Once Found: The Pocket Watch Chronicles (2 page)

Chuck left, and Gabe’s thoughts turned back to Elizabeth and the night they broke up. She had left a message on his machine. “Hey, Gabe, give me a call when you get this or just come over. It doesn’t matter what time it is. Or if you want me to, I’ll come to your place. Okay, I’ll see you later.”

He had gone to her apartment. She lived alone, and he had nosy roommates. When she opened the door, she had smiled, looking both relieved and genuinely pleased to see him.

“Come in, Dr. Soldani.”

He hadn’t been in the mood. He strode in past her. “Cut the shit, Elizabeth.”

That had wiped the smile off her face. She motioned to the couch. “Have a seat. Can I get you something to drink?”

“Well, aren’t you the lovely hostess, but no, I don’t want a drink and I don’t feel like sitting down.”

Hurt had flashed across her face, but she masked it quickly. Clearly, she had a lot of practice hiding things. “I’m sorry, Gabe.”

“You’re sorry? For what? That I found out the truth? All the times when I asked about your family, you didn’t feel the need to tell me who they were? I don’t understand what the big secret was about anyway.”

“You don’t? Really? It was bad enough when everyone found out how old I was. What do you think it would have been like if they knew my mother and grandfather own a multibillion-dollar law firm, and my father and his father are celebrated surgeons? No one would ever have taken me seriously again. They would have assumed I’d gotten where I am because of
connections
. Christ almighty, did you see the way the VIPs acted around them today?”

“I’m your boyfriend, Elizabeth. We’re lovers, and you didn’t think you could trust me with that information?

“It isn’t that. I just wanted to keep that part of my life separate as long as I could.”

“I repeat: we’re lovers. You know everything about me. How could you keep something this big from me? Were you afraid I’d ask to meet them? Were you afraid I’d embarrass you?”

“No, Gabe. I was afraid
they’d
embarrass me. And they did.”

“Oh, I could tell. You left with them.”

“I didn’t want to, but they’re my parents. What was I supposed to do?”

“You were supposed to be honest with me about who you were before the entire university knew.”

“I never dreamed they’d show up.”

“What the hell, Elizabeth? You were graduating from med school. You were the freaking valedictorian for the love of God.”

“You don’t understand—”

“No, I don’t.”

“Gabe, please listen. My family isn’t like yours.”

“Clearly.”

“But that’s why I didn’t tell you—or anyone. As long as no one knew, I was ordinary, just like everyone else. When people know, they change.”

“You thought it would change the way I feel about you?”

“It seems to have.”

“Not being honest with me is what changed the way I feel about you.”

“I never lied to you.”

“I suppose you didn’t. You just kept your entire identity hidden.”

“My family is not my identity. I am who I am, the person you know.”

He had ignored that statement. How could someone’s family not be a major part of their identity? “How long did you plan to keep it a secret? Maybe you intended to spring it on me on our wedding day?”

She had just stood there and stared. Looking back on it now, he realized she’d looked exactly as she had the night she told them she wasn’t twenty-one: young and vulnerable. And he’d been too much of a self-righteous prick to notice. Instead of trying to understand her, he’d said, “Right. Well, we’re going off to different residencies anyway. I suppose this was destined to end. I’m heading back to New Jersey tonight. Have a nice life, Elizabeth.”

Castle Macrae

December 25, 1279

Elsie stepped into the great hall at Castle Macrae and stood just inside the door, letting the joy of the celebration wash over her. The feast was over, but that didn’t matter. This is what she loved the most: the merriment, the high spirits, and, most especially, the music and dancing.

Her friend Adaira, one of the serving maids at the castle, spied her instantly and hurried toward her. “Elsie, where’ve ye been? Ye missed the feast.”

“Effemy went into labor right after the midnight Mass. Aunt Dolina and I were with her all night. She only had the bairn, a lad, about an hour ago.”

“They are both well then?”

“Aye, they are. Effemy’s tired as ye might expect, but the babe’s a big, sturdy lad. Aunt Dolina teased that he ought to be splitting wood by next week.”

“Dolina didn’t come with ye?”

“Nay, she’s too tired and went home to bed. But I didn’t want to miss the celebration.”

“Well come on then, we need to find partners. Some new minstrels arrived a few days ago and they’re particularly talented.”

It took little coaxing. Elsie wanted nothing more than to dance. And dance she did. Her feet flew through the familiar patterns as she spun from one partner to the next, giving in to the enchantment of the music.

Several hours later, Elsie was nearly spent. Even though the clan would feast and celebrate for eleven more nights, she wasn’t ready to leave the music behind. She took a tankard of ale and sat on the floor, resting her back against the wall and soaking it all in.

Before long, a young man with brown hair, gray eyes, and a shy smile crouched next to her. She recognized him as one of the particularly talented minstrels who had been playing earlier.

“Do ye mind if I sit here with ye?”

“Nay, it’s fine.”

He sat next to her. “My name’s Geordie.”

“I’m Elsie. Ye and yer friends were wonderful.”

“Thank ye.”

“I love music.”

His smile broadened. “I do too. But what I love most is seeing the pleasure people take from music. When the tune leaves my fingers and reaches the hearts of those listening, it gives me joy. When it stirs their feet and they dance, becoming one with the melody, we are connected in an extraordinary way. It feeds my soul.”

She stared at him. He had just put words to everything she felt about music but could never describe. “Aye, it’s just so for me. I mean, I can’t make music but dancing, letting the music flow through me…there is nothing else like it.”

“I have to confess, I’ve watched ye dancing all night. I’ve barely been able to take my eyes off ye. Ye’re lovely, and when ye dance…I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything more beautiful. I dreaded the last note of every song because it severed that momentary connection between us.”

Elsie had never heard such honeyed words, and his sincerity took her breath.

He caressed her cheek with his fingertips. “So beautiful. If only…”

She felt heat rising in her cheeks and an odd fluttering in her belly. “If only what?” Her voice sounded breathy.

He smiled sadly. “’Tis nothing.”

Elsie glanced around. The night’s celebration was winding down. “I—I suppose I should be going home. It’s late.”

“Will ye be here again tomorrow?”

She nodded. “Aye, I will.”

He stood and offered her a hand. “I’ll look forward to it.”

She took his hand, allowing him to help her stand. “So will I. I always do.”

“Until tomorrow then.” He kissed the back of the hand he still held before letting her go.

She nodded, her blush growing deeper. “Until tomorrow.”

She started to walk away, but he stopped her. “Elsie, I was just thinking, we won’t be playing until after the feast. Will ye sit with me?”

“Sit with ye?”

“Aye. During the feast.”

She smiled. “Aye, I’d like that. I’ll look for ye.”

~ * ~

Elsie didn’t have to wait until the feast to see Geordie again. He was at the St. Stephen’s day Mass the next morning. When their eyes met, he smiled broadly and worked his way through the gathered worshipers to stand at her side.

That simple act filled her with warmth.

No words were exchanged other than those required by the liturgy. Still, just as she had experienced a connection to him through the music and dancing the night before, she felt a closeness that was hard to describe.

She had gone to Mass with people her whole life. This was the first time she truly felt she a bond with someone while she worshipped.

As they walked out of Mass together, he took her hand in his. Again, she was flooded with warmth.

“Do ye have any work to do before the feast begins later? I mean are ye free for a while?”

“Aye. I mean, nay, I’ve no work that needs doing. I’m…free.”

“I’m new here. I thought maybe ye’d walk with me. Show me the village.”

“I’d be happy to.” She cringed a little. She hoped she didn’t sound too enthusiastic. He might think her wanton.

His smile was warm and she saw no hint of disapproval. “Good.”

They walked through the village, chatting about nothing and everything. She told him she was an orphan and lived with her aunt. “Well, she’s not really my aunt, but I call her Aunt Dolina.”

He told her about the minstrels he had met there. “Robin and Paul are really great. And Paul’s wife has a lovely voice. They asked me to play with them. We just seem to fit well together. I’ve never had so much fun.”

Before long, it was time for the feast to start. They found a spot together at one of the trestle tables. They ate and talked and laughed—Elsie had never enjoyed a feast more.

He disappeared to join the musicians when the feast was over. Just as she had the previous evening, Elsie allowed herself to be lost in music and dancing. And just as he had the previous evening, Geordie sought her out when he was through playing.

Over the next days, she spent more and more time with Geordie. Her heart leapt every time she saw him, and his face spread into the broad, warm smile she was coming to adore.

“Mind yerself there, Elsie,” Aunt Dolina told her just before the Feast of Epiphany.

“What do ye mean?”

“That lad’s a minstrel. He is full of sweet words and romantic ideas. He has to be to earn a living. But soon enough, he’ll be on to the next lass in the next clan, and he’ll leave ye with a broken heart. Just make certain he leaves ye with nothing else, ye ken?”

She knew Aunt Dolina was right. Elsie should probably be more careful and guard her heart. He was a minstrel. He was destined to leave. But when she was with him, all thoughts of holding back her heart fled.

When the celebration of Epiphany was winding down, they sat together in a dark corner of the hall in the wee hours of the morning. She was curled up against his side with his arm around her shoulders.

He kissed the top of her head. “Elsie, ye are so lovely. Ye have such a sweet nature and a lively spirit. Ye’re ever on my mind. I’ve never felt like this about anyone. I fear I’m falling in love with ye.”

She looked up at him. “I’ve never felt this way either. But if it’s love, why is it something to fear?”

“Ah, lass…” He brushed a wisp of hair from her cheek and then slid his fingers behind her neck, lowering his head to kiss her. He drew back after a moment. “So beautiful,” he whispered as if in awe. Leaning down, he planted a soft kiss on one eyelid and then the other. His lips continued their tentative, tender journey. He planted kisses along her temple to her ear. He nibbled her earlobe before nuzzling her neck.

She giggled, causing him to chuckle richly. “Ye’re entirely delicious.” His lips returned to hers. He caught her lower lip between his teeth and sucked it gently into his mouth.

She opened her mouth, allowing him to deepen the kiss. He slid his hand into her hair, capturing it in his fist and tugging lightly to tip her head back and grant him greater access. When he finally pulled away, they were both breathless.

“I’ve wanted to do that since the first night I saw ye, lass.” He pulled her close, resting his cheek on the top of her head.

“I’ve never…I’ve never been kissed.”

“I’m glad I was yer first.” He stroked her hair and held her.

Elsie had never felt more secure and loved than she did in the circle of Geordie’s arms.

Too soon, their intimate moment was interrupted.

“There ye are, Geordie. Sorry to disturb ye.” His friend Robin had a mischievous grin on his face, suggesting that he was much more amused than apologetic. “Good news, lad. The laird has asked us to stay until spring.”

Geordie smiled at Elsie. “That is excellent news.”

“Aye, it means we don’t have to trudge into the teeth of winter to find another noble patron for a few weeks.” His grin broadened. “I suppose having a warm lassie in yer lap is no harm, either. Good night, Geordie.”

With the feasts between Christmas and Epiphany over, there was no real reason for Elsie to go to the castle every night, but she and Geordie found time together every day. She loved every moment.

It felt as if she had been alone for so long. Elsie’s da died when she was very young, and she couldn’t remember him clearly. At the time, she hadn’t understood what had happened. She remembered crying for him and being told to hush because it upset mama.

It had been much worse when her mama died of an illness that swept through the clan a few years later. Elsie had been a lass of ten by then and remembered crying buckets of tears. But so many people had lost loved ones to that illness, her tears were lost among the flood. She had no one to give her comfort. Elsie soon learned to hold back her grief. Tears had no purpose.

Dolina had taken her in. Elsie called her Aunt Dolina, but she was really a cousin of her father’s who was just as alone in the world as Elsie. When Elsie was old enough, Dolina began teaching her healing and midwifery skills. Aunt Dolina provided for her well and cared for her, but perhaps having been alone so long herself, she was a detached, practical woman. She was not given to displays of affection and had little patience for the hopes, fears, and heartaches of her young cousin. Just as Elsie had learned not to cry, she eventually learned to keep her other feelings to herself.

The only time she really let herself go was when she danced. That it was a musician who finally reached her heart and began to set it free didn’t come as a surprise. For the first time in years, her soul was fed with love, and she realized she had been starving.

January turned into February, and the affection between Elsie and Geordie grew. Aunt Dolina repeatedly warned her about the folly of loving a minstrel. “Wake up, lass. He will leave ye.
He will
.”

Elsie didn’t tell her aunt that it would only take one word from Geordie for her to go with him. What’s more, Elsie believed he would ask. The previous evening, she had slipped into the great hall to hear the minstrels perform for the laird. Afterward, when they had a few private moments, Geordie clearly had something on his mind.

“Geordie, what’s bothering ye? Ye seem distracted.”

“Aye, I suppose I am. There’s something we need to talk about, love. Something I need to tell ye. I need to know yer thoughts.”

“Ye can tell me anything.”

He started several times, but seemed to have trouble finding the words. Before he could finish, one of the lassies from the village entered the hall looking for Elsie.

“There ye are, Elsie. My mam’s time is here. Dolina said I was to run and fetch ye.”

“All right, sweetling. Geordie, I’m sorry. I have to go.”

“Ye like this, don’t ye? Learning to be a midwife?”

“Aye, I do. I’ve only just started, mind ye. Bringing a bairn into the world is hard and frightening. So many things can happen. But holding that wee life, knowing ye’ve made a difference and perhaps brought some ease…well, there’s nothing like it.”

“Ye’re glowing, more than ye do when ye dance.”

“Am I?” She smiled.

“Aye, ye are.”

“Perhaps I can see ye tomorrow and ye can tell me what’s weighing on ye?”

He nodded. “Tomorrow will be soon enough.” He gave her a quick kiss.

~ * ~

Just before daybreak, Elsie hurried toward the village priest’s cottage, her heart aching. It had been a relatively easy birth, but as Kenna held her wee daughter in her arms, it became immediately apparent that something was dreadfully wrong. The bairn’s fingers, toes, and lips had a bluish tinge that only got worse when she cried or tried to feed.

Aunt Dolina had pulled her to one side. Cradling Elsie’s face in her hands, she said, “Go fetch Father Ian, Elsie. The wee lassie needs to be baptized.”

“But—”

“Nay, lass. The bairn is going to die. Very soon. I’ll stay with Kenna and her family. Go fetch Father, then go home. Ye’re not ready for this yet.”

She did as she’d been bid and watched Father hurry down the lane to the cottage where crushing sorrow was coming on the heels of great joy.

Her aunt had told her to go home, but she couldn’t. She didn’t want to be alone with her pain there. Instead she went into the little church, intending to pray there in the peaceful solitude.

But she wasn’t alone.

Geordie knelt there.

“Geordie,” her voice broke.

He turned toward her, clearly reading the grief on her face. He was on his feet and had his arms around her in a moment. “What’s happened?”

“The bairn…something’s wrong. The poor wee thing is struggling to breathe.” She drew in a ragged breath. “She’s dying, Geordie.”

“Nay, isn’t there anything to be done?”

Elsie shook her head. “Father Ian’s on his way to baptize her.” Elsie rested her head against his chest. She had no tears. It had been too many years. She couldn’t stop trembling, and the pain building within her was nearly intolerable.

Geordie held her silently for what seemed like ages. The early morning light crept through the windows before she took one last deep breath and stepped back. “What…why were ye here?”

“Like I said last eve, I have something weighing on my mind. I couldn’t sleep and thought perhaps I could find my answers here.”

“You can tell me what it is.”

He smiled. “It’s not the time. We’ll talk later. I’ll walk ye home. You should try to get a little rest.”

She nodded.

They walked in silence and when they reached Dolina’s cottage, Elsie turned to face him. He took her hands in his. “Are ye all right?”

“Aye. Thank ye. I don’t know what…well, thank ye.”

He kissed her tenderly. “I’ve never met anyone one like ye, Elsie. I love ye with my whole heart.”

“Oh, Geordie, I love ye too.”

He kissed her again before saying, “Go to sleep now, my precious lass. We’ll talk later.”

“Aye. Until later.”

~ * ~

Elsie slept for a few hours, rising late in the morning. When she saw that Aunt Dolina still wasn’t home, she made bannocks and prepared a pot of soup, hanging it over the fire to simmer. Finally, she tidied things up.

She had just finished sweeping when the door to the cottage swung open with force, banging against the wall. She spun around to see Drummond, one of the laird’s guardsmen standing there. His sudden appearance startled her, and she took an involuntary step backward. She was a little afraid of the huge guardsman. In truth, she was more than a little afraid of him. He had a reputation for cruelty, and she was happy enough to stay out of his way.

It was impossible to avoid him with him filling her doorway. Not wishing to make eye contact, she glanced down. “Good afternoon, Sir Drummond.”

“The laird has need of ye. Gather yer things.”

“Why do I need to gather my things?”

“Because I told ye to, ye insolent chit. The laird is sending ye on an errand. If ye waste any more of my time with questions, ye’ll go with nothing but the clothes on yer back.”

An errand? Where? To do what?
She didn’t dare ask. This was not good, but she figured it was best to follow his bidding. She only had a few garments. Laying them on a linen sheet with her comb and a silver brooch that had belonged to her mother, she folded the sheet inward over the clothes and rolled them up, tying the bundle with a ribbon. She folded a blanket in half and rolled it around the bundle, securing it with a belt. She had barely wrapped her mantle around her shoulders when Drummond grabbed her arm, practically dragging her from the little cottage and up the lane through the village.

Elsie didn’t complain. It would do no good and would likely result in worse treatment. All she could do was try her best to keep up. They were halfway to the keep when a horrific screeching sound assaulted her ears just before a searing pain tore through her skull. Gripping her head, she fell to her knees and dropped her bundle.