Ghostly Encounter (Ghostly #1) (Ghostly Series)

by Daniels, Suzannah

  “He did?”

  “Yes.”

  Mia had certainly heard about war during her lifetime, but like everything else, technology had changed war. It was difficult to know that soldiers were dying in any time period, but she could clearly hear her history teacher telling the class that the Civil War was the bloodiest war in America’s history and more American lives had been lost during it than in any other war.

  They finished their breakfast. As Henry cleared the dishes from the table, Mia watched Benjamin as he interacted with Henry. Benjamin was ever the perfect gentleman, polite and easygoing. He had a quick smile and a kind word always at the ready. His dark suit made his eyes look even bluer, though she wouldn’t have thought that it was possible. She admired the dark curls of hair that twirled around his neck, and she longed to reach out and touch them.

  Henry carried the dishes away.

  She could watch Benjamin endlessly, she thought. She especially loved his crooked grin that revealed straight, white teeth, the same grin that he was flashing at her now.

  “Mia?”

  His eyes were almost hypnotic in their beauty.

  “Mia?”

  She felt Benjamin touch her arm, and she snapped out of her musings.

  “Are you well?”

  She drew up and sat a little straighter in her chair. “I’m fine.” She smiled.

  “You seem distracted.”

  She laughed. “I was. I was distracted by the most beautiful pair of eyes I believe I have ever seen.”

  “You flatter me,” he chuckled. “Do proceed.”

  “I love the color of your hair and the way it curls at the ends.”

  “And do you love the way I kiss?” he asked, moving closer to her.

  “I don’t remember.”

  “Perhaps I need to refresh your memory, Miss Randall.” He leaned in and touched her lips softly with his own. Her heart hammered in her chest at his nearness.

  He kissed her gently and slowly pulled away, still hovering a hand’s breadth from her face. It was difficult to think when he distracted her with his kiss, leaving her dazed and senseless.

  “Oh, yes. I remember now,” she whispered against his lips. “I most definitely love the way you kiss.”

  He leaned in and kissed her again, more urgently this time. Then, he broke away, resuming an upright position.

  “According to The Soldiers’ Almanac, the full moon will arrive on July thirtieth. That gives us ten more days together. I was hoping that you would do me the honor of attending my father’s ball. He’s had it planned for months. It’s to be held the night before you leave on July twenty-ninth.”

  “Benjamin, I would love to, but I don’t know what would be appropriate to wear.”

  “Let me take care of that,” Benjamin answered easily, assuring her that her gown would not be a problem.

  Mia bit her bottom lip. “I’m afraid I don’t know how to dance, either. At least, not the kind of dancing that goes on in ballrooms.”

  Benjamin grinned at her. “Then, it shall be my pleasure to teach you.”

  “Then I guess it’s settled.” She had to admit she liked the idea of Benjamin teaching her how to dance.

  “I never properly asked you if you would mind helping at the front desk today. Would you assist me?”

  “Just show me what to do.”

  “Excellent. The ball will be held here at the hotel in the Grand Ballroom. If you like, I’ll take you to the ballroom after we’re finished at the hotel today and we’ll begin your lessons.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.”

  He rose, helped her from her chair, and escorted her to the front desk. He showed her the log book where visitors registered, where the keys were kept, and discussed other details to ensure her ability to care for customers.

  Mia found that she enjoyed interacting with the public, observing the period dress, and listening to the guests’ conversations. It was quite different from her time period, which was just twelve years after the birth of a new millennium. But many things were the same. People still wanted good service. They wanted to be treated with kindness and respect. They spoke of their children and grandchildren.

  Her experiences in 1863 reaffirmed that what was truly important in life was a person’s loved ones. It didn’t matter whether it was 1776, 1863, or during the new millennium, the one constant was family.

  She wondered how her mother was doing. Without Mia there with her, she would have no one. Sadness threatened to seep through her body, but she willed it away. She would be with her mother soon. She knew her mother would want her to make the most of this situation.

  The day passed quickly. When the next shift of employees arrived at work, Benjamin, who had been leaving Mia at the front desk while he checked on various aspects of the hotel, returned to her. “Miss Randall, if you ever need a job at a hotel in 1863, all you have to do is ask.”

  Mia laughed. “Thank you for your offer, and I would be glad to help you in any way that I can during the next ten days, but then I have to go back home.”

  “I know.” He sighed. “But until then, let’s enjoy each other’s company.”

  An elderly woman approached the counter, asking when the dining room closed. Benjamin addressed her, answering her question and adding, “Mrs. Wilcox, I would like for you to meet Miss Mia Randall.” Mrs. Wilcox smiled at Mia, and the two of them made small talk until Mrs. Wilcox went to her room in search of her husband.

  Benjamin then turned to Mia. “You certainly charmed Mrs. Wilcox, and let me assure you, that is not an easy task. Are you hungry?”

  “I have worked up quite an appetite,” she confessed.

  “Very good. Mr. Gordon’s wife makes the best chicken and dumplings. You do like chicken and dumplings, don’t you?”

  “I wouldn’t be a Southern girl if I didn’t,” Mia giggled.

  When the evening employee relieved Mia at the front counter, she and Benjamin went to the dining room. They sat at the same table, the one that was always reserved for Benjamin and his father. It was nestled in an alcove away from the main dining room, which allowed it to be private.

  As promised, Mrs. Gordon’s chicken and dumplings were absolutely delicious, although Mia would have eaten more of them if her corset weren’t severing her in two. She made a mental note to make sure that she had a little breathing room the next time she dressed.

  When they had finished eating, Benjamin led her to the Grand Ballroom as promised. Mia stood in awe of the room, its two-story-high arched windows surrounded by intricate white molding, its glistening marble floor, its domed ceiling mirroring the one in the lobby on a smaller scale, allowing sunlight to drift lazily through the stained glass.

  The July heat was excruciating. That hadn’t changed in a century and a half. It was a pity that air conditioning hadn’t been invented yet, especially since she was swathed in a cocoon of fabric.

  “Let the fun begin. I’m here.”

  Mia twirled around to see Matt walking toward them, Emily by his side.

  Benjamin explained, “Matthew and Emily are going to assist us. Most of the dances will require two couples, although the quadrilles require four couples.”

  “With which dance would you like to start?” Matt asked.

  “Tonight we’ll go over the Spanish Waltz,” answered Benjamin.

  Over the next hour, they explained to Mia how the dance worked. A caller would let the dancers know which move is expected. They showed her each movement and practiced until she was comfortable.

  By the time the hour was up, they were all perspiring and went to the dining room for a drink.

  Mia enjoyed Matt and Emily’s company immensely, but she was relieved when they excused themselves for the evening. She found herself wanting to be alone with Benjamin.

  “Would you like to go for a stroll?” Benjamin asked.

  “I would love to.”

  They exited the dining room into the main lobby and took the doors at the back of
the building into the gardens. Mia welcomed the relief of a balmy breeze.

  “Benjamin, have you ever thought about going through the portal and finding a way to save your mother?” Mia asked.

  She must have caught him a little off guard because a frown flitted across his face before he resumed his normal pleasant expression. “I must confess that I have,” he replied. “The problem is my mother had a heart condition. Chances are that she would have died even if she had not had a hard labor. It would just be a question of how long before it happened.”

  He led Mia to a stone bench that offered the cool shade of a maple tree that stretched its limbs above it.

  “But what if it would have been several years before she died?”

  “You know how much I adored my mother,” he said. “I’d be lying if I said that the idea of a few more years with her didn’t appeal to me greatly. But what if it only gave her a few more days, a few more months? The gatekeepers let me pass freely when I’m a soul in transition. As you have already seen, that is not the case when one is alive.

  “And I do wonder how history would be affected if one tried to change everything. I know it was selfish of me to want you to come through the portal with me to see if my own history could be changed. But not everyone is a soul in transition. Most do get to cross over to the other side. I picture my mother in Heaven, holding little Elizabeth Anne. How could I take her from that?

  “Even if I did try to bring her back, I don’t know if my mother would survive the birthing. And even if she did, I don’t know if the babe would. A mother without her newborn babe is a heartbreaking sight to see.”

  “I suppose I hadn’t thought of all those scenarios,” Mia said, tracing a blue stripe down her sleeve with her fingertip.

  “It’s like Matthew said. Time is a fickle thing. I can’t even say that I know exactly how the portals work. It seems that I can’t travel back very far before my death. Usually when I’m a soul in transition and I come back to the months preceding my death, I think of the hot summer day when I decided to join the war. It was the same day that Tom decided to join. In fact, I was supposed to leave with him.”

  Mia gasped. “You were?”

  “Yes. Since I returned to 1863 with you, it was the first time in my memory since my original death that I didn’t have to tell my father that I was joining the war, the first time that I didn’t have to see the pain etched in his face. History has already changed.”

  It was not difficult to picture Mr. Richards’ face as his son announced that he had joined the war.

  The thought of Benjamin entering the war and marching to certain death made it difficult for her to breathe. How many people had experienced that same feeling as the one they loved entered the war?

  “When it comes time for you to return to your mother, I want you to think of the day that we jumped through the portal, but think of the hours before the portal, while it was still daylight. I want you to get out of the park before nightfall. That’s when the portal will appear, and so will the gatekeeper.”

  “But if I leave before the portal opens, does that mean that my time here never happened?”

  “No, Mia, not unless something happens to change it. We are on a particular course in history right now. This is real.”

  “But what about Matt saying that you sent him to bring me back. Has that happened?”

  “I don’t remember it, so I guess it’s like Matthew said. Our paths through time have been changed.”

  Mia chewed on her lower lip. Trying to make sense of all of this was a bit confusing.

  “What’s wrong?” Benjamin asked, cradling her chin with his fingers and forcing her to look at him.

  “I just don’t want anything to happen that would result in us never meeting,” Mia whispered.

  “It is done,” he said. “We’ve met and there is no going back for me. I only wish we had more time, but I promised that I would not ask for more, and I keep my promises. I do, however, want to make the most of the time that we do have.”

  They talked until the sun drifted behind the horizon, leaving the garden bathed in scanty moonlight. Benjamin stole a kiss, and Mia relished the feel of his arms around her, of his lips on hers. And as much as she wanted to return to her mother, she hated the thought of leaving Benjamin forever.

  Chapter 9

  Over the next few days, Benjamin spent every waking moment with Mia, whether they were helping his father in the hotel or taking moonlit strolls. Every afternoon, Matt and Emily would assist him in teaching Mia dances for the ball, and one afternoon, Benjamin even recruited two more couples to join them, so they could teach her the quadrille.

  Benjamin had savored every moment, but the time for her return was drawing nigh. The ball was tonight, and he had reserved himself a hotel room out of convenience. He stood in his room now in front of the mirror as he fastened his necktie. He would escort her to the Grand Ballroom within the hour.

  While he was excited about the ball, it also meant that she would return home tomorrow.

  He walked out on the balcony, leaned against the railing, and scanned the gardens below. Several couples were strolling along the paths, admiring flowers, and engaging in conversation. An air of excitement circulated throughout the hotel. It wasn’t often a ball was held, and it was a welcomed respite from the sorrows of the war.

  Large, white clouds dotted the sky, offering a little relief from the heat as the sun dipped behind them. Benjamin replayed the last couple of weeks in his mind. He had come a long way since he first saw Mia in the Chickamauga Battlefield Park with her friends. Never could he have imagined that he would have the opportunity to speak to her, let alone hold her in his arms.

  He was blessed to be given the opportunity to know her. He would take these memories and cherish them for the rest of his life, however long that may be.

  He looked forward to the night ahead, and unwilling to wait any longer, he went to knock on Mia’s door.

  When the oak door swung open, Benjamin felt as if he had the wind knocked from his lungs. He was so enamored by her beauty that he could scarce collect his thoughts enough to speak.

  “Benjamin?” she spoke softly.

  He bowed. “Good evening, Mia. Your beauty is literally breathtaking.”

  She smiled, tilting her face downward, her eyelashes sweeping across her cheeks. “Thank you.”

  Her golden brown hair hung in long ringlets, cascading around her exposed, slender shoulders. Her gown showcased her tiny waist in white brocade, and the full skirt was trimmed in pink lace. She wore a dainty, white hat adorned with a plume of soft, pink feathers.

  Never had he seen anyone more beautiful.

  “Abby crafted an elegant gown, but you are the only one who could do it such justice,” he said.

  “Abby made my gown?” she queried.

  “Yes. She began sewing it months ago, before she was with child. She knew she was too close to delivering the babe to come herself, but she wanted to make it for you.”

  Mia ran her palms across the skirt, admiring the fabric. “You must tell her that I greatly appreciate it. It’s simply gorgeous.”

  Benjamin smiled. “I assure you that I will pass the information along, while I’m telling her how much I appreciated it.”

  Mia blushed at his close scrutiny.

  “Shall we go?” he asked, offering her his elbow.

  She looped her tiny palm through his arm and clasped the crook of his elbow.

  He led her to the Grand Ballroom, where people were already mingling. She retrieved a dance card and dangled it from her wrist by the braided cord.

  “Would you like something to eat?” he asked.

  “I’m not really hungry,” she answered. “Are you?”

  “No.”

  “Benjamin, I’m nervous,” she whispered, scanning the ballroom.

  “You’ll be fine,” he assured her. “Let me see your dance card. The Spanish Waltz is the last dance, and I want to make sure you save that for
me.” He winked at her, casting her a lopsided grin.

  “I know Emily said that etiquette requires me to accept dances from other people, but you’re going to dance more than one dance with me, aren’t you?”

  He heard the panic in her voice and sympathized with her. He knew this must be difficult being so unfamiliar with the time period and not knowing many of the people who were attending the ball. He pulled a pencil from the interior pocket of his coat. “Of course. I should be able to engage in four dances with you without monopolizing your time. Matthew will also be along any moment, and he will engage you, as well.”

  Benjamin penciled his name in on the first and last dance, as well as two others throughout the night.

  “Benjamin!”

  He looked up to see his father walking toward him. “Good evening, Father.”

  His father approached him and shook his hand. He bowed to Mia. “Good evening, Miss Randall.”

  “Good evening to you, Mr. Richards.” She curtsied.

  “This should prove to be quite a success,” Benjamin said, nodding toward the many couples mingling around the ballroom.

  “It is a much needed diversion,” his father responded.

  “Benjamin, I trust you will help me ensure that all the ladies have dance partners.”

  “Of course, Father. You have my word that I will dance most of the evening, perhaps stealing Mia away for a refreshment at some point.”

  “Thank you, son,” his father patted him on the upper arm and hurried away to greet more of his guests.

  The Grand Ballroom was bathed in the golden glow of candlelight and lamplight, women floating across the cool, marble floor in their elegant gowns.

  Matthew and Emily entered the room, and Benjamin saw the relief flood Mia’s face.

  “Hi, Emily.” She waved her gloved hand in greeting.

  Matthew and Emily approached them.

  “Emily,” Benjamin greeted. “May I pencil myself in on your dance card?”

  “Of course,” Emily agreed, handing her dance card to Benjamin.

  He noticed that Matthew had already penciled himself in, so he picked one of the remaining dances. Matthew also penciled himself in on Mia’s dance card.