Summers' Embrace

by Lora Thomas

  “It is not your fault, Catrina. Your brother is a cold, uncaring man. Your parents loved you. They would want you to be happy.”

  Catrina blinked away the tears misting her eyes and nodded.

  Elena smiled. “We are in Eden. They would want you to enjoy yourself.” A mischievous twinkle came to Elena’s brown eyes. “And perhaps, while we are here, we can find you a husband.”

  “Elena!” Catrina exclaimed in shock.

  “What?” Elena asked, returning to her luggage. “It would serve him right. He will choose a simpleton and force the man to sign over your inheritance to him. But if you should wed here…well, what could he do? Your inheritance would be out of his reach.”

  Catrina shook her head and laughed. “I declare, Elle. I will never understand the workings of your mind.”

  “But are you not glad it works the way it does?”

  “At times.”

  “When have you not liked my way of thinking?”

  Catrina approached her trunk and removed another dress. “When you convinced me to sneak out at Miss Eddy’s.”

  “But you had fun.”

  “I did not!” Catrina tried to sound mortified but could not stifle the giggle in her chest.

  “See. You did enjoy it.”

  “But, Elle. If we had been caught, Miss Eddy would have locked us in our room with no supper for a week.”

  Elena shrugged and picked up her stockings. “But she didn't. And we had a good swim in that lake.”

  “You did. I cannot swim.”

  “You could not swim. But I taught you.” Elena raised her chin with pride.

  “I stood in waist-deep water and splashed.”

  “Nonsense. Once you know how to swim, you will never forget.”

  “I never learned!”

  “Hmmm,” Elena said in disgust. “Then, this trip will be useless.”

  “But I want to go sea bathing.”

  “Really? Even though you cannot swim?”

  “Yes,” Catrina answered.

  “Splendid! I hear the bathing machines here are unlike any other.”

  “How?”

  “Well, as you know, most bathing machines are where ladies get inside and change into appropriate attire to get into the sea. Most do not have windows and are dreadfully dark. But here? Well, in Eden, the bathing machines have a row of windows along the top to allow in light so we can see. The machines are then pulled out into the ocean by horses. Once there, the dippers will help us out.”

  “What are dippers?”

  “Oh, those are women who will assist us in getting into the water. The tide can be somewhat rough.”

  “But won’t people see us? I mean, it is not proper for others to see us out of our dresses.”

  “You are such a proper ninny,” Elena giggled. “No, they will not see us. We will be at the back of the machine. A canvas is extended, so the only ones who will see us are us. The men will be down the beach a bit. Once we had our fun, we simply climb back into the bathing machine, a flag is raised to alert the driver, and the horses will pull us back to shore while we change.”

  “That sounds invigorating.”

  “It is.”

  “When have you been sea bathing?” Catrina asked, closing the lid to her trunk.

  “Several years ago, before attending Miss Eddy’s.”

  “I wish I were part of your family. Do you think your parents would adopt me?”

  “They would. But your brother would not allow it. Now, no more talk of family. I am finished unpacking.”

  “So am I. So much for the maid assisting us.”

  “They are probably still busy with my sisters or the other guests. Now, come along. I want to go to the ocean.”

  “Shouldn’t we wait for your parents?”

  A frustrated sigh left Elena. “I suppose you are right. I do not want to get into trouble the first night here. If I did, they would refuse to allow me to attend any of the soirees.”

  Elena headed to the door to the hallway.

  “Why not use the adjoining door?” Catrina asked.

  Elena snorted. “And allow people to think that we are not allowed out by ourselves? Do not be ridiculous!”

  The pair made their way to the next door down. Catrina could not help but marvel at the hotel. Highly polished wooden walls with brass candleholders and plush wool rugs. Her eyes went to the golden numbers emblazoned upon each dark wooden door. The intricately crafted numbers nearly glowed. When they reached Victoria’s door, it opened.

  “Good. You are here,” Victoria said, exiting. “Constance, Mary, and I were about to take a stroll to see the ocean. Care to join us?”

  “We were about to do the same thing,” Elena replied.

  “Splendid!” Over her shoulder, Victoria called, “Constance! Mary! Hurry along.”

  “Coming, Mother!” Constance answered.

  “Don’t forget your bonnets.”

  “Momma. Do we have to?” Mary whined.

  “Yes. The wind is brisk on the beach. If you don’t, your hair will be tied in knots before we return.”

  “Fine,” Mary grumbled.

  “You, too,” Victoria said, turning her attention to Elena and Catrina. “Bonnets.”

  Elena rolled her eyes. She and Catrina returned to their room, collected their bonnets, and returned. Once back with Victoria, the group headed to the stairs. Catrina tried to keep track of their direction, but the hallway was so long. They rounded several turns before coming to the steps.

  “I will never find my way back to the room,” Catrina spoke her thought aloud.

  “Nonsense,” Victoria responded. “If you can find your way around your home, then this will be no different.”

  Catrina pulled her brows together but did not reply.

  “She’ll get lost, Mother. I cannot tell you the number of times she lost her way at Miss Eddy’s.”

  “I did not!” Catrina defended.

  “Yes, you did,” Elena countered. “One time, you went in search of the kitchen and found yourself in the laundry room. On the opposite side of the grounds!”

  “I took the long way.”

  “The long way? You were lost. You had no idea where the kitchen was. And that is shocking considering how long you lived there before I even came.”

  “What can I say? I didn’t care for Miss Eddy’s enough to learn my way about.”

  Catrina and Elena looked at each other and then burst out in laughter. Catrina caught Elena’s arm as they doubled over.

  “Girls,” Victoria scolded, yet her tone belied her reprimand as a smile pulled her lips.

  Victoria, Constance, and Mary proceeded down the stairs. Catrina and Elena fell in line behind them. At the bottom of the steps, the group stopped as a group of three men passed. One turned and nodded his head.

  “Good afternoon,” he spoke.

  “Good afternoon to you, Mr. Heath. Is that Lord Huntsley with you? How good to see you again, my lord,” Victoria said, giving a small curtsey.

  Catrina nearly tripped over Constance at the sudden stop. And upon hearing Huntsley’s name, heat ran up her chest to her cheeks. Her eyes drifted over Constance’s head, landing on Lord Huntsley. She swallowed hard as her heart raced. He seemed not to notice her as he spoke with Victoria, but she immediately saw him. He looked dashing in his dark gray coat and matching breeches. He was clean-shaven and his hair was well-groomed, unlike the mussed locks he had upon their last meeting. Tucked under his left arm was a black silk topper and clasped in his hand was a walking stick with a crystal handle.

  “Lord Huntsley, allow me to introduce my daughters. Constance, Mary, and Elena. And our companion, Catrina Wilcox.”

  As Victoria spoke each woman’s name, Thomas would politely nod his head. But when she spoke Catrina’s, he paused a moment. The last person he wanted to deal with was Branson Wilcox’s little sister.

  “Ladies. Miss Wilcox,” Thomas acknowledged.

  “Lord Huntsley,” the three
Paxsley girls answered.

  “Lord Huntsley,” Catrina squeaked and cringed.

  “How is your ankle, Miss Wilcox?” Thomas inquired.

  “Fine. Thank you,” Catrina replied in a breathy whisper. What was wrong with her?!

  One of the men with Thomas cleared his throat.

  “Aren’t you going to introduce us, Huntsley?” Joshua asked.

  Thomas pressed his lips together in a tight smile. “Of course. Ladies, may I introduce Joshua Manning, Baron Hawke, and Mr. Arthur Heath.”

  “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lord Hawke,” Victoria replied.

  Elena smiled and fluttered her eyes. “So nice to meet you both.”

  Hawke locked eyes with Elena and gave a most wicked grin. “The pleasure is all mine.”

  “Well. Please excuse us, ladies,” Thomas spoke, nodding his head. The three men left.

  “I do say,” Elena whispered into Catrina’s ear. “That Lord Hawke is more handsome than Lord Huntsley. Did you see his eyes? He looked at me as if he knows what I look like in my chemise.”

  “Hush, Elle,” Catrina responded. Then just as quickly, she asked, “How would you know?”

  “Beatrice,” Elena replied in a “how else” tone.

  “Come, girls,” Victoria commanded.

  Glancing over her shoulder, Catrina gave a parting look at Thomas’s back.

  “They are something to behold, aren’t they?” Elena whispered, watching Lord Hawke leave with his friends.

  “Indeed, they are.”

  “Girls!” Victoria called again.

  Elena and Catrina turned and caught up with the others. The group weaved their way down a path and over the dune to the beach.

  The sound of the crashing waves was mesmerizing. Catrina watched in awe as the water came crashing to the shore and then drifted back. Over and over, the water came ashore in a rhythmic pattern, without care or cause.

  Mary giggled and raced towards the water.

  “Mary Paxsley! Get back here this instant!” Victoria scolded Mary, who did not listen. Victoria lengthened her strides to catch up with her youngest daughter.

  Catrina wrapped around Elena’s arm, and the pair strolled down the beach.

  “Do you think Lord Hawke will be attending the ball later this week?” Elena asked.

  “I would think so,” Catrina replied. “It is a grand social event.”

  “If he comes, I suspect he will bring Lord Huntsley with him.” Elena cast a knowing look at Catrina.

  Heat flooded Catrina’s cheeks. “It does not matter to me if he comes or not.”

  “Oh, come, Catrina. You found him handsome.”

  “Just because I find someone handsome does not mean I am interested in keeping their company.”

  Elena laughed. “But you need to have a bit of fun before your brother ruins your life. Why not with Branson’s archenemy?”

  “Elle!”

  “Oh, you are such a stick in the mud.”

  “I am not.”

  “True.”

  “Good afternoon, ladies,” a voice came from behind.

  Catrina and Elena turned around.

  “Mr. Thompson,” Catrina said when she spotted the porter.

  He politely tipped his hat.

  “Mr. Thompson,” Elena greeted, turning her head slightly with haughtiness. “I thought you were at work?”

  “I was, miss. My day is over, and I thought I would go see the caves.”

  “Caves?” Catrina questioned with interest.

  “Yes, Miss Wilcox,” Mr. Thompson replied. “There are caves just around the bend up yonder.” He pointed down the beach. “They are a sight to behold.”

  “I do say. I would like to see those. Wouldn’t you, Elena?”

  “Not particularly,” Elena replied with little interest. She glanced at the beach and noticed her mother approaching. Victoria looked angry. Elena was not certain as to why, but she was not about to stay and find out. “Although I do enjoy a bit of excitement. Come. Show us these caves.”

  “This way then, miss,” Mr. Thompson said, motioning down the beach with his arm.

  Catrina and Elena began their stroll to the destination. The wind deafened Victoria’s call for them to return.

  “How long have you lived in Eden, Mr. Thompson?” Catrina asked.

  “We’ve lived near here all my life. My father, Joffrey, moved us closer when they started construction upon the first building.”

  “Did he assist in construction?” Elena asked.

  Mr. Thompson nodded. “Yes, miss. He is a carpenter. My brother, John, is a mason. My other brother, Jim, is a carpenter as well.”

  “You did not want to follow in your family’s footsteps? As a builder?” Elena asked.

  The corner of Mr. Thompson’s mouth twitched. With what Catrina could not say. Perhaps embarrassment?

  “It’s not that, Miss Paxsley. It’s just…”

  Catrina could sense his hesitation in answering. Something about the question troubled Mr. Thompson, so she asked. “What is your given name?”

  “Miss?”

  “Your father is Joffrey. Your brothers are Jim and John. Does your name start with a J as well?”

  He smiled at that. A true smile. “My name is James.”

  Catrina returned his smile. “Well, I am Catrina, and my companion is Elena.”

  “I cannot call you by your given names, Miss Wilcox. It wouldn’t be proper.”

  “I wasn’t suggesting that. I was stating our names. You gave us your name, and it would only be fitting for me to supply our names.”

  “Catrina. You are babbling,” Elena fiercely whispered.

  Catrina turned to face her friend and mouthed, “Sorry.”

  As the trio rounded the curve on the beach, Catrina pulled back on Elena’s arm. The beach ended, and before them stood a tall rock cliff. The water crashed against the rocks with fierceness, sending white foam skyward. Catrina’s eyes followed the floating foam until it dissipated into the air. Grasses rested on top of the cliff, swaying in the breeze.

  “The caves are just up here,” James said as he continued walking.

  Catrina and Elena continued to follow. James led them to near the water’s edge and turned.

  “Where is it?” Elena asked.

  “Here.”

  “Here?”

  “Yes, Miss Paxsley, here.” James took a few steps. “Here.” He moved to his left and disappeared.

  “Amazing,” Catrina whispered in awe. The opening was camouflaged and, by merely looking, resembled nothing more than the extension of the cliff coming down from the top.

  “Will it not be dark, Mr. Thompson?” Elena asked with suspicion.

  James reappeared, his left arm still hidden by the rocks. “Aye, it is, miss. But you see”—he moved, revealing his arm and the torch in his hand—“Mr. Heath has placed torches just inside so they will not get wet.”

  “Ingenious,” Catrina said.

  “What of a way to light the torch, Mr. Thompson?” Elena asked, tilting her head to the right.

  “You are a suspicious lady, are you not, Miss Paxsley.”

  “I am from London, Mr. Thompson. It pays to be wary.”

  He nodded. “Aye, as it does. But I have matches in my pocket.” James placed the torch's handle into a notch on the wall and put his hand inside his breast pocket, removing a box of matches. Pulling out the wooden stick, he struck the match head until it lit. Placing the flame to the torch, he lit it and turned to face the women. “Do you want to see the caves?”

  “No,” Elena said as Catrina said, “Yes.”

  Catrina pulled Elena forward.

  “Catrina? We can’t trust him. He is a stranger.”

  Catrina turned to face Elena. “Who is the stick in the mud now?”

  “I’ll be on my best behavior. I swear it,” James said.

  Elena rolled her eyes. “Fine. But if you do not behave as a gentleman, my father will hear of it.”

&nb
sp; “I give you my word, miss.”

  The group made their way into the cavern and, in wonder, gazed into the cave.

  “It’s beautiful,” Catrina said, looking upward. Brightly drawn paintings were upon the ceiling. The walls were inlaid with seashells, creating a glowing effect. “Who discovered this?”

  “I do not rightly know, Miss Wilcox. My father says it was here when he was a boy.”

  “Won’t the smoke from your torch blacken the paintings?” Elena questioned.

  James nodded. “Aye, it will. That is why Mr. Heath is bringing in mirrors.”

  “Mirrors?”

  “Aye, miss. He said the Egyptians used them. Said if you angle them just right, they’ll catch the sun and light up the entire cavern as if you are outside.”

  Elena snorted in disbelief.

  “It’s true,” James said. “Mr. Heath said it would work.”

  “Sounds like poppycock,” Elena complained. “How could mirrors possibly light up this room?”

  James shook his head. “I don’t rightly know. I’m not an educated man like Mr. Heath. But Mr. Heath said the mirrors would be here in a few days.”

  “I will have to see it to believe it.”

  “I think it is a wonderful idea,” Catrina said, turning to observe the artwork etched upon the ceiling.

  “You would,” Elena said, drawing her brow down. “You believe every word someone tells you.”

  “I do not,” Catrina defended. “But if you would have read the history lessons at Miss Eddy’s instead of looking out the window woolgathering, you would have learned that the Egyptians possibly could have used a similar practice to illuminate large rooms.”

  “Possibly. See. Not a fact.”

  “That is not the point, Elle. The point is it is a sound theory. The Egyptians used polished brass for reflective purposes. Today’s mirrors, in theory, could conduct a significant enough illumination to light up a room.”

  “That may be so, but it is a waste of money. What possible profit could this Mr. Heath gain from placing mirrors in a cave?”

  “For enjoyment, miss,” James said. “You see, Mr. Heath owns this section of the beach and the land up to the river. Upon that property, he has several businesses.”

  “What type of businesses?” Catrina asked.

  “A cobbler, a tailor, a building for fisticuffs.” James drew his brow together. “I believe a candlemaker just opened a shop there as well.”