Heart of the Sorcerer

by P. L. Parker

  "And good morning to you, too,” Annalisa quipped.

  Rose laughed. “I'm sorry. Good morning, and thanks again for taking care of Jean last night. I didn't realize how much I needed an evening out. How was she, by the way?"

  "Same old, same old. She must have had a nightmare. Broke her bedside lamp for some reason.” As an afterthought she added, “Remind me to take her cane away."

  Rose nodded in agreement. “She can get pretty wild with that cane sometimes."

  "Do you think she's getting violent?” Sadly, Annalisa admitted to herself that if Granny's behavior was deviating from her usual sweet self, they might not be able to continue caring for her.

  "No, I don't,” Rose stated firmly. “I think sometimes life just gets too hard for her to bear and she vents. Mostly, though, she is the same person she always was."

  Annalisa breathed a sigh of relief. The thought of sending Granny away was almost unbearable. She wanted the little time they had left to be special, not with Gran institutionalized in some inhospitable place with uncaring attendants.

  "She just seems more fanatical about that Alec entity. Really strange! Almost as if she expects him to appear at any moment. She keeps saying things like Alec is taking advantage, overstepping his bounds, that sort of thing. Do you know what I mean?"

  Laughing, Rose admitted she did. “I keep threatening to put that old painting away. Told her if she didn't have that ratty old thing to look at constantly, maybe her mind would clear up."

  "You are so mean,” Annalisa giggled. “But I kind of agree."

  "She won't let us, though,” Rose sighed. “I think that painting is what keeps her going."

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  Chapter Eight

  Stepping into Granny's room, Annalisa could see the old woman was wide awake, her sharp eyes boring into Annalisa.

  "Did you dream of Alec last night?” she asked.

  Annalisa hesitated, uncomfortable under Granny's strange, knowing look.

  "I guess so, yeah, I did, but it was a short dream,” she added defensively.

  "That's because I ended it,” Granny admitted smugly. “He's up to his old tricks, and I won't let him get away with it."

  "Granny, what's going on and why are you so worried about my dreams or this antique Alec guy?"

  Briefly, Granny's eyes held Annalisa's. “Did I ever tell you how much I love you? I do, you know. And the only thing I really want before I join my Edward is to be sure you're happy. That's all I want."

  "You need to quit worrying about me,” Annalisa protested. “I'm doing okay. Besides, not everyone can find the happiness you did. It's a fact of life."

  "But you can find it,” Granny said. “It's there waiting for you. I just need to know that it's what you really want. Once I know that for sure, the wheel will turn and your life will change—for the better, I hope."

  Though mystified by Gran's comments, Annalisa was convinced the old woman was alert and aware, sounding clear and reasonable. She just couldn't understand what Granny meant. Once Granny was gone, her life would go back to the same old nothing, just getting through each day, without hope, without love. The future looked bleak and uninviting.

  "Why do you look so sad?” Granny's voice broke through her reverie.

  Shaking off the gloomy thoughts, Annalisa pasted a smile on her face. “Absolutely no reason."

  She changed the subject. “Shouldn't we be getting you up and ready for breakfast?"

  Granny cackled. “You're almost as good as I am at avoiding things."

  "You've still got a good head start on me,” Annalisa chuckled. “Like about 60 years worth."

  Rose came into the room. “If you two don't stop gabbing, the food'll be ruined."

  She moved to the side of the bed, gently pulled Granny to a sitting position and efficiently dressed her, crooning lovingly as she moved the wizened old woman about. Satisfied Granny was in good hands, Annalisa headed out the door, intent on her morning run.

  "I'll eat later,” she called, slamming the kitchen door, giving Rose no time to object.

  The moor called, seducing her with the promise of freedom. Jogging easily to loosen stiff muscles, her mind wandered, fleeting memories of the night's dream resurfacing. God, but her dream man was gorgeous and just too damn sexy! Much more fascinating and compelling than any real man. Just thinking of him set her nerves tingling in response. I took that dream about as far as I could before Granny messed the whole thing up. Too bad about that, she thought, disgruntled. At least she should have her dream man, if nothing else.

  As if in answer to her musings, a gentle breeze tantalized her with its subtle warmth, lifting her hair and sending shivers of delight racing down her spine—the caressing touch of a lover. Abruptly, the sensation of another invaded her conscious. She knew she was not alone! Warily perusing the landscape, she found nothing to cause alarm, but the feeling of another presence tickled at her nerve endings. Probably that dang cat! Running faster, Annalisa kept a sharp lookout, not forgetting for a moment the hoards of pervs and lowlifes who regularly appeared in the newspapers, preying on the unsuspecting.

  Alec's handsome face flashed across her mind, lips curved in a sensuous smile, knowing eyes gleaming with amusement. Dang you, she mentally grouched. Why aren't you real? Male laughter echoed boisterously across the moor. Startled, Annalisa screeched to a halt, searching the terrain for the unknown perpetrator. As far as the eye could see, the countryside was bare of humanity. Maybe I'm the one losing it!

  Uneasy now, Annalisa turned, deciding to start back to the cottage, her joyful moments of freedom suddenly diminished by her anxiety. The distance back seemed so much farther, the moor now secretive and deceiving. She'd spent so many happy hours in her youth living and breathing the mysteries of the moor, to now be afraid was almost inconceivable, but fear it was. She almost wished the stupid cat would appear. He had a way of centering her, giving her focus. Great, now she had a dream Dr. Phil and his familiar to add to her growing list of personal eccentricities.

  Warmth invaded her again, soothing and calming, the fear dissipating as though it had never occurred. She felt loved and protected. A smile played at her lips. The burden of watching Gran weaken was overwhelming, and she was letting her flights of imagination take over to compensate for the emotional turmoil in her life.

  The cottage came into view, standing isolated and alone in the vast countryside, but solid and welcoming, steadfast in these uncertain times. Rose waved from the doorway, a smile lighting her face. It was good to be here.

  * * * *

  Time was running ever shorter. The doorway was closing and with it, the last of his powers. If Jean didn't make her decision soon, he would lose his one chance for happiness. He couldn't bear to think about it. Closing his eyes, he again moved through time and space, drifting into his Lady's dreams, showering her with his love.

  * * * *

  "My lady,” he bowed gallantly, “enter your new home."

  In the foyer, a butler, several cooks, and a large grouping of maids waited expectantly, their faces beaming in welcome. The butler bowed and then stepped forward

  "All's in readiness, Your Lordship,” he stated formally.

  Alec nodded. “Have the invitations been delivered, Malcolm?"

  "They have, Your Lordship, the moment we knew Her Ladyship had arrived safely."

  "Who's Her Ladyship?” Annalisa hissed.

  Shocked the butler, turned to her. “Why, you of course, My Lady!"

  Groping for an intelligent response, the only thing she could find to say was, “Oh!"

  Alec turned to the giggling maids. “The Lady would like to freshen up right away. The guests will be arriving shortly."

  Curtsying in unison, they rushed forward, a flock of little chickens clucking and fussing. Before the maids could drag her too far away, Annalisa's eyes found his.

  "Where are they taking me, and who are these guests?"

  "The guests for the ball, You
r Ladyship,” one freckled-faced maid giggled. “The betrothal ball."

  "Betrothal ball? Today?” Gasping, Annalisa held back, trying to break free from the determined young women. “I'm not ready for this?"

  "Of course not,” another young woman laughed, her large blue eyes twinkling merrily. “That's our job—to get you ready."

  "Alec,” Annalisa beseeched, as they dragged her away. “Do something!"

  "Enjoy yourself,” he laughingly called after them. “This time is for you!"

  Amid the fixated young women, Annalisa was hustled up a wide expanse of pink granite stairs, along a gracefully curving hallway and finally stopping in front of two carved oak doors. Noiselessly, the door swung open, revealing the room of her earlier dream, complete with the opulent bed gracing the far wall. Giving her little time to marvel, the maids hurried her through the room into a huge dressing room and then into an even larger bathroom. A tub the size of a small swimming pool was currently being filled by several young boys, who touched their foreheads quickly before backing out.

  This dream certainly was real!

  The maids immediately began the task of undressing her, made more difficult by her own determination to do it herself. Being undressed by a roomful of women wasn't exactly her cup of tea. Struggling valiantly, the maids finally managed to force her into the deliciously wonderful bath. After they were sure she was comfortably ensconced, the maids curtsied quickly and retreated. Relaxing in the deep, warm water, she sighed in contentment.

  This is the way dreams should be! Like chocolate—decadent and self-indulgent!

  A soft knock sounded at the door, and at her invitation, the door opened and one of the younger maids hesitantly entered, carrying a huge bouquet of deep red roses, and placing them on the nearby table.

  "His Lordship sent these,” she mumbled shyly, dipping a quick curtsy.

  Did everyone curtsy for just about everything?

  "They're beautiful! Tell Alec, er, I mean His Lordship, thank you for me.” Might as well enjoy this dream to its fullest!

  "Yes, My Lady,” the little maid whispered, turning to flee.

  "Please call me Annalisa."

  Stunned, the little maid's eyes bugged out. “Oh, no,” she gasped in horror. “I could never do that. Why, Cook'd have a fit!"

  "And why is that?” she asked.

  "Because you're the Lord's Lady, that's why,” the little maid exclaimed. “I would never be disrespectful. It just isn't done.” With that, she scurried away.

  Guess I'd better learn my place, she thought. This being a Lady is hard work.

  The bevy of maids entered, dragged her unwilling form from the tub and hustled her into the dressing room. An older lady, perhaps the seamstress, stood in attendance, holding a gown that could only be described as absolutely gorgeous.

  "Your Ladyship,” the seamstress began. “I need to fit this."

  She was poked and prodded in every possible spot—could she be poked and prodded in dreams? The seamstress and then the maids industriously did their duty and prepared her for the ball, chattering and giggling as they worked.

  Her ensemble complete, they led her to stand before a tall beveled mirror. The figure in the mirror caused her to gasp with delight. Dressed high with silky ringlets cascading down, her auburn hair was cunningly interwoven with a length of pearls sparkling with what she suspected were real diamonds. The Empire style dress, peach-colored and shot through with gold thread, was inset with satin ribbons and creamy lace, altogether a filmy vision of swirling faille and semi-transparent chiffon. Her shoulders and breasts gleamed white above the plunging neckline, leaving little to the imagination. Nervously, she attempted to pull the bodice higher, covering her swelling breasts. It was pretty obvious to her that if she inhaled too deeply, her boobs would probably pop out. After several unsuccessful attempts to pull the dress higher, she finally gave up, disgusted and self-conscious.

  "Does this seem too low?” she asked one of the maids, gesturing to the scandalous neckline.

  "Why, no, M’ Lady,” she smiled. “You look lovely. You should see what some of the other ladies will be wearing."

  "Lower than this?” Annalisa asked, astonished that it was even possible.

  "Wait ‘til you see Lady Katherine,” another giggled. “Besides showing the tops of her nipples, she'll water her dress to make it cling more."

  "And she goes out in public like that?” Annalisa was appalled!

  "Yes,” another grinned. “And she's not the only one."

  This should be really interesting and revealing! Maybe she wasn't so scandalous!

  The seamstress fussed, putting the finishing touches to her creation. Eyeing Annalisa quizzically, she tapped her lips thoughtfully. “There seems to be something missing, but I can't imagine what."

  Stringed instruments sounded from below as carriages and horses clattered noisily across the courtyard. The shy maid rushed in, eyes shining with excitement.

  "Everyone's arriving,” she squeaked. “And His Lordship said to tell you he'd be here in a few minutes to escort you down,” she added importantly.

  Annalisa inhaled deeply, remembering at the last minute the outrageous neckline. Sheesh, she thought. I just about lost that one or two!

  A knock sounded at the door and Alec leaned in. Annalisa was stunned anew by his overt masculine beauty, enhanced by the perfectly tailored and expensive evening clothes he now wore. His lips curved, teeth flashing, as he slowly perused her feminine form.

  "You are too beautiful for words."

  Annalisa blushed, overwhelmingly pleased. “You look pretty wonderful yourself.” She studied him carefully, noting the snowy white linen and elaborately tied neck cloth. “Your company will be impressed."

  Alec snorted. “They're fools. They worry too much about titles and the cut of their coats. I prefer to lend my attention to more important matters."

  Grinning mysteriously, he stepped nearer. In his hands, he carried a flat box made of dark wood, walnut perhaps. He snapped the lock and the box sprang open. Resting on a layer of creamy silk was a diamond choker with matching teardrop earrings. At the center of the choker was a huge diamond of such size and clarity, it almost hurt to look at it. Taking it out, he stepped behind her, lifted her hair, and hooked the necklace, then handed her the earrings.

  Stepping back, he smiled in appreciation. “My betrothal gift. They were made for you."

  Yep! This dream was just getting better and better!

  He bowed, gallantly offering his arm. She felt like a queen or at least a princess!

  Once again, she inhaled deeply, turning quickly away to stuff an errant breast back in place. Crap, it was going to be a long night!

  He led her to a large hall, teeming with finely dressed individuals who bowed respectfully as they passed, stopping in front of a painting occupying a place of importance. The likeness depicted her as she now appeared, even to the gown she wore. Diamonds glittered on the painted neck. Annalisa reached up, touching the collar of diamonds, feeling their hardness beneath her fingertips. The woman in the painting radiated happiness and contentment, the eyes soft with love.

  Alec placed the palm of her hand over his heart, the strong beat vibrating against her fingertips.

  Gazing into her eyes, and speaking loudly, for all to hear, he said, “You are my heart. You always have been. You always will be."

  Uncaring that everyone watched, her arms entwined around his neck, pulling his face down, her lips moving beneath his determined onslaught. She kissed him deeply, needing him to feel all the ardor, love, and passion she'd kept hidden only for her dream man.

  As the kiss ended, the musicians began playing. Alec whispered against her lips, “Dance with me, my love, dance with me forever."

  * * * *

  She woke slowly, expecting to find Alec nearby, but she was alone—again. It had all been a dream, a deliciously pleasant one, but nonetheless a dream. She laughed. She'd always dreamt of Alec, but the dreams had never
been as often or as detailed as they had been since her arrival here. This one had been so much fun. Curious and curiouser!

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  Chapter Nine

  "Jean's waiting in the parlor. She says she has something to give you, and you're to come right away."

  Puffing with exertion, Annalisa objected. “Can it wait for a few minutes? I'm starving."

  "It can if you want to deal with her, otherwise, no."

  "I suspect I'd better go then,” Annalisa grinned. “Unless I want to hear about it for the next millennium."

  Striding past Rose, she headed into the small parlor. Gran was seated in her wheelchair intently gazing at the painting over the fireplace.

  "Who was the artist, by the way?” Annalisa leaned close, peering at the scrawled signature.

  Granny's face grew pensive. “It's a self-portrait. He really was a gifted portrait painter."

  "Yeah, well, that's probably the reason he looks so gorgeous. He painted it himself, and he wanted his descendents to think he was good-looking."

  The room darkened perceptibly.

  "No,” Granny chuckled. “He really was an exceptionally handsome man. A good man, too, if you can get by his childish antics.” The temperature in the room dropped.

  "Well, I suspect he had bad teeth or warts, and rather than admit it to the world, he painted his own portrait so he could cover his obvious flaws."

  A breeze whirled through the room, though all the windows appeared tightly closed.

  Granny's eyes lit with amusement. “He's not pleased!"

  "He who?"

  "Alec, of course. He's listening, and we're not being nice."

  The breeze calmed, the room warmed up.

  "Okay,” Annalisa glanced around, swallowing nervously. “Let's change the subject. I think this conversation is drifting toward insanity."

  She refused to admit she'd felt his presence in the room, and it frightened her. Her eyes were drawn again to the portrait. It seemed to have changed slightly, the face subtly less imposing, the eyes less daunting, the set of his lips less severe. She felt as though he was secretly smiling. How silly was that!