Elizabeth's Heart

Elizabeth’s Heart

Jean Schick

Copyright © 2024 Jean Schick

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author.

Dedication

I am deeply grateful to the publishing lab team, Mary Jo Franks, and Kara Moore for their invaluable support in helping make this book possible. Your encouragement, advice, and hard work throughout the process have been deeply appreciated, and I am grateful to each of you for being part of this journey. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, events, businesses, and locations are the products of the author's imagination. The references to real locations, historical figures and locations, are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to any living person is coincidental.

About the Author

Jean Schick was born and raised in rural Missouri, a place that continues to deeply influence her work and personal life. Despite her extensive travels, Missouri remains a central part of her identity. Jean has spent most of her adult life in the public eye, and her books are a reflection of her profound connection to her home state.

Jean finds her greatest comfort in the embrace of nature and the presence of family. She writes under various pseudonyms and is currently immersed in her next book. For Jean, literature is a gateway that allows readers to journey wherever their imagination leads them.

Table of Contents

About the Author

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 1

Elizabeth, preparing for bed, was blissfully unaware her whole life would change dramatically over the coming months.

She lay still listening, her dog Rags curled up beside her, even though it was storming Elizabeth wasn’t sure what woke her. A loud boom of thunder combined with flashes of lightening caused her to jump, waking her dog. Rags raised his head, letting out a quiet growl before running down the stairs. Elizabeth wondered if he reacted to the storm or something else altogether different.

Careful not to make a sound, she slipped into her housecoat before retrieving her pistol from her nightstand. Cautiously, she crept down the stairs; flashes of lightening made it possible to see everything inside her house without effort. Her giant Wolfhound stood staring at a side window of the living room. Silently skirting around the room to look outside, she didn’t see anything through the window. Rags continued to stand between her and the window for a full minute before returning to her side.

Come on Rags. We need to check the rest of the house. It’s probably nothing but we can’t be too careful; I sure wish John was home. Bending down to hug her self-appointed protector, Elizabeth saw a smug, self-satisfied expression seem to cross his face. Wrapping her arms around his neck, the dog laid his head against hers. I am so glad I found you.

Once Elizabeth was certain everything was safe, she took Rags back upstairs. Dreams bordering on nightmares filled with broken images of people, places, and deaths made for a restless sleep.

Rising early, Elizabeth decided to take Rags to Lake Wappapello. Having her morning coffee, she tried to place a call to her husband. Johnathan Willis Graham, I know you can’t answer right now, but I needed to hear your voice. Hopefully, the weather in England has been better than it was here last night. I’m taking Rags to the lake for a run, so I will be out of pocket for a bit. Maybe it will clear my head enough for me to get some work done later. John, I love you. Be safe. I’ll call you when I get back.

~~~~~

Who called Love? Chasity, almost in tears, asked as she entered the bedroom after hearing his phone ring. Can’t they allow you a little personal time? You work so hard, and you’re gone too often. John, I hate all that time you spend away from me and our son.

How else can I give you everything I want to? I’m here now. Just come back to bed. He reached up, pulling her onto the bed with him. She didn’t see his smirk before he reached for her. Now, isn’t that better? John faked a passionate kiss. We need to make up for lost time. In a few months, you and Mark will be with me all the time. To make everyone happy, I’ll go to work later. For now, I have better things to take care of. Mark will be back from his playdate in a couple hours. Let’s take advantage of it.

Driving to his office, John was admiring the beauty of this estate that stretched to the coast. He marveled at his good fortune, thinking of the two wealthy women he married along with how he came to be in that position. John was grateful for the parents he was born to. Lucy and Douglas Graham made all this happen for him. The phone’s buzzing interrupted his thoughts.

Hi there stranger. You must have had a breakthrough to answer your phone so late. What have you been up to? John just realized he hadn’t listened to the messages Elizabeth left.

Elizabeth felt relief when John finally answered his phone. I’m so glad to hear your voice. You won’t believe the day I’ve had. So much for spending time at the lake, instead, I was in the Emergency Room for a couple hours. I’m alright, except for a few stitches. One of the nurses was so kind; she took care of Rags, plus she gave me a lift back to the car when the doctor was finished. Elizabeth stopped to catch her breath. I’m sorry I’m rambling. How are you?

I’m good. I’ve been tied up with paperwork and contractors all day. My day sounds dull compared to yours. I haven’t had a chance to listen to my messages yet; start from the beginning. Pushing back disgust, he knew he had to pay attention to what she said while sounding genuinely concerned. It wouldn’t do for him to get his two identities crossed.

I wish you were here. We had bad storms last night, so I didn’t sleep well. That’s why I took Rags to the lake to run while sorting my thoughts. I barely started up the trail when I was surprised by a small snake at the spillway. I lost my footing, sliding down, slicing my leg on a sharp rock. Rags came running to see what happened to me. His barking caught the attention of a park ranger about to get off duty. He brought Rags to the hospital because I had to go by ambulance. A nurse was leaving as the ranger pulled up with Rags. He couldn’t stay, so she took care of Rags while they worked on me. The medics thought I may have been bitten by the snake, plus the cut was pretty deep, and I will have some bruises. Dr. Morris, one of their fill-in doctors from somewhere else, was great. You know how bad I am with doctors. He was patient while he checked me over and stitched my leg. From his accent, he sounded Scottish. He talked the whole time he worked on me to keep me calm. My birthmark seemed to amuse him. Anyway, the nurse lived near the lake and gave me a ride back to my car. I think I like her; she was great with Rags.

John told himself the momentary panic he felt at the mention of a Scottish-sounding doctor named Morris was nothing. He took a deep breath before he spoke to steady his voice. Good grief Liz, I’m glad you are alright. You have to be more careful. I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to you. You sounded odd about the storm. Did it do damage? Although John hated Rags, he was glad the dog kept Elizabeth safe. She had to live until she turned thirty for his plans to work.

There wasn’t any real damage I could see. The wind was blowing the rain so hard it rattled the windows and branches hit the screens, plus there was a lot of lightning. It just spooked me. I guess an animal must have spooked Rags too because he was growling at something. The rest of the night, I was restless. From the sound of his breathing, Elizabeth could tell John was only halfway listening. Sweetheart, I know I’m keeping you from your work. I love you and miss you. We can talk when you aren’t so busy.

I love you too. I’m glad you’re alright. Yes my love, we can speak longer tomorrow. By for now. He sounded more distracted than usual.

~~~~

Doctor Joshua Leander Morris was born in the Northeast part of England. His mother was Scottish, his father English. He grew up fairly privileged on one of the estates spreading across the countryside of that area. His grandmother, Erma Morris, met and married a soldier from Missouri while visiting London after her first husband’s death. She moved to Missouri with him, living most of her life there.

Joshua was delighted when he found an opening at a hospital in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Wanting to learn more about his American family, he decided to stay in the area for a while to be near his grandmother.

When his shift ended, Josh went to visit Erma. The subject of Erma’s grandfather came up; she told him about the rambling stories he told after his mind started going bad. She mentioned the memory of his father’s first love, causing Josh to think of the birthmark on Elizabeth’s thigh. Gram, can you tell me anything about that painting of the girl your granddad gave you? He knew he had seen that birthmark somewhere before. Do you still have it?

Mercy yes, it’s a beautiful painting. Come with me. Josh followed his grandmother to her bedroom, while she told him the history behind the painting. My granddad hated the painting. He always said his father loved that girl more than his own mother. The truth of the matter was she was a relative and his best friend. After her husband murdered her, the family gave him that painting. He tried to talk her out of marrying that devil, but she wouldn’t listen. He murdered her to get her inheritance, but was found out before anything could be transferred to him. Erma took the painting off the wall, laying it on her bed under a light so Josh could see it better. Here you go. According to great-granddad, she was the most beautiful soul in the world. See how she’s riding that horse astride instead of side saddle? He said she was a beautiful, nature-loving, free spirit. There were several stories about what those two got into when they were kids. Wasn’t she beautiful?

Josh felt like he had been punched in the gut. The lifelike painting could have been of Elizabeth, right down to the identical birthmark a few inches above her knee and her auburn hair. What else can you tell me about her?

Erma let out a chuckle. Other than they said she wasn’t lady-like showing that much of her leg or because she rode the horse like a man? I think he called her Beth. She died not long after she married. Erma noticed Josh staring at the birthmark. Every time Dad saw that, he started going on about it being the mark of a curse. According to passed-down family history, every woman ever born with that mark has been fooled into marrying a greedy, evil, deceitful man that ended up killing her for personal gain. She was young when she died, I think. I’m not too clear on all that anymore. It seems the inheritance won’t go to her until she marries or turns thirty, or something like that. I call it old-world nonsense instead of tradition.

Josh’s visit with his grandmother lasted until he looked at his watch. It was later than he thought. Gram, I better go. I have the early shift. I’m going to sleep at the hospital. He kissed his grandmother’s cheek, leaving with all kinds of questions swirling through his mind.

~~~~~

Rising early, after breakfast Elizabeth called for Rags to go with her to check the grounds for storm damage. Seeing what needed to be done, she picked up downed limbs and debris before the pair went to sit on the dock at the small lake near the house. She was glad she found a natural spring on the property to incorporate into the lake. The way it was configured, any excess water went into the drainage ditch bordering the property. This was her peaceful place. She loved sitting on the wooden deck watching birds or casting her line to have fresh fish for her meal.

Rags, I just don’t understand why John doesn’t love this place like I do. It’s as close to perfect as you can get; just smell that fresh-turned earth. She had to laugh at the look on her dog’s face. If I didn’t know better, I would swear you understand everything I say. She hugged him before rising to her feet. Let’s go look at the garden. I need to get to work."

Working in fresh soil always lifted her spirits. Elizabeth considered it therapy for her soul. She picked some early squash and a cucumber from her garden for lunch. It was mid-June, and the temperature was rising fast. By one o’clock, the temperature reached ninety-five degrees, and added to the high humidity, it felt like the breath was being sucked out of her lungs. Elizabeth was glad she had a breezeway going to her workshop.

Come on Rags; I have to work. Aren’t we glad we have those good fans in the shop? Today, I see why people call this Swamp East, Missouri. No telling what the heat index will get up to. We have this. We’ll work with those fans on to stay cool until it cools outside.

Starting the canvas, her work took on a life of its own. It was late when she finished the piece. Stepping back, Elizbeth looked at the painting. Look Rags. This looks just like you with a heart in your mouth. That heart actually looks like my birthmark. I don’t know where the background image came from, but I like it. Have you seen this place before, boy? As Elizabeth snapped a picture of the painting, Rags let out a curious bark. It’s after midnight where Daddy is, but I’m sending this anyway. I was supposed to call him earlier. Maybe he’s still awake.

~~~~~

John was fast asleep when his phone buzzed. Chasity, still awake, was puzzled by the picture she saw that popped up on the screen. It looked like their land, but she didn’t know where the dog came from or why it would have a heart in its mouth. Perhaps John was getting Mark a dog after all. She was hoping for a cute, cuddly little dog, not one she saw as a big, ugly monster. At breakfast the next morning Chasity was upset, confronting John about the picture. I thought we agreed we would pick out a dog for Mark together when we got one. That big ole monster-looking thing will scare him to death. Chasity was almost in tears.

John was confused by her outburst. What are you talking about? I didn’t get a dog. I don’t even like dogs; you know that. What picture?

That picture on your phone last night after you went to sleep. I saw it, but I didn’t read any messages because I promised you I never would. I know how afraid you are I might erase something connected to your work. So, if you didn’t get a dog what is that picture then? Still on the verge of tears, her voice had a pleading tone to it.

John rose from his chair to wrap his arms around her. Honey, don’t get so upset. Let me see what’s going on. Alright? Rocking her in his arms, he was positive he knew where the picture came from. Is that better now? After Chasity nodded, John changed the subject. I have to run! I have an early meeting. When I find out what that is about, I’ll let you know. I love you. He finished the sentence on his way out the door.

Driving to a point he knew couldn’t be seen from the house, John pulled to a stop to check his messages. As he suspected, the messages were from Elizabeth. Disturbed by what he saw, John got out of the vehicle to pace. Running his hand through his hair, while staring at the picture, he voiced his thoughts out loud as fear gripped him. How could she know what this place looks like? She got it right down to what the house looks like. Maybe she saw pictures of the estate online. Why would she paint that damn dog in front of it? Shit! It’s too early to call her to find out what she’s up to. I’ve got to figure this out. He stopped pacing long enough to read aloud another message from Elizabeth. Johnathan Willis Graham, I miss you so badly. I want to feel your arms, smell your scent, taste your lips, and run my fingers through the man fur of your chest. I know it will be a couple of months before you can be home, but my heart is with you always.

John checked his watch before getting back into his vehicle. It was still far too early to call the man he hired to watch Elizabeth. With his mind racing, he knew he had to speak with him before calling her. He decided to leave the phone he now used at the office to avoid another problem with Chasity. He would purchase a second phone to keep at home, ending any mix-up with the two women.

~~~~~

Dr. Joshua Leander Morris was well-liked by everyone he worked with. He was over six foot tall with wavy light auburn hair, and piercing eyes that danced with mischief at times. His extreme good looks, polite manners, thoughtfulness, and calming disposition, caused the nurses to gossip about him, calling him Dr. Hunk behind his back. When he smiled it lit up the room, plus his medical skills were excellent. He asked the hospital personnel to call him Josh when they weren’t working with patients. His grandmother was the only person to call him Len.

Noticing how interested the good doctor seemed to be in Elizabeth, Nurse Nancy Long decided to give her a ride back to her car to find out if Elizabeth knew Dr. Morris. The records showed that her maiden name was Morris also. Nancy developed a major crush on Dr. Morris shortly after he started working at the hospital; she started trying to time her breaks with his. She melted when he spoke to her with that Scottish accent. That was the reason she stuck around after her shift ended, the day she volunteered to take care of Rags. Noticing how interested the good doctor seemed to be in Elizabeth, she gave her a ride back to her car to find out if Elizabeth knew Dr. Morris.

Talking with his grandmother, after seeing Elizabeth in the Emergency Room the day before, Josh decided to do some digging. He couldn’t understand the uneasy feeling he had when he thought about her. He wanted to find out why.

Nancy was rushing to the break room when she found Dr. Morris’s door ajar. He was inside working at his computer. She tapped on the door’s frame. I’m sorry to bother you. It looks like you are trying to find something. Can I help? Knowing she wasn’t supposed to bother any doctor while they were in their quarters, she couldn’t stop herself.

I’m just going over some old family records. Thank you for offering, but I don’t think so. Josh hurriedly closed his search before looking up. Nancy was still standing in the doorway, looking like a lost puppy. Nurse Long, I truly appreciate your offer to help, but this is something I have to do myself.

You can call me Nancy. You just looked so intent that I thought it might have to do with one of the patients. I’m sorry I bothered you. There are a few minutes left of break, so I better go. Is there anything I can get for you?

No thank you Nancy, I’m set. I need to finish up here. Turning back to his computer, he hoped she would leave while he made himself a mental note to close his door when he didn’t want to be disturbed. It was evident Nancy had a crush on him. He knew he had to put a stop to the unwanted attention before she turned into a problem. He told himself he would deal with that after he found the information he was searching for. Setting the alarm on his watch, he started searching again.

Josh went back to the room at his shifts end, making sure the door was closed, he started searching. This time, he found an old family website containing long-forgotten records. There were copied pages from diaries dating back to the seventeen hundreds. The records focused on families from Scotland or Ireland that ended up in the northeast part of England. He was fairly certain he had found what he was looking for when he saw a sketch of a woman’s face with a heart-shaped jewel resembling Elizabeth’s birthmark drawn in the upper right-hand corner. The sketch could have been of Elizabeth, but it predated any other records he found. It was late; he saved the site since his shift started early the next morning.

~~~~~

Sunlight flowed through Elizabeth’s bedroom window. She smiled at the patterns on her wallpaper. They seemed to dance from the breeze blowing the branches outside of her window, causing interruptions to the sunbeams coming into her room. It would be a good day, aside from the dreams she had during the night.

Recently, Elizabeth grew concerned due to problems getting in touch with John. He wasn’t returning many of her calls and seemed distracted when he did. She knew he was working long hard hours, but something seemed off. That night she saw herself in a dream. She was dressed in a costume right out of the mid seventeen hundreds. Her accent sounded Galic, making the words hard to understand. The message she seemed to be delivering herself was to trust him. She thought her subconscious was telling her to trust her husband.

Stretching, she wiped sleep from her eyes. Hey buddy, come here. It’s time to start this day. Elizabeth called out, but Rags wasn’t there. Quickly dressing, she headed downstairs to the kitchen. Her four-legged companion’s head appeared through the doggie door before Rags came bounding into the kitchen to greet her.

Elizabeth shook her head at the half-dried mud she saw on the dog’s paws. What on earth have you been up to out there? Have you been chasing rabbits again, or what? Are you still up for a run? At the soft happy bark, she put on her sneakers while motioning toward the door. Rounding the corner of the house, Elizabeth stopped at the sight of muddy streaks, as if someone ran their hands down the window of the living room. Inspecting them closer, there wasn’t any way to make out any kind of prints. Well Rags, it looks like you chased off whoever it was. You’re Such a good boy.

Elizabeth looked around the outside of her house without finding anything else wrong. The door to her studio was slightly ajar, but nothing seemed to be missing or out of place. Whatever they were looking for, I guess they didn’t find it here. Come on, let’s get you bathed so I can get some work done.

Before Elizabeth made it into the house, her phone was ringing. She was surprised but happy to see John was calling. Hi my love, this makes my day. I must have done something right for you to call me while you’re at work. She paused, before sheepishly asking, Did you like the painting?

I liked the message better. He made a low growling sound and laughed. I’m on the way to the docks. It seems someone misplaced a large order, so I have to check on it. I may be tied up most of the night, so I wanted to talk to you while I can. How is your leg?

My leg will be fine. The doctor did a great job. The cut was a straight slice, so it went together without any trouble at all.

John interrupted, How are things at the house?

The question caught Liz off guard. Fine, I guess. She hesitated a beat before finishing. There was one thing, though. It looks like Rags frightened someone off; I found handprints on a window.

From the night of the storm?

No. John, I’m pretty sure it was last night. Rags didn’t sleep in my bedroom the whole night. He came in this morning with muddy paws, and the door to my work studio was ajar. It didn’t look like anything was messed with. I’m going back out there after lunch to work, so I will look closer then. It’s kind of spooky, but I’m not worried; Rags is keeping me safe. If anyone makes it in the front door, I not only have my gun, I know how to use it.

John took a deep breath before bringing up the subject he called about. You did a good job of capturing Rags in that painting. I would never have thought of putting that heart in his mouth. That was really a unique idea. I have to ask though, where did you get the idea for the background?

That’s an odd question. You’ve never asked about the subject matter in my paintings before. She laughed. I’m glad you liked it. I’m not sure where it is or even if the place exists. It just seemed right. You know, I watched a documentary series right after you left that had a bunch of estates, manor houses, castles, along with beautiful scenery in the Northeast part of England. I guess that’s where the idea came from.

That answer didn’t satisfy John. He watched that same show and knew the estate wasn’t pictured in it. An uneasy feeling washed over him. He grew quiet, lost in thought.

Sweetheart, are you still there? Elizabeth’s voice held concern.

Hearing her voice jarred him back to the conversation. Sorry Babe, I have a call coming in. It may be about the missing shipment. I have to go. I will call when I can. Love you.

Elizabeth was left staring at the silent phone. She turned to Rags, who was standing at her side, looking up at her expectantly. Well boy, bath first then lunch. At least I did get to talk to him.

~~~~~

After disconnecting, John quickly dialed the man he had watching Elizabeth. Impatient, listening to the phone ring three times before it was answered, John was having a hard time keeping his temper under control. He yelled into the phone. Where the hell have you been? I haven’t heard from you in a week. What have you found out?

Hey man, I have been doing what you pay me to do. Just chill, I’ll give you an update.

There was an ominous tone to John’s voice that the man on the other end of the conversation missed. Chill?

Look, I have been following her. She just hangs out with that dog and works for the most part. She did go to the E.R. one day after she fell. Some woman took her back to her car. Shit man, one night it stormed, and I was afraid she would shoot me. You didn’t tell me she kept a gun. Oh, and that monster of a dog almost took a plug out of me too. I barely got away. I got the bugs planted, but the only thing I’ve heard anything about is some art show she is planning.

That caught John’s attention. An art showing? He knew she was talking about having a show but hadn’t thought much about it. He didn’t want the painting of the estate to end up being seen by anyone. Keep me informed. I want to know when and where she plans to hold that.

Bossman, I’m on it. She sure is a beautiful lady with tons of talent. I don’t think she is running around on you if that’s what you’re paying me to find out.

Just do your job without asking questions. John, ill-tempered by nature, ended the call as he stormed into the office, slamming the door behind him. He banged his fists down on the counter, causing the men to look up from their desks. What the hell are you looking at? Get back to work!" Yelling, he charged into his private office, slamming the door behind him.

The men were surprised by John’s outburst. It wasn’t the first time he acted that way in front of them, just the worst. An elderly employee, looking sadly down at his folded hands, shook his head, slowly speaking his mind. When I was a young lad, my father worked for the old Laird that came before this one’s dad. Since my dad worked as a handyman we lived on the estate. I loved that old man. Laird Morris was kind, generous, willing to spend time with children and never a cross word to anyone. He was nothing like this one. John, Earl John, or Lord John, whatever he wants to be called, doesn’t look anything like the old ones nor act like them either. The Laird’s wife was a sweet lady too. She let me hang out in the manor house, giving me treats. I even got to go riding with her. Looks like those fancy schools brought out the worst in this one. Too bad he didn’t get taught manners or human kindness. His parents ruined him. The old Laird would roll over if he saw how his grandson turned out.

One of the younger men spoke up. What crawled up his raw red arse? Maybe the wife is on the rag. Makes you wonder about his marriage. They say money doesn’t bring happiness, but it does pay for those whores he sees when he frequents the docks. After the laughter died down, the man continued. I got a cousin works the docks. I hear his stories about our boss. He takes the working girls out to eat, telling them he is interested in them. They eat it up, believe what he says, seeing themselves as the wife of a Lord. He spends the night with them for the price of a meal. That way, he shows his wife a receipt for a business lunch while he gets his self satisfied in other ways without her knowing.

Speaking up once again, the older man had a look of disapproval on his weathered face. You shouldn’t make lite of his behavior. He’s hurting those poor women that are trying to make a living. Do any of you consider his wife’s feelings? She’s been cut off from everything since her mother died in that tragic accident. No matter how much she inherited, she has no social life or friends to speak of. He keeps her shut up in that big old house with only hired people to associate with.

After the older man finished speaking, the younger man spoke again. Look, I’m sorry. We never really thought about any of that. We better get back to work before he comes out again. Pay here is decent; I can’t afford to get sacked.

~~~~~

Dr. Morris spent several long hours researching his family’s lore. He found accounts about every one hundred years or so of women with the same heart-shaped birthmark. Every one of them died a tragic death connected to her own husband. There were several, and now Elizabeth had the same mark. In every picture the heart had an M for the top with what looked like a broken line in the center. He wondered how far back these stories really went. When he started to shut down the computer to take a break, something caught his eye. There was a poem written in the 1600s about a curse of the heart. He immediately did a printout of the page after reading it. Josh remembered his professor of literature from Columbia, with a passion for English and Galic lore. Finding the man’s number, he placed a call to him. Dr. Tucker didn’t answer. Josh left a message, giving him a brief description of why he called, sending him a copy of the poem along with the message.

Pacing the floor, Dr. Morris couldn’t understand why he was so concerned about Elizabeth’s safety. He told himself that the lore was just that, there couldn’t be truth to it. After all, he was from that line of the Morris family, but had never heard of anything connected to it before meeting Elizabeth, other than seeing the picture his grandmother had.

It took a full day and a half for his call to be returned. While waiting, Josh pulled Elizabeth’s file to reread the information she gave at the hospital. Nurse Long saw him accessing it. She snuck into his office, finding and copying the files with Elizabeth’s address and phone number while he was busy with a patient.

Josh was surprised Dr. Tucker remembered him. So, it has been years since I heard of you. The fax you sent of that poem said Dr. Morris on it. Looks like you finished your degree. Congratulations! The reason I remember you so well is that accent. I’m glad you found my phone number. Yes, I’m still very much interested in UK lore. I even managed to get my wife involved.

Dr. Tucker, thank you for returning my call. Did you doubt my ability to finish what I started back then? He was joking, and the lilt in his voice gave that away. Were you able to find anything on what I asked about?

Dennis Tucker chuckled. You were so intense. No, I never doubted your ability. Even all the girls chasing you didn’t interfere with your studies. As for that poem, my wife had it translated because we couldn’t really make much out of it. It was written in Gaelic. It is about a curse on that heart. It seems the women bearing it can only break it if they get rid of their husband before he kills them. It sounds like all of them unknowingly married a man that wanted their fortune. Even though the spelling of the name changed through the years, they will all be from that line. Does any of this make sense to you?

Josh had to sit down. Yes, it does make sense. If you are interested in finding out more, I’ll send you what I have. There are a lot of gaps you may be able to fill in.

Dr. Tucker’s wife was listening in, nodding at her husband to accept. It took a great effort on her part not to squeal with joy at the prospect.

Looks like I will take this on. Send me everything you have so we can get started.

Thank you. Some aspects of this have me puzzled. Where are you now?

After I retired, we moved to a place just outside of St. Louis, Missouri. I came to this part of the country to do some research and fell in love with the place. With the airport close, we can easily fly anywhere to find what we need. There is a lot to write about right here in this state. The history is astounding. Where did you end up?

Josh smiled at the enthusiastic sound coming through his old professor’s voice. I still have my home in England. I’m in Missouri myself. My grandmother lives here so I’m here to spend time with her. I’m working at a hospital in Poplar Bluff while finding out more about Gram’s family.

You aren’t too far away. Send what you have so we can look into it. We can get together to share information and to catch up. I like to find out about my former students. You were one of my more interesting ones.

Nurse Nancy was trying to eavesdrop. Only able to catch a few words she decided to find out more from Elizabeth herself.

~~~~~

Elizabeth’s dreams started again; she saw herself in a different era than last time. It was in the same setting as her painting containing Rags. She saw herself in an open carriage drawing up to a beautiful Manor house. There was a gatehouse along with other buildings scattered on the property nearby. When the carriage came to a stop a footman took her arm to help her out of the carriage. He spoke, asking if she had enjoyed her ride, calling her Lady Morris.

Rags barked, jumping on the bed, waking Elizabeth from her dream. Her phone was ringing. Looking at the clock while she