The storm that everyone predicted to rage throughout the evening, turned out to be just a week worth of steady rain. I had resided at Hillshore for almost two weeks. Most of my days at Carfax asylum assisting Jack, strolling around the little seaside village or sitting on my favorite bench near the cemetary. Lucy and I had sat on that bench years ago planning our weddings and our respective futures. We had laughed together with so much hope. I had sat on that bench alone for almost two hours thinking of the past, staring at the horizon on the ocean and thinking about old days and how much had changed. How much I had changed.
Between Lucy and I, she was the more free. I was always very proper and trying to be an upstanding woman while Lucy wanted to have fun and everyday as if it were her last. But for the most part Lucy could always coax me out of my proper ways and we would be thick as thieves. Now I wondered if I would ever have fun like that again or feel free again.
Today I was walking into town with the task of purchasing a new summer dress. All of my dresses were worn and outdated or too heavy for the summer heat. After I was finished browsing she would take a coach to the asylum. Mrs. Palmer had come down and given me the address to a new high-end shop in West Whitby. I thought it might be too extravagant for me but, Mrs. Palmer had pushed me to at least brows the store. Even Jack was pushing for me to see what was in store. As I walked I thought about maybe getting something in a nice light blue or soft pink? I owned mostly dark-colored outfits befitting an older woman.
I left my little seaside cottage at eight that morning. Locking up and began my walk into town. The morning was lovely with only a few clouds in the sky. It would be very hot once the sun rose higher but, for now it was quite comfortable. Twelve blocks and an hour later I stood in front of Daisy's dress shop. The front display window was adorned with three mannequins all wearing beautiful dresses in light blue, lavender and green colors. The decor seemed to be baby blues and pinks. I saw an older woman, possibly the clerk, standing at a desk covered in ribbons and fabric. I reached to open the door and a richly dressed young woman bustled into the shop before me. The clerk looked up at the door way and let out an excited squeal, "Mrs. Harker!"
I looked up in confusion my eyes wide as saucers. No one had called me Mrs. Harker in almost three years. Turning my head wondering if the shop keeper had misspoken I spied the younger woman smiling just as broadly as the clerk. I quickly ducked behind a few bolts of cloth and watched the two women. The clerk came around the desk and embraced the younger woman.
"Ahhh Ms. Lefarge!" she cried. She had a lovely voice. The two women began chatting happily over different bolts of fabric. I slowly moved behind a lace display, pretending to look at the different kinds when the whole time I was staring at my ex husbands young wife. Truth be told I had no idea what I was looking at. Lace? Silk? I was completely mesmerized by the sight of her ex husband wife standing so very near her. Who was this woman? What did Johnathan find so appealing in her that he couldn't find in me?
"How is Mr. Harker? Back from his trip?" asked Ms. Lefarge leading the young woman to the counter. I found myself smiling a bit. At least Johnathan got the chance to travel, he had always wanted that.
"He is doing wonderfully well! Actually he is only home for a few days. We leave for France in a week so I am going to need some new things for the trip," replied the new Mrs. Harker.
"Oh France! That is wonderful my dear" said the older woman. I once again moved from my vantage point so I could see the list the young woman produced. From where I now stood I could see she was beautiful. She had long curly blonde locks and wore a light colored dress that looked very expensive. Her lips and cheeks had a slight pinkish color to them and even from here I could smell her perfume.
"Well, France first then we will be taking the train to Spain for a few days before coming home," at that Ms. Lefarge squealed with excitement.
"What is it you need my dear? You know I will have to charge extra if you want these things so soon," said Ms. Lefarge getting right to the point.
I observed them as they chatted happily. That could have been me. Jonathon and I had always dreamed of traveling the world together. I looked down at my dark blue dress with dismay. It was old and weather-beaten but, not horribly ruined. If I hadn't fallen out of love with Johnathan would I have been happy? It's a question that has haunted me on several occasions. I knew the answer to be no but, as I looked at his young beautiful wife I couldn't help but, be envious. She had everything I thought I wanted.
"The baby will be here by November so I am having my mother let out a few dresses for me." My head shot up. I felt as if the wind had been knocked out of me.
"Ah a little one! Oh Emmeline I am so happy for you and Mr. Harker" cried the older woman embracing Mrs. Harker.
"Yes Johnathan is so happy. He has always wanted children and you know, his first wife going mad really caused him great sadness," What!? I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I could feel the blood pumping in my ears as the two women talked about my shattered past.
"Yes I heard. Such a poor sad story," replied Ms. Lefarge. I was seeing red somehow the shop keeper pitying me made me angrier than the lie she was telling. How could Johnathan make up such a ruthless cruel lie!? I couldn't stand having these two ninnies telling such brash stories about her.
"Excuse me!?" I practically shouted, striding toward both women. I would confront them both for saying such a thing about me! I was not mad! Emmeline Harker and Ms. Lefarge turned in surprise and shock at being addressed by this other patron. As I walked towards them I could clearly see the swelling belly of Emmeline stomach, and that broke me. I faltered like an idiot as I stared at her. Emmeline looked at me like I was indeed crazy. I stopped a few feet from them and just stared not sure what to say.
"I...Im so sorry...ummm...forgive me" I mumbled before running out of the shop all the way to Carfax. I couldn't believe how betrayed I felt. Yes, I knew Johnathan resented me but, to lie about such a thing! And make me out to be the mad wife who he couldn't care for! My tears fell unnoticed as I made my way blindly to the asylum.