A Cottage for Beth

AuthorHouse™

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: 1-800-839-8640

© 2011 Connie T Downes. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 4/26/2011

ISBN: 978-1-4567-1155-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4567-1625-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2010918315

Printed in the United States of America

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

New England

I have seen New England

in all the seasons

but autumn was to me

like a religious experience.

The extraordinary beauty

of its landscapes

ablaze with autumn color

transforming the countryside

into a picturesque

magical world.

By Connie T Downes

Contents

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Dedication

To the memory of my mother who had a romantic soul with much love

Chapter 1

My name is Elizabeth. I was given my mother’s name, but I have always been called Beth. My middle name is Anne after my godmother

I am twenty eight years old I am a writer. I write children’s books. My father is English. My mother American they met when my father who is an architect was sent over to Boston Massachusetts to work on a blueprint for a new school building. They fell in love and a short time later, they were married.

We left Boston for England. When I was one year old to the beautiful house in Richmond that was given to my father by his parents when they moved to southern Spain

"One day around eight o’clock in the morning my mother knocked softly on my bedroom door and asked me if I was awake I told her that I was she opened the door. I sat up in bed and told her I was just getting up. She was holding a letter this just came in for you dear, I had to sign for it she came and sat on the bed next to me and I opened the letter with trembling fingers. Not knowing what it could be about it read. Dear Ms. Elizabeth Jones. You have been left an inheritance by a Mrs. Anne Williams. If you would be so kind to come to the address given below on this day, which was three days from the time of receiving the letter. And the appointment was for 10 AM it was signed John Brown.

My mother and I looked at each other we hugged and cried she said I was expecting this dear, but I did not want to worry you. She has been ill for some time now. Do not be too sad for her for she had a good life. She did everything she ever wanted to do, as you know, after she lost her husband. She did very little traveling after that, only to come over and see us getting the antique shop was the best thing she could have ever done for her self It helped her fill The gap in her life.

Three days later, my mother, and I left Richmond for London in her little car. We found the address with no problem we went in then went to the receptionist desk I have an appointment to see Mr. John Brown she asked me if I was Ms. Jones, and I told her that I was she then told us where to go. The door of his office was open. We walked right in There was a man standing behind a desk. He stretched out his hand to me and said John Brown, and I told him I was Elizabeth Jones, while shaking hands with him. And this is my mother, Mrs. Jones and he shook hands with her as well. Please sit down. He said, as he closed the door and then went and sat behind his desk. He opened a drawer and pulled a letter out Ms. Jones he said. I have a letter here from a Mrs. Anne Williams lawyer in Boston. She has left you her goddaughter, a cottage her dog and some money. The amount that he mentioned was quite significant. My mother and I looked at each other in amazement.

The money is already yours. It is in a Boston bank. He mentioned the name of the bank. You can have it transferred to your own bank over here. Anytime you wish, Mr. Brown said. There is a condition to the cottage before it can be yours that you must live in it for a period of twelve months. What ever you wish to do after that is up to you. And what happens with the cottage, if I do not apply with the terms? I asked him. Mr. Brown said the cottage and everything in it would be sold and given to charity. And the dog I asked him. the dog would stay with the people that are taking care of her now.

The cottage is fully furnished and is as Mrs. Williams left it. I understand it is a very nice little property. My mother then put in. It is a lovely place. My husband and I stayed there two years ago; Ms. Jones let us know what you have decided as soon as possible. So we can go forward. I can tell you right now, Mr. Brown. I will honor my godmother’s wishes. Mr. Brown said you have made the right decision my mother shook her head in agreement with him. You will be getting a letter from this office in a couple of week’s time. With further details. Mr. Brown asked my mother and me if we would like a cup of coffee. We thanked him and said that would be very nice. He asked us if we wanted cream and sugar. He got on the intercom Jackie could you please have three coffee’s with cream and sugar brought to my office is your passport in order. Ms. Jones? I told him that it was. There was a knock at the door, he said come in. a young office girl brought in the coffee on a Tray Please Jenny. Put it on the desk. He thanked her and she left, as we were sipping our coffee. Mr. Brown said I believe that you were born in Boston. Ms. Jones. I told him that I was. My mother told him I’m from Boston myself turning towards my mother a very interesting city Madam He said, I was there a few weeks ago myself. When we finished our coffee we stood up, and Mr. Brown shook hands with my mother and I and congratulated me. Then we left.

On the way home, my mother said Beth. Your father and I will have supported you in whatever decision you would have made. When Anne bought the place, it wasn’t a cottage. It was a two-bedroom house, but Anne always wanted a cottage so she had the whole place remodeled to give it a cottage look in and out. She put all modern conveniences and some lovely furniture. One of the bedrooms She turned into a den. There is a day bed, a small sofa and an antique desk with a computer on it and a television set. There is also an upright piano in the living room I’m glad that she left you her dog Ginger, as well. She will be company for you, especially at nighttime. she left me so much mother. Well dear, she loved you like the daughter she never had there is a couple that lives nearby. Mr. and Mrs. White, who takes care of the cottage since Anne bought it. There is also a garden Of course when your father and I were there. It was summer and the garden was in full bloom.

Chapter 2

Two weeks later, I was sitting on a plane on my way to Boston. When I arrived there, I saw some people holding signs. There was a very smartly dressed man holding a sign that said Elizabeth Jones I went over to him ‘I’ am Elizabeth Jones. He handed me a card that said Frank Taylor from the law office of David and Garrett he asked me if I had a nice flight I told him that I did thank you ‘I’ am here to take you to the cottage, would you like some refreshments because it is a little ways away. No thank you. I ate on the plane but I would like to call home. He handed me his phone and said, please be my guest. My mother answered the phone and she was happy. I arrived safe and sound I told her I would call her in a couple days time. I handed Mr. Taylor, the phone back and thanked him when we went outside the airport. It was raining, as we were getting in to Mr. Taylor’s car. He said I wish we had better weather to welcome you with. I love the rain I told him. When I left London it was raining as well, we both had a little bit of a laugh over this. Then he started telling me a little bit about the area where the cottage was, which is very close to Boston. Does it have a name? It is actually called Church Lane. There is a very old church that has been there forever and I suppose that is the reason they call it that. And then Mr. Taylor started telling me a little about Mr. and Mrs. White, who are continuing taking care of the property. Mrs. White will be there to welcome you I was there about a week ago and they seem like very nice people. The dog is very friendly and I think that you will like her. Mr. Taylor then told me that a few years ago. He spent three weeks in London and loved it. When we arrived, at the cottage, the door was open by a very smiling face Lady, We went inside, Mr. Taylor, and Mrs. White greeted each other then, she said to me. Welcome home, Ms. Jones. There was a nice fire going, and the dog was lying by it. Then she got up and came over to where we were Mrs. White said Ginger, This is your new owner Ginger started to wag her tail. And I patted her Mr. Taylor then said that he must be going. Do not hesitate if you need anything Ms. Jones. You have my business card, and he left. Mrs. White said, I have just finished making you some soup, dear. And there is also a salad in the refrigerator. I thanked her very much for her thoughtfulness. She then handed me her phone number. Call me any time day or night, if I can do anything for you. Before she left she told me ‘I’ will be over in the morning to take Ginger for her walk. After Mrs. White, left I said to Ginger well. It’s just you and me and I think that we are going to get on well together. And then I looked around the place. It was just like my mother said it was. I decided to take a shower. I unpacked my nightwear, after the shower. I put my nightgown on and my robe. went to the kitchen and made myself a pot of tea. While the water was boiling, I had a bowl of Mrs. Whites, delicious soup after I made the tea. I put it on a tray and took it into the living room. Placed it on the coffee table after I had two cups of tea I started to feel a little sleepy. By this time, the rain was coming down, heavy. I lie down on the sofa, the tranquility of the place, the warmth of the fire and the sound of the rain put me to sleep, I slept for almost three hours I felt refreshed. went into the kitchen and made myself a cup of tea. I decided that this is as good a time as any for me to start writing my new book. I got my laptop ready and started on my new story

The whispering cave

By Elizabeth Jones

Chapter 1

I worked on it for a good two hours. I started to yawn it was obvious that I needed to get more sleep. went into the bedroom and got into bed.

The following morning, just as I was getting up I heard a knock at the door Ginger started barking. I put on my robe, and as I got close to the door. I heard Mrs. Whites voice. It is me dear Mary. I opened the door. Good morning dear, did you sleep well? I did Thank you very much. I came to feed Ginger and take her for her walk. While she was doing that I went back into the bedroom, and started to unpack a few things. The rest I can do later went to the kitchen and put on a pot of coffee when Mary came back. I offered her a cup, no thank you dear; I need to get back home. I said to her, you know Mary you do not have to do this anymore Now that I am here, I can see to Ginger. Alright dear, you can do it tomorrow morning if you like I am thinking about going out for a walk Mary I need to find out where everything is, I will probably get lost. You will not dear, everything is close by. Mary gave me the directions that I should take and then she left. I had a cup of coffee and some toast. I put on a warm jacket and a pair of comfortable shoes and said to Ginger, I am going to leave you for a little while. I need to stretch my legs, and went out. I arrived at the center were all the stores were. I saw the little church that Mr. Taylor told me about. There was a bank, a post office; a bakery with a cake in the window that looked too good to eat it was chocolate a little grocery store and small stationery I needed to send a few cards home. I went in, got the cards, and went over to the post office to write them and mail them. As I was coming out, I saw a flyer by the door that said that there was going to be a children’s recital at the school auditorium on Saturday. I looked at the date, and it was this Saturday coming and it was at two o’clock. I will definitely go. I went to the bakery and bought the cake. When I got home Ginger was pleased to see me I took the cake into the kitchen, took off my jacket and cut myself a piece of it and poured myself a cup of coffee. After I had the cake, I went into the bedroom and finished the rest of the unpacking. Then wrote for about an hour and a half. I started to get hungry. I went to the kitchen opened the refrigerator took out the salad that Mary had made for me the day before. It was very good I really enjoyed it. I had a cup of tea and went back to more writing. I glanced at the clock on the mantle. It was almost time for Mary to come and take Ginger for her walk. And before I knew it, there was a knock at the door I opened it.

‘Hello dear, I came to feed Ginger and to take her for her second walk. She went into the kitchen; saw the cake on the counter. I see that you have been to the bakery. Yes, I said to her, I have a sweet tooth. I offered her a piece. No thank you dear, I am putting on a little too much weight. Well dear, how did you find everything? I found everything very much to my taste. I told her, I was going to ask you about the little church do they have services. No dear, they have Bible classes one or two of the rooms are used as offices that connect with a church in Boston and on Christmas morning. The children put on a play of The Nativity, and everyone sings Christmas carols. Mr. Winter plays the organ. I am looking forward to that. I told her, and then Mary left.

The next morning when I was taking Ginger for her walk I saw a man near us with a Jack Russell, Ginger seemed to know the dog and started to pull away from me. The man came close to us and we both said good morning the dogs seemed to know each other. I told him yes he said they had seen each other many of times and then he introduced himself as Dr Grant I told him mine. You must be the cottages new owner, I told him that I was and then he asked me, how you like living here so far? Very much, everyone is very friendly and I love the cottage. After walking together for a while, he told me that he knew Mrs. Williams well. And that she was a very nice lady. I am sorry that she is not around anymore, and then he said that he must be going. He said goodbye and that will probably see each other again, when he left. I said to Ginger he is a nice looking man Ginger, she wagged her tail. Probably in agreement with me.

Chapter 3

The following morning, as Ginger and I were walking I saw the doctor again. Only this time, he was driving his car. He waved at me, came close to where we were, and told me I think I should take you home. I told him that it was not necessary, because I enjoy walking. You seem to be a little ways from the cottage today. Yes, I told him I did extra walking this morning. He said you need to let me take you home look at the sky. I did, and there were some very dark clouds. We are going to have a downpour. Any minute now, he told me. We got into the car. When we got home, I offered him a cup of coffee. He accepted it. We went in, while I was seeing to the coffee. He was talking to Ginger I put everything on a tray and when the coffee was done. took it into the living room. I placed the tray on the coffee table, while the doctor was sipping his coffee he said, Mrs. Williams mentioned to me that you write children’s books. I told him that I did, you most enjoy writing then. I really do, you see doctor, there is a little girl inside every woman. And no matter how old we get part of us never really grows up. I left the room and came back with a teddy bear. See this teddy bear. My father gave it to me when I was ten years old. I was home from school with a cold. I called her honey. Not only because she is a honey color but because when I was a little girl. And I had a cold. My mother used to make me a drink with honey lemon and hot water. I have many others, but this one seems to be very special to me. I also have many dolls that I have collected over the years.

He then asked me if I had a boyfriend waiting for me back home. No I told him I had a few off and on but No one serious, what about you. I asked him. I do not have time for girlfriends lucky if I can keep a date with a girl. Many of times, I have had to cancel the date that I have made two weeks before. I would like to take you to lunch or dinner, but I do not know when, at the moment I am doing long hours at the hospital. Give me your phone number. And I will be in touch with you; he stood up then thanked me for the coffee. I thanked him for the ride home. When I opened the door, it was raining hard. I told you he said laughing and then he left. I took the tray to the kitchen. I decided to do some writing, but I could not concentrate. I went over to the piano, open the lid, and started to play a Chopin waltz Ginger seems to like the music She came over and lie on the carpet by the piano, and then I thought it was time for me to have a light lunch. I was not very hungry I made myself a ham sandwich and a pot of tea. After lunch for some reason, I felt tired and decided to take a little nap. I lie down on the sofa and slept for an hour and a half. When I awoke, I felt refreshed. So I was ready to do some writing. I wrote until there was a knock at the door. It was Mary. I opened it, she said, I brought you an apple pie, dear. I made two I thought you would like to have one. I thanked her and said that was very thoughtful of you. She went to the kitchen and put it on the counter she asked me how is everything dear. Everything is fine, I took Ginger for her walk this morning, make sure you bundle yourself up well dear, for its very cold and damp outside. I thanked her for her concern and the Apple pie, and she left.

Before I knew, it was Saturday the day of the recital. I was really looking forward to it. did my usual morning chores, and had a light breakfast. went into the bedroom I opened the closet to see what I was going to wear. It was quite a nice day a bit cold, but not too bad. The tweed suit, with one of my pretty blouses would be perfect I will wear a pair of shoes with not too high of a heel. took the suit off the hanger, put it on the bed, and the blouse as well. After that, I did some writing, stopping only to have lunch. I made a salad and a pot of coffee after that I did a little bit more writing. And then took a bubble bath and got dressed, I told Ginger. I am going to leave you for a little while. Try and not get too lonely. I gave myself plenty of time to get to the school. When I arrived there I purchased my ticket. And was given a program and was told to sit anywhere that I wanted. I looked at the program the name of all the children were there inside. It gave the age and what they were going to be performing as I sat there watching each children perform from Singers to flute players and violinist. I thought how very well, they all did. They received a good ovation from the whole audience.

There was one more little girl to perform before the intermission. I read in the program that her name was Molly. And she was eleven years old. She was going to play the Rondo from one of Mozart’s sonatas. She came on stage wearing a Very pretty, long blue dress this very cute little girl sat at the piano and started to play. As I started to listen to her for a few minutes, I thought this little girl has a lot of talent, her technique, and the passion that she put into the music was incredible!

For someone so young, I noticed that the woman sitting next to me was smiling all the time that the little girl was playing she obviously knew her, when she finished she received the most applause. Understandable, I thought, for she was great she came over to the woman that was sitting next to me and said to her. How was I mommy? You did very well Molly. I am so proud of you, and she gave her mother a big hug, she saw me looking at her and I told her. I really enjoyed your performance. Thank you I love Mozart, she said, I do as well I told her. She asked me if I could play the piano. I told her that I did, her mother. Then extended a hand to me and introduced herself as Dorothy Martin. I told her mine, Molly stared at me and said, are you, Elizabeth Jones, the famous writer? I do not know about famous but I am a writer, and I do write children’s books. Then you are her Molly said, I love reading your books. Don’t I mommy, she does her mother said, as we were talking, a young man came around to where we were sitting gave Molly a big hug and told her that she did great! Alex, Molly said to him this is Elizabeth Jones. You know the famous writer; he shook hands with me and said Alex Robinson. A pleasure meeting you Ms. Jones, very nice to meet you as well Mr. Robinson, the lights started to get dim, and he said he must go. The curtain went up. Four little girls wearing very colorful costumes. And tap shoes. Danced to a routine of the music of New York, New York. They were extremely good, all of them. And were well applauded for their effort. The curtain went down Molly left her seat. And when the curtain came up again, all the children that have been performing were on stage with smiling faces enjoying all the applause. I noticed that Dorothy had left her seat. She came back a couple minutes later she was holding a small bouquet of flowers the curtain went down. Molly came back again her mother gave her the flowers. And they were received with hugs and kisses from her daughter Alex came back and said that’s that for another year when we went outside. Dorothy said Alex I have an idea David is away this weekend. Why don’t you and Ms. Jones come to the house for lunch tomorrow? Molly said ‘Oh, Ms. Jones and Alex do come, I would love to come Alex said. what about you, Ms. Jones Alex asked me. I would love to come as well. I told them, and please everyone Call me Beth. That settled then. Dorothy said, what time do you want us to come Alex asked her. Dorothy said about one o’clock. When mother and daughter left, Alex asked me. Can I give you a ride home Beth? And I said that would be very nice. My car is over there, and how did you like the recital? Very much, I was very impressed with all the children, especially Molly. She is very talented Alex said when I got home. I asked him would you like to come in for a cup of tea. And he said I would thank you, as were walking up the door I could hear Ginger barking. When we went inside, He went over to Ginger and said to her. I seen you around haven’t I girl? I see that you have a piano. Yes, I told him and I am happy about that, because I have never been without one. Do you mind if I play something? Please do I went into the kitchen, and while waiting for the water to boil. I got a tray ready.

I could hear Alex playing one of Chopin’s waltzes, and returned back to the living room and said that such a pretty waltz, I had such a hard time learning to play it. Well Chopin’s music is not easy to play. No it isn’t I went back to the kitchen, made the tea, Put it on a tray, brought it into the living room, and placed it on the coffee table. As we were drinking the tea, Alex told me a little bit about himself that he was a schoolteacher and that he had a brother, who plays the violin, with the New York Philharmonic. I said he must be good, ‘Oh, He is he told me Alex took a bite of one of the cinnamon raisin cookies that I put on a plate. He said these are good. Did you bake them? No I told him. they taste homemade. that is