(c) 2000, 2001 Copyright held by author.



    A Different Time

    by Cathy


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    New as of April 19, 2001
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    Chapter Seven

    Date: Friday, 23 March 2001

    The coach lurched its way back to town. Catrin did not remember the ride being so short, or maybe she just did not want it to end this time. Even with all their closeness and Hamish's thoughtfulness, she was feeling awkward about others seeing their relationship. Why? No one knew them here, there was no reason to hide their affection. She still felt the same and so it seemed did Hamish. It was as if they had been in a magical place like Narnia or Middle Earth, Now she feared the magic would wear off, once they were back.

    Catrin had not been away from the estate during their months there. Hamish had imposed a quarantine at first, then after, with the children well, she had no urge. It wasn't as if travelling to town would magically transport me home, And I didn't want to upset any events leading to the future. But I feel like I'm missing home. Although, she did want to freshen up when the coach stopped to let off its passengers. Now pavement felt odd under her feet.

    Most of the tourists from the coach got into cars and drove off; the rest dispersed into various establishments along the street. Hamish held the door for Catrin as they entered the pub. She visited the loo while Hamish went up to his room. She found a booth upon her return and studied the barely readable menu while waiting for him. A few moments later, he strode in. Catrin was a little surprised at first. She knew he didn't look like Henry, but now Hamish was freshly clean-shaven. He sure wears his modern clothes as nicely as the Regency ones, she noticed approvingly. His dark hair even looked a little damp and it curled about his forehead and ears. Catrin looked away before he caught her staring. She saw one or two others from the estate sitting nearby. Must be workers, she decided.

    "Heads up!!!" was all Catrin heard before something came flying toward her. She got her hands up in time to stop a second bag of crisps from ending up in the next booth.

    "Rugby fan are you? Good defensive use of the hands," Hamish grinned as he sat down. He rubbed his hands together briskly, as the waiter followed him over. "I'm famished. Think I'll have a ploughman's."

    The waiter set some drinks down and waited expectantly. Catrin looked up in surprise at the mug set in front of her. As she opened her mouth to order, Hamish spoke first, "I got you a tea," then to the waiter. "We'll have two ploughman's." Hamish then tore open the bag of crisps.

    Catrin shook her head. "No, I'll have a shepherd's plate and take this back, I'll have a cider." She looked directly at Hamish. The waiter shrugged and took the tea away with him.

    "Why didn't you ask me what I wanted?" Catrin couldn't believe his presumption. It just seemed rude to her. Then she remembered the way it was in the early 1800s. She had been the one to set menus with the cook. Had she ever asked his preferences? He never protested. Though if Henry had suddenly liked or disliked a particular food, cook would have been curious.

    Hamish shrugged it off. "I didn't mean any offence by it. Usually...I mean it's my habit to choose." He took her hand. "It's usually more expedient...." Oops, better fix that! "You never asked for anything alcoholic before...when we were..."

    Catrin smiled as he tripped over his tongue. "Well, I might have, had someone offered. We did have wine with dinner, right? And port after? I definitely preferred the port." She reached over and ran her fingers along his arm. "You know I can fend for myself, don't you?"

    "Well, I guess." There had been no objections; but she was different than the others. Hamish reached over and kissed Catrin, then sat back with a smirk. "You seem to like that," he pointed out. "In fact, you definitely do!" Hamish warmed at the memory.

    "Never said I didn't," she mused. "Do you have plans for the next few days?"

    "I'm on call starting Wednesday. There were a few things I wanted to do before." Hamish thought of the rugby tourney he had to play in. "But nothing I can't miss." He looked hopefully at Catrin. "If you have something in mind......."

    Catrin's heart softened. She ran her fingers down his cheek. "I was planning a little walkabout," she smiled at Hamish's groan. "But I suppose I could restrict my activities to the nearby hills," she teased.

    The waiter came back with utensils and her cider. Catrin took a sip. "Oh, this tastes so good," she licked her lips. "One thing I did miss was my local."

    Hamish looked at her in surprise. "You? Have a local?"

    Catrin swallowed her second sip. "Why not? It's fun to go and see friends and neighbours."

    Hamish didn't exactly have a local, but he missed socialising. What did he have in common with Catrin? It might be good that they were spending a few days apart when he left. Maybe they would be able to look more closely at the relationship.

    Catrin was having some similar thoughts. What do we have in common but the past? And the physical?

    Hamish decided they could figure out those things later. Now he just wanted to see her smile again. The way her eyes crinkled into crescents when she did when she did, spread her enjoyment over her whole face.

    They ate in relative silence, not having children or estate functions to talk about. Both strained to find something that might bind them together besides their adventure; that commonality alone would not last long in the current time period.

    The bill came. They looked at each other in surprise, not used to paying for meals. Ohmigosh...money!!!! Did either of them have any? Catrin knew she didn't after emptying her bag many times. Still, she dug through her coat pockets and in one found a crumpled £10 note. Then to her relief found her wallet in another. After dropping the money on the table, they left.

    After leaving the pub, they fell into a comfortable step. Catrin put her hand on Hamish's arm to stop him in front of an estate agents. "Look...there are some of the estate cottages for rent. I wonder why?" He could only shake his head.

    But so natural was the feel of her hand, that Hamish was compelled to place it in the proper position. When it was snug against his side, he covered it protectively with his, and they continued down the street.

    "This isn't showing too much affection in public, is it?" Hamish asked, half-teasing.

    Catrin relaxed, she had stiffened a bit before she realised his intention. "Yes, no...I don't know anymore." So just enjoy it, stupid! She still had an odd feeling ever since returning and couldn't figure out what it was telling her. Or was it the fact that she had lived another person's life for a while? How much of her had she left in Caroline? And how much of Caroline was now in Catrin?

    "So maybe a walk until it gets dark? I feel the need to stretch my legs." Actually, Hamish didn't know exactly what he wanted either.

    Catrin looked at him affectionately. "Of course, need you ask? I wouldn't have it any other way." At least I'll have some good memories.

    It was well toward evening now. They walked slowly down the street, looking into shop windows as they went. Hamish recognised buildings and shops he had visited. There was one in particular he pointed out.

    "This belonged to the painter that did your miniature," he explained. "He liked the scenery so he stayed. Then he fell in love and married a local girl."

    Catrin looked at him in wonder, then examined the window display. There were sketches of various portraits and landscapes. "Is that...?" She pointed at a small pencil sketch near the front.

    Yes," Hamish nodded. "That's the sketch he did of me. I think it's a very good likeness, don't you?" He mugged and turned his face from side to side.

    "I guess it's passable," Catrin teased, then said seriously, "He was not accurate with your ears, though. They stick out more than he caught."

    Hamish looked so mortified that she had to laugh, giving away her joke. He noticed that when teasing she couldn't help but smirk a little, which gave it away. This was something he was beginning to enjoy.

    They walked past a clothing shop, which had present day remakes of Regency clothing. Catrin was immediately intrigued and studied the various styles closely. Hamish gave the men's clothing a cursory look, then turned back to comment to her.

    He was momentarily taken aback when he saw her similarity to Caroline. Uncanny.....exchange her baggy, ill-fitting modern clothing for Regency dress and she really would be identical. Speaking of which, I do miss seeing her body displayed like that. Today's fashions don't do her figure justice. He shook his head to clear it. Best put those thoughts aside for now, though.

    The couple found themselves at the end of the shops on this side of the street. Just as they turned to start down the other side, a flash caught Hamish's eye. He looked up to see the sunset reflecting off the lower windows of the estate house; pulling Catrin's arm, she saw it too. They watched while the sun moved slowly up the wall, finally hitting the highest attic windows before fading. With a sigh, they now crossed the street and continued their window shopping.

    Catrin turned quickly once and smacked her arm on a post. "Ow, ow, ow!" she said, breathing quickly through the sudden pain.

    "Let me see," Hamish pulled up her sleeve to see if there was any damage. All he saw was old scar tissue. "No skin broken...recently that is. How did you do this?" He ran his fingers over the lumpy skin at her elbow.

    "Fell off a bike when I was a teenager...into some gravel. I was picking out sand and dirt for a year," Catrin shuddered at the memory of her mother cleaning out the fresh wound. They started walking again with Catrin's arm tucked neatly inside his.

    "I did something like that," Hamish offered. "Got a lovely burn on my leg from a motorbike. It slipped on some wet grass and landed on me. Then there was the time we were playing in the house. I managed to slide on the rug and ended up hitting the table leg with my forehead. Took a few stitches to close that one."

    Not to be outdone, Catrin related her tales of working in a chippy. "I was burned so much, I don't even know where all the scars are. Fortunately none were serious."

    Hamish watched her face as they talked. She was genuinely interested in what he said. Others never really were, they just pretended. He could always see boredom behind the façade of interest. He wasn't used to someone actually listening, it sort of surprised him. Every time he would start with "It's boring, you won't be interested." Catrin would counter with "Then I wouldn't have asked. Go on, tell me."

    Before they knew it, they were on the edge of town again. Fog had risen from the river and was wafting along the road next to them. They even walked through a few slivers. Despite her coat, Catrin shivered involuntarily.

    Hamish noticed, though. "Are you cold? We can go back to the pub," he offered.

    "I don't think so," Catrin refused, then added. "My B&B is nearer." It seemed unnatural for them to sleep apart now, so both thought her idea a good one. Arriving at the house, Catrin assumed Hamish would follow her in. He almost didn't until she pulled on his hand. They had some tea and biscuits before the awkward moment of his departure.

    "It seems odd for you to go," ventured Catrin. "If you have no objection, I'd like your company tonight." She had never been so forward, but he had been her husband.

    Hamish nodded. He understood her feelings, even it were only habit. But was there more to it on his part?

    They got into bed and spent the night as they had during their time in the past.


    Catrin woke up early the next morning. Dawn was just breaking and a bright strip of sunlight streamed through the window. She pulled a quilt around her and sat in one of the over-stuffed chairs in the corner. Hamish was still sound asleep. She did not want to wake him. She took the estate book book from the table and started paging through it. There were many photos of the various rooms and their contents. Then she came upon photos of the gallery paintings. There, smiling up at her, was the family portrait that had so shaken her when she first saw it. There was a paragraph detailing the circumstances and date it was done. The youngest child was barely a year old at the time. When Catrin read his birthdate, she gasped. It corresponds to exactly nine months after we left!!! She looked over at Hamish, debating whether or not to wake him. No. I'll tell him later. I like keeping it to myself for now, she smiled contentedly.

    The next pages showed a large family portrait. It was of three generations of the family, including all five children. The older couple were the parents of Caroline. I don't remember meeting them. Where were they while we were there? This was quite a puzzle. Still, both couples are obviously very much in love. The book mentioned that this portrait had never been on display. It hung in the family's private rooms.

    Hamish stirred and Catrin realised she was cold. Placing the book back on the table, she laid the quilt back on the bed and crawled under it next to him. After murmuring something about cold feet, Hamish nuzzled her neck and pulled her to him.


    The next few days were spent in the same fashion as that evening. Neither mentioned feelings, as they didn't want to cause tension. And it was too soon in Catrin's opinion. They did find a cash machine, so it was easier to eat meals; most of which were in the pub. Hamish had thought about driving to a larger town to really do it up right, but decided against that.

    Catrin's coat pockets proved fertile once again as she found her camera. She got some good shots of the town and surrounding hills. But no matter how nice the time was with Hamish, they could not delay his departure. He had already put his bags in his car while she was occupied elsewhere.

    "I could go with you," Catrin offered as they walked down a little-used lane.

    Hamish stopped and turned her to face him. "No," he shook his head. "You have earned your time off. I would never ask you to cut it short." I need a little time to think, anyway. "I could meet your train when you return," he changed the subject. "What time and station?" Catrin wrote the information on the back of a shop receipt and Hamish stuffed it in his pocket. A strange look crossed his face and he pulled out the pocket watch from the past.

    They looked at leach other in surprise; but it was one and the same, even had her hair in the back compartment. "How did that get there?" They asked in unison. Hamish looked pointedly at Catrin.

    "Nope," she shook her head and looked away. "I have no idea." It was yet another mystery left over from their paranormal experience.

    "Well, it's a nice reminder of.....everything," Hamish whispered. He put a hand on either side of Catrin's face and made her look at him. Tears were just brimming in her eyes.

    "I'm...I just don't do good bye, very well," she swallowed a sob.

    Hamish saved her more words as he kissed her for a long time. Then he pulled her into a bear hug and whispered, "Don't come with me. It'll be too difficult do drive off." Catrin nodded and watched his back as he walked quickly away.

    It would be a long, dark drive back to London; then he'd go straight to work. Maybe he wouldn't miss her too much.

    Chapter Eight

    Date: Monday, 2 April, 2001

    Author's note: In appreciation of all the suggestions received, here is the next part. Of course, by the time you finish this part, you might not want to do any more suggesting.*evil grin*

    Catrin did not visit the estate again. She started to and even got as far as the gate on one of her walks, but couldn't bring herself to enter. She visited other villages nearby and mostly kept to herself. She thoroughly enjoyed being able to turn on a tap to get running water, or flushing the toilet. And hoped no one thought it too odd that she giggled over simple conveniences.

    She ate frequently at the pub, and on her last day the barman asked about Hamish. "Where 'as your young man been, miss?" He asked as she took her seat in the nearly deserted pub. "The one wot you came in with a few times....e'er since I ha'n't seen 'im."

    My young man? It took Catrin a minute to realise who he meant. "Oh, Hamish....well, his holiday was finished. I'm sure he's back in the city...at work."

    "'S too bad you can't take your vacations at the same time. Mus' be difficult," the man tried to ferret out the relationship. "You two are jus' so well-suited..." he trailed off, while pulling a pint.

    Catrin felt her face grow warm and tried to joke her way out of the awkward conversation. "I'm sure you have much better things to do than check up on boring old tourists," she grinned.

    The barman looked sheepish. "Um...most of the tourists 'ere 'bouts only come for the day. They dun' stay. You 'av stood out in that you 'av stayed in town."

    Catrin's disappointment showed. She hated being obvious or not blending in with locals. The barman brought over a cider, knowing it was her usual. "'S true, miss. We have seen you in the area these last days. You look lonely without the young man. Did you 'av a fight? None 'o me business, course."

    "No...no fight at all. In fact we've only known each other a short time," she paused, thinking back. "And his holiday was done."

    "Really, miss? You two are a nice couple," he paused, then grinned. "And you argue like you've been together for years."

    Catrin thought a long time before she smiled and nodded. "Nice couple, yes...we are," she looked up at the barman. "I do believe you are right," she said firmly. It was decided in her mind. Now to see if Hamish still felt the same. She'd be on pins and needles 'til then. What if he didn't show up at the train station?


    Hamish arrived at work with just enough time to shower before his first case. He tossed his bag in his locker and ran to the scrub room. He worked double shifts all week. For some reason he was back to his habit of not sleeping through an entire night; in only few hours, he'd be up and off to work. In no time at all, Hamish slipped back into his rut. Days merged with nights and time passed quickly.

    There was his leather jacket...in his hospital locker. He hadn't worn it for days. Pulling it on, he hurried off to pick up his date. His watched chirped. "Right on time," he answered back to it. He wasn't planning on going all the way home for the night. No sirree...after dinner with fondling and more fondling in the cinema he knew he'd be going back to Rita's place.

    He woke up with a start. Time to be going. Tonight had been no different from any other. It went just as planned. Rita was quite accommodating and pleasing to the eye. They'd probably go out again. It was only a few hours since they had gotten to her flat, now he'd be on his way. Rita would have none of that, however. She followed him into the other room, arguing that he stay, and tempted him with more pleasure. When he continued firm in his decision, she became vicious and threw his clothing at him. Something heavy in the jacket hit him in the face...hard. As he got to his car, he fumbled in the pocket to see what it was.

    "A pocket watch? Where the....???" He felt a great heaviness as he remembered. Opening the back, he saw the lock of Catrin's hair. He closed his eyes, remembering when he carefully cut and fastened it inside. He had planned to go look up information about the estate, but hadn't gotten to it. Had it really happened? Or was it a dream? No, he had not really slept since returning, but had put it down to the stresses of work. Or was it self-created? Was he working himself into exhaustion so he wouldn't think about her?

    Replacing the watch in his pocket, he found a crumpled paper. It had a train number and station written on it. "When was she coming back? Tomorrow?" He turned the scrap over and saw that it was the day after. Good. He'd have enough time to get things ready. He had to know what was real. He had gone straight to work and really had not stopped. Was it really two weeks so soon? He didn't recall much of those days. Work consumed him. What had he done the rest of the time? Feelings of regret washed over him for his behaviour in the last weeks. Not for the women, but for himself and how he had betrayed what he felt for Catrin.

    "Wait, I haven't acted any differently now from before," Hamish argued with himself. But you realised that you like a different pace of life. Some of your stereotypes came crashing around your ears. Before meeting Catrin, you were perfectly happy with these other women. "Why have things changed so?" You're trying to readjust to your return by forcing everything to be like it was before. But you aren't same person anymore. That's why it doesn't feel right. Where was that voice coming from? He certainly had never heard it before. And why does it have to be right?? He thought crossly.


    There was a slight commotion during Catrin's last days in the village. She didn't notice as she was absorbed by her own thoughts. "I'll at least ring him when I get back. Face to face would hurt too much...I can't handle that." She tapped dried mud from her boots. It probably wasn't such a good idea to just cross that stream instead of looking for a proper place,she thought ruefully. While walking to the station, she noticed the street was empty of usual stalls set up for market day.

    Then as the train pulled out, she saw a funeral procession. In keeping to herself, she didn't even know there had been a death in the area. Wow...it looks like the whole town has turned out. Must have been someone important. She now felt butterflies at the thought of seeing Hamish again. Her romantic side was filled with visions of seeing him on the platform. They ran toward each other in slow motion. She giggled at that thought. Her cynical side wanted to protect her in the case of another disappointment, should he not be there.


    It had only been a matter of days, but Hamish now missed spending time with Catrin. True, not much time had passed here, but as far as they were concerned, they had been together for months. Checking his watch, he shuffled his feet for a few minutes. Half two, the train was late, big surprise. Where had the chill wind come from? Oh, yes...London at any time. Now Hamish realised he had left in such a hurry he had not changed out of his scrubs. Good thing his coat was warm. He ran his fingers through his hair, trying to alleviate the effects of wearing a scrub cap and mask for so many hours. When he brought his hand down, he rubbed it over his face...Oh, no..the effects of not shaving since yesterday. And what with working most of the night, he had put it entirely out of his mind. Ah well...I've gone without washing for much longer.

    Hamish's head snapped around, looking up the track. Those standing on the platform had heard the train whistle frantically, tyres screeching and then a massive crash. Now they could see billows of black smoke rising from behind a row of houses. Sirens began to wail almost immediately and the concussion set off car alarms all around.

    Time stood still and Hamish felt dizzy. Oh no.....we just found each other....no...I just found I need her!!! he screamed inwardly. I need to go.....help... Though what help he could be in his current state of mind, he did not know. I am a doctor!!! I must help!!! But his feet would not move. Only when someone bumped him from behind, did his senses return and he moved along with the crowd.

    What condition might he find Catrin in, should he even find her amid the inevitable chaos? Would he be able to function should he find her past hope? Then he remembered the crash protocol. The surgical team was paged as they were needed. So he would head toward his hospital and be prepared for the first ones to come in. And try to keep thoughts of Catrin from invading. Still he had to know.....and at least there would be some time to collect himself.

    Chapter Eight (Part B)

    Posted on Friday, 6 April 2001

    Catrin dropped her bags in exhaustion. Where did I get the brilliant idea of living in a converted Victorian home? And a top floor flat as well! She looked around, checking on her plants. They looked well enough. Phyllida had neglected them before, with sad consequences. Even though she is terrific with outdoor plants, Catrin thought curiously. Phyllida then had gone out and bought more to replace them. Catrin would never have known had she not seen loose dirt around the pots.

    "I'm home now!" she said with a deep sigh and flopped in a chair. On the table next to her were some assorted treats. She giggled. "Ah, Phyllida what a good friend you are...Bourneville, Wispa...Ooh! Mr. Kipling's!!" Catrin unwrapped a caramel shortcake and bit in with a moan. "Oh, I missed you."

    She held the treat in her mouth while carrying the bags into the bedroom. If I don't do this now, I'll never get 'round to it. Hefting both bags up on the bed, she up-ended the smaller one, on top of the pile was Hamish's gift. She unwound the protective wrapping and carefully placed the miniature on her chest of drawers. Fingering it lightly, she whispered, "No matter what, I've got to give it a go. It's better than knowing I gave up."

    Catrin fingered through her CDs and put one in the player. "Mmmmm....Chopin...too bad I only have the one. I'll have to get rid of some of these others," she wandered back to the kitchen and switched on the kettle.

    Just then she heard feet thundering on the stairs; and her door was thrown open. "Oh...thank GOD you are all right!!!" Phyllida rushed in and grabbed Catrin in a tight hug. "When I heard the news.....well, I knew you would be returning today..."

    Catrin managed to free herself, her brow furrowed. "What are you rabbiting on about? And what news? I haven't even had time to switch on the radio."

    "There was a train crash," Phyllida caught her breath. "Just before your stop. You know that curve?" Catrin nodded. She had been thrown to one side of the train many times as the engineer took it at a much higher speed than allowed.

    "Well, I think it derailed. Wait.....how did you get here if you didn't get off at our station? An earlier train?" Phyllida walked over to check the radio for more news...there was an ad, so she switched it off again. When she turned back, Catrin's face was ashen.

    "What?" Phyllida demanded. "Tell me!!!" She looked at her watch. "But hurry! I've got a cake in the oven for Rupert." She blushed a little as Catrin looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "This isn't about me, it's about you...now tell!"

    "I had to pee bad...and you know how I am about railway car loos....well, we were slowing to stop...I knew I couldn't wait...so I got off and ran to the loo in the station," Catrin began to pace. "I lingered over breakfast this morning 'cause I didn't want to leave and come back to the real world; so I had cup after cup of tea. I finally left as the owners had some place to go and were desperate to get me out." She took as deep breath as she finished.

    They talked for a bit longer, then Phyllida's cake timer went off. After she left, Catrin picked up the phone. Hesitating for a moment, she firmly punched in Hamish's mobile number.


    His mobile rang but he ignored it and began to run. Hamish rounded the corner to see flames rising from a mass of twisted metal. Emergency crews were on the scene, pulling out survivors and searching for a cause. It persistently rang again.

    "What!!" He yelled into the phone after grabbing it from his pocket, nearly ripping the fabric in his anger.

    "Well, sor-ree, I'm sure!" said a cheerful voice at the other end. "Having a bad day? Or did you lose your mobile in the car again?"

    "C-c-Catrin?" he asked, half afraid it was some cruel joke or his imagination. He stopped moving toward the crash and leaned against a building for support.

    "At your service, sir! Why do you ask? Expecting another woman from your past to ring you?" Catrin giggled. "And when I say past......." She couldn't hear much on the other end. "Hamish? Are you on the Tube? There's lots of background noise."

    Hamish was unable to talk. He was breathing in great silent gasps. He managed to calm himself to say, "No....it's just noisy here. I-I'm having trouble hearing you. Where are you?" He closed his eyes in gratitude. It was only moments, but having thought he lost her was enough to spur him into action.

    "I'm home! Where do you think silly? Remember, I don't have a snazzy mobile like some people." In fact, hers needed recharging. "Do you fancy dinner? I'm starved! They only had day old sandwiches on the train, and you know how I must have fresh bread...well, now I do, anyway."

    "Uh-huh," Hamish was still too numb to respond coherently.

    "And Phyllida says there was a train crash. It's the first time I have ever been glad I drank too much tea at breakfast."

    Hamish had no idea what she was saying, he was just glad to hear her voice. "A train crash? Really? Wow!!" He turned and headed back to his car. "Wait, what do you mean too much tea?" Hastily, he reached out to pull his car door open. Damn..... When he realised it was locked. He dug the keys from this pocket and hit the alarm button.

    "Well," Catrin said sheepishly. "I didn't want to leave....it was so relaxing. I had cup after cup 'til I nearly missed my train. Oh, I'll tell you later. Where can we go for dinner?"

    He hated to disappoint her but Hamish knew he would. "I may have to report to casualty first and be put on the On Call list if they don't need me.

    "Well..." Catrin thought for a moment. "I'll get some shopping, so you can come here and I'll fix something, then if you have to dash off, you don't have to worry about me getting home, and such." She rang off thinking, Gosh, that was easier than I thought.


    Hamish's mobile sounded once he started his car. When he rang off he sighed, then rang Catrin back. "I need to report to casualty now because of the train crash. I'm sorry, I won't be over until late. Maybe not even until tomorrow." He knew he would be more help at hospital when the casualties started coming in. And now he wouldn't be distracted with worry.

    Catrin had thought as much when she heard more about the accident. "I'll wait up if you still want to come 'round after. If you're not too tired that is..." She held her breath for his answer.

    "Of course.....I'll ring first just in case you drop off. Should I bring breakfast?"

    "Whatever you'd like....I did a bit of shopping as well......in that antique clothing shop. Use your imagination...." Catrin said mischievously.

    "Thanks, now how shall I concentrate on the job at hand!" He grinned into the phone. Oh, he had missed her sense of humour, how easy she was to be with and talk to. "But it might make the time go faster. Ta-ra, see you soon."

    "Ta-ra, I'll be waiting....dressed appropriately," she teased and rang off.

    Hamish smiled to himself thinking of what Catrin might be dressed in. He didn't even mind when a spiky-haired man gestured at him for not moving into traffic fast enough.


    They had dropped off her film and walked around until it was ready. It was nice to have a friend to talk to. Catrin realised that her time spent in the past had been without a close girlfriend. She and Phyllida stopped at a chippy and walked to the park while they ate.

    "Hey, did you get your mobile fixed?" Catrin said between bites. She wanted to catch up on what she had missed.

    Phyllida blushed. "Yes. It's doesn't switch on accidentally anymore."

    "I seem to remember that the button got pushed because someone was rolling over the phone, right?" Catrin teased.

    "All right, all right, yes...and it's now fixed to not do that," Phyllida blushed even redder. "Thanks so much for reminding me. Rupert has only just gotten over the trauma of hearing your voice from underneath him." She giggled. Soon both were laughing raucously.

    They spent the rest of the day together, but Catrin didn't tell Phyllida everything about the trip. She did mention meeting Hamish, since she couldn't hide everything from her friend. But Catrin did not divulge the extent of their relationship.

    When they returned, Rupert had picked up take-away Thai for dinner. Catrin ate quickly so she could give them their privacy, despite their protests to the contrary.


    When he had a break between cases, there wasn't time for Hamish to leave the premises; so he did a little Internet surfing. He found a map site that showed him the way to Catrin's flat. He printed the map for later. Oh, this is cool. I can see a picture of the area. He couldn't tell which exactly was her building, but it still was fascinating. The wall speaker crackled and Hamish was called back into surgery.


    It had been so good to get into her own bed last night. Catrin was exhausted and dropped off right away. If she had any dreams, she didn't remember them. She even slept-in a few hours. This morning, she knew Hamish would ring, but she had time to kill until then. She switched the kettle on. Oh how nice to have tea in such short time, she sighed. This was one of the luxuries she had missed.

    With her mug of tea, Catrin wandered around the flat. It's so small since living in that huge estate. I know, I need music. Catrin walked over to her stereo and flipped through her CDs. "No...no...no....ick!...no...no...why don't I have anything decent? All I've got is lame pop music. Don't I have any more classical?" She found something bearable and made sure it wwas loud ehough to hear, then went to take a bath.

    She really liked her tub..no matter that she didn't have a shower. There was a hand-held attachment for doing her hair that was even better than an actual shower. She watched the water course in from the tap. "This is much better than someone carrying up buckets of hot water," she held her hand under the tap. "And there's no problem to heat up when it cools off."

    The steam felt good on her face after a fortnight of somewhat chilly showers. She inhaled the rosemary aroma. It brought back good memories. When the CD finished, there was quiet. Catrin relished that after her long train ride of the day before. Only faint traffic noise reached her in this room.

    After soaking for some time, she rewarmed the water, then grabbed the disposable razor next to her. "This is much easier and safer than that straight razor," she shivered at the recollection. "The things I do to feel good."

    Suddenly music blared. "What?" She yelled in surprise. Catrin looked at the clock radio she had placed there to keep her on time for work. There had probably been a power cut and now the timer was peculiar. She suffered through a pop music station until getting out of the tub.

    After getting dressed, she sat down with another mug of tea, to go through the accumulated post. Most were bills that she tossed onto her desk for payment later. The rest were adverts or credit card applications. "You know, I almost wish I were back in the 1800s again. I didn't have to do this all by myself."

    Her door opened and Phyllida interrupted Catrin's musings. "Did you see a cat dash in here? I unlatched my door and she made a dash for it."

    "A cat? You kill houseplants! Why would you even think you could take care of a cat??" Catrin was incredulous.

    "Well...Rupert found her over by the park. He's such a softy. And since he's here more than at his flat, it only seemed logical..." Phyllida trailed off when she saw Catrin's grin. "What?!"

    Catrin shook her head, still smiling. "Nothing...I'm just enjoying it. You must be good together. I'm glad. You deserve someone nice."

    Her friend blushed. "Yeah, he takes good care of me. But sometimes he's odd. Do you know what he brought me the other day? A painting, he must've gotten it out of a bin someplace, of those strange windmills in California."

    "NO! That is too funny!!!" Catrin tried to suppress her laughter. "Um...did he have a reason? At some point in your love- induced stupor have you mentioned you wanted such a thing?"

    "I don't remember saying anything. I can't figure out how he came up with the idea.......what?" Phyllida saw that Catrin was staring past her to the hall doorway. She turned to see a man, his gaze locked with Catrin's.

    Chapter Nine (Part A)

    Posted on Thursday, April 12, 2001

    Just as he was about to ring Catrin's flat from below, someone opened the main door. Hamish ran up the stairs, but stopped at the landing before the last set, to catch his breath. Don't want to be panting when I get there..I won't be able to talk. As he paused, he heard familiar laughter from above. Following it, he walked the last few stairs, craning his neck to catch a glimpse of Catrin.


    Catrin couldn't speak, just gape. Hamish was in the doorway. Ohmigosh...he's here...His hair looks longer. There's an odd pattern of lines across his face and his hair looks like he has been wearing a stocking cap all day. What do I say...what do I do?......Get hold of yourself!! She told herself sternly. And ask the man in!!!

    "Come in..." Catrin walked over to Hamish. "This is my friend, Phyllida Thomson. Phyllida, this is Hamish Evringham, my ah....my....."

    "Friend," Hamish finished matter-of-factly, trying to read her face. Was it so difficult to define their relationship?

    Catrin beamed at him. "Yes...friend." She led him to a seat.

    It was awkward, him being here. They had not been together in a place that belonged to either of them. Catrin was suddenly shy. She did a few domestic things to make her guest feel more comfortable.

    Phyllida felt like she was watching a dance. Catrin fluttered here and there, not at ease enough to sit. She boiled water for tea while Hamish sat on the edge of the sofa and made small talk with both women. Catrin brought in the tea and cups and poured for each of them. Eagle-eyed Phyllida did notice that Catrin didn't need to ask Hamish how he took his tea.

    "Oh, sorry, here are some biscuits and shortcakes. I forgot to put them on a plate," Catrin felt so disjointed.. This man was not a stranger. Why couldn't she be herself?

    "Your photos, remember?" Phyllida tried to get things moving.

    "Oh!!" Catrin jumped up, nearly tipping over the tea things. "Yes!! They're just here." She picked up a carrier bag and dumped the contents out on the floor. Phyllida hid a smirk. Catrin fumbled among her camera, a sandwich wrapper from the train, several souvenirs and finally got the photo envelopes. She handed one to Phyllida, another to Hamish.

    "Um...these are of the back garden," said Phyllida. "Oh wait, now I see some...." She stopped when she saw one of Catrin and Hamish. They were deep in conversation and even in the photo, Phyllida could see their ease with each other. They seemed much more intimately acquainted than only two weeks could make them. What is the story with these two?

    "When did you take this?" Hamish asked when he came across one of him.

    "Which one?" Catrin asked as he handed it over. "Oh, yes...you were walking toward that old church and I had the wide-angle lens on....I didn't even realise you were in the shot. Oh...remember this?" She pointed out something in the background of another photo. Hamish had to reach over the coffee table to see where she pointed, so he got up to kneel beside her chair.

    The photo slipped from Catrin's hand. As she bent down to get it, her hair fell over her face. When she straightened back up, Hamish reached over and smoothed the hair back, running his finger around her ear in the process. Slowly, he brought his hand along her face and, almost unwillingly, returned it to the table. Catrin's eyes sought his at the gesture. The look she saw made her breathe quicker. She set the photo down and slid her hand over his.

    "Um.....ahem.." Phyllida said as she stood to leave.

    Hamish squeezed Catrin's hand for a moment, then stood up. She was sitting perched at the edge of the chair. Hamish lifted one leg over the back and sat behind her. He slid his arms around her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder, looking at the photos as she flipped through them.

    "I'm going back to my place," Phyllida said. As she left, Phyllida watched Catrin and Hamish with much interest. "Not like I'll be missed..." she finished under her breath, and closed the door softly behind her.

    Then Catrin found some photos she didn't remember taking. They were of an older couple and looked to be taken in different parts of the estate. But there were no cameras allowed, that's why she had left hers in her coat. Suddenly struck by their familiarity, Catrin reached for the souvenir book. She paged through quickly, stopping before the picture of the family portrait.

    It was them. She peered at the caption. "Daniel and Eloise Harrington." Catrin was at a loss. She stared for a moment in disbelief, then handed both photos to Hamish.

    "They must be descendants. No, there are too many similarities, even the scar on Eloise's lip." He was no help in finding a solution. "Well, I did wonder where these two were, since the children talked about them so often. I guess we changed places with them?" he shrugged. There was no way they would ever figure it out.


    Hamish woke first and made himself a coffee. He had slept through the entire night. Well, mostly slept, he smiled. He was pleasantly surprised that there was no urge to leave and that was good. As he looked around Catrin's flat, his eye fell on a red scarf hanging from the curtain rod. Curious, he reached over and picked one end up. There was the familiar image of a wheeled cannon. NO...I don't believe it. This must have been left by a previous...acquaintance. She couldn't be..... It pained him, a dedicated Wimbledon follower, that she might be...dare he think it? an Arsenal fan?

    As he padded about the room, he learned more about Catrin. There was a small case which held a backgammon board. Ah...that explains her success when we played. He wondered now if his few wins were a reflection of his skill, or her losing on purpose. Actually, he didn't mind that....much....for once.

    Hamish went back into the bedroom and watched Catrin for a moment before joining her. She snuggled up to him in her sleep; a familiar position to both. He smiled at the contented look on her face. I love you, dearest girl. Now to find the perfect way to tell you. It couldn't be common. Their relationship had begun in such a unique way.


    Hamish tried to open the door, but it only went a few inches. Catrin had the security chain fastened. He banged for a moment until she responded.

    "Hang on...I was in the bath!" She pushed the door shut in order to undo the chain. "Aren't you a bit early?" Catrin stopped when she saw the other man.

    "Remember I told you that Ned was coming over?" Hamish had to hurry and fix the situation. He knew they had other plans.

    Catrin pulled her robe tighter. She suddenly realised she was dripping on the floor. "Excuse me, I just need to...go..." And she fled into the other room. Oh, bugger...I left the wet towel. Never mind...get it later....

    Hamish stopped in the kitchen to get some food. He looked over at Ned switching channels and saw Catrin's wet towel draped over a chair. He sighed and grabbed it to hang up in the bathroom. He had done so, when he glimpsed Catrin combing her hair in the bedroom. Pushing the bathroom door open, he watched her for a moment.

    She ran her fingers through to get the large tangles out, then slowly pulled the comb through. Hamish saw that the door to the other room was shut tight and he closed the bathroom door behind him. He walked up behind her, glancing at her dress for tonight, laying across the bed. Catrin saw him in the mirror and turned around. He swooped his arms around her, lifting her off the floor.

    "Sorry," he said after kissing her neck. "I got trapped into asking him over. He says we made plans months ago to watch this final. But it should be over long before we have to leave."

    She was just looking at him with a smirk on her face. "You don't need to explain..." she couldn't finish as he was kissing her ardently. Then he plucked the comb out of her hand and turned her to face the mirror. He began working out more tangles. In between strokes, he nuzzled a different bit of her neck. Soon, he stopped combing altogether. They began to move toward the bed when a sound was heard from the other room.

    "Hamish, old boy, got any crisps?" They both stepped back, reminded that they weren't alone.

    Catrin threw a withering glance at the door. "You go entertain your little friend....I'll just be in here. And I'll be ready by the time the game is finished." Besides, she had a book she wanted to read.

    With one more kiss, Hamish left the room. Soon Catrin heard them cheering and booing at the game. A mischevious thought occurred to her and she went into the kitchen to warm up her mug of tea. Hamish didn't glance away from the TV, but she saw him straignten up and incline his head in her direction. With a self-satisified grin, she returned to the bedroom.


    Ned left soon after the game, claiming work. They didn't care as long as he was gone and they could make their dinner reservations. Afterward, Hamish suggested dancing.

    "But you don't dance," Catrin said, puzzled.

    "I'll figure it out," he answered. "I might have a few tricks up my sleeve yet."


    They found a table and Hamish went to get some drinks. On his way back, he was stopped by two women he really did not want to see. They were former.....dates. Hamish kept glancing around to see if Catrin was watching, but no. Both pointed out that he never danced when they went out. In fact if they went to a dance club, he would sit, while they would dance with other men, in a vain attempt to provoke jealousy in him. Finally, he was able to extricate himself from them.

    Catrin did see the women talking to Hamish, though. So she only raised her eyebrow slightly at him when he returned to see her conversing with the man at the next table. Hamish set their drinks down just as the music started, then moved to ask her to dance. The other man got the words out first, however.

    Catrin was about to decline when Hamish did it for her. "Madam's dance card is full," he said and bowed deeply, holding his hand out for hers.

    She smirked, "Isn't that a leftover from a previous century?" but she stood and curtseyed, then followed him to the floor.

    "Do you mind?" He spun her out.

    "Absolutely not!" She laughed as she came back to him.

    They took a break after a while and talked. "I have to tell you...I was at the train station that day." She gasped. "I heard the crash and saw the smoke," he closed his eyes at the painful memory. "I was so afraid I had lost you, when you had only just come in to my life. I bet I would have sorted through every piece of wreckage to find you."

    Catrin felt tears welling up.

    "Then my stupid mobile rang and I wanted to throw it in the nearest bin," he made patterns on her arm with his fingers. "But I answered and it was you....I could barely stand...afraid it was just a message from earlier or something." Catrin closed her hand over his in compassion. "I remember leaning against a wall. All I could hear was your voice...everything else..........stopped."

    Catrin bit her lip to stop the tears threatening to spill. "Can we go somewhere there's less people?" her voice quavered. Hamish nodded.

    "I'll just go freshen up," Catrin said as she stood.

    "I'll have the car brought around, " he kissed her.

    Catrin had to wait a moment for a free stall. She heard two women talking in the adjacent lounge.

    "...and he cancelled our date..just like that! Imagine!!"

    "Did you see the plain one he's with? Must be a cousin. He would never voluntarily be seen in public...she's unsuitable in that dress too...with her."

    "Oh, definitely not his type...she must've nagged him silly to get him to dance. I bet as soon as he can, he'll be rid of her and over to my place...once he's seen the error of his ways," she cackled triumphantly.

    "I think he'll ask you to the fund-raiser next week. After all, he has to make a grand entrance since he is being named department head. What will you wear?"

    Their conversation grew faint as they left the lounge. Catrin could see enough through a slit to know they were the women talking to Hamish earlier. He hadn't been very interested in them from what she could see....almost rude. But they were beautiful, and she wasn't....still, he was with her and not them. Her insecurity flared. I've let my guard down. Everything is too perfect. Her vision began to blur. Something will go wrong...sometime.

    Catrin walked unsteadily out onto the pavement. She didn't see Hamish waving to her from a few feet away and started off in the other direction. Suddenly a hand grabbed her.

    "Where are you going?" Her present state worried him. "The car is just there....I have a surprise for you. Let's go....." Catrin looked up at him in anguish and saw the same ladies some distance behind him, waiting for their car. He turned to see what she was looking at, and figured out the problem. He already had the solution. "Please? Please come with me?"

    She still couldn't speak, which tore at his heart more than angry words, but let him put her safely in the car. After driving for some minutes, Catrin asked him to stop. She was feeling dizzy and wanted fresh air. Hamish got out with her. She walked over to a bench just inside a small park.

    The intensity of emotion showed on her face and in her breathing. "I saw those women with you."

    A look of surprise crossed his face. "I used to know them. They only said hello." There was no point in lying...their relationship was strong enough to handle this.

    "I know...but the things they said."

    Hamish was confused. "Said??" He was suddenly angry. "Did they speak with you?"

    "No...no, I overheard them in the toilets. Dissecting us like frogs. They seem to think they know you quite well," Catrin paused. "Do they?" She sniffed and blinked to hold back her tears.

    "They used to, in a fashion....not anymore. And I told them as such. I'm not the same person I was with them. I ran from one to the other..too many faces to remember." Hamish looked away for a moment, then stared intently into Catrin's eyes: "You're somebody I run toward, not from." His words melted Catrin's heart.

    Chapter Nine (Part B)

    Posted on Thursday, April 19, 2001

    They stayed on the bench talking. Hamish finally noticed that her voice was shaking and even he was feeling a chill. "Here, let's at least get in the car. I don't want you to catch your death. We can stop for coffee."

    Catrin nodded. She wanted a drink of something to warm her up. Hamish closed her door and rummaged around in the boot for a few minutes. He made extra noise while he had the boot open, to cover his phone call. He was only able to say a few words, so as to not raise her suspicions. Everything was still set, even though they were much later than he had originally planned. Maybe I can gain back the ground we've lost tonight...

    "Are you all right, there?" Catrin asked, wondering if he was planning on actually driving somewhere. He returned all dishevelled. Catrin quite liked that, it reminded her of their past times, when bathing was a luxury.

    "Damn! I had this all planned. I even stopped by the Piccadilly Virgin store to get some mood music. All I could find was this," he handed Catrin a CD, then started the car. This was not the way he had wanted this to happen.

    "Love in the 70s....." she giggled. "Is this your driving music?" She read the back. "Jim Croce, Styx, The BeeGees...?" Catrin raised her eyebrows at him.

    "Yeah, yeah," he flushed. "I decided against it, but forgot to put in anything else. Can you find something better?"

    Catrin flipped through the stack of CDs in the console. "Ah-ha...this is perfect." She put in her choice and watched Hamish out of the corner of her eye. As rock music blared from the speakers, Catrin laughed, "Bob Seger......I love American rock idols." She turned the volume to a bearable level.

    Hamish drove for a while. He knew she would recognise the route and destination if he went directly. Catrin's eyes began to close sporadically as the motion made her sleepy. She stopped watching the road signs when they crossed Lambeth Bridge. This side of the river, she didn't know very well.

    He wasn't sure if Catrin was asleep or just thinking, so he entered by the Rosery Gate. Drat! A train is pulling into the station! I hope the noise doesn't disturb her. Hamish was careful to take the back way around the park. If she woke up, she might recognise the Thames. Gravel crunched as Hamish parked the car. He walked around and opened her door. The lack of motion wakened her and she stretched for a moment, looking around.

    "Where are we?" All she saw was some shrubbery and a wall overgrown with vines.

    "You'll see in a moment," Hamish said mysteriously and pulled her out of the car. He was quite liking this. "Now can I count on you to close your eyes? Or do I have to blindfold you?" He grinned.

    Catrin giggled. This was a whole new side of him. "No...I'll be good. Just make sure you don't lead me into a bog. I don't have the right shoes on." She kissed him on the cheek and closed her eyes. "Lead on, MacDuff."

    Hamish slid his arm around her waist and propelled her forward. It was slow going as the small stones migrated into Catrin's shoes. Finally Hamish carried her the last bit and set her on the path. "No, not yet," he answered her unasked question. "Just a few more steps..."

    Catrin heard what sounded like rusty hinges. She could smell lavender, sage and rosemary. They walked a bit more. Finally Hamish said, "Okay....now!"

    Catrin opened her eyes. All around her were lights twinkling like stars. Music came from somewhere. Looking more carefully, she found she was in a lovely garden next to a cottage. "Where are we? Have you driven me all the way to the Cotswolds?"

    Hamish merely smiled and directed her toward a table set for two. It actually looked quite nice there, as if the residents used it every day.

    "But we had dinner already," Catrin frowned at Hamish.

    "This is dessert. Remember I suggested coffee later? Voila!"

    A waiter appeared to slide Catrin's chair under her. He busied himself for a moment serving from a silver tray, then was gone.

    "We were meant to be here much earlier," Hamish explained. "It must've been the wine, that made me suggest dancing........" He stopped, remembering what had happened, then reached to take her hand.

    Catrin smiled thoughtfully at him. She looked up at the lights for a moment, and then giggled.

    And what is so funny? Hamish thought, but only raised his eyebrows at her. The explanation would be interesting, as would her thought process in arriving at the story.

    "I was just remembering when my family went to live in the country. Father decided he wanted to live off the land. We heated with wood and coal. He and mother went off one day and told me I had to keep the temperature up in the house, since I usually let the fire go out. Well, I was determined to not disappoint him and kept piling wood into the grate. I did too good a job and blew something off because steam filled the house, when I opened the doors and windows it looked like the house was on fire. It took Dad years to live down the ribbing he got from his mates on the fire brigade."

    Hamish's shoulders shook with silent laughter. He kept silent, waiting for her to relate it to this situation. He liked hearing such stories from her past. Sometimes he felt he had lived a boring life in comparison.

    "It was Christmas....the tree lights were all obscured by the steam....I could barely see them," Catrin shrugged. Why do I open my mouth to tell these silly stories? "The best thing, though, was when it happened again a few months later to him....that's when he decided it was a faulty valve."

    "Remind me to never ask you to keep the home fires burning," Hamish said with a straight face. "You might take me literally..." he burst out laughing. Catrin was momentarily surprised by his joke, then giggled with him, pleased that his sense of humour was appearing more often.

    They finished eating and Hamish suggested they walk around the garden. When they neared the other end, the music was more noticeable. Catrin looked questioningly at him.

    It was time for Hamish to come clean. "Well, they do concerts here each week. I just persuaded them to play a bit longer....three hours longer, to be precise. And I talked the lodge keeper into letting me use the garden and cottage..." They reached a large bench and sat down.

    "Amazing..." Catrin gasped at the thought of him arranging all the details. She sighed and looked down at their hands clasped together, and then she glanced up to search the expression on his face. "I didn't realise you were such a romantic," she whispered.

    "I haven't been. I have much to make up for," he kissed her lips softly. "And never have I been so inspired." He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly, his eyes never leaving her face.

    Catrin felt as if that look reached deep inside her. She tried to look away, but could not. Suddenly shy, she didn't know what to do; this man had seen her in every emotional state, but in this instance it was as though he had a new awareness of her.

    For a long moment he held her eyes with his and then, hesitantly, he dipped his head and found the corner of her lips. Catrin turned her head instinctively but he shied quickly away, teasing her by moving slowly over the curves of her face: a touch of lips to her cheekbones, a caress at her temples, the tip of her nose and then back to her cheekbones again as she tilted her head in an effort to reach his mouth. Finally, just as Catrin was ready to seize his head between her hands, he came back to her lips. She was melting.

    She was surprised when he pulled away, his breathing as irregular as hers. Were those tears in his eyes? She couldn't tell as he hurriedly looked away and drew a hand over his face.

    He had not done this before, so had no idea how to begin. Never had so much of himself been intertwined with another. He hadn't ever risked his own future, in fact no one had ever possessed the ability to alter it....before Catrin.

    Hamish took a deep breath. "I love you more than anyone I've loved in my whole life. I love your eyes, and I love your spirit and I love your mind and I love your.......soul. I don't know why we were drawn together, but we were and I wouldn't trade a second of the time I have spent with you."

    Catrin traced his face with her fingertips for a moment, too overcome to respond. Her feelings were clear. They had grown and grown, until she knew she loved him, but she didn't expect that he would feel the same. It was the last thing she had imagined for this point in her life. "So it's true," she whispered. "It does happen when you least expect it."

    Hamish looked away again, his chest paining him as he waited. Catrin pulled him back to face her. "I love you, too..so very deeply."

    She slid her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder, then sighed deeply as he pulled her closer, folding her into his arms.

    Chapter 10 (Part A)

    Author's Note: I gratefully acknowledge and appreciate all the suggestions given by my many helpful, but smug, editors you know who you are. Thank you. The final chapter is so difficult to write.

    Hamish did not want to get up. They had only arrived home a few hours before, staying in the cottage most of the night, only leaving as the sky began to lighten. The last place he wanted to go was the operating room and it's accompanying stress.

    He much preferred staying here in this little cocoon...with Catrin to love and curl up against. Last night had not gone as he had originally planned...Damn those b******! But the end result had been more than he had hoped for.

    It was Hamish's practise to put the kettle on when he awoke. Catrin didn't have to get up until much later and he needed his coffee. He sleepily went through all the steps, hoping to wake himself up before his first case.

    Catrin felt him leave the bed, but she didn't want to join him. She heard him rummaging in the kitchen and smiled at his need for coffee. I should get one of those coffee-makers with the timer in, then he could sleep later. Although she knew he would still be the early riser. Soon she heard the bath water running. Like clockwork, she thought sleepily. And his coffee on the shelf while he shaves.

    Hamish entered the bedroom, wrapping a towel around him. Looking toward the bed, he watched the duvet rise and fall with Catrin's even breathing. He watched her in wonder; not wonder at the fact that she was there, but that she loved him as genuinely as he did her. This was the first time he had risked himself in such a way and was constantly amazed she felt the same.

    It was all he could do to make himself go to work. Oh, bugger...I can call in sick. He was mildly surprised at this cavalier attitude, but now he needed more than just his job. In moments, he was back in bed beside Catrin. She murmured in her sleep and moved to lay her head against his shoulder. Hamish sighed contentedly as he dialed his office. He was glad his morning voice sounded like he had a cold. After leaving the message, he pulled Catrin closer and touched his lips to her forehead.

    Catrin's eyes opened wide. "What are you doing still here? I'd have thought you to be well into your first case by now," she lifted her head to see his face.

    "I decided I'd rather be here," Hamish kissed her softly. "Unless.............you have other plans...." He trailed his fingers over her face.

    Catrin began to breathe faster. "Um...no....not 'til this afternoon..." She was having difficulty speaking as he was kissing her again. Abandoning her thought, she found this new occupation much more rewarding and pulled the duvet over them both.


    "I have to go in," Catrin tried to get out of bed, but Hamish wasn't about to release her without a good reason. "They are only allowing me access to the original diary if I'm there in the off-hours," Catrin pulled a shirt over her head. She sat next to him, but felt in danger of losing her will-power to leave. "You know how long I've waited to see this. It's the most important part of my research." Hamish took her hand and started kissing each finger. Catrin sighed deeply. It would be so easy....since spending the morning this way. "No..." she pulled from his grasp. "I won't be gone long...several hours at most. And we're eating in, so I need to do some shopping anyway."

    "But I called in sick," Hamish pouted. "I've never done that before." He looked so forlorn that Catrin had to stifle a giggle.

    "Why don't you go to a match. Aren't Wimbledon playing today?" Catrin looked at the football section of the newspaper. "I know...see if Rupert is free." Hamish looked shocked. "Well, he's a footie fan. Even tells stories of his younger days as a hooligan." She dialled a phone number.

    "Hi...Hamish is having a day off and would like to know if you want to play," Catrin giggled as Hamish reddened. "I'll just put him on," she handed him the phone.

    "Um...hi...yeah....long story. Really? Yeah...no, that'd be great. How long?" He looked at Catrin, who held up four fingers. "Okay, yeah, that's good. Oh wait, I've got to run the car to the mechanic...Fulham. Yeah, I know, but he's great. I've gone to him for years. No, I'm sure he has an opening. Fine, see you then," Hamish finished and rang off.

    "I see you two found something to talk about," Catrin said with raised eyebrows.

    "Yeah..." He was surprised. This was someone with whom he might find interests outside medicine. It was a new thing. "He needs some work done on his car...we'll go from there." Catrin picked up her bag and notes, kissed him on the cheek, then was gone.


    Several hours later, Catrin returned to her flat to find Hamish still out. "Well, he must be having a good time or he'd have come back by now." She sighed as she saw the pile of washing. "Might as well get rid of it now as later." She began to sort out the colours and check all her pockets. She usually found a few pounds that had escaped notice. She was about to go out the door when she noticed her coat on the peg.

    "Damn! I forgot about spilling that half all down me." She grabbed the coat and added it to the pile. She was closing the door when she remembered to dig in the dish for needed coins. "Some day....I'll have my own washer-dryer and won't be a slave to this anymore." She dropped the change in her pocket and dragged the bag down the stairs to the street.


    With the laundry now clean and folded, Catrin could think about dinner. She had done her shopping at the nearby Tesco while the clothes washed. She juggled the carrier bags with the laundry bag as she felt for her keys. Once inside, she dumped everything on the divan and pulled the paper from her pocket to read again. The spidery writing was difficult to read at first, but Catrin had become used to it after many readings. She nearly had it memorised.

    Dear Miss Hargreaves,

    My name is Eloise Harrington. Mayhap you know me better as the grandmother of
    Daniel, Maria, Ellen and Hannah. Our lives once crossed in a manner that might seem
    wondrous, but I assure you, was not without purpose. For a long time my husband and
    I had been searching for the two people who could help save our beloved grandchildren.
    When we saw you both, our path was decided.

    Our gratitude for your help is such as cannot be properly expressed, but for a while you
    were mother to those children and I hope you can understand our feelings in this regard
    and forgive any disruption we may have caused in your lives.

    Our indebtedness to you knows no bounds. We wish you the same joy and happiness
    you have brought to our family.

    Be assured that I am,

    Your obliged friend,

    Eloise Harrington

    P.S. Thank your young man for the books.



    The note was yet another remarkable event of the past month. "Well, months actually," Catrin said as she peeled potatoes. She put them on to boil and set about browning the onions and mince. She had just put the shepherd's pie in to cook when there was a knock at her front door.

    "Be right there!" she called and wiped her hands on a towel while walking to open it. She knew it was Hamish. As she reached for the doorknob, it opened knocking her off balance.

    "Did you forget your key?"

    "Oh, sorry, luv..forgot I had a key." They spoke in unison.

    Hamish caught her as she tripped trying to stay upright. As he already had his arms around Catrin, he bent his head to kiss her neck. She shivered. He lingered there for a moment, then nibbled his way along her jawline, reaching her lips at last.

    Catrin felt herself begin to dissolve, but found her will-power and pushed at him. "Your sense of timing is a little off...I've dinner nearly ready."

    "I think my timing is just right," he whispered into her ear. "I'm sure it'll keep....." He started back along his previous path.

    "Stop!! If you have ruined dessert....it burnt twice and this is the last chance," she warned with a smile. This finally caught his attention.

    "You? Cooked? I didn't know you could. What did you make?" he asked warily. They really hadn't eaten at home much, at least anything that one of them had cooked.

    "Never mind and it will be ready soon," Catrin pulled free finally and walked back into the kitchen. He followed straight on her heels.

    "So...that delicious aroma really is coming from here. I thought it was from Phyllida's," he smirked. "So did Rupe."

    Catrin wanted him out of her way so she could finish the surprise, so didn't response to the implication. "Rupe, is it now? Looks like you two have done the male-bonding thing." She turned to the sink to get on with the washing up, squirting Fairy liquid into the sink as it filled with water.

    Hamish was still right behind her. "Come on," he slid his arms around her, trapping her against the sink. "Tell me what's for dinner." He began to nuzzle her again.

    She took a handful of soapsuds and pushed it in his face. "Nothing if you don't get out of here," she giggled at his appearance.

    "All right, I'll let you be," he wiped his face on a towel. "I'll just go get cleaned up." He kissed her again and left for the bathroom.

    "I got you an Evening Standard," she called . "And there's something quite interesting on the front page."

    Hamish returned, realising that she was washing up before they had even eaten. That was a new thing, maybe he had influenced her towards more tidy habits?

    Curious about the paper now, Hamish walked over to the coffee table and saw a white envelope lying on the newspaper. "You mean this?" he picked up the envelope. Catrin nodded.

    He read the note. "This is so odd....but it definitely means that we were there for that reason." He smiled. "I'm ‘your young man'? And she liked the Jane Austen books. I had them bought for you. Since we had no idea how long we'd be there."

    Catrin nearly dropped a dish in her surprise. "Really? That was sweet...I didn't know you stored so many things away." She paused. "Do you suppose if we returned to the estate that we'd do the time travel thing again?" she asked thoughtfully.

    Hamish looked at her, but she was intent on making the salad. If we had not gone back in time, I wouldn't be here now. He couldn't and didn't want to imagine that.

    "It's just gotten more and more peculiar," Catrin shrugged her shoulders. "My brain can't think about it anymore. I have too much other work to do. And we'll never figure it out. I guess we have to rely on Eloise's explanation."

    Is she really taking this so lightly? He fingered the letter. Or is there more to this that we aren't aware of as yet?

    She had finished the salad and laid the table. "There's the timer.....dinner is served!"

    Hamish sat down and tried to peer over her shoulder to see what she took out of the oven. She carried the casserole dish to the table and took off the cover with a flourish. "Voila!"

    "Shepherd's pie?" He rubbed his hands together in anticipation. "Excellent!! I love it!" It looked perfectly fine. He helped himself and waited a moment for it to cool.

    Catrin only hoped it tasted as good as it looked. "I know....." She set the dish on the table and hit a button on the stereo remote. Chopin swirled around the flat.

    "Oh.....do you have any plans for Wednesday a week?" Hamish asked. "That's the night of the fund-raiser...it's set to be a movie premiere at the Odeon West End in Leicester Square. I think they've set up dinner at Brown's, but the speeches and such will be at the theatre."

    "This is your big night, right?" Catrin knew how important this was for Hamish. "Well, of course I'll be there," she had a sudden thought. "It's formal, isn't it?" Hamish nodded. "Oh, dear..I'll have to get a dress...." She thought of finding one to suit her, the right shoes, accessories. It made her cringe.

    Hamish smiled at the thought of seeing her dressed up. He missed the frills of her Regency clothing. But don't ever let on you think that, old boy. He helped himself to seconds.

    Catrin smiled as she watched him. "I guess that means you like it, then?" she ventured. She had been almost too nervous to eat, but now felt ravenous. She had deliberately chosen something easy on this first attempt at dinner. She was actually better at baking things like cookies and cakes. Meals, especially important ones like this, always seemed to go a bit wrong. It was so easy for Phyllida. Catrin had always felt this was her own weakness.

    Hamish looked up at her with his mouth full. "Um....yes," he swallowed. "It's very good." They ate their fill and cleared the plates away.

    "Now go sit in the other room.....this next is a surprise," Catrin ordered.

    "Well, dinner didn't do me in....I suppose I can chance afters," he ducked to avoid the hot pad she threw.

    There was much clattering and even a curse or two, but Hamish stayed where he was. Catrin carried in a tray on which were two mugs of tea, one fork and a single, covered plate. She handed the plate to him and joined him on the sofa, setting the tray on the coffee table.

    "Okay," she took hold of the cover. "Guess!"

    Hamish's eyes nearly popped out of his head. "Sticky Toffee Pudding?" Catrin nodded proudly. "It's my absolute favourite. You remembered....."

    Catrin nodded. "Uh-huh...you asked for it quite a bit....and I remembered the stories you told about your grandma making it for your family. I just wanted to do something special."

    He was speechless that she had gone to this much trouble. For me... "Thank you," he said softly. He did have wonderful memories of this treat, not all of them were from childhood.

    She sat down next to him and picked up a fork. Then cut a piece and stirred it around in the sauce. "Now open up..."

    "Ummmmm......." Hamish couldn't contain himself. He closed his eyes as he chewed, then opened them to see Catrin watching him, anxiously gnawing on her thumbnail.

    He took the fork and returned the favour. "It's fantastic, luv..." he whispered. "Best I've had."

    Catrin's eyes widened as she tasted her efforts. "Wow," she swallowed. "It is good....tastes just like Mrs. Tenley's. Cool."

    Hamish leaned over and kissed her, tasting the toffee sauce on her lips. They continued taking turns until the pudding was gone. For Catrin, there was no other sensation but him next to her, kissing her in between bites.

    He took the plate away and stood up, pulling her to her feet. As they passed the kitchen, Hamish set down the empty plate and grabbed the rest.

    Chapter Ten, Part B

    Date: Monday, May 28, 2001

    Catrin and Phyllida used their lunch breaks to shop for Catrin's dress. She seemed to find something wrong with every one they saw. It was a struggle to imagine herself at such a posh event. She was altogether a more casual person.

    "I should have made my own!" she exclaimed at one point.

    "Well, you've taken enough of them apart, figuratively, to do that," sighed Phyllida as she flopped into a chair. "You liked the sleeves on one, the skirt on another, the back on one more and the front on still another. I think we've been to every possible place in London."

    Catrin closed her eyes. "What am I going to do? I've only got 4 days left..." she dropped her head into her hands. When she looked through her fingers, Phyllida was paging through a magazine. Catrin vacuously watched the pages turn. Abruptly, she sat upright. "Stop! Turn back a few pages...." Phyllida complied, questioningly. "That's it!! I want that dress." The photo was set in the countryside. It didn't focus on the dress, but the interior of a house.

    "This magazine is months old...I read it when I went to get my hair done. We won't be able to find it now," Phyllida didn't want Catrin to get her hopes up. But now armed with a visual idea of what she wanted, Catrin felt sure she would be successful.

    They made their walking trek through Richmond. Returning to the tube stop, they passed a shop with clothing hanging in the front window. "May as well have a look..." Catrin looked at Phyllida and shrugged.

    "Might be productive," Phyllida answered as she pushed open the door. "Couldn't hurt anyway."

    It was dark by the time they left the shop, laden with carrier bags. They found one good possibility for the dress and many other things they just couldn't leave behind.

    "You do know you will be the one using needle and thread," commented Catrin as they waited for the train. "In case major reconstruction is needed....I'm hopeless at it."

    "It's not going to need it," assured Phyllida. "All we have to do is take some of that obnoxiously coloured trim off. And yes, I'll make sure you don't snip the wrong thing."

    "You'd better," Catrin bit her lip. "I'm never going through this again."

    "Well, you might have to with Hamish in this job. I'm sure you'll have to go to lots of affairs like this."

    Catrin stuck her tongue out at that. "We'll take ‘em one by one then....I don't intend to be dragged along as an ornament."

    "He doesn't think of you that way. I have no doubt of it," Phyllida replied. "But still, I can't help but think of those women you told me about. They will probably be waiting to pounce."

    Catrin blanched. "I hadn't thought of that," she closed her eyes. "He and I definitely need to have a talk."

    "About........?" prompted Phyllida.

    "Us. Things we require...no...want...no...." Catrin fumbled for the right words. "I don't know exactly. What role we play in each other's life, I guess. This all so new. We both had a set track. I don't want to lose what we have and I hope he doesn't either."

    Phyllida nodded. "You miss him. Your schedules have been at cross-purposes. It was fine when you were seeing guys that worked your insane schedule. But....you might have to give a little this time."

    Catrin gaped for a moment, then shut her mouth and nodded. She felt tears well up at the thought of losing Hamish. For the rest of the ride, each studied the magazines they had brought.

    Two days later, Catrin stood before the full-length mirror she had borrowed from Phyllida. She turned one way then another.

    "Yep..it's perfect," said Phyllida from behind. "We just need to tack down this dart here and add the over-slip."

    Catrin turned to hug her friend. "Thanks so much. I would never have managed on my own. You really are a treasure."

    Phyllida reddened and turned away quickly. "Have you decided on your hair? I've got that Regency hairstyles book in my flat."

    "Well, I looked at those books of the period television programmes. I like several, but I think my hair will look best..." Catrin thumbed through a book. "Like this," she pointed to one in particular. "Can you help me figure it out?"

    They experimented with barrettes, combs, hair spray and gel until they found the best effect. Catrin turned to examine the final product in the mirror. A shiver ran through her as she saw her reflection.

    "Take it off..." Phyllida ordered. "Carefully!! Don't stick yourself with any stray pins." She helped ease the gown over Catrin's head. "Okay...now for the shoes. What did you do with that cleaner?" She set Catrin to work removing decades of grime from the slippers they had found to match the gown.

    "What's Hamish wearing?" Phyllida said as she finished up her stitching.

    "Ummm...since it's formal. He owns his own dress jacket," Catrin looked at Phyllida from the corner of her eye.

    Phyllida gave Catrin a look. "Oh, really now? Isn't that posh?"

    "Well, this is what he has worked so hard for", Catrin said proudly. "He's attended a lot of these type of things," Catrin thought for a moment. "But I think he said he bought a new one last year sometime. I only hope it's not powder blue with bright satin lapel accents," Catrin bit her lip in worry. "I'm not sure......I've hardly spoken to him since Tuesday."

    "How are the shoes?" Phyllida decided to change the subject. "Is the crud coming off? They might be a bit snug after the cleaning. But with your habit of taking off your shoes...." she giggled.

    "Now what's that supposed to mean?" Catrin retorted. "I do have some sense of decorum," she giggled. "I'll wait ‘til the lights go down for the film...then take them off."

    "Well, if that's your plan, you can't go with your feet in such a condition. You need a pedicure," Phyllida pounced.

    "You don't mean..." Catrin couldn't finish the thought. She didn't like people touching her feet.

    "Yes, ped-i-cure!" confirmed Phyllida.

    "But I'm not wearing open-toed shoes. Don't you only get those if you want to show off pretty feet? I stand too much and my feet aren't pretty," Catrin had never been sure about pedicures. "And besides, my feet are very ticklish..."

    Phyllida wouldn't let her refuse. "You are going if I have to drag you. The foot massage alone is worth it."

    Catrin finally acquiesced. There would be no living with Phyllida if she didn't get her way. Besides, it's starting to sound like a good idea.



    Catrin was ready, but didn't know how long she would have to wait for Hamish. "There is no way I'm mussing my dress...if I have to wait for him, then he can just wait for me." She wrapped her cozy robe around her, then switched the CD player on. Needing to do something, she began to sort through the post from the last few days.

    Hamish was finished in the office a bit later than expected. By the time he finally left, everyone else had gone. He had a slightly odd feeling as he turned out the lights in the empty office. He hung his dress jacket in the car so it wouldn't wrinkle while driving. I didn't realise how much it resembled men's Regency fashions. Must've been subconscious.... While leaving the car park, he noticed fog beginning to thicken the air.

    Traffic slowed to a stop. Typical...just when I'm in a hurry. Hamish couldn't see far enough ahead to tell if it was a crash or stalled lorry. He rang Catrin to let her know he was on his way. "No answer again....I bet she's drying her hair and can't hear the phone," he decided. "At any rate, I'll be there soon..." He managed to work his way up to a side street and turned off to find a faster route. "Good thing I got the GPS with this car." It had been an impulse decision which he later regretted, but now it became useful, in a short time he had circled around the traffic jam. He eyed the fog warily and sped on.



    Phyllida came in to find Catrin with her hair done, but not dressed. She assumed that Hamish was on his way and was surprised that Catrin was not more ready.

    "What happened?" Phyllida whispered when her eyes grew accustomed to the dim room. She looked over to the answer phone and saw the message light flashing.

    "Nothing," Catrin answered flatly.

    "Did something happen with Hamish?" Phyllida had a thought and was suddenly angry. "He didn't call to cancel did he? Or break it off?"

    "No, no...nothing like that, " Catrin struggled to keep her voice normal.

    "Do you want to come with us?" Phyllida offered. "We're just going to pick up our play tickets, but then dinner." Maybe Hamish was stuck in surgery and Catrin was down about that.

    "Thanks, but no," Catrin refused to look at her friend.

    "Okay then," Phyllida said uncertainly. "I'll check on you when we get back." As she left, Phyllida checked Catrin's phone list for Hamish's mobile number; maybe he'd be of some help. When she got down to Rupert's car, she made the call.

    "Hullo, luv! I know I'm a bit late, but we'll be there in plenty of time," he answered the phone.

    "No, it's Phyllida. Have you talked to Catrin today?" Obviously their plans hadn't changed as far as Hamish knew. What was wrong? "She's running a bit behind herself, just wanted you to know," Phyllida thought fast. It was a lie, but she didn't want him driving into an embankment or anything. Phyllida rang off. "She'll be fine until he gets there,' she told herself. "And she isn't the type to do anything silly."

    Rupert put his free arm around her. He knew she was worried. "She'll be all right, you know. Do you want to go back and sit with her?" They stopped at a junction and Rupert saw Hamish's car coming toward them. "There, see? She'll be in good hands." Phyllida sighed in relief. But she wouldn't be easy until she knew what had happened.


    The flat was in total darkness when Hamish arrived. Funny, I'd have thought she'd at least switch on the entry light for me.... He went straight toward the bedroom believing Catrin was doing some last minute primping.

    "Hiya....we're not late, but need to get moving. Maybe we can get something on the way there as I'm peckish. Haven't had anything since a breakfast meeting," Hamish rubbed his hands together at the thought of food. Maybe there's something in the kitchen....what am I thinking? Not this kitchen! "Hey..where are you?" He looked around when he heard the CD player click to the next one.

    Hamish saw Catrin leaning against an open window, damp air wafting in around her. She was staring out and did not seem to know he was there. He walked over to her.

    "Hey, do I get to see that amazing dress now?" He kissed her neck and realised how chilled she was. He shut the window, then lifted her to the sofa and wrapped her snugly in a quilt. When he returned from making her a cup of tea, he saw a paper in her hand.

    Catrin took notice of him and raised anguished eyes to meet his. The pain he saw seared his heart. "I was going through the post of the last weeks and saw this official-looking one," her voice wavered. "Well, I thought I had been summoned as a witness to something or other," she took cleared her throat. "But it's this."

    With trembling hands, Catrin handed the document to Hamish. He scanned it quickly, then looked at her, his eyes large. "Does it mean what I think it does?" she asked.

    Hamish nodded slowly as he reread to assure himself of the significance.

    As you are aware, your mother's mother was Catrin Winston. What you may not know is that her youngest sister, Hannah, has recently passed away. The sisters were separated before The War and sadly never found one another, though they were only one county apart. Recently, you caught Miss Winston's attention when you toured her family home. She saw many similarities between you and her sister. Just before she passed, she directed us to make inquiries around town. We were finally able to locate you in London.

    You have been named sole beneficiary of her estate. Please call our office to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience. Enclosed is a photograph of the family. Your grandmother is being held by her brother Mathew, and Ellen is the infant in her father's arms. This was taken on holiday at Brighton, 1905.

    The photo had fluttered to the floor when Hamish took the letter. He bent down to pick it up while still reading. Glancing quickly at it, he looked back at Catrin in astonishment. "It's you! I mean, it looks like you. The little girl just there," he pointed to a child in the photo.

    "And it explains my middle name...'Hannah'," Catrin whispered. "Mother always said that my grandmother liked that name, but she never explained more."


    Hamish held her in silence, caressing the hair away from her face. To say this news was a surprise would be a definite understatement. There was no way anyone could have predicted that Catrin was an heir to the family and estate that they had been drawn to so curiously.

    "What do I do?" She finally spoke. "I can't grasp the idea of having such a big family. We were told they were killed in The Blitz. Now it seems I have all these relatives. I wonder if they will be angry about this."

    "You don't have to decide anything now, right?" Hamish whispered.

    "No...I have to ring the solicitor," she looked up at him with red eyes. "You'll come with me, right?"

    He nodded and smiled reassuringly. Catrin laid her head on his shoulder and sighed. It would be best to just stay as she was...with friends and her job around her. Just like this....it's perfect. She sighed again. Suddenly she noticed Hamish's waistcoat and tie.

    She nearly clocked him as she jumped up. "Ohmigosh...the fund-raiser! I completely forgot! Are we late???" She looked down to see wrinkles in his trousers.

    Hamish checked his watch. "Nope. But we don't have to go....You've had some startling news...."

    "Yes, we bloody well do!" She called while running into the bedroom to get dressed. "I need to think about something else for a while. Be ready in a tick!"

    Funny, Hamish thought. I don't seem to be able to think of anything else now. Did he want her to show more of a reaction to her possible inheritance?

    Twenty minutes later, they were on their way. Hamish squeezed her knee. "You don't have to go," he said for the hundredth time. "I mean, we don't have to. I've been doing the job for weeks now." He winced as he spoke. It was because of the new job they had not been together.

    To be continued...

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