Ghostly Encounter (Ghostly #1) (Ghostly Series)

by Daniels, Suzannah

  “Yes.”

  “It’s because as a ghost, I’m free to pass through the portal as I please. When I get tired of wandering as a ghost, I can enter the portal and come back here to the days when I was alive.”

  “You can?”

  “Yes.”

  “That must be wonderful for you. To come back here and see your family and all.”

  “It is, but the problem is I can’t change the past.” He continued to rhythmically stroke her hand.

  “What do you mean?”

  “When I pass through the portal, I always come back to the same day. I’m alive again, but nothing changes. My life plays back exactly like it did the first time. I eat the same thing for lunch. I say the same thing to my father. I die the same death. Over and over and over.”

  “You mean you already know what’s going to happen before it happens?” she asked.

  “Yes, I’ve done it more times than I can count.”

  “So, you know what’s going to happen next?”

  “This time is different,” he answered, glancing at her. “I knew there was the chance that it would be. I had heard that if a living being passes through the portal with a soul in transition, then the balance of time is tilted off its axis, and things could change. That’s what scares me. That maybe I didn’t push you through the portal to save your life. Maybe I was being selfish, and I hoped that it would break the vicious cycle that I have been trapped in for so very long.”

  “Benjamin, the gatekeeper was chasing us.”

  “I know, but maybe I could’ve done something to get him off your trail—something other than dragging you through the portal.”

  She leaned forward and touched his temple, smoothing wisps of hair off his forehead. “Benjamin, if you hadn’t led me through the portal, then how could I have done this?” She touched her lips to his and kissed him tenderly. He returned her kiss, a healing balm to his soul. He had feared that she would hate him. Her response was much more pleasing than he deserved.

  When she finally pulled away, his mood was lighter, and he thanked God for the blessing that Mia had been to him.

  After picking up her room key, they spent the evening walking in the gardens of the hotel, admiring the blooming flowers, butterflies, and each other.

  Benjamin surprised her with a picnic under the stars. They shared a loaf of warm bread, a basket of fried chicken, and plenty of sweet tea. It reminded him of all the times they had spent talking in her world. The difference being that here they could touch. Almost as if he wanted to be sure it was true, he reached out and caressed her hair, ran his fingertip along her cheek. “Today has been one of the best days of my entire life,” he whispered to her as she leaned over and rested her head against his shoulder.

  She exhaled. “Mine, too,” she whispered back dreamily.

  “Are you tired?” he asked.

  “Yes, you?”

  He laughed. “I could stay here forever, but you should rest. Come, and I’ll walk you to your room.”

  They walked through a set of double doors into the back entrance to the lobby. “The elevator is just down the hall. Your room is on the fifth floor, and it has a spectacular view of the gardens.”

  “Thank you,” she said.

  He led her to her room on the fifth floor and put the key in the lock, turning the knob until the door popped open. “The bathroom is at the end of the hall,” he nodded his head in the general direction. “I know that’s not luxurious according to the standards that you’re used to, but here, it’s actually a rarity.”

  “It’s perfect,” she said, turning her head as if she were soaking up every last detail around her. “The architecture is awesome.”

  “My father hired an architect from New York. It has been his lifelong dream to build this hotel and improve the railroads, so that visitors can come. Of course, the war was not something he had foreseen. I would say that I hope it ends soon, but of course, I know that the war will not end until 1865, assuming the path of history has not faltered.

  “I have taken the liberty of having some clothing delivered to your room. Emily works in the restaurant. She’ll come up in a little while to help you with your clothing, and she’ll be back in the morning to help you with your clothing and your hair. I know it’s much different than your own wardrobe. I thought a little assistance might make the task of dressing a little less tedious.”

  “That’s very thoughtful of you.”

  He brushed a kiss on her temple. “Until the morning then.”

  “Good night, Benjamin.”

  “Will you be all right?” he asked.

  “I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

  “Good night, Mia.”

  Benjamin walked home, welcoming the cool night air. He found his father in the kitchen, a map sprawled out across the wooden, rectangular table, an oil lamp burning brightly. He worked constantly. He supposed it may have been his father’s way to cope with the death of his mother, to just throw himself into project after project.

  “Is there something that I can help you with, Father?”

  At the sound of his voice, his father turned and grinned broadly. “Benjamin! You’re home.”

  “Yes, I’m home. I see you’re working, as usual.”

  “I was just finishing up the last bit of planning on some track repairs and extending the track.” He looked back at the map and rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

  Benjamin walked to his side and looked at the map, as well. “You’re going to run the track to Knoxville?”

  “Yes. It should help open up trade and transportation. It could help transport soldiers, both soldiers that could help defend the Confederacy and bring wounded soldiers in to the hospital. The sooner the wounded soldiers can receive medical treatment, the better their chances of survival. And far too many soldiers are dying in this godforsaken war on both sides. It’s a tragedy.”

  “That it is,” agreed Benjamin. He had lost too many friends already to this gruesome war. And what his father didn’t know was that he would soon lose his only son to this war—unless history could be altered. Benjamin was well aware that this time, his jump to the past had been different, and of course, that was due to Mia accompanying him. But could a significant event change? Could he somehow manage to escape death? According to Matthew, he had already changed his past once, and the result had still been death. Of course, he had chosen to enter the war for a second time. Perhaps if he did not enlist in the war, he could live to see his nineteenth birthday.

  “What did you think of Mia?” Benjamin asked, changing the subject to something a bit more positive.

  “She’s a delightful girl,” his father replied.

  “I like her a lot, Father.”

  “You’re not thinking of marrying, are you? You know I need your help with the business, and you have plenty of time.”

  It had yet to be seen how much time he would have. Historically speaking, he didn’t have much time at all. He smiled and stepped away from the map. “I’m not thinking of marrying her right yet,” Benjamin said. “I have to win her over first, don’t I?”

  His father smiled. “I suppose you’re right, but from the way she looked at you, I have a feeling it wouldn’t be difficult to do.”

  Benjamin pulled out a chair at the table and sat. “How long did it take you to know that Mother was the right woman for you?”

  His father began rolling up the map. “Well, it didn’t take me long to know that she was the right woman. I think I knew it the first time I laid eyes on her. But it took her a little longer to figure out that I was the right man.”

  He leaned the rolled up map in the corner of the room and took a seat at the table across from Benjamin. “The first time I saw her, she was at the general store buying fabric for a new dress. She was humming while she mulled over each fabric, trying to decide which she preferred. Then she started singing, and I was mesmerized. I closed my eyes and just listened, and I decided right then and there, I was going to marry that wo
man. I asked her no less than seventeen times if I could court her before she finally agreed.” He tapped his calloused fingers on the tabletop. “She was the best thing that ever happened to me. She and our children, of course.” Tears welled in his eyes. “She loved each one of you so very much.”

  Benjamin reached out and patted his father’s hand. “I know she did.”

  They sat in silence for a few moments, and then Benjamin asked, “Do you think she would approve of Mia?”

  “I think she would tell you to follow your heart and do whatever makes you happy.”

  His father swiped a tear away. “I think I’ll go to bed. I’ve got a big day tomorrow, and we’re going to be shorthanded at the hotel. Could you go over and work the front desk in the morning? That will give me time to rearrange the staff.”

  “Of course, Father. Did someone quit?”

  “Tom has joined the war. He leaves in the morning.”

  “Oh.” Benjamin could think of nothing more to say. He knew Tom wouldn’t be one of the lucky ones to make it out of the war alive.

  Since he had no idea whether major events in history, such as one’s death, could be changed, he wondered if he would be one of the lucky ones to make it out of the war alive.

  Only time would tell. And time was a fickle thing.

  Chapter 8

  A soft rap on the thick, wooden door awoke Mia from her dreams. Soft rays of early morning light brightened the room through the sheer curtains that hung elegantly over the windows.

  Mia blinked her eyes as the realization of where she was dawned on her. 1863. It was such an odd feeling. She expected any moment to awaken and realize that she was only dreaming, to be surrounded by her zebra print décor and hear the soft hum of air conditioning. She blinked again and the sheer curtains still hung in place, radiating sunlight throughout the room.

  Beautiful antique furniture was polished to a gleam. Well, it was antique to her, anyway. She supposed it was the newest and most luxurious furniture available during the time.

  The soft rap sounded again.

  “Mia,” a muffled voice spoke through the door.

  “Emily?”

  “I’ve come to help you dress.”

  “Just a moment.” Mia crawled out of the high bed and unlocked the door, opening it just enough for Emily to squeeze through.

  “Good morning!” Emily greeted her. “I trust you slept well.” Brunette ringlets bounced about her head as she spoke.

  Mia raised her hand to her mouth to cover a yawn. “Yes, I did.”

  Emily handed Mia some drawers and a linen chemise and turned her back, waiting for Mia to dress. Mia stepped into the drawers, pulling them to her waist, and tugged the chemise over her head, smoothing it around her hips while Emily chattered excitedly. She sat in an ornately carved chair in the corner of the room and carefully pushed her toes into the stockings, pulling them in place. Emily showed her how to fasten them with garters.

  Emily picked up the corset and motioned for Mia to stand in front of her. She placed it around Mia’s torso and began lacing it, pulling it tightly as she went. “He really likes you, you know.”

  “Who? Benjamin?”

  “Who? Benjamin?” Emily mocked in a disinterested, aloof voice. Mia watched her roll her eyes in the dresser mirror. “Of course, Benjamin.” Her musical laughter filled the room.

  “I suppose he does like me a little bit,” Mia conceded.

  Emily scoffed. “A little bit,” she shrieked. “I’ve had my eyes set on him since I became old enough to realize that boys were more than someone to kick in the shin when they got on your nerves.”

  Emily gave the corset strings a final tug after that announcement, expelling air from Mia’s lungs. “And he never once looked at me with the slightest bit of interest. Oh, he’s always been a complete gentleman to me. But you….”

  Mia felt her cheeks redden.

  “Well, let’s just say that he’s smitten. Haven’t you noticed that he can’t take his eyes off you?” Emily’s ringlets were riveted in motion as she shook her head.

  “I hadn’t really noticed, but I’m sorry if…it disturbs you.”

  Emily waved her hand. “Don’t be silly. I gave up my childish dream of being with Benjamin a long time ago. I have my eyes set on someone else now. And I do believe the feeling’s mutual.”

  “Good. You deserve to be happy.” Mia had just met Emily, but she could tell Emily was a good person. She was very pretty with a slightly rounded face, bright hazel eyes, and an easy laugh.

  “I do. Don’t I?” Emily agreed, laughing again. She helped Mia into her crinoline and camisole.

  “Emily, it sounds as if you’ve known Benjamin a very long time. How would you describe him?”

  Emily retrieved Mia’s dress from the wardrobe and turned to look at Mia thoughtfully. “Obviously, he is pretty to look at, but I think what makes his greatest impression is that he’s extremely kind. I have known him to bring beggars into the dining room, so that they could have a hot meal.” She giggled. “He cared not one whit who liked it or didn’t like it. Mr. Richards didn’t seem to mind, either. He just watched and said that the boy was just like his mother. The Richards are a fine family, and a girl would be lucky, indeed, to marry into such a family.”

  “Does Mr. Richards ever,” Mia started and paused. She wasn’t exactly sure of the proper way to ask the question. “Does he ever go out with lady friends?”

  “Every once in a while he may go to a social gathering with a lady friend, but for the most part, all he does is work.”

  Mia thought that he sounded lonely, just like her mother.

  “Benjamin has an eye for fashion,” Emily announced, admiring Mia’s dress.

  She helped Mia into her white eyelet blouse, followed by the blue and white striped cotton skirt and jacket, both trimmed with blue gross grain ribbon.

  It was an odd feeling for Mia, being draped in so many layers of clothing and yards and yards of fabric. It was a far cry from her usual tank top and shorts, but in a weird way, it was intriguing, kind of like playing dress up when she was a child.

  “Almost done,” said Emily. “Put your boots on, and I’ll pull your hair up. Then you’ll be ready.”

  Obediently, Mia pulled on her boots and buttoned them. She slid the chair out from the wall and positioned it in the middle of the room, so that she could watch in the mirror while Emily stood behind her and skillfully pulled her hair up into a bun.

  “You look fabulous if I do say so myself,” Emily declared, standing back as she looked Mia over head to toe. “Your gloves and parasol are on the dresser.”

  “Have you talked to Benjamin this morning?” Mia inquired.

  “No, but he said to bring you down to the dining room, and he would see to it that breakfast was prepared for you.”

  “Good,” Mia said, checking her reflection in the mirror. “I’m starving.” She felt strange not putting on her makeup, but Benjamin had explained that respectable women never painted their faces. The last thing she wanted was for Benjamin’s friends and acquaintances to think she was a jezebel.

  Emily accompanied her downstairs. Once she reached the marble floor of the main lobby, she immediately spotted Benjamin grinning as he hurried to her side.

  “You look lovely,” he greeted, his mouth curved into a crooked grin, his dark hair curling around his crisp white collar, which contrasted greatly with his dark suit.

  “Thank you, Benjamin. You look very nice, too. I’ve never seen you in a suit before.”

  He glanced down as if just noticing that he was wearing a suit. “Yes, well, my father needed me to work today.”

  He turned to Emily. “I greatly appreciate your help, Emily.”

  “You’re welcome. If you’ve no further need of me, I’ll be returning to the kitchen.”

  “That would be fine.”

  Emily sauntered away into the dining room, and Benjamin turned his attention back to Mia. “Just a moment and I’ll see if Matthew
thinks he can cover it by himself while I accompany you in the dining room.”

  She watched as Benjamin walked to the counter and spoke to Matt who had just finished up with a customer. An older couple walked by her, the gentleman in a dark suit and the lady in an orange, silk dress, white gloves covering her hands. They exited to the gardens, and Mia wondered what their life had been like up to this moment.

  She was quite sure they were wealthy because this hotel was grand even for the twenty-first century, but still, it was much different than her own time. She marveled at all the technological advances that had occurred in the last century and a half—things that this couple couldn’t even fathom. She wondered what they would think if she informed them that in the future, man would land on the moon. A giggle escaped her lips. No, they’d never believe that.

  “Matthew assures me that he has everything under control,” Benjamin announced, bringing her out of her reverie.

  “Shall we go?” He offered her his elbow, and she wrapped her hand around it.

  “What will it be this morning? Pancakes?”

  “I would love some.” She beamed.

  He seated her at the same table they had used previously, a vase of pink roses in the center, a short distance away from the flickering oil lamp.

  In a matter of minutes, she had a plate of pancakes dripping with butter and maple syrup in front of her. Benjamin had ordered them for himself, as well.

  Halfway through their meal, a young boy, who could be no more than ten or eleven, rushed to their table. “Excuse me, Mr. Richards, but Mr. Gordon said that I should come and find you immediately. He said he has a shipment of supplies coming today on the train, but he has no one to send after it.”

  “Tell Mr. Gordon not to worry. I’ll send Matthew after it, and Miss Randall and I shall take his place at the front desk.”

  “Yes, sir.” With that, the boy turned and ran off.

  “Mr. Gordon runs the dining room,” Benjamin explained. “Many of our supplies come in on my father’s railroad. The hotel is a little shorthanded since several of the men have left to join the war efforts.

  “In fact, Tom, whom you saw yesterday at the front desk left just this morning.”