A Beekeeper for Christmas

by Kimberly Grist

  “Good morning, Mr. Lowery.” Bethany reached into her reticule and pulled out a paper. “I have a list from my grandmother. She also wanted me to check to see if the fabric she ordered came in.”

  The proprietor glanced at the paper and nodded. “Yes, it did. It will take me a few minutes to pull everything.”

  “We also have an appointment with your son to have our photographs made.”

  Mr. Lowery extended his hand. “Of course, right this way.” Bethany and Magnolia circled a pot-bellied stove, surrounded by several chairs, a coal bucket, spittoon, and checkerboard. Then they headed toward the back corner.

  A tall thin man in his early twenties glanced up from sorting mail. Everything about his appearance was neat and tidy from his short, stylish hair to his handlebar mustache. His brown eyes widened behind his oval spectacles. “Can I help you?”

  “Elmer, these ladies are here to have tintypes made.” Mr. Lowery tilted his head toward an armchair in the corner, situated in front of a painted background. “Miss Brady, would you like to be first?”

  Within fifteen minutes, Bethany’s and Magnolia’s photography session was complete. They made their way toward the smiling face of the mercantile owner. “It will take me another few minutes or so to finish pulling your grandmother’s order.”

  “No hurry. We’d also like to look through your fabric.” Bethany marveled at the choices while Magnolia pulled multiple bolts of cloths that appealed to her. She promised her grandmother she would purchase some new material while she was here since her current wardrobe was in dire need of replacing.

  Magnolia pulled a periwinkle pattern and a cream with blue flowers forward. “I know you don’t like to spend money on yourself, but I promised your grandmother we wouldn’t leave without making sure you picked something. Do you like any of these patterns?”

  “They’re all pretty. I especially like the patterns in blue.” Bethany tapped her finger along her mouth. “Although the periwinkle is bright and cheerful.”

  “Blue is certainly your color.” Elmer Lowery appeared. He made a quick nod toward Magnolia. “Your photo will be ready in about fifteen minutes, Miss.” He reached for Bethany’s hand and placed the newly developed tintype in her palm. “Miss Brady, you are quite photogenic. The only thing keeping this picture from being perfect is that it doesn’t display the assorted colors of blue in your eyes or the richness of your hair.”

  Bethany felt her face flame. She was grateful when Magnolia stepped between her and the photographer to stare at the photo. “You look beautiful, Bees.”

  ***

  Bethany traveled with her grandfather and Magnolia along the five-mile narrow road between town and home, the wheels rattling to the rhythm of the horse’s gait. She took in the rolling hills and green grass, and her eyes rested on a field blooming with dandelions in the open field. She tried to imagine the flat, dusty landscape Moses had described in his last letter.

  Her grandfather’s chuckle interrupted her thoughts. Magnolia elbowed her lightly. “You should have seen Bethany’s face when the photographer went on and on about how pretty and photogenic she was. I promise you if Bees gave him one iota of encouragement, Moses Montgomery would have a rival for your granddaughter’s affections.”

  “Don’t listen to a word she says, Grandpa. Magnolia’s tintype equally enthralled Mr. Lowery. We were thankful you arrived when you did.”

  “You both took a mighty pretty picture. Your beaus are going to be in for a nice surprise.” Mr. Brady’s eyes twinkled.

  “It’s about time Bethany sent her fellow something besides a note. Seems like every time I turn around, he’s sending another package. First, it was the jaw harps for her music class. There’s been a steady stream of assorted wooden playthings arriving these past weeks. Moses wrote he hoped Bees would use them to bribe her students with.”

  “I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve used the toys to reward good behavior.”

  Bethany patted Magnolia’s arm. “My favorites are the riddles and jokes he sent about bees. In one of my letters, I mentioned how one of my students enjoys making up puns about bees and how I was having problems coming up with new ones. Moses invited his entire family to get involved. In his last letter, his sister Maggie included a collection of jokes put together from each of his family members.”

  “Although your grandmother doesn’t approve of you using jokes in class, your students enjoy them.” Her grandfather pushed his hat to the back of his head and shot her a glance.

  “They love them. Although his letters are short and his answers cryptic, Moses is thoughtful.”

  “Did he ever answer what it was he found interesting about The Pied Piper?” Magnolia asked.

  “No, he didn’t.”

  “Maybe that will be the next gift.” Magnolia laughed. “Perhaps he’ll send a magic flute that you can use. If he does, let me know. I’d like to use it to urge the children to eat their vegetables at dinner.”

  Chapter 8

  “When you go in search of honey, you must expect to be stung by bees.” –Joseph Joubert, Moralist, and Essayist

  Moses tied his horse to the split-rail fence. He stared at the two-story house with a steeply pitched roof. His mare let out a low rumbling nicker at the arrival of his friend, Deputy Leo Weaver. A rabbit scurried away from the brush growing in front of the decaying porch. “I find it strange there are two front doors,” he said to Leo.

  “The sheriff’s house has two front doors. He uses one for an office, the other for the parlor.”

  The afternoon illuminated the deputy’s light-skinned palomino; he tossed his white mane as if in agreement. Leo dismounted and tilted his head in the same direction of the slanting front stoop.

  Moses chuckled at his friend’s furrowed brow. “The added pasture will come in handy as we expand our plans to raise horses. The owner threw in the house when we bought the land. My brothers laughed when I said I’d like to live here.”

  “Imagine so.” Leo rubbed his chin. “What is it you like about it?”

  “Location, mostly. It’s easy access to the railroad depot, bank, church, and mercantile.” Moses motioned with his thumb toward the pasture adjacent to the two-storied stone livery. “I like the idea of being able to keep a close eye on things. Do you think it’s worth saving?”

  “The structure seems sound. If you can get your brothers to help, we ought to be able to repair the roof in half a day. I’d tear the front stoop down and start over.” Leo’s shoulders shook. “Not much you can do about it being ugly.”

  Moses turned his attention back to the mud-colored sandstone structure surrounded by overgrowth. “I’m not concerned so much about what it looks like as I am in clearing out the brush and making sure it’s structurally sound. My bride-to-be grew up in a log home on a farm. She’ll be fine with it.”

  Leo raised an eyebrow. “Has your mother or sister seen it?”

  “Not yet. I’m going to let it air out another day or two before I bring them over. A possum was living in the parlor, and I found evidence of mice in the attic.”

  “How much time do we have before your fiancée arrives?”

  “About three weeks. Bethany will be here the first part of May and will be living with my parents. I’d prefer to be here as opposed to staying with one of my brothers.”

  “My wife is looking forward to meeting Bethany. She grew up in a different part of Tennessee but was recommended by the same matchmaking agency. Writing Willow and asking her to be my wife was the best decision of my life.” Leo thrust his hands into his pockets. “What’s Bethany like?”

  “She’s funny, likes music, can cook, and seems sensible. She helps her grandfather on the farm and is a beekeeper.”

  “Beekeeper?” Leo glanced over his shoulder toward the stable yard. “Horses and bees sure don’t mix well.”

  “They don’t mix well with me either. The good news is the bees live in Tennessee. I’m hoping once Bethany arrives and settles in, she won’t miss them
.” Moses reached into his pocket and removed the tintype. “She sure is pretty.”

  Leo placed the photo in the palm of his hand. His mouth twitched. “Pretty gal like that ought to live in a nice-looking house.”

  Moses returned the photo to his pocket and shook his head. “I told you she’s sensible. She’s not one to be concerned with frippery. I think she’ll be pleased that there’s a cellar and a smokehouse.”

  “She’s a woman, isn’t she? You have a mother and two sisters and ought to know better than to think like that.” Hands on hips, Leo's eyes roamed the structure. “Why don’t we go inside and take a look? Then we’ll make a list of what repairs are needed now and what can wait.”

  ***

  Bethany’s skirt swooshed when she spun in front of her full-length mirror. She was pleased with her new two-piece ensemble, a calico print, highlighted with small pink and blue flowers. Smoothing the fitted bodice, she admired the high collar trimmed in lace. “I’m glad I let you talk me into purchasing fabrics of bright colors, Magnolia.”

  Her friend’s eyes sparkling with mischief appeared in the mirror. “I was a bit concerned at first when I saw your grandmother’s face. I thought she would hate it.”

  The door to the bedroom creaked, and Bethany’s grandmother entered. “I heard that.” Her lips formed into a thin line. “For years, I’ve been telling Bethany she needs to take more pains with her appearance. I’m glad she finally listened to someone.”

  Bethany gave a quick wink to Magnolia and turned on her heel to face her grandmother. “I’m sorry it took so long for me to listen to you. It’s surprising that a simple calico dress can make me feel pretty.”

  “You may be a mite too tall for a woman, but there’s nothing wrong with your appearance. You favor your mother’s looks and your father’s build.” Bethany’s grandmother clucked her tongue. “Your grandfather’s mother was a large woman and considered quite handsome.”

  Magnolia gasped. “Bethany is tall but most certainly not large.”

  The older woman’s gray eyebrows narrowed as she studied her granddaughter’s reflection in the mirror. “True. You look nice, girl. Your new beau is bound to be pleased when you get off the train.” She gave a quick nod, then spun on her heel and left the room.

  “That was the nicest thing I’ve ever heard her say about my appearance.” Bethany gulped.

  “Past time if you ask me.” Magnolia folded a pillowcase and added it to two sets of fine white linen sheets and placed it in the cedar chest.

  Bethany followed with a “Feathered Star” quilt. She and her grandmother, along with the women’s auxiliary group, had quilted the piece with her favorite colors of blue, green, and yellow onto a creamy background. Her finger glided along the “Geese in Flight” border they’d added with assorted shades of brown. Hopefully, Moses would appreciate her effort to include his color preference.

  Kneeling beside the freshly sanded trunk, the sweet aroma of cedar filled the air. “This chest belonged to my mother. I gave up adding things to it, and I haven’t looked at some of these things in years.” Bethany glanced at more household linens, a few baby items, and crocheted blankets.

  “You have some lovely pieces. You’re off to a wonderful start setting up housekeeping.” Magnolia nodded toward a crate packed with Bethany’s mother’s blue feather-edge dishes. “Tell me more about what Moses said in his recent letter.”

  Bethany stepped to her nightstand and removed an envelope from the top drawer. “He was brief as usual, but he drew a picture of the house he’s remodeling for us to live in once we marry.”

  Magnolia plopped on the upholstered settee in front of the fireplace. “How exciting. I can’t wait to see it.”

  “I have no idea what the front of the house looks like, but Moses went into detail, drawing out and labeling each room. He made marks for the windows and doorways.” Bethany unfolded the paper and took a seat next to her friend. “There’s a parlor, dining room, kitchen, and three other rooms on the second floor along with attic space.” Bethany walked to the double-door of her Juliette balcony. She moved the floral curtain to take in the view of her grandparents’ verandah. A cool breeze blew through the room. She swallowed hard and gazed at her bedroom. Formerly her parents’ chamber, with twelve-foot ceilings, a large stone fireplace framed the whitewashed log walls, and a thick patterned carpet added softness under their feet. For a moment, her mind wandered to a time during the yellow fever epidemic when the room housed fifteen young girls. “Do you ever think about the time we spent in quarantine in this room all those years ago?”

  Magnolia followed her gaze around the room, which now housed a cast-iron bed, double-door wardrobe, dressing table, and a sitting area with a settee and two upholstered chairs. “My most vivid memory of the entire episode was when your grandparents came and got us after they made the main building a hospital. Even though at the time, I didn’t understand why your grandmother wouldn’t let us out of the house, I have fond memories of the games we played in this room.”

  “Growing up as the only child in my grandparents’ home, I was thrilled with having you all as my captive audience for my storytelling.”

  “Do you remember when Memphis Rose split us into reading groups? You insisted we were a reading club and gave us the name, Garden Girls.” Magnolia giggled.

  “You were all named for trees and flowers. Besides yourself, there was Willow, Daisy, and Lily. After the quarantine lifted, I felt so lonely when the children were picked up by their relatives. That’s when I told my grandmother when I grew up, I was going to have twelve children—six boys and six girls.”

  “Very ambitious. Let me take a closer look at this floor plan to see where you will house all of these children.” Magnolia twisted a curl around her finger and turned her attention to the drawing. “What is the reference written on the bottom of the page?”

  “It took me a while to figure it out too. I believe he means the walls are limestone, and the floors are long-leaf pine.” Bethany tapped her finger along the paper. “I’m more than curious about the outside. I wonder what it looks like?”

  “I’ve often dreamed of my future home. I have it all planned out in my mind.” Magnolia stared into the distance. “It will be a frame house painted in a bright color with a walk-around front porch and gingerbread trim. Just like Pastor Reed’s house next to the church.”

  “A front porch is a wonderful gathering place. Does your dream include rocking chairs or a swing?”

  “Oh, both.” Magnolia giggled. “It’s every bit as big as your grandparents’ porch with lots of room for seating.”

  “I like the way you think, so I’ll borrow from your vision. The railing can be simple, as long as there’s a flower garden blooming in front of the porch.” Bethany closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. “Every night after dinner, Moses and I will sit on the swing and discuss the day. There will be an aromatic garden out front which will tickle our senses with each soft breeze.”

  “What about lavender? I love its aroma.”

  “Agreed. It makes wonderful soap too. We’ll add lavender and any other flower you can think of to our dream.” Bethany patted her friend’s arm. “I’m glad you reminded me. I’ll need to ask grandfather for some seeds. I want my honeybees to be happy in their new home.”

  Chapter 9

  “Question: What do Bees do with their honey?

  Answer: “They cell it.” – Andrew Stone, Student, Age 9.

  The morning sun peeked from behind a cloud, adding additional warmth to the train platform. Bethany pressed her hand to her stomach. Beads of sweat broke out across her chest. Her grandmother’s soft hand squeezed hers. “You be sure and write at least once a week.”

  “Yes, ma’am. I love you, Grandma.” Bethany blinked rapidly in a failed effort to keep tears from flowing down her cheeks.

  Her grandfather drew her into a bear hug. “I’m sorry we won’t be there for the wedding. But these old bones will travel better in cooler t
emperatures. We’re still planning on visiting this fall. So, this isn’t goodbye, just see you soon.”

  “Yes, sir. I love you, Grandpa.”

  Her grandfather handed her the train ticket and the one for baggage claim. “Your trunk’s loaded. The rest of your things, including your beekeeping supplies, will follow in a few weeks. Once you’re situated, be sure and let us know if you need anything else. Your Aunt Caroline will be bringing a houseful of furniture when she and the children come to stay. We’ll likely have more than we can shake a stick at.”

  Bethany patted her face with a handkerchief and took in a deep breath. The conductor exited the train and assisted the passengers clad in stylish attire. She smoothed her second-best calico dress. Her grandfather and Mrs. Shelby insisted she’d be comfortable and would attract less attention should there be any nefarious characters onboard.

  Her grandmother nodded toward the hem of her dress. “You hid some money like I told you?”

  “Yes. It’s sewn into my hem, nice and tight.”

  “What about your needlework and your book?”

  “It’s all here. Along with the sandwich, apples, peppermint, and all the other goodies you put in my satchel this morning.” Bethany patted her bag.

  “Good.” Her grandmother scowled at the baggage handler who was hoisting her trunk onto the train.

  Her grandfather followed Bethany to the train. He handed the conductor her ticket. “We love you, Bees, and you’ll be in our prayers. Send us a wire when you arrive in Carrie Town.”

  The conductor gave a glance at the ticket. “Don’t you worry. She’s on the cotton-belt route, and I’ll keep an eye on her from here through Arkansas. I’ll be certain she makes the right transfer to Texas.”

  The shrill locomotive’s whistle sounded. Forcing a smile, Bethany waved, then clutching her skirt, she took in a breath and boarded the train.