William Through Time Read online

  The brisk air felt refreshing against my heated cheeks when I exited Mary's establishment. I tightened my jacket around myself and pressed my hands into its pockets. Only a few blocks to go before I could order a carriage to take me back to my apartments.

  I was being unusually melancholy this evening. I knew the reason. However, knowing why I was feeling a certain way didn't stop the feelings from happening. Weeks could pass where I hardly thought of James except for a random memory here and there. Then there were days when everything reminded me of him, where I felt his loss so acutely, it felt like a punch to my gut—my grief so overwhelming that I couldn't breathe. The aftermath would leave me feeling empty and alone. But I hated the idea of finding someone else to fill that space, to distract me from James.

  Once, I wanted nothing more than to share my entire life with James. We had planned to live together in London as two bachelors. That plan now echoed across the empty rooms in my apartments, ridiculing the naïve ideas of two officers in the midst of war. James' death felt like a punishment. How dare we be happy when all across Belgium and France, men were laying on battlefields—hurt and dying.

  A few prostitutes whistled and cajoled as I passed them by. I buried my chin deeper into my jacket and picked up my pace. I needed to stop lingering on James. He might be gone, but I wasn’t. I still relived what happened to him in my nightmares, but perhaps, when I was awake, I could choose to forget. Start over. Perhaps, someday, I’d find someone else.

  It hurt every time I thought of James, but I hoped John was right; that with time, James’ memory would hurt less and less, until I could think of him with fondness. Appreciating what we had for such a brief time. Though, I doubted it would ever happen.

  Winding my way back into more populated and illuminated streets, I pushed aside my thoughts of James. I signaled a carriage that was making its way down the road. The driver stopped so I could get seated.

  "To Albany, please," I told the man.

  "Right away, sir."

  Once we arrived outside my apartments, I paid the driver and walked up the steps to my home. Inside, I threw my jacket across the banister and made my way to the sitting room, where I stretched out in my reading chair.

  My butler scraped his throat as he entered the sitting room.

  "What is it, Parsons?" I asked.

  "Sir, a footman delivered a letter for you this evening while you were out."

  "Did it say who from?"

  "Mr. Easton, sir."

  Parsons handed me the cream-colored letter and a small letter opener on a tray.

  "Is there anything else I can do for you, sir?"

  "No, that will be all for tonight," I said, then I remembered the late hour and softened my voice. "Thank you for staying up and handing me the letter. It is late and anything else can wait until tomorrow."

  "My pleasure, sir," the butler said with a nod of his head. Then he left me by myself to read John's letter.

  I wondered what my friend's letter was about. It had only been a couple of months since I visited him and his wife Rose. I slid the sharp point of the letter opener into the edge of the envelope and with a swift move, cut the paper to reveal the folded letter inside. Dropping the letter opener on the side table, I slid the paper out and unfolded it.

  Dear William,

  We have missed you these past months. Beth has been begging us to make the trip to London, and I must confess I would have liked to, if it wasn't for a small matter that has arisen. I'm afraid I won't be able to divulge much about the small matter, in fear of this letter falling into the wrong hands.

  Wrong hands? I didn't think John could be more cryptic if he tried. Riddles had never been my strong suit. I didn't know what the “small matter” was, but it seemed he was reaching out for help. I straightened out the paper and continued reading.

  Whose hands, I don't know. I am more than likely being silly and paranoid, but nonetheless, it behooves me to be apprehensive. Once you know the nature behind this letter, I am sure you will agree with me. Let me get to the point before I either bore you to death or before you assume I am part of some criminal underground scandal. The small matter has to do with my wife. I hope you understand the delicacy of my letter which leads me to invite you to stay at Hawthorne while I sort the matter. Your help might come in handy.

  Yours faithfully, John Easton.

  P.S. Rose urged me to tell you she misses you too, and that she is looking forward to seeing you. We all hope to see you soon.

  I racked my brain for any inkling on what the problem could be. Rose was from the future—a mind bogglingly strange idea that I still hadn't fully processed. To be frank, I generally chose to forget that bit of information. However, the only people that knew of Rose were John, Beth, and I. It didn't seem like the thing to share with others, and I wouldn't know how someone else could find out about it unless they stumbled upon a conversation where Rose and John were discussing the matter. No, someone finding out about Rose was unlikely. Which made me wonder what it was that John needed me for and how it did involve Rose. I didn't detect any sadness in his letter, and surely, she wouldn't return to her own time? Not after marrying John, I wouldn't think.

  I sighed and stood from my chair. Grabbing the envelope from the side table, I dropped both the letter and the envelope into my hearth. Using the fire poker, I made sure that John's letter disappeared into ashes. Returning the fire poke to its stand, I made sure to leave the room tidy and left a note for my butler on the hallway table. It had been a long day and I needed to sleep. I would have Parsons pack my things in the morning and leave for Hawthorne as soon as I was awake and dressed.

  2

  Hawthorne

  "William!" Beth shouted as I exited the carriage. She raced down the steps of Hawthorne and enveloped me in a hug. I grinned and patted her head. "Missed me?"

  "Of course, I did; although, I would've preferred to come to you."

  "Oh, you wound me," I said in a dramatic voice, clutching my hand to my chest. "It isn't me you missed; it is the shopping." Beth swatted me playfully. I gave her a little pinch and she yelped.

  "Fine," she said, turning up her nose. "I did miss the shopping." She returned to her bright smile. "But I sure am glad you are here."

  "So am I. However, we can always check with John and perhaps organize a trip to London. Rose would probably love to visit the theater again, and we can go to Bond Street for your fashion."

  "Perhaps," Beth said, thoughtful.

  The driver lifted my luggage from the back of the carriage. I traveled light, with only two suitcases. I waved at John and Rose, who had appeared in front of the double entry doors, before grabbing my luggage with both hands.

  "Thanks," I told the driver before walking towards the stately house I had spent my formative years to meet my other friends, Beth in tow. Another man joined Rose and John at the entrance to Hawthorne.

  "Who's that?" I whispered to Beth.

  "You'll see," she said, her voice lowered for suspense.

  "That's it?"

  "John can explain better than I can," she said.

  "Now you are making me worried."

  Beth grinned again. "There's nothing to worry about, I promise."

  "I suppose I shall take your word for it." My eyes drifted to the man now settling beside Rose. His hairstyle was odd—clipped short on the sides with a longer sweep of brown hair on top. Or was it red? The watery October sun gave his dark hair a deep ginger glow. I thought the color was a striking match with his vivid green eyes.

  "William, I'm so glad to see you," John said as I walked up the steps.

  "Let me introduce you to our other guest." John pointed at the green-eyed man. I set down my luggage and held out my hand as he stepped forward. I noted the clothing he wore; they belonged to John. This man was smaller than my friend, so the clothing was ill-fitting— extra fabric bunching at his ankles and wrists.

  "Hi, I'm Austin Miller," he said as he shook my hand. He spoke in a similar a
ccent as Rose. Not an exact match, but it was close; they both rounded their vowels in the same distinctive way.

  "Well met," I said. "My name is William Raphe Chambers." My gaze lingered a tad too long on his green eyes. I pulled myself together, let go of his hand, and greeted John with a friendly pat on his back.

  "It's wonderful to see you again," Rose said as she drew me into a hug, once I stepped away from John.

  "It's lovely to see you, too," I said. "But perhaps we can retreat to a private room to discuss the letter you sent to me?" I gave John a pointed look.

  "Come, let's go inside," John said. He grabbed one of my suitcases. We all followed him into the warmth of his home. He set my suitcase down by the staircase and turned to me. "Don't worry, William. We can all speak freely here." My eyes flitted to the handsome stranger.

  "Are you sure?"

  "Austin is the reason I sent the letter," John said.

  The green-eyed man hesitated before he spoke. "I'm like Rose," he said.

  "Like Rose? You mean..." My voice trailed off. Austin nodded.

  "Yes, I'm from the future." I was sure my mouth went slack jawed. I turned to Rose.

  "So, did you and Austin meet each other before you, well," I stumbled. "Before you came here?"

  "We didn't," she said as she grabbed my arm. "America is a pretty big place. But, before we go into details, let’s first get you settled and find somewhere comfortable to sit down for refreshments. I'm sure you'd like to stretch and eat a bite of food after your long journey."

  "I wouldn't turn down one of Mrs. Avery's apple cakes."

  "I'll send for some tea and food," Rose said. John squeezed her hand.

  "Thank you, dear." Rose winked to John before heading towards the kitchen. "Well, how about we withdraw to the sitting room? We can all eagerly await our refreshments there." John led the way.

  Entering the room, I could tell Rose had left her mark. The new pastel-colored floral wallpaper had to be her design choice. It didn't seem like something John would pick. The lighter colors softened the room, making it inviting and feminine. I settled on the settee while John and Beth leaned back in chairs. Austin joined me, so Rose could take the empty seat beside her husband.

  "I think Austin can probably explain better than I can, since it is his story," John said.

  Austin angled his body towards me. "Honestly, Rose is probably the person who knows most. I'm still reeling from everything. One moment, I'm standing in a bookshop, the next I find myself standing in the middle of a street, a carriage heading straight for me."

  "What happened?" I asked.

  "I jumped out of the way just in time, thankfully. Don't know how I did it, especially when I had never been more confused. I had to pinch myself to make sure it was real and not a dream. The carriage steered away from me and screeched to a halt. Then John and Rose stepped out."

  "And I asked if you were from America," Rose said, as she entered the sitting room with Mrs. Avery and refreshments in tow. "The jeans kind of gave it away," she shrugged. Jeans? Sometimes when I listened to Rose speak, I swore she made up words.

  Mrs. Avery carried a tray with apple cakes, crust-less sandwiches, cookies, a tea kettle, and cups and saucers. She set the tray down on the side table. Rose poured tea and handed a cup to Austin.

  "We've missed having you around, Mr. Chambers," Mrs. Avery said. She thrust a sandwich into my hands. "Eat up," she ordered. "You look famished. We need to put some meat back on your bones."

  "I will," I said. "Thank you. Your cooking is always satisfying." My stomach rumbled as the waft of cinnamon coming from the apple cake reached my nostrils. It had been hours since I had eaten. I took a big bite of the sandwich; crispy, fresh, cucumber crunching between my teeth.

  "It was the strangest thing that ever happened to me. Or I guess is still happening to me," Austin continued after accepting the cup of tea from Rose. "Seeing Rose walk towards me in those old-timey clothes was a bit of a shock. Especially, when she spoke in a normal accent." At this, Austin stammered. "Umm, I mean. Not that John's, Beth's, or your accent for that matter…" he said, looking at me. "Are not normal. I guess Rose and I are the ones who are abnormal. Your English is the original, after all." Austin flashed me a crooked smile. "I'm glad Rose and John were the ones who almost hit me with their carriage. I don't know what I would've done if they weren't the ones to run into me. They've been incredibly kind and accommodating to let me stay with them while I figure out how I can return to my own time."

  "That must be challenging," I offered. Austin nodded and took a sip of tea. I finished my cucumber sandwich and reached for a piece of apple cake.

  "Yes, I'm worried about my sister and my work. However, Rose said that when she returned to her own place, time hadn't continued. I hope that will be true for me as well."

  "As I said before, you are welcome to stay here as long as it takes for you to figure out a way to return to your own time," John said. Austin glanced at John, his face softening.

  "Thank you."

  "Does that mean you have a plan to return?" I asked Austin. Mrs. Avery handed me a cup of tea balanced on a saucer.

  Rose pursed her lips before answering. "As far as I understand it, there isn't a way to return on your own. I only managed to travel back because the bookshop owner, Melinda, came looking for me," Rose said, apologetic as she directed her words at Austin. "I'm not sure what her plan for you is or why she decides to check in. I wish I knew more."

  Austin shrugged. "I guess I'll be stuck here for now."

  "In great company at least," Rose added. "When I showed up here, I had no clue what to do. And John—" she gave her husband a loving glance, "was incredibly suspicious of me. If I didn't have my friendship with Beth, I don't know how I would've lasted."

  "And you chose to stay," Austin stated, curious. Rose nodded.

  "Beth and John had become my family; there was no other choice for me. It was such a relief once they knew everything. When there was no need to keep my secret all to myself.” John reached out to Rose's hand and caressed her skin. They were so happy and in love. While I was glad my best friend had found his soul mate, I couldn't help a twinge of envy from slithering through my heart. Seeing them so in tune with each other and planning a long life together made me wish I had someone to call my own. However, that possibility passed me by. I had loved, but he was gone now. The Earl Grey tea had turned bitter in my mouth, and I swallowed thickly.

  "I hate imposing on you and Rose. I asked before, but is there anything I can do to help?" Austin turned to John, waiting.

  "You are welcome as my guest. But, perhaps William and yourself can keep each other company? It was one of the reasons I invited him."

  "I wouldn't be opposed to that," I said. "While I am here."

  "Actually," Rose cut in. "There is something I could use your help with, Austin. And perhaps yours as well?" she said to me.

  "Which is?" I lifted my brow.

  "Well, John and I have been talking about how I miss my job back home."

  "And?"

  "It hit me there was no reason I couldn't do the same thing here."

  "I remember you mentioning you used to teach children?"

  "Exactly," Rose said, excitedly.

  "How were you planning on doing that here?" I quirked my brow at John. "You aren't letting her move away to some school, are you?"

  John lifted his arms. "You met my wife, if she sets her mind to something..."

  "Stubborn," I laughed.

  "Hey now," she said, jokingly. "I'm not planning to abandon Hawthorne or Westbridge. "You know that as well," she said, swatting John's shoulder. "No, I was thinking about John's tenants and how marvelous it would be if we started a small school right here for the children. If we have our own little building on the estate, I can teach the boys and girls."

  "And Rose said I could help as well." Beth grinned.

  "Lord help us," I said.

  "I think it is a marvelous idea," Beth added. "Teach
ing the children of our tenants gives us a purpose as well.”

  "It sounds like a good plan," Austin agreed.

  I nodded. "Where do we come in?" Teaching wasn't my thing, and I couldn't commit to something that would have me stay at Hawthorne indefinitely.

  Rose's eyes narrowed conspiratorially. "So, how are both of your building skills?"

  "Building skills?" I raised my brows even more.

  "Don't worry," Rose said, waving her hand. "It shouldn't be too difficult. I think." I caught John's eye and he smirked. "Yeah, to build the school. It only needs to be big enough for a maximum of ten kids."

  "Right." I never built a thing in my life. Rose noticed my uncertain expression because she quickly continued.

  "Of course, you and Austin wouldn't be the only two building the school. John and I plan on hiring our tenants to give them a chance at earning extra income. I thought perhaps you both could assist and act as our overseers."

  Austin let out a sigh. "Overseeing? I never held a hammer, let alone built something from the ground up."

  Rose snorted. "You never fixed anything in your own place, hung up a picture?"

  "Eh, my sister helped in a few places. For bigger projects, I hired people. I did put some Ikea furniture together."

  Rose's eyes crinkled as she laughed. "Ikea would've come in handy for furniture," she said. "But John and I spoke with Robert McCreary, one of our tenants; he has experience building houses from before he started renting from John. He'll be the one in charge. I figured this might be something to do to pass the time. You can check in every once in a while or stay and help if you are interested in learning anything."

  "Where is this school going to be built?" I asked.

  "Near the pond where I first found Rose," John said. He glanced fondly at Rose.

  "Alright. I can't promise I'll get my hands dirty, but I'll keep an eye on the progress. When is construction supposed to start?" William said.