Chapter 33
“Tom!” Cassie hopped down the metal steps of the train. “Give me a big hug! You look wonderful, big brother.”
Tom released Cassie, held her at arm’s length. “So do you, Sis. God it’s been a long time. I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Hello, Tom,” William said, as he helped his young daughter down to the platform. “Cassie’s right. You look well. The ocean air obviously agrees with you.” He firmly shook Tom’s hand.
Tom exclaimed, “Is that Lizzie? I can’t believe how much you’ve grown, little lady! Come here and give me a big hug.” He wrapped his arms around the child and held her tenderly. “I’ve missed you guys.” He smiled at his sister and her husband. “How was the train trip?”
“Long, but relaxing. Beautiful landscape. A perfectly lovely trip,” Cassie said looking around the nearly empty station. Old-fashioned, black filigree street lamps lined the platform. Twinkle lights sparkled in barren tree branches. “What a quaint station. I feel like we stepped back to the turn of the century,”
“Whole town’s like that. Very old-fashioned. Come on, Joe’s waiting for us. Let me help you with the luggage.”
“Is Joe the man who’s been helping you at Remington?” Michael asked.
“Yeah. He also drives a taxi, one of two in town. Great guy, you’ll see.” Tom picked up two suitcases and motioned with his head for everyone to follow. Joe came running and took the suitcases Cassie was carrying.
“Joe, this is my sister, Cassie Wellington, her husband, Michael and their daughter, Lizzie.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Joe said. When they reached the cab, Joe shook hands, then he and Tom loaded the bags into the trunk.
An hour later, after all the luggage had been carried into the house, everyone gathered around the dining table. Nellie brought in trays of hot chocolate, ham sandwiches, potato salad, and chips. Halfway through her sandwich, Lizzie started falling asleep. The second time her chin dropped to her chest Cassie said, “Time to get you to bed, little one. Come on.” Cassie led a worn-out Lizzie to the spare bedroom upstairs and tucked her into bed.
“Mama, leave the light on please. Where’s Buster?” Cassie handed her the well-worn rabbit. Lizzie snuggled under the down comforter, the blue bunny tucked tightly to her chest.
“Nite, Lizzy. I love you. Sleep tight”
“Nite, Mama.”
Leaving the door slightly ajar, Cassie went downstairs. She poured herself a hot cup of coffee before bundling up in her heavy parka and joining her brother and husband who were out on the terrace watching the evening sky. “Truly lovely. You must be so pleased to have found this wonderful old house.”
“Without a doubt,” Tom said, focusing his binoculars out on the water. “Something’s jumping out there.” Tom handed the binoculars to Michael. “See if you can figure out what it is.”
“The pounding surf’s hypnotic isn’t it?” Cassie leaned against the porch wall and closed her eyes. “I can practically hear the waves call my name. I read that the ghost of a woman who drowned off the Isle of Westmoor haunts this coast. Maybe it’s her that you see.” Cassie opened her eyes. “Stop laughing at me. I’m serious. You both know I believe in spirits.”
“Tom! I can’t believe it.” Michael handed the binoculars back to Tom. “Look, Cass is right, it’s the ghost of the mermaid.” He burst out laughing.
Cassie stuck her tongue out. “Enough abuse! I’m going to bed. Goodnight.” Cassie smiled, gave Tom and Michael a peck on their cheeks, then closed the terrace door.
“I love that woman!” Michael said, offering his flask to Tom. “Whisky?”
Chapter 34
Cassie and Mary spent the morning rearranging the furniture in Cassie and Michael’s bedroom. Cassie loved the thought of waking up to a view of the Atlantic. What a sinful luxury, pure indulgence for the soul. She smiled at Mary, wishing the young woman was more talkative and comfortable with her. She felt a little out of place. It seemed like everyone here knew everyone else.
Cassie was dying to have a good chat with someone besides her brother. She wasn’t used to the silence that seemed to prevail in her brother’s house. Besides the constant roar of the ocean, it seemed little else was going on. Oh, well. For today, she’d settle for getting acquainted with everyone.
Cassie asked, “So, what do you do with yourself here in Ravenswood?”
“I work part time at the vet clinic, and I go to the local college. I’m studying veterinarian medicine.”
“Wow, that’s great. I love animals, too. I guess you have several years of school left then?”
“Yeah, I still have another four years—I won’t be going anywhere for a while. I plan on staying here after I graduate. I love it in Ravenswood. The local vet needs a partner, there’s no one to take over his practice when he retires, so he plans on working me in.”
“Sounds like a solid plan. Good for you.” It took several hours to get everything to Cassie’s satisfaction. There was still more clothing to be unpacked, but that wouldn’t take long. Cassie could tell Mary was beginning to relax and enjoy herself. A special rapport was building between them as they worked side by side.
Mary lifted one of Cassie’s brown-suede suitcases onto the bed. “Your husband is so handsome,” Mary said.
“You’re sweet. He is, isn’t he? And wonderful to boot! I can hardly believe we’ve been married almost twelve years.”
“You’re lucky. I wish there were more guys around here. Most move to the big city or go away to school. I hope I find someone special someday,” Mary said, smiling as she unpacked Cassie’s suitcase. “Oh, wow, these are beautiful chemises. Are they silk?”
“Yes, they are and they’re part of my designer collection.” She laughed. “You look surprised.”
“What did I miss?”
“I bet Tom didn’t tell you, did he? We own the Alexa’s Boutiques.”
“He did not! Alexa’s clothing is so chic. I’ve only been to one of your stores though. The one in Concord. I heard the main store in New York is unbelievable. Wow! Do you go in and pick out what you want and say, ‘Wrap it up and send it to my place?’ Talk about lucky.”
“No, I pay for most of my clothes, like anyone else, but I do get a nice discount—after all I design many of them.” Cassie grinned realizing what a chatterbox Mary was now that they had found more common ground.
“You’re a designer for Alexa’s? I’m jealous. Would you show me your designs sometime?”
Cassie was pleased. Though well grounded, she liked it when people fussed over her. “Sure. Let’s finish up here; you and I can spend some time later today looking at my latest portfolio. I’m working on the summer line. I’d love for you to give me your opinions. Can you stay for a while this afternoon?”
“Yes. I’d love that. Thank you. This is amazing!” Mary was beaming.
Tom knocked on the door. “Hate to spoil your fun. Mary, I’ve been instructed to search you out and send you downstairs. Nellie needs your help in the dining room. Looks like you two are hitting it off. No one is safe from your charms, are they, Sis?” Tom gave her a gentle punch on the arm and left the room.
“Go on, Mary. I want to finish unpacking.” An ally. Yay! One down and . . . hmm, how many to go? I like Mary. I know we’ll be good friends. She’s a darling. She carried an armful of Michael’s shirts to the closet and began putting them on hangers. She didn’t get to ask Mary about Tom’s neighbors. She’d have her fill her in this afternoon. Mary