Chapter Text
October 20, 1936, Xpujil, Mexico
Claire’s most significant childhood memory was at 6 years old when her Uncle Lamb gently explained how both her parents were killed in a car accident when she was just a baby.
As her only living relative, Uncle Lamb took custody of Claire and raised her in a house near Oxford University where he had tenure as a successful professor and archaeologist that traveled frequently. With such a busy schedule, he also employed Mrs. Crook to live full-time with them and serve as Claire’s governess. It was Claire’s father, Henry Beauchamp, who had first hired Mrs. Crook for the family while Claire’s mother, Julia, was pregnant. Mrs. Crook not only doted on Julia, but also became her closest friend. After the accident, Mrs. Crook felt it was her duty to stay on with Uncle Lamb to help raise Claire. She loved Claire like her own child.
Uncle Lamb’s research required him to travel so frequently that Claire accompanied him on many extended trips to exotic places like Egypt and the Middle East. She learned to proofread scholarly articles and study artifacts which provided clues to deciphering ancient history. She also mastered less intellectual but necessary skills such as sleeping outdoors, boiling water for drinking, digging latrines and other tasks not suitable for a young English lady. Claire’s childhood was very unconventional. In her early teens, Uncle Lamb tried to enroll Claire in a proper boarding school in London, but she flatly refused to attend. Uncle Lamb was too kind to drag her kicking and screaming up the school’s steps, so he allowed her to remain with him and kept Mrs. Crook in the household.
Claire smiled to herself as she took in her surroundings. Arriving just a couple of days ago, this was her first time in Mexico and she was still acclimating to the humid weather. October was quite chilly back home, and she had left England wearing a wool coat. The newly discovered Mayan ruins at Becan afforded a unique opportunity for Uncle Lamb and would take many months for proper excavation. Claire, in turn, had used her birthday as a reason to insist he simply must bring her along for part of the trip. Mrs. Crook had pleaded a similar case. Uncle Lamb relented and agreed they would all travel to Mexico together. Claire would spend a month in Mexico and return to England with Mrs Crook just in time for the holidays and to ring in the New Year, 1937.
It was Claire’s 16th birthday today. She awoke early to her favorite breakfast prepared by no other than her Uncle Lamb. No matter how busy he was, he always made time for Claire. Quentin Lambert Beauchamp. “Q” to his archaeological students and his friends. “Dr. Beauchamp” to the scholarly circles but always Uncle Lamb to Claire.
“Have a fun day today in the market girls! And Claire, I have a big surprise for you very soon!” he said with smiling eyes.
“Surprise! What surprise? What is it?” She exclaimed.
“You’ll find out soon enough... have a great day, dear” he said and kissed her cheek. “You too young lady!” He said with a wink to Mrs. Crook.
“Haud yer wheesht Q!” Mrs. Crook said with a playful laugh.
Claire watched her uncle leave while contemplating his big surprise. As she gazed out the window, she did not notice the familiar figure walking up the side of the cottage.
She jumped as the door opened and a buoyant voice called out, “Where’s the birthday girl, Miss Lady Jane at?”
Claire squealed as she ran over and threw her arms around her uncle’s best friend, Joe Abernathy.
“Uncle Joe! You’re here! Uncle Lamb didn’t tell me!” she exclaimed. “And you!” She mockingly glared at Mrs. Crook who was walking up to greet him. “You were in on this secret as well! Her eyes narrowed as Mrs. Crook smiled sheepishly.
“Guilty as charged, lass!” she chuckled.
“You didn’t think I would miss your sweet sixteen party, did you Lady Jane?” Joe said with a smile.
Joe Abernathy, her Uncle’s best friend and colleague, was more like an uncle to Claire just as Uncle Lamb was more like a father. Originally from Boston, he moved his family to England a decade ago to work at the University. ‘Lady Jane’ was the playful nickname he gave Claire because of her distinct and proper English accent.
“But how? You weren’t on the airplane with us”, Claire asked.
“I’ve already been here a month Lady J. The university sent me early to make arrangements for the crew and I was very pleased to be able to skip the meeting today and celebrate with you!”
Claire beamed. “This is the best birthday surprise! Thank you, Uncle Joe!”
The town of Xpujil was more like a small village. It was two hours from the dig site and at least a day away from Mexico City, but it was the closest place to accommodate them. It was a hot day and Claire didn’t care for some of the town’s smells. The butchers hung sliced parts of meat for sale in front of the shops. Claire cringed at the hunks of skinned animal parts that appeared to be rotting in the unforgiving sun. And there were so many flies around.
“I guess I’ve smelled worse” Claire remarked as Joe chuckled. She had been along previous trips with them. Some were better than others.
Mrs. Crook was doing her best to keep a happy face but she was slowly turning red in the intense sun while constantly wiping her face with a handkerchief.
“Perhaps we should have left her at home” Claire whispered to Joe. She didn’t even think Mrs. Crook would be joining them on this trip, but Mrs. Crook insisted she wouldn’t miss her birthday and also wanted to experience travel on an airplane. In her 55 years, she had never once traveled beyond England and Scotland. And certainly had never stepped foot on an airplane! There were no words to describe Mrs. Crook’s expression as a stewardess in a neatly pressed uniform served them tea. Air travel was quite the sensation, and not many were lucky enough to experience it yet.
“Now Lady J, she didn’t want to miss this day either. You’re really a “Lady” now. Soon you will be grown and living your own life with your own family.” He glanced up and said, “There’s a small hut over here with handmade shawls you may like. Let’s have a look.”
They walked over to the hut where a woman was selling baskets full of what appeared to be blankets.
“These are rebozos, hand made shawls by this woman. I thought you might like one for when the weather is slightly chilly in England?” Joe said.
Claire looked at the elderly lady and smiled. She was very energetic despite her years and her weaving was beautiful. She came over to them and picked up a brightly colored green selection and wrapped it around Claire’s shoulders.
“Para ti. Tus ojos son hermosos,” she said softly.
Claire smiled. She had no idea what the woman said.
“She said you have beautiful eyes” Joe whispered.
“Oh Claire, you look so bonnie” Mrs. Crook said. “Just like your mam. She had the brightest green eyes and this color makes yer eyes look most the same. It’s as if it was fashioned by the faeries”. Her eyes watered slightly at the memory.
Julia Beauchamp was known for her bright green eyes, her curly dark hair and slight frame. Just like a fairy. Whenever Uncle Lamb or Mrs. Crook talked about her mother, her beauty was always mentioned. Claire thought of herself as rather plain looking, not the beauty her mother was. Claire’s eyes were light brown, definitely not green, and her hair dark brown. She guessed she looked more like her father, who had dark eyes and dark, wavy hair.
Claire touched the finely woven heavy silk and brushed it against her cheek. It was perfect!
“I love it”, she said softly.
“Then it’s yours! Anything for your birthday, Lady J.” Joe said as he paid the grateful vendor.
As they continued to explore the village, Joe paused in front of a small tent with a woman sitting at a table set up inside. There were various rocks and tinctures and simple jewelry laid out on the table, but Claire’s eyes went immediately to a curious set of cards spread out. Joe looked at her and smiled.
“Buenos días para ti María” Joe said.
“Que Dios te bendiga Jose” Maria replied.
“Who is that?” Claire asked.
“That’s Maria, the town’s fortune teller. She spends her day reading fortunes with a set of cards offering advice on love, money, herbal cures and “cleansing potions”. Rain or shine, she is out here everyday.”
Curiosity piqued, Claire walked over to the table to examine the contents laid out.
Mrs. Crook walked up softly behind Claire and whispered, “Come along wi’ me now Claire, we should no’ be talking to the witch folk on yer birthday. We dinnae want to be bringin’ ye bad luck”.
Mrs. Crook was a very superstitious woman, often mentioning the faeries and other Scottish folklore. Claire looked to Joe with wide eyes. He had a habit of studying the local folklore and religions throughout the regions they traveled.
“Witches! Is that true? Joe, is she a witch?” Claire glanced at the tattered tarot cards spread out on the well worn table and the small potions of liquid and wondered what she did with them. It looked harmless.
Maria’s eyes frowned slightly as she noticed the look of alarm on Mrs. Crook’s face. Joe winked at Maria.
“Ellos piensan que podrías ser una bruja.” Joe said lightly. They think you might be a witch.
Maria’s eyes widened in shock. “Mi misión es ayudar a la gente. Pero no soy una bruja como algunas personas piensan. La verdadera bruja puede lanzar hechizos o curarlos. Nacen con poderes especiales para bien o para mal.” She explained.
“I don’t understand a word she just said.” Claire whispered to Joe. Then she glanced over and noticed the distrustful look on Mrs. Crook’s face who was eager to move on.
“She said her mission is to help others. She’s not a witch although some people think she is. If she were a witch she could cast spells for good or evil” Joe explained. Spanish was one of the several languages Joe was fluent in.
Just then, Claire heard what sounded like singing. She looked past the fortune teller’s tent just as Maria was raising her hand to her forehead and made the sign of the cross over herself. Claire watched in amazement as a snake charmer, an old man, approached slowly toward the town center as he chanted in foreign tongue and played with the snake. Slowly a crowd started to gather around to watch and pay their respects, many digging into their pockets to leave a coin behind.
Joe strode next to her.
“He is what you call a shaman. He performs in hopes to sell magical services. Many people leave coins behind without seeking services anyway, perhaps to ensure he does not put a hex on their day at the market” Joe explained.
“Is there anything creepy that you don’t have an explanation for? What was your PhD in again?” Claire joked.
Joe laughed. “It’s Dr. Creepy to you, Lady J!”
“We’re supposed to be celebrating the lass’s birthday, no singin’ songs to wake the deid!” Mrs. Crook exclaimed. She continued to furiously dab at her face with a handkerchief. The unfamiliar sites and sounds of Mexico were already wreaking havoc on the poor woman’s nerves.
“Yes, we should head home now. Uncle Lamb might be waiting.” Claire said and looked over at the shaman one last time. And suddenly, she felt like she was falling... Claire swooned.
“Whoa! Are you feeling alright?” Joe examined looking at her face with concern.
“I’m fine, I think I might just be thirsty”. She allowed Joe to take her arm and realized she might be a bit overheated as well. “Let’s go back now,” she said as she began walking to their cottage. She had a headache wanted to get back as soon as possible.
“Now jist haud on lass! We dinnae want ye fainting on yer birthday, ye ken!” Mrs. Crook exclaimed as she hurried after Claire.
By the time they returned to the cottage, Claire felt as though her head was completely split in two. She had never experienced such a headache. The pain was making her break out into a sweat and her eyes watered.
“Claire, are you feeling ok?” Joe asked with a worried look on his face.
She knew she must look dreadful to be addressed as “Claire” and not “Lady J” by Joe. Mrs. Crook was also eyeing her very carefully too.
“I’m just not used to the heat and getting so much sun. It is October after all,” she remarked dismissively. But she knew her facial expression betrayed her. She wanted to go into her room and crawl under the dark covers.
“Och, lass! Go on now and find yer bed... Ye need a wee nap before supper.” Mrs. Crook suggested.
Joe continued to watch her with a concerned look. “Q will be home soon. Take some rest Lady J and we’ll get you up in time for your birthday dinner.”
Claire managed to give them a smile before quickly going to her bedroom. Suddenly, her clothes felt very restricting. She was hot and cold at the same time. She removed shoes and skirt and fell upon her bed in her blouse and stockings. She put a pillow over her head and within minutes she found herself fast asleep.
Claire was sitting in a sparsely furnished room. There was a bed, a side table and two chairs. The walls were white and there were bars on the windows. She sat unmoving while she gazed out the window at some clouds in the sky when she heard someone screaming in the distance. The voice got louder and she realized someone was calling her name.
“Claire! Are ye all right, lass?”
Mrs. Crook was standing over her looking concerned. The sight of her brought Claire back to consciousness but her body still felt heavy as if she were moving underwater. The sun was going down and the room was lit with subtle pink and purple hues. It was evening and she could smell the meal that awaited.
“I’m alright now. I’m feeling much better. Give me a couple minutes and I’ll be right out.” Claire said as she slowly sat up.
Mrs. Crook gave her a warm smile as she moved towards the door. “Dinnae be too long dear. The lads are gettin’ ready fur supper”. She softly closed the door behind her.
Claire yawned and forced herself to get out of bed. Her stomach growled and she realized just how famished she was. She quickly put on clean clothes and freshened up from the day. She was eager to see Uncle Lamb and hear about the details for the new excavation. The smell of food made her stomach growl again. Within minutes, she left her room to join the others and was greeted with smiles and laughs.
“At last! Sleeping beauty awakes! Happy birthday dear” Uncle Lamb said as he stood up to give her a hug.
Claire sat down and smiled. There were many candles lit on the table that gave the dining room a festive glow. Uncle Lamb hired a local village woman to to prepare the dinner tonight. She served them a traditional dish called Pozole, a hearty stew which was a delicious as it smelled.
“That is the best meal I’ve had in 2 months!” Joe exclaimed.
“Remember to leave some room for dessert” Uncle Lamb said as he winked at Claire. Just then, the village woman brought out a chocolate cake with a single candle lit upon it and everyone began to sing Happy Birthday.
Claire gazed at the cake as they finished the song and then closed her eyes and made a silent wish. I wish to know more about my mother, she thought before blowing out the candle.
Aside from the stories Mrs. Crook and Uncle Lamb told her, Claire didn’t know much about her mother. She only knew that Julia Thomson had grown up in Scotland and had no living relatives when she had married Henry Beauchamp. Uncle Lamb had plenty stories about her father, but knew little of her mother. Mrs. Crook had been friends with Julia, but had known her a short period of time.
Claire looked up at everyone with a smile. “Thank you all so much for such a wonderful birthday dinner...”
“Now hold on a second dear. There’s still one more surprise up my sleeve” Uncle Lamb announced. Then he pulled out a package from his pocket and handed it to her. “A present for you, Claire. It belonged to your mother and she wanted you to have it one day.”
Claire’s eyes widened and Mrs. Crook drew in a sharp breath. ’My mother!’ Claire thought with excitement as she carefully unwrapped the gift. Her birthday wish was already coming true!
Inside the box, she found a small emerald necklace. The bright green, teardrop shaped stone was about the size of her thumbnail and hung on a long dainty silver chain. It looked like something a princess would wear.
“Your mother wore that necklace everyday. It belonged to one of your Thomson ancestors. After you were born, she told me that one day it would be handed down to you.” Uncle Lamb said solemnly. He looked at her so tenderly as Mrs. Crook fastened the chain around her neck.
“So bonnie, just like yer mam” Mrs. Crook whispered as her eyes misted over.
“It’s beautiful and I will wear it every day!” Claire said softly.
Dinner suddenly took a more somber tone and Claire noticed her headache beginning to return. She walked over to her Uncle and gave him the biggest hug then kissed him on the cheek.
“Thank you so much. I love you” she whispered.
As dinner concluded, they all exchanged hugs and talked about tomorrow’s plans as Joe prepared to head to his cottage.
“I expect to see you up bright and early Lady J! You only get to sleep in once, and tomorrow is not your birthday!”
It was hot. Very hot. She tried to move but her body felt too heavy. She was frightened. The more she tried to move, the more immobile she became. She felt something wet and heavy sliding up her leg. Dear God! It was a snake! She panicked and tried to move but could not. She tried to scream but no sound came out of her mouth. She tried to scream again... and again.. and...
“Claire! Claire! Wake up!”
Claire awoke with a start and realized she had been screaming out loud. She then noticed her body was drenched in sweat and she felt sticky too. Uncle Lamb and Mrs. Crook were both in her room. They turned on the lights and Claire heard Mrs. Crook gasp. Her uncle’s face appeared to be frozen as he stared at her. Mrs. Crook began to pray out loud in Gaelic as Uncle Lamb came over and sat by her bed.
“Claire, are... are you all right?” He said softly. His voice wavering.
Claire was still half asleep and had no idea why they both seemed so frightened. This was not the first time she has a nightmare. She sometimes had them as a small child. That is when she noticed the blood. She looked down at her legs beneath her nightgown, and there were deep scratches all over them. And then she noticed her arms were stinging too from the deeps scratches all over her arms. What happened to her?
“Uncle Lamb, what happened?” She asked with a shaky voice. Her throat felt tight and she was trying her best to stop the tears from flowing. She knew if she started to cry, she wouldn’t be able to stop. Her fingernails weren’t that long. She couldn’t have done this to herself. Did something attack her?
Uncle Lamb was silent but the look on his face showed his terror. Suddenly, Claire felt like something was missing. Something was taken. Instinctively, she reached for her neck and felt the necklace was not there!
“My necklace... It’s gone!” she gasped as her eyes filled with tears. She cried softly as Uncle Lamb put his arms around her and rocked her gently.
“Oh no, lass! Dinnae cry. This is nothing but a few wee scratches.... It isnae yer fault... yer just not used to yer surroundings and ye had a nightmare.... ” Mrs Crook said with tears forming in her eyes. “I’m gonna set up a bath fur ye now lass so we can clean ye up, I ken ye willae mind it will be cold”.
Claire nodded as Mrs. Crook stepped out of the room and then turned to look Uncle Lamb in the eye.
“Do you think someone broke in here and stole my necklace?” She whimpered. Her eyes were still streaming with tears.
Uncle Lamb stared back at her. For a moment he was at a loss for words.
“Claire, it’s only been 3 hours since you’ve been to bed. I’ve been up studying plans for the excavation site. I would have seen if someone came into the cottage. Nobody has been in your room”. He looked around the room briefly. “Maybe in your nightmare you ripped it off”. He then settled his gaze on the cuts all over her arms. He didn’t say a word as he slowly took her hand in his and inspected her fingernails. There were bits of flesh and blood beneath them. He clasped her hand in his and lifted it to his lips and gave a small kiss to the palm of her hand.
“Let’s clean these cuts and get some fresh clothes on you. We can look for the necklace in the morning. I’m sure it’s around the room somewhere.”
Claire nodded at once and quickly drew her hand away. She felt suddenly embarrassed. What had happened? Why did she scratch herself so deeply that she drew blood? And how could she have done that in her sleep? Her arms and legs were stinging. She was completely bewildered but allowed her uncle to lead her to the bathroom where Mrs. Crook awaited to attend to her wounds.
As Claire was washing up, Q Beauchamp walked back into her bedroom. He examined her bed sheets and noticed the blood on them. Her self inflicted wounds were excessive but mostly superficial. He did not think it would lead to permanent damage or scars. His brow furrowed as he was reminded again of the first time his brother introduced him to Julia. Julia seemed to have a lot of ‘accidents’ and ‘bad dreams’ prior to their deaths. Q shivered at the memory.
’My sweet Claire. Always such a bright and happy child. What could be troubling her?’ he thought to himself and left the room. He knew he wouldn’t be able to sleep for the rest of the night.
Claire awoke the next morning and freshened up in the bathroom. She inspected the scratches on her arm and already they were healing rapidly. She knew in a couple days the marks would be gone. As she stared at her reflection, she noticed her eyes seemed lighter. They looked more green than light brown. Was it possible for eyes to change color? How could her eyes suddenly turn green?
She walked out to a quiet breakfast table. Uncle Lamb sipped his coffee somberly as Mrs. Crook silently busied herself with chores.
Uncle Lamb cleared his throat.
“Claire, I know you were hoping to see some ruins today, but I really think you should stay here and rest. It’s possible you may have caught a virus and I have arranged for Joe to keep you company again while I’m gone. We don’t want you in a position without access to proper medical care if indeed you are sick.”
He gave her a curt nod and then smiled. He wanted to reassure her there was nothing to be afraid of. She just caught a bug, and would be well enough soon. Claire was young and healthy.
“Thank you. I’m sorry if I worried you. I think a day of rest is just what I need. You’re right, I probably caught a virus. I did have a headache yesterday afternoon.” She replied.
Claire was secretly relieved. Although she didn’t feel sick, she must have caught some kind of foreign bug. She also didn’t want to be introduced to any new acquaintances in her condition. She had chosen a long skirt to wear, but she didn’t pack any long sleeve shirts and it was too hot to wear her wool coat. The scratches were too noticeable to ignore and she didn’t want Uncle Lamb’s colleagues asking her any questions. What could she say? She was mauled by a wild animal? She fell down hiking and landed in some prickly bushes?
After breakfast, she spent the next hour in her room looking for the emerald necklace that she lost. It had to be here. It couldn’t just disappear. She moved her bed, removed all the blankets and sheets but she could not find it. She continued to look frantically until she heard Mrs Crook talking to Joe in the front room. She left her bedroom to join them.
“Lady J! Why the long face? You look like you lost your best friend, but I’m here so there’s no need to look so glum!”
Claire tried to smile but just ended up shrugging her shoulders. “I lost the necklace Uncle Lamb gave me last night in my room somewhere and I cannot find it.”
Joe gave her a sympathetic look. “Try not to worry. It couldn’t have gotten far. Why don’t we go out for a short walk and get some fresh air. Once you calm down a bit, I’m sure you’ll discover it’s been right underneath your nose the whole time”.
Claire reluctantly nodded. She was feeling very frustrated and welcomed the distraction. “Let me just tell Mrs. Crook we are taking a short walk and I will meet you outside” she said as she began walking toward the kitchen. She noticed Joe’s gaze on her arms. She was sure her Uncle Lamb paid Joe a visit earlier that morning to inform him of the events last night, but she still couldn’t help but feel embarrassed.
They left the cottage together in silence. Claire wrapped her new green rebozo around her shoulder and covered her arms. She wanted to avoid any scrutiny if possible. Just up the road Claire noticed the tent again with the fortune teller woman. She had her table set up exactly the same as the day before, although she was closer to their cottage.
“Look, it’s Maria” she said to Joe.
They walked towards the tent and Joe gave the woman smile. “Buenos días para ti María” he said.
“Dios te bendiga a ti y a tu sobrina” Maria said as she stood up and walked over to Claire.
Claire stood still as she watched the woman walk up to her and gently placed a necklace in her hand. It was a small gold amulet with an abstract pattern that hung on a thin cord. Claire was speechless and shook her head slowly.
“No, I cannot accept this,” she said looking at Maria and handing the necklace back.
Maria observed her questioning expression and replied in Spanish then made the sign of the cross over herself and began to murmur a prayer as she moved to sit back down.
Claire looked to Joe for a translation.
“What did she say, Uncle Joe?” She asked him urgently.
“She said she wanted to give you this necklace for the one that is lost. She says the amulet offers protection from spirits.” he explained.
Claire’s eyes widened with fascination. “How did she know I lost my mother’s necklace?”
“You look different Lady J. Your eyes...”
“Uncle Joe, can you please ask her to give me a reading.... I have some coins!” she interrupted.
Joe did not wish to hang around, but the pleading look on Claire’s face was not a look he could refuse. The girl had a rough night and it was her birthday yesterday. Maybe this would lighten the mood.
“Alright Lady J... lets see what fortunes await you. But I already know you are destined for greatness,” as he gestured for her to take the empty seat.
Claire smiled and sat down. Maria then gestured to her amulet and Claire tied it around her neck. Maria smiled and nodded with approval and then shuffled the cards.
“Cut the cards in half” Joe instructed.
Claire divided the deck. And the woman picked them up then and began to lay out the cards. As she laid out the cards she began to read the cards in Spanish. Claire saw a familiar picture of the moon in the first card. Joe listened intently and translated for Claire when the woman paused....
“You will have a long life that is rich and full... the road ahead will sometimes be fraught with difficulties and it will be hard to make out the path in the dark of night.” He translated.
The second card was what appeared to be a man hanging upside down. Claire stared at the card as the woman told of its meaning then looked up to Joe to translate once again.
“A curse hangs over you. Danger to those who come under your thrall. And there will be many. There is danger, infirmity and disease. She does not know what kind because there are many kinds of sickness. And then a time of life…a time of love and energy across mountains and oceans and time.”
Claire listened intently as she stared at the next card. It was clearly the devil and she winced as she listened to the interpretation.
“A time of obsession from a man. He is not what he seems. He...” Joe paused his translation and frowned.
“Well, go on... what else did she say?”
“She said the amulet will protect you... the devil has marked you for his own..” Joe said reluctantly and shrugged. “Just remember these cards are just random...”
Claire looked down at the scratches on her arms and her headache began to return. She felt overheated again and it was accompanied by the familiar light headed drowsiness. She closed her eyes and felt several minutes pass before she heard her name shouted loudly.
“Claire!” Joe said loudly as he clapped his hands in front of her face.
Maria started speaking again as she pointed to the amulet she gave Claire.
“What is she saying? I’m fine, please Joe, please tell me what is she saying?” Claire pleaded. She had a feeling that the woman was saying something important.
“The Mayans believed that evil spirits could shape shift in the night, turn into animals or other people to trick the living.”
“What evil spirits!” Claire exclaimed remembering her dream.
“It’s just legends Claire....” he paused... “You don’t look well, perhaps we should get back to the cottage. I thought this entertainment would cheer you up, but I think a nap would do you more good.”
Claire nodded. “We can go back... This was fun but I do think I may be coming down with a flu or something. I could use a nap.” Claire smiled at the woman and stood up from the chair. Suddenly everything went black. Claire fell to the ground.
Claire awoke later that night screaming and drenched in sweat. It was dark. Within moments Uncle Lamb, Joe and Mrs. Crook were in her room. Mrs. Crook came over to her bedside and felt her forehead.
“I’ve seen fevers like this that have killed a lass! We’ve got to get her home to England to a proper doctor! Ye ken she could be dying!” The woman shrieked.
Claire tried to get up as she frantically looked around the room.
“Did you see him?” She asked as her eyes darted around the room.
“See him? Who are you talking about?” Uncle Lamb asked with concern. He looked at Claire and was suddenly taken aback. Her eye color had completely changed. He looked at Joe who had noticed it too. Claire’s eyes were green and so bright that they seemed to glow.
Claire tried to stand up, but then suddenly felt too dizzy. “There was a man in my room. He scared me,” she whispered.
Uncle Lamb and Joe became very alarmed. Joe checked her bedroom windows while Uncle Lamb checked the other rooms.
“There’s nobody else here, Claire. Are you sure it wasn’t a nightmare?” Uncle Lamb asked a few minutes later after checking the cottage.
“No, he was just here. He put these flowers on my bedside table and gave me my mother’s necklace back,” Claire said holding up her mother’s emerald necklace and then fainted once more, letting the darkness embrace her.