Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

    Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

    Once Upon a Remembrance
    Once Upon a Remembrance
    Once Upon a Remembrance
    Ebook359 pages6 hours

    Once Upon a Remembrance

    By Grace Brannigan

    4/5

    ()

    Read preview

    About this ebook

    Once Upon a Remembrance: Book 1 Women of Strength time travel trilogy: Photographer Isabeau Remington travels to 1894 Virgina and falls in love with a man she must ultimately leave behind when she returns to her own time...but things are not always as they seem.
    Modern day photographer Isabeau is pulled from the present time and thrust back into the year 1894 in Virginia. She must help save Hawk Morgan, a man threatened by a killer, a man endangered by his own erased memories. Hawk must survive in 1894 so his present day ancestor Pierce Morgan, will be alive in Isabeau's future.

    Isabeau begins to fall in love with Hawk Morgan but with both their future's uncertain and a killer on the loose, neither one of them may have a tomorrow to look forward to.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherGrace Brannigan
    Release dateAug 11, 2012
    ISBN9781939061034
    Once Upon a Remembrance
    Author

    Grace Brannigan

    I live in the scenic Catskill Mountains of New York and I have been writing in one format or another as long as I can remember. I write in various genres and love strong heroines, family minded characters and sexy heroes. I love writing and also creating art in various mediums. I write about strong women facing life altering issues. My first series are stand alone books, Women of Character contemporary romances: Echoes from the Past, Once and Always, Heartstealer and Wishing on a Rodeo Moon. My second series is Women of Strength time travel trilogy, Once Upon a Remembrance, Book 1, Soulmates Through Time, Book 2, and Treasure So Rare, Book 3. I also have a Faeries Lost series, Romantic Shorts, and new this year Young Adult Time Travel with a Twist. Thanks for stopping by. My young adult has its own page at http://www.GraceBranniganYoungAdult.com I hope you enjoy my stories as much as I enjoyed writing them. ENJOY.

    Read more from Grace Brannigan

    Related to Once Upon a Remembrance

    Titles in the series (4)

    View More
    View More

    Related ebooks

    Romance For You

    View More
    View More

    Related podcast episodes

    Related articles

    • Article

      The Change

      Aug 8, 2019

      The Change
      10 min read

    • Article

      Left To Lose

      Jul 10, 2022

      Around the time she gives up her name, it starts to feel like this entire revolution isn’t worth it anymore. The world is probably lucky that Kelian—she still remembers Kelian, in spite of everything—is there to pick up the pieces, the way he always

      11 min read

    • Article

      It’s Her Day

      Aug 2, 2021

      She’s not naive enough to believe your wedding day is the start of a brand-new life, but she’s going to try like hell to make it that way. I’m getting married today! Jen would scream it to the few people on the street this early, below the hotel balc

      6 min read

    • Article

      Couple Goals

      Nov 29, 2019

      Couple Goals
      5 min read

    • Article

      The Family Plot

      May 7, 2020

      The Family Plot
      10 min read

    • Article

      The Chocolate Bandit

      Feb 1, 2024

      The Chocolate Bandit
      3 min read

    • Article

      The Experts

      Nov 23, 2021

      Q COVID-19 permitting, my newly divorced best friend is staying with us over Christmas. But I’m starting to panic about the whole situation now. My husband’s always liked her and jokes about her being ‘nearly as gorgeous’ as I am. Plus now she’s sing

      4 min read

    • Article

      Senior Moments

      Dec 1, 2021

      Senior Moments
      1 min read

    • Article

      The Library of Gromma

      Jul 10, 2023

      Zac was sweating and panting as he reached the top of the hill. The crooked beams of the library loomed over him. He dropped the buckets of water, swore at the few drops that spilled, and escaped the piercing morning sun in the shade of the library.

      22 min read

    • Article

      The Library Of Gromma

      Feb 10, 2021

      Zac was sweating and panting as he reached the top of the hill. The crooked beams of the library loomed over him. He dropped the buckets of water, swore at the few drops that spilt, and escaped the piercing morning sun in the shade of the library. He

      22 min read

    • Article

      The Good Servant

      Aug 8, 2022

      Windsor, March 1932 “Good evening, Miss Crawford.” A smart young man in uniform was waiting on the platform when she stepped off the train. She was startled. “Aye. That’s me. How did you know?” “Easy.” He smiled. “There aren’t that many young ladies

      6 min read

    • Article

      Summer Reading Guide

      Jan 2, 2022

      Summer Reading Guide
      6 min read

    • Article

      PARTING the Veil

      Oct 21, 2020

      PARTING the Veil
      3 min read

    • Article

      A Parsonage in New Hope

      Dec 4, 2023

      A Parsonage in New Hope
      12 min read

    • Article

      The New Arrival

      Oct 1, 2020

      Maya had never visited the public library before, and at this rate it looked like she never would. She knew it was around here somewhere, but the fog was so thick she could barely see her sneakers. Putting off her homework had been a mistake, but get

      6 min read

    • Article

      Writing Family History

      Dec 15, 2021

      Writing Family History
      5 min read

    • Article

      The Governess

      Dec 30, 2020

      The Governess
      10 min read

    • Article

      House And Home

      Feb 18, 2022

      INITIALLY, THE OBJECTIVE DISADVANTAGES of renovating the grand old lady of a house outweighed my personal preferences. Built in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs in 1953, it had flowing parquet flooring that added warm tones, and ceilings high enough t

      2 min read

    • Article

      The Governess

      Dec 27, 2020

      The Governess
      10 min read

    • Article

      Out Of The Blue

      Aug 24, 2021

      Out Of The Blue
      11 min read

    • Article

      I Discover A Place I Already Knew

      Jan 8, 2020

      I felt cold chills down my arms when I realized that I recognized this book's setting: We had a home on the exact river the author was describing.

      3 min read

    • Article

      THE BOY WHO KEPT Bees

      Oct 6, 2021

      All you could hear was rain, rain, rain. Rain drumming on the slate roof, streaming down the kitchen window, saturating the meadows and the dark woods beyond. Jess waited until her dad had turned away to check his phone, then dropped her half-eaten s

      8 min read

    • Article

      A Hampstead MYSTERY

      Oct 12, 2022

      A Hampstead MYSTERY
      9 min read

    • Article

      It Happened to Me…

      Sep 7, 2023

      It Happened to Me…
      8 min read

    • Article

      The Ruins

      Aug 5, 2021

      The Ruins
      6 min read

    • Article

      Always Home

      Feb 25, 2023

      Tennessee was the only home I’d ever known. I never imagined leaving. But my wife and I were planning a move to Michigan to be closer to our grandchildren, and I was packing up my vendor stall at my very last Tennessee craft show. I was sure I could

      4 min read

    Related categories

    Reviews for Once Upon a Remembrance

    4/5

    2 ratings0 reviews

    What did you think?

    Tap to rate

    Review must be at least 10 words

      Book preview

      Once Upon a Remembrance - Grace Brannigan

      ONCE UPON A REMEMBRANCE

      Grace Brannigan

      Women of Strength Time Travel Series

      Once Upon a Remembrance Book 1

      Soulmates Through Time Book 2

      Treasure So Rare Book 3

      Women of Character Contemporary Series

      Echoes From the Past

      Once and Always

      Heartstealer

      Wishing on a Rodeo Moon

      Romantic Short Stories

      Deception (a touch of suspense)

      Two Babies, a Cowboy and Sara

      Cowboy's Baby: Missing (coming in 2013)

      Faerie Lost Series (Coming in 2013)

      Find Me Book 1

      Whisper Me Book 2

      Hear Me Book 3

      Website: http://www.GraceBrannigan.com

      All Characters, places and events are fictitious and are not associated or inspired by any person living or dead.

      Once Upon a Remembrance

      Grace Brannigan

      Copyright 2012 Elaine Warfield

      Published by Elaine Warfield at Smashwords

      ISBN: 978-1-939061-03-4

      Cover Art By: Stephanie White of Steph's Cover Design: paranormal, fantasy, horror & more.

      Smashwords Edition - License Notes

      All rights reserved. This book is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. No part of this book may be reproduced by any means whatsoever, mechanical, photographic, electronic or in the form of an audio recording or stored in a retrieval system, transmitted or otherwise be copied for public or private use - other than for brief quotations in articles and reviews without prior written consent from the publisher Questor Books.

      This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. Happy reading!

      Questor Books, P.O. Box 100, East Jewett, New York, 12424 USA

      About Once Upon a Remembrance

      Photographer Isabeau Remington travels to 1894 and falls in love with a man she must ultimately leave behind when she returns to her own time...but things are not always as they seem. Hawk Morgan is a man in danger, a man without memories to protect himself from the threat that wants to see him dead. Soon, Isabeau is pulled into the same danger. Time travel with a twist.

      Prologue

      Hawks Den Plantation, Virginia

      In the half-light before dawn, Pierce Morgan drove toward Hawk’s Den. He had driven all night to get here, hardly understanding the urgency that gripped him. Pierce stopped his truck and stared at the once-majestic plantation house, Hawk’s Den. Forlornly, the old home he grew up in sat before him, paint faded and worn. The house was shuttered and still as light began to break, the wrap-around veranda partially concealed by a tangle of brilliant azaleas.

      He strode across the stone-lined path to the house, taking the shallow porch steps three at a time. The ornate entry door lay at a drunken angle, and he shoved it aside as if it weighed little. Stepping inside, he paused as the stench of stale air bore down upon him.

      Arrows of light peered through the closed shutters, but Pierce knew where to find the staircase to the second floor. Quickly, he climbed the stairs, his flashlight beam bouncing across the walls.

      On the second floor, numerous doors lined a wide, oak-beamed hallway. He walked to the last doorway and entered the chamber. Water-stained wainscoting and pieces of tin ceiling littered the floor. Furniture had been stacked willy-nilly in a corner, once prized oak and cherry pieces now stained by weather and neglect.

      Shoved against the far wall was an enormous oak bed. Pierce walked through strewn mattress feathers, then knelt beside a small bedside table. His fingertips tingled as he turned the table upside down. Immediately, he saw the book lodged in the drawer track. Feeling almost lightheaded, he pried it loose and slowly sank down against the wall.

      The book’s leather cover was frayed and worn, held together by a gold mesh strap and clasp. Pierce undid the clasp and very carefully opened the journal.

      He flipped the pages to the first handwritten entry, the tightness in his chest almost unbearable. 1878, April 2, I fear I shall never live to see land again . . ..

      Sweat beaded on his forehead. The journal confirmed that three months lost had not been a wild dream. He had loved a woman back in time, 1894, and somehow he had to find her again.

      Isabeau.

      Chapter One

      Hawks Den Plantation, Five Years Later

      Isabeau Remington stared in awe at the tall oak trees lining either side of the narrow dirt road to Hawk’s Den as she drove under their extended branches. The dark skies had followed her all the way from New York, the heavens erupting from time to time with thunder and incredible flashes of lightning.

      She shifted restlessly in her small compact car, her legs feeling cramped after the long drive. The serpentine drive took one last curve, and finally a house came into view just as raindrops began to fall. Her friend and boss Leif Ericsson pulled up in his van beside her as she parked. Fascinated, she stared at the beautiful, two-story house. She had read about some of the restored plantations near the James River, but she had never imagined the reality would be so breathtaking. The house had been painted a soft gray, and the wrap-around verandah made her think of lazy summer nights spent drinking tea and eating pecan pie, the scent of azaleas a delicious extra to any evening. Even from inside her car, Isabeau swore she could smell their scent.

      A tap at her window made her jump. Leif’s blue eyes peered in at her. Rain was already starting to drip through his long blond hair and onto his gray T-shirt. Quickly, she let the window down a crack and immediately the rain spattered inside.

      I’m going in, he said. Hurry up.

      I'm coming. The house is just gorgeous, isn’t it?

      Isabeau closed the window and exited her car, quickly opening the hatchback to retrieve her pull-along case. She hurried across the stone walk to the house. The rain pelted them in earnest. She had a brief glimpse of wisteria climbing along one side of the house, further adding to the old-world charm. White balconies on the second floor graced tall, multi-paned windows with indigo blue shutters fastened on either side.

      Flower gardens ran alongside the house, sculpted hedges and rows of tulips now bowing under the pressure of the rain. Time seemed suspended here, giving rise to Isabeau’s fanciful notion she’d stepped into an earlier time.

      She felt almost breathless with anticipation. The house seemed at once unknown and yet somehow, dearly familiar -- how intriguing!

      Leif lifted the polished brass knocker on the massive, ornately carved door, the sound echoing as they huddled together under the small overhang. He shivered in his lightweight T-shirt, pulling her a bit closer as he tried to shelter her from the rain.

      The door opened almost immediately. A woman somewhere in her sixties greeted them with a pleasant smile and urged them in with a sweep of her arm. She wore a knee-length pale linen dress, and her graying blonde hair was short and fashionably styled. Isabeau noticed her eyes, so dark they appeared almost black.

      Hello, Leif said, you must be Mrs. Cummins. Leif Ericsson. We spoke on the phone last week. This is my assistant Isabeau Remington.

      The woman nodded and smiled, quickly closing the door behind them. Yes, hello, Mr. Ericsson -- Ms. Remington. How lovely to meet both of you. My, what a miserable day you’ve arrived on. Mrs. Cummins stepped back further as they entered the cool, marble-floored foyer. My husband John will see to your bags, so please leave them here in the hall.

      Isabeau shook the damp hair out of her face and positioned her case behind her. Thank you.

      Together, they moved into the entryway. Isabeau looked around the hallway's high decorative ceilings and deeply embossed wallpaper. A beautifully refinished grandfather clock chimed out the hour three times. The house is beautiful. The restoration must have taken some time.

      Almost three years, miss, and it’s nearly the same as it was a century ago. Pierce is very proud of it. He did most of it himself.

      We appreciate him allowing us to photograph the house and grounds, Leif said. I know it's a wonderful honor that he's chosen our company.

      Yes, and we’re anxious to meet him, Isabeau said. The renovation of this house has fascinated both of us, she added. I saw the before pictures.

      Mrs. Cummins closed the door and turned toward them with a smile. Yes, this is the first time he’s allowed anyone to photograph it. Now if you’ll come with me, I can show you to your rooms. From the large entryway with its decoratively carved and fixed columns, Mrs. Cummins led the way up a curved staircase with a gleaming wood rail to the second floor and down a wide, carpeted hallway. Mr. Pierce said you were to have free rein of the house while you’re here.

      Although Isabeau knew she included both of them in the invitation, the older woman's gaze rested on her.

      Great. Leif looked well-satisfied. When he sees the article we’re doing on him, he won’t be sorry.

      Isabeau again experienced a surprising familiarity with her surroundings. Déjà vu.

      Mrs. Cummins gave her a curious glance.

      Don’t mind me, Isabeau said, I’m feeling a bit silly and tired from the drive. We appreciate the extra work involved in having guests, so we’ll be as unobtrusive as possible.

      Mrs. Cummins laughed softly, kindly. No trouble at all. We always have rooms ready for guests. Pierce enjoys entertaining, she added, pushing open a tall wooden door to their right. And he set aside some wonderful historic memorabilia for you to reference and work with if you choose. They're in the library in the roll-top desk.

      Really? Leif inquired. I’m intrigued.

      Yes, he's put out some family albums and historical papers in the library for you also to peruse at your leisure. I expect you'll also find the old shipping records and there are various shipping paraphernalia stored in the sheds out back. I expect him back sometime tonight or tomorrow.

      Mrs. Cummins stood back from the doorway. Isabeau, Pierce said this was to be your room.

      Isabeau stepped into the room, her feet sinking into the plush pale grey carpet. Her gaze roamed curiously over rich wood floors, antique furnishings and the bedroom’s subtle blending of blue, rose and vintage white. Lightly varnished wainscoting ran halfway up the walls, and a faint swirling pattern of cream-colored flowers ran rampant on the walls to the ceiling. It takes my breath away -- it’s very beautiful.

      And familiar, but she didn’t say that. They were going to think she was off her rocker if she told them everything looked like memories from an old dream. She was even starting to creep herself out a bit.

      The bed was huge; old and upraised on a matching oak dais, a centerpiece for the entire room.

      If you’d like to get out of those damp clothes and take a hot bath, the bathroom with small dressing room is through that door. Mrs. Cummins indicated a second door. There is a warming rack and a thermostat control on the wall, and you will find towels, soaps and toiletries in the closet. Pierce had a nice selection of vegan soaps brought in, specifically lemongrass and lavender.

      Isabeau didn't hide her astonishment. I -- I love lemongrass.

      Yes, miss -- Mrs. Cummins smiled.

      But how would he know? She laughed and shook her head. Silly question, he must do that for each of his guests. I'm sure there is a selection for any taste.

      Of course.

      Nevertheless, Isabeau was touched by Pierce's thoughtful gesture. She found the room an absolute delight.

      The older woman turned. Mr. Ericsson --

      Please call me Leif. His easy grin encompassed the older woman and Isabeau.

      Mrs. Cummins nodded. Leif, your room is down the hall.

      Leif gave Isabeau a quick nod. I’ll catch up with you later.

      The shutters outside Isabeau’s window banged as a fresh gust of wind hit the house. The storm outside seemed to be whipping into a real fury.

      As Leif went with Mrs. Cummins, Isabeau closed the door and moved across the room to the one large window that looked out over the yard below. Getting her bearings, she knew it must face the renowned back gardens that in turn led to the river. However, with the lash of the rain across the glass, it was impossible to see much outside.

      She turned back to the room, lifting her arms to push the hair off her forehead. Heaving a contented sigh, she explored the room which was assigned to her for the next week or so. Someone had taken great care in creating a comfortable haven. Cherished antiques were polished to a high gloss, and the bric-a-brac figure of a man and a woman on the oak bureau also spoke of an earlier time.

      Fresh cut purple irises were arranged in a blue stenciled vase, residing on a small table with a rocking chair on one side and a low chaise on the other. Delicately embroidered pillows filled the seats, their colors in blue and gold.

      On the wall above the bed she admired a beautifully done painting of a flowering garden with the river beyond. She could only wonder if it was Hawk's Den’s gardens. She moved closer to the painting and could see the initials PM had been signed in the corner. Could it be that Pierce Morgan had painted the lovely scene? Was he a talented artist as well as a much sought after attorney?

      #

      When Isabeau and Leif entered the library following dinner at Mrs. Cummins' suggestion, they gravitated toward the fireplace which crackled with a welcoming heat.

      Leif drew Isabeau’s attention upwards. Did you look at the scrolled, white plastered ceiling?

      I know. It’s a wonder in artistry. I can’t wait to start photographing this place.

      She marveled at the charming collection of richly upholstered chairs and couches strategically placed around the room.

      This assignment could really put us on the map, he mused.

      Isabeau laughed. Come on, you're already on the map. How else do you think we got this assignment?

      There's lots of good photographers out there, but I'm not questioning it, he said with a laugh.

      Carved wood-paneled walls held a multitude of bookshelves. Despite the dark wood, the room had a warm, comfortable feeling. The pale yellow and orange Victorian lamps with their deep fringe emitted a mellow glow.

      I could almost think we've stepped back in time, Isabeau mused.

      Yeah, Leif agreed, it does look picture perfect, doesn't it? Some of this furniture is irreplaceable. I'm really excited to get started, to tell you the truth. If it wasn't so late --

      Isabeau laughed. Tomorrow. We start tomorrow. She ran a hand lightly over the indigo blue upholstered loveseat with its gold embossed threads. I wonder if Pierce spends a lot of time in this room? she mused. It has a well lived-in air. A large desk stood against one wall to the right of the fireplace. Several comfortable chairs, a couch, and a matching love seat had been placed to form a cozy half-circle in the center of the room. The massive fireplace had a deep, cherry wood mantle. The love seat was piled with pillows and looked very inviting, as if someone had just moved from its newly reupholstered seat. With a sigh, she settled herself among the cushions.

      What a great place to entertain.

      Leif, an open book in his hand, moved to sit on the loveseat across from her.

      Isabeau yawned, then gave a short laugh. Sorry. That long drive is catching up with me.

      You're due for a break, Leif said. You've been going non-stop since Christmas. When we get back, I’m giving you some time off.

      She laughed. Maybe you should do all the pre-shoot work for this job yourself and I’ll just go sightsee, she joked. Really, you know me; I love to work. She leaned toward him. What’s that book you’re looking at?

      One of the family albums Pierce left out. There's a bunch of them over there on the table. Isn't this him -- Pierce? -- though I'd say it was a while ago?

      Isabeau leaned forward to grasp the heavy, cloth-covered album. Several pictures had been placed under protective plastic. The one that caught her attention showed a young man, perhaps in his late teens, astride a dark horse. He had swathe of unruly dark brown hair almost covering his left eye, a thin straight nose and dark, serious eyes. Dark blue eyes.

      Hmm, very handsome. She frowned, running her finger over the picture. His mouth appeared compressed, the lips in a straight line.Though he kind of looks angry.

      Isabeau turned several pages but that seemed to be the only picture of the young man, although there were numerous shots of a woman who bore a resemblance to the young man. Perhaps his mother? She turned the pages, but the rest of the pictures appeared to be much older.

      No doubt the ancestors, she murmured. It almost feels like we’re snooping. She snapped the album shut.

      No, they were left out for us, and there's some others with old newspaper clippings inside.

      The library door opened. Isabeau lost her grip on the heavy album and it landed on the floor with a thud. Mrs. Cummins entered the room with a tray and Leif moved forward to take it from her, placing it on the coffee table next to the love seat.

      Isabeau felt embarrassed by her clumsiness, and placed the heavy album on the end table. Several pieces of paper slipped from the book and fluttered to the floor.

      She reached for them and saw they were newspaper clippings. Curious, she picked up the largest yellowed paper. Once again the young man looked out at her, expression serious, eyes dark and somehow vulnerable. Isabeau cleared her throat and turned the paper to Mrs. Cummins. She had to know. Is this Pierce when he was younger?

      Mrs. Cummins gathered up the remainder of the clippings and slipped them back in the album. Yes, that's Pierce. He was in his late teens then. The housekeeper sighed. A troubling time with his father dying and the missus, Pierce's mother, remarrying. The older woman lowered her voice. For a time it was touch and go. The missus was worried about that one. So wild, so angry, but he straightened himself out.

      So I guess you’ve known the family some time?

      I’ve been with Mrs. Morgan since she was young, then I took care of her two boys.

      Well, everything must have come out fine, Leif said. He went on to achieve all this. Pierce Morgan is a self-made man, from everything I’ve heard.

      Pierce has a one-track mind when he sets it to something. The housekeeper paused by the door. It's done him well to get him where he is today. She looked at Leif. He called a little while ago to remind me there are also some antique cameras in the roll top desk. Pierce thought you might find them of interest.

      Thank you, Mrs. Cummins, Leif exclaimed happily. It's like a treasure trove here.

      The older woman smiled.Well, Pierce thought you might like to use some of these items in your photographs. If you need anything else, just let me know.

      Thank you, Isabeau said. You've really done enough, and dinner was wonderful.

      No trouble, Isabeau.

      The housekeeper left. Isabeau looked once more at the paper clipping, then almost reluctantly slid it back in the album.

      Look at this. Leif reached over the tray to pick up another large volume, but managed to sideswipe a coffee cup, tipping it. The dark liquid streamed across the tray, splattering the book.

      Leif! He quickly pulled his hand back and she grabbed several napkins from the tray, carefully blotting the leather cover. Did you get burned? she asked.

      No. Just clumsy. He grimaced.

      I think it should be okay, she ran her fingers along its worn, gilt-edged binding. It looks pretty old. Unable to resist, she opened the heavy tome.

      I'm intrigued by what's in the desk, Leif confessed. The large roll top desk sat at an angle from them.

      Isabeau stared at the book she held. The name Morgan was boldly inscribed in raised letters on the first page. The pages crackled as she carefully brushed her fingertips across the yellowed surface, her eyes scanning the crisp paper.

      It’s the Morgan family Bible. The ink had faded to a dark brown. This is really old, she said reverently. The storm seemed to escalate outside. With a shiver, Isabeau took the book and settled once more into the loveseat pillows.

      Leif busied himself looking through the items in the desk. Look at this.

      Isabeau glanced up to see him holding two gleaming silver objects which were decoratively engraved with vines and leaves.

      He laughed, turning the pieces over. I'm not quite sure what they are. Almost looks like a mini dust pan. I'll have to find out from Mrs. Cummins.

      It's an antique crumber and blade, she said absently, staring at the items. It's for cleaning up the crumbs on the table between dinner courses. At his incredulous look, she laughed. You know my mom is obsessed with collecting antiques. We have a gold-plated one.

      He laughed. I knew there was a good reason I hired you. He held up a black box, carefully opening it to reveal the camera inside. This is turn-of-the-century.

      The original point and shoot camera. She looked back at the book in her lap. This family Bible is intriguing. She traced down the names with a fingertip. "Marriages, 1858. Catharine Hawk to Brendon Morgan. Issue of Marriage, Hawk Morgan, born 1863. Who would name their child Hawk?"

      Isabeau experienced a sharp jag of pain in her arm, then an unaccustomed weakness gripped her right hand. She shook her hand vigorously, trying to dispel the odd feeling. She turned another page, moving her finger down the parchment. Deaths. Hawk Morgan, May 19, 1894.

      Thunder boomed outside, making her jump. Isabeau looked up at Leif as he joined her.

      That storm is getting closer. He leaned in to read over her shoulder. Rain pelted the windows fiercely. Suddenly, a loud knocking erupted from the front entrance. Sounds like somebody's out in the storm. Leif stood. The knocking continued.

      I wonder where Mrs. Cummins is? He walked toward the library door. I’ll be right back.

      Isabeau nodded absently, her focus on the book’s entries. "Hawk Morgan." She felt lightheaded, almost nauseous. Standing, she put the book down, then leaned against the side of the seat as weakness pervaded her body. Not feeling well at all, she grabbed the edge of the loveseat.

      Leif.

      A crystal paperweight carved in the shape of a ship winked with light on the small side table at her elbow, wavering in and out of her focus. Vaguely, Isabeau heard footsteps.

      Rushing winds echoed around and around her head. It hurt her ears. She put her hands over her ears but it didn’t stop. The volume of cascading rain became deafening as she swayed.

      Isabeau felt frozen, dizzy, filled with the sensation of floating . . . a cushioned embryo in the womb. She was in a nothingness, yet strangely there was no fear. Vaguely she was aware of chanting, one voice and then more, soft and then louder.

      Power from light, power from heaven, power from thine own self, power of thine own worth. Bring the one who will cast chaos aside. Bring the one who will stay the turmoil. It is done. It is done, it is done.

      Something guided her through the rushing of air all around her and moved her into a deep, calming light.

      Chapter Two

      Isabeau groaned, the point of her left hip burning with pain. She lay curled in a fetal position, her head cushioned by her arms and a hard surface beneath her. She moved as the stench beneath her nose made her gag.

      Jerking upright, she gasped in fresh air. With a groan, she massaged the muscles of her thighs, then the area on either side of her hips. She felt like a pulsing mass of cramped muscle.

      Dark enveloped her. Was she blind? Memory was frighteningly fuzzy. She felt out of place. Groping with her hands, Isabeau felt a hard, uneven surface beneath her, then some type of coil. A rope? She drew her hands back hurriedly from a greasy surface.

      Disoriented, she knelt and then rose unsteadily to her feet, the pain in her temple settling to a dull throb. The air around her hung heavy and humid. Squinting, she could see a glimmer just ahead, a flickering light. She moved toward it.

      The floor seemed to tilt, then righted itself, an altogether unnerving sensation.

      Isabeau stared at the light, an antique lantern hung on a wooden peg, the metal cracked and tarnished black. She sat down and rubbed her fists across her eyes. Belatedly, she recalled the greasiness on her hands, which she could now feel on her face. She tried to wipe her eyes with the sleeve of her shirt, but her lids still felt sticky.

      A creaking moan caught her off guard and the floor shifted again beneath her feet. Frantically, Isabeau moved her palm along the wood floor beneath her, then pulled her hand back as something bit her. Not a bite. A splinter embedded in her flesh.

      Holding her palm up to the meager light, she pried it out and felt the warm trickle of blood. As it began to throb, she pressed it to her jean clad leg.

      She tried to remember something, anything, but all she could come up with was the sensation of floating. She had been at Hawk's Den for a photo assignment, but then nothing after that.

      The heavy air carried unusual odors as a brisk breeze swirled around her. Her brain churned sluggishly, unable to identify what her senses were picking up. It almost sounded like a ship on water.

      Where was she? Minutes passed, foreign sounds continued to invade her senses. Isabeau put out her hands to steady herself as everything swayed. Saliva gathered at the back of her throat. With dread, she feared she would be sick. She remained perfectly still.

      The floor continued to vibrate and then there came the sound of footsteps and men's voices. A heavy clunk, something rolled… a muttered curse.

      Isabeau backed up until she

      Enjoying the preview?
      Page 1 of 1