A Ghost Story

While wandering through the ruins of a long abandoned Abbey in Shrewsbury, England, I came upon a tiny cemetery. Near the crumbling outer wall stood a solitary grave marker. It was unremarkable, but for the fact it appeared to tilt slightly toward the wall. A small heart had been carved in one corner. I followed the direction of the leaning stone, stepped over the broken wall and noticed another marker nestled in the tall grass. It was in poor condition, weathered and gray and seemed to lean toward the first stone. And there, in the corner, was another small carved heart. I found myself gazing from one grave to the other. I sat upon the wall, closed my eyes and the dreary fall day seemed to fade into the mists of time.

The laughter of children. A lark on the wing. The delicate golden haired girl and the agile, dark boy. As they emerged from adolescence, they knew only happiness and joyful companionship. Marcus was the second son of a landowner. As he would not inherit, his keen mind and nimble fingers destined him for an apprenticeship, service in an army or in the church. Leah, the treasured daughter of a nobleman, fair and gentle, was the destined bride of nobility. Two hearts were broken when Leah's father forbade their continued friendship. Young Marcus vowed to join the Crusades and return with the riches to claim his love. The passing months brought no word from Marcus and Leah was given in marriage. Upon the wedding day a small jeweled chest arrived. Mistaken for one of many gifts, it was un-noticed until several days after the ceremony. When Leah finally opened the message, a tiny golden key dropped into her hand. Inside the chest was a beautifully wrought golden heart, jeweled and gleaming upon a pearl necklace. Marcus has penned a simple plea. To wait for him. Her tears melted the words and she clasped the necklace about her neck. It would remain there always. When the battle scarred and world weary Marcus returned to find his love lost forever he sought solace in the vows of the Benedictine Order at the Abbey of St. Peter and Paul. He devoted his life to atonement and cleansing the bloody stains from his immortal soul. They lived out the days of their lives, a stone's throw from each other. Within sight, only the slightest touch away. Bound forever in love, destined to forever be apart.

When I awoke, dusk was near and a breath of wind parted the mist. The dew laden grass rustled and glistened as though disturbed. I thought I heard a whispered sigh and saw, in the last rays of a fading sun, two lovers, holding hands as they slowly leaned toward each other. Then they were gone. Through the returning mist I sensed such peace. Perhaps they were together after all.

I will always wonder - Who carved the matching hearts into the grave markers?

The Gown - A lined vintage ivory cotton patterned gauze with godets of an open weave design. The sleeves and hem are banded in velvet. The bodice panel is of vintage diamond patterned cotton, accented with tiny round pearls, gold beads and edged in velvet. Ivory and gold cording accents her waist, neckline and sleeves.

The Accessories - An embossed panel and feather fan is attached to the gown with an ivory cord. Her chatelaine of keys, including the tiny key to the chest hangs from her waist. Her jeweled golden heart hangs from a golden chain and "pearl" necklace. Her long blonde ringlets are topped by an ivory velvet headpiece, accented with gold thread and ivory silk ribbons. She wears simple tiny "pearl" earrings. She holds her little jeweled chest. Gold sandals complete the costume.

The Monk's Robes - The robe and hooded cowl are hand dyed brown to look aged and well worn. It is fully lined with natural, unbleached muslin. The robe fastens at the front neck with cord ties. The cowl slips over the head and tightens at the neck with a drawstring. His rope sandals have chocolate leather soles. A rope cord belt, prayer beads, cross and small leather pouch are included. This ensemble is designed to fit a "Trent" size fashion doll.

Leah's eyes have been painted a lovely green with soft sable shadows and soft feathered brows. Her lips are painted a medium mauve. All paint has been sealed. She has a natural manicure, re-styled hair and applied human lashes.