Lost in La La Land(36)

I sighed and waited for her to be gone before going out and locking the gate again.

When I got back inside I grabbed Lana’s hand. “We need to look at the house, really look at it. Ready?” I stared her deep in the eyes.

“Okay.” She sounded uncertain.

“Close your eyes.” I closed my eyes and took a deep breath and turned us both, “Now open them.” Opening my eyes and staring at the filth everywhere was worse than seeing it before.

“Yikes. No wonder she was so pissed. We need to get rid of this shit. If she comes back with doctors we’ll be locked up. We’ll never get back into the machine if they lock us up.”

“You’re right. I’ll call a cleaning company and we’ll sit in the attic while they clean.”

“We could do it ourselves right now.” Lana eyed up the mess.

“I don't think we have the strength to do it.” I glanced at her skinny arms and then mine.

“No. This entire day has worn me out. I’m getting a snack. You want one?”

“Yeah. I’ll call the cleaning company.”

She walked into the kitchen, leaving me to stare at the mess.

Turning in a circle and taking it all in, I caught a glimpse of myself in the hall mirror. I didn’t know the woman staring back at me. She was haggard and skinny, old-looking well beyond her years. Her hair was frizzy and yet thinner and her eyebrows were almost touching. I lifted an arm, wincing at the reflection. My tee shirt was rotten, stinking to high heaven.

I didn't know when it got this way but I knew it would happen again. We needed to consider the fact Marguerite had seen us. We needed to fix everything before she came back.

But I didn’t want the solution to cut into our time in the machine.

Lana would never agree to that.





Chapter Sixteen


We turned at the old chapel and started back toward the house. Taking a turn around the garden with a navy man meant a long hike. Mary and Charles toddled behind us, whereas Henrietta and Louisa were ahead. When they started to run, Wentworth stood on his toes. “I think they’re here.” He grinned wide and grabbed my hand, squeezing tightly and making me run with him.

We hurried along the path to the driveway where two men on horses rode up. One jumped down with ease and the other climbed off awkwardly, allowing his friend to help him. He walked with a significant limp, using a cane to assist himself. The girls rushed up to them and we caught up a moment later.

The men, about my age, wrapped around Wentworth in a greeting that suggested a closeness brothers would have.

Louisa and Henrietta giggled, eyeing up the men in top hats and fine riding jackets.

“This is Miss Louisa Musgrove, Miss Henrietta Musgrove, and Miss Jane Dalrymple. Ladies, this is Captain Benwick and Captain Harville.”

Harville glanced at me, smiling with a glint of something in his eyes.

Mary and Charles brought up the rear, with Mary gasping for breath.

“And this is Mr. Charles Musgrove and Mrs. Mary Musgrove.”

“Surely, you’ve heard of my father, Sir Walter Elliot.” Mary offered her hand to be kissed.

“Anne Elliot?” Harville scowled, his eyes darting to Wentworth’s.

“My elder sister. You know her? She arrives within the fortnight.” She frowned back, no doubt missing the connection.

“Lovely to make your acquaintance.” He bowed at us all and placed a forced kiss on Mary’s gloved hand.

Henrietta and Louisa looked about ready to murder Mary as they curtseyed to the officers. Charles began to speak to Benwick about shooting and the hunt and Harville took it as an opportunity to come to my side.

“Miss Dalrymple, you must accompany me for a turn. I have heard so many things about you,” Harville insisted. “All good, naturally.”

“Certainly.” I smiled wide, unsure what he meant.

“Are you enjoying the visit to the countryside, miss?” Harville led me away from the crowd with his hand on my back.

“I am. How is your leg after the ride?”

“It gets sore after a long ride but a bit of a walk clears things up. Shall we go this way?”

“I’d love to.” I slid my arm into his and allowed him to lead me around the garden.

“I haven’t seen the old house yet. I am still in shock Frederick was given it. His loss of his brother was unexpected.”

“I can’t imagine.” It wasn't a lie. I had no siblings to mourn. I supposed it would be like losing Lana.

“I must confess the meaning of this walk; I have to know, is it true Anne Elliot is coming?”

“Yes, she should arrive soon.”

“Is there an understanding between Frederick and Miss Elliott?”

“I don’t believe so. She has suffered a grievous loss and was invited to join friends here.”

His eyes narrowed. “Frederick is one of my closest friends, like a brother to me.”

“I understand.” I didn't.

“Forgive my candor after we’ve only just met, but his special relationship with you has me confused about why Anne Elliot is on her way here.”

“Special relationship?” Now I was really lost.

“He has written of you, many times. Are you aware of his previous friendship with Miss Elliot?”