Page 43 of Ghost

“I am not really sure. I was very young when it was painted. I think it is one of the best works of art I have ever encountered. Of course, I am very partial to it because it is of the home I loved, always.”

“I don’t know what to say.” Mason was completely overwhelmed. Mason looked around. “Where did everybody go?”

Francis chuckled. “Ellen. Need I say more?”

Mason moved close to Francis. “She wanted you to show it to me.”

“You are a very clever man, Mason Montgomery, as I knew you were. Now, shall we make our way upstairs?”

“Wait, there’s more?”

“Yes, and I hope you will be pleased. It isn’t exactly how it was when I... lived here, but better, I think.”

Francis held up his hand, showing Mason to the stairs. They both went up, Mason anxious as to what he would find. On the landing, Francis took the lead and stopped at the bedroom towards the front of the house, the largest of the four. “After you.”

Mason slowly stepped into the room. “Oh, holy shit!”

Francis chuckled behind him. “Shall I assume that means you approve?”

Mason only nodded. He was awestruck. The bed alone was enough to make him swoon.

It was high backed with mahogany as the primary wood, but the headboard, that was at least six feet tall, was covered in marquetry, a unique and intricate design.

The footboard, which was about four feet was just as marvelous.

The two side tables matched and had one drawer at the top.

There was a two-candle crystal holder with dangling prisms on both of them.

There was also a gentleman’s chifforobe, with a pitcher and basin on top along with another candle holder, this one silver.

Off to the side of the inside wall was a high-boy dresser.

At the foot of the bed was a long cedar blanket box.

“Do you approve, my love?” Francis whispered in his ear.

“Oh, yes.” Mason turned to face Francis. “This is your bed?”

Francis nodded, smiling. “Yes, and if you would permit, I would very much like you to sleep in it tonight and I shall lie with you.”

Mason stepped closer. “If I could, I’d kiss you till you passed out from lack of air!”

Francis laughed hardily. “I am sure I would enjoy that very much.”

“I don’t know what to say.” Mason turned and looked at the room again. “Holy shit! And look at this rug.”

“Such language for a gentleman.” Francis laughed again. “Come, there are two more rooms to show you. I assure you the bed my father had is not as grand, I am afraid. He was a simple man and saw such elaborate furnishings only to sleep upon as somewhat foolish.”

Mason followed Francis to the next room. “Wait, you said your father’s bed? What about your mother’s?”

“I asked that Ellen keep it where it is for now. You can make a decision to bring it back or to do whatever you want to with it.” There was a flash of anger that appeared on Francis’ face and disappeared just as quickly.

“I leave that decision in your most capable hands; I did not wish to see it here.”

“Yeah, I get that. I probably won’t want it, either. No offense or anything, but I’d rather not have anything that will remind me of her.” He shuddered.

Francis was right, there wasn’t anything special about his father’s bedroom, and the other one had matching twin beds and basic furnishing, which in today’s market would be pretty valuable.

“Francis,” Mason almost whispered. “You know I can’t pay Ellen back for what your mother sold all this for. It has to be worth a fortune. I have no idea what this stuff is even worth, but... I’m sure it would have a hefty price tag. They have to be antiques!”

Francis tilted his head and looked at Mason.

“I know that and so does Ellen. I can guarantee she didn’t give my mother anything close to what it was worth back then.

Of course, they were not antiques then. She paid the price for me, out of her regard for me, with the hope that one day I would return.

In a way I have.” Francis looked off in the distance.

“I want you to have everything that was rightfully mine.” He looked back at Mason.

“I love you with all my heart, body and soul. It is the only way I can think of to impress upon you how much I care for you. If you keep everything, and there is no contract that says that you have to, it is my hope that it will remind you of me.”

Mason started weeping. “I...could... never forget you, Francis. I love you just as much.”

Mason finally broke down and sobbed. “Please, Francis. Please don’t leave me. I can’t take it.” Mason looked at the hurt in Francis’ eyes. “Please?”

“Mason, please do not ask this of me. I do not have the strength to refuse you.” Francis turned away from Mason.

“You do understand that this must happen. We have discussed this at length and... Ellen is right. You are right. The balance must be maintained. So, please do not ask this of me again, for I do not think I could refuse.”

Francis started to fade. “I will be back. It is time for you to go down and join the party that is happening. It is for you, after all.”

“NO! Francis, don’t go!”