“I hate you, Lafonda!” he said before he scampered away. I wanted to collapse on the floor and cry. He was right, wasn’t he? I was ashamed of him. But what place did Max have in all this? I had no doubt that it was he who filled Jonatan’s ears with such hateful thoughts.
But he’s right, isn’t he? It wasn’t about protecting Jonatan but protecting myself. I was no better than Mama. At least she was willing to bring him out into society. I wanted to hide him away.
As I pondered this horrible reality, I gasped as I witnessed a woman sailing from one room to another at the far end of the hall. She had dark blond hair, which hung loose about her shoulders. She wore her petticoats only and was crying pitifully. I didn’t think she saw me or knew I was there. I saw her for only a second, but I had clearly seen a woman.
And then I realized that both of those doors were closed. She’d passed right through them. I swallowed and walked down the hall to the doors, where the ghost or whatever it was had traveled just moments ago.
“Hello?” I called a few more times, but no one answered me. Max and Jonatan were long gone now. I searched the rooms, but they were empty. Whatever I’d seen had vanished into thin air. I felt a sense of dread come over me, as if something horrible were about to happen, as if I were about to witness something far worse than a phantom woman.
I quickly exited the room and closed the door. As I turned around, I fell back against the wooden door. It was her, the crying woman. She was only a foot in front of me, her eyes wide and full of fear. Her mouth was wide too, and she let out a scream that scared my soul out of my chest. And then she was gone.
Two words hung in the air: “Leave here!”
When Mama found me, I was crying on the floor.
Chapter Three—Carrie Jo
I shook my head and the fog cleared. I was standing in the Blue Room facing the large window that overlooked the modest herb garden. It was a pretty picture outside, light green patches of thyme, with dark clumps of basil and other assorted herbs and fragrant flowers. Just a few minutes ago I’d been running behind Lafonda and Jonatan. I looked down at my hands, half expecting to see dirty fingernails or a butterfly net. I had no recollection of walking into this room, none whatsoever, but here I was now.
What the heck just happened?
“Babe, there you are. I thought I heard your voice. Who were you talking to?”
I blinked at Ashland. Was I dreaming him too? He continued to wait for my answer, so I decided he was real and worried about me, as he had been for weeks now. The stress of everything was taking its toll on all of us, including Ashland. I couldn’t add to his worry right now. “To myself. Look at this wonderful garden. TD would be so proud that they’ve kept it up like this.”
He stood beside me and surveyed the garden with me. “Yes, he would. I miss him.” He put his arms around me and rested his chin on top of my head. I sighed, relishing this singular moment of peace. “But it’s not over yet, Carrie Jo. There’s more to be done here.”
I stilled in his arms. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, what would you say if I told you it was ours again? That Seven Sisters was ours.”
I spun around to face him. “How is that possible?”
“No, you have to answer me first. What would you say? Would you want to pick up where we left off? Are you game for more?”
My heart jumped at the idea of returning here to Seven Sisters, but I wasn’t sure what he meant exactly. “You mean continuing to research the history of the house? Because I think that’s a fine idea. In fact, I know there’s more here, more to uncover.” I licked my lips and added, “I’ve dreamed about a new family, the Delarosas, and I think I saw Christine too.”
“Interesting. I look forward to hearing more about that later. Right now, I want to hear your answer.” He was being very mysterious.
“You know I love this house.”
“Good. I’m glad to hear you say that, because the place is ours again. The City of Mobile isn’t making any money off of it, and they fired the curator for poor management. I bought it back.”
I shook my head in disbelief. “Bought it back? How is that possible? We don’t have enough money to buy this house. I don’t even want to think about what it would cost us. Are you sure?”
“It’s not as expensive as you might think, Carrie Jo. The city came ready to make a deal. I don’t think they knew what to do with her. With Seven Sisters, I mean.”
I narrowed my eyes suspiciously and smiled. “No way do I believe they gave you this house for nearly nothing. What aren’t you telling me, Ashland?”
Sounding a little disappointed, he said, “I borrowed the money from Austin. The interest rate I got was more than fair, better than I would have gotten at a bank. I had our accountant look over it, and he signed off. She’s ours, Carrie Jo. Seven Sisters belongs to us again.”
To my surprise, I laughed. I should have been spitting nails that he would do such a thing without consulting me first. Whatever the deal he made, we’d certainly be in serious debt to Austin Simmons. But I couldn’t find the anger. “I can hardly believe it. It’s like a dream come true. I didn’t want to tell you this, but I have always regretted giving this place up, babe. Seven Sisters is more than an old home—it’s who we are, Ashland. We have roots here, and this is the best news ever. Thank you!” I threw my arms around him and cried on his shoulder. For the first time in a long time, they were tears of joy.
My hunky husband wiped at his eyes too as we separated. “I hope you don’t mind, but I invited a few of our friends over to help us celebrate our return to Seven Sisters. They are out on the back porch. Can you manage to act surprised?”
“I thought I heard music. They can’t keep a secret, can they? Of course I don’t mind having our friends here. Wait, do you intend on moving in here? Making it a home?”
“Would you like that, or are there too many memories here? Too many ghosts? I’ll be honest, I hadn’t given that part much thought. I just knew we wanted it.”
I didn’t know how to answer that question either. Seven Sisters had certainly had more than her share of ghostly visitors during our time here. Yet, we’d done battle—many times—and helped the Cottonwoods and Beaumonts find peace. Except for those who didn’t want it. But now I knew there were others here, other secrets yet to be revealed. Would it be wise to make this place a home for Baby Boy?
“We’ll answer that question later. One thing at a time, handsome. I think I need to get over the shock first.”
“Maybe a champagne cocktail will help you.”
“Champagne? At this hour? I don’t think it is even lunchtime yet.”
“Well, tell that to Detra Ann. She’s got all this planned.”
Together we walked outside onto the back porch, and I was greeted with a rousing “Surprise!” from a large gathering of well-wishers. Detra Ann had really gotten carried away with the invitation list…I didn’t think I knew half of these people.
“Congratulations, Carrie Jo and Ashland! It’s great to see you back here,” said Arlene Davidson, the new president of the Historical Society.
“Thank you, Arlene.” I shook her hand and accepted good wishes from the dozens of other people who came to this surprise soiree. “And you, Detra Ann Devecheaux—this was so nice. Thank you for this.”
“Your husband didn’t give me much time to prepare, so I threw this together. You’ll recognize the punch bowl from my baby shower, but I was glad to do it. You belong here, Carrie Jo. You and Ashland.” Detra Ann held my son on her hip. I patted my hands together and offered to take him, but he turned away. He loved his Detra Ann. I tried not to take it personally. He could be a little moody, like most two-year-olds.
“I hope you’re right.” I smiled back at her, not sure what she meant exactly. Knowing Detra Ann, her comment wasn’t intended to be anything but sweet. I resisted the urge to rub her belly. I hated it when people did that to me during my pregnancy, and I’d seen more than one party gue
st do it this afternoon.
Austin Simmons walked in and joined our little party as if he were one of our closest friends. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. As always, seeing him unsettled me. That face made me uneasy. He smiled at me, and I returned it with a crooked one of my own.
I turned my attention back to Detra Ann. “Are you feeling okay? You look a bit breathless.”
She chuckled. “I think my daughter is a ballerina. She’s not happy unless she’s pirouetting in my belly. How about taking your son? He’s not happy unless he’s in everyone’s plate. Or his Momma’s arms.”
I cringed and Detra Ann winced, realizing that she’d reminded me of my own mother. I gave her a soft smile. “Where’s Henri?”
“In the kitchen. Where else? He’ll be out in a minute. I think he made you those pralines you like.”
“So, what kind of party is this exactly? I had no idea so many people were interested in us or wanted us back here.”
“According to the sign above the door, it’s a welcome home party.”
I glanced over my shoulder. “Oh yeah, I see that now. I guess that’s what it is, then.” I shook off the chill that ran down my spine.
Don’t go back.
I shook people’s hands and listened to random folks’ ideas about the house. Everyone had suggestions for future restoration projects. Some were good and some not so good, but I was willing to listen to all of them. It took my mind off my heartache.
Arlene circled back around, and I was glad to see her. Ashland scooped up our son and took him for a walk around the snack table. AJ was in hog heaven. “Arlene, what do you know about the family who lived here after the Cottonwoods? Before the Stuarts bought the house back, I mean. The Delarosa family.”
“Oh, the Delarosas. I know a little. They had two children, a girl and a boy, who were teenagers when they moved here. Their father was a bigwig at the shipyard—you know they had to rebuild the place after the fire of 1875. It was a state-of-the-art facility for the time, and the shipbuilding business was booming in Mobile. Nobel Delarosa was a hardworking leader with plenty of ideas, but after some tragedy in his family, he retired from the shipyard, taking a small pension. Things went bad for the family after that. Seven Sisters became a boarding house for a little while. About a decade, I think. Not much information has been uncovered about that time, although it would make an interesting bit of research. Are you thinking about checking it out?”
“I am considering it, I’ve seen…I mean, I’ve read a few things about them, and I’d like to know more.”
“Well, you can call on the Historical Society anytime you like. I have a great group of researchers, and they do love a project. Which reminds me, where is Rachel Kowalski? I was hoping to catch up with her. She’s not been returning my phone calls.”
“She went on a trip, to Scotland. I’m sure she’ll be back soon. If you’ll excuse me, Arlene. I’d like to step inside for a minute. I’ll be back, and I may take you up on that offer for research help. Goodness knows I’ll need it.”
“Sure, just let me know.”
I caught Ashland’s eye and pointed to the door. He nodded and continued to bounce our son around. The boy couldn’t get enough of his father’s antics. He was such a rough-houser—both of them were, really.
After a quick visit to the powder room, I stepped out into the hallway to enjoy the cool air. It did feel quite cool in here. I remembered the first time I stood in this hallway, the first time I walked into the Blue Room. The first time I fell and knocked myself out. I had unintentionally catapulted myself into a full-blown mystery. And then I’d seen Muncie, experienced his thoughts, feelings, hopes and aspirations.
Ah, Muncie. I’m back at Seven Sisters, the place you tried so hard to leave—you and Calpurnia—but you wanted me here. You wanted me to come back. Are you happy, Muncie? Are you at peace? Did I dream that you wanted me to come back? That can’t be it. You gave me the button. Now what do I do?
The house had gone quiet, and even the air conditioning had cut off. It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. I walked up the hallway and stood at the bottom of the wide staircase. It was such a dramatic staircase…how many times had I traveled up and down it? I half expected to see Isla and Calpurnia come swanning down. Or maybe even Christine. But nobody came. I didn’t hear the soft sighing I’d heard before, no rustling of fabric. Nobody was here.
Or that’s what he wanted me to believe.
Oh my God! That had been Max in the cemetery! I’d seen Max!
I finally put two and two together. It was he who warned me not to go back, not to return to Seven Sisters. “But here I am, Max. And this is my place now. What do you think of that?”
I decided to go upstairs, just to see Calpurnia’s room. What if we did move in here? Would the house object? Would we be inviting trouble? I rubbed my hand over the smooth wood of the railing and walked up the stairs slowly. The familiar treads creaked under my feet, but it didn’t scare me or cause me worry. I knew each creaking stair. They always creaked when you walked up them. Always had, even back then. When Muncie lived here, he had known exactly where to step to avoid detection by Jeremiah Cottonwood. He hadn’t meant any harm; he only wanted to see his friend.
Calpurnia’s room had been the first room on the right. The door was open, and I wasted no time going inside, sitting on the bed and staring around the room. It felt good in here, peaceful. I didn’t feel anything worrisome. To think that Lafonda had slept here too. How could she have never found Calpurnia’s secret journals?
I went to the window box and looked out over the front lawn and the busy street in the distance. How much this place had changed since then! And then I felt the shift, like I had when I first walked in the house. Something had happened to me—I’d dreamed while awake, and now it threatened to happen again. I gasped as I grabbed the windowsill with both hands.
“Are you all right?” Austin stood in the doorway and then walked to me, his face concerned. God, how could someone who looked so much like a man I hated be so kind? It was one of the universe’s little jokes, I supposed. “Are you okay, Carrie Jo?”
“Yeah, it’s just…I got dizzy. Too much sugar in that punch, I think,” I lied unskillfully.
With a patient expression, he asked in a quiet voice, “How long have you been dream walking?”
And that’s what it was, for sure. That was exactly what I was doing! “How did you know?”
“The residue, you become familiar with it after a while. You haven’t learned how to do dream walk properly or you wouldn’t feel so discombobulated.”
“That’s a good word for it. That’s exactly how I feel. What do I do? I walked on the porch and reached for the door handle, and wham—I was in a dream. Only I wasn’t asleep.”
He leaned against the wall next to the window box. “This is a natural progression for a dream catcher. Your gift has become stronger, and this is just the next step.”
“How do you know so much about it?”
“Because I do it too. I’ve been dreaming since I was a kid. Dream walking started later, but it is much easier than falling asleep everywhere to peek into the past—or the future. In time, you’ll be glad this happened.”
“Why is this happening now, Austin? I don’t understand why now.”
“I’d say the recent loss of your mother, that deep grief, has allowed your dormant gift to come alive. And unfortunately, there’s no going back. You’ll have to embrace it if you want to master it. I can help you do that. If you let me.”
Biting my lip as I thought about it for a few seconds, I finally answered, “I’m not sure I want to open any more doors into the dream world.”
“I understand those feelings. Dream walking can be both a blessing and a curse, but as I said, there’s no going back. This kind of gift isn’t put back in the bottle. It will manifest one way or another.”
I tried to read his eyes but didn’t know what to make of him. As always, Austin confused me. “You kn
ow, you really do look like someone I used to know. Unfortunately, he wasn’t a trustworthy person.”
“So I’ve been told, Carrie Jo, more times than I can count. But I really just want to help—I want to be your friend. If you’ll let me.”
He sounded so sincere that I couldn’t say no, could I? Who had ever taught me anything about dreaming? What did he know? How did he control it? “All right. What do you have in mind?”
“Meet me in the Blue Room in the morning—that seems to be the right place for you since you have had so many experiences there. I can tell that too. We need to be alone, though. It won’t work if there’s a bunch of folks milling about.”
I didn’t like the idea of meeting him without Ashland, but I didn’t sense he was trying to put the moves on me. “All right, I’ll meet you. About nine o’clock? Ashland has an appointment with his attorney, unless that’s changed, and I can take my son to day care. Do I need to do anything special?”
He chuckled. “Like what? Light a candle? Say a prayer? I don’t think so.”
Rather than say, “What’s wrong with that?” I said, “I’ll be there.”
A shadow crossed the doorway, and both Austin and I looked up to find Ashland staring at us. “Hey, what’s going on?”
“Um, Austin was saying how excited he is that we’re back here. I have to admit I am too.”
“Really?” Ashland looked at me like I was crazy. I was a horrible liar, and he knew it.
Austin said, “Yes, what a wonderful turn of events for you two. I’ll be watching, wishing the best for you, whatever you decide to do with this place. Now if you’ll excuse me. I promised a friend I’d meet him for dinner.” He left us alone, and Ashland let him pass. I could tell my husband wasn’t sure what happened, and honestly, neither was I.
I didn’t know why, but it felt a little like cheating.
I sure hoped Ashland wasn’t thinking the same thing.
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