by Faith Helm
Claire was still not completely at ease, but with the financial worries slipping to the back of her mind, she put away the documents. Picking up the journal she opened it to where she had placed the ribbon marker.
March 9, 1886
Dear Diary,
We have finally made it to Arkansas. The trip was daunting, and I was beginning to think we would never reach our new home.
We traveled by train from Boston to Springfield and then traveled nearly a full day by coach to reach Eureka Springs.
I have of course been on a train before, but never for such a great amount of time. Even from the privacy of my sleeping car I could smell the horrendous odor of the many bodies of the people who traveled beside me. Like myself many had endured motion sickness for much of the trip.
Annie pulled me aside on the second day of the trip and confessed her fears, that I could be with child. I do not know why I did not think about the possibility, but it is true. After thinking about what she said I realized that I had not had my menstruation since before my time with Thomas in the carriage house.
I am conflicted, although I want to have many children with my dear sweet Thomas, I worry that if it is true father will harm me. Or worse, harm my child. But in a way I am hopeful he might even allow us to marry. We have just moved to a new town where nobody knows us. Perhaps he would allow us to wed in secret. Until Thomas arrives, I could say that my husband is settling our affairs in Boston.
I need to find a way to speak with mother in private. Perhaps she will know what to do and could get me to a doctor to confirm my condition. Although I am not being held prisoner here, I am afforded very little privacy so I will have to wait until father is out of the house.
Father's sour moods have continued, despite my hope that a new town and a new start would bring a welcome change.
I hear someone coming. I need to hide my journal, for fear if father knew, he would read my most private thoughts.
Elizabeth
March 10, 1886
Dear Diary,
I have still heard nothing of Thomas. I had hoped that one of the servants would have news of him. I know from his letter that he still loves, me and at the moment that is enough. I carry the letter with me everywhere and hold it dear to my heart along with the memories of our time together in the carriage house. I know I should not think of such things, but I can not help but to remember the caring and love that he showed me. When he looked into my eyes it was as if we were the only two people in the world.
Despite all of fathers faults, he has built a glorious new home. It is a large beautiful home set amidst the Ozark mountains. My room is every girls dream, and mother had it painted my favorite shade of pink. I think this must be how a princess feels, sleeping in such a beautiful room.
I had hoped mother and father would allow me take the blue room just beyond the balcony. However, they insisted that my room be on the main hall with their rooms and those of my brothers.
For the time being my sickness has subsided, which seems to have erased the worry from Annie's face. I am saddened at the thought that I might not be with child. But I know that it is for the best. There will be plenty of time for Thomas and I to have children, and I would prefer that we wed first, so he can be by my side throughout my confinement.
I must go now. William wants me to explore the attic with him. He is such a little thing. I know he is frightened to go alone, but would never dare admit it to me.
Elizabeth
March 11, 1886
Dear Diary,
I wanted to write of my experience with William in the attic so I would never forget the fun that we had.
Because of the cold weather, we decided we would have a picnic in the attic. It was so much fun, dancing around the large open space, we fell in a heap on the floor from exhaustion. William laughed as if it was the funniest thing he had ever seen. I do love William so. I should think if it was not for him I could surely die of boredom.
On the far end of the attic, William found a hidden passage. He has claimed it as his very own hiding place, exclaiming... No girls allowed! He is such a little gooney bird, but I do adore him so.
I did not want to disillusion him and tell him that it was just the attic space of the turret room. I let him believe he had found a secret room and that it was his, and his alone. He now believes he has magical powers. I believe children should be allowed to be children, believing in fairy tales and happily ever after. Sometimes I wish I was still a child, and could believe in fairy tales, but I now know life is far from a fairy tale.
Mother is heading to town to go to the mercantile. She has asked me to accompany her. I am thrilled to be able to see what our new town looks like, and to have the chance to speak with mother alone for the first time in weeks.
Elizabeth
March 12, 1886
Dear Diary,
My trip into town with mother was quite eventful. Eureka Springs is a rather small place compared to Boston, but the buildings are nice and everything looks brand new. We shopped in the mercantile and she even let me pick out some dress goods.
She says that it is warmer in Arkansas than in Massachusetts and we will need lighter clothes for the upcoming summer months.
So far I am not impressed with our new town. The mercantile did not have a large selection of dress goods, but I did pick out two pieces that I thought would be lovely and cool for a warm summers day.
I do hope mother will let me help her with the dresses. I have grown bored with the same pattern. I told her we are nearing the 20th century and I am quite tired of wearing such old fashioned styles.
While mother was finishing up shopping, she allowed me to go next door to see if the postmaster had any mail for us. To my delight there were two letters, one from Andrew and another from Thomas. I quickly hid the one from Thomas in my reticule. Although I was anxious to read it, I did not want mother to know he had written. She was of course delighted to hear from Andrew as was I.
As soon as we returned home I feigned a headache and went to my room to read the beautiful letter from Thomas. He is well and still working in Boston. He has saved enough money for the trip and a small dowry, but knows to impress father he will need much more. I suspect he has lost money on the cards, or surely he would have enough saved. The words were beautiful and I shall cherish them forever.
I will speak to Annie in hopes that she will let us send letters by way of her, so as not to alert father. I must go for now, mother is calling me.
Elizabeth
Barely able to keep her eyes open, Claire just sit there for a while thinking about Elizabeth and her journal. She sounded like such a sweet young woman who always remained hopeful, despite her harsh upbringing. The way she spoke of William showed that she really loved him and enjoyed spending time with him. Wishing Adam could have been here to see his ancestral home, and read the words written by a distant aunt, Claire drifted off to sleep, as the journal quietly fell to her side.
***
Chapter Nine
Claire woke early to the sound of sleet hitting the window. As she arose, she realized it was Tuesday and Daniel would be here this morning. She couldn't help but think about the possibility of a relationship with him. He was a great guy, and it didn't hurt that he was good looking. Janet had been right, they do have a lot in common. They both love history, antiques, going to auctions and estate sales. But how could she move forward and just forget Adam? When they got married she vowed that she would remain true to him, but the vows also said until death do us part. Seriously Claire, stop it! you don't even know if Daniel is interested in you.
Sitting down with her cup of coffee and a bagel she made a list. She added two columns, things to buy for the house and things to buy for the store. Just as she stood to get more coffee, the doorbell rang. Looking at the clock, hmmm, Daniel is early.
As she reached the foyer, the doorbell rang again. Opening the door quickly she heard,
"Oh my God Claire, why didn't
you tell me you inherited a mansion," as Jen grabbed her for a hug.
Recovering from the hug Claire said, "Get in here out of the cold, you will freeze to death. I can't believe you didn't tell me you were coming."
"Of course I didn't. You would have told me not to drive in the snow and ice, besides I wanted to surprise you," Jen retorted.
"It is definitely a pleasant surprise. Are you hungry? Do you want a cup of coffee?" Claire asked as she ushered Jen into the kitchen.
Jen grinned guiltily, "I would take the coffee, but I stopped at McDonald's on the way here. So what are your plans for the day?"
"The contractor is stopping by sometime this morning so we can go measure for a loft in the store. Speaking of which, I was hoping maybe you would consider helping me set up and open the store. You know I wouldn't have as much fun on my treasure hunts without you, besides that I value your ideas."
Jen slowly sipped her coffee, sitting the cup down, she smiled, "I was hoping you would ask. It seems like forever since we have been to a good auction. I have to say, I'm a bit jealous of your home and that you won't be nearby anymore. I can't imagine you living here and me an hour a way in Bentonville."
"Actually," Claire said, "I was really hoping you would want to move in here with me and be partners in the store. I don't want to be that far away from you. There have already been too many losses in my life."
Jen wrapped her best friend in a hug, "You know I would love to, but I can't right now. I met someone and things are starting to get serious. I just didn't know how to tell you without hurting your feelings. I will come visit though, and after seeing your new home you will probably get tired of seeing me. But I will definitely be here to help you get the store up and running."
Hearing the doorbell Claire looked up at Jen, "It's ok, and I want to hear all about this mystery man later. But right now the contractor is here. Are you ready to go check out the store?"
With a huge smile, Jen followed Claire to the front of the house. As soon as Claire opened the door she heard Jen mumble under her breath, "You didn't tell me he was gorgeous!"
After Daniel and Jen were introduced, they headed out the door. Daniel insisted they take his four wheel drive truck because the roads were slick. They chatted all the way to town as the girls tossed around ideas for the store.
As they turned on main street Claire pointed out the buildings she knew were hers. And finally when the beauty shop came into view she nearly shouted, "That's it, isn't is perfect?"
"Oh Claire, it is perfect. I am so happy for you," Jen said.
While Daniel was taking measurements for the loft the girls walked around making notes on where they would set up the displays and what other shelves they would need. There were customers in the salon, so they left as soon as Daniel had the measurements he needed.
Before heading back to Claire's house they stopped by the store for the items on her list. She had already enlisted the help of both Daniel and Jen and was ready to get home and get started on the attic.
Daniel could only watch as the girls talked non stop and the way their conversations overlapped and then circled back around was comical. Daniel couldn't quit grinning. He hadn't seen Claire this animated or excited and he loved seeing this side of her.
After making it home safely Claire cooked some chili and put in the crock pot for dinner while Jen made soup and sandwiches for their lunch. While they ate Daniel talked about his ideas for the loft and sketched out his thoughts on a notepad. After a few changes to the railing and stairs, Claire and Jen were satisfied. Quickly cleaning up their lunch dishes they headed to the attic. Claire grabbed the portrait of Elizabeth and asked Daniel if he could hang it for her. "I'm not sure where I should hang it, but I was thinking it should go in her bedroom, what do you think Daniel?"
"I don't know either but we can hang it in her room. If you change your mind later I would be happy to move it for you," Daniel said with an eager smile.
As Daniel hung the painting Claire continued showing Jen the rest of the rooms on the second floor, pointing out her favorite pieces of furniture.
Jen was in awe, "I am so excited Claire, this is like a time capsule."
Laughing Claire said, "That is exactly what I thought."
Daniel caught up with them and they continued looking in each room until they reached the attic. Jen flipped on the flashlight Claire had picked up at the store as Daniel found the string for the overhead light.
Jen stepped in so she could get a better look, "Are you kidding me? I have never seen so many old pieces in one room. This place is huge, and it's packed full of stuff. I think we could spend weeks up here and not see everything."
"I know, I have only been up here twice. The first time I spent a long time looking at the things I found in a dome top trunk. At this rate it will take me the rest of my life to get through everything. I am just not sure what to part with, someone obviously loved this stuff enough to keep it rather than throw it out. Besides I keep finding things that Elizabeth mentioned in her journal. I just don't want to part with something that was important to her," Claire said.
"Why is that?" Jen asked with curiosity.
Claire thought for a moment, "I'm not sure, but would guess it's because I'm getting to know her through her journal. I almost feel like she wants her story told. Besides, these things belonged to Adam's ancestors. It just doesn't feel right letting them go."
"How about if we just look for items that are newer, say items that are vintage, rather than antique. Just until you finish the journal and figure out if anything else is important," Daniel suggested.
"That's perfect, and besides that, there is no way we are getting though all of this today," Claire giggled.
While Daniel ran downstairs and grabbed the boxes and tissue paper the girls started in the front corner. They went through boxes and trunks trying to figure out what to get rid of and what to keep. By the time Daniel returned they already had a large pile.
He shook his head, as he looked at the pile of vintage lamps and clocks, a couple of small radios, a pair of 1950's candlesticks and a mid-century chair. He put the boxes together, and the girls started filling them. As soon as they filled a box, he would take it downstairs to the room they had decided was the easiest to use for a staging area.
They continued to work most of the day and finally, the stale attic air and hunger started to get to them. As Claire looked around, she could see little progress. This was definitely going to take some time, but she was in no rush. She wasn't ready to part with her treasures yet, and if she was honest with herself she wasn't even sure if she wanted to live in the house. It is beautiful, she thought, but it is just too big for me. Even if I got remarried and had a half a dozen kids it is too big. Maybe I should turn it into a museum or give it to the historical society after it is restored. But in her heart Claire knew she would never part with such a precious gift that belonged to Adam.
As they reached the bottom step Claire said, "Hey Daniel, why don't you call your parents and see if they want to come eat dinner with us. I'm going to make cornbread to go with our chili."
"I will chop the onions and shred the cheese," Jen offered.
Thirty minutes later the five sat down to eat. They talked for hours about Daniel and Claire's ideas for the home and antique store and about the treasures they found in the attic. Janet, Steve and Daniel relayed stories about living at the estate and what the grounds would look like over the coming summer months.