Finding Elizabeth (3 page)

Janet and Claire drove to town in silence.
Janet could not quit thinking of their earlier conversation. She
could tell Claire was holding back, and that there was more going
on than she wanted to talk about. But she knew in time Claire would
find peace with everything that was troubling her. Janet knew she
shouldn't meddle. But this girl had obviously been through some
trauma and needed to move forward and put the past behind her.

She also knew her son, and Claire is just
the type of girl Daniel likes. She was tall and slim with long
brown hair. Her beautiful brown eyes were fringed with thick, long
lashes that any woman would kill for. She had a polished,
sophisticated look, but the soft features of her face combined with
full, luscious, pouting lips made her look like an innocent young
girl. Just one look at the golden tone to her skin, would make
anyone think she had just returned from a tropical island. What man
could possibly resist her? She knew exactly what Daniel needed, and
that was a good, kind and beautiful woman. It was well past time
for him to settle down and start a family. After all I am not
getting any younger and would love to have grandbabies some day.
Thinking back on her conversation with Daniel, she probably should
have told him more about Claire. But she didn't want him to think
she was trying to set them up. No, that would have looked like a
meddling mother, and Daniel would just run the other way.

Turning on main street, Janet pointed out
which buildings the Van Whites owned and when they were built. She
talked happily, telling Claire about their history and what the
buildings were used for when they were new. Pulling into a parking
space, Janet said, "The beauty shop on the corner is the one that
will be available soon. It served as the towns general merchandise
store and was one of the very first buildings in Eureka."

Claire looked up in amazement at the century
old two story building, "Can we go in and look around?"

"Of course, you are the owner," Janet said
with a laugh.

As they entered the store, they were greeted
by a young girl named Ashley. "Hi Ashley, this is Claire. She
wanted to take a look around the shop," Janet said with an air of
authority.

Stepping to the side the young girl made a
grand sweeping motion with her arms, letting them know it was ok to
enter, before quickly returning to her beauty magazine.

As they walked through the building, Claire
was happy to see that the interior was all brick. And that it had
never been painted like so many of the century old buildings she
had seen. She really liked that there were windows along the front
and most of the right side of the space. She loved that the windows
let in enough natural light to keep the place from feeling like a
dungeon. As Claire looked around, she could envision how the
windows would look decorated with the beautiful old pieces she
would select for them. From the outside the building looked like it
was two stories, as Claire presumed it once was, but on the inside
it was just one level. Even though Claire loved that you could see
the ceilings exposed beams and rafters, she was a little
disappointed there was no longer a second floor.

Looking around Claire was surprised that
many of the original counters and shelves were still there. Most
held an array of magazines and hair styling products and tools. One
counter served as the checkout separating the front sitting area,
with the stylists work stations. They continued walking through to
the back of the store where there was an amazing brick archway
unlike anything Claire had ever seen. Stepping through the archway,
they continued on as they found a small but cozy office, a restroom
and a larger area that would be perfect for storage.

Looking up toward the ceiling Claire asked,
"I wonder how hard it would be to have a loft built so I could
maximize the space?"

"I'm not sure, but when Daniel comes to the
house we can ask him," Janet said. "So does this mean you are going
to open an antique store?"

Smiling Claire said, "I want to, but I need
to check out the local auctions and see if I can find enough
merchandise. I have a storage building full of antiques and vintage
treasures, but that won't be enough to even get started on a space
of this size."

Janet nodded, "But you know, I am sure the
Van Whites have an attic and a basement full of treasures. Maybe
you could start there."

With an apprehensive smile Claire said, "I
was wanting to explore the house, but somehow it just feels like I
am intruding. I didn't even know the Van Whites existed and now
they have given me this amazing gift."

"You are not intruding. You are a Van White,
maybe not by blood, but in your heart you know you belong. Besides
the house needs you. It has sat empty long enough. It just needs
someone to love and appreciate it, and breathe fresh life into it,"
Janet said.

They walked around, taking measurements and
making notes of window sizes and jotting down ideas on how Claire
could display merchandise. Feeling more confident this was what she
needed to do, Claire said, "I know it will be a lot of work. But I
think it's just what I need to put the past behind me. And then
maybe I can focus on making a future for myself."

With a broad smile, Janet nodded in
agreement.

As they stepped out into the cool afternoon
Janet said, "Are you hungry? maybe we should pick up lunch. I don't
think I have time to fix anything before Steve gets back."

Shaking her head in agreement, Claire said,
"I am so excited. I can't wait to get started on looking for
merchandise for the store. And I don't want to take any time away
from my scavenger hunt."

***

As they were eating lunch Steve announced
that he had a surprise for Janet. She took the card and opened it.
With a huge smile, she hugged him and announced, "It looks like
Steve is taking me to Oklahoma to a casino for Valentine's
day."

Claire sat in stunned silence,
how could
you have forgotten that it's Valentines day.

Noticing the sadness in Claire's eyes, Janet
gave her a hug, "I know this has to be very hard on you. We will
cancel our trip if you want us to stay. Oklahoma isn't very far and
we can go any time."

Wiping away a stray tear, Claire said, "No
please don't cancel. Go and have a good time. I just need to get
passed all the first's without Adam and then maybe I can find
peace. Besides I have phone calls to make and I still have not
looked at most of the house."

Janet nodded in agreement before giving her
one last hug for support, "If you need anything while we are away,
please don't hesitate to call us."

After lunch Claire decided it was time to
look around the house. She knew if she stayed busy the day would go
by more quickly. And maybe ... just maybe she could find something
to distract her from her thoughts of Adam.

Heading up the stairs, Claire decided she
would start in the attic. Not knowing where the entrance to the
attic was she decided to explore the short hallway to the left of
the stairs. There were four doors on that hall, one of which was
the turret room. Peeking in, she noticed it had been decorated with
the familiar feminine touches that many of the rooms shared. This
room looked so inviting, Claire could imagine herself sitting there
for hours reading a good book by a blazing fire. Noticing the
beautiful tea set sitting on the small table, she walked in to get
a closer look. Sitting next to the tea set was a book, picking it
up she traced the faint outline of the gold lettering, Little
Women. The book was old and the brown leather showed signs of wear,
indicating that it had been well loved. Carefully placing it back
on the side table, she shivered at the odd feeling of deja vu.

Shaking it off, she continued down the short
hallway. Like the rest of the house, most everything looked
pristine. Like the occupants had just stepped out for the afternoon
and would be returning any moment. At the end of the hallway was
another set of platform stairs. Working her way up the dark
staircase Claire felt more nervous with each step.
Come on
Claire, this isn't a scary movie, this is your new home.
Squaring her shoulders she continued.

At the top of the stairs sat a long hallway
with several doors. She noticed the beautiful runner that lined the
wood floor and the elegant tables that sat gracefully along the
wall on one side. Above each of the tables, mounted to the wall was
the same pair of bronze and crystal sconces she had noticed in the
other hallways throughout the home. Reaching toward the wall, she
switched on the lights. To her surprise the sconces clicked on, the
light comforting her enough to allow her to continue down the
hallway. Peering into the rooms she found them sparse but
comfortably decorated, but noticed they didn't have the same grand
appearance as the rest of the home.
Oh duh Claire, this must
have been the servants quarters.

Continuing on she noticed a small bathroom
that looked like it had never been updated. Claire was amazed. She
had seen movies with bathrooms from the Victorian era, but she had
never seen an authentic free standing water closet in person. On
the far wall, next to the water closet sat a claw foot tub, and on
the wall to the right was a wall mounted sink. Attached to the wall
above the sink was a soap dish and toothbrush holder and to the
right was a simple towel ring. Claire was certain of one thing, as
long as she owned this home, this bathroom would never be changed.
Although she preferred modern conveniences for her own use, there
was something so charming about feeling like you have stepped back
in time.
You are definitely going to keep the house as original
as possible
.

Continuing to the far end of the hall and
the stairway she knew must lead to the attic, Claire gathered her
nerve before opening the door. A thick puff of dust escaped as the
door creaked open. Finding the string for the overhead light she
continued on into the room. She couldn't believe the size of this
attic. Everywhere she looked sat discarded furniture, racks of
clothing, boxes and trunks. It looked like a time capsule that
hadn't been touched for over a hundred years.

Making a mental note Claire decided she
would need flashlights, and would also need boxes and paper to wrap
the delicate old glassware. Walking through to the far side she
decided she would hire someone to help her move the furniture and
heavier boxes. She would need to set up a staging area downstairs
because she wouldn't have anywhere to store the items for a couple
of months. Just a quick glance around the attic and Claire knew
this would be quite a task. Not just the physical work, but
deciding what to keep and what to part with. It somehow seemed
wrong that she was considering selling off items that may have been
treasured family heirlooms. Even though the family was no longer
here, it seemed disrespectful to part with items that may have been
important to them.

Putting that thought in the back of her
mind, she continued on until she reached the far end of the attic.
Turning and glancing around the room she decided she would start
right there. She spotted a gorgeous dome top cedar trunk. Making
her way into the corner and sliding a discarded rocking chair and
an antique baby cradle out of the way she finally reached the
trunk.
Please don't be locked
. Reaching down she pushed the
lock up and was able to lift the top of the trunk. Peering into the
trunk she realized that the wooden boxes attached to the top were
intact as was the tray that sat inside of the trunk. As she
loosened the straps that held the boxes in place she was shocked at
how easily they came out. Sitting them to the side she gently
lifted the tray out of the trunk. It was in excellent condition for
it's age, but the floral pattern fabric that lined the inside was
beginning to peel back on the edges.

Inside was a carefully folded pink and green
quilted baby blanket, and a beautifully crafted white lacy baby
blanket. Claire cautiously removed the blankets. She didn't want to
snag them, but she was also terrified of spiders. Below the
blankets sat a tiny silver baby rattle with an ivory handle and a
small handmade doll. At the bottom of the trunk wrapped in delicate
paper she found a beautiful, tiny dress. Admiring the hand sewn
dress, Claire noticed the fine details. It had short puffy sleeves,
and the top had tiny little pleats along the front, which was
adorned with delicate embroidery. Around the edges of the collar,
sleeve and hem of the dress was the smallest lace she had ever
seen. Claire knew this was truly a treasured heirloom and she would
never think about parting with such a wonderful gift. Left inside
the paper was a beautiful matching bonnet that shared the same lace
detail and had silk ribbon for ties.

Gently placing the items back in the trunk,
she turned her attention to the two small boxes that had been
attached to the inside of the lid. Unsure of what she might find,
Claire paused before she opened the first box. She carefully picked
up a beautiful rose gold locket, with fine details of hearts and
vines adorning the top. Engraved inside of the hearts were the
initials "E." and "V." Carefully opening the locket Claire gasped.
It appeared to be a lock of red hair, tied together with tiny
ribbon. Quickly closing the locket and setting it to the side,
Claire picked up the journal that had been carefully wrapped in
more of the delicate paper. Claire got the now familiar sense of
deja vu, and with a shiver she decided it was time to head back
downstairs for a break. Grabbing the journal she quickly walked out
of the attic and down the stairs.