Chapter Twelve

 

 

It was ethereal. Brilliant lights danced on a thick sea of emerald green flowing above them. The cooling afternoon air lingered sensuously in the wooded shade. Their path was illuminated with myriad beacons cast down by the midmorning sun. Birds sang music her heart knew. Her instincts were alive with everything around her. It was magical. Maggie couldn’t stop smiling as she rode next to Nick toward their future. She couldn’t believe she was saying good-bye to everything in her past, to her aunt, her mother, her home… everything, and following her heart. It was crazy. It was wonderful. It was real.

It seemed the most intelligent thing she had ever done, nor could she deny how right it felt. She belonged with this man, in whatever time they found themselves, and she was determined to stay at his side.

His hand reached over and squeezed her arm. “You shall find London most interesting, and I am anxious for you to meet Francis Bacon. He will be overjoyed to make your acquaintance.”

“Sir Francis Bacon?” Maggie vaguely remembered his name in history, but hadn’t a clue why. Imagine, she would be meeting someone famous. If possible, her smile widened, with anticipation for this joint adventure. No longer was she alone. She had found what Elthea talked about last night.

Her twin soul.

She only had to travel four hundred years to do it!

“I can’t wait,” she said honestly, as the horses trotted together almost in unison.

“My beloved,” he said with a sexy twinkle in his eye, “neither can I.”

She moaned and looked back to the road, again wishing that Nick hadn’t stopped making love to her in their magic clearing. He had insisted that it was for her protection, and that they must travel quickly to reach London before nightfall. Nicholas Layton had become her knight in shining armor and Maggie felt protected, cherished, and loved. Yes, she could think the word… Love, no longer did it frighten her, for she was with a man unlike any she had ever known. It didn’t matter if she had known him for three days or thirty years. He could be trusted with her heart, for they had somehow known each other for eternity.

Together they rode in a peaceful silence for what seemed like a half hour. It crossed her mind that soon they would reach the village and she wondered if they could stop, for her body was on fire and to just touch him and feel his arms around her would be enough… for now. A part of her was anxious about making love to Nick. He was younger than she and quite frankly, gorgeous. Immediately, she shook off the moment of insecurity. This man was like no other. What he saw in her went beyond the physical. It was as though they were connected… her mind froze on one word, the only fitting one. They were connected through the soul. She had to believe that. But didn’t she luck out that her twin soul was everything she had dreamed and way more? Talk about the bennies.

Somehow, she had traveled back in time. No longer could she deny it. Congratulating herself for having the courage to cross that line and go for the adventure, Maggie was totally unprepared for Nick’s hand to come up and motion for them to stop. She was so lost in her daydream that she just now noticed the way his face was set with a mask of seriousness. She looked down the road and her breath caught in the back of her throat.

There were a group of riders ahead and one of them, the one in the lead, prancing upon a white horse, appeared to look a lot like Robert.

Maggie glanced back to Nick.

“Remain calm. I will speak with him.”

“Nick, what about Elthea? I don’t want anything to happen to her, or to you!” She forced her mind to function. “There’s no need to confront him now. It won’t serve anything. Just play along. We’ll find another way.”

He looked as though he were in mental anguish as he stared back at her. Maggie could hear the sound of the approaching horses and looked at him pleadingly. “Please, Nicholas. Let me deal with Robert. He still thinks I’m his betrothed. He won’t harm me.”

Nick looked to the men and then back to her. “This charade continues? I cannot bear thoughts of that man near you again.”

“Now isn’t the time,” she warned. “I just found you, Nick Layton. I am not about to lose you over some grudge you two seem to have. Please… let me handle this with Robert. You play along. We will leave this place together. I promise.”

She had no idea how she would accomplish it, but she vowed that she and Nick would do it. Maggie sat up straighter in the saddle, flung her hair back behind her shoulders, and waited for Robert and his men to ride up to them. If she ever wanted to be good at role-playing, the time was now. She was flying by the seat of her pants, yet she knew she’d do anything to save Nick.

“Good day to you, m’lord,” she called out as the group neared. She could see now that Robert was holding a large hooded bird on his gloved forearm and a string of dead birds was attached to his saddle.

He led his friends, more a gang of unsavory thieves, up to them and stopped a few feet away. “M’lady,” Robert acknowledged, and looked suspiciously at Nick and then back to her. “Where is thy escort? I was informed by my stable boy your destination this morn is the village Trowbridge of my bailiwick.”

“Nicholas Layton agreed to accompany me. I am tired of wearing this dress,” she said, feigning a pout, “and Countess Elthea spoke of a draper that might accommodate me sooner than your own could.” Where did that come from? She remembered Elthea speaking about drapers and staplers. She figured she might cool it on the personal digs.

“And it was thy desire Layton sing a while en route? Most unusual, cousin.” He looked to the lute, strung to Nick’s saddle.

Maggie forced a laugh. “I asked Master Layton to show me the place where he found me, that I might search for my jewels. He was kind enough to act as my guide.”

“And presently… you are traveling to my village?” Robert didn’t seem to believe her.

“Yes, I… I was going to see if anyone there had information that might lead me to my things.” There. That sounded semiplausible. The bird screeched, and Maggie jumped in fright.

Robert paid no heed to the sound. “Then it is fortunate indeed we have come upon thee, cousin. My entourage and I shall accompany thee and question the villagers. Here, Layton.” Robert untied the dead birds and held them out. “Take these back to my manor and tell my mother I am attending my betrothed on the recovery of her personal things.”

There was a strained moment of silence, and Maggie mentally pleaded with Nick to ignore the insult and just take the birds. No one moved as all waited.

Slowly, without any outward show of emotion, Nick urged his horse forward and accepted the birds from Robert. Maggie let out her breath. As Nick turned his horse around and stopped by her, she said in a voice to be overheard, “Thank you for your kindness, Master Layton. I shall see you when we all dine on my betrothed’s bountiful game.”

“Thank you, m’lady.” Only she could see the torment in his eyes as he nodded and rode off, holding the game out as though it were contaminated. Her heart ached to hold him in her arms and really thank him for not giving into his male instincts. The very last thing any of them needed right now was a fight. She would tell him that it took more strength to walk away than to stay and play in to Robert’s schemes. He had wanted to humiliate Nick, and Maggie was going to make sure that Nick knew Robert hadn’t succeeded.

“M’lady?”

Maggie smiled into the eyes of a man that she almost couldn’t stand and positively couldn’t trust. Gently, she urged her horse forward. She was immediately surrounded by Robert’s men and refused to look at any of them. She kept her eyes on the rump of the horse in front of her as they proceeded down the road. She was on her own now and would have to use her wits to get back to Nicholas at the manor house. How could everything have changed so quickly? One moment they were racing toward their future and in the next they were parted. Now that she had accepted her time travel, she understood the gravity of her situation. Hers, and Nick’s and Elthea’s.

“M’lady rides like a man,” Robert remarked, and stared at her bared ankles. “’Tis not proper.”

Maggie stiffened at the chastisement. “’Tis completely acceptable in my country,” she lied. Geez, I hope that doesn’t come back to haunt Lady Norreys, she mentally apologized. “How would you like to ride sidesaddle, m’lord? ‘Tis most uncomfortable for any distance.” She was getting the hang of this formal speech and prayed she would find all the right answers until she was reunited with Nick again.

He looked as though he were pondering her answer. Finally, he proclaimed in a voice to be overheard by his men, “’Tis the latest fashion in France. Very well, I am most pleased.”

Maggie was so relieved that she couldn’t even smile. For once she was thrilled that Robert was pleased. Now, how to get back to Greville Manor and Nick? Somehow they would make their life together. Even though fates had conspired against her, she knew she and Nick were meant to be joined. Together they could face anything.

She had to believe that now.

They entered the nearly destitute village and Maggie felt like she was part of a band of outlaws as people scattered in all directions. Their faces were full of fear as the group on horses rode among them. She saw women dressed in thin dirty clothes with children huddling about their knees in rags. Men were hurrying to shops to get out of the way when one of Robert’s men quickly slipped off his horse and grabbed a man by the arm only to throw him against a wooden wall.

It happened so quickly, Maggie could only stop her own horse and stare as Robert dismounted slowly, almost casually, and walked up to the terrified man.

“I should like to introduce my betrothed, the Lady Norreys of Rycote, soon to be known to all as, Lady Margaret of Amesbury, thy new dominion.”

A few of the village men bowed.

“I value her greatly,” he announced for all to hear. “And someone, or some parties, took it upon themselves to cause my lady much distress. I demand any man who knows of such mutinous deeds or can identify the perpetrators of these crimes to come forward.”

No one moved.

“I will not ask again,” he yelled, walking toward the man who was still being held against the wall. “You, man… What might thee know of this? Verily, there must be a peasant or two amongst you who has bargained for grain or other provisions with jewels, or clothing only a lady of nobility would wear?”

Not one mouth uttered a sound.

“N… no, m’lord,” the captive man finally stammered. “I’ve not seen such a one.”

Robert quickly put a dagger to the man’s throat. “You had best not be deceiving—”

“Robert…” Maggie called out faintly, her own heart beating wildly within her breast. “Please, don’t do this. You have no proof anyone from this village was involved.”

Robert didn’t move an inch, neither did anyone else.

“I… I feel faint,” she called out, realizing it was the truth. “May we please return to the manor?” She couldn’t believe what was happening, and it was all her fault!

Robert sheathed his dagger at his waist. He glanced over his shoulder to her once and then announced to the villagers, “Let all be well advised, I value what is mine. Should I apprehend whoever is involved, I swear they shall be dealt with in accordance with their heinous crimes. It would serve as an example to stretch some necks around here for such an affront upon a noble.”

“Robert,” she said in a faint voice. “Please, may we leave?”

He nodded to his man and the villager was released. Maggie watched as Robert mounted. His lead crony and right-hand man, simply known as Montague, addressed all.

“Let it be known Robert of Amesbury is not pleased.”

He turned his horse and together they rode slowly out of the village. Maggie caught the gaze of a small girl, covered in tattered clothing, her face smudged with dirt and dark circles under her eyes. Something in Maggie cracked and split open at the sight of so much suffering. Impulsively, she untied the small drawstring pouch Elthea had given her and tossed it to the child. The sound of coins could be heard when it landed in the dirt.

“My gift to the village,” Maggie said, and looked Robert right in the eye. “I do not want my first appearance to be remembered as fearful.”

He didn’t say anything, yet she could see he wasn’t pleased, that she might have undermined his authority. Maggie didn’t care. As soon as possible, she was leaving this place with Nick and getting as far away from the dangerous Lord Robert of Amesbury. She was in this adventure now, and planned to ride it all the way through.

She could do it, and she wasn’t alone. She had found the other half of her soul. Together they would make magic happen and find some kind of future together. They had to, for now she believed they’d been brought together to complete something.

Maggie and the uninvited entourage were coming back along the path near the spot where she and Nick had shared their “reconnection moment.” She almost groaned aloud with the ache in her breast for the memories that were still dancing through her whole body.

What was it Nick said back in the fern grove? We shall leave an impression on the universe, my beloved, and the stars will shout bravo… or something like that. Her heart knew it was something divine, even if she couldn’t remember it verbatim.

Elthea had said when twin souls unite, it is to accomplish their life mission and nothing can stop them from it. She glanced to her side at the rigid form of the man. Not even Robert held that power.

No one spoke on the return trip, and Maggie was grateful for the silence. Somehow she had to come up with a new escape plan. Would Elthea go against her son even further? Would she help them? She had to believe they would find a way.

She remembered the last time she had come to Greville Manor, and Nick had said it was to be her new home. Now the thought filled her with dread. Soon the real Lady Margaret was going to show up, and now Maggie had gotten her into trouble.

Evan and two other servants ran out of the large home as the horses crossed the wooden bridge and Maggie could see Elthea standing in her rose garden. Robert’s mother was clasping her hands together at her stomach, as though it might keep them from shaking.

She allowed Robert to help her dismount. He held her waist longer than necessary and Maggie managed a weak smile as she stepped back. “Thank you for coming to my aid today, m’lord.”

“I suggest, Lady Margaret, in the future, should thou desire to travel beyond the gates of Greville, my men and I shall accompany thee.”

She curtsied and lowered her eyes. “Yes, m’lord.” She would say anything to pacify him now. “I find I am exceedingly tired from this adventure and ask that I may be excused to my chamber.”

“It is well, Lady Margaret, for I have decided that on the morrow, we shall discuss the terms of our betrothal, so all matters may be consistent between us. Thy continental manners may seem charming to most, but take heed, I am a man who adheres to the old ways. Should thee ride, pray do so as befits a lady of standing from Amesbury.”

She was acutely aware of the men dismounting and staring at her. Last night they had toasted her arrival and today they witnessed her disgrace.

“Yes, m’lord,” she stated meekly. Now was not the time to let pride override good judgment… and seeing Nick again was her immediate priority.

“Good day, Lady Margaret.” He left her curtsying, never offering his hand to rise.

Elthea rushed forward as the horses were led away and wrapped her arm around Maggie’s shoulders. “Oh, child,” she whispered, “how I have worried since Nicholas returned.”

Her public humiliation over, Maggie rose and looked at the woman’s expression of concern. “Is Nick all right? Where is he?” she asked, as they began walking back to the house.

“He rests in his chamber, yet I must say his dark mood could challenge Robert’s. Come, we must retire and expedite our plans, for it would not do for you to be at Greville when the terms of the betrothal are discussed. I fear they would unmask you for certain, dear Maggie.”

“So do I,” Maggie muttered, as they entered the home and quickly made their way to Elthea’s chamber. They passed servants who seemed to know about Robert’s black mood and averted their gazes. It appeared word of her humiliation had spread quickly. Elthea pushed the door open.

“In my chamber, you are safe… for the moment. Come in, dear Maggie. Rest. I know I must.”

Maggie fell into the nearest chair and stared at the fresh logs in the fireplace. “I don’t know how I just got through that,” she sighed.

Elthea walked to a low chest where there was a tray set for drinks. “’Tis a woman’s innate balance, child. Thy wits were about thee… applaud thyself for that, as I applaud thee. Consequently, there are greater issues we must discuss.” She set the tray down on the table in front of the cold fire.

“I have to see Nick,” Maggie stated, and looked up to the older women. Poor Elthea seemed to have aged with worry.

“You cannot be seen with Nicholas again. His life already lies in danger for Robert’s wrath. I know my son. Presently, he is verily displeased with thee, and should he come to know another meeting has taken place, his father’s vengeful nature will surely possess him.” The countess poured them each a cup of honey ale. “It is not my intention to cast judgment on him, but it is certain, Robert is plotting even as we speak. I’ve witnessed his retribution in the past.” She took a great swallow from her cup. “We must, in some way, arrange for Nicholas to leave before the next dawn.”

“He can’t leave without me!” Maggie sat up straight and clutched Elthea’s hand. “I just found him. I won’t lose him now.”

Elthea sat down in the chair next to Maggie. She looked weary, and closed her eyes, pausing a long moment. “And he feels likewise, Maggie.” She sat up and looked knowingly at Maggie. “So, it has come to pass. The recognition and acknowledgment of each other. I was hoping this would happen far from this manor.”

“It happened in the woods, when we tried to find the maze,” Maggie said, releasing Elthea’s hand and sitting back. “Everything suddenly made perfect sense. I traveled back in time for us to be together and I’m not going to settle for anything less. He is my twin soul, just as you described, Elthea. I know this.”

“I feared as much last night. ’Tis why I sent thee both away. It can no longer be hidden. Once discovered, the light of twin souls will not be extinguished. It burns hotter and brighter than any fire.” The countess looked down to the hearth.

It sounded like good news. So why did she look so sad?

Elthea inhaled deeply. “Robert fears his betrothed is unfaithful, and worse, in love with his enemy.” She shook her head, as though weary of the drama. “I will have to calm his fears, for in all good conscience, I cannot allow my cousin to enter into a marriage under these conditions. She has had her share of sorrow in her life and deserves this not.”

She was right. Ever since she arrived, Maggie knew every turn of event she had been a part of and every encounter she’d made, had changed the future. Not only hers, but changed for others… for although she and Nick had finally aligned with each other, the true Lady Margaret had an entirely new dynamic in her contract with Lord Amesbury. Maggie nodded. “I’m afraid I may have made it even worse, and you should know this… when I was in the village and saw how poor those people were, I gave them the coins you gave me, Elthea. Robert was not pleased, and I’m so sorry… but I couldn’t help it.”

Elthea smiled sadly. “I might use that information to my advantage in convincing Robert of the Lady Margaret’s pure heart.” She turned and walked toward the door. “So much discord… and I must conduct this drama to its end.” She sighed. “Remain here, child. I must see to my son.”

“What about Nick? I don’t want him to worry about me.” Maggie stood up.

“I sent Evan to inform him thou art safe, having returned.” She lifted the door latch.

“Elthea… ?” Maggie pleaded. “Tell him thank you for riding back to Greville. I know what that cost him.”

“Had he not done so, it just might have cost him his life,” the woman said, nodding in agreement that it would have been certain. “Prithee, caution, Maggie. At once, for more than a happenstance is afoot.”

The countess was nearly out the door, when Maggie heard a weary mother’s voice, “Creating heaven on earth is no easy task! Makes one ponder why one agreed to this mission.” The door latched behind her.

Maggie stared at the closed door for some time before sitting back down. She wished Elthea luck, then wrung her hands together in frustration. Nick was somewhere within reach and she had to remain alone and wait for Elthea’s directives. And what did Elthea mean about creating heaven on earth? The fern grove in the woods. Wow. To live the rest of her life, feeling just as she did in those exquisite moments, would certainly be heaven on earth for her. Could that have been her mission? The reason she’d traveled back in time? Was she to meet Nick and discover that anywhere can be heaven if you’re open to love? It was more than her mind could handle, and she mentally called out to Nick, to let him know that she was waiting.

She vowed, she would wait forever.

 

Hours seemed to have passed and still she received no word. Earlier, the servant, Gwen, was sent to Elthea’s chamber to escort Maggie back to her room. She knew better than to ask the young girl anything about Nick. She couldn’t endanger anyone else by the wrath of Robert. Not a word was spoken during her relocation. 

Maggie sat on the sill of her window, which looked over the beautiful rose garden. She was hoping she might see Nick or Elthea. Once, one of Robert’s cronies, the one who had cornered the villager, was walking with another man and glanced up. She knew he had seen her and although Maggie pulled back, she still heard the men’s laughter.

Some people just got off on being mean. It gave them the illusion of power, she thought sadly, and pitied Lady Margaret. Perhaps Her Ladyship would be able to handle it better, but Maggie also knew if she, herself, had to fake it much longer, she would probably be killed just for her big mouth. It felt as though she had exhausted every ounce of willpower to remain silent when she watched Robert push his weight around. She tried. She couldn’t hold back the judgment anymore. He was an ass.

Elthea was right last night. The misuse of power was really historic. This was a time when control was omnipotent and anyone who threatened that was eliminated. Human rights were not even considered. These were rough times. Actually, she realized, not much had changed over the centuries. One still did what one had to do to survive. No wonder Elthea was a… what did she call it? A humanist? Was mat Elthea’s mission here, to hold the energy of balance, of sanity, for those who came in contact with her?

She was always led to believe the past was much simpler, but now Maggie realized no age is uncomplicated in its time. Nick and Elthea were navigating through a sea of souls lost in their own fears.

Yeah, lost in fear. She’d been there, and recognizing it put her on the other side of that concept… clearly. Damn. It really takes a lot of courage to walk this journey of life. She could credit herself for being a lot stronger than she had thought before.

Have faith the bridge is there, Maggie… and courage to walk across it. Nick’s voice from the morning in the grove echoed in her head. She had crossed the chasm.

When she had faced her biggest fear, just trusted the way was there and took those first steps, she crossed that bridge with ease and discovered the strength in herself. Now she had to continue to trust that the way would be shown, as long as she remained calm, watched, and listened for signposts along the way. Nick was skilled at making her see things much more clearly. The man did have a way with words. And his English delivery didn’t bother her anymore. In fact, she now thought it made him even more romantic.

She stood and stretched as she watched the picturesque setting sun in a sky that could only be painted by angels. Streams of white, that appeared dryly brushed over shades of purple and light tones of blue were all illuminated in iridescent orange and pink. As the room darkened, Maggie walked to the edge of her bed. The myriad thoughts shooting through her brain made her feel like her mind was about to overload. What she would give for an aspirin, yet she was thankful for the sunset portrait.

She considered lying down. Getting lost in thoughts of Nick was a lot more appealing than a headache. Once she was reunited with him, she would share all these new insights spinning in her head. A big part of her felt like when she was little… the electricity of being alive was running through her again now. It was a refreshing energy. She smiled. Nick would understand that.

Within moments a knock sounded on her door and Maggie jumped in reaction. Elthea said to be prepared for anything, she thought as she raced across the room. Pulling the heavy door, she saw Evan holding a tray of food. Disappointment descended upon her, as she forced a small smile and opened the door completely.

“Your supper, m’lady. The countess requested it be delivered to thy chamber.”

“Thank you,” she said, as the man entered and placed the food on the small table in front of the darkened fireplace.

He dutifully stooped to light the fresh logs. Maggie watched in silence, wondering if she dared ask the man a question. Finally, when tiny flames were licking the wood, she cleared her voice and found her courage.

“Has Countess Elthea given you any instructions for me?”

“Aye, m’lady,” he softly answered as he rose and turned toward her.

It was the first time she had ever really looked closely at him. He was tall and thin, with wisps of gray hair around a benevolent face. Maggie thought he must have been very handsome when he was young. His devotion to his work and Elthea was something she had to admire. This was a man with dignity, and he had her respect.

A soft knock was sounded and Evan moved quickly to open the door. Two women entered, carrying a narrow copper tub. Maggie turned to inquire aloud, but saw Evan was busy instructing the troth be set near the growing fire.

Maggie stepped away from the group and motioned for Evan to follow. At the window, she whispered, “What did she say… ? Anything about Nicholas?”

The elderly man lit a thick candle on the table beside her bed and replied in a low voice, “Aye, Lady Elthea has composed the agenda for Master Nicholas. It is not for me to say, m’lady… perchance, his arrangements shall include a discreet rendezvous, anon.”

“Not later. Please, can’t you take me to him now?” Maggie pleaded, then lowered her voice when she saw the maids returning with steaming, heavy buckets. “Evan, I must see him before he leaves.”

“Would that I could, m’lady, yet I am duty-bound. The countess has bid me specifically… I am to serve thee supper, and these good ladies”—he gestured toward the women who were coming back in carrying steaming heavy buckets—”will attend thy bath. I may impart no more to thee at this time.” His mannerisms spoke louder than his words as he clasped his hands behind his back. This man wasn’t going to be deterred from his loyalty.

The moments away from Nick suddenly felt eternal.

Frustrated, she walked back to the table. Sitting down, she began voraciously nibbling at the fruit and coarse bread. She wasn’t going to touch the game bird, for her own convictions. It had to be one Robert killed.

Evan came forward and poured her ale, and Maggie gratefully accepted the goblet. With her mouth full she could barely swallow the ale to wash it all down. Her anxiousness to see Nick was obvious as Evan tried to hide the hint of his knowing smile.

Gasping for breath when she had finally gulped, Maggie managed to ask, “Thank you. Wow. That was great. I’m so full,” she winked, patting her stomach.

The man stood stoically.

Maggie glanced toward the women, and whispered to Evan, “Can you at least tell me if everything is all right? Please, Evan… can’t you tell me anything?”

He replenished her goblet. As he lowered himself closer to her he whispered, “At present, Master Nicholas rests, although his impatience to be reunited with thee is commensurate, m’lady.” He turned to see the maids leaving for more hot water. “I am to escort thee to his chamber when Lady Elthea instructs the hour.”

He must have sensed her anguish and taken pity on her.

Maggie sighed with gratitude. “Thank you, Evan. I needed to hear that.”

Okay… she could relax with that hope. Realizing she had no option but to wait, she tore off another chunk of bread. She ate in silence as Evan stood nearby, watching the tub being filled. Studying the flames before her, Maggie found she was becoming drowsy. Must have been the relief and the fact that she was starving. She also realized, this might be the last chance she had to sit a while… quietly.

The adventure she had accepted with every essence of her being, would continue.

And how like Elthea to think of everything, even in the midst of chaos. She was one cool cookie. Grace under pressure was the way to describe her.

Finally, Evan cleared his throat, and said formally, “I shall leave m’lady to her ablutions.” The tub was full, and the ladies stood waiting.

Maggie looked up as Evan reached into a small pocket in his vest and brought out a piece of paper. Handing it to her as he bowed, he whispered, “Pray, keep the fire going when thou art finished reading.”

Taking the folded parchment, Maggie nodded. She was to read it and then throw it into the fire. “Thank you, Evan… for everything.”

He smiled kindly at her, then left the room.

Maggie turned to the fire’s light and slowly opened the paper. The handwriting was in decorous script and she guessed it was written with a quill pen. It was not hastily scribed.

 

My Beloved Angel, Verily, and with no uncertainty, I feel thou art quite with me, in heart and spirit, We are One– Proof of this will be presented to thee on this very eve. Our benefactor has been most generous in providing aid to our sacred cause–The journey of our eternal love shall be the adventure we write together, I rest your loving Nicholas.

Greville at Amesbury  

this 23rd March 1598

 

The cryptic message was definitely clear to her. First of all, he was okay… he hoped she got this letter… Elthea had a great plan… not to worry… for she would be with him… once and forever… Her Nicholas.

She read it again, memorizing each word, then with reluctance turned to the fire to destroy it as Evan advised. Wait. It was the first tangible memento of his love and devotion to her. And it was written on her birthday! How could she burn something so precious? It was the gift tag on the greatest present she ever got in life. Her twin soul.

She had to save it in a box for posterity. That’s it! If she ever got back to the future, and she would only go if he was by her side, she would have it to verify everything that had happened to her. She bent down to her left shoe and slipped it off. She lifted the sole lining and carefully tucked it underneath.

Proof. Time travel was real.

“M’lady?” The interruption startled Maggie. “Thy bath awaits.” The woman smiled imploringly.

Sighing, Maggie removed her other shoe, and with the pair safe in one hand, she began untying the back of her gown with the other. The older woman hurried to help her. Maggie didn’t protest. She was too tired to make any more points. All she could do now was go along with the story and be ready for anything. When she felt the fabric loosen from its laces, she exhaled and walked to the tub.

“Thank you, m’lady,” she said to her kindly assistant.

A hot bath was not a bad idea, considering all she’d been through today. Talk about your life-altering days. She almost groaned out loud when her mind flashed back to riding through the woods with Nick. She spied a stool that had been placed near the foot of the bath. She put her shoes on the small wooden seat and began removing the heavy velvet outer gown. The fabric dropped slowly to the floor and sent shivers up her arms and neck when she felt the caress against her skin. The woods… the fern grove. She drew in a breath between her teeth. And there was still later tonight.

The woman assisted Maggie to pin her hair up and helped remove her underclothes. It amazed her that she felt only marginally self-conscious about being nude in front of this kind stranger. She’d discovered a new freedom today. Those old fears seemed of little importance to her now… she was learning life and love were so much more than physical.

It was like playing the childhood game of connecting the dots. She couldn’t predict how any of it was going to turn out, or what picture was going to be presented. From here on, it was dot to dot…and waiting, being aware to see her next move. Patience had never been a strong point for her, yet now she was forced to practice it.

The tub itself was hot because of the metal, and when Maggie leaned her back against it, the heat entered her pores, and she deeply exhaled with a sigh of pleasure. Steam rose, creating tendrils of hair to curl as she sat very still and looked into the fire. From the corner of her eye, she saw the women bend down and pick up her gown and shoes.

“By thy leave, m’la—”

“No…” Maggie sat up quickly. “Where are you taking my things?”

“To be cleaned and aired, m’lady, as is procedure every eve.” She turned and started for the door. “Fret not, thy fineries shall be returned ‘fore mornin’, good as—”

“Wait!” She was nearly standing in the tub. “You can’t take them. I… I may need them when I’ve finished my bath… and I might go for a walk later. Thanks for the offer, but really, it’s fine.” She reached out insistently to the woman for the gown and shoes.

The woman approached her hesitantly. “As ye wish, m’lady.”

Maggie smiled at the lady, while returning the shoes and gown to the stool and slipped back into the soothing water, “Thank you, dear lady. You’ve been very kind.” And she closed her eyes.

“God reward thee, m’lady.”

She heard the latch click and allowed the tears she’d been holding back to finally come. Oh, she had been rewarded already… she had never in her life expected to find such happiness. Her heart was bursting with joy.

Truthfully, since her own marriage was such a miserable failure, she thought a love like she shared with Nick was just a myth. But she had seen it with her aunt and Malcolm and so she knew it was real. She vowed to do whatever it took to protect such a love, even if it meant taking a bath when all she wanted was to run down the hall to Nick’s room and throw herself into his arms.

She picked up a small cloth and soaked it in the hot water. On a narrow ledge were tiny glass vials and she chose one. Sniffing the stopper, she recognized lavender and poured a small amount into the water. When she was reunited again with Nick, at least she would smell nice even if she was in the same dress. Laying her head back against the tub, Maggie relaxed into the dream.

“… is it you?… is it you?… is it you?” She woke with a jolt.

She had no idea how much time had elapsed as she reached for the thick cloth to dry off. She glanced around the empty room. Whose voice spoke? Maggie stood to pat herself down. It was the dream… the very same dream she had had on the plane before she arrived in England. Then the thought slammed into her. Aunt Edithe. How she must be worrying.

Maggie stepped out of the tub and finished drying herself off. It wasn’t like she’d been purposely avoiding the memories. She was just slowly beginning to accept the fact she might not be able to get back to her life.

All the people she knew and loved. All those that loved her, too. She had to keep believing there was purpose in everything. Even the unknown. Just as Nick had said.

Somehow Aunt Edithe knew that, too.

Maggie replayed in her head the afternoon in that clearing. It had been magical and soon they would be joined, traveling to London and visiting Nick’s friend, Sir Francis Bacon. What would it be like to meet someone who was written about in history books? She tried to remember what she had read, but it was useless. Whatever Sir Francis Bacon had done to deserve being remembered by those who followed him was lost to her. She would question Nick about it. He had so much to teach her about this time, and she had so much to tell him about hers. Maybe Elthea was right. Together they might accomplish something. Their lifelong magical adventure was about to begin.

The door opened just as Maggie dropped the towel. She expected the maids, but the figure she saw caused chills to run down her spine, despite the heat of her bath. Immediately, she grabbed her undergown and held it over her breasts.

“Get out,” she commanded in a strong voice.