To Picture The Past (3 page)

"I'm right sorry to hear that," Doc said. "Do you recall how you got that bump on your noggin?"

"I came home and someone was hiding in my apartment. I didn't see anything. I felt a sharp pain explode inside my head, and then I woke up when Robert spoke to me. I don't know how I got here."

"You poor child." Doc made a clucking sound with his tongue. "Well, I know you're in good hands with Robert and Nellie. You just don't worry now, and I'll send the Sheriff out in a day or two to talk to you and see if he can find out who hit you like this. Do you suppose they were stealing from you?"

"I really don't know, Doctor." It was the simple truth. I didn't know.

"I'll walk you out, Doc," Robert offered. I felt myself relax once the men left the bedroom.

"You close your eyes and rest, Miss Gillian. If you need anything at all, you just ring the bell on the table, and I'll come running."

"Thank you, Nellie. You are very sweet."

She smiled, and then hurried from the room, closing the door softly. I felt my answering smile fade as tears filled my eyes. How on earth had this happened? The room itself would have told me I was in another century. There was no closet, but instead an attractive armoire in which to hang clothing. There was a dresser, and a vanity with a mirror and a stool. All of the furniture, in this mint condition, would cost a small fortune in the time period I just came from. There was a screen in the corner, and I knew that the commode was back there, too. What I couldn't figure out was why I was here. I didn't expect death to be like this, and I was positive I was dead to the year I came from. I didn't expect Heaven to be like this, but then, perhaps this was hell….? I was alone, and very, very frightened.

I somehow fell asleep, and when I woke the next time it was dark outside. I was thankful that someone left a lantern turned down low on the small table next to the bed. I didn't know what I would do if there was nothing but darkness to spook me even further. I nearly jumped out of my skin when the door opened, slightly at first, then all the way once it was ascertained I was awake.

"How are you feeling, Miss Gillian?" I heard Robert ask quietly as he stuck his head into the room.

"I'm feeling better," I said, telling him the truth.

"Good. I want to know how you got here…"

"I told you what I know," I answered.

"Are you in some kind of trouble?"

"No."

"I don't believe you, young lady, and one of the rules of this house is to tell the truth at all times."

"I haven't lied to you!" If there was one thing I couldn't stand, it was to be called a liar!

"Maybe you haven't lied, but you certainly have not told the truth. There is a difference, you know." He waited and when I said nothing, he nodded as if to himself. "Very well, then. I will give you until morning and until after the good Doctor sees you again. If he proclaims you well, then I will ask you once again. You will either tell me the complete truth, or you will quickly learn that I mean what I say. Perhaps if your bottom is on fire you will decide it is in your best interests to tell me the truth."

I opened my mouth, ready to tell him what he could do with himself, but then remembered that I had nowhere else to go. I was alone in this world, and dependent on Robert to help me until I could help myself. I was dead to my world, and I needed his help. That knowledge helped me control my temper and my sassy mouth.

"Nothing to say…? Perhaps you do not think I would dare take you in hand…? I assure you that is precisely what I will do if you do not give me a satisfactory answer come morning, young lady." 

He turned then and left the room, and I promptly burst into tears. I felt I was much too old to be treated like a child! I also held a masters in history… and I knew full well that in this time period many women were spanked when they misbehaved. I also knew that my brother-in-law wasn't adverse to taking Gail over his knee when he felt the need. My sister said that it was an expression of his love when he did so. I felt that love a few times when I was younger and decided to act out. Jason was never cruel to me, but he let it be known that I would obey the house rules, and any rules that Gail made for my protection and safety. He and Gail gave me lots of love, and the discipline I needed. Still, they were family, and I didn't even know this Robert person. I thought he was being presumptuous to even consider such a thing!

But, what could I tell him that wouldn't have him thinking I was completely crazy? I didn't want to spend what time I had left to live in an insane asylum. But, if I told Robert the truth, I was sure he would have me locked away. The hours passed slowly, and I was unable to go back to sleep. At one point I got up and made use of the commode, which was indeed behind the screen. I also poured water into the basin and bathed the best I could. At some point Nellie must have taken off my shoes, and the slacks as well as sweater I wore to teach school; I was clad in a flannel cotton nightgown that covered me from just underneath my chin all the way to the floor. My toes weren't even peeking out from under the long gown, and I found it amusing. It might be old-fashioned, but it was exactly the sort of gown I wore to sleep in during the winter. I felt comfortable in the gown.

Morning arrived and sunlight streamed in the window, filling the room with cheer. There was a tap on my door and Nellie cautiously peeked inside. She smiled when she saw I was sitting up. "Good morning, Miss Gillian. How are you feeling today?"

"My headache is a dull ache now, and I managed to get up for a bit without tripping over my feet," I answered her, smiling. "I feel as though I could get dressed and move about."

"Oh no!" she answered. "You stay right there in that bed until Doc comes by and examines you! Why, if I permitted you to get up, my brother would…" She suddenly stopped talking, her face turning an embarrassed red.

"Your brother would be upset?" I asked of her.

She nodded her head, and whispered, "He would think it necessary to punish me. And, I do not wish that."

"It wouldn't be your fault if I decided to rise." I immediately defended her. "In fact, the only reason I am in this bed is because I couldn't find my clothing. Do you know where…?" I stopped speaking when I saw the look of guilt in her pretty eyes.

"Robert told me to throw them in the fire. He said he would provide you with suitable clothing. Neither of us know how you came to be wearing boy's clothing, but it won't do for you to walk about town dressed in that manner. The Sheriff would put you in jail for indecency. And the women…! Why, I can just hear them saying all sorts of rude things."

"I see."

"You aren't angry with me?"

"Oh, heavens no, Nellie. I know how women can be, and I think it very nice of you and Robert to look out for me in this way."

The door opened again and this time it was Robert.

Chapter Three

"Good morning," he greeted both of us. "Do you think you could handle some breakfast this morning, Miss Gillian?"

"Yes," I admitted. "I am famished."

"That is a good sign," he said, then turned to Nellie. "Would you go and ask Ursula to make a tray for Miss Gillian?"

"Of course," Nellie replied, and then hurried off to do his bidding.

"Nellie is a nice young lady," I told him with a smile.

"She is that," he agreed. "Are you ready to tell me how you got here?" he asked, reminding me of our conversation the evening before.

"It isn't a case of my being ready to tell you so much as a case of wondering if you are ready to hear the truth. I warn you that it won't be easy to listen to, and you probably won't believe me."

"I see."

"No, you don't, Robert. You think I am being difficult. I assure you that I'm not trying to be; I want to tell you, but if you don't believe me I will be heartbroken."

"We'll discuss this after breakfast when I can be sure we won't be interrupted. I have a strong feeling that you are going to end up over my knee once the good Doctor has been here."

"I won't permit that." I spoke up for myself. I was used to fighting my battles, and I hadn't done anything to earn a spanking.

"You might not permit it, young lady, but if I decide a spanking is necessary, I promise you will get one."

"You aren't being fair!" I wanted to jump out of bed and smack him a good one. "You sound like my brother-in-law when he gets all pompous!"

"I thought you said you have no family?" The expression on his face told her that he was positive he'd caught her in a lie.

"I don't. They are all dead at this time."

He opened his mouth to say more but Nellie entered, carrying a tray that was laden with food, and he hurried to help her. "You should have called me and asked for help instead of carrying this all the way from the kitchen."

"I did just fine until I reached the landing and then it grew heavy," she admitted with a little giggle, following him to the bed and helping him settle the tray where I could easily reach everything. "I wasn't sure what you liked, Miss Gillian, so there is probably more here than you will want. Don't feel you have to eat something you don't care for."

"Thank you, Nellie. I think you are very sweet to go to so much trouble for a complete stranger." I felt tears sting my eyes once again, and wondered why I was so emotional. Then I had to chuckle at myself. Why wouldn't I be emotional? I was dead to my world, and now living in another time period, and dependent on the kindness of strangers, and one of those wanted to spank me silly because I didn't want to confide in him. I was in quite a fix.

"We'll leave you to eat your breakfast, Miss Gillian. If you should need anything at all, ring your bell and someone will come right away."

"Thank you, Robert. You are very kind."

Once they left the room, I took away the large linen napkin covering the tray and gasped at the amount of food resting there. I never ate a large breakfast, and what was on the tray would have fed me for a week… or longer. There were pancakes swimming in butter and syrup, scrambled eggs and bacon, sausage gravy and biscuits, and a bowl of berries that were covered with cream. I also had a big glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, toast, and a pot of coffee. How Nellie carried all of that was beyond me! She must be stronger than she appeared to be. I had to have a taste or two of everything because it all looked good, but I would have to watch myself or I would be round as could be in no time at all!

"You didn't eat very much, Miss Gillian," Nellie said in disappointment.

"Please, Nellie, it isn't necessary to refer to me as 'miss'. Gill or Gillian will do just fine. And, I did so eat a lot! I took some of everything, and it was all so good I couldn't decide what I liked best! Seriously, do you eat like this every morning?" I just had to ask.

She giggled and then admitted, "We don't eat as much variety on a daily basis, but Ursula makes large meals. She will be happy that you thought her food was really good." Nellie picked up the tray that was still heavy and hurriedly left the room. I sank back into the bed, suddenly very tired and sleepy.

* * *

"Still sleeping?" I heard a male voice growl and I opened my eyes, startled to learn the doctor was already there to check on me. "How are you today?"

"Fine, and ready to get out of this bed."

"You let me be the judge of that," he said, and just when I was sure he was going to refuse to let me get up he nodded.

"You can get up for a while and sit in a chair, young lady, but the second you feel tired I want you to get back in bed and rest. If today goes well, you can get up tomorrow and take it real easy. If you start feeling bad you have Nellie or Robert send for me." He didn't stay to visit, but picked up his black bag and hurried out of the room. Once he was gone I got up to use the commode once again, and then I decided to have a seat in the wooden rocking chair. I needed to sit up for a while and do some serious thinking.

What was I going to do? How could I support myself? I could teach school, but how did one look for a position in this day and age? I had nothing to tide me over until I found a job, and I knew very little about taking care of myself in this world. And that brought up the next problem, what was I going to tell Robert when he asked me again where I came from? I honestly had no idea what I should say, but I wasn't used to lying, and something told me that Robert would know if I attempted to give him anything less than the truth. I was so lost in thought that I didn't hear Robert come into the room and stand beside the dresser.

"It's time for us to have that talk, Miss Gillian." I simply looked at him in dismay. "You are going to answer me," he declared.

"I want to answer you, but I am afraid you won't believe me. If the situation were reversed and you told me what I am about to tell you I'm not sure I would believe it at all."

"I'll do my best, Miss Gillian. I'm pretty good at knowing when I'm being lied to."

"Somehow I knew you'd say that, Robert." I closed my eyes, trying to gather my thoughts. "What year is this?" I asked of him.

"How could you not know the answer to that question?" he demanded.

"Because I come from the year 2011," I answered him, and then waited for the predictable explosion. Robert did not keep me waiting long. I could read the expression of disgust on his face in the split second I had before he turned me over his knee and started spanking my sit upon! "Owwwww!" I immediately fussed and complained. His hand was hard and it hurt like crazy. "See, I knew you wouldn't believe me if I told the truth."

"I won't be made sport of, little girl," he warned, continuing the spanking with slaps meant to sting like crazy.

"I am not doing that!" I promptly burst into tears, and then I was sobbing.

"Oh, come on… I'm not spanking you that hard!" he protested, lifting me up to sit on his lap. "Don't cry, Gillian. I'll stop."

I did not wish to cry in front of him, but it took me several minutes to stop. I finally accepted his handkerchief, wiped my face and blew my nose. "Will you at least listen to me, Robert? I'm really scared, and I don't deserve your anger. In fact, I can't deal with anger right now."