‘Tom, can you possibly lend John a few items of clothing until we can get to the store? Somehow I don’t think his 1860s attire would blend in terribly well, and though I’d like to keep him here as my sex slave … I reckon maybe we ought to get some breakfast.
‘And I’ve been thinking about it. I don’t know how we’re going to explain him to the authorities. They’re certainly not going to believe that he’s been magically trapped in the mirror for a hundred and forty years.’
A gleam flashed in Tom’s eyes and he grinned mischievously. ‘Leave it with me. I have a few friends in high places who just might be able to help us. I’ll make some calls and meet you in the small salon in about an hour.’
Nancy and Kelly exchanged a surprised look, before Nancy swatted the air. ‘Don’t ask. I’ll grab some clothes … just give me a minute.’
She disappeared and John let out a deep sigh.
‘I do not know if I will cope in your world, my love. I am already halfway to madness.’
She kissed him. Hard. ‘You’ll do fine. We’ll take it slow. Just give yourself a little time. Oh crap!’ she exclaimed and slid out of bed. Donning her wrap she picked up her mobile phone and dialled the airline. ‘I’d better cancel my plane ticket … I won’t be going back to the States today.’
‘These trousers are remarkably comfortable,’ John said for the third time as he and Kelly made their way down the stairs to the small salon. Tom had found an old pair of jeans in the back of his closet, which had become too small for him but fitted John like a second skin. Coupled with a navy polo shirt and sneakers, John looked like any other guest of the hotel. He did admit to feeling somewhat dubious about wearing Tom’s boxers with their tiny red devils print, but once dressed he seemed inordinately pleased with the effect.
When she’d emerged from her shower she’d found him standing before the mirror studying his reflection, turning this way and that.
‘You look sexy enough to eat,’ she remarked with a suggestive wriggle of her eyebrows.
He turned to her with a glowing grin that sent her heartbeat soaring.
‘Later,’ she said. ‘Any more and I won’t be able to walk.’
‘In that case, Madam, I would suggest you refrain from making such provocative comments.’
‘I promise … for now.’ She held out her hand to him. ‘C’mon, let’s go see what mischief Tom has cooked up.’
At breakfast John ate like a starved man. Tasting from every dish, and going back for second helpings of scrambled eggs and hash browns, he groaned with every bite. ‘These are delicious. I shall eat them every day!’ he announced, making both Kelly and Nancy laugh.
Tom arrived when they’d just about finished the meal, his expression one of pure delight.
‘So? What’s doing?’ his wife asked.
‘Let me get my coffee, woman. Have a little patience.’
‘I have found this is a quality that Kelly lacks also,’ John stated sagely.
‘Hey!’ she complained, giving him a playful thump on the shoulder. ‘I can be patient.’ She turned to Tom. ‘C’mon, Tom, don’t keep us in suspense.’
Going to the door he closed it and turned the key to ensure they wouldn’t be disturbed. When he sat down his face was serious. ‘This is, and will always have to remain, highly confidential. I have a friend in the military … special forces, high up.’
John blinked and Kelly could tell he didn’t comprehend. ‘I’ll explain later,’ she whispered.
‘Trevor owes me a favour. We had a long chat and he thinks he can issue you with an identity, you might even get to keep your own name if there is no other John Tarrant about the place. He’s checking that now.
‘He wants me to drive you down to London next Monday so we can sort it all out. He says he can have a passport and birth certificate ready and lodged within a week. After that, you’ll be free to go wherever you want. And if you two plan to get married …?’
‘Indeed we do,’ John stated in no uncertain terms.
‘Then you’ll be able to do that too.’
Epilogue
Journal of John Tarrant,
Stanthorpe House, Oxfordshire, England.
September 17, 2000
My beautiful new wife and I have decided to remain at Stanthorpe indefinitely. Having learned of my expertise with horse breeding, Tom has offered me custody of the equine stock in the hope that we can breed a future winner of the Epsom Derby. He has suggested a small wager, which I will dutifully take up once I have an income suitable to a man of means.
My cello has been refurbished and it gives me pleasure to again play during quieter moments. I do confess my technique has deteriorated greatly during my years of exile, but with practice I should be ready to perform at Christmas dinner.
Kelly’s parents returned to America today. We have promised to visit with them next spring, although I admit to a secret fear of these airplanes that I see flying overhead. Kelly assures me they are quite safe, and cannot easily fall from the sky, however I still find it difficult to master much of the science I am only just beginning to learn to accept. I will not rest easily until her father telephones from New York to say they are arrived home safe and sound.
London has become a magnificent city, however the busyness and constant noise can be very grating on one’s sensibilities. Yet I am growing accustomed and with the help of my lovely wife, I am sure I shall learn to prosper in this foreign world. She plans to teach me to use the computer next … she says that I shall want to keep my journal there instead of labouring in what she calls ‘long hand’ once I am familiar with the device. I cannot see it, but for her sake and that of our unborn child, I shall endeavour to try.
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ISBN: 9780857990426
Title: Secret Reflection
Copyright © 2013 by Jennifer Brassel
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