Sky Watcher: A Shadow in Time

By Heather Lynn

Charlotte Harper's life isn't going as she expected. She had to change her course of studies, her ex-boyfriend has hooked up with her best friend, and she misses her mother desperately since her passing. Searching for meaning and direction, she pours herself into her family history, researching her roots. When she learns of a possible ancestor n

• Language: English
• Publisher: Heather Lynn
• Release date: Jul 23, 2019
• ISBN: 9781777791629

Heather Lynn

Heather Lynn, born in Toronto, Ontario, lives with her family just north of the city. Her education in biology and health sciences has supported an ongoing interest in physiology and the potential of herbal healing. In addition, she has been intrigued by the possibility and impossibility of time travel since childhood. When she's not writing, Heather enjoys family time, working in her garden, and learning more about the 'power' of stones.

Book preview

Prologue

Time is always. It is now, it is then;

it cannot be stopped, and it waits for no one.

I asked myself once again: Charlotte, have you lost your mind? Have you gone completely off the deep end? My saner inner voice was becoming repetitive. In fact, it was getting on my nerves! Not for the first time, I tried to reassure myself that, yes, while even thinking about doing something like this would be considered crazy, attempting it was absurd—yet, here I was. I was on my way to Owasco Lake, New York, on what could prove to be the greatest, and quite possibly last, adventure of my life.

As the bus travelled East on the thruway, my mind was racing. My thoughts turned unexpectedly to the conversation I’d had with Jessica yesterday morning. She’d called about dropping some boxes off at the house. Given that I had some running around to do, I told her I’d leave the side door unlocked for her or Michael. She reminded me of a letter that had come for me, which she’d left on the table by the phone. As I told her I’d be in touch tomorrow, I scanned the table and the floor at its base, but saw nothing.

After speaking to Jessica, I’d gone to see my lawyer to review the handling of my affairs if I hadn’t come back within two years. Chances were, if I hadn’t come back by then, I wasn’t coming back. That’s assuming, of course, that I made it there at all.

I expected to be gone for a year or so, and had suggested that Jessica and Michael live in my house during that time. It was a win-win situation—my house would be lived in and looked after, and they would have somewhere to stay together while they saved for a house of their own.

Upon returning home, I was struck by how empty the house felt. The butterflies in my stomach started fluttering. This is not an ending, I reminded myself. It’s the beginning of the adventure of a lifetime! I went upstairs and released the staircase from the attic, climbing up with the last of my boxes. I couldn’t help but smile as I looked around the large open space. This attic wasn’t a gloomy, confined room; it was properly floored and insulated, with two high, half-circle windows letting in the sunlight. Though it had a low ceiling, I could walk through the middle without having to duck my head. When I was little, it had been my playroom. We’d painted a wall pink, hung a large blackboard, and taken up a little table, chairs, and tea set. I still remembered sitting at the table with my biggest teddy, Super Fluffy, and my bunny, Alice, sharing tea and cookies. When I was a little bigger, I’d come up here with Jessica and we’d shared our secrets. Now the floor space was occupied by a rolling rack hung with off-season clothing, boxes of Christmas decorations, books, and keepsakes. I put the last boxes onto the floor and, after one last look around, closed up the attic. It was now midafternoon and all that remained for me to do was write my letter to Jess.

The weather this March had been remarkably warm, and I was hot! First things first: let’s get out of these sweaty clothes and freshen up. I dropped my clothes to the floor, reached in behind the glass shower door, and turned on the water. I took down my ponytail and brushed out my hair and when the temperature was just right, stepped in. Mm-mm, this, I will miss! Questions rushed through my mind. Would I succeed in making this journey? Could it even be done? I had seen Elizabeth’s name on that list on my computer and made up my mind to try to save her, but would I even be able to find her? Is it possible to change things that have already happened? Would there be consequences? Completely engrossed in my thoughts as I was, it came as a shock when Michael’s face came into view in the open shower door. As I looked at him, confused, he smiled and stepped in, pulling the door closed behind him. Michael, what the— He cut me off.

Charlie, when I realized you were in here, I had to come. I just want to be with you one last time, to say goodbye. His hand ran up my arm, before his fingers lifted my chin, his touch was familiar.

I put up a valiant fight, I did, but he knew me too well.

When he left some time later, I felt only emptiness. I sat on the edge of the bed, turning to avoid my reflection in the mirror. That door had closed some time ago. I thought back to the evening we’d called it quits. We had both known that breaking up was the right thing to do, that it just wasn’t to be. I’d come up to bed after he’d left and cried until I had no tears left. A soft, unfamiliar voice whispered to me in my dreams that night: Every ending is a new beginning, Charlotte. These wise words had stayed with me.

It was about a year later when he and Jess got together, and they were perfect for each other. I hoped that they would have a good life together, I truly did. I felt no jealousy, no hard feelings, though now I did feel a small amount of guilt. I suppose that my fear and uncertainty about what lay ahead of me had caused me to grab hold of the feeling of love and protection he’d offered, fleeting as it was. Without question, it would be easier to move forward when I was no longer in the here and now. Tomorrow would change everything.

Leaving Home

Tomorrow—that is today—came quickly! Elizabeth! No-o-o! I called out, the sound of my own voice waking me. I sat up in my bed and looked around. I was still at home, in my room. It was only a dream; I was not too late.

I’d been standing alone. My surroundings, everything that I could see, appeared out of focus, as if in motion. There were no colours, only shades of grey and dirty white. Any sounds were muffled and undistinguishable, as if being heard under water. Unable to get my bearings, I shook my head and closed my eyes tight, counting—one, two, three, four, five . . .

Looking again, I saw that there was a crowd gathered near where I stood. They seemed to be standing in groups; some talking quietly to one another, some calling out, all facing the same general direction. I stood up on my toes to get a better look around. My vision was beginning to clear—I could see that I was among the crowd. We were all standing on the dirt ground in what looked to be the town or village square. There were several two-storey stone buildings in the still-grey back drop. I could see capped heads in several of the windows, as onlookers watched the scene below them.

As the horde of people in front of me opened up, I could see something between the mob and the buildings. I pushed my way forward through the throng of people, aware of more than one unpleasant odour wafting through the cool air with the movement. Looking ahead, I saw a wooden structure in front of the crowd. It looked old and rickety and stood just about the height of my shoulders. I firmly closed my eyes once again, hoping that when I opened them next, this would all make sense.

All of the people who had been standing around faded into the periphery and in front of me stood a rectangular wooden scaffold, open underneath apart from some supporting planks or beams. The front face was open, but the other three sides had a railing around the edge, except where there were a few stairs going up the back. As my eyes slowly rose to the top of the structure, everything came into sharp focus. The crowd returned in full colour, though still mostly grey, a muffled din hanging in the air above them. I saw the cloud of my breath on the air as my eyes were drawn to two ropes hanging from a beam across the top of the structure. No, not ropes. Nooses. This is the gallows!

A sudden hush fell upon the crowd. Not understanding why, I looked around to see what I was missing. That’s when I saw the two men, each in black clothing, walking up the stairs. Between them was a woman. She followed the man in front, her eyes watching the floor beneath her feet. She wore a long, full, light-brown dress smudged with dirt and tattered across the bottom. The man in front pointed to the spot where she was to stand, while the other walked back down the stairs and stood there, as if to block the stairway. She looked from the spot where he pointed up into his face before stepping onto the square he had shown her. Her hands were tied at the wrists in front of her and her long hair hung loose beneath her bonnet, some shorter pieces blowing across her face in the gentle breeze. A woman standing beside me turned and stuck me with her elbow. That witch’ll pay today! she sniggered, before turning back to the front with a nod.

The commotion within the crowd increased and I heard taunting shouts of Hang the witch! and Murderer! and Show her what we do to witches! There was exaltation amongst many of the onlookers as well, yet there were some, like myself, who simply looked on in quiet disbelief.

The woman on the scaffold looked out past the crowd, her face without expression. Though we had yet to meet, I knew at whom I was looking. Elizabeth! Elizabeth! I tried to shout, but no sound came from my lips. The hangman lowered the noose over her head and snugged it around her neck. Many in the crowd began to cheer. I watched her eyes as they came to rest on someone at the back of the crowd, someone she knew, whom she cared for. She was looking at whomever it was with a small smile on her lips as the floor fell away beneath her feet.

I’d awoken only seconds before the blaring tone of my alarm filled the room. It was 3:45 a.m. I hadn’t slept much and, when I did, I’d dreamed. I felt excited and nervous and a little bit scared. Today was the day I’d been waiting for, March 22, 2012! After quickly washing-up, I took one last look around the bedroom and wondered where I would be at this time tomorrow. I walked down into the kitchen to pour a coffee. The bags I’d left at the front door last night caught my eye. There were three: a dark grey felted backpack I’d knitted, a large grey duffle bag I’d sewn with straps rather than a zipper, and a basic gym bag holding the things I would need between now and midnight.

I left Jessica’s note propped up against the coffee maker. In it, I’d explained all that I could about my going away. I would be gone for a year or two, somewhere where communication would not be possible, but my intention was to return home. She would know all that was necessary and I would avoid actually having to say goodbye. I peeked out the window as the taxi pulled into the driveway.

I was ready! With the last of my tasks completed, I stepped out of the house into the darkness and took a deep breath. My first stop was the GO Train station and the 4:45 a.m. train to Union Station. The ride was a blur, as hundreds of thoughts went through my mind. I wondered once again if this type of travel would actually be possible. Would I make it there? Would I ever know if she truly was an ancestor? I thought of the letter I’d written to Jess.

March 22, 2012

Dear Jess,

As you will have gathered, I’ve already left town. You know that I plan to be away for a year or so and that I won’t be reachable. Please know that I appreciate your looking after things while I’m away. I’ve left any paperwork you may need in the red file folder in the top of the filing cabinet, just in case. Please make yourself at home and use the house and cottage as your own.

I wish you and Michael nothing but love and joy in what I hope will be a long and happy life together. You know I think the world of you both and that you are perfect for each other. Please DO NOT worry about me. I’m setting off on a fabulous adventure and I’m very excited! It’s time my life took a new direction. As Mum would say, I will not follow where the path may lead, I will go where there is no path and break my own trail. That’s what I’m gonna do!

In those moments when you miss your oldest and bestest friend, smile and remember the fun we’ve had together over the years, the learning we did together, the secrets we shared. I will be thinking of you, too!

I’ve left you a moonstone on top of the dresser, like mine. Call me crazy, but I find this stone comforting—in my hand or pocket, or around my neck. If nothing else, let it bring me to mind from time to time!

You will receive a box by courier in the next few days containing some things that I won’t need while I’m away. I will get a hold of you when I return. I’m sorry that I can’t tell you when that will be.

Until then, be happy, Jess. Live and enjoy life—every single minute of it!

Thank you for being a wonderful best friend. You will always be in my heart.

Love you always, Charlie XOX

I knew that she would wonder where I’d gone and why I hadn’t given her more information, but I was also very aware that I couldn’t tell her the truth. Instead, I’d opted for omission, hoping that she would trust in the little information I’d given her and forgive me when it was all over.

Before I knew it, I was on the bus from Toronto, Ontario, to Syracuse, New York, my ETA just before noon. Leaning my head back on the headrest, I closed my eyes. I’d been over my plan a hundred times, maybe more, I didn’t want to do that again now. I found the malachite stone that hung on my bracelet representing love, protection, peace, and power, closed my fingers around it, and let my mind drift. I drifted right off to sleep as a matter of fact, a welcome change from all of the thinking I’d been doing about Elizabeth, my spell, my chances of success.

From Syracuse, I boarded a chartered bus bound for Auburn before finally hailing a cab that would take me to the beachfront cottage I’d rented for the night, on the South-East coast of Owasco Lake. I would only use the cottage for a few hours, but I needed it nonetheless. As the cabbie drove South down the shore line, I watched the beautiful landscape of the Finger Lakes pass before my eyes and wondered what I would find when I arrived—if I made it. A movement in the trees caught my eye. Was that some sort of wild cat? I’d only had a quick glimpse and squinted trying to get a better look, but it had disappeared.

After arriving at the beach house, I went for a walk around the area. The Finger Lakes region of New York is absolutely gorgeous. I wished that I’d had the forethought to give myself a couple of days to enjoy my stay here, but I hadn’t and I needed to leave tonight—about that there was no choice. The house itself was situated steps back from a rock face that was maybe fifteen feet high, overlooking the water. I walked to the edge, looking out at the quiet lake lying in front of me, then I turned South and walked into the woods. I chose a small clearing amongst the trees as the spot I would return to later on.

The owner of the cottage, Mrs. Potts, had kindly left me some dinner and the bottle of olive oil I’d requested. This, I put into my duffle bag with the lighter, toothbrush, flashlight, a few pens and pieces of paper, a few essential oils, some coins I’d managed to get my hands on, my stones, and the couple of photos I’d packed. After enjoying a bite to eat out on the porch, I watched the last rays of the sun setting over the still, partially frozen surface of the water. Only then, when I was feeling at peace and relaxed, was I ready to prepare my ritual bath. I opened the high bathroom window a few inches to allow some of the warm, fresh evening air into the room. I lit several candles in the darkened bathroom, dropped some lavender oil into the bathwater, and took out my homemade lavender soap. As I lay back into the water, I began to feel doubt rising within me. I had never done anything like this. I’d done nothing more than perform rituals offering thanks. I took a deep, relaxing breath and directed my mind toward the purpose of tonight’s ritual: to save Elizabeth. Focus. As the negative energy seeped out of my body, relaxation set in and I did my best to clear my mind. I let my head and neck rest on the back of the tub and closed my eyes, enjoying the feel and smell of the warm water. I must have drifted off for a moment or two, for I thought I heard a low voice, softly whispering, Every moment is a new beginning, Charlotte, every instant a choice. I opened my eyes and turned toward the voice, though I knew that I was alone in the candle-light.

After wrapping myself in a towel, I reached up to close the window. My wrist brushed against something soft on the windowsill and, as I pulled my hand away, I watched a feather flutter slowly down toward the floor and land on the edge of the tub. It was a lovely blue colour, its quill and shaft a shade darker than the rest. It was so pretty that I stuck it inside the bag with my clothes to take with me on my journey, for good luck.

After changing into the grey dress and short boots I’d had made in the fashion of the early 1800s, I tied my leather cord around my neck and adjusted the moonstone that hung on it. As I curled my fingers around it, I picked up my cell phone and texted "Goodbye, Jess. XO" with a lump in my throat. I was about to turn the phone off, when I received a response. Love you, stay safe. I placed the phone into a courier box along with my wallet, passport, and some clothing, to be sent to Jess. This, I left on the porch for pick-up in the morning.

As midnight approached, I gathered up my bags and had a last look around before walking back out into the woods by the water. There were only stars in tonight’s sky, the new moon having set with the day’s sun. I could hear the mysterious who-oo whoo of an owl overhead, and listened for an answering hoot, but heard nothing. When I’d found the spot I was looking for, I put my bags down, slipped into my long coat, and retrieved my stones and candles. I began to set up for the ritual of all rituals, the spell of a lifetime.

With a stick, I sketched a rectangle into the dirt to represent my Wiccan altar, and put two candles into the centre of my would-be circle. Sitting on the forest floor before my altar, I visualized myself reaching for and achieving my goal. The circle I would cast would be the place where the material world met the spiritual world, the place where magic happened.

My mind was ready. I began. Standing facing East, the direction of the rising sun, I visualized the Earth’s energy travelling up into my body, flowing into my fingertips, creating a bluish light. Slowly, I began to turn toward the South, West, and finally North, while directing the flowing energy into a circle around my chosen space. In my mind’s eye, I could see the circle’s bluish light forming a boundary as I moved it up and down to encompass myself and my chosen area, like a bubble. And we begin . . .

Facing East, I began to call the quarters. I drew a pentagram in the air, and said, Welcome, powers of the East, power of air. Please join my circle tonight. I closed my eyes and pictured the pentagram glowing brightly in front of me. I turned to the South. Welcome, powers of the South, power of fire. Please join my circle tonight. I did this for the West and water and for the North and Earth. Standing in the centre of my circle, before the altar, I raised my arms in a Y, palms facing forward. Great Goddess of the Earth and Heavens, Lady of the Moon, Mother of all things, please join me in my circle tonight and assist me with my spell. I bent to light the silver candle. Within moments, I began to feel her energy within the circle. Great God, Lord of the Sun and grain in the fields, Lord of the forest and of the hunt, please join me in my circle tonight and assist me with my spell. I bent and lit the gold candle. Feeling his presence, I spoke the words of my spell.

"Blessed are the Goddess and God,

The Bright and Pure Maiden and her Strong and Virile Consort.

On this day so near Ostara, when the daylight and dark are equal,

When the dark days of winter are past

And the world turns green once more.

Our Earth awakens from her slumber,

Welcoming new life and new beginnings.

So now do I seek a new beginning, a new time.

Earth’s energy I draw upon,

To reach for and attain my goal,

To pass back through the hands of time,

To keep safe an innocent soul.

The New Moon will guide me on this night,

Many years have I to pass through.

The Full Moon on this date in 1818,

Will light my way as I start anew.

So mote it be."

I stood, focussed entirely on the energy I was directing toward my objective, breathing slowly, rhythmically. When I felt that the energy had been delivered to my goal, I returned the excess to the Earth and stood quietly in contemplation, simply breathing in and out. After thanking and saying farewell to the Goddess and God, I released the quarters and began to take up the circle I had laid out, repeating my spell over once and then again.

With my bags over my shoulders, I held my two chosen stones, and stood facing South, the lake to my right. I became aware of a strange sensation, as if something small was spinning in the centre of my head. It grew stronger, slowly spreading throughout my body. I felt dizzy, woozy. There was a buzzing in my ears and everything went blurry. My knees felt weak and buckled. There was the screech of a bird in the trees overhead, and then I was overcome. Everything went black.

Now is Then

I felt cold. There was something touching my cheek, something cold and hard. I opened my eyes, but only enough to realize that I was lying face-down on the ground, my arms and legs splayed. I closed them against the throbbing in my head, trying to focus my thoughts. I could feel the weight of my backpack as I forced myself to think about where I was. I became aware of a faraway swishing sound in my ears, surging with each pulse. Slowly, I pushed myself up into a sitting position. That’s when I felt it. It was like waves coursing through my body, like shockwaves after an explosion, rippling outward one after the other, flattening everything in their path. I could feel each one ripple through me, front to back.

After several minutes, though the aching in my head remained, the swishing in my ears had passed, so I tried to stand. I was a little shaky and very thirsty, but none the worse for wear. I ran my hands over the front of my long dress and looked around. Did it work? I can smell the burnt-out candles, but where is my stone? I knew that I still wore my moonstone around my neck, and that the malachite remained tied to my wrist, but the bloodstone had fallen. I knelt and felt around the ground, careful to keep my body facing South so I could find my way out of the woods.

I found the bloodstone quickly—flat, round, and polished, a little bigger than a quarter. Next, I found the candles, and returned them to my bag. I closed my fingers around the stones and stood up. OK, Charlie. Let’s get your bearings.

By now my eyes had adjusted enough that I could see that I was standing among trees, as I had been before making my intentions known. My hope had been to arrive on the edge of town. I hoped I wasn’t too deep in the forest. Slowly, I took a few steps South, then a few more. When the moon poked through a break in the clouds, it lit up the landscape enough that I could see the edge of the trees. It’s a full moon! I’ve made it!

A burst of adrenalin hit me with the realization that I was no longer home, and though it seemed I’d left summer temperatures behind, the cool, drizzling spring weather I’d arrived in couldn’t dampen my spirits.

It wasn’t long before I was walking out through the last of the trees into a clearing. A short distance ahead, I could see a building. I pulled up my hood against the drizzle and walked toward it on what was most likely the road. As I got closer, I could see a small, flickering light coming from inside. The moon stayed out from behind the clouds just long enough to illuminate the sign above the large front window reading General Store. I took a deep breath and walked up the step toward the door. I peeked in the window and saw a young woman working in some high cupboards behind a counter. Strange that she would be working so late on what should be a Sunday night. Her hair was dark and kept mostly under a bonnet, and she seemed to be singing to herself. When she stepped down off her stool, I knocked gently on the window. She jumped, her hand coming up to her chest, and when she looked toward the window and saw me, a look of concern came over her face.

Hello, I said, as she opened the door. I’m sorry to disturb you at such a late hour. It had to be at least 12:30 a.m. My name is Charlotte Harper. I’ve just arrived in town and wonder, do you have any idea where I might find a bed for tonight?

I’m pleased to meet ye, Charlotte. Step in, lass, she said with a friendly smile and a lovely Scottish accent. By the looks of ye, it’s started rainin’. Are ye soakin’?

No, it’s only raining lightly, I replied, smiling as I pulled off my hood. The air inside the store was cool and had a musty smell, not dirty but old and damp.

I’m Mary Grace, Gracie to me friends. As to yer findin’ a bed, hmm. She thought for a moment, closing the door behind me. We’ve a bed in the side room. It used to belong to the apothecary, but it hasn’t been used for a while. Perhaps ye could sleep there tonight and we can speak in the mornin’. Would that do ye?

That sounds wonderful.

With that, she locked the door behind me, picked up her lantern, and led me to the left behind a small counter and through a door into another room. Let’s find a candle so ye’ll have a wee bit of light. She rooted around the dresser drawer, coming out with a taper candle. Ah, here we are. As she lit it, she asked, Have ye a horse wi’ ye?

No, I arrived on foot, I answered, putting my bags down on the floor, wondering how odd this might sound to Mary Grace.

Ye must be fair chilled. What do ye say we fetch some wood and get a wee fire goin’? That’ll take the chill out of ye.

That sounds good, but I don’t want to put you out. If you tell me where the wood is, I’ll get a fire going and you can finish what you were doing and get to your own bed.

Nonsense. I was just finishin’ up. I’ll give ye a hand and then we can both get a bittie sleep. First off, let’s get some wood in, will we? At the back of the room was a wood-burning stove in the middle of the wall, to the left of which was a door. She stepped outside, hanging the lantern on a hook outside the door, and showed me where the wood pile was.

The stove, having been left ready to light, lit easily. Will this do ye for the night, Charlotte? Maybe ye can hang yer wet things up to dry by the fire. Oh, and there’s a chamber pot just there if yer needin’ it through the night.

Thank you, Mary Grace. We’ll need to settle up in the morning. Where will I find you?

Oh, dinna ye worry about that. I spend most of me day behind that counter. It was a bit of luck I had those shelves to fill and was still up workin’. She smiled. I’ll be off to me bed now. Sleep well. With that, she turned and left the room.

It was only a minute later when she returned with a tea cup in a saucer. It may be a bittie strong, but it’ll warm ye. I could hear her footsteps as she walked back out into the store, and then there was only quiet.

I guzzled the tea, hoping to quench my thirst. Then I carried the candle she’d left me to the table and sat down. I made it! I really, really made it! I had no confirmation of what year it was, but I knew that when I walked into the woods in 2012 a few hours ago, there was no general store. I’d never seen anything like this place that wasn’t a picture, a drawing at that. I could barely wait until morning, when I’d be able to see everything in the daylight.

I yawned the whole way over to the bed. Excited as I was, I hadn’t realized just how tired I was until now. After putting the candle and my stones onto the small bedside table, I pulled back the bedcover to have a look at the sheets. They looked clean enough, but I pulled them off and shook them out the back door, along with the bedcover. Once I’d checked that the doors were properly locked, I stoked the fire. It would have to be good and hot to last me the night. When I began to feel some heat coming off the woodstove, I took off my coat and hung it on the hook on the wall.

After returning my bloodstone to its velvet pouch and tucking the pouch under my pillow, I peeked out the window toward the moon. Thank you, I whispered, and closed the shutters. The throbbing in my head was now little more than a dull ache, which I hoped would be gone by the morning. I lay down in my dress, covering myself up and snuffing out the candle.

Closing my fingers around the malachite still on my wrist, I let my mind drift. I saw my mum’s pretty face, her beautiful blue eyes full of love and concern. The full impact of last night’s dream came back to me. I was walking around my house, only it wasn’t quite my house, going from room to room. Each room had a box or two in the middle of the floor, the rooms otherwise bare. I picked up the boxes one by one and carried them down to the front door, where they were piled, waiting. When I heard a knock on the front door, I opened it to see my mother standing there. We reached for each other and hugged before she stepped into the living room. I see you’re almost ready to go, Charlie, she said, quietly. She walked to the bedroom with me, watching from the hallway as I picked up the two last boxes. As I’d done with the others, I carried them down to the front door. My work in the house was now done and I was ready to leave. The house sure looks empty, doesn’t it? she asked with a nostalgic look in her eye. You take a minute, love. Your father and I will be waiting for you. She smiled, tipping her head toward the driveway. Dad? I stepped outside the door; I hadn’t seen him, except in pictures, since I was five years old. He looked up at me and smiled when I bent down to look in through the passenger window of the car. Hello. Are you ready to go, sweets? The idea of them seeing me off together touched me. Mum had been without him for so many years.

I was stepping into the car when the scene abruptly changed and I found myself in the woods somewhere. I think it was still daytime, but the trees all around me had made my surroundings dim. Mum and I stood facing one another and she reached out to grasp my hands. I wish you nothing but success, sweetheart. Please be careful. She smiled watching a small dragonfly land on my outstretched forearm. It stayed there long enough for me to tip my head to look at it, then it was gone. Remember, new doors are always opening as a result of our choices, and each choice made has its consequences. Even so, some endings are inevitable. Finding myself completely focussed on just being with her, I let the oddness of her words slide. I could think about that later.

I looked back, unsure, giving her fingers a gentle squeeze. You’re not coming?

She forced a small smile. I’m afraid I am not able to go with you, my love.

But why? Then, like something from the movies, it was as if my mum had a rope tied around her waist and was suddenly pulled backward and upward, her body moving away from me in slow motion, our fingers pulling apart. As the distance between us grew larger, she called, I love you, Charlotte! Then, she was gone, and I was on my knees on the forest floor trying to breathe, wiping the tears from my cheeks.

Since my mother’s death, I had always felt that she was near me, watching over me. I would dream of her sometimes, and was always left with the feeling that we had been together. Sometimes, I slept with one of my stones—jade, amethyst, or moonstone—under my pillow with the hope that we would see each other that night.

There were three things I took away from that dream with certainty: First, Mum and Dad, wherever they were, were together. Second, Mum knew where I was going. Third, she couldn’t come with me. I smiled as I thought of the pretty crystal dragonfly that hung in my bedroom window—it had appeared in my dream. I should have taken it with me.

I drifted off to sleep, eager to begin my search for Elizabeth.

The General Store

My first thought upon waking was Br-r-r-r! Unfortunately, the only way to get warmer was to get up and stoke the fire, so I dropped my socked feet over the edge of the bed and slipped them into my boots. The fireplace was still burning low, but the room couldn’t compare to my cozy, centrally heated house. I smoothed my dress and hair and took my stone pouch out from under the pillow, thinking about which energies I’d like to carry with me today—courage, protection, and luck. I slipped my turquoise into the pocket of my dress, tucked the pouch into my backpack, and left both bags on the foot of the bed. After opening the shutters, I looked at my surroundings in the daylight.

Two steps went up to the Dutch door, leading into the store. To one side were hooks on the wall and a washstand set, with a chamber pot underneath and metal wash-tub beside. The wall facing the road had a high window over a small desk. The bed was tucked in behind a small portion of wall at the bottom of the steps. Perfect, I thought. I’d slept with my head pointing East, the direction of the rising sun and moon. At the foot of the bed was a dresser. Directly opposite the store door was a side door. To one side there was a small window and a floor-to-ceiling shelving unit housing some jars. To the other, a good-sized window, under which was a wooden dining table with four chairs tucked under its three free sides. In the corner was a tall kitchen cupboard and on the floor beside the small black wood-burning stove were two pots and a kettle, waiting for the next occupant.

Snap, I need to use the toilet. I took a quick look out the back door toward the water and saw an outhouse about seventy-five feet away, on the right side of the property. I quickly ran out and did what I needed to do, getting back to the door in time to meet Mary Grace’s smiling face. Good mornin’, Charlotte. I thought ye might like some water so ye could freshen up a wee bit, she said, passing me the pitcher. If ye’d like more, we’ll get some from the kitchen. There winna be any in yer barrel. We stepped into my room.

Thank you, I think this’ll do for now. Did you go to bed after you left me or did you stay up working?

Och, I went to me bed. I was dead on me feet.

Thank you for letting me sleep here last night. I’m not sure what I would have done if I hadn’t seen your candle in the window.

Och, t’was no bother, lass. Tell me, what were ye doin’ out there on foot, so late at night?

I didn’t want to wait for another coach, so I just walked until I found somewhere to sleep. What do I owe you?

Hm-mm?

I mean, how much would you like me to pay for the use of your bed? Or maybe I could do some work for you? Actually, I’m going to need somewhere to stay for a few months. Do you know of anywhere?

We dinna have beds that we let out here, but there’s nobody usin’ the apothecary’s room just now. Maybe we could work somethin’ out for ye. Why don’t ye plan to sleep there again tonight and I’ll speak to Mother about ye? I felt myself relax a little. Do ye no wear a bonnet, lass?

Um, no. Must I?

Well, most do, but no, yer not required to. She smiled and her face lit up. That’s when I noticed her eyes; they were lovely, the outside border dark green and the inside, a light green mixed with grey. They twinkled and looked like eyes I knew, only I couldn’t think of whose. In the meantime, why don’t you give me some chores to do, something I can do to help out?

How well can ye work a broom? she asked with a grin.

Before Mary Grace took me to where the broom was kept, she brought me to the kitchen, whose door was just behind the wall of the main store counter. Mam, have ye a wee minute? she asked.

O’ course, m’dear, what is it? her mother answered, folding the newspaper she’d been reading and setting it on the table.

I stole a quick look around the room. Most obvious was the large cooking fireplace within a stone wall and a chopping-block-type counter with cupboards above and below. Centred over the countertop was a large window looking out toward the water, and beside it, a door. In the centre of the room was a large wooden dining table surrounded by six chairs and, against the opposite wall, a narrow side table.

I’d like ye to meet Charlotte. Charlotte, this is me Mam, Mabel Williams.

Good mornin’ to ye, Charlotte. It’s nice to meet ye, lass. Did ye get some sleep last night then? I was worried ye mighta been cold. I felt something warm and furry rubbing itself around my ankles and looked down to see a striped cat. Ah, that’s Pippa. Have ye met her yet? We keep her in the shop to keep the moosies away.

As I bent to pat her, I answered, It was a little chilly, but I was so tired it didn’t matter. Thank you for letting me use the room. I was just saying to Mary Grace that I’ll be staying here in town awhile and will need a room.

Oh? Maybe we could come to an agreement of some sort, eh? As Mabel spoke, Mary Grace set a cup of coffee and a muffin on the table in front of me.

Mm-mm, thank you. That would be wonderful. Of course I will pay you or I could work for you, or both, whichever you prefer.

I hear ye, dear. For tonight, what’s say ye stay in Abel’s room again. We’ll come up with some idea later, after we’ve a chance to speak.

Thank you, Mabel. In the meantime, I’m going to do some sweeping up out front. I glanced down at the folded paper on the table. At the top was written the date: March 20, 1818. I felt my heart speed up and offered a quick smile, before doing an about face and walking back out into the store.

I heard the sound of bells ringing from above the door as I walked out onto the floor and saw a customer leaving. It was a pleasant sound and it made me smile. Through the front window, I could see that the clouds had cleared and the sun was trying to come out. Day one was shaping up nicely.

Once I’d swept up the area in front of the counters, I put the broom away. I could see that Mary Grace was busy with a customer, putting some salt into a small sack. When she was done, she wrote something on a piece of paper, thanked the woman, and happened to look my way. Charlotte, come here, lass. I’d like ye to meet Rebecca Southern. Rebecca, this is Charlotte. She’s new in town and is goin’ to be helpin’ out around the shop.

She was about twenty-two years old, with blonde hair tucked nicely under a bonnet, dark blue eyes, pretty face, and a full bodice. I saw the surprise in her eyes as she gave me a quick once over and noted my exposed hair, but she recovered quickly. Nice to meet you, Charlotte. This is a nice little town and I’m sure you’ll like it here. I’ll see you ladies again. She smiled, turned, and walked out the door, carrying her basket over her arm.

I turned back to Mary Grace, who was watching me. What? I asked her.

I was just wonderin’ what ye thought about our Rebecca.

Oh, well, she’s very pretty.

Aye, about the prettiest girl in town, I’d say. Her folks are Lawrence and Phoebe Southern, who own and run the grist mill. Ye’ll see their house down around the bend, behind the mill. She’s three brothers; the oldest is Lionel and believe me when I tell ye, he is just as good lookin’ as she. He works the mill wi’ his father. Then there’s Peter. He lives wi’ his uncle and aunt, Lawrence’s brother, on Lake Champlain. They’ve no bairns. Peter will learn the way of their mill business and take it over one day. The youngest is Graham. He is a honey. He looks a lot like Lionel. He works at the mill as well. I suppose one day Lionel and Graham will run it. She paused here and looked at me to be sure I was following. Yer bound to meet them all eventually. Most folks come into the shop sooner or later, be it for food stock, household items, or just a chat by the fire. She stopped for a second and took a breath. Right, if yer goin’ to be helpin’ out, ye’ll need to ken the lie of the land. Everything has a home and ye’ll soon see just how many shelves and drawers there are. It’ll take ye a wee while to learn where everything’s kept and each item’s worth, but I’ll be here, so dinna worry.

I’ll take your word for it, Mary Grace.

A-a-a, that’ll be enough of that. Me friends call me Gracie and I’m quite sure that we’ll be great friends.

Me, too, Gracie. Now, back to business. You don’t mind if I poke around in your cupboards and drawers to see what’s what and watch you dealing with customers? Is it also all right if I look around the apothecary area?

Ye do that, m’dear. Later on, when it’s quiet, perhaps at supper, we can sit down and learn more about one another.

So, as Gracie helped various customers with this and that, I poked around. At lunchtime, when she brought me to the kitchen to have a bite to eat, Mabel went out into the store. On the table, our lunch sat ready for us: some nice hot soup in a cauldron-type pot and fresh rolls with butter. Sit, lass, Gracie said with a smile, as she filled a large bowl and set it in front of me. So tell me, Charlotte, where have you come from?

Oh, I’ve come from Upper Canada, a town called St. Albans. Keep it short and sweet, Charlie. Trying to deflect the conversation slightly, I added, Not the nicest time of year for travelling. It’s wet and muddy. Quite messy really.

Ah-h, I love this time of year, Charlotte. Spring is in the air, ye can feel it. It makes me feel happy to think about the warmer, cheerier weather.

Whew. I love it, too! No more heavy coats or boots, and the trees and flowers will soon start to bloom.

I spent the afternoon helping to clean surfaces, straighten out some of the items on the shelves, and clean the windows. It was definitely going to take some time to become familiar with everything in the store and the value of things, but I was up to the task.

When closing time arrived, Gracie turned the sign in the door window. Are ye hungry? Hettie’s made a nice supper. Come on into the kitchen.

Sit yersel’ down, lass, said Mabel as I came in behind Gracie.

Thank you for including me in your dinner plans.

No trouble atta. We’re happy to share wi’ ye.

May I ask, who’s Hettie?

Ah, Hettie bides in the house out back wi’ Elias. She helps us wi’ the cookin’ and the washin’ and he sees to the horses, the garden, the wood, and the water. They’re a wonderful pair. Since Alec passed, we’ve needed their help more’n ever. She paused, and after catching her daughter’s eye, asked, Tell me, yer a long way from home, Charlotte. What brings ye to our town?

I did my best to stick as close to facts as possible and not say any more than necessary. I explained that I’d received word that a distant cousin would be passing through this area sometime in the next few months. I thought, why not come and meet her and have a little adventure? So I left my best friend, Jess, uh Jessica, to watch over my house while I was away, and here I am.

What’s the name of this cousin we’ll be lookin’ for? Gracie asked.

"Elizabeth Gray Bruce. She’d be about twenty-five years old, I think.

I can tell ye that she hasn’t been through as yet. I havena heard the name and at the General Store, we get all that kind of information, said Mabel, appearing to feel a little easier, knowing my purpose here. Did ye live alone, lass?

I nodded. My mother died a couple of years ago.

Ah-h, sorry to hear that.

When Gracie abruptly changed the subject, offering to show me the rest of the place, I readily accepted. Right, once we’ve finished, we’ll put some water on the fire and have a wee poke around, she said.

As we enjoyed our stew and bread, I asked how long they’d been here. Let’s see, started Mabel. Alec and I moved from Pennsylvania in ’97, twenty-one years back. Benny was just a bairn when we left and Gracie a wee babby. We heard that the owner of this shop was lookin’ to sell and we thought we’d try somethin’ new—an adventure!

Benny? I interrupted.

That’s me brother. I havena mentioned him? I shook my head.

Aye, Benny’s our eldest. Bennet McRae Williams. A good lad he is. Back to me tale. When we arrived, there were no mills, just the general store, the cooper, and the blacksmith. Alec aye kent what people wanted and needed, he’d a good head. He was a coothie body, loved by all, he was!

I was used to the Scottish, my mother’s family had come from there, but coothie? Gracie saw the look on my face and whispered, Friendly.

How long has he been gone, Mabel?

It’ll be two years come September.

You must miss him.

Aye, but the bairns are wonderful. Gracie here is a wonder. The two exchanged a glance and a smile. She’s aye cheery in a way that makes ye feel the same and aye workin’ hard to make things easier on me.

And Benny? I asked, trying to get a picture of the whole family.

Benny? I’ll tell ye about him. When he was eleven or twelve, he befriended Doc McGee and started to make calls wi’ him and to help him wi’ the doctorin’ in town. After a time, he realized that what he really wanted was to become a doctor himself. She smiled. One day, he’d helped the doctor wi’ an amputation, come home all red-faced and excited—a wee darlin’ he was—and announced that he wanted to be a doctor, just like Doc McGee. Alec and I’d figured that out, of course. Alec telt him that he could attend one of those medical schools if that was what he wanted to do. In the meantime, he could continue learnin’ wi’ Doc McGee, be his apprentice. The doctor made a deal wi’ him—Benny’d go to medical school and when he was done, the doctor would hand over the town’s doctorin’ to him. By and large, Benny was enrolled at the medical school at Harvard in Boston.

Now Gracie piped up. He’s due home at May’s end, and none too fast, as we just lost Doc McGee on Wednesday. The poor, dear man.

Aye, added Mabel. Poor Molly’ll be fair lost without him.

That’s why I was up so late last night, Charlotte. I returned from Utica on Saturday to the news that Doc McGee’d passed while I was away. We couldn’t bury him on account of the frozen ground, but there was a small service at church yesterday, and most folk went to Molly’s afterward. It put me a wee bit behind in me work.

What happens if someone becomes ill between now and when Bennet returns?

Aye, a good question. I suppose we’d send word to Auburn to see if one of their doctors could come.

Hm-mm. If it’s something not so serious, I know a little about herbs and such. I might be able to help.

Do ye, now? Mabel said before finishing the last bite on her plate. That Hettie’s done it again, made a wonderful supper. Have ye ladies had enough to eat?

Oh, yes, that was delicious, I said. Gracie nodded in agreement.

Well, then, off wi’ ye. Gracie, ye can give Charlotte the grand tour now, she said with a wink and a grin. Oh, and Charlotte, you bide in that room ’til we figure out what to do wi’ ye. That was the best news I’d heard all day. I didn’t have to worry about where I’d sleep. I would stay and work here. Gracie and I cleared the table and left the dishes, as directed by Mabel.

Charlotte, ye’ve seen the store and the kitchen. Doesn’t leave much, I’m afraid. Come, I’ll show ye up the stair. The stairs, tucked behind a small wall at the back of the kitchen, led up to a landing, centred on a hallway that had a runner from end to end. At each end of the hall was an open door and, directly in front of me, a closed one. Here we are. This first room is mine. It’s the brightest of the three.

I could see that she had an armoire and three good-sized windows, one centred on each outside wall, all covered in thick jade-green draperies. Sitting in front of the South-facing window were two chairs with a little table in between, where she said she liked to sit when reading or doing needlework. From the window, I could see two buildings to the South of the store and asked what they were. Gracie came to stand beside me. That first one there is the blacksmith, and down the road is the wheelwright.

Turning back into the room, I could see that her bed and matching floor mat were both made of beige-coloured wool, embroidered with flower designs in greens and pinks and a touch of rust. She asked, Can ye tell I’m partial to green?

I had a feeling. I giggled. Your bed cover is very pretty. Did you make it?

Aye. I’ll miss it once it’s put away for the summer. And here’s a shelf me dad made me when I was a bairn. I like to keep a few trinkets on it. The shelf was about six feet tall and two feet wide, made of what looked to be maple. On it she had a few books, a diary, and some knick-knacks. On her dresser sat a silver brush-and-comb set with a hand-held mirror.

Your room is very cozy, Gracie, you must enjoy spending time in here.

Truth be told, I dinna get much free time, but, aye, it is comfy cozy. Let’s move on, will we? She proceeded to show me the other two bedrooms, both of which had a similar bookshelf. They were good-sized rooms and well lit, but I imagined they got very hot during the summer.

As we looked behind the closed door into Bennet’s room, I asked, When was your brother here last, Gracie?

After Father passed, he bade wi’ us for a few days, but he had to return to school for his lectures. Actually, he’s had his eye on Mrs. Wilson’s wee cabin up the hill for years. When she’s ready to go, he will surely move up there. She pulled the door closed and continued down the hallway.

Hanging on the wall between Bennet’s room and Mabel’s was a painting that caught my eye. I stood back to have a look at it. This is beautiful.

Aye. This is the view from a spot up the hill out over the water. It is lovely. Gifted Hands painted this for us. She and her husband’ve been our friends since we were bairns. They bide across the lake.

You’ll have to take me there one day!

Certainly. She also made us a paintin’ of the front of the store. It’s down by the tables. It’s lovely, as well.

Opposite the painting was a large, cedar-lined walk-in closet with layers of shelving, full of linens and towels.

In Mabel’s room, I saw two small paintings the size of small photos on the large dresser. Gracie saw my eyes on them. Those are Mam and Father sometime atween when they married and when Benny was born. They’re good likenesses, I’d’ve said.

Nice. These are great rooms. Large and roomy.

Aye. Will we go back down and put on some tea?

Let’s. Mabel was pouring some hot water into a bowl when we returned to the kitchen. She was not alone—someone was stoking the fire.

Hettie, I’ve someone I’d like ye to meet. This is Charlotte.

She smiled. Nice to meet you, Miss Charlotte. She was dark-skinned, a little taller than myself, with a thin build. She wore a reddish-brown scarf around her head, covering her hair. She had big, round brown eyes and a kind smile. At a guess I’d say she was about forty-five years old. I could see she worked hard, as evidenced by the staining of her apron and the colour in her cheeks.

Charlotte’s goin’ to bide in Abel’s room for now, and she’ll be helpin’ in the store.

I’ll be seeing you again then, Miss Charlotte.

Definitely. I turned to Mabel. Thank you for a nice evening. I’ll see you both in the morning.

Good night, Charlotte, answered Mabel.

Mm-mm hm-mm, answered Hettie.

Mam, I’m goin’ to Charlotte’s room for a bit. Sleep well. She bent down and kissed her mother’s cheek. Mabel smiled as we left the room.

Back in the store, I saw the painting right away on the wall opposite the kitchen door. It was the front of the store all right, from the hitching rails to the painted sign above the awning, from the planked walkway out front to the merchandise in the window. This painting’s incredible. I’ve always wished I’d been born with such a talent.

Aye, she certainly is talented. But, ye ken, we’re all born wi’ talents. It may take us a while to learn what they are.

I’m sure you’re right, I agreed.

Once back in my room, she stepped out the back door to get some water from an outside barrel. Eli keeps this barrel full, but ye should have one inside. Let’s go and see if there’s one in the store room we can take in. I saw her glance at my unmade bed as we walked back out to the storage room, located just behind her counter.

The room itself was about the size of a small bedroom and full of bags of dry goods and barrels containing vinegar, molasses, pickles, and other preserves. "We’re in