Free Unwept by Laura Hickman Tracy Hickman

look at him,” Jenny warned. “He’ll think we want to talk to him.” Before Ellis could protest, Jenny grabbed her elbow and hurried her back down the street and into the barbershop.
    The barber was astonished at the women coming into his establishment. Ellis thought it odd that she and Jenny appeared to be the only two customers. The barber stood from his chair, looking somewhat at a loss as to what to do with Jenny as she removed her hat and sat down in his chair. Despite his nervousness, he managed to do a credible job of copying Ellis’s style, and thirty minutes later two young ladies left the astonished barber sweeping up Jenny’s tresses. As the women exited the shop, Ellis removed her hat and offered it to Jenny. Jenny, in turn, proffered her bonnet to Ellis.
    â€œNow I feel ready to reintroduce my cousin to the Nightbirds.”
    â€œAnd your cousin’s hat, too?” Ellis drew her mouth into a demure pout, which melted into a grin. Jenny poked her in the ribs and laughed.
    â€œCome on, Ellie; they are all waiting for us,” said Jenny.
    Ellis stopped. “All who are waiting for us?”
    â€œEveryone. Well, everyone who matters.”
    Ellis didn’t move. “Jenny, just for whom is this ‘surprise’ intended?”
    â€œNone of us could stand that the doctor wanted to keep you confined to the house. It seemed ridiculous and a little mean.”
    â€œBut I’m not sure I’m ready to meet a lot of people … especially people I am supposed to remember but obviously do not. Maybe we should just go home.”
    â€œOh no, you don’t! I’m wearing a stylish frock, hat and new hair. We are going to go make a splash down at the literary club. Besides, there will be an informal luncheon. You wanted to know more about Gamin and the people; well, here’s your chance.” Seeing Ellis hesitate, Jenny continued, “Please, Ellie, they planned it for you. Act surprised!”
    Ellis understood that Jenny wanted to show off her new fashions to this “literary society” of hers at least as much as and probably more than she wanted to help her bewildered cousin. Jenny had concealed the fact that there was a planned gathering for Ellis. She let out a breath and realized she couldn’t blame her. Ellis would have stayed home if she had known about the luncheon. She admitted inwardly that she might have done the same thing as Jenny. She fell into step alongside her cousin and they turned back up Main Street, past the shops on their right and the charred buildings on their left toward a brick building tucked back at the top of a small rise, which Ellis had not noticed on their way into town.
    â€œSee? It’s just above the park. Just think. Maybe you will remember something.”
    Ellis singled out the stately redbrick building they were approaching. Geraniums and daisies bloomed in profusion in large pots flanking the tall front door. “So I have been to the literary society before?”
    â€œOh yes. I thought you understood. You see, you were—are quite a favorite. Everyone knows you there. You will be among friends.”
    Friends. Friends that I can’t remember. She felt a weariness descend over her as she and Jenny climbed the front steps. “It’s so kind of you to bring me here. Can we leave after lunch, though? I’m afraid I will be quite worn-out before we get home.”
    â€œOf course, Ellie. We don’t want to upset the doctor!” Jenny winked at her and swung open the gleaming white door to the Nightbirds Literary Society.
    The sound of the crowded hall poured out of the doorway, surrounding Ellis. She felt suddenly uncertain again, as there must have been nearly twenty people crowded into the space to welcome her.
    â€œOh, you’re here. Finally!” Alicia, the young woman Ellis had met yesterday on Merrick’s arm, rushed forward from the gaggle of young people. She