Page 10 of A Pawn for Malice
The twenty-minute drive was relaxing, as herAunt told her of the changes made around the estate, what had beengoing on in Albany’s social arena, and her latest conversationswith Sen. Gallagher about Jessica coming on board. She listenedintently and began to relax. A sense of peace washed over her, andfor the first time, she felt safe.
“As soon as Clora is done fussing over you,I’ll send her out with Martin to pick up some necessary itemsyou’ll need. Tomorrow we’ll make a day of it and do some shopping,if you’d like. I can’t remember when the last time was I had thepleasure of going on a spree. It’ll be fun. What do you thinkdear?” She patted her thigh lightly.
Jessica gave her Aunt an affectionate hug andkiss. “Oh, Aunt Florence. I’ve missed you so, so much. I’d be happyin rags, as long as, we were together, forever.”
“Well, that’s sweet, Jessica. But, a womanlike you, deserves happiness and the love of a good man. It wouldbe delightful introducing you to those young men I, in fact, knoware worthy of your attention, and your heart.”
Jessica leaned her head against her Aunt’sshoulder and sighed disparagingly.
“Oh, Aunt Florence. I am so done with men. Ithought I had married the greatest catch in all of Maine. It justisn’t right how a man of such fine breeding can turn out to be soderanged. Let’s hold off on that for a while, o.k.?” She gazed upat her Aunt lovingly. “I do love you though for the thought.”
Florence caressed her cheek with her palm andsmiled before replying.
“I’ll not let you wallow for too long. Thatbeast of a husband of yours does not deserve your sorrow. Theholidays will be soon upon us and; I’m a festive woman. You’ve gotuntil then.”
Jessica couldn’t help, but chuckle. Her Auntwas right and there was no sense arguing with her, because she knewin her heart, Florence was just the person she needed to help herget on with her life.
The wide waterway they began to cross was theHudson River, separating the Counties of Albany and Rensselaer.There were so many changes, since the last time she was home. Twomore lanes in both directions had been added to the interstate toaccommodate the ever-growing traffic. They drove past new communitydevelopments with homes priced in the mid-two-hundred thousandrange, a brand new elementary school, multiple strip malls, megamovie theatre, and a new Christian church, that looked more like anarena.
A massive Nano Technology Complex had beenconstructed in her absence, that stood impressive beside the Albanyskyline, spanning acres with buildings five levels high encased insteel and impenetrable dark green glass.
It was a new Albany, and she rather liked itthat way. As she was beginning a new chapter in her life, it madeit seem all rather adventurous rediscovering her old stompinggrounds all over again. Jessica realized this was the beginning ofmany new and wondrous changes in her life. For a long time,decisions weren’t her own. Every day she was told what to do, howto dress, who she could talk to, and what was expected of her.Freedom was going to take some time getting used to, and shewelcomed it greedily.
The town car made a right onto a private roadand Jessica’s breath caught in her throat, as she gazed inwonderment at the beautiful landscape before her. The modest estatewas every bit elegant, and as they approached the circulardriveway, the stately English brick colonial came into view, setoff by three majestic, white pillars.
The grounds encompassing her Aunt’s estate,were an array of manicured lawns, shrubs, varied pines of bluespruce, Douglas fir and hemlock; and, an abundance of flowergardens of every color, style, and fragrance.
All Jessica could do was gasp.
“It is beautiful, isn’t it, dear?” Florenceasked. “I feel the same way every time Martin pulls into thedriveway. I sooo love this house.”
Jessica didn’t have a chance to answer asFlorence’s housekeeper, Clora, exited the front door, squealingwith delight.
“Miss Jessie, you is home, child. Praise theLord,” she clapped her hands joyously and opened her arms wide toreceive her. She embraced Jessica to her robust bosom andcrooned.
“It sure is good to see you child, after allthis time. And, you is all skin and bones,” she scorned, as sheturned Jessica about for inspection, clucking her tongue in dismay.“Clora is gonna have to plump you up, and there is no better timethan the present. Um um um,” she hummed, shaking her head. “Thetable is all set, and da food is waiting for consumption.” Shewrapped a possessive arm about Jessica’s waist and led her into thefoyer, leaving her mistress of the house and butler to chuckle andfollow from behind.
Jessica looked over her shoulder at her Auntand Martin, smiling as she watched Martin offer her Aunt hisarm.
“Well, Martin, shall we?” Her Aunt wavedtoward the entrance. “Join us please, won’t you for something toeat, in celebration of Jessie’s return.”
He placed her hand in the curve of his arm,escorting her towards the front door and replied.
“I would be most happy too. This old house issmiling upon us, Mrs. Newcombe. It’s good to have her home, onceagain.”
Clora had outshone herself, as shebeautifully set a table befitting a king’s honor. A duck had beenroasted to a golden brown and served with a delicate orange sauce.The crab for the salad had been flown in fresh that day.
Florence ordered a special wine from hercellar collection to celebrate the occasion. Once dinner was on thetable, Martin and Clora joined them to partake in the feast.
It was a glorious reunion. The last time theyhad been together was just shortly after her engagement wasannounced. They honored and respected the pain she had been throughand no discussion of her husband Richard, or his death, was broughtup at the table. Jessica loved how her Aunt included her staff topartake in special family celebrations. Martin and Clora had beenin her Aunt’s employ ever since she was an infant. They were morethan hired help. They were extended family.
Once desert was finished, the table wascleared and everyone retired to the sitting room, where a warm firewas already ablaze in the large fieldstone fireplace. Brandysifters were passed around and a final toast to good health andhappiness was made. Martin and Clora graciously retired for theevening, so Jessica and her Aunt could spend some time alone.
The warmth that emitted from the blazingflames, the crackling sounds of the logs as they burned, and theslow hissing of the moisture being drawn from the wood wasinviting. Jessica settled back into a thickly-tufted oversizedchair and sighed contentedly.
“It’s so good to be back home, AuntFlorence.”
“I’ve missed you too, dear.”
