The Widow of Escondido
A Novel by Emme Rocher
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Author Emme Rocher
I am a retired professional in the field of education. During my career, I had the unique privilege of working together as a team with outstanding stakeholders and being a part of school communities that were supportive and dedicated. I will also always cherish the time spent writing and storytelling with students each year. What a joy!
My husband joined me in retirement in 2012 after serving as the Vice-President for Human Resources for a local corporation. He is also a retired Colonel, having served in the United States Army in Vietnam while on active duty and as a reservist for multiple years that followed.
We treasure our time with our family and friends, especially on special occasions when we enjoy the celebrations of the year. Our favorite retirement hobby is river and ocean cruising. Sightseeing in famous historical places and cities is always an exciting adventure as we learn more about the world and the different cultures.
About the Author
The Shell
Beaches offer opportunities for tranquility and serenity for the soul.
Watery crystals in shades of white, blue, and green provide cover for aquatic life.
Sand dunes establish housing for swaying sea oats.
Whitecaps signal traveling currents.
An abundance of sand and water creates venues for discovery.
Treasures galore.
Anymore?
Save the shore.
SYNOPSIS
The Widow of Escondido
Lorea McKinley Hughes embarks on a journey to Paris to visit relatives, hoping that time and distance might reenergize her frame of mind in dealing with a troubled marriage. However, on the return voyage back to the United States, she meets Perry Frederick, a wealthy American land owner, and an attraction between them transpires. Little did she know how this would eventually impact her life. Upon her return home, disagreement and friction continue to disrupt the marriage, and resolution nor any type of compromise is not obtainable. Therefore, an unthinkable decision of divorce evolves, and she leaves her hometown and establishes residency elsewhere, eventually experiencing personal happiness and contentment. This unpredictable new life sustains her until an untimely death interrupts the joy of a deep friendship and abiding love.
After Lorea’s death, her niece, Lori Davis, has the difficult task of dissolving the estate as a will and other important documents are mysteriously missing. In her search for the necessary documents, certain discoveries materialize as Lori stumbles on hidden photos, journals, and a manuscript in her aunt’s art studio confirming a long-time, secret relationship with a man by the name of Perry Frederick. However, answers to pertinent questions related to the estate could not be found.
Many years later, Lori discovers additional information that clarifies the remaining mystery surrounding her aunt and her life at Escondido Cottage in Lillian, Alabama, unearthing new dimensions that provide a unique ending to The Widow of Escondido.
Reviews of The Widow of Escondido
”The Widow of Escondido is a fabulous book! Great characterization and clarity of writing. It has all the elements needed for a good romance novel.”
- Joe Max
”Loved it! Transformed me to another place and time. Fashion, décor, landscapes, and characters all came together.”
- Diane C
Portrayal of The Widow of Escondido
”Lorea McKinley Hughes valued personal treasures. An array of collectibles consumed every inch of space in her secluded beach cottage and art studio. Fashion magazines from Paris and books highlighting the works of famous artists appealed to her artistic side and were readily available. Vintage hats and clothing were among her most treasured items, especially an exquisite shawl that she purchased while visiting relatives in Paris. Time spent sitting on her garden bench on the bluff overlooking Perdido Bay were cherished moments as well as time spent caring for her stunning orchids in the greenhouse.
Black and white family snapshots in a small photo album provided quick viewing of loved ones from the past. However, when she died, finding hidden photos, journals, and a manuscript connected me to a bygone era and her hidden secrets. One photo taken in 1936 on the R.M.S. Queen Mary on a voyage to the United States from Paris, began the process of unlocking the mystery of her clandestine life.
As a child, I vaguely remember a fascinating story Aunt Lorea shared about crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a grand ocean liner and dancing the tango with one of the male passengers. As an adult, I eventually learned that her dancing partner on the ship was a gentleman by the name of Perry Frederick, someone that remained in her life for several decades until his untimely death. However, the story did not end with my initial discovery when she died. Many years later, additional discoveries surfaced that completely revealed the mysterious Lorea McKinley Hughes, adding a unique twist to her life as well as mine.”
- Lori Davis
Niece of Lorea Rose McKinley Hughes
Excerpts from The Widow of Escondido
From Chapter 1
Before departing, I glanced at Perdido Bay from the bluff at the cottage in a melancholy frame of mind. The whole situation at Escondido Cottage reminded me of a movie that you see or a book you read where you are left hanging in the end. I was disgruntled and downhearted because the desired closure for settling the estate was not obtained. I needed something, anything to provide some sort of resolution to my present dilemma.
As I opened the door to my car, my eye caught a glimpse of the Escondido Cottage cornerstone. I paused to look, and a question surfaced. “Ethelene, Perdido means ‘lost.’ What does Escondido mean? I’ve never really thought about it until now. It’s such an odd name for a cottage on the bluffs at Perdido Bay.”
“Escondido means ‘hidden’, Lori.”
I stood there in silence."
From Chapter 22
There are three stages to a storm. The first whispers with a breeze, tinting the atmosphere with a faint, yellow hue creating a false sense of calmness. Then, tension builds and cracks a whip at the earth with anger and violence. When it is over, invisible arms seize the savage beast, pulling it away, and the earth settles back to normal. Life goes on, forgetting the terrible onslaught until the next one roars in and makes its presence known. Exceptions are not granted to any species, nor the time, nor the place. Survival remains constant with each one, however simple or complex. It is a natural process governed by a higher power.
From Chapter 25
As I look at Escondido Cottage from the water, it reminds me of a sentinel, a silent guardian maintaining a constant vigil on the bluffs, watching over us and providing safety and shelter to things valuable and priceless. It is indeed a protector of memories, just as I have become. With those sentiments, I penned the following on a small canvas that I framed and placed on a table by the divan. Memories only survive by those who treasure and preserve them. Never let them die.