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The idea isnt entirely without historical inspiration.
One of the hotels employees tells me quite matter-of-factly that the rooms fireplace is haunted.
As Marie, a local shopkeeper, explained, Its a good place to have a seance.
Theyre good ghosts, just stuck in the in-between.
Angelina arrives after a harrowing three-hour drive, and we embrace like we have both barely survived an avalanche.
Well begin our Concord ghost tour here.
As we walk toward the room, up a small staircase and down a narrow hallway, Angelina pauses.
Somebody used to wait here a lot for somebody to come home, she says.
I felt a woman saying, Hes coming back from sailing.
Are we even close to water?
Angelina tells me that Room 24 is full of residual energy.
You could smudge this away, she says.
Its not a ghost or a spirit.
But do you know if theyre hearing voices coming from the fireplace?
Im hearing mumbling or sounds.
When we arrive at Orchard House, Angelina immediately spots something.
I see a face in the window, she says from the car.
I ask if she often sees faces in windows.
It depends on the situation.
I see a lot in photographs, she says.
We both agree it is probably Louisa, skeptical of interlopers like she wasback in the olden days.
It feels like they just left, she says, sighing happily.
This is where they lived the longest 20 years.
This quickly falls apart.
No, says Jan.
They all came in here.
Angelina pushes back: Im feeling residual energy.
I feel that there was another main entrance for them.
Jan says she will think about it.
Angelina looks at me meaningfully.
But everything you see through the house is all original, Jan quickly clarifies.
Louisa is contacting us, she says.
The residual energy is bouncing off the walls.
SheisLouisa, they all said.
It needs to be shored up.
Shes very aware of what has to be fixed about it.
She knows its in the back of your mind.
Youre both very meticulous, she says.
Theyre coming from her.
Id be surprised if you werent getting clues or help from her.
Im glad Louisa knows.
It almost killed me.
I could have joined her.
Is that her again?
You have to pay attention when things arent where theyre supposed to be.
Maybe shes saying hello, via paranormal activity.
Maybe its psychokinetic energy, she says.
Theres some energy causing things to happen in this room.
I ask Angelina what other sorts of things Louisa wants to tell us.
People thought she was this uptight Victorian author, but thats totally the opposite of who she was.
She wanted women to make their mark, Jan says.
So many women have told me that the book saved their lives.
Im so grateful for that.
I remember reading that some scholars believe Louisa was a lesbian, or at least not entirely heterosexual.
I think she just really loved people in general, says Jan. She loved her sisters.
She adored Ralph Waldo Emerson, like a schoolgirl crush.
Did the family have cats?
asks Angelina suddenly, as we walk into the kitchen.
I just saw a black cat out of the corner of my eye.
Jan answers affirmatively: Beth loved cats.
Both women are satisfied with this outcome.
I feel very protective of Beth, says Jan.
Some people think something was her voice drops to a whisper here wrong with her.
But I think shes lovely, and very musical.
We all stare briefly but meaningfully into the depths of an indoor well.
Did she sew at all?
I feel there was a sewing machine here, looking out the window, says Angelina.
They all sewed, yes, says Jan, warily.
This overlooked the apple orchard, so it makes sense that youd want to sew here.
There was a piano right below this room, says Jan, looking slightly surprised.
The family played a lot of music and youd definitely be able to hear it up here.
Jan suddenly acquiesces on Angelinas front-door theory.
When we enter Louisas parents room, Jan looks at Angelina.
Do you want me to pause?
Ive always loved when it snows here, says Jan wistfully.
People can feel it.
Jan looks moved, but defers the compliment to her small staff.
This place attracts so many good people, Jan says.
It means something to so many people.
Its not a church, but its as spiritual as some people need.
Im sure Louisa is smiling down from somewhere.
When we depart Angelina to Connecticut, me to my haunted hotel Jan hugs us both tightly.
When we say bye, I nearly call her Louisa.
