by Bess McBride
She dropped her eyes to the floor with the thought that in a romantic movie, alone at last, she and Robert would now be rushing into each other’s arms. If this were a dream, why wasn’t that occurring? What kind of rip-off dream was this, anyway? She choked on a slightly hysterical giggle.
“Ellie?” Robert’s voice penetrated her rambling inner dialogue.
She looked up to see him gesturing toward a large, closed, paneled door.
“Would you care to join me in the study while your room is being prepared?”
“Oh, sure,” she murmured with a barely suppressed chuckle and moved toward the door.
Robert followed and reached from behind to open the door. A shiver ran up her spine as she moved past him.
“You’re giggling again, Ellie. I suppose you still won’t tell me why.”
With shaking shoulders, she turned her head from side to side. “I can’t, Robert. I’d be too embarrassed.”
“Embarrassed? You? Surely not.” He gave an exaggerated sigh and grinned. “Very well. I’ll be patient. You will tell me one day.”
Ellie entered a massive room remarkable for its dark wood paneling. Long green velvet curtains framed highly polished shelves housing hundreds of hardback books. Several elegant brown velvet chairs rested on an immense golden oriental carpet and faced a massive brick fireplace. A large wooden desk occupied one third of the room.
Ellie dropped into one of the chairs indicated by Robert, finding it surprisingly soft and comfortable. She felt instantly at home and settled into the chair.
“Oh, Robert, this room is beautiful, absolutely beautiful,” she breathed as she stared at the carved teak mantelpiece and eye-catching gilded mirror above it.
Robert lowered himself into the chair opposite hers. He surveyed the room thoughtfully.
“Thank you. I’m glad you like it. The house was built by my father, but I decorated this room last year.”
“Well, you did a fine job. It is truly wonderful.”
He smiled. “You may use it when you like. Grandmother and Melinda do not like the room. They think it is too dark, and they prefer the parlor.”
“Well, thank you. I will.”
Robert consulted his pocket watch. “It is past one o’clock in the morning. You must be tired.”
Ellie grinned. “I am, though I’m not sure what time it is in my time. For all I know, I could be getting plenty of rest right now while I sleep.”
He narrowed his eyes and fixed her with an exasperated smile.
“Time,” he murmured as he crossed his legs and laced his fingers together.
“Dream,” Ellie chuckled teasingly.
Roger entered with a tea tray which he set down on a mahogany table between them.
“Cream and sugar, Miss Standish?”
“No, thanks, Roger.” Ellie took her steaming cup and admired the delicate gold leaf embossing small roses on the fine white porcelain.
“Thank you, Roger,” Robert said. “I will see you in the morning. Not too early, mind you. I’ll leave for the office at ten.”
“Good night, sir, Miss Standish.” Roger closed the door quietly behind him.
Ellie again dropped her eyes to her cup.
“You know, Robert, we have huge mugs to drink tea from now...like your shaving mugs. You do have a shaving mug, don’t you?”
“Tea from shaving mugs?” He lifted a skeptical eyebrow. “I cannot imagine. Yes, I have a shaving mug. How did you know?”
“I don’t know if you remember, but the Victorian era is one of my areas of interest. I have studied it quite a bit, especially women’s rights.”
He took a sip of tea and eyed her over the rim of the cup. “Ah, yes, women’s rights. Melinda...inheritance. Shall I be hearing about that often from you in the future?” A sly grin goaded Ellie.
“You most certainly will, Mr. Chamberlain. If this isn’t a dream and I’ve traveled back in time—as you believe—then that might very well be my reason for being here.”
“That being what, Miss Standish?” A playful light in his green eyes threatened to make her laugh, but she refused.
“That being to educate you and your ilk on the notion that women are equal to men.”
“My ilk, Miss Standish? My ilk?” he murmured with a twitch of his lips.
Ellie pumped her eyebrows comically. “You like that, eh, Mr. Chamberlain? I’m just trying to remember some old-fashioned words and use them...in honor of my visit to your time.” She inclined her head graciously in his direction.
Robert sputtered his tea and set the cup and saucer down with a clatter. He leaned forward, rested his elbows on his knees and buried his face in his hands. Ellie watched his shaking shoulders with apprehension. Did she make him mad?
He dropped his hands to reveal his face convulsed with laughter.
“Oh, my dear Miss Standish! How is my century going to cope with you? How will I cope with you?” He shook his head in mock despair.
“As a true Victorian gentleman, Mr. Standish. Unfortunately, as a true Victorian gentleman,” Ellie murmured partially under her breath as she longed to throw herself onto his lap and run her fingers through the chestnut waves of his shining hair. Her dream rapidly promised to turn into an epic of unrequited passion and bittersweet yearning.
****
Robert leapt out of bed the next morning and rang the bell for his valet. He could not wait to begin the day, to see Ellie once again, to listen to her strange expressions and watch the charmingly rosy color flow and ebb in her face.
With a knock on the door, his long-time valet, Charles, entered the room, an older gentleman who had been in service with Robert’s father. He crossed over to open the curtains.
“You are up bright and early, sir.”
Robert paced the room like a caged tiger. He rubbed his hands together briskly.
“Yes, I am, Charles. I could not sleep but merely waited for the sun to come up.” Robert crossed to the window and stared out over the city as Charles laid out his clothing. “And the sun has certainly come up. Isn’t it a beautiful day?”
He turned from the window to catch Charles’ startled look.
“Yes, I know what you are thinking, my good man. What has possessed me, eh?”
Charles pressed his thin lips together and handed Robert his trousers.
“No, sir, I would not presume.”
Robert glanced up quickly and grinned.
“Of course you would presume, Charles. You would never tell me, that is all.”
“As you like, sir,” Charles stoically handed Robert his undershirt.
Robert slipped the soft cotton undershirt on and paused for a moment as if listening. He put a finger to his lips.
“Do you hear anything in the hall, Charles? Is anyone else awake?” Robert crossed to the door and pulled it open, peeking out into the empty hallway. He sighed and closed it quietly.
“We have a guest, you know, Charles. A woman. Her name is Miss Ellie Standish.”
“Yes, sir, I heard,” Charles responded as he handed Robert a freshly starched white linen shirt.
“Yes, you probably have. She is from Chicago. She will be a guest with us for a while. For some time, I hope.”
“Indeed, sir. How fortunate.”
Robert paused and looked over at Charles. “Charles, I know you too well. What is it?”
Charles hesitated, then handed his employer a charcoal blue vest.
“Nothing, sir. We heard about Miss Standish’s arrival this morning. She sounds like a lovely young woman.”
Robert shrugged on his jacket.
“Yes, lovely. Yes, she certainly is lovely. Indeed. I think I will leave work early today and take Miss Standish on a tour of the city. Does that sound like something that might be of interest to a woman, Charles?
Charles dropped the tie he was handing Robert and bent to pick it up. His face was impassive as he held it out. Robert eyed him narrowly. How did the man manage to hide all emotion? Robert hoped h
e had startled the long-time servant, but other than dropping the tie, Charles had betrayed no surprise at Robert’s unexpected scheme.
“Certainly, sir. A wonderful idea! So, you will leave work early?”
“Yes, Charles. I will. I will stop by the bank and see if anything pressing requires my attention, and then I will return.” Robert drew in a deep breath. “It really is a beautiful day!”
****
Sunlight peeped through the thick curtains of Ellie’s bedroom to tease her eyes open. She stretched like a cat from the tip of her head to the last little toe, every muscle stiff and sore as if she had indeed traveled back in time and aged a hundred years. She clasped her hands behind her head and studied the room.
The mattress had proven surprisingly soft and comfortable. She didn’t know what sort of material filled it, and she didn’t want to know. Her pillow felt like down and feathers, and her vegetarian soul cringed at the thought. Well-ironed, white linen sheets caressed her skin...all of her skin. Without a change of clothes, she’d slept naked. And she had dreamed of Robert...a dream within a dream. A heated blush spread throughout her body, and she pulled the quilt up to her chin. In the dream, Robert had discarded his true Victorian gentleman persona and...
Ellie blocked the thought, heaved a sigh and turned onto her side. Green velvet curtains failed to keep tiny streams of light from spilling into the room. The maid, Sarah, had put her in a whimsically circular room with a four-poster bed and what some might have called antique Queen Anne furniture. Ellie had examined the room and its furnishings thoroughly before she hopped into the massive bed the previous night. The highly polished furniture shone brightly, without nicks and dings, and smelled of freshly cut wood. A cedar chest at the foot of the bed lent a wonderful scent to the room. The antique furniture was, in fact, new.
With no idea of the time, Ellie reluctantly crawled out of bed and found her clothes. She gingerly pressed them to her nose and grimaced. Her clothes were ripe from traveling. She slid into the skirt and sweater, wishing she had something fresh to wear, though she drew the line at a corseted gown. Perhaps a nice loose gingham dress, such as she’d seen photos of pioneer women wearing.
She opened the door and peeked out into the hallway. What time was it? She used her cell phone to tell time, but that was in her purse, somewhere on the train. The modern silver train. She slid out the door and surveyed the darkened hallway. Which way to go?
Trying to retrace last night’s exhausted steps following Sarah to the room, Ellie turned to the left. She shuffled quietly along the oriental runner until she reached the grand staircase. Sounds from downstairs reached her ears—a feminine voice, perhaps Mrs. White, or a younger voice. Sarah?
Running her hands lovingly along the gleaming wooden banister, Ellie crept down the stairs. Ornately framed portraits and landscapes decorated the rounded walls of the staircase. Her apprehension grew as she neared the first floor. What would she find in the light of day?
She came to a stop at the bottom of the stairs and listened for the sounds of activity. The wonderful smell of cooked food made her mouth water, and she followed her nose. She crossed the hall and entered a formal dining room such as she’d seen only in photographs of Victorian homes. White lace curtains diffused and softened the bright light from outside. A long mahogany dining table sported a white linen and lace runner underneath a festive arrangement of flowers in the center. The room was empty.
She moved through the room in the direction of the delicious smell and the sound of voices. To her right she saw another room, a circular room painted a soft buttercup yellow. A large round table presided in the center of the circle, and seated opposite the door was Robert, looking rested and refreshed, reading a newspaper. His wet hair gleamed in the sunlight flooding the room. When he looked up, her heart melted at the sight of his cheerful grin.
“Ellie! You’re awake! Good morning. Here, come sit down with me. We’ll have breakfast together.” He jumped up and pulled out a chair next to his.
Ellie hesitated.
“What’s wrong?” He cocked his head to the side.
“I...uh...haven’t had a shower, and my clothes are...um...travel stained.” She gulped. “Maybe I should just sit on the other side. You know...away.”
Robert grinned, the charming cleft in his chin deepening.
“Nonsense,” he murmured. “Come sit here. I cannot imagine that you would ever smell... That is...not be fresh as a daisy,” he finished triumphantly though his face took on a bronze tinge.
Ellie chuckled. “Okay. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” She slid into the chair next to his.
“I apologize,” he said with a sigh as he returned to his seat. “I should have instructed Sarah to show you to the washroom in case you wanted to bathe this morning. Mrs. White will see to it after breakfast.” He eyed her speculatively. “You do need some clothes, though. As interesting as yours are, they will only bring uninvited attention. You will need to have something in the current fashion...from this time.”
Ellie grinned and shook her head. “Robert, you are such a science fiction fan. What am I going to do with you?”
“Well, I do not rightly know, Ellie. Whatever you like, I suppose. I am at your disposal.” He pressed his lips together in a failing effort to stifle a grin, and his green eyes danced.
Sarah, a gangly young girl who appeared to be in her late teens, rushed into the room.
“Oh, Miss Standish, I didn’t know you were awake. Mrs. White said I was supposed to show you the washroom as soon as you woke, but I didn’t know you were up and about.” Her panicked brown eyes flickered from Robert to Ellie and back.
“No need to worry, Sarah. Miss Standish will bathe after breakfast. Could you please bring out some tea and breakfast for her?”
Sarah bobbed. “Right away, sir. Right away.” She turned to leave.
“Wait, Sarah!” Ellie called to her escaping back. “Please don’t bring anything with meat. I-I’m not sure what you have in there for breakfast, but anything without meat will be fine.”
Sarah turned back with an open mouth and a wrinkled brow. “Without meat?” she asked incredulously.
Ellie glanced at Robert for help, only to see him watching the exchange with amusement. He remained mute but gave her an encouraging nod.
She turned back to Sarah.
“Yes, you know, potatoes or eggs. I eat eggs...without the yolk, that is. Or toast! Toast would be just fine.”
“I don’t know, Miss Standish. I’ll have to tell Cook. She’ll know what to do.” With a last nervous glance in Robert’s direction, Sarah fled the room.
“Thank you very much for all the help, Robert.” Ellie quirked a wry eyebrow in his direction.
“I thought you handled it yourself beautifully, Ellie. How could I have assisted you any better?” He raised his hands in a mock helpless gesture. She sniffed and crossed her arms.
“Eggs without the yolk?” Robert asked. “What is this about?”
“Cholesterol, you know?” Ellie said. “I’m watching my cholesterol. My dad had high cholesterol, and it can be a genetically inherited trait.”
“Cholesterol? I take it this is derived from fat.”
She nodded. “Well, I’m no nutritionist, but yes, most of it comes from fat.”
“We will have to discuss your menu with Cook. That means no lard, I suppose?
Ellie huffed and shook her head. “Animal fat.”
“Cheese?” His smile was rapidly turning into a sly smirk.
“You know I eat cheese. I would like to believe that the milk is humanely obtained.”
Robert dropped his smile, and his expression turned grave for a moment.
“I do not know if your visit to the turn of the century is going to make you happy, Ellie. There are many things here that are not necessarily humane or safe or healthy.”
Ellie blushed. She was as happy as a clam...in his presence.
“I’m quite content, Robert. Thank you.”
>
He laid a warm hand over hers. “I hope you are, Ellie. I fervently hope that you are.”
Ellie’s eyes flew to his, and she stilled at the intensity in them. She dropped her gaze and pulled her hand from his, afraid she might lose herself in the depths of his eyes and never come back up for air.
“So, you were saying about clothes?” she said unsteadily.
He leaned back and took a sip of tea. “For today, I think you should borrow some clothing. Would you prefer to borrow from Melinda or from my grandmother? You are all of similar size.” The laughter sprang back into his eyes.
Ellie gave him a severe look, but she couldn’t repress a chuckle.
“Melinda, please.”
“I will ask her before I leave. I must go in to the office this morning. We will see about buying some clothing for you.”
“I couldn’t, Robert. That’s too much trouble and expense. I’m just a stranger—and one who might be simply passing through, at that. Please don’t spend any money on me.”
“You are no stranger to me, Ellie. I may have met you only yesterday, but I know you. I do not believe you are simply passing through.” Though he didn’t move, Ellie felt as if he whispered in her ear. A smile lingered on his face, but his eyes grew dark and solemn.
At his words, Ellie turned startled eyes on him, but was distracted by Sarah’s return with another cup of tea and a plate of food which she placed in front of Ellie with a slight clatter.
“Here, miss. This is everything Cook had ready for breakfast without meat.” She dashed out quickly.
Ellie’s eyes widened at the sight of the extensive quantity of food heaped on the delicate china plate. A large mound of fried potatoes, two pancakes, four pieces of toast and an oversized, glazed, cinnamon roll all begged for attention.
Ellie gasped. “I can’t possibly eat all this.”
Robert gave a hearty laugh. “I see Mrs. Smith, our cook, is in rare form today.” He leaned forward to study her plate. “She never gives me that much.”
“Well, here, have some,” Ellie murmured although she had already dug into the potatoes. “This is delicious. My compliments to Mrs. Smith,” she mumbled on a bite of toast.