Cutler 04 - Midnight Whispers

toward the other side of the attic, but saw no one.
    "Just an echo, I suppose," Gavin said, but he didn't look too sure. We listened, but heard nothing more.
    Finally, we gathered what we considered sensible garments and filled a trunk with clothing for Gavin, Jefferson and myself.
    "We'll take all of it down and wash it," I said. "Wait," Gavin cried. "I'd like you to wear this one this evening."
    He had found a light pink ball gown with what looked like miles of crinoline. The lace-trimmed bodice was designed to be worn off the shoulder.
    "And I'll wear this," he declared, holding up a tailcoat and trousers. The tails were narrow and pointed and reached below his knees. The sleeves were wide at the top and very tight at the wrist, but opened out to cover his hands as far as his fingers. Then he reached down and produced a top hat. He dipped into the pocket of the tailcoat and fished out a black satin cravat with a bow in front.
    We laughed. Aunt Charlotte clapped her hands and declared that she would find something nice to wear, too.
    "We'll have a party. I'll make sweet jelly cookies and ask Luther to take out some of our dandelion wine. Christie will play the piano and we'll all sing. Oh, I'm so happy you're here," she declared, smiling widely and gazing happily at the three of us. "It's like . . . like I was born again with a new family!"
     
    While I worked on our new-found clothing, Gavin took Jefferson out with him to help Luther with the rest of the day's chores. Charlotte helped me with the clothes and I listened to her chatter away about the days of her youth. Every time I asked her about Grandmother Cutler, however, she would grow silent. I had the sense she remembered more than she cared to tell me but whatever she remembered must have been unpleasant. Knowing what I had been told about Grandmother Cutler, it didn't surprise me.
    Charlotte decided that it was an important enough occasion for us to have a chicken for dinner and she went outside to convince Luther. After she had left I heard the distinct sound of footsteps outside the washroom.
    "Gavin?" I called. There was no answer. "Jefferson?" Still no reply. Slowly, I put the clothes down and peered out the door. Once again, I saw a shadow move. "Who's there?" Although there was no answer, I had the distinct sense of another's presence. My heart began to pound. "Gavin, if you're playing a joke on me, it's not funny." I waited, but no one spoke. Slowly, quietly, I stepped into the hallway. The floorboards creaked. I stopped and listened keenly. The sound of heavy breathing drew my attention to the right. I took a few steps in that direction and then . . . I saw him!
    At first, I was so shocked by the sight of him, I couldn't utter a sound. He was tall and stout with dark curly hair and big dark eyes. He was unshaven and the hair over his lips and along his jaws was as dark as the-hair on his head.
    Finally, I screamed and my scream sent him scurrying down the hallway and out a side door. After he was gone and I was able to think about him more calmly, I realized he had had a soft, round face filled more with curiosity than threat.
    Gavin had heard my screams and came running into the house, Jefferson right behind him, with Luther and Charlotte following.
    "What happened? What's wrong?"
    I pointed down the corridor.
    "I saw him. He was standing right there. It wasn't my imagination this time. He was tall with dark curly hair and a dark face. He had big eyes and wore baggy gray pants with black suspenders."
    "Who is that?" Gavin asked and looked at Luther.
    "He's harmless," Luther muttered.
    "Who's harmless?" Gavin asked quickly.
    "It's only Homer," Luther said. "He lives with the Douglases, our closest neighbors. Don't mind him," he added and started away.
    "But Luther . . . he just came into the house and last night, I'm sure he was on the roof peering in the windows," I said. "I think he's been spying on us all the time."
    "Don't mind him," he repeated and left.
    "Who is he, Charlotte? Why does he come here like this?" I asked, turning to her.
    She shrugged and smiled.
    "He likes us and Luther always gives him things. I leave him cupcakes and cookies. All I do is leave them on the counter on the table and some time during the day, he comes and eats them. Sometimes, he helps Luther with the chores."
    "He didn't try to hurt you, did he?" Gavin asked. "No. I think I frightened him more than he frightened me," I said.
    "He just wants to know who you are