Page 62 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

Elizabeth was happy. At long last, she felt there was something she could do besides pore over old accounts of mysterious happenings at the henge. Tomorrow she would meet Dr. Wynn, Madeline's father, and learn all he knew of the local folklore and the ancient traditions of the people who had once inhabited this region. She only hoped he would trust her enough to share those stories and that he was not so advanced in years that the old lore had faded from his memory.

He must still be in reasonably good health, for he was spending the day with friends in Bakewell. Elizabeth had been disappointed to learn that he was not at home, and on this first evening, it would be rude to pore over her studies rather than attend to her hosts.

She found herself longing to withdraw to her chamber, open the second volume she had purchased at Hatchards, and continue her studies. Perhaps within its pages she would discover more accounts of mysterious disappearances and, hopefully, some clue as to how such marvels had come to pass.

Elizabeth was grateful when Uncle Edward rose and said, “James, I hope you will forgive me, but it has been a trying day, what with the broken wheel and the anxiety of getting it repaired. I believe I shall retire early and rest my weary bones.”

He grinned as he spoke.

Aunt Madeline stood as well. “Elena, I too shall retire.”

Elizabeth rose. “Mr. and Mrs. Radcliff, thank you for the delightful dinner and for welcoming me into your home. I believe I shall follow my aunt's example and retire for the night.”

Mrs. Radcliff accompanied her guests upstairs and saw that each chamber was supplied with every comfort. A maid had been assigned to attend Elizabeth. Upon the hearth stood a kettle of hot water, while a hip bath had already been placed near the fire.

“Miss, I have hot water ready for you. I imagine you will wish to wash away the dust of the journey.”

Elizabeth was grateful for the unexpected luxury. “Yes, thank you. I should like that very much.” Then added, “Please call me Elizabeth. And what is your name?”

“I am Anna Somers, Miss Elizabeth.”

“Thank you, Anna. I shall sleep much more comfortably after a hot hip bath. We have not enjoyed a proper bath these past three days of travel.” She laughed softly. “It seems quite a luxury.”

“Yes, Miss. That is exactly what Mrs. Radcliff said when she ordered the baths prepared.”

She moved toward the door. “Ring if you are in need of anything. I shall attend you while you remain here at the manor.”

The maid was about to leave when she stopped and turned back.

“Miss, I quite forgot to tell you about the water closet. There is one at the end of the hall. Be certain to lock the door, for it serves all the guest chambers. There is also a chamber pot beneath the bed should you have need of it during the night.”

“Anna, have you time to show me how it works?”

The maid grinned. “Certainly, Miss Elizabeth. When you have finished your bath, ring for me, and I shall be pleased to show you.”

Once Elizabeth had been made ready for bed, she donned her dressing gown, and the two women walked to the end of the corridor. Anna opened the door to what appeared to have once been a guest bedchamber. A partition wall had been built across part of the room, creating a smaller enclosure within it.

They stepped inside.

Against one wall stood the water closet.

Anna pointed to each part as she explained its purpose. Beneath a polished wooden seat was a porcelain bowl. High upon the wall hung a cistern fitted with a pull handle.

“When you have finished, Miss, you simply pull this handle.”

She demonstrated the motion.

“The water falls from the cistern into the bowl and carries everything away through a drain to the cesspit. The flush is worked entirely by gravity.”

Beside the cistern stood a large glazed earthenware jar with a fitted lid. Anna lifted the cover to reveal fresh water within.

“We keep this jar filled in case the cistern requires replenishing. When the family is at home, it often needs to be topped up before the servants make their next round.”

Elizabeth was impressed. “What a remarkable invention.”

Anna asked, “Is there anything else I may do for you before I retire for the night, Miss Elizabeth?”

“No, thank you. I shall need nothing more.”