Catch up with the story by reading Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 if you missed them!
CHAPTER 3
Marissa turned her car into the parking lot of the museum, slowing down in front of the marquis. She turned the engine off, taking the key out of the ignition. She sat for a moment, taking in the surroundings and the grounds of the Wentworth House.
Her encounter with Christopher had taken place a week ago though it felt like only yesterday. She had gone to the museum to work on a few things and each time she would look at the mirror above the mantle in the dining room, she thought she could feel Christopher staring back at her. The idea brought a soft smile to her face before a slight pang of sorrow would permeate her as she recalled him speaking of how his family was trying to betroth him to some other woman.
Marissa emerged from her car, starting down the walkway and thinking about how far away the next full moon seemed. But when that time came, she would drive over to the Moonlit Path and walk down until she crossed over to where Christopher would be waiting for her. She was having a hard time figuring out how to dress. Her Renaissance era attire had been worn during the incident of a week ago, attire that was before Christopher's time. She did have some late 18th century and early 19th century clothing, which might be suitable for his time. But then she wondered if she should wear what she might normally wear if she were meeting up with a guy. A slight laugh left her as she recalled Christopher's reaction to her 21st century clothes. But at the same time, he said that he wanted to share who he really was with her. And it was only fair that she get to do the same for him.
She turned the knob on the front door, and pushed it open, stepping inside. Marissa was to meet with the museum's archeologist, Nia, who was in charge of archiving documents, artifacts, and collecting anything new that might be of use to the site.
Marissa started up the stairs toward her office, her bag slung over her shoulder when she heard a voice call to her. She turned around to see Nia standing there.
"Nia, hi."
"Hey, Marissa. I am really excited to show you what was brought over here today."
Nia motioned for Marissa to follow her and the two of them went outside to the barn located at the back of the mansion.
As they approached the barn, Nia continued. "Someone who was a descendant of John and Flora Wentworth was going through their family's estate and came across this. They were excited about giving it over to us, as if it belonged here."
"Well I can't wait to see what it is!"
Nia opened the barn door, looked at Marissa and smiled. "I have a feeling you'll really get a kick out of this."
The two young women entered the barn that was used for larger events and rentals, heading over to the storage room.
When they got there, Nia turned on the light and Marissa's stomach jolted as she stared in disbelief.
In front of her was a painting, one that she had seen a week ago just prior to her first meeting with Christopher. Now, Christopher was standing before her, his handsome features and blue eyes seeming to look right into her. For a moment, the painting seemed to look more human before transforming back to being paint on a canvas.
"I knew you'd be excited about it."
Nia's voice brought Marissa back to that present moment. She turned to look at the other woman.
"I do. Very much." Marissa found herself struggling to maintain a solid composure.
Nia frowned. "Are you all right?"
Marissa inhaled, looking back at Christopher's likeness. "I am." She turned to face Nia again. "Thank you for showing this to me. In fact, I think I know the perfect place for it. We might have to move a couple things around, though."
"I know where you're talking about. The painting actually came with some documents. It is of Christopher Wentworth, one of the sons of John and Flora. The documents also state where in the house the painting was hanging. Another interesting fact to note about this house was that since it was one of many pieces of property that John Wentworth owned, he had left this property and the house specifically with Christopher.
Marissa couldn't help glancing back at the painting another time before saying, "Well, thank you again. I'll let you do what you need to do and I'll be up in my office planning out the next couple events if you need me."
Nia nodded. "I'll starting measuring out the needed space for the painting. We can bring up placing the painting in its rightful place at the next board meeting."
"Sounds like a plan."
Nia exited first, allowing Marissa a moment one more glance at Christopher's painting. She didn't know if it was the light playing tricks on her, but his mouth seemed to be turned up into a small, wistful smile.
Her next visit with him seemed like too long a wait, but she knew it would be worth it. Plus, having his painting here made that wait more tolerable.
Feeling a small sense of elation churn from her core, she whispered, "See you soon," before turning off the light, shutting the door and heading back to the main house toward her office, hoping she would be able to focus on her work.
THE END OF PART 1
Thank you for reading!
Once Upon a Moonlit Path will be on a brief hiatus for a little bit, but will return in April of 2021 with the beginning of Part 2!
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