Rain Against the Window

By J. Elizabeth Scott

Every one has choices to make, including Claire Westscott. Depending on who you talk to, Claire's choices appear to indicate she is either losing her grip on reality or is just indulging herself at the expense of others. Ushering in her 50th year, Claire leaves the life she has always known in the city of Toronto for a farm in a remote area of New Brunswick. Refusing to stay in her predictable life and reclaiming her own sense of self-identy puts the burden of love directly in the firing line of personal freedom.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jan 24, 2015
• ISBN: 9781312861916

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Rain Against the Window

Copyright

Copyright © 2015 by J. Elizabeth Scott

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal.

First Printing: 2015

ISBN

Lulu

28 Lorentz Dr.

Moncton New Brunswick E1E 2T4

Rain Against The Windows

Chapter 1 In Any Direction

Jesus, Maggie, I’m fifty, not a hundred and fifty. And all I’m planning on doing is driving to New Brunswick. I’m not even leaving the country. Claire patted the suitcase now safely stowed into the trunk of her car.

We both know, Mom you are not just ‘driving to New Brunswick’.  You’re caught up in some stupid quest left to you by Uncle Charley.  A sensible person would just sell the damn farm and get on with the rest of her life. 

Claire regarded her oldest daughter with her mood rapidly deteriorating from amused irritation to less amused anger.  ‘Smart, pretty and a total pain in my ass’.

Rest of my life, Maggie?  Please define for me what you think is appropriate for the ‘rest of my life.  Once a week card games with my friends?  Sitting on committees doing ‘good work’?  Being perpetually and permanently available to baby-sit the grandkids?

Maggie’s chin rose, So what is wrong with that?  Millions of women your age do that and find it completely fulfilling.  You make it sound horrible. And I thought you loved babysitting the kids.

There is nothing wrong with that and I’m sure that many of them are very happy with that. Claire’s replied harshly.  Softening her voice, she continued, And I have always loved having the children.  But Maggie, right now, I need to do this.  I need to see what Uncle Charley and Aunt June thought was so special about this farm.  I’m not abandoning you, or the kids, or Toronto or anything else. You’re making this into a far bigger deal than it is.  Claire started closing up the car.

I’m not, you know.  Maggie folded both her arms across her chest.  I know you, and there’s more going on here than you’re admitting.  You’re not even taking anyone with you.  You’re, you’re just running away!

Claire wrapped both her arms around her daughter in a fierce hug.  Maggie, I have lived alone for the last five years.  I survived the divorce, and the loss of Mom, Dad and now Uncle Charley and Aunt June.  Who could come with me?  You?  Claire stepped back.  You have a husband and three children to care for.  Shelley? Again family and her job.  Ben? Not without Amanda.  Amanda? Not bloody likely to want to spend two days trapped in a car with me.  One of my friends?  Oh, I forgot, they have lives.  And before you go off, yes, I know they love me and I know they’d drop everything and come with me, but I don’t need them to do that.  I’m looking forward to this trip.  And even though I’m fifty now, I’m pretty sure I can find my way to New Brunswick all on my lonesome. 

This time Maggie hugged her Mother.  All I’m worried about is you finding your way back from New Brunswick, she whispered in Claire’s ear.  Stepping back, Maggie wiped her hands over her face.  You have your cell phone and your GPS?

Claire grinned.  I have my cell phone.  And I have a map.

See, declared Maggie.  You are SOOOOO old.  We gave you a GPS, and you need to promise me you’ll use it.

It’s locked and loaded, darlin’.  Now you have the number to the farm and the lady in charge is Maisie.  I’ve talked to her on the phone and she even speaks English just like people here in Toronto.

Ha Ha, very funny, Mom.  You drive safe.

This time they hugged each other.

There you go, Claire smiled as she climbed into her car, taking all the fun out of a road trip.

This is all wrong you know, Maggie said stepping away from the car.  You’re supposed to be giving me good sensible advice and I’m the one who is supposed to rebel against it.

I like it better this way, grinned Claire and waving her map out the window she headed off.  She knew that Maggie would now head home and get her family up and ready for their day.  Claire had said her ‘good byes’ last night at her big 50th birthday party.  But Maggie had arrived this morning to try once again to change her mind.  Her first-born was not accustomed to losing an argument and wouldn’t like it, so she probably wasn’t going to have her best day ever.  Claire, on the other hand, couldn’t wipe the grin off her face reveling in an odd sense of exhilaration.  The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and the only decision she had to make now was where she was going to stop for breakfast.

Chapter 2 Hello New Brunswick

The House stood well back and to the left of a long, curving gravel driveway.  It stood a full three stories tall, white with black trim, the third story wrapped in a magnificent mansard roof.  From the third story, four dormer windows marched across the front and five down the length of it. 

Parked at the end of the driveway, Claire looked at the photograph and confirmed she was indeed in the right location.  She took note of the river curving off to her left.  Tall dark pine trees hugged the left length of the driveway, and a landscaped lawn swept out on her right. 

Ok, for the middle of nowhere, this is looking okay so far.  Claire put the car into drive, and eased forward, her eyes following a hedge of beautiful white roses growing on her extreme right leading to a cottage tucked neatly under a huge chestnut tree.

Her attention was suddenly bought up short by the site of a man standing, arms akimbo, at the end of the driveway in front of a barn of some sort.  Tall and skinny with incredibly long gray hair blowing about his head in whatever style the breeze dictated.  The expression on his face did not look particularly welcoming as she brought the car to a halt.

Nor did he come over and open her car door and heaven knows she delayed long enough for him to do so.  Opening the door and climbing slowly from the car, Claire stood up and felt her legs catch, stiff after such a long drive.   Hello.  I’m Claire Westscott.  I’m the new owner of this property.

His gaze didn’t waver and eventually he growled out, Amos, Farm Foreman.  I come with the property but I’m only stayin’ as long as I see you’re not an idiot.  If you’re gonna be stupid then yer on yer own.

Ahh, she said softly, a right proper howdy do.  Then grinning, Well, Mr. Sunshine feel free to stick around while I decide if you’re an idiot, because if you’re going be stupid then you’re off.

He dropped his arms and after a moment, stated flatly, Maisie’s in the Big House. I got things to do.  Abruptly he turned and strode off in the direction of a large barn sitting well back from the House.

She slowly turned around and examined the House.  Imposingly tall, the House quietly greeted her with banks of windows, and an ivy covered deck.  The back door opened out on to a verandah that disappeared around the far side of the House.  Steps led down to a patio; from the patio extending out toward her was a pergola with pale pink roses growing up each side.

She walked over to the pergola and smiled as she walked under it.  ‘Charming,’ she thought.  ‘I think I’ve always wanted a pergola’.

Tentatively she knocked, then opened the back door calling out Hello?  Hello - Maisie?

Startled, Claire jumped back as a very small woman suddenly stepped out in front of her.  Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you, she grinned, putting her hand out.  I’m Maisie.

Claire shook her hand and laughed, Geez!  Be still my heart.  You just appeared so suddenly.  I’m Claire Westscott.  We’ve spoken on the phone.

Hello, Claire, and you’ll get used to me just popping up.  I’m so small you see, people just don’t see me ‘till I’m right under their noses.  Mr. Landers called and said you’d be coming in today, he just didn’t rightly know when.  Come on in and let me look at you proper, she said tugging Claire by her hand into a large and sunny kitchen.

Wow! exclaimed Claire as her eyes took in the kitchen.  This is amazing!  Oak cabinets and granite counter tops gleamed.  To her left three large windows stood guard over three large sinks the sun pouring in adding to the sparkle. 

To her right the kitchen opened up and Claire could see garden doors on the opposite side leading out to the ivy-covered deck she’d noted from the driveway.  Set in front of the garden doors was a large rectangular wooden table with six ladder-back chairs.  On the wall behind the table was an extremely large wooden china cabinet.  Beside this cabinet and facing the table was a rocking chair.

She swung around and stared at what appeared to be a refrigerator. It completely filled what must have been at least eight feet of wall space along the length of the kitchen. 

Oh! My! God! Claire exclaimed, reaching out to pull a handle on one of the four doors.  While virtually empty the huge refrigerator space yawned cool and inviting.  She closed the door and looked back at Maisie in disbelief.

Somethin’ isn’t it? Maisie grinned.  1952 Sussex Café Refrigerator.  Compressor is in the basement underneath it and its all fridge, no freezer.  Which really isn’t all that convenient, but… she shrugged, I tell myself the exercise is good for me.  Would you like a cup of coffee?

God yes I’d love one.  The last Tim’s I hit was over an hour ago and it’s only what, one, now?  Definitely need another cup.  I like milk and I’d prefer Sweetener if you have any.

Maisie grinned as she shook her head, The only Sweetener I’ve got is sugar or honey, your choice.

Sugar, please, 2 teaspoons, which is why I use sweetener, Claire said as she wandered over to the garden doors.  They opened out to the deck, ivy growing with abandon along the banisters on her left and across in front of her.  A glass patio table and six chairs were set about and the umbrella was fanned open casting cool shade over the table and nearby chairs.  On the left was a barbeque, and on the extreme right was a large brown flat vinyl surface decorated by three cats all stretched out and looking supremely comfortable in the early afternoon sun.

As Maisie poured the coffee Claire asked, Is that a hot tub?

Yep, said Maisie, although in the summer time we set the temperature down some, so right now it’s really a warm tub.  Cats love it all year round.  You’d think it was put in just for them!  This end of the House gets the sun in the morning and the front gets it in the afternoon. So that side of The House gets sun for most of the day.

Maisie passed Claire a cup of coffee, One of the few places on earth where you can see the sun come up and then see the sun go down and all you have to do is walk to the other end of the House.  It’s too beautiful a day to be staying in here. Let’s take our coffee out to the verandah and we can start to get to know each other better. 

Maisie led the way by walking Claire through a huge room that begged for a closer inspection.  Just save your questions now for a bit because the House’s not going anywhere and I’ll introduce you to it after we finish our coffee.

Claire reluctantly swallowed back the questions that were springing to her lips and smiling, she followed Maisie out on to the verandah.  She was immediately impressed all over again.  The verandah was about 8’ wide and all wood.  Steps led up to it from the driveway side of the House and steps were set in the middle of the front leading down to the lawn.  The view encompassed the driveway on the left; a hedge of lilac trees marking the end of the lawn and dropping off to the flood plains and the river.  The verandah continued around the side of the house and Claire presumed it completed its journey at the back door.

Have I said Wow! yet? exclaimed Claire.  I could live out here on the verandah!

Could get a little chilly in the winter, said Maisie mildly, settling into one of the wooden rockers.  She looked like a child sitting in a grownup’s chairs.  Claire sat in the rocker beside Maisie’s, setting her coffee down on the mosaic table set between the chairs. 

She just let her eyes wander, taking in a few of the details.  An antique hand plow set on a concrete pad as a lawn ornament, the azalea growing beside it, past its bloom for this year, the shine and sparkle of the river winding carelessly before them, a large oak tree growing close enough to the house that in a wind storm branches would be able to touch the house.

Claire inhaled deeply and picked up her coffee taking a sip.  Oh man, she breathed, I just love a good cup of coffee and this is great!  It’s been quite a journey getting to this place. 

Maisie smiled gently, I can imagine.  From the busy city streets of Toronto to the winding country roads of New Brunswick.  I hope you’ll find your journey’s been worthwhile. 

Maisie sipped her coffee, The best spot on this farm to just gather your thoughts is right here.  There’s just something about it that brings out the calm. 

Her voice dropped, I was sitting right here when they came.  The police, you know.  They were looking for the ‘next of kin’.  And until they told me what they knew I wouldn’t tell them. 

She looked at Claire, I didn’t believe them.  I just didn’t believe them.  Why not an hour earlier Charlie and June had just decided where the Gazebo was going to go and off they were to fetch it.  Then they’re gone?  Just like that? Gone?  I simply couldn’t believe it.  She gazed out over the river her own shock and sorrow filling her up again.

Claire reached over and rested her hand on Maisie’s arm.  "I don’t know what all happened here when Uncle Charlie and Aunt June died.  So far, I really only know what happened on my end. I was at home when the police came.  Two lady officers and I knew what they were going to tell me was bad but I never thought for a moment it would be Uncle Charlie and Aunt June. 

Claire shook her head.  We had just talked on the phone the night before.  They were quite agog at the weather, diabolical snow, then freezing rain, then more snow. There’s a little piece of me still hoping Uncle Charlie will jump out from behind a tree, or a chair or something, and give me one of his big hugs, laugh, waggle those eyebrows of his and say, Rumors of my demise are greatly exaggerated!"

Claire blinked herself back to the present allowing her eyes to once again see the river sparkling in the brilliance of the afternoon sun.  I’m sorry Maisie; I guess I just drifted off there for a bit.  It’s only been four months and so much has happened.  Guess I’m not as ‘on top of it’ as I thought I was.

Claire inhaled sharply and shook her head, So, Maisie, what’s your story?  How long have you been here?

Maisie hopped off her chair and pointed to a rooftop just barely visible through the trees and hedge of white roses.  You see that house, with the green roof?  That’s where I live.  I was born there.  All my brothers and sister were born there.  There were six of us.  Now just Alice and I live in it.  Alice won’t leave the house - ever.  Her world is what she sees out the windows and on TV.  When Charlie and June moved in we were just so excited.  No one had lived here for 2 years and it was getting pretty run down.  Every morning Charlie would walk down to the end of the driveway and get his mail and the morning paper.  We just thought someone getting the newspaper delivered to his house every day was so friggin’ grand.   So I aimed to be out there most mornings when he was out there.  Sometimes I’d pretend I was getting my mail.  Sometimes I’d watch the river from the bridge just beyond the driveway.  And one morning instead of his usual ‘Wonderful day in the Maritimes!’ he asked me if I knew where he could hire a housekeeper.  I don’t know where I found the nerve but I said, ‘If what you’re looking for is someone to clean and cook, I’d be your best bet.’

Maisie chuckled as she settled back into her rocking chair, We agreed to meet the next morning.  I walked up this beautiful driveway, scared half to death that they’d figure out in a flash I was a fraud.  Charlie met me at the door on his way out to get the paper.  ‘Make the coffee my dear, and we’ll sort out what’s what when I get back’.  So, I made the coffee, and we sorted out what’s what, and I’ve been here now for 2 years.  I make decent money.  I can take care of Alice and buy her paints and brushes so she can do her painting.  I can keep my home nice and I can save a few bucks.  Maisie looked over at Claire.  I don’t know what your plans are, but I’m happy to continue on here until you decide.

Claire nodded.  What days do you work and what do you actually do?

Well, Maisie grinned, I start at 6: am, get the coffee on, muffins made, breakfast started, whatever.  I harvest what I need from the gardens for lunch and supper.  I do the cleaning.  I prepare lunch for noon.  Then I go home and return at 4: pm to prepare dinner.  Dinner is served at 6: pm, which is when I leave for the day.  Since Charlie and June died things have been a bit different. I come in every morning and do a little cleaning.  Amos’ has been doing his own cooking.  Usually plates are prepared for him and he takes them over to his place.  He brings the dishes back clean and ready for refills.  I don’t work on Sundays, and on Wednesday and Saturday I’m off at one for the day, so you’re on your own for dinner.

Do you like your job, what you do, your hours?  Do you want any changes? Claire asked.

Nope - the hours are perfect for me.  I get to spend time with Alice during the afternoon and evening.  I can keep up to my own errands and things.  I know what I’m doing in the kitchen and with the cleaning.  There is nothing I’d change except maybe having someone to cook for.  Seems to me I’m only doing half what I’m getting paid for.

Maisie hopped out of her chair and asked, Have you had anything to eat?  I made some muffins this morning.  I make fantastic muffins, by the way, and maybe some fruit and cheese.  Help tide you over.

Claire stood and said, That would be great!  And I am dying to see the rest of the House.  Is there something I can do to help?

Just take a wander around down here and I’ll have things ready in a tic. called Maisie, as she went through to the kitchen.

Chapter 3 Afternoon Arrival

Claire stood just inside the doorway with the verandah at her back.  On her immediate right was the front hall closet and a stairwell leading upstairs.  The room was shaped like an uppercase ‘T’.  In the far right nook an old upright piano dominated with two comfortable looking chairs sharing a table. A large fern decorated the top of the piano and in the windows of the little nook, pottery crocks showed off an assortment of houseplants. A small handmade rag rug was under the piano bench.  The overall effect was warm and cozy.

In the left nook of the ‘T’ a dining room suite filled the space.  The dark mahogany contrasted warmly with the paler pine wainscoting.  The windows of that nook were also adorned with a multitude of plants.  In the central part of the room a large floral sofa with a matching love seat, a wing back chair and a brown leather recliner were arranged around a state of the art home theatre system. Tables and lamps completed the picture.   The entire floor was all wide plank wood polished to a dull gleam.  The wainscoting ran along the bottom of the all the walls, while the upper parts of the walls were painted a deep dull rose.  The exception was behind the piano.  Rose patterned wallpaper echoing the upholstered furniture adorned the upper half of that wall.  Nothing in the space was ostentatious; however it all spoke of quality and comfort. 

Making her way to the kitchen, Claire stopped not quite sure her eyes weren’t playing tricks on her.  The wall that framed the end of the monster fridge was actually a small room.  A glass panel door opened to reveal an antique phone mounted on the wall to her right.  Under it was a shelf holding a telephone directory and lower still, a padded bench seat.  In the corner was a high-back rounded, upholstered chair and on its right a small round table.

Maisie returned holding a tray, The phone actually works, but really it’s more of a space to make a private call.  The only other phones in this House are in the kitchen and the office.  There are none in any of the rooms upstairs.  Charlie wanted a red booth, you know like the ones you see in London.  But ‘red’ was not a color June would allow anywhere near that.  Maisie nodded at the rose walls of the living room.  Would you like this snack on the verandah or here in the kitchen? 

The verandah would be wonderful, replied Claire and led the way, holding the screen door open for Maisie. 

They returned to the rocking chairs and settled in.  Mm-m-m-muph, mumbled Claire, her mouth full of muffin.  What kind of muffins are these? she asked as soon as she could.

Pumpkin and applesauce, replied Maisie. 

Claire grinned, You’re right – they are absolutely fantastic!  What are these ones?

Those are bran with raisins and jam, said Maisie.  The pumpkin, applesauce and jam I put up last fall with produce grown right here on the farm.

Well, if these muffins are any indication, you’re one hell of a cook Maisie! Claire exclaimed.  They worked their way through the grapes and cheese and finished their coffee.  With a sigh of deep satisfaction, Claire settled back into the rocking chair sipping on the last of her coffee, So Maisie, what the story with Mr. Sunshine out there?

Maisie chuckled, Amos is a good man from a rotten family.  He was raised rotten and spent his early years being rotten.  Then the last time he was in jail he got the stuffing knocked right out of him.  They laid him up real bad and he thought he was going to die.  Well he didn’t die.  He did turn himself around.  Hitchhiked out to Quebec and got himself a job in a Lumber mill.  Learned carpentry and learned how to just work, keep his head down and earn a living.  Then he got a job on a dairy farm.  Worked most every job there was on that farm and learned a lot.  When your Uncle Charlie was looking for a Farm Foreman, I thought Amos might be just the ticket.  I let Amos know and four days later he just showed up at the back door and introduced himself to Charlie.  The rest is history.  He moved into the Bunk House and has been taking care of the farm end of things around here like he was born to it.  Don’t let his manner put you off.  He’s rough and likes to keep to himself, but he loves this place.  His sisters live real close and he goes to church every Sunday with them. Doesn’t take any other days off and says he doesn’t want them.  I think it would about kill him to watch someone else do his work and not do it to suit him.  To make up for it Charlie said Amos knows what needs to be done and when to do it and he could take time off as he saw fit with no questions asked.  It’s worked out well so far.

He told me he was only staying as long as I wasn’t an idiot.  If I was an idiot, he was taking off.  Do you have any idea what he would consider being an idiot?  Claire asked.

Well, Maisie’s smile crept into her voice, Most often folks consider anyone that doesn’t agree with them an idiot.  But with Amos it’s more about him being scared.  He’s afraid because things are so uncertain about the future of this farm.  And a man afraid is a man angry.  Calm his fears and he’ll settle down.  He might almost be civil.

Claire grinned back at Maisie, I get the feeling that I’ve just stepped through the looking glass and there’s a huge learning curve to master here.  I don’t really know where Charlie and June were going with this farm and I don’t know where I fit into all this, but I’d like to just settle in and catch my breath and sort things out one step at a time.  So I’m not sure Amos is going to find anything I have to say all that reassuring.

Maisie stood up and started gathering up their dishes on to the tray, Claire, I don’t think Amos expects you to have all the answer right now.  And he’ll listen to me.  So all you need to do is settle in and just see how we fit.  Now, if you like, I’ll show you the Cottage.  That’s the best place for you to ‘land’.  Get unpacked, all that sort of thing, and we can regroup at supper time.  

Claire held open the screen door and followed Maisie into the House.  Was the Cottage here when Uncle Charlie and Aunt June bought this farm?

Nope, Maisie said as she deposited the tray on the counter by the dishwasher.  She walked toward the doorway where Claire first met her and lifted a set of keys off the hooks under a chalkboard.  Handing the keys to Claire, she said, These are yours.  They are the keys to this House, and the Cottage.  Both buildings have alarm panels, which you may or may not choose to use.  I’ve been using them at night when I closed up.  Maisie showed her the alarm system, The number code for you is 1756.  The code word if you are talking to the Alarm Company is organic which is what we are here.

They walked across the patio, under the pergola and turned right to cross the driveway.   Maisie continued, Charlie and June had the Cottage built last summer.  They spent most of the winter painting it and furnishing it.  No one has ever lived in here.  You’ll be the first guest.

With the weight of the key in her hand, Claire hesitated.  She suddenly had a strong and confusing feeling, that this was a moment somehow, and important moment.  If she opened this door, and stepped over this threshold, there would be no going back. Straightening her shoulders, she slowly inserted the key, opened the door and stepped into the foyer of the Cottage.  She turned back to Maisie and smiled, Its fine, really, its fine.  For a second there I think I was just making a big deal out of nothing.

Maisie nodded slowly entering the Cottage behind Claire, Been there, done that.

Claire fell completely in love with the Cottage.  This is a beautiful place and they thought of everything, the layout, the colors, the light.  Claire crossed the kitchen and opened the door of the last room.  At first glance it appeared empty.  Claire walked in and ran her hands over smooth cold granite counter tops, reached down and opened the bottom cabinet door.  She pulled out the drawer and saw two crocks. One at a time, she lifted the lids and discovered they were empty.  She slid the drawer in gently and pulled out the next drawer of pots.  These two were also empty.   She stood and slowly turned toward Maisie.  Maisie smiled and softly said, They always knew you would come some day.  They figured a pottery room would help make you feel at home here.

Claire dragged in a ragged breath and quickly let herself out the garden doors on outside wall of the pottery room.  She stepped out on to the verandah and leaned over the railing, her eyes filling with tears, her thoughts tangled in a swirling sea of emotion and confusion where questions didn’t complete themselves, let alone form answers.  I would have loved to come here and see them here.  Why?  Why didn’t they ever invite me here?

Maisie rubbed Claire’s shoulders and whispered fiercely, They weren’t ready yet Claire.  They had some kind of grand plan.  They were almost there and just ran out of time.

Gradually Claire regained her composure, and Maisie continued, deliberately keeping her voice light and matter of fact.  They didn’t get the wheel.  They knew you had your own and felt that you’d be more comfortable with your own when the time was right.

Claire nodded, her breath catching in her throat, Ambushed.  She shook her head, I keep getting ambushed.  Maisie, I don’t mean to be rude, but I really need a little time here to just sort myself out a little on my own.

Maisie smiled, No problem, Claire.  I’ll just head home for the afternoon and return at four to prepare dinner.  I dare say Amos could use a proper meal for a change.  Fool man thinks all cooking can be done on a barbecue.  Take it easy for a bit and let your heart catch up with the rest of you.

Claire watched Maisie as she walked down the driveway crossing the lawn just after the big oak tree and disappearing into her own yard at the edge of the rose hedge. Claire turned her eyes back to the House.  Unseen birds sang in the trees, but otherwise the quiet of a peaceful early afternoon settled all around her.  She sank into one of the wooden lawn chairs and picked through her memories of her Uncle and Aunt.  Toronto and everything she had ever known and loved before seemed so far away.  Okay, she thought.  Gotta stop looking at the big picture and just focus on the next ten minutes.

Slowly she walked out to her car and pulled out the several suitcases she had traveled with.  Tugging out the travel handle on one of the large bags and hoisting the shoulder strap of a smaller bag, she picked up the overnight bag and began the trek back to the Cottage.  She set the three bags down by the back door and turned back to collect the other two bags only to see Amos briskly bringing them over.

I’d of brought them over earlier but you locked your car, he said accusingly, setting the bags beside her other ones.

Thank you Amos.  I live in Toronto. I always lock my car.  It’s second nature.  Claire replied.

Amos straightened up and looked Claire up and down.  Well not much call to be lockin’ things here, but you do whatever you want.  Without waiting for any response from Claire he strode off toward the Bunkhouse.

Oka-a-a-y-y, and Thank you, breathed Claire apparently to herself. She hauled the luggage into the foyer of the Cottage, selected the one large bag and the small overnight case and set them on the footlocker at the foot of the bed.  Grabbing the small case she went into the bathroom.  Setting the case down, she went over to the tub. Well, she said to herself, running her fingers along the rim of a large antique, enamel over cast iron tub, Aren’t you a thing of beauty.  Claw feet and all. She turned the hot water tap half expecting to see sludge pouring out, but the water ran clear, clean and hot. 

In mere seconds, with a shiver of delight she slid into the tub and gradually the heat of the water eased the travel tight muscles and lulled ragged emotions. She eventually pulled the plug attached to a silver chain and wrapped herself in a large green towel.  Standing beside the bed, Claire dropped the towel and slid under the covers.  Just a little nap.  All she needed was a little nap.

Chapter 4 Afternoon Explorations

When Claire awoke she was momentarily disoriented, but like quicksilver, memory slipped in and filled the gaps.  She sighed, then stretched, enjoying the pure comfort of the bed and let her eyes take in the room:  soft gold walls, white sheer curtains flanked by darker green drapes, all the wood in a dark cherry finish, and a white ceiling.  The room was in the shadow light of the afternoon, as the sun was now to the front of the Cottage.

Claire rose from the bed and quickly slipped into a light cotton dress.  There didn’t appear to be a clock in the bedroom so she had no idea what time it was.  She rummaged through the large suitcase she had brought in earlier, found a pair of sandals and went into the bathroom.  Finding a brush in her case and an elastic band she flipped her long hair up into a high ponytail, gave it a quick tease, fluffed her bangs and decided ‘Good enough’.

Claire picked up the towel and tossed it into one of the hampers in the utility room tucked in behind a set of louvered doors in the foyer.  She headed for the kitchen hoping to find a clock. It was very reassuring to see that it was only a few minutes before 4:00 on the microwave clock.  She poured a glass of water and was sipping it as she wandered out toward the front door.  ‘How nice that somebody else appreciates the value of windows,’ she thought, admiring the tall double set of windows on each side of the front door, one set designating the living room and the other set the dining room.  Leaving the front door open, she pushed open the screen door. 

The Cottage boasted a verandah every bit as beautiful as the verandah on The House.  To her left stood two rocking chairs with a table in between and at the end of the verandah a barbeque with a white metal side table.  Large pots on each side of the steps leading to the lawn were filled with huge yellow begonias and trailing purple flowers she could not identify.  To her right tucked in where the verandah angled around the Cottage, sat a glider swing.  Walking toward the swing, Claire looked down the length of the Cottage and saw 2 sets of Adirondack chairs with little tables between them and the doors to the Pottery Room between the chair sets.  She walked the length of the verandah, admiring the flower garden planted between the Cottage and the driveway. 

She spied what looked like a very tiny kitchen chair sitting the garden.  ‘How odd,’ Claire thought and immediately made her way over to the little chair.  Kneeling down to get a closer look she saw that wooly thyme was growing from the seat of the chair, which was fashioned out of twigs.  Looking around she saw one rubber boot leaning up against a stone and pansies were spilling out of it.  And at the far end of the garden, almost back to the front of the Cottage, she saw a little teepee with scarlet runners growing all through it. 

As she rose she saw Maisie walking up the driveway.  Claire stepped out of the garden and waited for Maisie to join her.  Hello, said Maisie, You must have been successful at getting some rest.  You look much better.

Thanks, said Claire.  I think I’m in love with that gorgeous old fashioned tub. And I had a lovely nap.  Just woke up a few minutes ago.  I was wondering Maisie, who does the gardening here?

Depends on the kind of gardening you’re talking about. Maisie replied.  I do the houseplants, hanging baskets and the flower gardens.  Amos does the vegetables, fields and orchards.

Good Lord, we have fields and orchards? 

Maisie chuckled, You have sixty acres of land here and 5 more across the river that is all wood lot.  The House and this here, she waved her hand to indicate the immediate yard is about seven acres.  Pointing in the direction of the Long Barn at the end of the driveway she continued, Behind that building there are raspberries, and then strawberries.  Maisie turned, now pointing across the driveway, The vegetable garden is just there at the end of the clothesline.  We don’t grow a whole lot of anything but enough to give us all some fresh and a little to put up.

Claire cupped her hand over her eyes as she returned her gaze to Maisie.  Well I do enjoy raspberries and strawberries, but I want to say that I think this little flower garden is a wonder. 

Maisie waved her hands dismissively, Oh that’s just a little silly in a garden.  Fairy chairs and such, and then continued, I need an hour or so to get dinner on the table.  Why don’t you have a wander around and start to get your bearings. I’ll ring the gong when I’m ready for you?

Gong? Claire’s eyebrows rose. 

Maisie resumed her walk to the House, pointing to the black cast iron triangle and rod hung suspended just outside the back door.  You and half the village will hear that gong when I ring it, so feel free to wander wherever you like.  But mind, Maisie turned back to her, Don’t touch any wire fencing if you can hear it hum.  It won’t kill you or anything, but it will give you a nasty jolt.

Claire nodded and decided she would start with the Long Barn that stood at the end of the driveway.  She stepped down to the little sunken door, and with visions of a hobbit house, lifted the latch.  With a little shove it gave way.  Stooping and stepping down she entered the building.  It was completely empty.  The air was stale, and the light was dim.  There were a few windows but they were small and on the back of the building offering little in the way of light at this time of the day.  Claire walked in a little further and turned a full circle.  I wonder what the plan was for this spot.  She walked back to the little door, carefully pulled it shut and latched securely. 

She followed a narrow path around to the back of the building, deliberately averting her eyes from what she assumed was the Bunkhouse.  The raspberries that Maisie had mentioned before stretched out ahead of her.  As she walked along the back of the building she noticed she had picked up some company.  Two cats were daintily picking their way along with her.  They kept a distance between themselves and her, stopping when she stopped.  Well at least now no one can accuse me of talking to myself, she muttered.  Claire reached the end of the building where a fairly large expanse of mowed lawn gave way to a pale green, miniature forest of asparagus ferns.

As she emerged from between the asparagus beds on her left and the strawberry beds on her right she met the driveway, Claire continued toward the Big Barn towering at the back of the barnyard.  This building was shaped like a large traditional barn but had additional lean-tos on the right and the left.  Sitting on the threshold of the barn door now were three cats.  They all stared at Claire without so much as a whisker moving. How many of you guys live here anyways?  The cats considered her question to be unworthy of response and simply continued to unblinkingly gaze at her as she veered away from the Barn and followed the