To Picture The Past Read online

  I let myself inside my little apartment, still smiling over the fun family time. At first I didn't realize I wasn't alone, and when I did sense someone, they were right behind me. I felt a splitting pain in my head, and then the world went black.

  Chapter Two

  When I woke up the pain in my head was unbearable. I tried to slide into blackness again, but I heard a soft voice urging me to wake up. There was a pungent odor right under my nose, and I turned my head to escape it, but couldn't. "No!" I ordered.

  "I think she is waking up, brother."

  "Good. She has had a nasty blow to her head, and I feared for her life," a man's voice declared, still in soft tones. I was thankful he was being considerate of my headache.

  I felt myself being lifted into strong arms. "What are you doing, brother?" I heard the same female voice as earlier.

  "I am taking this lady inside so I can properly look after her injury, Nellie. Will you run ahead and turn down the bed in the guest room, please…?"

  "I can walk," I heard myself say, but my voice sounded strange and it echoed within my head.

  "I think I had best carry you, Miss."

  I did not feel like arguing, but wondered where I was. I couldn't even recall what happened to me. "Call my sister, Gail Winters." I managed to get the words out.

  "Gail Winters…? I don't know anyone of that name, Miss. We'll figure it out once you've had some rest."

  He carried me inside, and I must have lost consciousness again. When I woke the next time I was lying in a soft, cozy bed, and I was covered by the warmest of quilts. I only knew that I was very comfortable and I didn't really want to risk setting off the head pounding again by opening my eyes.

  "Are you with us again, Miss?" I heard the same man as before and it did not occur to me to be frightened, and that was saying something for his voice. I had a frightening experience while in college; a male student broke into my dorm room and attempted to sexually assault me. I fought him with everything I had in me, and I made so much noise that I woke some of the other girls and they came running. The man who attacked me was found guilty of raping several girls on campus, and a few women in the town who had the misfortune of living within walking distance of the school. Ever since that night, I have to really trust a man before I will permit myself to be alone with him. Jason did his best to get me to move back home and commute after the incident, but I told him I had to learn to live on my own right then or he would be stuck with me for life. He assured me that he wouldn't mind that, but Gail was firm and told him that he had to allow me the freedom to make my own decisions. Of course she called me quite often after that incident, and let me know it was natural to be afraid. I eventually was able to sleep with just a nightlight burning at night, but I never went to bed without making sure the window was locked and the door to my room locked, too. I came back to the moment when he asked again if I was awake.

  "Yes, I am. Is my sister here?" I asked of him.

  "Miss, if you tell me where I can find your sister, I will send someone to bring her here immediately," he promised, and I finally risked opening my eyes to look at him. What I saw filled me with shock. The man sitting on a chair beside the bed, looking at me with such concern in his dark eyes, was very handsome. He was also not of the twenty-first or the twentieth century. His clothing placed him in the late 1800's! I quickly decided I had to be dreaming and I closed my eyes, willing myself to sleep again.

  "You need to try and stay awake, Miss. I fear you have a concussion, and my sister thinks it best to keep you awake until the Doctor arrives to have a look at you. Now, don't be afraid," he said, smiling. "Nellie is coming right back to sit with you. I sent her for a pitcher of water."

  Nellie picked that moment to return, and I took note of her hairstyle and the length of her dress. Yes, I was actually in the late 1800's, and Gail's photo had been a warning of what was to come. I tried not to panic, but when I thought of how Gail would react when she realized I was gone from her life my eyes filled with tears.

  "You are safe here, Miss. Please don't cry. Robert and I will take care of you. Do you recall what happened to you?" She poured water into the pretty basin, and then dipped a cloth into the water before wringing it out and gently wiping what appeared to be blood from my head. "You've had a nasty injury, you poor dear."

  "Nellie, our guest must have a terrible headache. She probably doesn't feel like answering a bunch of questions."

  "No, of course not," Nellie agreed, continuing to clean the blood from my hair and from what was a very sore spot on my head. "Ouch!" I winced at one point.

  "Oh, I am sorry. I am trying to ascertain whether or not you need stitches, and I fear you might." She dabbed, a bit more gently. "Why do you wear your hair so short? Does your father permit this?" she asked curiously.

  "Nellie, enough with the questions." I heard the firmness in Robert's voice and I suddenly realized that he sounded as stern as Jason. I was drawn to that tone, and knew that it was missing from most of the men I'd gone out with during college and since I began teaching. Not that I've done all that much dating. The guys were looking for sex, and I was pretty old fashioned in that department. I wanted to know that I was truly in love before I experienced that particular pleasure. Gail told me that the right man was worth waiting for, and she also told me I would know when the time was right. She confessed that she waited for her marriage night to make love with Jason, and she wanted me to have the same wonderful experience.

  "Nellie…? Robert…?" a male voice called loudly. "I'm comin' up."

  Robert went to the doorway and stepped out. "We are in here, Doctor Strand. Please come in."

  "Now what have we here?" The short, frumpy Doctor asked cordially as he entered the bedroom. "I don't believe I've met you before, young lady. What's your name?" he asked as he leaned over me to peer at my head.

  When he touched the skin around the cut I said, "Owwww!"

  "Now, I know that a girl as purty as you is not named 'Ow!'" he teased me.

  "My name is Gill Mason."

  "Gill? I'm sure your name is Gillian, now isn't it? Gill is a boy's name, and I know your parents wouldn't give you a boy's name," he said, positive.

  "I prefer Gill," I told him, telling the simple truth. No one called me Gillian.

  "Nonsense. You are too pretty to use a boy's name, and you'll not convince me to call you Gill." He held up two fingers and said, how many fingers do you see?

  "Two," I dutifully replied.

  "Now," he asked, and I tried to concentrate, but he kept moving his hand and I couldn't. "It's all right, little lady. You have a concussion, and you need to take it easy for a while."

  "Does she need stitches, Doc?" Nellie asked in concern. "No. She'll heal over and if there is a scar, her hair will hide it. No need to put her through the pain of holding still for stitches."

  He took something out of his black bag and applied it to my scalp and I jumped. It burned like hell!" "Fucking hell!" The expletive burst from my lips and I was powerless to swallow the words, and I could immediately see that I'd shocked the three people in the room. "I beg your pardon!" I immediately apologized. "I wasn't expecting the sting or the burn."

  "That isn't the only thing that will burn if I hear any more of that language in my home," Robert stated in disapproval.

  "I am sorry," I apologized once again, feeling embarrassed.

  "Robert, Gillian has been injured, and she is not herself at present," Nellie said quietly. "She did apologize," she added, defending me.

  "There is no excuse for using that particular word, ever, and if I should hear it from your mouth, little sister, I will soap your mouth and then spank you soundly while the soap is still in your mouth. Do you hear me?" he demanded.

  "Yes, Robert," Nellie whispered, her cheeks a mottled red she was so mortified.

  "Please don't scold Nellie, Robert. She has done nothing wrong." I hoped to direct his ire back where it belonged.

  "No, it was my fault," the g
ood doctor said calmly. "I should have warned you the medicine was going to sting plenty. Robert, I think our patient is going to be just fine. She needs to stay in bed until I say otherwise. Let her sleep if she wants; I know there's them what thinks a person should be kept awake with a concussion, but as long as you check on her every couple of hours and she can tell you her name, let her sleep in between. Now, Miss Gillian, you stay in this bed. I'll get word to your folks if you tell me where to find them…?"

  "My folks are all dead," I said sadly, realizing it was true. None of my family was alive at present. I was alone… and very much afraid.

  "I'm right sorry to hear that," Doc said. "Do you recall how you got that bump on your noggin?"

  "I came home and someone was hiding in my apartment. I didn't see anything. I felt a sharp pain explode inside my head, and then I woke up when Robert spoke to me. I don't know how I got here."

  "You poor child." Doc made a clucking sound with his tongue. "Well, I know you're in good hands with Robert and Nellie. You just don't worry now, and I'll send the Sheriff out in a day or two to talk to you and see if he can find out who hit you like this. Do you suppose they were stealing from you?"

  "I really don't know, Doctor." It was the simple truth. I didn't know.

  "I'll walk you out, Doc," Robert offered. I felt myself relax once the men left the bedroom.

  "You close your eyes and rest, Miss Gillian. If you need anything at all, you just ring the bell on the table, and I'll come running."

  "Thank you, Nellie. You are very sweet."

  She smiled, and then hurried from the room, closing the door softly. I felt my answering smile fade as tears filled my eyes. How on earth had this happened? The room itself would have told me I was in another century. There was no closet, but instead an attractive armoire in which to hang clothing. There was a dresser, and a vanity with a mirror and a stool. All of the furniture, in this mint condition, would cost a small fortune in the time period I just came from. There was a screen in the corner, and I knew that the commode was back there, too. What I couldn't figure out was why I was here. I didn't expect death to be like this, and I was positive I was dead to the year I came from. I didn't expect Heaven to be like this, but then, perhaps this was hell….? I was alone, and very, very frightened.

  I somehow fell asleep, and when I woke the next time it was dark outside. I was thankful that someone left a lantern turned down low on the small table next to the bed. I didn't know what I would do if there was nothing but darkness to spook me even further. I nearly jumped out of my skin when the door opened, slightly at first, then all the way once it was ascertained I was awake.

  "How are you feeling, Miss Gillian?" I heard Robert ask quietly as he stuck his head into the room.

  "I'm feeling better," I said, telling him the truth.

  "Good. I want to know how you got here…"

  "I told you what I know," I answered.

  "Are you in some kind of trouble?"

  "No."

  "I don't believe you, young lady, and one of the rules of this house is to tell the truth at all times."

  "I haven't lied to you!" If there was one thing I couldn't stand, it was to be called a liar!

  "Maybe you haven't lied, but you certainly have not told the truth. There is a difference, you know." He waited and when I said nothing, he nodded as if to himself. "Very well, then. I will give you until morning and until after the good Doctor sees you again. If he proclaims you well, then I will ask you once again. You will either tell me the complete truth, or you will quickly learn that I mean what I say. Perhaps if your bottom is on fire you will decide it is in your best interests to tell me the truth."

  I opened my mouth, ready to tell him what he could do with himself, but then remembered that I had nowhere else to go. I was alone in this world, and dependent on Robert to help me until I could help myself. I was dead to my world, and I needed his help. That knowledge helped me control my temper and my sassy mouth.

  "Nothing to say…? Perhaps you do not think I would dare take you in hand…? I assure you that is precisely what I will do if you do not give me a satisfactory answer come morning, young lady."

  He turned then and left the room, and I promptly burst into tears. I felt I was much too old to be treated like a child! I also held a masters in history… and I knew full well that in this time period many women were spanked when they misbehaved. I also knew that my brother-in-law wasn't adverse to taking Gail over his knee when he felt the need. My sister said that it was an expression of his love when he did so. I felt that love a few times when I was younger and decided to act out. Jason was never cruel to me, but he let it be known that I would obey the house rules, and any rules that Gail made for my protection and safety. He and Gail gave me lots of love, and the discipline I needed. Still, they were family, and I didn't even know this Robert person. I thought he was being presumptuous to even consider such a thing!

  But, what could I tell him that wouldn't have him thinking I was completely crazy? I didn't want to spend what time I had left to live in an insane asylum. But, if I told Robert the truth, I was sure he would have me locked away. The hours passed slowly, and I was unable to go back to sleep. At one point I got up and made use of the commode, which was indeed behind the screen. I also poured water into the basin and bathed the best I could. At some point Nellie must have taken off my shoes, and the slacks as well as sweater I wore to teach school; I was clad in a flannel cotton nightgown that covered me from just underneath my chin all the way to the floor. My toes weren't even peeking out from under the long gown, and I found it amusing. It might be old-fashioned, but it was exactly the sort of gown I wore to sleep in during the winter. I felt comfortable in the gown.

  Morning arrived and sunlight streamed in the window, filling the room with cheer. There was a tap on my door and Nellie cautiously peeked inside. She smiled when she saw I was sitting up. "Good morning, Miss Gillian. How are you feeling today?"

  "My headache is a dull ache now, and I managed to get up for a bit without tripping over my feet," I answered her, smiling. "I feel as though I could get dressed and move about."

  "Oh no!" she answered. "You stay right there in that bed until Doc comes by and examines you! Why, if I permitted you to get up, my brother would…" She suddenly stopped talking, her face turning an embarrassed red.

  "Your brother would be upset?" I asked of her.

  She nodded her head, and whispered, "He would think it necessary to punish me. And, I do not wish that."

  "It wouldn't be your fault if I decided to rise." I immediately defended her. "In fact, the only reason I am in this bed is because I couldn't find my clothing. Do you know where…?" I stopped speaking when I saw the look of guilt in her pretty eyes.

  "Robert told me to throw them in the fire. He said he would provide you with suitable clothing. Neither of us know how you came to be wearing boy's clothing, but it won't do for you to walk about town dressed in that manner. The Sheriff would put you in jail for indecency. And the women…! Why, I can just hear them saying all sorts of rude things."

  "I see."

  "You aren't angry with me?"

  "Oh, heavens no, Nellie. I know how women can be, and I think it very nice of you and Robert to look out for me in this way."

  The door opened again and this time it was Robert.

  Chapter Three

  "Good morning," he greeted both of us. "Do you think you could handle some breakfast this morning, Miss Gillian?"

  "Yes," I admitted. "I am famished."

  "That is a good sign," he said, then turned to Nellie. "Would you go and ask Ursula to make a tray for Miss Gillian?"

  "Of course," Nellie replied, and then hurried off to do his bidding.

  "Nellie is a nice young lady," I told him with a smile.

  "She is that," he agreed. "Are you ready to tell me how you got here?" he asked, reminding me of our conversation the evening before.

  "It isn't a case of my being ready to tell
you so much as a case of wondering if you are ready to hear the truth. I warn you that it won't be easy to listen to, and you probably won't believe me."

  "I see."

  "No, you don't, Robert. You think I am being difficult. I assure you that I'm not trying to be; I want to tell you, but if you don't believe me I will be heartbroken."

  "We'll discuss this after breakfast when I can be sure we won't be interrupted. I have a strong feeling that you are going to end up over my knee once the good Doctor has been here."

  "I won't permit that." I spoke up for myself. I was used to fighting my battles, and I hadn't done anything to earn a spanking.

  "You might not permit it, young lady, but if I decide a spanking is necessary, I promise you will get one."

  "You aren't being fair!" I wanted to jump out of bed and smack him a good one. "You sound like my brother-in-law when he gets all pompous!"

  "I thought you said you have no family?" The expression on his face told her that he was positive he'd caught her in a lie.

  "I don't. They are all dead at this time."

  He opened his mouth to say more but Nellie entered, carrying a tray that was laden with food, and he hurried to help her. "You should have called me and asked for help instead of carrying this all the way from the kitchen."

  "I did just fine until I reached the landing and then it grew heavy," she admitted with a little giggle, following him to the bed and helping him settle the tray where I could easily reach everything. "I wasn't sure what you liked, Miss Gillian, so there is probably more here than you will want. Don't feel you have to eat something you don't care for."

  "Thank you, Nellie. I think you are very sweet to go to so much trouble for a complete stranger." I felt tears sting my eyes once again, and wondered why I was so emotional. Then I had to chuckle at myself. Why wouldn't I be emotional? I was dead to my world, and now living in another time period, and dependent on the kindness of strangers, and one of those wanted to spank me silly because I didn't want to confide in him. I was in quite a fix.