Threaded Through Time, Book One

by Sarah Ettritch

  “I didn’t have anything for him, so I guess he’s in his skivvies.” Or nude. “I gave Margaret that nightie my mother gave me a few years ago, the one I’ve never worn. It’s okay length-wise, but a little baggy. I tried to give her a t-shirt and sweats for tomorrow, but she wants a dress.”

  “She’s going to sit around in a dress?”

  Pam shrugged. “That’s what she wants. I’ll have to find her one that falls below the knee, so she won’t be too scandalized. Jasper will have to wear the same clothes until I get home.” She stuck her phone under Robin’s nose.

  “You took pictures?”

  “I had to. Her hair won’t stay like that. Somehow I’ll have to recreate the style when we know how to send them back. Or take her to Steve’s and show him this.” She gasped. “I’m going to look them up on the Net, see if I can find anything.” Robin set her e-reader on the nightstand, rolled over, and propped herself up on one elbow.

  “Look for him. It sounds like he’s some type of aristocrat.” Pam typed Jasper Bainbridge and waited for the search results. She scanned the list.

  Nothing jumped out at her, so she moved to the next page, and the next. “Oh my god, this could be something.” She clicked and waited for the old newspaper article to appear on the display.

  Halifax Social Pages, December 1910

  Wilton-Bainbridge Wedding

  The marriage of Miss Margaret Wilton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.S. Wilton of Toronto, to Mr. Jasper Bainbridge, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. S.T. Bainbridge of Toronto, was solemnized on December 15, 1910 at St. Mark’s Church. Mr. and Mrs. Bainbridge are honeymooning in New Brunswick. They will reside in Halifax.

  Robin pointed. “Look at the date!”

  “They certainly didn’t waste any time. And they moved to Halifax.” Excitement coursed through Pam. “And you know what this means? We figured out how to send them back! Or, rather, we will figure it out.” This time travel stuff was confusing.

  Robin rolled onto her back and threw her arm across her forehead. “So she married him.”

  “You sound surprised.”

  “She doesn’t love him.”

  Pam snorted. “And you know that how?”

  “From the last entry in her diary.”

  “Why? What did it say?” Pam gripped Robin’s arm. “Tell me.” Robin shook her head. “It’s bad enough that I read it. And because it was the last entry in her diary, I was pretty sure we wouldn’t figure out how to send them back.”

  “No, don’t you see? She didn’t write in her diary again because she knew we’d eventually find it. And that’s why she left it there. She knew she’d need it in 2010, to prove to us that they weren’t lying.”

  Robin grunted.

  “I wonder why she didn’t write a message to us in the diary, though,” Pam said. “Like,

  ‘Dear Pam and Robin. You’ve just found this in the attic in 2010. A rhyme in a black book brought Jasper and me here. I hope this is enough proof for you, Robin.’”

  “Maybe because she knew there wasn’t a message when we found it,” Robin said.

  Pam had the feeling that if she thought too hard about Robin’s answer, her brain would shut down. Time to move on. “So she doesn’t love Jasper, eh? That sucks.” She turned off her phone and put it on her nightstand, then climbed into bed. “Maybe that’s why she quickly agreed that I could measure him. I told her she could do it, but she didn’t want to.”

  “I don’t think they’re, uh . . . that familiar with each other.” Robin’s eyes glinted mischievously. “And maybe she wasn’t sure what you wanted her to measure.” Pam barked a laugh, then covered her mouth and giggled into her hand. If she were Margaret, she’d certainly be more familiar with Jasper. When he’d removed his jacket before helping her move the boxes . . . well, his cotton shirt had barely restrained his biceps when he’d lifted two or three boxes at once, and she couldn’t help admiring his ass as she’d followed him downstairs. His full head of sandy hair, neatly clipped moustache, and Roman nose contributed to his rugged handsomeness. And his red face when she’d measured his inseam had endeared him to her. Not wanting to embarrass him further, she hadn’t voiced her observation that he hung to the right. If only he wasn’t from 1910—and engaged. She felt a connection to him that ran deeper than physical attraction. It was his manner, his gentleness.

  Out of all the people she could have summoned from the past, why them? Why him? Oh!

  She abruptly turned and grabbed Robin’s arm again. “Maybe I was able to summon them because Jasper and I were lovers in a previous life!”

  Robin snickered. “You wish! And not that I’m giving any credence to past lives, but wouldn’t that mean you could have been Margaret?”

  Pam grimaced. “Right. Scratch that theory.” She let go of Robin. “Margaret’s a lucky woman. What I wouldn’t do for a man like Jasper.” He was worth ten of the jerks like the one at dinner. “Anyway, no point drooling over what I can’t have. Let’s talk about tomorrow.”

  “What about tomorrow?” Robin asked, her brow furrowing.

  “I have to go to work.”

  “And I have to go to class.”

  “We can’t leave them here alone! How many classes do you have?”

  “Two.” Robin sighed. “But one’s a lab. I guess I can skip them.” She raised a finger. “But only this once. You have to figure out how to send them back.”

  “I will! You saw the marriage announcement. Have faith!” She blew out some air. “Look, I’ll pick them up some clothes on my lunch hour. Saturday, we’ll all go to Jake’s.”

  “All of us? Are you sure that’s a good idea? He can’t know about them.” Pam held up her hand. “I know. But Jake’s pretty intuitive.” She lowered her voice. “And I’ve heard he can see auras. He’s also a little psychic.” Robin’s face screwed up. “How can he be a little psychic? He either is, or he isn’t, and my money is on isn’t. And I’m not going into that store. If anyone sees me there, I’ll die.”

  “Fine, fine, I’ll take them myself.”

  “Good. By Saturday I’ll want some time alone, especially after babysitting all day Friday.” Pam reached over and turned off the lamp, so she could roll her eyes in the dark. She knew exactly what Robin would do when everyone else was at Jake’s—sit on her ass in front of her computer and yell into her headset. So be it. They’d be better off without Robin along on their field trip. Pam wouldn’t need Robin’s skepticism rearing its head every five seconds, especially in front of Jake.

  “Good night,” she murmured, then closed her eyes and wondered if someone from the past could appear in her dreams. She hoped so.

  *****

  With a multitude of bags hanging off her arms, Pam struggled to unlock the front door. She breathed a sigh of relief when the key finally turned in the lock. The TV was on. A peek into the living room located their two guests, or at least the backs of their heads. She dumped the bags on the hallway floor and inhaled the aroma of garlic and onions—Robin was probably in the kitchen. Pam strode up the hall, her heels clicking on the wooden floor.

  “Do you think it’s a good idea to let them watch TV?”

  Robin looked up from the pot she was stirring. “What did you want me to do, lock them in a room all day? You’re taking them out tomorrow.”

  Pam sighed and nodded. “I suppose we can’t shelter them.” She motioned for Robin to feed her a spoonful of the sauce. “Mmm. It’s good,” she said, savouring the sauce’s zing. “So it went okay today?”

  Robin nodded. “The TV? A godsend. They’ve been enraptured from the moment I turned it on. They did eat lunch, but then they wanted to go right back into the living room.”

  “Do they understand what it is?”

  “Well, I explained it to them as best I could. They know about moving pictures, so it wasn’t too much of a stretch to explain that we can broadcast them. And they love it!” She frowned.

  “They’ve been awfully quiet since the soap operas came on, thou
gh. I think they might have gone into some type of mental shock.”

  “Which you were happy to leave them in.”

  “What can I say?” Robin said with a shrug.

  Pam sighed. “Did Mitzy come out?”

  “I caught a glimpse of her a couple of hours ago, but no, she’s still hiding.”

  “I’ll try to find her later. Anyway, I’d better go see if they’re all right.” Pam walked into the living room. “Good evening. How was your day?” Two bleary-eyed faces turned to her. Jasper stood and extended his hand. After a moment of confusion, Pam held out hers. She grew weak at the knees when he kissed it. She would have giggled like a schoolgirl, if not for Margaret’s presence. Looking at her made Pam want to call a chiropractor. “You can sit back, Margaret. You don’t have to perch on the edge like that.”

  “I’m quite comfortable,” Margaret said. “You look lovely, Pam.”

  “Oh.” Pam felt herself blushing. “Thank you.”

  “Will Robin be dressing for dinner?”

  “Dressing for dinner?” Pam sounded shrill. “No, Robin doesn’t dress for dinner. I normally don’t, either.” She glanced at Jasper and cleared her throat. “But I will tonight.” And Robin had better not say a damn thing about it. “Robin tells me you enjoy watching TV.” Jasper nodded. “We’ve been watching a rather melodramatic series of vignettes. I must say, I’m surprised at how many of them are of a carnal nature. I had to cover Margaret’s eyes.” Pam raised her brows. “Did you? Well, whatever you think is appropriate.” They would be going back to 1910, after all. Best not to corrupt the lady too much.

  “What we’re viewing now, though . . .” Margaret slowly shook her head. “The level of depravity, the greed, the self-absorption and complete lack of regard for others—it’s shocking.” Curious, Pam turned to the TV, then chuckled. “Oh, don’t worry about that, it’s just the news.”

  Robin leaned around the archway. “Dinner’s ready. We’ll eat in the kitchen.” Jasper smiled. “Ladies.” Pam jealously looked on as he offered Margaret his elbow.

  “Aren’t you changing?” Robin said when Pam reached the kitchen.

  “No, I am no t.” She hoped her tone was enough to silence Robin.

  Fortunately Robin took the hint, but her amused eyes spoke volumes. She lifted two plates.

  “Here, take these. They’re all the same, so put them anywhere.”

  “All right.” Pam carried them over to the table, in time to see Jasper pull out Margaret’s chair for her. She set a plate down in front of Margaret. “Where are you sitting, Jasper? Next to Margaret?”

  “Across from her.”

  Pam set the plate down on the other side of the table, then stifled a giggle when Jasper pulled out another chair. “Thank you.” She grabbed the glass Robin had already filled with water and gulped some down. Now what was Jasper doing, standing behind his own chair?

  Robin set the remaining plates on the table. “Sit, Jasper. We went through this at lunch. You don’t have to stand at attention until I’m seated.” He stepped to his right. “And don’t pull out my chair. We went through that, too.”

  He stopped moving and met Margaret’s eyes; she shrugged slightly and turned to Robin.

  “Let me help you with the meals tomorrow,” she said.

  “No, it’s okay.” Robin sat down. “I don’t mind cooking.”

  “But I’d like to help. We’re imposing.”

  “You’re not responsible for that.” Robin gave Pam a pointed look. “But if it’ll make you feel better, okay, maybe we can cook dinner together tomorrow night.” Margaret nodded. “I would like that.”

  “Sounds like a plan, then.” Pam eyed her food and reached for her napkin. Why was everyone just sitting there?

  Jasper cleared his throat. “Would you like to say grace, Pam?”

  “Huh?”

  “Yes, would you like to say grace, Pam?” Robin’s mouth twitched. “Just as we did at breakfast and lunch.”

  Oh, dear. Pam had run out that morning without eating breakfast. Usually she had at least a piece of toast, but between showing Margaret and Jasper how to work the shower and finding Margaret a dress, she’d barely made it out of the house on time and had picked up a coffee and muffin on the way to work. “Breakfast and lunch, eh? Jesus!” Two heads bowed. Oh, shit. “Yes, Jesus, uh, our Lord, we thank you for this, um, nourishment your humble servant Robin has prepared.” She pressed her lips together to stop herself from laughing when Robin’s shoulders shook. “Amen.”

  “Amen,” Jasper and Margaret echoed.

  “Let’s eat,” Pam announced, before I get myself into more trouble. She unfolded her napkin.

  “So, I picked up a few clothes for you. We’ll have a little fashion show later. Margaret, I bought you a couple of dresses, but also casual wear. Just try everything on, all right? You might like the casual clothes.”

  “I’ll have a look at them,” Margaret said.

  “Well, good. That’s a start.” Pam wound spaghetti around her fork.

  Jasper had already sampled his plate. “It’s very tasty. My compliments to the cook.” Margaret nodded. “Quite. But you’re not Italian, are you? You’re too fair. And Tillman isn’t an Italian name.”

  “No, I just like Italian food,” Robin said.

  “You prepare it well.”

  “Thank you.”

  Pam lowered her head and smiled at Robin’s flushed cheeks. It must be killing her to be so polite. Robin usually brushed aside compliments.

  “So what’s the plan for tomorrow, then?” Robin asked. “If we’re lucky, Margaret and Jasper won’t need most of the clothes you bought. Not that I’m anxious to see you go,” she quickly added.

  “After lunch, we’ll go to Jake’s, see what he has to say.” Pam turned to Jasper. “I want you and Margaret to come with me.”

  “Who is Jake?” he asked.

  “I bought the black book from his store. He’s an expert in the area of the . . . uh, mystical arts.”

  Jasper’s face clouded. “A practitioner of the dark arts?”

  “No. It’s a New Age store, selling spiritual books, and crystals, and relaxing music.”

  “And black books that tear people from their own time.” He shook his head. “We won’t go with you.”

  “You have to! Jake is . . . gifted.” She ignored Robin’s rolling eyes. “I need his advice, and having you and Margaret there will give him more to work with. He . . . senses things.”

  “I don’t understand what he can learn from us. I gather it’s prudent not to tell others who we are and where we’re from.”

  “Oh, definitely. We can’t breathe a word to anyone.” Pam rested her fork on her plate so she could gesture with both hands. “But Jake . . . he can see auras.” She touched her temples, rotated her hands. “He’ll pick up any vibes you’re emitting.”

  Jasper’s brows rose. “It sounds like the dark arts to me. But if that’s what brought us here and what has to send us back, and you think this man’s knowledge can help—” Pam nodded vigorously. “Oh, it can.”

  “Then I’ll go with you, but not Margaret.” He gazed across the table. “You shouldn’t be exposed to such a man, or his establishment.”

  “I quite agree,” Margaret said with a shudder.

  Pam could hardly contain her glee. An afternoon out with Jasper! “Well, I suppose having one of you with me will do. Robin, you won’t mind spending the afternoon in with Margaret, right?”

  “No, of course not,” Robin said. “Margaret can watch TV.” Margaret shook her head. “I’ve had quite enough of that.” Robin frowned. “Oh.”

  “I’m sure you’ll find something to do.” Pam smiled at her, hoping Robin would mask her displeasure by smiling in return. Robin did, but couldn’t hide the resignation in her eyes.

  Chapter Four

  Pam held onto Jasper’s arm so she wouldn’t lose him. “Oops, don’t cross on red, remember.” She pulled him back from the curb.

  “My apol
ogies, Pam. I was looking at that silver motor over there and forgot to pay attention to the light.”

  So despite his charming manners, he wasn’t so different from today’s men, after all. Next he’d be scratching his crotch and demanding to watch hockey. “You have cars, don’t you? The Model T or something like that?”

  “I do have one, and they’re becoming more popular. But I still prefer a horse and carriage when I’m out with a lady.”

  Ooh, lucky Margaret!

  “Laurence—one of my friends—insists that everyone will eventually have a motor. He’s a bit of a know-it-all, so I’m not about to tell him he’s right.” Jasper grinned.

  Pam returned his smile and felt a lump in her throat. His confidence that he’d see his friend again was endearing. Feigned or genuine, she appreciated the support, and couldn’t remember the last time she’d had so much fun on a man’s arm. Jasper’s almost running commentary had kept her entertained since they’d left the subway. He was so curious—and so brave! “Oh, green light. And the store we want is just around the corner.” They paused outside the window with Mathers Mystic Marketplace emblazoned across it.

  “I didn’t expect the shop to be in such a busy area. Quite brazen.” Jasper peered through the window. “Are you sure this is necessary?”

  “It’s a perfectly respectable store, as I keep telling you. That’s why it’s not hidden down a back alley.”

  Jasper sniffed. “You wouldn’t find an establishment like this on a busy road where I come from.”

  “Well, we’re not there, are we? And if you want to go back to where you came from, I need to talk to Jake.”

  A man in a suit walked by them, pulled open the glass door, and disappeared into the store.

  Jasper pursed his lips. “He looked like a respectable gentleman and he went inside.” Slightly miffed that a stranger in a suit mattered to him more than her opinion, Pam tugged on his arm. “Come on.” When he slipped his arm from hers, she opened her mouth to tell him to stay close, then realized he was opening the door for her. Her irritation with him fizzled. He was from 1910; it was only natural that a man’s actions would sway him more than a woman’s opinion, especially when it came from a strange woman from the future. She chuckled to herself and thanked him as she stepped into the store.