Angels & Shadows

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

George and Jillie left the house around mid-afternoon on the Saturday to do the weekend’s shopping and Elizabeth and Ben didn’t waste time getting ready to see May. Ben had once again taken more care than usual in his appearance and Elizabeth couldn’t help smiling at him, secretly enjoying his awkwardness over it. They stood in front of the old mirror, held hands, took a deep breath then stepped in.

“I wonder where we are” Ben pondered as they walked down the corridor of mirrors “or even when?”

“That’s another question to ask May” Elizabeth replied and shuddered as they walked past one of the broken mirrors, subconsciously steering Ben into the middle of the corridor. Her protective instinct for him was ever present.

They could see May further ahead looking into one of the mirrors. It was her mirror. May smiled back at them and then turned her gaze back to the mirror. She was dressed in a crisp white cotton shirt and black pencil skirt with black elegant high-heeled shoes. Her hair was tied up slightly wildly completing the secretarial look. Elizabeth could plainly see that she was looking for Ben’s approval when she turned back to them.

“I’ve been expecting you.” She smiled her angelic smile and kissed them both on the cheek which brought an immediate flush to Ben’s.

“I have been spending a little family time while I’ve been waiting for you. Crystalita is celebrating her fifth birthday here today. I remember that dress that she’s wearing so clearly that it could have been only yesterday, but that was over 5000 years ago.”

Ben looked at May’s face in wonderment. She looked serene, beautiful and human!

“You will help bring her back to me Ben. One day you will do that for me I know it.”

She smiled up at him in a way that only a woman can and when he looked into her eyes they seemed to have a depth to them that went on beyond eternity. Ben struggled to find his words.

“But…”

May put her finger on his lips to silence him and spoke to him softly.

“Not now Ben that is for another day. You are here to tell me about your adventure and for me to help you, some of it I already know. I have prepared some refreshments, won’t you join me?”

May linked arms with them and walked them out into the warm summer sun. She kicked off her heels to walk on the soft, cool mountain grass.

A table had been prepared and laid out with a typical English tea. Cucumber sandwiches, Danish pastries, scones with strawberries and cream and the Earl Grey tea was served piping hot. While they ate Elizabeth recounted the story about her new wardrobe to fit her newly found curves. May was enthralled by it and enjoyed all the detail.

“You must have looked stunning and you must wear that little black dress for me next time you come, I just can’t wait to see you in it!

May’s face became conspiratorial and she winked at Elizabeth.

You’re going to get a lot of male attention from now on Lizzie and I can’t even imagine what Emanuel Goldberg’s son, Robert, will make of you when he sees you!”

The name meant nothing to Elizabeth but they were giggling like schoolgirls none the less.

“It’s my eighteenth birthday party next Saturday and I bought it for that. It’s going to be very posh with a marquee in the garden, evening dress and a butler! He has been hired in especially to present the guests as they arrive, isn’t that posh?” Elizabeth was positively beaming at the thought.