I dropped the box onto my bed and started rummaging through the contents. After resolving to assist Salem, as much for my benefit as his, I realised that I would need to look the part if I was going to be going back through the grandfather clock. I had therefore taken one of the boxes my Dad had found in the attic to my bedroom in order to find some suitable clothing. As I dumped the contents over the bedcovers I was startled by a voice just behind my shoulder.531Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIj2wHwNWgH
“What are you doing?”
I continued my searching, lifting out various garments in order to inspect them in the light streaming through the window, determined not to appear flustered by his appearance. I had not seen Salem since this morning when I had flatly refused to help him and I anticipated that this meeting might be slightly awkward.
‘I’m looking for something to wear. If I’m going to the twenties I can hardly show up looking like this.”
If Salem was at all surprised by my change of heart he didn’t show it.
“Why don’t you wear the dress in the photo?”
I shrugged my shoulders.
“Maybe another day. Besides, that dress looked more suitable for the evening. I need something more ‘daytime’…and I think I might have found it.” I lifted up a cream, silk blouse with a peter-pan lace collar and tight sleeves and a knee-length, beige skirt with dark brown buttons running down one side. Salem took them both in, a frown crossing his face.
“It’s too pale.” He said at last. “You wouldn’t stand out at all. You need to add some colour.”
“I’m not trying to stand out,” I said, “And since when were you an expert on women’s fashion.”
He raised his eyebrows.
“Just my opinion. How about those? Liven things up a little.” He pointed towards a tangle of necklaces that lay on the bed. They were made of large, colourful beads and were certainly lively. I managed to separate a few of them and choose one consisting of small, black pearls and one that was made of shiny gold beads alternated with red beads in the shapes of roses.
“Fine.” I conceded.
“You’ll need shoes as well, and a hat.”
“I know that!” I had already found a pair of shoes my size in another box downstairs. They were a dark brown with a small heel, a round toe and a strap across the upper foot. I looked around the items on the bed for a suitable hat, but found only one. It was a cloche hat in a pale yellow with a black ribbon running along the bottom.
“Ok, that’s everything. I’ll get dressed and then you can let me know what you think.”
“Ok.”
We continued to look at each other until Salem finally glanced away, a small blush crossing his cheekbones.
“Right, well, I’ll give you some space.” He walked through the door into the hallway and I suppressed a laugh. Quickly, I ditched my twenty-first century clothes and donned the vintage apparel. I had to breathe in quite a bit in order to successfully button everything down but overall I thought the final effect was good. I took in my reflection in the mirror and called out to Salem.
“Salem-I’m ready.”
Instantly, he returned through the door. He started momentarily when he saw, his eyes roving up and down my figure.
“You look great,” he said, a strange tone to his voice. For some reason I felt embarrassed and turned away, feeling a warmth come over my own face. I cleared my throat, trying to sound unaffected.
“I had better be going. I’m guessing I can only get away with wearing this for a little while longer before I need to dress for dinner.” I smiled but it felt forced. Despite wanting to do this and wanting to help Salem I was still afraid of what might happen.
“Thank you for doing this.” Salem came closer, raising his hand as if to place it on my shoulder before dropping it to his side once more. “It, really means a lot.” He hesitated. “What changed your mind?”
“I spoke to someone today,” I admitted. “She was very helpful. She told me that, maybe the reason you are here, and that you can’t remember anything, is that you had a traumatic life or death that you need to learn about before you can move on.”
Salem nodded, not probing any further. I took a deep breath.
“If I go back, I maybe able to find out more about you. Your life and your, “ I swallowed painfully, “death. There must be a reason this house is important to you. We know the McClaire family moved to America eventually-and you certainly sound American-so perhaps there’s a connection there. I might be able to ask some questions and get some useful information.”
“Do you think this will work?” Salem sounded painfully optimistic and my heart gave a little squeeze.
“I hope so.” I whispered.
“Thank you Lacey. Thank you for caring enough.”
Our eyes met, then held briefly. I looked away, suddenly eager to be out of this room.
“Ok, lets get this show on the road.”
....531Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLMRZSmThD
The grandfather clock stood in front of us, still and silent as ever. I had managed to concoct what I hoped was a plausible cover story for when I emerged on the other side, but I was still nervous.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Salem asked.
“Yes, I’m sure.”
“I’ll wait here, until you come back.”
“Thank you.” I opened the compartment of the clock and crawled inside.
“Lacey, be careful,” I heard as the door to the compartment closed. I waited a moment before opening the compartment door once more and emerging again into 1924.
Thankfully the hallway was once again deserted. The doors were closed and I could hear no obvious sign of life. I brushed the dust off my skirt and quickly ran over to the stairway. It was key that I made it to the front door without anyone seeing me. I made my way down the stairs, still managing to avoid anyone. As I came out onto the lower hallway, where my present day bedroom was located, I spied a couple of maids carrying neatly folded sheets into one of the bedrooms. I hid next to a cabinet displaying plates and vases until I was sure they were gone. So far so good.
I tiptoed to the next set of stairs leading down into the main hall. Still no other inhabitants emerged. I was nearly there. Checking that no-one was waiting in the hall I quietly ran down the steps, constantly checking for any signs of people being nearby. The main entrance was in front of me. If I could just make it over there I would be fine.
The main hall was long with many doors leading off from it. I could be spotted at any minute. I ducked my head down, even though that was really of no help, and ran as fast as my heels would allow me to the main door. They were both heavy and difficult to open. I just managed to open one wide enough to allow me to squeeze through. At that exact moment I heard a sudden explosion of noise behind me-doors opening and closing and voices rising in volume. I squeezed through the door, feeling it close behind me. I started to run down the stone steps leading from the door to the driveway when I noticed part of my skirt was stuck between the doors. I tugged the fabric violently but in the process somehow managed to loose my footing. I felt my feet slip from the stone steps and find nothing but air. I gave a small cry as I took a rather painful and very ungraceful tumble down the steps, landing in an undignified heap at the bottom of the steps.
“I have to say, there’s never a dull moment at the McClaire Manor.” In my dizzy state I heard a voice coming from above me. It was male, with a strong American accent. But it was also disconcertingly familiar. “Are you OK Miss?”
I twisted my head and looked up into the stranger’s face, suddenly realising that he wasn’t a stranger at all. I continued to stare, open-mouthed, unable to form any coherent words.
“Hey, Miss, are you OK?” Salem asked.
