When they turned off the main road they entered into another world. Megan sat to attention, filled with wonderment. The driver spoke.
“I see you like our village?”
“Very much. Tell us about it,” said Megan.
“I have lived in Edstrom my entire life. Most historical settlers who landed on the island, never left. It’s a magical place, filled with the respect of the old with splashes of the new which draws visitors like you.”
“Oh, no, sir. I am drawn by the old,” said Megan. “I love the architecture.”
“Tudor style is warm and inviting. And the stores fronts will keep you shopping for days.”
“The cobblestone roads are a bit bumpy; don’t you think?” asked Suzanne whose style was sleek and smooth.
“Perhaps compared to the paved freeway running the length of the island, but I prefer the uneven ride. It reminds me of who I am and where I came from. My house sits on the edge of such a road and as a boy I laid in my bed and counted the cars as they riddled by.”
“I count sheep,” said Suzanne.
Megan watched the scenery unfold before her. The wide expanse of parkland with benches, waterways, and unusual vegetation, some green and luscious while others with blossoms and leaves displaying the entire color wheel. The stores did look inviting – everything from practical services and goods to accommodate the general population to specialty shops displaying treasures from every season and theme one could imagine. It appeared she’d be buying a third suitcase to house all the purchases to bring home. When a carriage, drawn by a team of horses, passed by, she nudged Suzanne and nodded in that direction.
“Yes, Yes! I am so ready for this vacation.”
The Belfry Hotel stood three stories high, its grandeur unmistakable, yet its presence not overpowering the quaint countryside.
Megan pointed to the top of the building. “Look Suzanne, a bell tower.”
“Great; I hope they don’t ring it in the morning as a town wake-up-call.”
“Didn’t you grow up on a farm and wake up to a rooster?” asked Megan.
“I did but don’t remind me. I’m a full-fledged city-girl now who likes to sleep in while on holidays.”
The driver spoke as he pulled up to the rotating doors. “The bell only chime on special occasion, ladies. But the desk will ring you on the phone if you wish a wake-up call.”
“Thank you for clarifying that,” Suzanne said, as she passed him money for the fare. “Keep the change.”
A busboy rushed to the car to relieve the women of their luggage. Suzanne smiled with interest at the employee, whose bulging muscles did not fit the description of a boy. Megan poked her friend casting a stern look in her direction.
Suzanne responded to the reprimand by leaning in close and whispering, “is every man on this island gorgeous? However will a girl choose?”
Megan sighed and followed her luggage into the foyer of the hotel, her. heels announcing their arrival as they clicked on the white marble floor. Positioned under the balcony of the first-floor rooms, the granite columns rose to brace it and continued upward through the remaining floors to the ceiling where stained glass filtered the sunlight bathing the lobby. An efficient desk clerk checked them in quickly and soon they were riding the elevator to the third level. The floors along the hallway that led to their room were carpeted in a deep wine color while the walls continued with the marble theme, which Megan now noticed, enhanced the fine streak of red that ran through the stone’s pattern.
“Room 306, ladies.” The bellhop unlocked the door and deposited the bags inside. “The dining room and bar is open twenty-four hours for your convenience and we have a hotel taxi you can hire for outings to the beach. Please call the desk if you have any questions or concerns.” Megan passed him a tip and after taking it, he said “good afternoon, Miss.” He turned and left.
Susanne had left to go investigating and Megan shook her head as a delighted squeal filled the air. Megan followed the sound and arrived in a bedroom just as Suzanne plopped her body onto the four-poster bed. An old-fashioned canopy of elegant sheer material billowed across the top frame and draped loosely around the posts.
“I’ve died and gone to heaven,” Suzanne exclaimed as her hands reached out to feel the texture of the white spread.
“It is rather exciting, isn’t it?” Megan said as she walked into the room. At one of the long narrow windows, she paused. “And there is the castle. Your dream staring at you from the comfort of your hotel bedroom.”
Susanne jumped to her feet and hurried over. “It’s larger than life, Meg. Looking at it makes me feel so small. Like I’m waking from a dream and walking into a new reality.”
Megan laughed. “Or the other way around. Keep your feet on the ground, Princess. This only last nineteen glorious days then you’re back to the doldrums of city life, which I recall you claimed to love.”
“Phooey. Go find your room. I want to unpack.”
Megan walked across the main living space, which housed comfy seating around a fireplace on the wall below and a full screened television above. Positioned lose to the patio doors were four chairs slid under an ornate marble table, and on it rested an enormous bouquet of flowers. A roll-top desk sat off to the side. She grabbed her suitcases on the way past and rolled them toward a door on the other side.
Opening it she gasped. It was every bit as beautiful as Suzanne’s. In the wardrobe she unpacked her outfits and, on the vanity, she placed her jewelry and makeup. Through another door she saw her
