and I could really use your help."

  Daniels curiosity got the best of him, "I have all the time in the world, but what do we need to do in the attic?"