Dreams, Memories & Keys

Chapter 42 - Byron, What Happened on the Road?

It was late Thursday afternoon before the Abernathys found their way back to their starting point in Dublin once again. They checked into their hotel, and Greg called Byron right away to confirm their dinner invitation that evening. He received turn by turn instructions for how to get to his cousin's house, followed by an assurance that Greg and his family were expected.

An hour later, the Abernathys arrived in front of a townhouse somewhat away from the central part of the city where their hotel was located. Byron's wife, Eileen, welcomed them at the door and invited all three of them inside.

"I realize it's a bit early yet for supper, but Byron was hoping for a nice long visit with you this evening, Cousin Greg," Eileen told them. "Unfortunately, our son and daughter, Martin and Mia are working this evening, so it will be just us for our visit."

"They work a lot. Mia told me about that last Saturday," Jessie remarked.

"Every weekday afternoon and evening during the summer, unless they are off by special arrangement," Eileen agreed.

"Nevertheless, we are happy to have the opportunity to spend time with Byron and you, even if the rest of your family aren't available," Greg assured Eileen as she escorted them into a parlor just off the entryway, adjacent to the front door.

"Welcome," Byron said, grinning broadly, getting up from the sofa where he was sitting to extend his hand to his cousin and his family.

"Thank you," both Greg and Susan said.

"Yes, thanks," Jessie agreed. She studied Byron for a time. "Mama says you were Benjamin."

Byron looked at Jessie in surprise. "Yes, I was, once upon a time. How did you know that?"

"Albert was trying to fill me in on Gary's story last weekend at the pub," Susan shared. "We've been discussing what we know about the story and what we were told, trying to figure out if there is any way we could help him, or you, or anyone else while we are here."

"I see." Byron smiled a wry smile. "And to think I thought I had the opportunity to help you."

"Oh?" Greg asked.

"I called Charlie Daviot this week. You are right. He is currently working on the dig at the Master's Estate, northeast of London. He's leading it actually," Byron told Greg.

"And?" Greg asked.

"I asked about the possibility of bringing you and a few other people to visit," Bryon shared.

"What did he say?" Susan wondered.

"He said, given it was me asking, and since he owed me a favor or two from back when the two of us were in school, he was more than willing to make the arrangements, provided we could be there on a day when the scientists are working," Byron shared.

"We?" Greg asked. "Are you planning to come with us?"

Byron considered his cousin thoughtfully, wondering what he would think of the arrangements he'd made.

"What are you thinking, Byron?" Eileen prompted.

"Charlie assumes I will be present, since he feels it is necessary to escort anyone who comes with me, so yes, I am planning to be there representing the History Department for the University," Byron told him.

"Is there anything else I should be aware of prior to this visit?" Greg asked.

"The arrangements I've made are for a party of six to eight people, that includes myself, the three of you, and two to four additional people," Byron told him warily.

"I have no problem with that," Greg assured him. "Do you know who else you plan to invite?"

"Depending on their availability, I was planning to invite Uncle Lawrence, Cousin Gary, and maybe some of their families. I thought about inviting Dad too, but I'm not sure he's up to crawling around an active dig site," Byron explained.