Rite of Passage (6 page)

Courtney devoured two servings. We drank beer served in paper cups. I think there were others around us, but our eyes never left each other. We talked about her education—she’d attended a private girls’ school she detested. The other girls were dull, giddy, and vacuous. Worse, it took her away from her beloved Briarwood and Romeo.

“Did you graduate?” I asked. She was brilliant and talented. Courtney could be anything she wanted to be.

Her mouth twisted into a pout. “Yes. But I’m taking some time off from formal schooling. Thinking about my options.” Her smile was shallow. It looked forced.

I wanted to pursue the subject. It made no sense. Someone with her potential and means could attend any exclusive finishing school, Oxford or Cambridge. Why home study? But she looked around, playing with her hair and the silverware. I wondered if her father was to blame. I let it pass, telling her about my life at Harvard, my friends, activities, and my sailboat, avoiding mention of Rachel.

I told her about my father’s death. He was my hero, always there with sage advice or a willing ear when I needed one. I hoped my brother could fill the vacuum. Courtney’s eyes grew damp when I spoke about my father’s death.

“I understand.” She squeezed my hand. “My mother was like that.”

“The salmon was great,” I said as we left the restaurant. “Thanks for the treat but, I wish you’d let me pay.”

“It’s the best I’ve ever had,” she enthused, rubbing her stomach as she closed her eyes. “And I wouldn’t hear of it. I wanted to be a proper young lady and give you something for letting me tag along.”

“I told you. I wanted you to come.” I held her eyes with mine. I sneaked my arm around her waist and squeezed playfully.

“Hey,” she squealed. “Be careful. You may see that fish again.”

“That’s an image I’d rather not think about.” I laughed and let her go, looking at my watch.

“Got an appointment?” she questioned.

“Actually, I’m meeting my brother at 7:30.”

“Oh.” She looked deflated. “Then you…you won’t be at dinner tonight?”

I shook my head. “Sorry. No.” And I was. “Let’s take a quick walk up that trail overlooking the lake. I’ll bet the views are spectacular.” I gestured toward the narrow path at the end of the sidewalk.

“I’m sorry, Robert.” She stopped, hanging her head after a few yards. “We can head back.” She turned toward the lake, her face strained and taut. “Being with you makes me feel alive and happy again. But I’m fooling myself,” she whispered.

“Being here with you is no flight of fancy, Courtney,” I reassured her. “It’s real. Very real.” I wanted to tell her she was the most beautiful and exciting woman I’d ever met.

“I want to believe you, Robbie, but even if there was no one else in your life…” She turned away, but not before I glimpsed the moisture in her dark eyes.

“Can we talk about it?” I asked.

“It’s complicated,” she whispered, searching the distant mountains with her eyes. She headed up the trail, leaving me behind. When I followed, a hidden root caught my foot. Hearing a loud snap, I fell to the ground in pain.

Courtney turned and rushed back, kneeling next to me. “Robbie, what happened? Are you all right?”

“I don’t know. I think I sprained my ankle. Maybe worse.” I rolled onto my back, grasping her hand. “Courtney…”

“Shhh,” she whispered, putting her fingers to my lips. “We’ll sort it out.”

“But I…”

“Please. Be still. We’ll sort it out. I promise,” she insisted with a reassuring smile as she examined my ankle. It was already swelling. My walking shoe felt tight.

I shook my head. “Can you drive?” The ride back to the estate came to mind.

“Don’t worry.” She squeezed my hand. “It’ll be fine. Robbie, do you believe in me?”

“Believe in you?” I asked, not sure of her meaning. “Of course.”

She bit her lip, closed her eyes and touched the pendant beneath her scarf.

“Shhh. Close your eyes and take my hand.”

I started to protest, but as soon as she touched me, I was at peace in a way I’d never known. Energy flowed through me, like a mild electric shock. She touched my ankle and the pain disappeared. It was wonderful, like a strong dose of morphine, only better, much, much better.

I tried to speak.

Courtney whispered in a language I’d never heard. My head grew very light…

****

Courtney massaged his swollen ankle, blue energy radiating from her fingertips. Slowly she lifted her hand and knelt on the trail in front of Robbie, studying every line and feature. She let her other hand run through his thick black hair, down and over his chiseled chin, touching every angle on the face that now consumed her. It had sounded so simple. Come to America, find him, attract him, use him for the ritual. Then what? They’d been waiting a millennium to fulfill the prophecy. Robert was the key. The chosen one.

Find him, attract him, use him.
So simple,
Courtney thought sadly, brushing the tears aside. But it was not simple, not anymore. She stared at Robert, smiling, warmth and happiness overflowing as she thought about every precious moment with him. The emotion was so new and different, unlike anything Courtney had known.

Love. She’d heard it spoken of so often. It had become a cliché. Now she knew what it felt like. Her mother used the word each night as she tucked Courtney in and kissed her goodnight. “Good night, princess. I love you.” But this love was something so different, so all-consuming and so beautiful she had no way of comprehending it. It filled her.

Courtney leaned forward and found his hand. Taking it, she bent to his lips, eyes closing as she kissed them softly. “Good night, my prince. I love you,” she whispered as she opened her eyes.

She stood, trying to focus, to understand what was happening. Courtney had no idea how her emotions had grown so strong so quickly. It wasn’t supposed to happen—not so quickly. Not this way. She should be immune, insulated from human feelings. She repeated the mantra.
He is a vessel, a means for fulfilling the prophecy
.

Love at first sight
, Courtney thought as she watched him. She’d heard the expression but never believed it. Something from novels and the cinema. She was wrong. Studying him, she was angry and delighted over this strange unexpected thing that had taken control of her. No matter. She must be strong. Putting her hands on his temples, she rubbed them gently. “You will awaken and feel refreshed, Robert. Remember none of what has happened.”

Courtney backed away. Yes, she loved him. Desperately. But Courtney had a destiny. She had no choice. She must complete the ritual and keep her emotions from destroying them both.

****

“Hello,” I said as I awoke. “Sorry. I must have fallen asleep.” I yawned, feeling refreshed. “I had no idea how tired I was. Let’s head back,” I said, checking my watch.

“Maybe you should just sit. Relax for a minute,” Courtney suggested.

“I’m fine.” I stood. A dizzy and disorienting sensation filled my head. I braced myself against a tree. It passed quickly. “I’m sorry, but I have to get back.”

“If you’re sure everything’s all right.” She smiled weakly, playing with her hair. She looked drawn and weary. “How’s your ankle?” she asked.

“Ankle? Which one?” I looked at them, curious at her question.

“No matter,” she said. “I thought you might have twisted one on the trail.”

“No, I’m fine,” I assured her as we headed toward the village. “Never felt better.”

Chapter Nine

We arrived at the boardwalk just after four. Courtney walked back toward the car—silent, wearing a pensive, strained expression as she stared straight ahead. Her enormous eyes showed dark circles beneath them.

“Are you all right?” I asked.

She shot a glance at me. “I’m fine,” she whispered.

I held the door for her. She got in, eyelids drooping. I followed her into the Jaguar and depressed the clutch. I turned the key. The four-cylinder engine purred to life and I backed out, heading toward the southern end of Sebago and the estate.

“So you’re really going to disappear for dinner?” Courtney asked.

I nodded. “I don’t want to.” And I didn’t. “Michael’s my brother and we haven’t seen each other for months.” I offered my best I’m-sorry look. Besides, I needed to talk to someone about what was happening. Someone objective. Michael was not only my brother, he was my best friend and confidant.

“That’s all right, Robert,” she said coolly, turning to study the countryside. “I think there’s a dance tonight. Auntie’s been after me to go for weeks.” She shrugged. “Might give it a try.”

Was she trying to provoke me? Searching for the answer she wanted to hear? “That’s up to you,” I countered, feeling guilty about confessing my feelings earlier.

My imagination conjured up an endless line of young men waiting to dance with her. But I had to be strong. This was a dream, a self-indulgent fantasy. It had no place in my well-ordered life.

“Perhaps I will,” she offered, pushing her lips together. “I’ll be the proper young lady and dress in my finest frock!” she said, continuing to look away, studying the pleasant countryside in the orange glow of the late afternoon sun.

I tried to see her face, but the winding road demanded my attention. I had to settle for snatching a quick glance when the road straightened. Our delightful afternoon had turned dark. I was torn between conscience and emotion, wanting to reach over, take her hand in mine and tell her that I cared for her, knowing I could not.

The little convertible hummed along the narrow roads toward Jon and Gretchen’s. Courtney closed her eyes, dozing, a frown spoiling her face. Conflict consumed me. I’d been wrong, flirting with her and allowing her to flirt with me. But as I looked at her, all I could think of was taking Courtney in my arms and kissing her till she was breathless.

No, Robbie
, I warned myself.
Get a grip. You have a full life, a loving girl waiting in Boston, and you know so little about Courtney.
But no one had ever made me feel this way. Courtney was the most beautiful and exciting creature I’d ever known. I found the mystery and vulnerability surrounding her overpowering. Being around her was like a dream you hoped would never end.

“
Robbie
,” she whispered in her sleep. She pushed closer, snuggling into my arm. I put my hand down, letting my fingers surround hers. Last night I’d thought about my feelings in the abstract, one of those what if games. Suddenly it had all become very real. What if was no longer a question. I remembered my earlier thoughts about an emotional train wreck, knowing I was heading there at breakneck speed. As an image of Rachel danced before my eyes, I let Courtney’s hand slip from mine.

Just before 5:30 we arrived at the estate. I let Courtney out in front of the garage.

“Thanks for a lovely day. I enjoyed getting away and seeing the countryside,” she said, shaking my hand.

“It was my pleasure,” I said, holding her eyes. Emptiness filled me as I pulled the Jag inside. She waited, looking downcast and defeated when I came out. The cool wind from the northwest continued, sending a shiver through her. I used my arm to warm her.

She turned, looking up at me. “That’s all right,” she whispered.

I nodded, letting go as we headed back through the massive arch leading to the courtyard. Emptiness greeted us. Our fellow guests had played and drunk their fill, retreating to their rooms for a pre-dinner nap.

As we crossed the pool area, someone called, “Hello there,” Gretchen said. “Did you have a nice day?”

“A wonderful day,” Courtney answered quietly, eyes lingering on me. “Robbie was the perfect tour guide.”

Gretchen gave me an I-told-you-so look.

“Splendid. I look forward to hearing the details.” She turned away.

“I’m meeting my brother in Jefferson,” I explained. “I’ll be back later.”

“We’ll miss you, won’t we, dear?” she asked Courtney. “Oh, Robbie, I almost forgot. There was a call from Rachel. I told her you were out for a drive.”

“Thanks,” I said, trying to hide my frustration. “I’ll call her back.”

Gretchen strode inside.

Courtney stood, lips tight, staring at the pool apron. She touched my hand briefly. “It’s all right, Robbie.” She sighed, running inside before I could move. I kicked the gravel, turned, and headed for my room to shower.

I threw open the door to my room, furious with myself, my feelings, and fate. On the bed sat a large manila envelope. My name was scrawled on it in rough letters. It was filled with newspaper clippings. Headlines jumped out at me: “Another Mysterious Death at Briarwood.” “Young Mistress Witnesses Another Tragedy.” “Coroner Mystified by Woman’s Death,” and others, “Is Witchcraft Alive and Well, Living Under Our Noses?”

I stuffed them back into the envelope and threw it on my bed. Jonathan again, trying to poison my mind? Why? I clenched my fists, anxious to find him, but there was no time. I wanted to find Courtney to make sure she was all right before I left.

I headed for the bathroom, my mind swimming. I shaved, took a quick shower, and went back to the bedroom. I stared at the envelope. Pouring the contents out a second time, I scanned the details. There was nothing damning, just tabloid headlines to attract attention. Mysterious deaths and the occult were always popular. Michael had spent time in England. I wondered if he’d have any insights.

I looked at my watch and seeing the time, threw on a plaid sports shirt, my light cotton trousers, and walking shoes. After splashing Creed on my face, I grabbed my jacket and headed for the door.

I opened the door, hoping to find Courtney. There was no need. She waited, sitting on a lounge chair, still dressed in her clothes from our trip. When she saw me, she got up, closing the distance between us.

“Sorry about running off like that.” She held my eyes with hers.

I tried to smile. “I understand. It’s been a confusing day.”

She nodded. “More so than I’d planned.”

She reached down and touched the envelope.

“Taking something to Michael?”

I studied her face.
More so than I’d planned.
Curious comment.