Moria's Time: Book 2 of the Time Series - Sequel to 'Janelle's Time'

By Dayna Leigh Cheser

Old Agnes MacKendall has a vision of Janelle Graysons infant daughter, Moria, as a young woman, far from home in a dangerous place.
Janelle and her husband, Richard, must prepare their little girl for whatevers ahead. Its a future charged with risk that could spell certain doom.
So begins Morias TimeBook 2 of the TIME Series.
At six-years old, Moria starts to learn about her heritage. Like her mother, Moria is a MacKendall. The women of this Scots clan have many skills, including natural medicinewhich is Morias gift.
At fourteen, Moria meets Elizabeth Blackwell who befriends and mentors her, guiding her toward her goal of becoming a doctor.
Later, while visiting family in England, Moria meets Florence Nightingale. The family also meets Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
Miss Nightingale summons Moria to London, where she works for a while at a charity hospital and meets Dr. Simon Hensley.
Miss Nightingale takes 38 nurses, including Moria, to the Crimean War. Dr. Hensley, in love with Moria, follows her, much to her chagrin, and she rebuffs him.
At home for a visit, Moria reconnects with her twin sister, Adelle, and Walter, who convinces Moria that Dr. Hensley isnt the enemy. Moria and Dr. Hensley work things out.
Simon and Moria return to London after the war. At Devonwood, the Grayson family estate, Morias Grandmother convinces Moria she can marry Simon. He proposes; she accepts.
After the wedding, Simon and Moria visit medical schools for interviews. Moria is rejected, simply because shes woman. Finally, a school in Pennsylvania accepts her.
Does Moria continue to impose her needs on Simon? How long will Simon put his life on hold? Do they really want to open a practice? There are too many questions, and too few answers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 15, 2013
• ISBN: 9781491801956

Dayna Leigh Cheser

I’m currently residing in Central Florida with my husband, Pete. I’m a lifelong reader. Starting before kindergarten, I devoured anything with words. In grade school, my favorite books were stories about horses. I went on to read every book the local library had pertaining to horses. I also consumed every Reader’s Digest Condensed Book I could get my hands on. Then, I discovered her mother’s stash of ‘naughty’ books—and was hooked on the romance genre. Soon after, I started writing short stories to entertain my peers, and the occasional teacher who intercepted one. Later, an English assignment was my autobiography. In the chapter entitled ‘Future Plans’, being a published author topped the list. Becoming a writer took a while. It wasn’t until I retired that I had the time to commit some of the stories in my head to paper. In 2009, @Writers_Cafe, which now has almost 32,500 followers, became a reality. Since then, I’ve earned a ‘Twitter degree’ in publishing! On New Year’s Day, 2010, I went ‘live’ with my first blog—a combination of chronicling my writing journey and offering helpful posts on publishing topics. Wanting to pay it forward, in 2011, I added ‘DIY Interviews’ to my blog. In September 2012, I switched to a full website/blog. The’ TIME Series’ information and ‘DIY Interviews’ are there. And, in 2014, I added doing book reviews under the name: ‘Reviews by Dayna’, also on my website. This book, Logan’s Time, is book 4 of the TIME Series, preceded by Janelle’s Time (temporarily unavailable), Moria’s Time, and Adelle’s Time. Coming soon will be the second edition of Janelle’s Time, and Clarissa’s Time, the TIME Series Grand Finale. Please visit my website: DaynaLCheser.com, or email me: [e-mail]. Also, (Twitter) @Writers Cafe, and (Facebook) Author Dayna Leigh Cheser.

Book preview

1

To Protect Moria

So many questions… and so few answers.

Old Agnes MacKendall had shared her vision. Now Richard and Janelle had to find a way to live with the knowledge their infant daughter would one day be in harm’s way.

What can we do? Janelle said, her eyes filling with tears, as she held Moria close to her heart.

Richard, sitting next to his wife, couldn’t answer. He didn’t know.

Mere hours before, Agnes had told them Moria would grow into a fine young woman, devoted to helping others. But, her devotion would take her far away and into danger.

I know. Janelle brightened. We’ll use time travel to go forward and find her.

Richard raised an eyebrow. Nay, my love, it’s dangerous and, I might add, senseless. How will we find her? We don’t know what she’ll look like. We have no idea where she’ll be. We don’t know when, or even if, this will happen or what she’ll be doing. Think, Janelle, the odds of finding her in the future are quite impossible.

"We have to do something. We can’t stand by and let it happen. Maura can help. We need to go home. If we leave now, we can talk to Maura tonight."

Janelle. Slow down. I agree we can’t give up on finding a way to protect her, but this won’t happen for years. There’s plenty of time. Besides, you’re talking about changing history. You, of all people, should know better.

Nay, I’ll not change all history—only Moria’s history.

Richard shook his head. "Listen to yourself. You can’t do it. What will happen to those she would have helped if we stop her? According to Agnes, Moria will save lives. That’s lives, plural, as in more than one, and it’s probably more like many. If Moria doesn’t save those lives, think of how history could be impacted."

Softening, Richard continued. Sweeting, we have to believe she’ll be fine.

Janelle looked up at Richard, tears in her eyes. My baby… .

Richard held her close, encompassing the now sleeping Moria in his embrace. I know, sweeting, I know.

In the next room, they could hear Adelle screaming. Chuckling, Richard stated the obvious, Her Highness is awake. Janelle giggled.

Rhona knocked, then opened the door a little. Beg pardon, but it’s time to—

Feed Adelle. We can tell. Janelle chuckled through her tears. Come in.

Richard stood as Rhona entered with Dora behind her, carrying Adelle. The two girls, twins, couldn’t be less alike. Adelle demanded attention from all within hearing distance, loud and often, while Moria was quiet and content.

Janelle held Moria out to Rhona, took the shrieking infant from Dora, and bared a breast for her. The screaming stopped instantly. Rhona and Dora, with Moria, left the room.

So, sweeting, we’ll not cut our visit short and hurry home, as there’s no rush, right?

Agreed. Janelle sighed. Richard could see she knew he was right. Many years would pass before the vision came to fruition. He smiled as she continued, I wish we knew what the danger will be. It’s frightening.

I know, sweeting, I’ve been wondering myself. I can’t imagine any profession being so dangerous. There are, Richard hesitated, looking for the word, factories now. They’re big, ugly buildings where people use machines to make or do things, but those machines would only be dangerous to those nearby. The only thing I can think of is… He paled.

What? What is it?

In a stricken voice, he repeated, The only thing I can think of is… war.

After a moment of silence, Janelle said in a frightened hush, Our baby girl? In a war?

We can’t jump to conclusions. It’s nothing more than a wild guess. I’m sure we’re only being parents, going straight for the worst-case scenario.

But, when you think about it, what else can it be? What war? We need information. Janelle sat up straight, suddenly focused. We’ll go to New York or Washington, DC right now and find a newspaper.

Richard raised a hand. No, Janelle. I read several newspapers every day. Right now, there’s nothing of note going on. There’s the never-ending political dialogue about state’s rights and slavery, but it’s the usual posturing. South Carolina continues to threaten to secede from the union, but I don’t see it happening, at least not any time soon. Inflammatory books and brochures stir the pot, but it’s all old news. There are no wars anywhere at the moment. Besides, we don’t need to be concerned with what’s going on right now.

But, what about the future?

Oh, if only I could predict the future… Richard chuckled. Moria isn’t going anywhere for many years if I’ve anything to say about it. We don’t have to worry now.

Let’s assume it’s true: this posturing, and threats, and it all boils over into war. What would Moria be doing in a war?

A logical question. Richard considered the issue, both of them silent, for a long moment… after which, he looked at Janelle, one eyebrow raised. Janelle?

She bit her lip, her forehead creased, paused in thought, until… her eyes opened wide. She paled as she whispered, The MacKendall medical skills. She took a deep, shaky breath. Of course. We already know she has powers. If she’s proficient in the medical skills, where better to put her knowledge to work but on a battlefield.

Richard stared at the ceiling, mulling this less-than-desirable possibility. He looked down, studying his hands. Even so, he said, returning his gaze to Janelle, If these assumptions are true: a war and her proficiency in the medical skills; by whose authority is she on the battlefield? He hesitated. Unless… maybe it won’t be an actual battlefield. It could be she’ll be taking care of wounded soldiers in a hospital. It would be safer there in terms of guns and cannon fire.

Janelle was crying softly. Concerned, Richard sat beside her. What is it, my love?

I’ll be providing her with the information she’ll need to make her war duty possible. What if I don’t teach her? If she doesn’t have the skills, then she can’t go off to war.

Oh, Janelle. You know she already has the knowledge she needs. All you’re to do is remind her of what she knows. What’s more, without her MacKendall skills, she’ll be unprepared. Instead of being safer, she’ll be in greater danger. Besides, what if it isn’t a war in her future?

What else can it be? There’s nothing as ‘dangerous to everyone around her’ as a war. I still say we can time travel into the future, search for battles, and find her.

Richard sighed. Oh, my love, if it were so easy. We’ve been over this already. Think, Janelle. If we start chasing wars, we could end up almost anywhere. At any given moment, there are battles or skirmishes going on all around the world. There might be tribes squabbling over resources, or multi-national wars with huge political ramifications, and everything in between. We have responsibilities at home. We don’t have the resources or the time to go hunting for this particular needle in a haystack. Besides, in looking for trouble, we’d find it—putting ourselves in peril, perhaps for no reason.

Then I’ll go by myself.

Richard stomped a foot and reddened, his anger rising. "No you will not. Promise me you won’t be so foolish as to expose yourself to the very dangers you want to protect Moria from by hunting for a war somewhere. Promise me, now. Richard crossed his arms and waited while she thought about it. Janelle, I’m waiting. Promise me. The health and welfare of our family depends on you. To put yourself in harm’s way based on this wild assumption is nonsense."

You’re right, of course, Richard, and I agree. I promise I won’t do anything foolish. I promise I won’t go on such a trip alone.

Knowing his wife too well, Richard countered, "Oh no you don’t! Promise you won’t go on such a trip at all. I don’t want you taking Rhona or someone else, thinking it will be all right, because it won’t. If we get any good leads in the years ahead, we’ll talk about it. However, there will be no trips into the future, and no trips to battlefields. Am I clear?"

Defeated, Janelle muttered, Very.

Richard, gentler, yet still firm. Janelle, look at me. Promise.

He took her hand, and placed a burning kiss in her palm. His black eyes held her green ones and she shivered. He reveled, as he always did, in her reaction to the simple kiss.

Oh, Janelle whispered as she surrendered to the fire, I promise, my lord.

He leaned closer and kissed Adelle’s head. Turning, he kissed Janelle; a passionate kiss that, had she not been holding the baby, would have sent them both scrambling for the bed.

Oh, my lady, how I wish I could stay, but I’m to meet Sinjin in the stables. While we were visiting Agnes, he was studying our business reports. He wants to discuss the reports with me, in detail, before supper. Richard turned to leave.

So… you think you can start the fires burning and waltz out the door? Well, I think not. You’ll finish what you started. Janelle stood and opened the door, calling for Rhona who took the now-sleeping Adelle. Closing the door, she leaned against it preventing Richard’s leaving.

Eyes blazing and muttering about his not leaving just yet, she ambled seductively across the room toward the surprised Richard. Putting her fingertips on his chest, she shoved him backward, toward the bed.

Amused now, Richard played along. Soon, he was against the side of the bed. When she pushed him again, he fell onto his back on the mattress. Janelle scrambled onto the bed and captured him in a blazing kiss.

Janelle, my sweet, he said between hot kisses, I’ll be late for my meeting with Sinjin.

I care not. I said you’ll finish what you started before you leave.

You needn’t ask again. Richard flipped her onto her back and lifted her skirts. Already the familiar feelings were coursing through him. Running his hands over her body, he heard her groan, which added to his own desire.

Oh, my lord, she breathed.

Richard’s free hand stroked her breasts through the material of her bodice. She fumbled with the tiny buttons, laying bare both breasts. While he teased her womanhood with one hand, he kneaded her breasts with the other, his tongue circling her hard and erect nipples.

He released his manhood. She wrapped her hands around his erection. He groaned. Standing, he pulled her to the edge of the bed by her hips, peeled her hands away, and entered her sweet sheath.

She reacted to feeling him inside her. Oh, my lord, she cried, ’Tis heaven. She wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him closer. He started to move within her while she used her muscles to give them more pleasure. Leaning over her, he kissed her until she was breathless.

His control gone, he pounded her as they flew ever higher. Janelle pushed her hips into his thrusts and moaned, thrashing on the bed.

With one mighty stroke, he buried himself in her and emptied his seed. Breathless, he collapsed on her in a tangle of skirts. After a moment, he rolled off and lay there, breathing hard.

Och, my lady… what is it… you do to me? He gasped. ’Tis so good.

So, Janelle said, panting, my lord… is this not better… than a meeting… with Sinjin?

Aye, but I still must go. Richard reached over and captured a breast, and thumbed the nipple, startling Janelle who squealed.

Och, my lord, was it not enough?

Aye, ’twas enough… for now. He rolled onto his side and lowered his head to her breasts, savoring the taste of her warm milk. She moaned and held his head there, so he suckled a bit more. She closed her eyes, letting the feelings wash over her.

Rising, although he didn’t want to, he set himself to rights, and helped her to her feet. They kissed again, long and passionate. Knowing he had to leave now, or forget the meeting altogether, he left the room.

*     *     *

Supper was a quiet affair, just the four of them. Sinjin—Lord Saint John, the Duke of Devonwood—presided from one end of the table, while Lady Susannah, Sinjin and Richard’s mother, faced him from the other end. Richard and Janelle sat across from each other.

Sinjin did most of the talking, telling the ladies how Englica and the LeDuc Farm were doing well with their first foaling and breeding season.

Janelle could see Richard’s mind was elsewhere. Every time I look up, he’s staring at me, his dark eyes smoldering in the candlelight. He wants me as much as I want him.

When the horse discussion had run its course, Lady Susannah changed the subject. How was your visit with Agnes this afternoon? When she heard the details of the vision, she was concerned. Whatever will you do?

We don’t know, Richard said. Of course, we’ll protect Moria as best we can, but we may not be able to do much. By then, she’ll be an adult and living her own life. We can’t protect her forever.

"True, but there must be something . . . Lady Susannah’s voice faded away. After a moment, she said, I can’t imagine what I might do in your situation."

Making a few assumptions, we suspect she’ll be treating the wounded, either on a battlefield, or perhaps in a hospital, near the battles.

A doctor in a war? Moria? Oh my. Are women allowed to be doctors in America?

Janelle joined the conversation. I don’t know. Perhaps by then they will be, if not now. I’m not sure if being a doctor is in her future, although I believe she’ll be knowledgeable in the ancient medical arts; it’s her heritage. We already know she has MacKendall powers. We’ll have to wait and see what skills she has, and to what extent.

Women can’t be doctors here in England. The medical schools won’t admit them. She looked at Richard, then Janelle, clearly troubled. "I can certainly understand how you both would be concerned. Why, the idea of your little girl tending the injured… on a battlefield?"

The world is quiet right now, but it can change overnight, and battles can occur anywhere. However, as I told Janelle, it isn’t what’s happening on battlefields today; the vision won’t come to pass for many years.

Janelle smiled. We may be able to use time travel to find Moria in the future.

Lady Susannah’s eyes brightened, as did her voice. What a great idea, Janelle.

Richard rolled his eyes and groaned. No, Mother, no it’s not. Finding Moria in the future is an impossible task. As I told Janelle earlier, we don’t have enough information. Even if we find her, we can’t do anything to change history. We can’t change Moria’s presence in any time or place. According to Agnes, Moria will save lives. If we change history by, for example, forbidding her to go, she won’t save those lives. What effect will it have on those people and their families, or on the timeline in general? No, Moria’s part in history has already been written. Richard sighed. We’ll explore all options, but we may not be able to do anything.

Sinjin had been listening. Aye, I see your point. This is tricky business. He paused, thinking. If she’s in danger, and you’re there to protect her, aren’t you putting yourselves in danger, too? Since you’re not supposed to be there, her timeline might not include you, which could either save you from the danger or put you square in the middle of it.

Richard leveled a forefinger at him in agreement. You’re right. And, even if our assumptions are correct, and we don’t know they are, we simply don’t have enough information right now. But, Moria isn’t going anywhere for many years, so we’ve plenty of time.

Sinjin nodded. Aye, plenty of time, indeed.

2

Moria’s Future

Janelle looked around the room. Is everything packed?

Rhona checked the big wardrobe one more time. Yes, ma’am.

Lady Susannah hovered nearby, looking miserable.

Janelle crossed the room to her mother-in-law, hugging her, tears in her eyes. Oh, why the sad face, Susannah? We had a wonderful time, and we’ll miss you, but we’ll be back. And, you know you can always come to New Hampshire.

Nay. My place is here with Sinjin. She smiled. Of course, if he were to get himself married, then I could be with my husband at Englica and see my American family every day, but he’s so busy with the horses… .

Janelle smiled, too, thinking, I can’t picture Sinjin married with children, for all he’s shown signs of thinking along those lines from time to time. Oh, Susannah’s still talking.

. . . and the estate business. Susannah hugged Janelle again. Thank you again for the trip to the old Devonwood Castle. I’d often wondered what it looked like then. It was quite a thrill, watching people in their day-to-day activities, even though they’re long dead. That said, I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to your mode of travel, though, for all there’s a certain excitement you don’t get when traveling by coach.

You’re quite welcome. Janelle looked around. Well then, it seems we have everything… except Richard.

As if on cue, Richard burst into the room, followed by Sinjin.

Sorry. We lost track of time. Richard surveyed the room. So, we’re ready? He hurried to his mother and hugged her.

He hugged his brother, too.

Sinjin, to cover his discomfort at such obvious affection, admonished, Don’t forget, Richard. You’ll have yearlings to start training in May. Roger and the grooms know what to do.

Richard nodded, and then joined the group standing around the trunks.

Within seconds, the blue light flashed and the room was empty except for Lady Susannah and Sinjin.

*     *     *

The travelers materialized in the upstairs hallway at the LeDuc Farm. Eleanor, the seamstress, was there, but Janelle saw she didn’t seem to notice, accustomed as she was to the comings and goings of Janelle and her family. She took Moria from Janelle, Adelle from Richard and, with Rhona bringing up the rear with Damian Gerard, disappeared into the nursery.

Janelle looked at the pile of trunks and sighed. Tending to the luggage would take time.

Richard gestured toward the trunks. Leave them. Rhona and Eleanor will see to them. You wanted to see Maura right away, so let’s go. Raising his voice a bit, he called out, Rhona.

Rhona came out of the nursery. Sir?

We’ll be visiting Angus and Maura.

Say hello for me.

After a short walk around the barn, the couple came to the cabin Richard had designed and built for Angus and Maura in their retirement. Angus had served as the LeDuc Farm steward for as long as anyone could remember. Maura, found orphaned in Scotland by Adrienne’s grandparents, grew up with Moria, Adrienne’s mother. She came to Lake Galloway after Adrienne’s marriage to Gerard, as her companion. After Adrienne died birthing Janelle, she was governess nurse, and surrogate mother to the five LeDuc children. When the older children married and moved away, she stayed as Janelle’s companion.

Richard knocked on the door. When Angus opened it, he exclaimed, Richard. Janelle. Come in, come in. When did you get back?

A little while ago. How are you and Maura?

Fine, we’re fine.

When they entered the cozy cabin, they saw Joshua Morgan, the new steward, was visiting, too.

Joshua. How are you?

Great, Richard, yourself?

Fine, indeed. I’m glad you’re here.

Maura came in from the kitchen, carrying a tea tray. Well, well. Welcome. Join us?

Of course, Janelle said, taking a seat at the table.

Janelle knew, as did Richard, that Joshua had grown up near Albany, New York, but he’d spent the last twenty years working on a horse farm near Norfolk, Virginia, so his stand on the contentious issues was unknown.

Richard started telling of seeing Agnes. We came here to talk with Angus and Maura about Agnes’s vision, but you being here, Joshua, is all the better. We know that before you came here you held a post in Virginia: one of several states embroiled in the state’s rights and slavery issues. Perhaps you can shed some light on what’s going on there.

I’d be happy to help in any way I can. For the record, I’m a northerner. I’m against slavery, at any level but, on state’s rights, I can see both sides. I don’t understand South Carolina’s rush to secede. They’ll regret their decision, even if several states were to secede together, because the south doesn’t have the resources to go it alone. They need the north, as much as the north needs the south. Do I think a conflict could arise from the current situation? It’s quite possible, perhaps even inevitable.

Chuckling, Richard remarked, Well, you’ve stated your case clearly and it nearly matches ours.

Janelle outlined Moria’s situation. Agnes’s vision was of Moria as a young woman, not me. She’ll travel far from home to a dangerous place and save lives. We’re making some assumptions but we suspect she’ll be involved in a war.

There isn’t much to go on here. How did you arrive at a war?

Logic, Janelle said. Do you remember the ring we brought back from old England, the blue stone with diamonds?

Um. I remember thinking your gram had one like it.

"She probably did. I showed the ring old Lord Damian gave me to Agnes. She said she has one and, as a child, had seen many of them in Scotland. She said all pure MacKendall women have one. It is, as she put it, ‘powerful protection.’ When I put the ring on, she was astonished when it crackled and glowed. She placed the ring near Moria where it did the same thing. So, we’ve confirmed that Moria has MacKendall skills. Assuming she’ll have at least the predominant medical skills, then taking care of people will be her forte. New Hampshire, however, does not bring to mind any danger involved in taking care of people."

Maura nodded at the logic.

Richard picked up the story. Even taking into consideration those factories cropping up in Manchester and elsewhere, the conditions in the vision aren’t met. In the factories, there are dangerous machines, but they’d only be dangerous to the operator and maybe a few others nearby.

I see your point, Joshua said. So, you think a war fulfills the vision’s conditions. How do state’s rights and slavery fit in here?

Janelle said. Richard’s concerned the situation may lead to an armed conflict.

But it’s been going on for years.

Richard regarded Joshua for a moment, then said, You lived in Virginia for twenty years. Was the situation any different when you left than it was when you arrived, and how?

Joshua took a moment to think about it. Hmm. He paused. "Oh, wait a minute. You think a war between the north and south will fulfill the vision?"

Right.

Oh, Richard, Maura said, her voice pained. "I can’t believe it would ever come to that. I don’t want to believe it would. It would pit fathers against sons, and brothers against brothers. I can’t imagine… ." Her voice trailed off.

I don’t want to believe it could happen, either, but considering how far apart the two sides are and how little progress they’ve made toward a compromise… Angus was also having a hard time with the idea.

But, Maura said, I suppose ‘far from home’ is all in the definition. How far is far? It could be New York, or Virginia, or Georgia, but it could also be Europe… or beyond. And, we’re still assuming it’ll be a battlefield. Perhaps not. We don’t have enough information.

Janelle stood and paced. How can we protect Moria from something we can’t even identify?

Let me try something, Maura said. She closed her eyes. In a moment, she pointed toward the parlor. A nebulous image started to appear. It faded in and out and, at its best, the people in the scene were not recognizable, but what they were doing was clear. Women in light blue gowns and white aprons were moving around in a large room. There were men lying in beds arranged barracks-style. The image faded and disappeared. I’m sorry. It wasn’t much help.

It was clearly a hospital, but what kind, where and when? Janelle sighed.

And why? Richard added.

The room was silent. Janelle, reminded of Maura’s visioning talent, resolved to return in the morning to learn to do it herself. Maura had shown her a vision of her parents dancing together before she was born. A second vision minutes later showed her parents later, after her father’s death in a logging accident. In the second vision, they were together again, happy and still dancing.

Janelle planted the idea firmly in her mind. I must learn visioning. It may be the only way to find and protect Moria in the future.

There seemed to be nothing more to say, so the gathering broke up. Joshua left first.

Janelle helped Maura in the kitchen, while Richard talked with Angus.

When Maura and Janelle returned to the parlor, Richard stood and took Janelle’s arm. Come, m’lady. ’Tis time we returned to the house.

*     *     *

Later, when the children were asleep, and the house was quiet, Richard and Janelle talked more about protecting Moria.

Finally, Richard put a stop to it. Enough, sweeting. There’s nothing we can do right now. The endless talking only intensifies the worrying. We have to put it aside.

You’re right. Janelle got up from her chair. Sitting on his lap, she laid her head on his shoulder. I’m so tired.

Richard pulled the pins from her hair, letting her chestnut mane loose. She relaxed as he ran his fingers through the silken tresses. He murmured into her ear, Don’t worry, my sweet. We’ll do the best we can for Moria, but she’ll be an adult then, and her safety will be up to her.

Janelle was asleep. Chuckling, Richard carried her to the bed where he undressed her, and covered her. Not ready for sleep yet, he sat on the window seat, looking out into the night. He didn’t see the moonlit lake twinkling in the gentle breeze, something he usually enjoyed seeing. His only conscious thought was Moria’s future.

He played over in his mind the brief conversation he’d had with Angus while Maura and Janelle were in the kitchen.

Is something worrying you, Richard, Angus had asked.

Am I that transparent?

Angus chuckled. I know Janelle.

Richard nodded. Aye. I’m worried. While we were in England, she was ready to go charging into the future, looking for Moria. She’s never gone into the future before. Can you imagine the trouble she could get into there? I made her promise she wouldn’t do it. I had to make her promise, more than once, using different criteria each time to cover every angle.

Angus laughed. That’s Janelle… headstrong. She does find herself in all sorts of situations as a result. And you’re right, the future does hold a whole new set of problems. Do you think she’ll go off on her own?

I hope not. But, she’s determined to protect Moria at all costs, even if it means putting herself in danger in the process.

She’s Moria’s mother.

And I’m her father, but I wouldn’t go off on this wild goose chase.

Don’t worry. She’ll see getting obsessive is pointless.

Richard, gazing into the darkness, sighed. Well, Janelle, I certainly hope you see this obsession is just that—pointless.

In his mind, Richard saw his baby daughter in the next room. Where are you going, my little one, and what will you be doing there? Is there anything we can do to protect you?

He sighed again.

In the darkness outside the window, the image a young woman appeared in his line of sight. Instantly alert, he searched for the details of her face, but the image wasn’t clear. Another woman, perhaps ten to fifteen years older, drifted into the scene. Her dark hair parted in the middle and pulled back into a bun, she was slender with a long neck. She was speaking, although he couldn’t hear her, and the younger woman was listening.

As he watched, the image faded and disappeared. He put his hand on the windowpane, willing the scene to return. Was it you, Moria? He whispered. "Were you the young woman? Who was the older woman? Will she influence your life, and how?’

When the vision didn’t return, Richard rose and eased into bed, gathering Janelle into his arms where she snuggled close. He drifted off and dreamed of the vision outside the window.

*     *     *

When Janelle awoke, Richard was gone. She stretched and got out of bed.

Rhona knocked and opened the door a crack. Janelle acknowledged her, and she entered, bringing clothes fresh from the laundry. Soon after, the bath arrived. Janelle luxuriated in the warm water.

Being a lazy bones today, ma’am?

Rhona, please, it’s Janelle.

Sorry, ma’am, er… Janelle. It’s all those years at my previous post where it was ma’am and sir. It’s a hard habit to break.

"I understand, but it’s been months now, with many years ahead. It’s Janelle, please. Oh, and Richard isn’t sir, he’s Richard."

Yes, ma’am. Rhona stopped in the middle of doing Janelle’s hair, mortified. Janelle couldn’t help it. She started to laugh. She laughed until she cried, while Rhona stood, frozen in place. Then, Rhona saw the humor and started to laugh, too.

Richard entered the room, a quizzical look on his face. Rhona abruptly stopped laughing, covering her embarrassment with her hands over her face. Janelle took in the scene: Richard standing there, his face clearly asking what was going on, and Rhona nearly in tears over her perceived awkwardness of the silly situation. Still giggling, she tried to explain it, but the laughter overwhelmed her again. Richard smiled, his expression changing to knowing now it wasn’t important. He kissed his enchanting wife, silencing her giggles.

Come, my dear, we’ll go down to breakfast together. I’ve been to the barn—all is well there. He cleared his throat. Ahem. How would you like to take a few days to do some shopping? Would you prefer Portsmouth, Concord, or Manchester?

Janelle remembered she’d wanted to go to Maura’s today, to learn the visioning. Even so, the shopping sounded like fun. The holidays were coming—the twins’ first Christmas.

The twins, Adelle and Moria. Twins, as in two babies, yet they were primarily focused on Moria. At this point in their young lives it wasn’t a problem but, as they