Earl of Bindlewaithe

Cassie looked down at her outfit – a white oxford, button-down collar shirt tucked into snugly fitting jeans. Her feet were encased in cloth tennis shoes – Keds. The bruises on her face were not very pleasant to look at, but she didn't think they were "scandalous" by any means. But Cassie knew what the Earl of Bindlewaithe meant. She was not dressed as Cassandra, but as Cassie.

"Milord, I would like you to meet a friend of mine, Stenilaw Mystol." Cassie noticed that Sten was properly dressed in a linen skirt and matching jacket in a restful plum color. Her silk blouse was silvery in color. She was wearing dark pumps. While her skirt was far too short for Victorian English tastes, at least it was a skirt. Sten was always dressed nicely as opposed to Cassie's normal outfit of jeans.

"Sten, this is the Earl of Bindlewaithe, George Prescott, IV. I became the governess to his two daughters after a long and boring story. We were poised to become lovers when the Delete key was again used." Cassie noticed that even mentioning the possibility of the latter role produced a crimson sheen to George's face.

Sten held out her hand to shake, a custom still used on New Earth. Gentlemen of Victorian England didn't shake hands with women and the Earl was somewhat slow in responding to the gesture. He did finally shake Sten's hand, again ill at ease. Cassie, as Cassandra, had only ever seen him totally in control. His discomfort slightly amused her. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Lord Prescott. Please call me Sten," said Sten.

"Likewise," said the Earl of Bindlewaithe.

"George, the Boss used me in repeated stories, such as the one we were in together. But mostly I'm Cassie from the early 21st century. I'm dressed normally for that time period."

George was looking even more confused. "You have more than one name? You lived in more than one time? Your voice is the same. You look the same, except for the clothing."

"Pretty much, yes. Once she got the pattern down, it was easier to use me over and over as her 'heroine' but she never did do much with anything that I was involved with. She's not much of a saver."

"But you do remember me?" asked George.

Cassie beamed. "Of course, I remember you. How could I forget you? You are the nicest man she ever had me fall in love with. She really wasn't much of a romance writer, was she?"

George was now sporting more than a mere blush. He was from an era where piano legs were covered to avoid offense and ruffled sensibilities. This frank conversation was leaving him feeling out of his element. "Cassandra, could we please change the topic?"

Sten asked, "So what time period are you from? My husband and I come from New Earth in the early 24th century."

"The last I knew it was the spring of 1864 in England. I've only been here a short time and came into the town today mostly out of boredom. The manor house is empty of other souls. I was tired of being alone. I've come to town twice before. I like it here," said George. "I've met a few people since I got here, mostly in town."

"Most of the people I've met have been wonderful," said Cassie. "Except for Ralph. He was awful. He attacked me. I've noticed you staring at me and being too polite to ask. The bruises are from that attack. Some of my friends are trying to find Ralph and put him in jail."

"Someone attacked you? Cassandra, that is horrible. How can I help?"

"Right now we just need to locate him. Then perhaps we will figure out the rest. Would you care to come to my house for some lunch? Sten, can you eat with us?" Both agreed to go back to Cassie's house.

She walked them over to the Mercedes. Lord Prescott, never having seen an automobile, was hesitant to get in. Cassie drove carefully back to her house.