It was exciting to realize that I was entering the seaside town of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis, Joan’s hometown!

Some experts feel this was originally two homes.

I wondered if Will were home yet from conducting the business necessary for us to depart. I let the brass knocker fall several times, listening for his key to unlock the door from the inside.

I stepped over to the front window and peered in. No Will that I could see, which was just as well. I needed this time alone to ponder it all. I reached in my waist pocket and pulled out the iron key. Its head was a Celtic cross as large as my palm. What kind of key would I have at James Town? Were there even doors at James Town? Doors. Of course, there were doors. Now I was letting my fears get the better of me. There would have to be doors to keep out the—

There I went again. Wild animals. Savages. Thieves.

From Dark Enough to see the Stars in a Jamestown Sky by Connie Lapallo © 2006