THE SCHOOL CHILDREN

ABBY

ANDY

ALICE

TONY

Amanda   (Charles’ Granddaughter )  with best friend Abby Ann.

Mandy

Aunt Beatrice……………. Uncle Charles………….. the nurse

Uncle Charles

Andrea and Aaron

Mandy’s Parents

BEAU

I was about to start reading Abby Ann’s story, when there was a knock at the door. It was Aunt Bea. I wondered how she manage to put such outrageous outfits together. On the other hand, they suited her. She was through the door before I had a chance to invite her in. There was a wheelchair ramp, so she hadn’t had to climb stairs, yet she was totally breathless.

“What can I do for you Aunt Bea?” I asked. “Can I get you something? Maybe a glass of water?”

She shook her head no, then took a minute to catch her breath. “I must speak with you about something of major importance.” She said.

“Of course,” I said. “What has you so distraught Aunt Beatrice?”

She moved from the wheelchair to a chair near me. She was barely talking above a whisper, as if she feared someone would hear.

“It’s about my brother Charles. He’s been coming down from the tower again. Oh dear, you don’t know he’s mad do you? He’s absolutely loco! ” she looked at me as if to see if I was grasping what she was trying to tell me. “He has a nurse who is to keep him sedated so he will stay in the tower.”

“I have no previous knowledge of My Uncle’s state of mind,”I said. “What do you mean when you say he’s coming down from the tower again? What does he do that concerns you so much?”

“Oh dear,” she sighed, “I think I need to go back in time a bit. Please try to keep up with what I’m telling you.”

“Charles and I inherited the estate from our parents. Our sister, your mother, wanted nothing to do with any of us. Charles has always been somewhat strange, but not in a malicious way.” Aunt Bea looked away, as if she was trying to decide how to help me  understand her dilema. “Charles was married for a brief period of time. He and his wife had a daughter, Belle who was raised here until she turned sixteen; at which time her Mother took her abroad to complete her education. Neither of them came back, which devastated Charles. “Oh dear,” she fanned herself, ” I believe I will have some water, if you don’t mind?”

This could take awhile, I thought, as I went to get her water.

Refreshed, she went on. “Several years later, Charles learned he had a granddaughter. His daughter Belle, who would be about your age now, married a Mr. Anders. They had one child, Amanda. One day Charles received word that Amanda was being sent to him. She arrived a week later with a governess. She was only 3 yrs old. We never learned why she was sent here, or what became of her parents, and Grandmother.”

“Charles was devoted to Amanda. She was a delight and everyone loved her. Charles even built a small school on the grounds. There were five children including Amanda. It was a boarding school of sorts. Charles awarded scholarships to less fortunate children. They resided here during the school year, and went to their various homes during the summer months.”

“Where was the school Aunt Bea?”I asked.

“Oh my,” Aunt Bea looked as if all the blood had drained from her face. I helped her lie down on the setee and got her a cold cloth.

I could barely here her answer.”It’s inside the wrought-iron fence,”

“Do you need a Dr. Aunt Bea?” I asked. She didn’t answer me.

ABBY ANN

I checked on Mandy three times that night, and each time she was sleeping peacefully. Then, just before dawn, I thought I heard voices coming from the hallway between Mandy’s room and ours. I grabbed my robe and went to have a look. There was no one in the hall, so I decided to check on my daughter again.  Mandy was still sleeping, and with her were Andy, and Alice. Where had she found them, and where was her favorite, Abby Ann? I opened the door to leave, and that’s when I noticed the molding around the door had been damaged.

I went back to my room (s) to think. I knew what I had to do, but in what order? Should I go to the tower to see my Uncle? Should I see exactly what is inside the wrought-iron fence? I thought about the damaged door casing in Mandy’s room. Was Aunt Bea responsibe?

I was mulling all this over when I noticed something on the floor just inside the door. It was a photo album. I opened it, and on the first page was Abby Ann, and in beautiful handwriting, someone had written her story.

“What was that?” Aaron asked as Aunt Bea made her sudden, but dramatic exit. The rather eccentric lady  was certainly the polar opposite of my Mother, who had been proper in demeanor, and dressed the part. Mother was beige and Aunt Beatrice was…multicolored.

“We need to discuss this Aaron. I mean moving clear across the country is a huge undertaking. We don’t know what will be expected of us. We haven’t even met the gentleman who, from the sound of it, needs quite a bit of care. The attorney’s letter said Aunt Bea is ill as well, which is the reason she can no longer be responsible for Uncle Charles.” I knew I was rambling.

Aaron came to sit on the footstool next to the chair I was seated in. “I think we both know it’s a done deal  Andrea,” He said. “Besides, your Aunt Bea and Uncle Charles are the only extended family we have now. Don’t you think getting to know them would be good for Mandy? After all she doesn’t have any living Grandparents.”

Just then, the housekeeper came into the drawing room carrying a silver tray with an envelope on it. She handed it to me without a word. She then knelt beside Mandy, who was still busy playing, and stroked her long, blond, curls. “I’m so happy Abby Ann found you.” She said. She was smiling as she left the room.

Inside the envelope was a letter from Aunt Bea’s attorney. It was brief and to the point, just as my Aunt had been.

It stated that if we agreed to allow Miss Beatrice Sanders and Mr. Charles Sanders to continue to live here until their death, we would receive the title to the house and grounds. We were to receive a stipend that would be more than enough to maintain the property and care for my Aunt and Uncle indefinitely. He also said he would be here in person the following day with all the necessary paperwork for the agreement and transfer of ownership.

“Welcome home my loves,”I said. “Let’s take a look around.”

“Guess what Mommy, Andy came back, but he’s a doll now.” Aaron and I both looked back toward the dollhouse. I recognized the Abby Ann doll, and next to her was a little boy doll. “Where are you finding all these playthings?” Aaron asked.

“They found me Daddy.” She explained.” They want me to stay here and not go away anymore.”

Aaron looked at me and smiled. We were both thinking that our daughter had quite an imagination.

We had very little time to explore before lunch, so we decided to take a short walk and enjoy some fresh air. The grounds were beautiful. Everywhere we looked there were flowers, hedges, and trees. Inside the circular driveway, there was a small pond with a fountain in the center. A short distance beyond a row of well manicured hedges, was a small area surrounded by a wrought-iron fence.

“I wonder what’s over there,” I said. “It looks so pretty and peaceful.”

“I know,”Mandy said, “It’s where they make dolls.”

“Come on you silly goose,” Aaron chided, “let’s go find the dining room, l’m starving.”

We had just seated ourselves, when we heard a humming sound followed by a loud crash. Aaron jumped up and started for the door, when for the 2nd time that day, Aunt Bea almost ran him down. He flattened himself against the wall and she managed to get by him. “Goodness,” she said as she tried to straighten her hat with one hand, while steering with the other. She came to a stop, got off her electric wheel chair, walked over to the head of the table, and sat down. She picked up the little bell, and rang to signal the kitchen we were ready to be served.

She looked festive, and with a big smile on her face, she asked us to join hands, after which she said grace.

I hated to wake Mandy this early, so I took some time to look around the rather opulent
bedroom. It was lavishly decorated in pink and white. If Mandy could choose her fantasy bedroom, this would be it, I thought. It was at least three times as big as her room at home, and it was evident the decorator knew little girls. Everything was meant to delight a princess. On one end of the room, there was a pint sized rack of dress-up clothes with everything from cowgirl to ballerina costumes. Beside it was a huge mirror and a dancer’s practice bar. Across from the play area, was a reading nook complete with what seemed to be every children’s book written. Everything was appropriate and perfect for a ten year old.

I was about to check out the closets, when I heard Mandy stir. “Mommy,” she said, “Can I keep her?” She was sitting up in bed, holding on tightly to the pretty little doll.

“Well, good morning to you too!” I said, as I sat beside her on the bed. “Where did you find her?”

“She came to me in the night. She said she was happy that I came back. Have we been here before Mommy?”

“No sweet pea, we have never been here.” It appeared that Mandy was already caught up in the fantasies the room inspired. “What else did she say?” I asked, deciding to play along.

“She wanted to know if Andy came back too. I don’t know who that is, so I didn’t answer. I asked her what her name was. She said she’s still Abby Ann. She wants us to play with the big dollhouse.”

“What dollhouse?” I asked.

“I don’t know Mommy. I’ll ask her when she talks to me again. Can we have breakfast now? I’m hungry.”

—

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At a little before 9:00, the three of us headed downstairs for breakfast. The housekeeper who helped us get settled the night before, was standing at the bottom of the stairs ready to show us to the breakfast room. Once we were all seated, she informed us that Miss Sanders would not be joining us for breakfast, but would meet with us in the drawing room at 10:30. The kitchen helper who served us was none too friendly to Aaron or me, but was very attentive to Mandy. The food was delicious.

From what I had seen of the house so far, it appeared that Mandy’s room was an oasis in the desert. Everything was in good repair, but much of it was either dark or gaudy.

I was without a clue as to why Mother hadn’t told me much about Aunt Beatrice, and nothing at all about Uncle Charles or this incredible country estate. I found myself eager to meet my long lost relatives.

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The drawing room was straight out of the 19th century. The wood trim was beautiful, and nothing appeared worn, but the colors were dark and dreary.

A robust voice interrupted my silent critique. Aunt Beatrice made her entrance seated on an electric wheelchair, and was driving a little too fast. She

stopped just short of running over Aaron. Whatever was dark and dreary about the house, Aunt Beatrice compensated for. She was wearing a bright blue boa, and a red hat. Her lipstick was bright red, and her perfume was overpowering. She was tiny, yet bigger than life.

“Hellooo, you must be Aaron,” she said as she raised her hand. I could tell Aaron didn’t know whether to kiss it or shake it. Instead, he sort of bowed to her. “It’s very nice to meet you Miss Sanders,” he said. “Please…call me Aunt Bea,” she insisted. “How delightful to finally meet all of you. Now… I’m in need of a nap, so I must get right to the point.” She began to fan herself, and she seemed short of breath.

“The three of you must move to the estate without delay,” she said. “I can no longer care for my brother Charles. Goodness, he can neither live nor die. You do not need to go back to your home. My attorney will take care of everything.”

At this point, I interrupted her. “We can’t possibly do as you ask, we both have our work and Mandy has school.”

“Nonsense,” she was having none of it. “Aaron travels all the time, you work from home, and Mandy will be tutored.”

“When are you planning to move?” I asked.

“Move? I’m not going anywhere,” she said. And with that, she fired up her chair, made a u-turn turn  and left the room.

I looked to see where Mandy had disappeared to, and found her behind us, playing with an incredibly beautiful dollhouse and her new friend Abby Ann.

It seemed like a good idea at the time. I mean,who wouldn’t jump at the chance to move from a small house in the suburbs to a country estate? We were as happy as any couple living the American dream. It wasn’t even that we were looking for a change, but change was looking for us.

On a Monday, I received a registered letter from an attorney’s office back east. I do freelance work from home, so I was there when it arrived. I opened and read it before sitting down, but I had to sit down, and read it again.

I lost my Mother several years ago. I knew she had a sister, whom I had never met. Mother told me they were estranged, but I was never curious enough to ask why. The contents of the letter told me of another relative I knew nothing about.

Dear Mrs. Allen,

I am writing on behalf of your Mother’s sister, Miss Beatrice Sanders. It has become necessary that she meet with you regarding your Uncle, Mr. Charles Sanders. Your Aunt has been his caretaker for many years, but unfortunately, she herself has become too ill to continue this arrangement. You, Mrs. Allen are the only other living relative.

Mrs. Sanders is very aware of the inconvenience this will most likely impose on you, however; time is of the essence. She has requested that I make arrangements for you and your family to meet with her at your Uncle’s home.

Please contact me at your earliest convenience. Mrs. Sanders has requested you arrive on Friday the 12th.

I have enclosed a card with my direct number. I will await your call.

Regards,

Michael J.Simpson                                                                                                                               Attorney at law

My husband Aaron, was on a business trip, and was to be home the following evening. Our 10 year old daughter, Mandy was home with a cold that day. She was feeling better by the afternoon, and was happily playing with her Barbie dolls in her room.

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It never occurred to us not to go. We took a flight on Friday as requested. The attorney arranged to have a car drive us to my Uncle’s home. It was dark, so we weren’t able to see much during the two hour drive, but it appeared Uncle Charles lived in a fairly remote area.

When we arrived at the country estate and stepped out of the car, we didn’t know we were getting our first glimpse of what would become our home.

It wasn’t an extremely old house, and it wasn’t a farmhouse. It was unlike any house I had ever seen before.

We were shown to our rooms by an older woman who appeared to be a housekeeper. She offered to bring us dinner, and told us my Aunt would meet with us in the morning. Mandy took one look at her room and smiled, then fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. Aaron and I were exhausted as well, so we didn’t look around at all before falling into bed.

I woke up before dawn, and went across the hall to check on Mandy. She was still sound asleep. She looked like a little angel. It was then I noticed, cradled in her arms, was a pretty little doll that I knew didn’t belong to my daughter.