seasonsearlyspring

Early Spring

The House of Four Seasons

By Atonia Walpole

Part 1:

Toni bundled up and ran out to the edge of the cliff. It was! It was the Surprise at the end of January. She didn’t question how Jack could come in winter. She was just glad to see him, The wind was brisk coming off the ocean and her face was freezing, especially her wet eyes that she wiped on her coat sleeve. She watched as they trimmed the sails, bringing about. The whole thing of anchoring seemed to take forever.

At last a boat was lowered and she waited until she saw that dark blue greatcoat before crunching through the snow to the cliff path. How would he ever make it up? The path was covered in snow. She decided not to try and go down. Sometime later she saw the top of his hat as he ascended the path. He came alone, leaving the crew on the beach. She didn’t know whether anyone would follow him or not, but as soon as he cleared the path and reached level ground, she was in his arms.

“Jack!” she cried. “Jack!”

“Toni, my God, Toni!” He moved her through the snow to the back door

Once inside he began removing the layers of clothing, his hat, his great coat, another coat and he was down to his uniform. Toni peeled off the down coat she had on and her muffler and knit hat. Her hands were frozen and she put them under her armpits to warm while he removed his coats.

Millie came in with them and was now winding around his ankles.

“You’re near frozen, girl! Come here.” She was in his arms again, her cold face against the rough wool of his coat.

He moved her to the living room in front of the fire, then standing her away from him he looked at her face.

“I came as soon as I could, Toni. Let’s get a warm drink and you can tell me what is happening.”

A coffee service appeared on the coffee table and warmed by the fire, Toni poured them out a cup and sat down beside him on the sofa.

“I’m so glad to see you." She started crying despite her efforts.

“Oh, my pet, no…no!” He held her to him until she started to talk.

“I’m sorry. It’s been so horrible. I tried. I really tried, Jack. I’m sorry to have called you back so soon. I know it’s not your time. I’m sorry.” She was a mess.

“John is not here. I understand he left soon after he arrived. Is that what has you so upset?”

“It’s more than that, Jack. He did leave the day after he arrived. We talked. He wanted to talk about it. I decided in the fall that this was going to be my last year here, that I would by the end of the year take someone out with me. You know I can’t keep this up ,not now, now that I know what’s coming. I just can’t. In the end it was his decision. He has children. I couldn’t take him away. He couldn’t not have that in his life. I understand him, Jack. He left and I’ve been alone since. I’m not good, Jack, not good at all.”

“I can see that.” He looked at her left hand, noting she was not wearing John’s ring. Perhaps that was what allowed him to come or perhaps it was her need. He picked up his coffee and had a drink. “I’ve come early, Toni, and I myself am not sure why this was allowed,, but I am here. I will stay here as long as you want me to.”

“Thank you, Jack.” She looked into his eyes. “I need you to help me sort this out, help me get my feet back on the ground. Somewhere I lost it. I called everybody and Terry answered, Max called me back, and you came.”

“Well, I don’t think you should attach any special significance to the fact that I came. I was able to do that. I’m glad I did.”

“I’m thinking I made a big mistake. I was so sure in the fall I wanted to do this. I hadn’t counted on losing John like that. It happened so fast. I’m not sure I am over it. I don’t know what I am.”

“It sounds to me like you are very confused. You need some time to sort through this, Toni. I understand your wanting to end it. Once you understood exactly what had happened to you and what was going to come I knew it would only be a matter of time before you would be wanting to get on with your life and chose a lifemate.”

“I think I’ve gone about it in the wrong way. I’ve done something wrong. I’ve been here by myself since December 2^nd”

“You said you talked to Terry and Max?”

“I called them one day. I tried to call you but you were out of the service area. Max didn’t answer and Terry did. He tried to calm me and talked sense. I went to spend Christmas with my Auntie. I’ve tried reading and listening to music. I’ve tried going out and then the snowstorm hit and I couldn’t get out. Max couldn’t talk very long but he did tell me to visit my Auntie and find something to do. I’ve tried, Jack. I can busy myself but mentally it’s not working.”

“So John is out of the picture?”

“Yes. I tried to call him and got no service. He’s back in Mystery. He doesn’t know me anymore. His room locked the day he left. He’s gone…gone.”

“I am very sorry for your loss. I know what he meant to you, perhaps as much as anyone did.”

“You always seem to come and pick up the pieces. Have you ever come when I wasn’t in some peril?”

“Last year, but then you were afraid of me, so I can say, no, I have not come when you were right.”

“But you came, Jack, when I needed you. You came to me.”

“Perhaps my situation is different. I’m sure your other seasons would have come if they could.”

“I’m not so sure about that. I know where Max is. He’s probably quite happy and was surprised, I know, to get a call from me...” She couldn’t help it, thinking of him in another woman’s arms.

“Don’t cut him short, Toni. It’s not his fault. As for Terry…he works in a very perilous environment. It may be that he could not come to you, for I believe he would have.” Jack shifted on the sofa and his sword scraped the floor. He looked down, adding, “If you don’t mind, my pet, I think I should like to divest myself of weaponry. I don’t think it is required at present.”

“I’m sure your room is open.”

“Come with me then.” He got up, extended his hand and she followed him up the stairs.

He removed his weapons and his coat, turning, smiling at her. “Much better.”

He walked over to where she’d sat down in a chair and pulled her to her feet, put his arms around her, and kissed her. “I do think, my little pet, that you require a little tenderness. This has been an unpleasant time for you here alone in this house.”

“You’ve always been there for me ,Jack, when I needed you…always.”

“Not always…it’s taken me more than a month to get here.”

“Where were you or can you say?”

“Gibraltar.”

“You seem to inhabit both worlds, yours and mine. I wonder how that is possible? It is different with the other seasons.”

“I’m not sure I can answer that. Perhaps it is the magic of this place. I’m sure I am not the first Captain to climb that cliff path.”

“I’m sure you aren’t. I know, for instance, that many women have stood on that cliff and watched their lovers sail away, some never to return. I have been fortunate that mine has.”

“I think the fortune is mine.” He ran a finger down her face and lifted her chin for a soft and tender kiss.” Toni’s arms went around his waist. He picked her up and deposited her in the middle of his bed. “How long have you been alone, two months?”

Toni smiled and began pulling the thick sweater over her head.

Part 2:

“I do love you, Jack.”

“And I love you, pet, but I hope you are not pinning your hopes on me.”

Toni shifted slightly against him. “No…I already know I can’t take you out. One can’t hold water in the hand for long.”

“Hmm, I would if you insisted.”

“I’m sure you would but I couldn’t do that to you. I know what your ship means to you. I’ve stood on her decks and felt her breathing beneath my feet, felt her movements in the wind. She has you like no other ever will.”

He smiled slightly. “You are very perceptive for a land animal.”

“But I can lean on you and I can love you and put my trust in you to lead me in the right direction.”

He kissed her softly. “I will not lead you to a life mate. That is for you to decide.”

“I should have slipped your ring on my finger.”

“It’s too late now.” He kissed her again. “I have broken the rules of magic and taken myself out of the running for a life mate.”

“You knew…but it doesn’t matter now, does it? Oh, Jack, just hold me close and love me.”

“I will do that.” He brushed his lips across hers. “I will be your lover.”

And so began a time of love and healing for Toni. Jack in his masterful way loved her and strengthened her. Through the cold blustery month of February, he entertained her with tales of his exploits, with his music and his poetry reading. She would close her eyes and listen to his voice as he read to her. More than once she thought she could live with this forever. He was a balm to her injured heart. He restored her and made her whole.

He encouraged her laughter and free spirit but did not discourage her quiet moments. She had much to think about. It was mid-April and Max would be arriving in a month and a half. He, keeping to his word, did not voice his opinion on either one but he listened to her voice her fears and concerns about Max. She had barely mentioned Terry and that did intrigue him.

“So, my pet, it has come down to Max and Terry. You said you talked to Terry in December. What did he say to you?”

“He told me to do normal things, go shopping, read, listen to music and…to keep his love warm. That was the last thing he said to me when he left in November.”

Jack raised a brow. “And did you?”

“I tried to read. It would distract me for awhile…”

“Did you keep his love warm?”

Toni’s eyes widened. “Yes.”

“And is it still?”

“Yes.”

“Have you not made your choice? Do you not think this is what John felt when he arrived? You said he sensed something that was not there before.”

“I…no…I…what are you saying…that I have already chosen Terry?”

“I am not saying…but if you have, then why have Max here? He will also sense the same thing. It would be upsetting to both of you, a repeat of winter perhaps.”

“Max is very strong in me. I have loved him…” Tears sprung in her eyes and she bent her head, biting her lip. “Truth is, Jack, I would take them both out if I could. I have never talked to Max about his other life, his other world. I don’t know how strong it is. I’m almost afraid to ask him. I don’t want to know…I have to talk to him.”

“Max does not know that you are taking one out?”

“I did tell him when he called me but he didn’t answer that. I’m not sure he heard me and if he did and chose not to comment…you see why I need to talk to him. I have to know. I think I owe him that.”

“It is not necessary for you to explain your actions to Max. Consider this, if his other world is not strong, if he has no qualms about giving it up for you, what will you do with this love of Terry’s that you are keeping warm? You cannot have both.”

Toni walked to her balcony and opened the door. It was raining. She stood in the doorway and turned. “I wish I had never come here.”

“Be that as it may, you are here and have been for six years now. Had you known then when you decided to stay what you know now perhaps things would have been different for you. We cannot go back, Toni, and change things as they are now. You must choose between the two.”

“He loves it here, Max, this is his home when he is here with me. He once said to me he had a dream of setting me up in a house on Beacon Street in Boston and filling the house with children, but it was only a dream. He could make that a reality. He knew that when he said it because he knew the significance of the ring he’d given me. He knew what was coming. Terry said Max was the only one who didn’t want me to know the whole of the magic, that I would have to choose.”

“I would not have told you the truth of it, at least not yet.”

“But you did. You told me the rest of it, what Terry didn’t tell me. I think what bothers me about Max is that he wants it both ways. He likes coming here. I know he loves me, but he could go back to his other life, to his other woman, when he left me.”

“If that is so, why did he give you the ring? He didn’t have to do that, you know.”

“I have to talk to him…oh, I wish he were here now to get this settled once and for all. I have months ahead of me. What am I going to do?” Toni was working herself up into a state and Jack came over to her, putting his arms around her.

“You do not have to decide anything today...but if you wish, Toni…I can summon him. I would give you the privacy of say…the library. You cannot take him to bed but you can talk to him. Are you prepared to do that?”

Toni straightened up. “Yes, I am.”

“I would speak with him first, if you don’t mind, and tell him why he has been summoned.”

“Yes, please. I would like for you to do that.”

Toni went into the library and closed the door. Jack waited in the living room by the fire. Soon the front door opened and Max came in.

“Jack?”

“In here, Max. Do come in. We need to talk for a moment, if you don’t mind.”

“Is something wrong? Has something happened to Toni?”

“No, no, but something is happening you should be aware of.”

Max lay his jacket over a chair and sat down. I received a message from her and talked with her early December. I am aware John left her. Is that what this is about?”

“Did she not tell you she was going to take one out this year? This is the last year in this house, Max.”

“She did but I was not in a position to discuss anything with her at the time.”

“I do understand how it is for you when you are not here, however she was in quite a state. I arrived the end of January and it’s a good thing I did. I’m not sure she would have been here in March.”

“I had no idea it was that bad,, Jack. What in bloody hell happened with John?”

“He spent one night with her evidently sensed something was afoot, and confronted her with it. In the end his other world, his children to be exact, took precedence above Toni. She said it took him about five minutes to leave.”

“My God!” Max ran his hand over his face. “What a bloody thing to do.”

“I don’t agree with what he did but he may have been right. He didn’t want to be with her knowing he wasn’t the one she was going to take out. It was his decision, not hers.”

“Has she decided then? Is that why you called me?”

“No, she has not, but you should know I have taken myself out of it. I’m afraid I broke a magic rule. It was not my season when I came. We did, however, reach the conclusion separately and together that I was not the one to be taken. It’s come to you and Terry and there are some things she wants to talk to you about. She has questions and rather than have her upset for the next few months I thought it wise to have those questions answered now. She is in the library waiting for you. Max, be honest with her. If you are going to let her go, do it now whilst I am here.”

Max got to his feet, looked at Jack a moment, then went to the library and opened the door. Toni was standing at the far end next to the French doors that led outside. She turned when the door opened.

“Max, you came.”

“Yes, I did, darling. I had no idea how bad things were for you. I apologize for not listening to you as I should have.” He went to her and put his arms around her.

“Thank you for that. I’m past that now thanks to Jack, but I am still not at ease. He’s told you what I am doing this year? I have to make a decision now that I’ve put this thing in place. I wish to God I had never started it…years ago. But here we are and there are some things I have to know, Max.”

He took her hand, leading her to the sofa to sit down. “What do you want to know, love?”

Toni took a breath. This wasn’t easy. “I want to know why you gave me a ring first of all.”

“Because I love you. I wanted to bind you to me.”

“But you knew in doing that that this time would come.”

“I didn’t think it would come so soon, but as it has, what is it you wish to know?”

He still held her hand and she laced her fingers through his. “I want to know if you meant it when you said you’d put me on Beacon Street with a house full of children. That could very well be a reality now. I want to know if you are prepared to leave this place, the magic, your other life, never to go back there again, to go out into the world with me and build a life, the two of us?” She bit her lip

He did not answer her immediately and she dropped his hand and stood up. He pulled her back down. “Don’t take my hesitation as a no. There is much to consider. I love you, Toni.”

“I know you do but that isn’t enough, is it? You like the magic and this place. I can’t go on year after year waiting for the final bell to come at time that might be more devastating than one of my choosing. I love you, too, Max. You have no idea how much I never want summer to end when you’re here.”

“I do love this place, this house and the grounds. It’s all part of you.”

“I have a place in Virginia, a large house, the one my Mamam left to me. It’s quite elegant with a pool and a tennis court. It’s not on the ocean but there are trees and trails I used to run when I was a girl. I never showed you the papers that came. There’s a picture of the house.” She jumped up, ran over to the desk and picked up the envelope.

“I’ll find the picture.” She dumped the contents out on the sofa. “Terry said you should invest for me, that you were good at making money. It’s just sitting there in the bank right now, drawing interest.”

“You showed this to Terry?”

“He asked to see it. Here it is, the picture.” She handed it to him.

He glanced at the picture. “It is a nice house…Toni…”

“I have a lot of money…” she stopped. Quietly she said, “It’s not a French chateau. It’s in Virginia, not Provence…and I’m not Fannie.”

“Toni…don’t do this.”

“I’m not the one doing anything, am I?”

“No, I am. I don’t know about Virginia, Toni, but I do know this. You are everything to me. There is nothing in my other world that I would put above you. It would be quite a transition for me to go out in your world.”

“It will be my world again. Right now I’m caught up in magic. It wouldn’t be that hard, Max. You’ve been out there. You get on fine. You could find work without a problem with your experience and by investing what I have now we would be okay for awhile.”

Max looked down at the papers, absently stacking them back up, and saw the two receipts for a deposit and transfer of fund. He picked them up with a quizzical look on his face. Scribbled on the bottom of one of the receipts was, “If I never see you again, this is yours. I do not need it. If I do, it’s yours.” He looked at the receipts, Terrence Thorne.

“Did you know about this?”

“What is it?”

“Terry has given you quite a large sum of money.” He handed her the receipts and watched her when she read the note. He felt tears in his eyes and blinked them away, the pain in his heart not so easily gotten rid of. He looked into her eyes as she looked up.

“Oh…oh,” she began to cry.

He set the papers on the other side of him and pulled her to him, holding her, looking past her to the French doors. The bloody Aussie. “He’s good, Terry…Toni, I think he has you,” he said softly.

“Oh, Max…I didn’t know.”

Jack was pacing. Max had been in the library for a long time. He’d promised her privacy but…he heard the door open and close and turned. Max stopped by the chair and picked up his jacket. The man looked like he’d taken a blow.

“Max?”

He looked up and smiled slightly. “She’s going to be fine, Jack. She’s made her choice. Thanks for calling me in. I would have hated to arrive here for summer full of expectations. Our brother Terry is a smart man. She just told me about the time he spent with her, going into her past, getting to know her as she was before she came here. He’s also given her a large sum of money. She didn’t know until I found the receipts. He did his homework and now…he’s won the prize.”

“I’m sorry, Max. This must have come as a surprise to you.”

“Yes, well, I should have known. I didn’t play my cards right, didn’t see it coming. I’m sure she’ll be happy with him. He loves her.” He pressed his lips together. “So I shall be off. Jack, it’s, ah, been quite an experience.”

“Yes, it has, and it’s come to an end. Max, you’ll be fine. At least you have something to go back to.”

“Yes, I have that. Goodbye, Jack.”

The door closed behind him and Jack went to the library. Toni was by the doors with her arms wrapped around herself. He walked over to her and put his arms around her.

“You were right, Jack. I guess I had made my decision. I made it last fall but I wanted to make sure. I don’t think Max was ready for this. Oh, but I have loved him!” She caught herself in a sob. “I loved him so! Oh, God, I did!”

“I think you need a day at least to reconcile to your decision and then I will summon him and I will leave. You can take your time, all the time you need before you leave here with Terry.” He turned her in his arms. “I will tell you now I think you have made a wise choice. I’ve always liked Terry and respected him as a man and as a soldier.” He wiped her tears with his thumb. “I will tell you something else. I, too, have loved you. I still have that jade and, if you will permit me, I should like to keep it.”

“Of course you may keep it!, I’ve loved you, too, Jack. I will never forget you.”

“Would it be improper for me to kiss you?”

“No.” She lifted her face and received his kiss.

“You will move to your room tonight and as an extra protection against a randy sailor, place his ring on your finger.”

Toni smiled, “I’ll do that.”

He backed away and smiled, “You are a wise woman. I am very happy for you, Toni, and wish you and Terry all the best there is.”

“Thank you for all you have given me. I wish you luck, too, and I shall think of you often aboard your ship.”

When Toni woke the next morning in her bed she walked to the balcony and opened the door. The rain had stopped and the sun was out. In the distance she saw a flash of white sail. The Surprise was coming for Jack. She dressed quickly, not stopping for her usual cup of coffee the house had provided by her bed, and ran down the stairs. He was on the terrace, watching his ship's progress.

“She comes for you, your mistress,” she smiled up at him.

“Yes, my mistress.” He slid his arm around her waist. “I should say my other mistress for you have filled that capacity quite well.”

“We have been lovers and I am glad.” He looked down at her and she didn’t wait for him but put her arms around his neck and kissed him hard.

“I should make ready, else I will have a jealous husband to contend with.” He released her and went back inside for the winter coats and wraps and weapons he’d worn when he arrived.

He kissed her again, softly, before descending the cliff path to the shore and the waiting boat. Toni ran to the bench and stood watching him as he boarded his ship. She could hear the orders being shouted about and soon the ship was under sail. She turned finding Millie watching with her and petted her.

“Oh, Millie, we have much to do! We’re going to move, you know. Have I ever told you about the house in Virginia…?”

ON TO ALPHA & OMEGA

BACK TO SNOW MELT

BACK TO INTO FALL

BACK TO SUMMER SEASONINGS, PART 1

BACK TO SPRING LOVE BLOSSOMS

BACK TO PART 1 OF WINTER SOLSTICE

BACK TO BONFIRE OF THE HEART

BACK TO ETERNAL SPRING

BACK TO THE HEART IN WINTER

BACK TO AUTUMN PASSIONS

BACK TO A YEAR OF SUMMER