Finding Elizabeth (2 page)

To the right of the drive set a large but
quaint carriage house, painted the same white as the main house.
There were three large sets of double doors and rows of sparkling
windows up above, where Claire imagined the hired hands had once
lived.

Releasing the breath she realized she had
been holding, Claire looked up at the house. It was three stories
tall, painted a crisp white with cream trim and windows that were
trimmed in black. The beautiful turret room that sat to the left,
made the house look majestic. The classic railing on the balcony of
the second floor seemed tiny hanging over the massive double front
door. With the dense forest and the Ozark mountains behind it, the
home was a sight to see.
I will go take a look around, but this
must be a mistake. There is no way I am the owner of this beautiful
mansion
.

The cobblestone path curved graciously
leading them to the front steps. As she turned the key and stepped
inside, Claire shivered. She had a strange sensation of deja vu,
which was odd considering she had never been to the home before
today. She was barely aware that James was speaking, but realized
he had been giving her some of the homes history.

"I'm sorry, what were you saying?" Claire
asked sweetly.

"I was just saying construction on the home
began in 1885, but was completed in 1886. It was built by the Van
Whites and it has remained in their family since that time. It is
rumored the family referred to the home as Orchard House. Named for
the apple orchards that once graced the property," James said as he
closed the door behind him.

Claire gasped as she turned her attention to
the grand entrance. The solid mahogany panels lining the walls led
her eyes to the ornate plaster molding in the center of the
ceiling. The plaster detail was lost to a beautiful scene depicting
cherubs floating through the clouds.

In the center of the entrance hall set a
table with intricately carved antique candlesticks and a generous
porcelain bowl. Beyond the table to the right was a grand curved
staircase with ornate railing that led to the second level. To the
left of the entrance was the turret room which appeared to be
decorated in a more feminine style with lace curtains and furniture
in soft florals. Beyond the entry was a short hallway and Claire
could see more rooms through the arched doorways. James continued
the tour showing Claire where the kitchen and dining room were, and
then the library.

On the right side of the library was a
beautiful mahogany desk with two French provincial chairs in front.
On the left wall was floor to ceiling shelves with books lining
every shelf. In the center of the room sat a cozy leather
Chesterfield sofa and two antique wing back chairs. The fireplace
that sat on the back wall displayed paintings of a man and a woman
framed in elaborate gold leaf with intricate flowers along the
edges. She wasn't sure who the couple was, but knew that they must
have been related to Adam. The mans hairstyle was different and so
were his clothes, but the eyes were the same as Adam's sky blue
eyes. Although there seemed to be a hardness in the mans eyes that
he did not share with Adam. The woman had soft, small features and
her hair was pulled up in a French twist. Claire could see just a
hint of a small gold comb sticking up from the back of her head.
She wore a dark colored ruffled top, with delicate buttons. Along
the neck line of her top was scalloped lace, and in the center, she
proudly displayed an oval shaped cameo. Her pretty face showed of
sadness, despite the pleasant smile the woman gracefully wore.

Coming up beside her James said, "This is
Adam's third great grandparents, Phillip and Olivia Van White. They
had the paintings commissioned by the famed artist Joseph De Camp
just before they moved here from Boston. He also completed
paintings of the rest of the family, which you will find displayed
throughout the house."

Hearing heels clicking on the wood floors
Claire turned as the older woman walked into the room. She had a
friendly round face and eyes that lit up when she smiled. Her
fading strawberry blonde hair fell in loose curls around her face
and down to her shoulders.

"Mrs. Van White, I am Janet March," The
woman said with an outstretched hand.

Smiling, Claire reached for her hand,
"Please Janet call me Claire."

Smiling kindly Janet said, "It is so nice to
meet you Claire, my husband Steve should be along any moment."

As if right on cue, the older man walked
into the room with his hand extended. Claire reached for his hand
as she introduced herself. Claire couldn't help but think of the
contrast between Janet and Steve. Janet looked sophisticated in her
crisp business suit and high heels. Her husband Steve was wearing
denim work clothes. His skin was rough, almost leathery, probably
from hours of working in the sun. He seemed quiet, almost reserved
where Janet had been warm and friendly. Thoughtfully, Steve offered
to bring Claire's luggage in and put it in her room. With that
Janet put her arm around Claire and guided her toward the
kitchen.

"I wasn't sure what you like to eat, but I
stocked the pantry and the refrigerator with the necessities. Let's
see if we can find something, I know you must be starving after
your drive."

While they ate they talked about the history
of the beautiful home and James told them stories that had been
relayed to him by his great grandfather.

As they finished their meal James, Janet and
Steve all said their goodbyes, so Claire decided she would explore
the home. As she rounded the top of the stairs she noticed a
balcony to the left that overlooked the foyer and a short hallway
that extended beyond. To the right was a longer hallway with doors
she knew must lead to the bedrooms.

Peering into the first room, it was painted
what once must have been a vibrant pink. The furniture was a rich
light cherry double bed, a writing desk, an armoire and a vanity.
It looked as though it had been untouched for more than a hundred
years. She eyed the pretty little bottles and jars that sat on the
vanity next to the hair brush and mirror set. She had seen these
kinds of jars in the antique shops she loved to frequent. Tossed
across the foot of the bed was a beautiful garnet velvet dress with
waves of ruffles and adorned with cream colored rosettes. Sitting
on top of the dress was a pair of delicate lace gloves. Claire felt
like she was intruding, but couldn't help but reach down and touch
the lace.

With a yawn she continued her search of the
second story, finding the other rooms looked just as untouched.
Like the occupants had just stepped out for the day. As Claire
entered the simple room with the single bed, she could almost
picture a young boy playing with the checkers that sat on a small
table near the window. Looking around she was struck by the thought
that this had possibly been Adam's great, great grandfather's
room.

As she continued on, near the end of the
hallway she found her suitcase sitting just inside the doorway of
the most beautiful room she had ever seen. As she looked around
Claire was overcome with emotions. This was a room fit for a Queen.
The cream colored Victorian furniture was very ornate with golden
highlights and adorned with graceful cherubs. Above the bed was the
largest bronze and crystal chandelier she had ever seen.

Claire put her few pieces of clothes into
the wardrobe. Chuckling to herself, she thought of all the times
she had seen pieces of furniture like this and dreamt of repainting
them.
Not on your life Claire, these pieces are too perfect to
be painted, distressed and put up for sale in a store.
These
are the types of pieces that a family cherishes and passes down
from generation to generation
. Feeling exhausted from the days
events and all the emotions from being back in Eureka, Claire
decided it was time to turn in for the night. Exploring the rest of
the house would just have to wait until tomorrow.

***

Claire woke the next morning feeling more
relaxed and rested than she had in months. Grabbing her robe she
stumbled downstairs to the kitchen needing to find a cup of coffee.
To her surprise Janet was a step ahead of her. The wonderful smells
took over her senses and she couldn't help but smile, "Good morning
Janet."

"Good morning," Janet said with a smile. "I
hope you don't mind but I decided I would cook breakfast for you
this morning."

"No, I don't mind at all, it smells
wonderful. Will Steve be joining us?"

"Not today, he got a call early this morning
and had to go out. A pipe froze and burst at one of the properties
and he had to go meet the plumber. This winter has been very hard
on these old buildings," Janet said with a frown.

"I'm sorry he had to go out so early in this
cold. But if it's not too much trouble I wanted to see if he would
give me a tour of the property," Claire said as she poured her
coffee.

As she pushed a stray curl behind her ear
Janet said, "I am sure he would be happy to show you around, and I
bet he will be back by lunch." With a sincere look she continued,
"I am so happy the owner of the home has been found."

Mindlessly stirring the creamer into her
steaming cup of coffee, Claire thought for a moment before
replying, "A person only dreams of owning a home like this. I keep
expecting to wake up, back in my apartment in Bentonville."
Reaching for a piece of bacon Claire said, "The home is in
excellent condition. But I noticed the kitchen and bathrooms look
like they have been updated, most likely in the 1950's. If I stay I
would eventually like for someone to restore the home and use
period pieces, but with modern conveniences."

Janet smiled as she sat her coffee down,
"Well it just so happens that I know the best darned contractor in
all of Carroll county. I would be happy to call him and see if he
could stop by and give you a quote."

"That would be wonderful!" Claire
exclaimed.

"Well I hope you stay, this poor old house
has been empty for far too long," Janet said.

Where else would I go, my lease is almost
up and it's time for me to get back to living my life
. Smiling
Claire said, "Yes, I am staying, at least for the time being."

"Wonderful, I will give Daniel a call
today," Janet exclaimed. "Now tell me about yourself."

"Well there's not much to tell. I have lived
a pretty simple life. I was born in Oklahoma, but adopted at birth
by a family from Bentonville. My childhood was great, and my
parents made sure that I was given every opportunity," Claire
said.

"My father passed away when I was eight and
my mother just remarried. She is off traveling around the country
with her new husband. He's a great guy, but there have been so many
changes in my life lately. It just seems like everything I loved is
gone."

"How so?" questioned Janet.

"I... I am sorry, I just presumed Mr. Allen
had told you." With a far away look and damp eyes, Claire said, "I
lost my husband Adam in a car accident last summer."

Reaching over to pat Claire's hand Janet
said, "Oh dear, he didn't tell me. I am so sorry. You poor thing,
and then your mother remarried?"

Claire smiled, as she remembered her mothers
wedding day, "Yes, she remarried just a few months ago. I have been
so restless, like I don't belong anywhere."

With a smile Janet said, "Well dear, I think
you have found a place where you belong."

"I will admit it is tempting to stay and try
to make a life here in Eureka, but I am not sure what I want to do.
My best friend and my mother have been wanting me to resume classes
to finish my degree," Claire said.

"Oh, what degree is that?" Janet asked with
interest.

Claire sat down the coffee cup she had been
holding, "At the time of the accident I was in the last year of my
masters program. My degree is in history and I hoped to become a
historian, but my dream was to open an antique shop. I just lacked
a few classes, but I cannot seem to focus anymore. I've had
nightmares my entire life but after Adams death they have become
much worse. There is just no way I can focus on school right
now."

"Well dear," Janet quipped. "Maybe you just
need a change of scenery. Eureka Springs is a wonderful town. I
know if you give it half a chance you will love living here and
maybe you could finish your degree online. You know, you own a
building that would be perfect for an antique store. The current
tenants are moving out at the end of February. I can show it to you
now if you don't have any plans."

"That is perfect. I can be ready in about an
hour," Claire said as she gathered the dishes. "Thank you for
breakfast, everything was delicious. I hope you will let me repay
your kindness. I would love to cook dinner for you and Steve
sometime."

Standing, Janet reached for the carafe, "It
was my pleasure cooking for you. Steve and I would love to have
dinner with you, it would give us all a chance to get to know each
other better."

***