Cassie parked her car outside the address she’d been given. When she’d asked Addie for more details, Addie had merely smiled, and said, “You’ll know it when you see it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Addie was right. It was magnificent. Like stepping back into a long-forgotten past, in amongst all the modern homes around. A single storey Victorian house, so lovingly renovated and restored to its former glory. Now, it shone like a beacon, with style, elegance and grace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As she stood in front of the Victorian home, with it’s wrought iron fence and gates, the Hawthorn brick seemed to sparkle, as did the water from the small fountain in the small front garden, and a narrow marble path leading towards a lace-adorned verandah, opposite a bay window, she could feel the soul of this beautiful gem of yesteryear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, there was something more. Something inviting her to open the gate and walk up that path, towards the spacious verandah, and the large ebony door encased in it’s brick archway. A sense of de ja vu from somewhere deep in her soul. She knew this place, yet she’d never been here before. She’d never even walked down this street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She knew beyond this impressive doorway would be a marble-tiled entranceway, lit by chandeliers from its 15 foot high ceilings. She glanced at the gold house name plaque simmering in the afternoon sunshine. She reached out and slowly traced the letters, “HAMMOND” She smiled at the name. Yes, that seemed right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reaching for the gold door knocker, she tapped gently, then waited. A moment later, the door opened, seemingly by itself, revealing the entranceway she had just envisaged. But there was no one there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Hello?” She called out. “It’s Cassie. The house sitter. Addie’s friend.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A warm, friendly female voice called back. “Come in, my dear. I’m in the family room, to your left.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cassie wiped her feet on the half-moon mat before stepping inside. Again, the deep familiar feelings returned. The front door closed silently behind her, as she walked into the other room. A softer light lit this grand room, with it’s central fireplace, spacious couch, large tv and coffee table. Peach coloured floor to ceiling drapes covered the bay window she’d seen outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Seated in an electric wheelchair in the centre of the room was a well dressed, very elegant, silver haired older woman, dressed in royal blue. She smiled warmly at Cassie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Hello Cassie. I’m Yvonne. This is my son’s home. He’ll be here in a few moments.” She indicated the couch. “Please, sit down.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Thank you.” Cassie smiled, once seated. “Your son has a beautiful home.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yes.” Yvonne agreed. “It took a lot of hard work to restore this beauty. But, she’s now as she was back home in – “<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Scotland.” Cassie whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yes. That’s right.” Yvonne smiled. “Did Addie tell you?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“No. She told me nothing at all.” Cassie said. “I just feel – this is going to sound strange since we’ve just met,
but – “<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Oh, I’m an old woman, Cassie.” Yvonne smiled. “Not much is strange to me. Please, tell me what you were going to say.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cassie smiled, a little self consciously. “This house, it feels like it has an old soul.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yvonne smiled and clasped her hands together in glee. “Oh, I knew you’d be perfect for this job!” She smiled again.
“Now, when my son gets here, he’ll show you the rest of the house, and you’ll see.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cassie smiled. “That would be lovely. To see if much has changed.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ten minutes later, Yvonne’s son, Arthur arrived. After introductions, he gave Cassie a quick house tour, reassuring her she could explore more at her leisure when they’d left. The tour lasted a few moment. Three large bedrooms, all with en suite and central fireplaces. A large modern kitchen with french doors leading out to one of three outdoor
areas. A cinema room for tv or movies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The final room was the biggest. A large family room. Now used as a dining room. With a large long oak table, with seating for 12 people. Another large chandelier. French doors leading out to the pool and bbq areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cassie stood in the doorway of the family room. Her familiar feelings of de ja vu returned stronger than before. She had been here before. In another place and time. She gasped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Are you okay?” Arthur looked worried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She smiled. “Yes. I – ” Cassie stepped into the room, towards the centre, near the table. “Was this ever a ballroom back in Scotland?” She asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He smiled. “Yes. Mother often talks about the dinners and dancing and – “<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The band were over here.” Cassie pointed to the far corner. “A piano. Violins. A singer. So many people dancing, laughing, enjoying themselves. It was magical \u2026 “<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Yes, but, how did you know?” He asked, curiously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Because I — “<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Because she was there, Arthur!” Yvonne said, from behind them, in the doorway. “We’ve found our Lisette!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
End<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Cassie parked her car outside the address she’d been given. When she’d asked Addie for more details, Addie had merely smiled, and said, “You’ll know it when you see it! Addie was right. It was magnificent. Like stepping back into … Continue reading