by Faith Helm
Continuing to the far end of the hall and the stairway she knew must lead to the attic, Claire gathered her nerve before opening the door. A thick puff of dust escaped as the door creaked open. Finding the string for the overhead light she continued on into the room. She couldn't believe the size of this attic. Everywhere she looked sat discarded furniture, racks of clothing, boxes and trunks. It looked like a time capsule that hadn't been touched for over a hundred years.
Making a mental note Claire decided she would need flashlights, and would also need boxes and paper to wrap the delicate old glassware. Walking through to the far side she decided she would hire someone to help her move the furniture and heavier boxes. She would need to set up a staging area downstairs because she wouldn't have anywhere to store the items for a couple of months. Just a quick glance around the attic and Claire knew this would be quite a task. Not just the physical work, but deciding what to keep and what to part with. It somehow seemed wrong that she was considering selling off items that may have been treasured family heirlooms. Even though the family was no longer here, it seemed disrespectful to part with items that may have been important to them.
Putting that thought in the back of her mind, she continued on until she reached the far end of the attic. Turning and glancing around the room she decided she would start right there. She spotted a gorgeous dome top cedar trunk. Making her way into the corner and sliding a discarded rocking chair and an antique baby cradle out of the way she finally reached the trunk. Please don't be locked. Reaching down she pushed the lock up and was able to lift the top of the trunk. Peering into the trunk she realized that the wooden boxes attached to the top were intact as was the tray that sat inside of the trunk. As she loosened the straps that held the boxes in place she was shocked at how easily they came out. Sitting them to the side she gently lifted the tray out of the trunk. It was in excellent condition for it's age, but the floral pattern fabric that lined the inside was beginning to peel back on the edges.
Inside was a carefully folded pink and green quilted baby blanket, and a beautifully crafted white lacy baby blanket. Claire cautiously removed the blankets. She didn't want to snag them, but she was also terrified of spiders. Below the blankets sat a tiny silver baby rattle with an ivory handle and a small handmade doll. At the bottom of the trunk wrapped in delicate paper she found a beautiful, tiny dress. Admiring the hand sewn dress, Claire noticed the fine details. It had short puffy sleeves, and the top had tiny little pleats along the front, which was adorned with delicate embroidery. Around the edges of the collar, sleeve and hem of the dress was the smallest lace she had ever seen. Claire knew this was truly a treasured heirloom and she would never think about parting with such a wonderful gift. Left inside the paper was a beautiful matching bonnet that shared the same lace detail and had silk ribbon for ties.
Gently placing the items back in the trunk, she turned her attention to the two small boxes that had been attached to the inside of the lid. Unsure of what she might find, Claire paused before she opened the first box. She carefully picked up a beautiful rose gold locket, with fine details of hearts and vines adorning the top. Engraved inside of the hearts were the initials "E." and "V." Carefully opening the locket Claire gasped. It appeared to be a lock of red hair, tied together with tiny ribbon. Quickly closing the locket and setting it to the side, Claire picked up the journal that had been carefully wrapped in more of the delicate paper. Claire got the now familiar sense of deja vu, and with a shiver she decided it was time to head back downstairs for a break. Grabbing the journal she quickly walked out of the attic and down the stairs.
As she reached the second floor, Claire heard the ringing of the door bell. Stunned she stood there trying to figure out if she should answer it. Nobody knew she was here except for James, Janet and Steve. What if someone was here to rob the place. Now you are being ridiculous. This place has been empty for almost fifty years and nothing has happened. Besides a robber wouldn't ring the bell. Placing the journal on the hall table near the balcony, she ran down the stairs and opened the door just as the man was turning to walk away.
"Hello, can I help you?" Claire asked cautiously.
"Hi are you Claire?" the man responded.
"Yes, I 'm Claire Van White and you are?"
Reaching for Claire's outstretched hand he said, "I'm Daniel.... Daniel March. My mom said you had some areas of your home you were considering remodeling."
"Yes, of course. But Janet didn't tell me you were her son." Or that you were one of the most incredible men I have ever seen. "Please, Daniel come in."
With the realization that she was covered in dust and must look a mess, Claire quickly led Daniel into the parlor and excused herself. "I have been working in the attic and I am covered in dust. I need just a few minutes to change my clothes and I would be happy to show you the areas I would like to update."
As he stood there, Daniel watched the beautiful brunette walk out of the room. Even with the dust on her clothes and the cobwebs hanging from her hair she was without question the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. His mother hadn't said much, just that the owner of the Van White mansion has been found and that she would like to update the kitchen and bathrooms. Thanks mom, you could have told me she wasn't an old spinster. Wishing she would have given him just a little more detail about the new owner, Daniel glanced down at his clothes. He was hoping somehow magically he was wearing something nicer than the work clothes he already knew he was wearing.
Claire rushed to change her clothes and brush her hair. Of all days to meet a handsome stranger. She couldn't help but notice the way Daniel looked at her. The desire in his blue eyes told him she would be nothing more than another conquest. With his rugged good looks and brown wavy hair, she knew he could have any woman he wanted. She just couldn't stop thinking of the way his dimples appeared with his slow generous smile. Stop it Claire, Adam was the love of your life and he hasn't even been gone a year.
Claire made her way back into the parlor feeling much more confident about her appearance, "If it's ok with you, I think we should start in the kitchen. That is where the majority of the work is needed."
Following Claire through the beautiful old home, Daniel couldn't help but be a bit envious. He had always wanted to find a beautiful home like this and lovingly restore it. Of course having grown up here at Van White Estates, he had been in the home on several occasions and knew that this home needed very little restoration.
As they entered the kitchen, Claire said, "I would like to tear out all the earlier renovations. I was thinking maybe I could have new cabinets built that fit in with the era of the home. To keep the kitchen bright, I like the look of white cabinets and I think that glass fronts would look great in this space. I love the look of an old farm house sink, if we could find one in good condition. And I would prefer to have marble or granite countertops that would accent the gray and white marble floors. And I want modern, high end stainless steel appliances."
Pulling out his notepad and tape measure, Daniel quickly took measurements. "I will have to draw up the plans and I can have them to you next week for your approval. I also have a portfolio, if you would like to look at my work. It might give me a better idea of what you like and dislike. If you approve the plans, I could start work as soon as I finish my current project."
Daniel followed Claire through the rest of the home, as she showed him the bathrooms she wanted to restore. He couldn't help but notice that she didn't want them to look brand new. She wanted everything to look original, but with modern touches. The thought made him smile. That is exactly what I would do to a beautiful old home. Keep the integrity and make it functional by today's standards.
Walking back into the foyer Claire said, "Thank you so much for coming today. I wasn't expecting you to take time out of your Saturday evening, especially since it's Valentines day. I'm sure you have better things to do than work."
"Nah, not really," Daniel said with a wave of his hand. "I'm single and for
me its just like any other day."
"Well if you don't have plans, I was thinking of heading in to town to get something to eat. Would you care to join me?" Wow, Claire seriously, that is very bold. What has come over you? "Um, If you have your portfolio with you, maybe I could take a look at it." Good save Claire.
With a wide grin Daniel said, "I accept," as he stepped back and let Claire lead him out the front door.
***
Chapter Six
Sliding into the seat across from Daniel, she had to remind herself this is not a date. This is business. As soon as they ordered their food, an awkward silence threatened.
Claire nervously sipped her coke, "Your mom and I came to town today to look at a building that will be available soon. I'm thinking of opening an antique store."
"Really? I love antiques. The history and the unknown about who owned them fascinates me. When I was a teenager I began collecting antique pipes. I think it is my love of antiques that has fueled my passion for restoring old homes," Daniel said.
"I love antiques too. It has always been a dream of mine to open an antique store. It was disappointing that the building we looked at didn't have a second story. I'm sure there was one originally, but now it's just a single level. Do you think it would be possible to build a loft to add to my floor space?" Claire asked with a hopeful smile.
Daniel returned her smile, "I would be happy to go take a look at it. I know it could be pretty expensive. But I was thinking we could use mezzanine. It would keep the structural integrity of the building and allow you to have the extra space you need. You could choose the size you want, and it would give the store a modern feel."
Claire's face brightened, "I love that idea! I hadn't thought about it, but it would be perfect. My vision for the store is to combine the old with the new. With the building being old and the metal loft being new, it would give it the trendy, upscale look that I want."
As the waitress brought their dinner, they settled into a more casual conversation. Daniel told her of his past and growing up at Van White estates and how he had always admired the home. He spoke lovingly of his parents and his childhood. He relayed stories about the estate and exploring the different buildings when he was a child. He agreed to come back and show her the grounds and buildings, in his dad's absence. Claire was thrilled with the thought. Knowing her own childhood and how she loved to explore she hoped she would see the property through a child's eyes.
As the waitress cleared the table, obviously anxious for them to leave, Claire couldn't help but think of Adam with a pang of guilt. But she reminded herself this isn't a date. They reluctantly stepped out into the cold night air, just as the first snowflakes began to fall.
They drove back to the estate in silence. Claire didn't want to admit it, but she was having a great time. For the first time in months her thoughts were not clouded with constant grief and thoughts of Adam or the accident. She knew he would always be with her. But with all that had happened in the past two days, she was beginning to see she could have a future, even if it had to be without him.
Breaking the silence as they pulled into the driveway, Daniel said, "I had a wonderful time tonight." Getting out of the car, they headed toward the front door. "Are we still on for touring the property tomorrow?"
"I had a wonderful time too. It isn't often that I find someone who shares my love of history and antiques. And yes, if you aren't busy tomorrow I would love to look around the property," Claire said. Sensing he wanted to lean in to kiss her she quickly said, "Good night," and with that she opened the door and slipped inside.
Scratching his head in confusion, Daniel headed toward his truck. What were you thinking man, don't mess this up. She is a client, and your parent's boss, even if she is the most wonderful woman you have ever met.
With her heart pounding, Claire stood in the foyer trying to gain control of her emotions. Thinking of the implications of what a kiss would mean.
After her heart slowed to a normal pace Claire headed upstairs, grabbing the journal off of the table before stepping into her bedroom. She heard the familiar ding of her cell phone and went to answer it. She had several text messages and the voicemail indicator was lit up. Listening to the message, she couldn't help but smile. Leave it to Jen to worry about me. "Hi Claire, it's Jen, you haven't answered any of my texts, please call me back. You said you were going to Eureka, and you would call when you got there. I'm afraid something horrible has happened to you. I don't care what time it is, please call me back. Disconnecting the call, she quickly read through the text messages, which were pretty much the same. There was a message from her mother, telling her she was in Arizona and she planned to stay until spring.
Claire dialed Jen's number. Answering on the first ring Jen asked, "Where have you been? Why didn't you answer my messages?"
"You won't believe what has happened," Claire spent the next hour relaying the events of the last couple of days. Before hanging up Claire convinced Jen to come for a visit. She was eager to show off her new home and discuss plans for the store.
She had been friends with Jen all of her life. There wasn't a time she couldn't remember her being there. Claire considered Jen more of a sister than a friend. They did everything together, sometimes fighting, but usually laughing, giggling and being silly.
The two had rented booth space in an antique store in Bentonville and loved going to auctions and estate sales to find their treasures. Jen had always been the outgoing quirky one, and Claire more calm and subdued. She wasn't really shy, but not particularly outgoing. She knew given the opportunity Jen would jump at the chance to move to Eureka and open the store with her. And aside from Adam, Claire couldn't think of another person she would rather have by her side.
After a relaxing shower, Claire decided she would look over the package of information James had sent with her. Looking around the room, she couldn't remember where she put it. Since it was probably still in her car, she would wait until tomorrow to go get it. Instead she grabbed the leather bound journal she found in the attic and headed to the turret room just down the hall. She built a small fire, hoping the chimney was clean, and that it was safe. Sitting down in a comfortable chair she propped her feet up on a nearby ottoman. Claire picked up the journal and for the first time she noticed the name engraved on the front, Elizabeth Van White. Opening to the first page she began to read.
January 14, 1886
Dear Diary,
Today is my 17th birthday and Mother and Father threw a grand party in my honor. I think everyone I know in Boston was in attendance. We all had a glorious time, even father who is typically quite sour seemed to enjoy himself.
I wore the new gown mother had Mrs. Jenkins make for me. It is stunning, garnet velvet and adorned with tiny cream rosettes. I was afraid that with my red hair it would look horrendous on me. But mother assured me I was a vision, and would be the envy of all our guests. Mother fixed my hair in ringlets and piled them loosely on my head, so they cascaded off of my shoulders. It was the first time she ever let me wear my hair in such a grown up fashion.
The party was wonderful, I danced with every eligible bachelor at the party, even Franklin Arnold. I had hoped that he would fancy another girl by now and leave me alone. He is such a bore, but father adores him.
I wish Thomas would have been allowed to attend the party, but I did see him when I snuck away for a few minutes to get some air. He followed me into the garden and he gave me my first real kiss. I ran away quickly for fear someone would see and that father would make a scene in front of our guests. The kiss was magnificent and so exciting. I felt like I was floating on a cloud for the rest of the night.
Oh how I wish father would let him court me. But father thinks ill of his daughter dating one of the hired hands. Not that father really cares what I think or want. He is concerned only about what others will think and of his standing in the community.
Mother gave me this beautiful journal that I am now writing in, she said every
young woman needs a journal to write her feelings in.
It has been a long day and I am falling asleep as I write, so good night for now.
Elizabeth