THE HOUSE OF FOUR SEASONS

   By Atonia Walpole

Part 1 of FALL (Maximus)

It had been a hard week for Toni alone in the house. She had gone out to the rose garden and cut the last of the white roses, keeping them on her bedside table. The bedroom at the end of the hall was under construction and she welcomed the sound. The house was getting ready for fall. Sunflowers filled the vase in the living room, the air once again smelled of apples and cinnamon. The summer wreath on the door was replaced with twigs. The forest was dressing in bright reds and golden yellows. Toni spent her days walking, writing and thinking.

It was on a sunny cool day the first of September when she found herself walking up the dirt road past the stables. Fields of wheat surrounded the road and she stopped, looking across the field toward the forest, not believing at first but knowing it was him. Her hand went to her mouth and she fell to her knees.

Maximus came through the wheat field and seeing her drop to her knees he suppressed a smile, but it remained in his eyes when he came to her.

“You may rise,” he said. “I am not a god but a man.” He held out his hand to her

Toni was overcome. He was magnificent. Maximus tilted her chin up and smiled. “I’m sorry. I just…you are so…” she sputtered.

Maximus looked away then back at her, still smiling. “Either you will stand or I will go to my knees with you, Toni.”

“Oh, yes, sorry.” She regained her feet. “I thought you might come today.”

“And so I have, and here you are to meet me.” He was dressed in his General’s armor and tunic. “Have you walked?”

“Yes, do you mind?”

“Not at all. It’s a good day for walking. I see my horses have not arrived yet,” he observed as they passed the stables.

“Your horses? Oh, but of course you would have them.”

“They will come in time. You’ve been alone for a week?”

“Yes, I have…Max left a week early. It was what he wanted to do.”

“I understand and perhaps it was for the best, don’t you think?”

“Yes, it was.” She bit her lip and watched her feet as she walked, conscious of him beside her.

“We will soon reach the house and I will change out of this costume. Perhaps then you might look at me as we talk.”

Toni blushed. “I’m sorry. I think I am a bit in awe of you.”

“You shouldn’t be, and please do not be sorry on my account again. I have been well informed about you, Toni.”

“Good, then I don’t have to explain myself to you.  Did I say I am  so glad you’re here?”

Maximus smiled again. “I believe you have.”

They reached the house and he opened the door for her, saying he was going to change and would be down in a moment. Toni hugged herself and walked through the now-Spanish dining room and out into the rose garden. There were still a few roses blooming, yellow and red. She picked a yellow one and sat on the bench waiting for Maximus. It was very quiet, with only the sound of the wind rustling the trees and birds calling to each other.

Maximus found her in the garden. He’d changed into gray slacks and a blue pullover sweater. “Now, Toni, you see I am a mere mortal.”

She wouldn’t have called him a mere mortal. He still had that presence. “At least you look more comfortable…Maximus.” She had wanted to say 'sir'.

“You look beautiful with yellow roses. They suit you.” He sat down beside her.“This must be Jack’s garden?”

“It is. It appeared when he did. I guess you know why he came?”

“I do and feel badly for you, Toni. It’s been an emotional year full of love and loss. I hope I won’t add to your sorrows.”

Toni smiled, “I expect you will. I have no regrets, Maximus, for what I have experienced here. At least I have known. Do you understand what I mean?”

“Oh, yes, what is it they say...‘better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?”

“You would know that, wouldn’t you, but, yes, I think that’s true. Would you like a drink or snack or something? It will be awhile before dinner. You dine later, am I right?”

Maximus smiled, “I think you might find something prepared in the kitchen. Shall we go in?”

The house, knowing Maximus so well, had prepared a tray of appetizers and a bottle of wine.

“You are well known here, I take it?” she asked as she sat down at the island.

“One of the first to visit and I find myself back here frequently.”

“Do you ever tire of it?”

He smiled broadly. “No, I find it quite fun actually.” He noticed she blushed. “As you have no doubt enjoyed it as well.”

“I have, “she smiled, “as I am sure you know already.”

“Interesting that you asked for me in fall, the last season.” He nibbled on a toast round.

“It’s special, the last season. I wanted someone special.”

“Thank you,” a small smile. He caught her eye across the island and held it for a minute before looking down at his wine glass. “I hope to meet your expectations.”

Toni’s eyes widened. Was there ever a doubt? His being here was enough. Suddenly she felt shallow. He wasn’t…he was more than that…did he think…?

“I’m honored that you are here, Maximus.”

He turned his eyes up at her. “You honored me by calling me, Toni. I assure you the pleasure is mine.”

She felt a nervous fluttering in her chest and blinked her eyes. He was going to seduce her. She noticed the way he moved, his hand resting on the island, the wine glass turning in his hand, his body resting against the side of the island. He was very sensuous. Does he do it deliberately? No, he doesn’t. His movements are unconscious. It’s just who he is

“You’ve caught me speechless. I’ve forgotten what I was going to say.”

“Words are not always necessary.” Slow smile, eyes hooded.

He knows me too well. “You’re right, of course. The wine is Spanish?”

“No, it’s from Italy. Are you enjoying it?”

“Yes, I am. It’s very nice.” She managed to sip without spilling or choking. He had unnerved her.

“I believe your cat wants in. Millie, is it?”

“Yes, Millie. She goes out now. I don’t know where she spends her days.” Toni opened the glass door to the terrace. “She was always an indoor cat until we came here and the weather turned nice in the spring.”

“She’s safe here. Just enough out there to keep her interested. Like you, I think.”

“Safe, yes. I have always felt safe and loved here even when I was alone for awhile. I’ve found I have some say so with the house.”

He met her eyes. “You have a lot of control here. More than you know.”

“Is it always like that, when others come?”

“No, and I find that very interesting.” He held her eyes and smiled

 

Part 2:

He had a way of holding her eyes and when she thought she was going over the edge, he would look away. She found him fascinating.

“I’m sure I don’t know what any of that means. I just know if I ask for something it will appear. I asked the house to let Max plan an evening and it happened. That’s the biggest thing I’ve asked for.”

“I was with the owner when he came into this property. He’d been brought here by a friend and the house chose him as the new owner. The property has never been bought or sold. It’s passed on. I wonder if it’s happening again?”

Toni’s eyes widened. “Not to me, surely? How would you ever know?”

“You’ll receive a message at some time if it is so. Would you like more wine?”

“Yes, thank you.” She held out her glass and he took her hand to steady it. With the feel of his warm hand on hers, she couldn’t look at his face. He wore a ring, she noticed, as she concentrated on his hand.

Maximus was well aware of his effect on Toni. He smiled to himself; he was rather enjoying it. “Shall we drink a toast to Fall? Here’s to a lovely season and a lovely lady.”

Toni met his eyes again and sipped her wine. He’s doing it again, turning away, walking to the French doors. She couldn’t help but look at his broad shoulders, the way his arms filled out the soft sweater he had on, the way his pants fit across his hips. She took a deep breath and another drink of her wine. He was like a big cat, graceful and seductive and dangerous.

He turned and looked at her and she felt herself sliding off the stool and going to his side.

“The wind is coming in from the sea. It will be cold tonight.  Perhaps we’ll have a fire?”

Maximus and a fire, oh, God! “Yes, a fire will be good.” She moistened her lips and he noticed. She looked out the doors. “We could walk along the cliff if you’d like.”

“You might get blown away.” A lazy smile.

“Would you catch me?” She asked with a nervous grin.

“I would save you,” he said softly and slipped his arm around her waist.

Toni felt weak in the knees and pushed her hands in the pockets of her jeans to keep from touching him.

Maximus was intrigued since three of his brothers had fallen in love with her. She was nervous and trembled when he touched her waist. Her hair was a careless tumble of auburn waves and her skin still wore a summer tan. She was a beautiful woman but not uncommonly so. Her eyes and lips held a promise he hoped to enjoy very soon.

Toni was beginning to feel like a dumbstruck teenager. “I’m not usually so…flustered. I don’t know what to do with you.” She turned, looking up at him, biting her lower lip.

Maximus held her eyes. “Will you place yourself in my care, let me guide you? Will you trust me in all things…will you let me take you?” He saw the surprise in her eyes and they darkened; he smiled.

She felt she was taking vows. “Yes, I will,” she whispered. He bent to kiss her softly and, looking into her eyes, kissed her more urgently. Toni melted against him. His scent made her dizzy, a mixture amber, myrrh, earthiness, a touch of musk, timeless, ageless, exotic spice. She was breathless when he pulled away. A slight smile on his lips, he took her hand and led her up the stairs.

She was taken to his room, which she had not seen before. The walls were rough plastered and gave off many warm colors, his bed was dark Spanish with heavy carvings, and the bedding was a green velvet duvet with cream sheets. A huge fireplace dominated one side of the room and in front of this was a low divan covered in fur with many colored pillows across the back.  A low marble-topped table sat beside it. His scent filled the room that seemed to glow.

It was the low divan that he led her to and sat down beside her, holding onto her hand.

“I feel you are nervous, Toni. Do not be afraid.”

“It’s just that I don’t know you.”

“That is what we are going to take care of right now.” He pulled her to him and kissed her slowly, exploring and tasting her mouth. He took her palm and kissed it, placing it on his chest. Toni began to run her hand over his chest and under his sweater, across his skin. The sweater was too much and she started to pull it over his head. He helped her. She found the hollow at the base of his throat and tasted. He sat back and let her play with him until he was ready to play with her.

Toni felt drunk. When he laid her back on the fur divan, she had some idea her clothes were coming off and felt his hands on her body. Had she really undressed him? Her head was swimming. She had to hold on to something…Maximus. Her arms went around his back and she felt his weight cover her. She was afire. “Take me…oh, God, take me Maximus!” A movement as old as time itself took them together.

Toni lay still within his arms, slowly becoming aware of the heat on her back. The fireplace had begun to burn. She moved her face so her lips were on his neck. He had taken her somewhere she’d never been before, totally out of herself. She had groaned and growled and sucked his flesh as a thing primeval. Now as her mind began to come to itself, she felt ashamed and buried her face in his neck. What must he think of me? I’ve never done anything like this even with Max. I’ve become an animal.

Maximus had been surprised. She wasn’t the nervous trembling woman he’d touched in the kitchen. She was alive with desire and truly uninhibited. He wondered if she was always this way or if something of the moment had touched her? He felt her lips on his neck and sighed, then something else, tears?

He pulled her away from him. “What is this, Toni? Why would you cry? Are you not happy?”

Her answer was muffled, “I…don’t know what came over me…what must you think of me.”

“I think you are very exciting and you’ve made me very happy.” And, indeed, he was as he smiled down at her.

“I’ve lost myself, Maximus.” She turned onto her back, looking up at the beamed ceiling. “I don’t know myself anymore. I’ve become an animal.”

“Oh, no, my dear. I think you have found yourself. I could tell when you let yourself go. It was, as I said, exciting for me.”

“You don’t think I’m some wanton…”

“No, you are a sensuous woman. That is nothing to be ashamed of. We are one, you and I, cut from the same cloth.”

 “It was you…you did it. I saw that in you downstairs. What will happen to me when I leave here? I worry about that sometimes. How can I go back to what I was?”

“I suspect this was always a part of you, Toni, and always will be. I have no knowledge of you when you came here.”

“I’m not sure I do anymore. I need to talk to somebody…to you. I’ve been wanting to talk for so long. Jack…I could talk to Jack and I trusted him, Maximus. I’m afraid I am a bit of a mess right now.”

Whatever started the tears, she was having a cry, and Maximus gathered her in his arms after finding her a cloth. In the blink of an eye she had gone from intense pleasure to tears.

“You couldn’t talk to Max?”

“Not really. We had a rocky start and when we fell we fell hard and fast. It was so intense up until the day he left. We never talked about what was going to happen to me after he left and John, oh, God, he was the first and his leaving left me in a pretty bad situation. Jack left before it got…too serious, but still I miss him to this day. Now there’s you. Already I’m lost in you, Maximus, and you haven’t been here twelve hours yet. I don’t understand how former occupants of this house survive it.”

“Oh, Toni!” he held her tightly. “I know what you’ve been through and I hope it will never happen to anyone else. You see, you’re the first to spend an entire year here. I was very surprised to find that out. I asked if you would put yourself in my care and trust me. I will try and help you.”

“Well, you’re providing a very good shoulder to cry on. I am so embarrassed to do this to you after what we just shared.”

“Don’t ever feel embarrassed about anything in my presence. You are a woman and women cry when they feel like it, one of the things that endear them to me so. We will think about this, but right now I think dinner might be served in the dining room.” He ran his finger down her cheek and kissed her lightly on the lips.

Toni went to her room to clean up a bit before dinner. She was an emotional mess. Poor Maximus. She felt for him but he was strong and she trusted him to guide her out of her abyss. She found a soft robe hanging outside her wardrobe and tried it on. It was fancy enough for dinner, she thought, and wrapped it around herself.

Maximus was in the living room staring into the fire and thinking. He was pretty sure the house was about to change ownership. What would she do then? Would she stay here and divide her life into four quarters or leave and let it go on as before? Perhaps she could make some changes here in the way things were done. He turned when he heard her come down the stairs. She was wearing a soft, gold satin robe tied at the waist. He thought she looked like a vision.

“Toni, how are you?” he asked.

“Much better, Maximus. Thank you for being so understanding.” She smiled up at him and received a kiss.

“Your cat Millie has taken over the hearth rug.”

“That’s where she spent the winter. I tried putting her bed there but she wants the length of the rug to stretch out on.”

“I don’t blame her. Shall we dine?”

After dinner they carried their wine into the living room and sat by the fire.

“I can hear the wind blowing outside. You were right about the fire tonight.”

“Yes, it’s making its presence known. The season is changing,” he said and looked back at the fire. “Perhaps other things as well,” he added quietly.

“Maximus, tell me about this house. When did the magic start?”

“The magic is as old as time, Toni. It’s always been here, I think. The house, however, has no doubt been many things before its present state. It may be the magic of love that chose this spot in the beginning. I like to think that is so.”

“Does the present owner ever come here?”

“No, he did at the beginning a few times but his life is a busy one. He has married and lost interest in the place, otherwise you would not be here. The house chooses its occupants carefully, as you know, but without a guiding hand it does not always make good decisions.”

“I rented from a real estate office. How can that be?”

“There was no real estate office, Toni. Surely you know that by now. You rented from your computer, did you not?” he smiled.

“Ahh, cyberspace! Who knows what’s really out there?” She rounded her eyes and smiled. “Well, for all that, I’m still not sorry I’m here. I’ve met such extraordinary people I would never have known.”

“And they in turn have met an extraordinary woman.” He held her eyes a moment then looked back to the fire.

Toni studied him. You could never know what he was thinking, and he was so calm and quiet. His arm lay across the back of the sofa and she wanted to curl up against him. Would he mind, she wondered? He turned and looked at her again…no, he wouldn’t mind, so she moved over, leaning on his shoulder.

Maximus shifted his arm around her, feeling the soft silkiness of her robe under his hand. He smiled. She was much like her cat, now curled asleep on the rug. She smelled of roses and lavender and something else he had not noticed before…amber, truly a timeless scent.

 

Part 3:

The wind blew hard all night, awakening Toni from her bed. The balcony doors had come open and she got up to shut them. She got a glass of water from her bathroom then went back to bed, feeling strangely comforted as she snuggled back under her comforter. She slept soundly for the rest of the night.

The next morning she woke to the smell of coffee. A tray had appeared on her coffee table and she got up and poured a cup, looking out her balcony window. The sun was out and it looked like it was going to be a perfect day, the sky bright blue and cloudless.

Down the hallway Maximus had walked out onto his balcony, noticing the sun. He looked up at the sky. It’s happened now; await the messenger. He hurried and dressed, wanting to be with her when the message arrived, and he knew not just how it would arrive. He walked down the hall and knocked at her door.

“Come in, Maximus, there’s coffee.”

“Good morning, Toni. Did you sleep well?”

“I did after the wind died down, and you?”

“I slept well, yes.” He smiled at her and tilted his head as he poured out a cup of coffee.

Toni thought he looked beautiful in the morning, no bedhead hair for him. He was dressed in dark blue and his eyes held a twinkle.

“Come and sit with me.” He moved to the sofa. “I think I will stay close to you today, if you don’t mind.”

It was the way he said it. “Maximus, what is wrong?”

“Wrong? Nothing, my dear, but I think you will have a message today and I would like to be with you.”

“Message? The house…I don’t know about this,” she began, shaking her head.

“You will have much to consider, Toni, but let’s wait until its here.”

“I should dress…in case…well, I think I’d feel better with my armor on.” She rose from the sofa and went to her wardrobe. Corduroy jeans appeared with a heavy cream sweater so she put them on while Maximus watched her dress. “You don’t mind watching, do you?” she said with a side glance.

“No, I like the way your armor fits,” he smiled. “Are you ready for battle now?”

“I think so…no…I don’t know what this is all about…what it means for me.”

“The message will spell it out. It should be much the same as the last owner’s message.”

“How did his come?”

“By messenger. A young woman on a horse delivered it, if I remember correctly.”

“Oh, Maximus, what am I to do?”

“Put your boots on and come down to breakfast with me.” He cocked an eyebrow and watched her pull on her brown leather boots. Taking her hand, he led her down to the kitchen where breakfast awaited them on the island.

For something to do, she loaded the dishwasher and wiped down the counter. She was nervous and needed activity. Maximus watched her from his seat at the island.

“We should walk up to the stables and see if my horses have arrived. Perhaps we might ride today.”

“Yes, that sounds good…horses.” A messenger on a horse…

Toni fed Millie and let her out the back door. “Okay, I guess I’m ready.” She cast a pleading eye to Maximus, who took her in his arms and kissed her.

“Now you’re ready for anything,” he smiled and led her out the back door.

They walked up to the stables but before they got there Maximus knew his horses had arrived. Toni was surprised to find a man in the stables brushing down the big white war horse.

“Ah, East, how kind of you to bring them.”

“Yes, sir, they've been fed and I'm just finishing up here. G’day, Toni.”

“Good morning, East. What beautiful horses, Maximus!”

“Yes, they are my friends. This one has seen me through battle and this one is for you, Toni.”

“For me!” Her eyes rounded. “To keep?”

Maximus laughed, “Of course to keep! Do you think I would give you a gift and take it back?”

“I don’t know what to think anymore. And this one?”

“Ah, that’s mine. I’ll be leaving now, Maximus. G’bye, Toni.”  East mounted his horse and took off down the dirt road.

Toni watched him ride. “Funny I never thought about them being delivered by East or anyone else, for that matter. I figured they’d just appear like everything else.”

“That’s the magic of the place, Toni. One never knows just how something will be accomplished. Shall I saddle them up?”

“Oh, yes, please do.” She sat down on a bench outside the stable and watched him as he worked. After a while a movement up the road caught her eye. “Maximus, he’s coming back.”

Maximus stopped and walked out of the stable, shading his eyes. He turned to her, “That’s not East, Toni.”

Toni slowly stood up; it was her messenger coming on horseback. As he neared, her eyes widened.

“Good morning, ma’am,” he said in his soft southern voice. “You are Toni Stanley?”

“Yes, Cort, that’s me.” She stood firm, not knowing exactly what he was supposed to do.

“I have something for you, a message from the, uh, former owner,” he smiled. “I can read it to you or just hand it to you and get you to sign this bit of paper here.” He held a rolled up parchment paper, tied with a brown leather string.

Maximus stood off to the side of her, watching.

“I think I’ll just sign off on it, Cort. No reason for you to have to read the thing to me. I may want to study it for a while.”

“Yes, ma’am, don’t blame you.” He held a receipt for her to sign and passed the scroll to her, then turned to Maximus. “Hello, Maximus, good to see you.”

“Cort,” he nodded.

“Um, what if I don’t want it, Cort?”

“I don’t think that’s a question, Toni. You own it.”

“Okay, will you come to the house?” she asked, looking up at him.

“No, I have to get back. Maybe some other time.” He met her eyes for a moment.

Maximus smiled. It would be interesting to see what she did.

“Well, thank you, Cort, I think,” she smiled.

He smiled and turned his horse back the way he’d come.

Toni turned to Maximus. “I don’t want to read this, not now, and I don’t want to know what it says.”

“Yes, you do, Toni, and you should read it. We can ride later. Come and sit down.”

Toni sat on the bench, staring at the rolled up parchment. There was something papercliped to the inside and she untied the string. It was a typewritten note and she looked up when she saw the signature.

“Oh, Maximus, he owned this place?”

“Yes, for about eight years now.”

This is my way of transferring ownership of The House Of Four Seasons to you, Toni Stanley, on the 2^rd day of September, 2008. Enjoy the magic.

The second sheet was very old but in excellent condition. It was written in script.

“This is going to be hard to read.”

Know that you have been chosen as the owner of The House Of Four Seasons. It is not for you to wonder why the house has chosen you.

Know that this is a magical place not found on any map. As the owner you may come and go as you wish. A road will open for you when you are ready.

Know that you may live here if you desire or visit for the seasons.

Know that there will always be four seasons of love. This cannot be changed.

Know that you may call for anyone you desire for the season but they must meet approval by the house.

Know that you may let the house to someone else for a season if that person is approved by the house.

Know that you may make any changes to the house or grounds you desire. The house will make changes for seasonal companions.

Know that this is a gift of love to you to hold until the house decides to change ownership.

Know that this property is not to be sold or given to anyone else.

“That’s it, Maximus. Oh, my god, what am I going to do with it?”

“That’s something you need to think about, Toni. Don’t make a decision today.” He took her hand, “Will you ride now?”

“Uh, yes, I will. I think I need to ride…ride away from this responsibility.” She looked down the road.

Maximus gave her a thoughtful look. “It is a gift, Toni. Think what it can mean for you.”

She turned and met his eyes. “You’re right. I have much to consider here. Please, let’s ride.”

ON TO FALL, PART 4

BACK TO SUMMER, PART 1

BACK TO SPRING, PART 1

BACK TO WINTER

BACK TO BEGINNINGS

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