The Garden Pathway - Chapter from My Casa Loma

Narrow corridors led way to the observatory, now silent the massive room once played host to summer parties, gaily dressed high society with chatter and the latest gossip, while the three piece orchestra gave the background music for the less intimate who pass cheers to their fill, with clinking celebratory wine goblets and gorged themselves with platters of delicate pinafores and choice appetizers.1

Standing still I could imagine the grandeur of it all. 2

Looking at the original blue prints was amazing, the creativity of the floor plans were like from an old fairy tale from times of old. Within the dark confines of the castle walls, lay secret passages. Once used by the staff to come and go into the room for service without being seen. Changing bed chambers and the daily up keep of the castle. Now they remained unused by the staff and so dimly lit that it was eerie to venture in.
each room seemed to have an odd design and dressed still to reflect that period of time. rich embroidery and silks reflecting miniature's from the orient.3

Jasmine scented perfume lingered in the air and caught my attention. Following the path out along the tiered balconies I wasted no time as I hurried along following the scent growing stronger.
I found myself standing in the gardens down below and the rich glows from the nearby lanterns reflected along the gardens paths.4

The shadows seem to play in the deep recesses of the garden, appearing to be the image of a man. My thoughts returned to the garden and the heavenly scent of the night blooming jasmine. 5

How many years had they bloomed silently without anyone to appreciate their fragrance. While the Castle lay under renovation
transforming it into a modern Inn. No matter the layers improved the Castle still lay steeped in historic rhyme. That had never changed through out all time.6

A rustle came from behind and as I turned my attention finding nothing there. Heading back towards the balcony I now felt someone watching me.7

I hurried back into my room and thankful to be able to lock the old wooden doors. Curiosity brought me to the window as I began to draw the curtains closed. There in the shawdows now I could faintly see an outline of a man again.8

Quickly drawing the curtain and scolding myself for looking. Jumping into bed in my full dress to uneasy to change clothing now. As I closed my eyes my thoughts began to wonder and with the deep scent of Jasmine still heavy on my mind I drifted off into a dream that took make back to a time and day... that the castle stood on the hill brand new. The band began to play as I desended the stair and laughter filled the air , applauding the event as if it were some gay grand ball . Then gentle hands seemed to press against my waist as in a trance I began to dance, locked in a warm embrace. Whirling light in the air with my senses swirling with delight. When I awoke late morning with all the sounds of construction - I streched out feeling refreshed ... I could not beleive what I was seeing by the window close to the door ... a crown made from the vine all the Jasmine entwined with white ribbions woven into make a sort of bow that flowed down to the floor.9

The bath water ran fast and hot the steam rising as I step into wash away any part of yesterday. The trickles of water running down my back as I arched, feeling hands caress me from behind a strange tickle ran up my spine. Turning off the water and stepping out onto the deep carpet,
I dried off quickly with that same strange feeling and a knowing that I needed fresh morning air I would be fine. Pulling out my old blue jeans and a soft t-top, my hair air drying with natural curl. 10

Opening the now unlocked door, not wanting to dwell on more than a hot cup of tea and toast at least. My business was to make sure the renovations stayed on track, delays could cost us money. That in this business was unexceptable. These projects had a budget and it was my job to stay on top of every expense and to prevent every delay. 11

How many more days now...pulling out my laptop, the site is so slow today. Then I smiled as the company name flashed across the screen - RPM -EC ...Reliable Project Managers Engineering Consultants. That was us our family business. This was my first project alone. Then no longer in the shawdows, now in the brightness of day -12

Dark haired and black onyx eyes standing tall this handsome vision of a man - walking up the path from the gardens below. An uneasy feeling stirred and my heart began to race. Though I avioded looking in his direction ...I felt his gaze, as if he were tracing every line of my face. 13

Then from the windows up above I heard my forman call down, We are almost completed the second levels sir. The now approaching gentleman - loudly spoke up, I'll be up there then. 14

Realizing now this was indeed the man I had heard about ... but never met. The principle investor. now was the time, I turned and introduced myself. Good Morning, I'm Anne the project manager with R.P.M. reaching out my hand. 15

I was surprised when he just walked past me tipping his hat. His response no more than, Nice to meet you. He continued his walk up to inspect the second floor. 16

Leaving my breakfast behind - I found my way to the second floor room where the inspection was going on . Only to be surprised this rude man had already been and gone. " He was in a hurry", my forman John said. 17

Sir Cambridge was impressed with our progress, said something about he has an appointment to keep. 18

19

Well, the job was after all what I was here for and my focus would just have to be that. 20


Taking this project a little to seriously aren't we ? I looked up to see my brother smiling. I had the grout from the tiles all over my jeans and using the bandana around my neck I wiped the persperation from my brow.21

Reaching his hand down he helped me raise up from the ground. 22


Walking to the kitchen we sat reflecting back over this assignment.23

The days had quickly pasted and the project was coming to an end.24

Still my first night had stayed foremost on my mind,
My brother knew me better than anyone and he understood my reluctance to leave Casa Loma, the job was ending to soon for me ---but right on schedule.25

He quickly kissed me on the top of my head and whispered chilvery isn't dead.