The Catswold Portal

September 28, 1957:

A medieval carving valued at possibly half a million dollars drew the attention of museum experts this week. The oak door, carved with the faces of cats, stands in a Marin County garden. It came to the attention of Field West Museum Director Suel Jenkins while he was searching the museum archives. Jenkins found nine photostats of drawings of the door done by Bay Area artist Alice Kitchen shortly before she died in 1955. She was the wife of painter Braden West. Mrs. West had asked the previous director to investigate the authenticity of the door, but after her death the project was shelved.

Dr. Jenkins said the door is a fine example of tenth century Celtic art. It has long stood in the weather, enclosing a hillside cave where garden tools are stored. He had no idea why such a valuable door would be left outdoors, in the elements. He said the wood and the carvings are in remarkably good condition. Notations by the previous director, Dr. Lewis Langleno, indicate that the owner of the door and of the property on which it stands is retired Marin librarian and local author Olive Cleaver.

The museum is now in the process of making an offer on the door. They have photographed it, and with Miss Cleaver’s permission they will exhibit the photographs along with copies of Mrs. West’s drawings in a small exhibition early next year.

Braden handed the release back to Rhain. He did not comment. There was no way the museum could do anything without Olive, and Olive, when she returned, would not sell the door. Nor would she agree to such an exhibit.

Melissa said, “There are some lovely antiques I know of—small desks, early medieval chairs—that the museum might like. It might take a little while to get them—here.”

Rhain looked at her a long time. “I think the museum would be very pleased to have them.” He nodded, grinned at them, and tore the article into small pieces.

Then he leaned back, studying them. “I have some other interesting connections besides the young man at the museum, folk from whom I get occasional bits of news. May I say that I am, ah, very impressed with your recent adventure?” He smiled and leaned back, closing the file.

They rose, a satisfied smile linking the three of them. And as they parted, Melissa hugged Rhain. He hugged her back warmly. She felt a hot rush of gratitude and kinship; as if she had not left those she loved so very far away after all.

Crossing the street, Braden gave her his arm. “We’ll walk to lunch, it isn’t far. I like Rhain—he’s a nice mix of cultures.”

“Yes, I like him, too. And he makes me feel—closer to McCabe. Where are we having lunch?”

“It’s a French restaurant where Alice and I used to go. They collect local paintings and prints—there’s a drawing I want you to see.”

“Alice’s drawing?”

He nodded. “An early one.”

She stopped on the sidewalk, holding his hand. “Done when she was a child?”

“Yes, it was.”

“A drawing of a cat?”

“Yes,” he said.

“I think I remember it. I think I remember the restaurant. Alice—Alice had a birthday party there. It’s a small place—small rooms all connected, with skylights?”

He nodded. They moved on again along the sunwashed street, but she was shivering. He said, “Would you rather not go there?”

“I want to go. I want to see it.” But she moved close to him. Remembering the drawing too sharply. He glanced at her, holding her hand tightly.

She knew she could not avoid this kind of encounter. She knew she must learn to make such things a part of herself. But fear filled her.