Читать книгу The Angel and His Witch - JR Martens - Страница 12

Rissy was up very early and had had three cups of coffee before Johann made it downstairs. He wondered how she would be on the flight. He had debated canceling the flight and taking her himself, but then thought it better to go by plane. He was worried that she would not be able deal with flying without a plane or that he would be able to control her excitement. Randolf had placed their baggage in the trunk of the Mercedes and was ready to drive them to the airport until he saw Rissy fluttering around like a butterfly barely landing somewhere and taking off again. He mumbled something about needing a drink but Svelta swatted him and told him that he was not going to drink and drive and that if he drank she would take Johann and Rissy and leave him there with Charlotte who was excited but crying as well. “Rissy, I’m going to miss you.” Charlotte sobbed. “Charlotte we will see each other soon.” Rissy replied. “I know.” Charlotte said through her tears.

Johann kissed Charlotte’s face and she said. “See Rissy he still wants me too.” Rissy laughed. “Maybe I’ll let him have you one last time when you get home.” Charlotte liked hearing Rissy say home. Maybe Rissy knew more than they thought. Rissy was wondering why she said home and so was everyone else. Svelta whispered in Johann’s ear as he kissed her goodbye. “I think you were right to go now. She does seem ready.” Rissy kissed Charlotte and Svelta and then they were on their way with Randolf still grumbling something about butterflies. Rissy’s excitement did not abate and Johann was thinking of finding some sleeping pills or something to give her to calm her down a bit. She was acting like a little schoolgirl. Finally they arrived at the Savannah airport. Randolf assisted them with getting a skycap and loading their baggage while Johann and Rissy checked in. When he came to tell them that all had been taken care of Rissy kissed him. Johann laughed at Randolf’s startled expression. Johann shook Randolf’s hand and they went their separate ways, Johann and Rissy to the gate area and Randolf back to the car. Rissy always loved watching the planes land and take off. “I’d like to be able to fly.” She said while watching the planes. Johann responded, “Perhaps soon.” “What is that supposed to mean? I meant not inside a plane, silly.” “I understood that perfectly well Meine Liebe.” “Johann, you know I’ve never been able to do anything but float for short distances no matter how hard I’ve tried.” “Never think you cannot do something just because it hasn’t happened, if you say you can’t then you cut yourself short. Who knows; one day you may find what has been missing to obtain your goal.” “That’s getting deep, Mister.” “You mean a deep mental exercise?” “What else did you think? Oh I forgot you are not knowledgeable about some of our idioms. Perhaps you may need to teach me some of yours sometime so that I don’t make a faux pas.” With a laugh he replied. “I guess they would confuse you as much as yours do me.” They both smiled. It was finally time to board the plane. Rissy had never been in first class before and remained excited for about the first hour and then she settled down seeing nothing but ocean for that long. She finally fell asleep now that her energy had decreased and Johann was glad because he could get some rest now or at least he thought he could. A little boy came trouncing up the aisle and then back again for at least another hour. Johann had half a mind to frighten the little brat, but instead he watched the child and found out where his parents were. He was glad to see that the child had two parents but something needed to be done. He got up and walked to where they were sitting and encouraged them to please control their child. They became upset and said that their child had their permission to run up and down the aisle. Johann tried to explain that he was trying to get some rest to no avail. This is one of the main reasons he hates to fly. He went back to his seat and sat still unable to rest because of the child and he was not the only one. Other passengers were complaining but the attendants were not able to get the parents to make the child stay seated and due to recent issues with airlines and passengers, there was not much that could be done. The demon ran by Johann once more and he had had it with this kid. When he came back by Johann stopped him and smiled. That’s all it took; the child ran to his parents and cried and would not move out of his mother’s lap. The father came up to Johann and asked him what he did to frighten his little angel of a son. Johann just smiled again and the father went back to his seat and remained quiet for the rest of the flight. The attendant asked Johann what he had done and as pleasant as he could be he responded. “I only smiled at them.” He smiled but the attendant did not see anything that would have scared the two passengers and no one else cared what he had done; they were just glad that they could now enjoy the rest of the flight. Rissy awoke about the time they touched down in Frankfort. She was excited but not to the extent that she had been at the beginning of the trip. Hans picked them up in the estate car and drove them through Weilmünster and they stopped at the marketplace while Hans went to find petrol for the old Audi. Rissy found some clothes and enjoyed talking to some of the local people who spoke English or who would at least bother to speak to her. She was able to catch two old women point and say something about “Der Todesengel und sein Hexe” and thought she understood that. “The angel and his witch, what is that about?” she asked. “It’s just two old women Rissy, forget about it.” “No I won’t forget about it. They say I’m a witch; how could they know?” “They know nothing, Rissy. They think I’m a Todesengel.” “What’s that?” “We’ll talk about it later. I promise. Let’s get home; we still have a long drive ahead of us.” Rissy reluctantly let go of the conversation.

They drove high up where they could overlook Möttauer Teich and there up ahead was a magnificent home. He helped Rissy out of the car and then he took a key out of his pocket and opened the door, before turning to her and saying, “Open your eyes and look around, Rissy. Welcome home.” Looking in the place was clean and immaculate the staff was there waiting to greet them. The walls were lined with portraits. Some with a woman, separate ones of a man, and others of them together. There was a large ornate painting on the ceiling of the entry. To the right was a large elegantly curved stairway. To the left of the entrance was a room that was closed off. “Enter Rissy and tell me what you see. Look with open heart, mind, and eyes.” Rissy forgot about the conversation in the town as she looked around. Johann watched Rissy move through the foyer. He was afraid that perhaps he should not have brought her here just yet, but it was too late to reconsider. He wondered if she could see how she was touching the marble and looking at the staircase. When she quickly removed her hand as though lightning had captured her, he knew that the memories would come soon. He saw her eyes grow bright and could sense the memories trying to force their way back. He placed his arm around her and softly kissed her cheek.

“Tell me my darling, what does your heart say about this house? Who are these people in the paintings?” He paused for a moment or two and continued. “Rissy, listen to everything around you. Look at the paintings. Allow the scent of this house to enter you. Do not fear my dear lady. Explore anywhere your heart desires, except this one room. You will find what is in there soon enough. You are nowhere near ready to deal with that room. We are going to stay here for awhile. I think you will find that upstairs there is a bedroom most familiar to you, with its own bath and hot water. Heidi has placed your clothes in the closets as well.” He kissed her cheek. “Dinner will be served in a few minutes, so I am going upstairs to wash up. Please join me in the dining room in fifteen minutes.” He dismissed himself, and went to his room. After he finished washing up he descended the staircase, noticing that Rissy had moved deeper into the house. He smiled, glad that she is curious enough to have a look around.

He entered the dining room and looked around. It had been ages since he had eaten here. He noticed that the servants had polished the silver bell. It appeared to be begging to be rung. He waited patiently for Rissy to enter and join him. He hoped that she would hurry. The smell of the roasted goose was divine. He saw the wine that had been chosen and could not believe that his dear servants had been so thoughtful. He would need to increase their pay.

To him the people who cared for the house were family. Rarely did he eat in the dining room unless they and their families joined him, and during those times he prepared the meals. He decided that he would visit the families in the morning, and leave the house wide open to Rissy. The staff was given the day off, and had been told that Rissy was allowed to go wherever she desired except for the room off the foyer. He had never allowed anyone in there, and was not about to do so now.

Rissy had found her room, but wondered how she knew where it was without ever having been in the house before. It was decorated in a style though a little outdated, that fit her sense of style. She went in the bath to clean up. The fixtures were old but elegant and worked as though they were new. The Egyptian cotton towels were so soft she almost lost track of time and then hurried downstairs to the dining room.

When Rissy entered the dining room Johann’s heart stopped. His eyes flashed brightly as so many memories flooded him catching him off guard. He had not seen her spirit in that dress in so long. Her hair was pulled up as it had been ages ago and he had to chuckle a bit when he noticed a few wild tresses, which was so familiar it made him feel more at home with her there. His heart began beating in a quick pace and his soul sang. He tried to hide his excitement from her. Her slight curtsey showed him that she still remembered how to be a lady. He wondered if she had realized what she had done. It was nice to see her curtsey. This was the woman that had fought with him lovingly for so long. In each life she had done so. For a moment he thought he saw the diamond and emerald necklace around her neck, but upon looking again he noticed that it was not there. He had always kept it in the jewelry box on top of the armoire but she had not yet found it. Composing himself, he moved towards her. Taking her hand in his, he bowed to her, lifted her hand gently kissing it, all the while his green eyes focused on those lovely hazel hues. “I am happy that you have decided to join me for dinner. I hope that I am not being too forward in mentioning that you are one of the loveliest ladies that I have ever laid eyes upon. So, Rissy do not apologize for my wait, it was well worth it. Please sit and enjoy this meal with me.” He pulled out a chair for her. He leaned down and smelled her hair, enjoying the fragrance before returning to his place.

Johann rang the bell and the servants carried in a large roasted goose with roasted potatoes and caramelized onions. He smiled as the artichokes, asparagus, and fresh baked bread was brought in, steam still rising from each. “Rissy these people are part of my family; just like Randolf, Svelta, and Charlotte are. They will provide you with anything you may need. I hope that you will grow to love then as I do.” Heidi stated, “Sir she is a very beautiful woman. Why she looks like the one in the portrait in your room.” Johann laughed. “Perhaps she is.” Heidi responded, “Sir that cannot be, for she died over 500 years ago. I think she is her great, great granddaughter, and forgive me for saying so but wouldn’t that make her yours?” Johann just smiled and turned his attention back to Rissy. “Like I said, they are family.” The meal was wonderful and then Heidi brought out the dessert, a large cherry torte. Everything had been perfect and Johann was glad and hoping that Rissy was enjoying herself. “My dear, I hope you are enjoying your stay. I wish it were spring so that you could go out into the gardens.”

He watched her and wanted to invite her to share his room, but knew that now was not the right time for that. He wasn’t sure if it would ever be the right time. Though he seemed quite comfortable and relaxed, it was actually the opposite. The whole staff knew the purpose for him bringing Rissy here, and was a bit worried about what may transpire. Johann had told them to let her do as she wished, though some protested. They had discussed how the memories may be too overwhelming for her, but Johann had made certain that it was understood not to shield her.

He told Rissy that she was the mistress of this house. Heidi called Charlotte as soon as she laid eyes on Rissy. “She is a Moonshower, Charlotte. I can see it within her. Charlotte allowed the girl to speak her mind, and then sternly said, “You know there are things that neither you nor the Mistress of the house knows, but I have always known.” “I followed Johann into that room one day and saw the portrait.” What Heidi said became a bit clearer.” “You are never allowed to go into that room again. I am very serious about this Heidi. That room is very private. He only allows people in there when he feels like it.

For the next few weeks Rissy kept herself busy exploring the house and its treasures. She found the library and was awestruck by the books. Some were even original classics. There was even one of the very first Gutenberg Bibles and it had an inscription.

To my precious love Rissy with all of my love for our wedding April 20^th in the year of our Lord and Savior 1455. Johann

Rissy was not sure what to think. The only Rissys or derivations of were in her family. “Had Heidi been right about me being a relative of Johann’s? There’s no way he could be a grandfather to me; he’s much too young and barely in his thirties.” These thoughts ran through her mind and she left the library and went looking for Johann. She could not find him anywhere and became afraid that she had imagined making a trip and someone had bewitched her possibly Wilson for retribution. Johann came around the corner of the garden then and when he saw Rissy he knew something was very wrong. He rushed to her side and she grabbed hold of him. “I…I…I saw the Gutenberg. Please explain. Johann knew it was time for the story to begin. He told her that he would explain tomorrow and that she needed to go lie down and rest.

Rissy rested for several hours and felt better when she came down for supper. “Johann, I really need some explanation.” “I told you tomorrow will be a better time. This cannot be explained now only because there is not enough time to begin. You have already been overwhelmed once today and this will possibly overwhelm you even more.” He looked at her neck and noticed the necklace. “I see you found your necklace.” Instinctively Rissy felt her neck. “My necklace? Johann I don’t have a necklace and I have no idea where this came from.” “It came from the jewelry box on the armoire. Let’s just eat and enjoy the evening.” “I’ll try.” The food was good and the conversation turned to the country side. “Do you ride?” Johann asked Rissy. “Ride what?” She asked. Johann replied. “Horses.” “I’ve never tried. Will you show me?” “Yes, of course I will.” “When can we go?” “In the next day or so. I will have Emmanuel exercise them and make sure they are ready.” “Can we see them now?” “Certainly. Come with me.” They walked out the front of the house and to the left where there was a trail leading into a large pasture and right before the pasture was a large barn with all of the amenities for horses. Emmanuel was there and Johann explained that he and Rissy wanted to go for a ride the next day or so. Emmanuel told them that it would have to be the day after the next. Rissy was excited and felt better. They went back to the house and shared a few glasses of wine. They walked hand in hand up the stairs. Johann kissed Rissy as they stopped at the door to her room and she returned the favor and then Johann headed off to his own room.

Rissy took off the necklace but not before seeing a portrait of a woman wearing the necklace. She was taken aback because the woman looked like her. She stared at it for the longest time and in the lower right hand corner she noticed the author’s signature and it looked like Johann’s. She could not see how it could be though, because he would have to be dead. She tried to sleep but kept having visions of the house and picturing herself wandering around. Sometimes she would see herself as mild and timid but with passion buried deep within and other times she saw herself with unbridled passion and always with Johann. She had visions of parties and dances. There were also some very disturbing visions of being attacked in the house and it almost being torn apart. She saw something about the house being built. She became restless and did not want to be alone.

He was sound asleep when he heard a soft knock at his door. He answered the door and there was Rissy. “Johann, do you mind if I sleep in here with you? I have been having strange dreams and I don’t want to be alone right now.” Johann knew the process of her remembering had begun and that he had been correct that now was the time to come to the house. He decided that it was time to start from the beginning. He knew it would sound like a wild tale to her but it had to be done before Rissy could not take anymore. “Come Rissy and share my bed.” He led her to the bed and they cuddled. He stroked Rissy’s hair and kissed her neck. Rissy felt safe in Johann’s arms and felt that she had made the right move coming to Johann. She loved his touch. She did not care if he lost control; she was safe and love literally surrounded her.

She woke late the next morning and noticed that she was alone. She went to his bathroom to clean up and was amazed by how beautiful it was. There were beautiful platinum faucets and the shower was huge and looked like 6 people could easily fit in. She did wonder how many he may have had in there at one time. She decided to use his shower and loved the shower heads that sprayed from every angle. She was in there until the warm water ran out. When she finished she grabbed the towel she had retrieved from the linen closet and found it was the same cotton from which hers were made. When she looked around she saw her brushes and combs and other toiletries. She fixed herself up and when she went into the bedroom there were several outfits waiting for her. She wondered how this happened and as she was wondering which outfit to wear when Charlotte burst in. “Hiya Rissy. We finally got here. The flight was dreadful however. How are you?” Rissy was startled when the door flew open but then when she saw Charlotte she was happy. Finally there was a familiar face other than Johann’s. Before saying a word she ran to Charlotte and hugged her. “Good lord Rissy put some clothes on. I’m not into girls.” Rissy laughed. “Oh come now Charlotte it’s me and by the way I’m fine now that you’re here.” “Now I know why you haven’t slept with Johann; you’ve been after me all along.” They both laughed. “I’ve missed these little banters.” Rissy replied. “Well hurry up Rissy, everyone is waiting to see you and have breakfast.” Rissy and Charlotte were getting caught up as Rissy was getting dressed and were still talking when they reached the dining room. There Svelta, Randolf and Johann were waiting. Rissy ran to Randolf and gave him a kiss on his cheek and then Svelta a big hug. “I’ve missed you so much. I didn’t know anyone here and that Heidi girl followed me every step.” They all laughed. “She’s always been like that. After I trained her she did the same to me and always asked if she did it right. It took forever to get her to do her own work.” Svelta replied. Rissy then looked at Johann. “Hello my love. I am here now.” “It’s about time. I’m starving.” He laughed. “Well then let’s eat. Everyone is here now.” said Svelta. Rissy enjoyed the sausages and the fresh baked bread and homemade jam. “Guess what.” Rissy said excitedly. “What?” Charlottes asked. “We’re going horse back riding tomorrow. I mean Johann and I are. Isn’t that so cool?” “There are great places to ride here. There is a lot of pasture and some streams and a pond. Not the one down in the valley and not nearly as large by any means, but it is a pretty place.” Randolf chimed in. Everyone looked at Randolf who appeared to have a smile on his face. “Well Randolf I can’t believe you spoke. Perhaps Rissy should kiss your cheek more.” Svelta laughed. Randolf turned to her. “I remember when we use to walk through the pasture and had picnics by the stream. I’ve missed that. I guess we’ve grown too old for that nonsense.” Charlotte looked at the gazes between her parents. “Oh my god! Tell me that’s not where I was conceived.” Svelta smiled. “Possibly.” Randolf sat there in a daze still thinking of those trips and then mumbled something about needing to go there again. “Svelta smiled at him. “Maybe we should.” “Gross!” Charlotte exclaimed and ran out of the room. Everyone laughed.