by Mary May
Sherrilyn was in full Thanksgiving preparation mode! Instead of everyone cooking all day, she was having the dinner catered in. Sabrina thought that was a fine idea; however, her mother wasn’t getting off the hook that easy. She still had to make Sabrina’s favorite holiday dessert, her famous fruit salad. She had made it herself a few times and followed the recipe exactly, but it never tasted as good as her mother’s. Keelie had called yesterday and offered to bring something as well. Sabrina told her whatever she wanted to bring was fine. Speaking to Keelie had reminded Sabrina of her promise to invite her to lunch one day. Now that she had moved, it was going to be much easier to get to know her. She was so much closer to all of her family. She sent up a little prayer of Thanksgiving for all of her family right then and there. It didn’t have to be Thanksgiving in order to give thanks for all her many blessings. She just had to look around and see them!
Sabrina listened to Edgar whisper in the pantry, “Here you go, Miss Charlie. Now don’t let your mother see that or we will both be in trouble!”
She heard her daughter giggle and say, “Kay!” She shook her head; she really was going to have to set some ground rules concerning the cookie issue. She was heading toward the pantry when she heard the old butler’s rusty laugh. She stopped and smiled and then went back to polishing the silverware…it could wait.
Thanksgiving Day dawned stormy and rainy. The weather forecaster had said that storms were likely and some could be severe for most of the day in the coastal North Carolina areas. Sabrina was in the kitchen helping the caterers set up before they went home to be with their families for the holiday. When lightening popped and thunder crashed seemingly just outside the kitchen window, she jumped and yelped. “Wow, that was close!” She looked outside, but all she could see were sheets of rain pouring down.
Emanuel, the cook from the local restaurant, Carolina Cove, nodded his head. “Yeah, it is bad out there all right. Stinks that it would be like this today when so many people are out on the roads.”
Sabrina chewed her lip in worry. “I have my parents and in-laws coming in from out of town. The weather wasn’t this bad when they left.”
He looked at her. “Maybe they will be ok; maybe they won’t have an accident.”
Sabrina looked up sharply at him then walked into the pantry to get some sage. “Gee, that was comforting; thanks a lot!” she muttered. While she was in there alone, she decided to get some peace of mind as well and prayed for a safe trip for her parents and Carl and Keelie. After she had prayed until her peace came back, she walked out of the pantry to find Edgar with Charlie tripping on his heels. She was following so closely! Charlie adored Edgar. Sabrina knew the gruff old butler tried to hide it, but he adored Charlie right back. Sabrina had given up the battle over what to call her daughter. As she grew and more personality came out, it was clear that Charlotte just didn’t fit her. Whoever the mystery person was that had given her the nickname had it right. She was most decidedly a Charlie.
“Oh, there you are, Miss Sabrina. Miss Sherrilyn was asking if everything was almost ready. The weather appears to be getting worse and she would like for the caterers to leave as soon as possible for their safety.”
Sabrina looked around the kitchen. Most everything was ready and what there was left to do she knew that she and Edgar could handle. She went over to the cook who was looking hopefully at her. “I think that it would be a good idea; we can handle it from here. Thank you so much for coming out today, and in such dreadful weather. We really appreciate it.”
Edgar held out an envelope. “There is a bonus on top of what the invoice total was from Miss Foster. She would like to extend her thanks and holiday wishes as well.”
The cook took the envelope and peeked inside; then his smile grew. “This is very generous of Miss Foster. Tell her thank you from all of us at Carolina Cove, and if we can ever assist her with any other catering needs, please let us know.” Emanuel gathered his staff and in a few minutes they had left.
Sabrina placed Charlie in her high chair to keep her out from under foot and gave her a handful of Cheerios to munch on while she and Edgar finished up the meal. She chatted with the butler while they cooked, and he seemed to be getting more comfortable with her. At least he had stopped calling her Mrs. Blakely and was now just calling her Miss Sabrina. She supposed that would be the best she could hope for, considering how formal he was. Edgar was a sight to behold in the kitchen. He could pass for a professional chef; he was so masterful in wielding a knife. His fingers flew as he chopped and minced the veggies for a large green salad.
Sabrina laughed, “Edgar, I swear you could give a woman a complex with how good you are with that thing!” She pointed to his flying fingers, just millimeters from the razor edge of the knife.
Edgar took the compliment in stride, and without stopping he looked up at her. “I’ve been handling knives and tools since before you were born, Miss. I should think that I would be proficient by now.”
Sabrina giggled at his dry tone. He really was funny, although she didn’t think he meant to be. “Who taught you how to use them so well?” she asked.
“When I was young, my grandfather taught me the value of being able to handle tools, and a knife is just another tool,” he answered. Sabrina nodded and they continued to work. “But it was my mother that taught me how to work around a kitchen, the proper way to hold the knife as you slice the vegetables to keep from injuring yourself.” He reached over and repositioned Sabrina’s fingers on the knife she was holding; then he moved the fingers that were on the celery, curling them in until only the tips of her fingers touched the stalk. He nodded at her. “Now chop. Keep the point of the blade on the table; lift only the handle and push the stalk under the blade.”
Sabrina tried it and it worked. She was much faster than she had been before. She wasn’t anywhere near Edgar’s blinding speed, of course, but she was a lot faster. She laughed. “That’s amazing! Just moving my fingers that little bit made all the difference in the world!”
Edgar nodded, “You will find, Miss Sabrina, that often times the smallest adjustments can bring about the largest results.” Sabrina smiled at the butler and went back to chopping, and soon they had everything ready.
The dinner was ready and the table looked beautiful with the china and sparkling crystal goblets. Sabrina had changed into a dark blue dress that fell mid-calf and was tucked in at her waist. It had a scooped neckline and was simple in its design. But it was when it was actually on her that the magic happened. The dark blue of the material brought out Sabrina’s blue eyes and the fit showed her small waist and beautiful collarbones. It was one of Luke’s favorites, and she wore it to feel close to him today. She had Charlie in a russet red jumper with fall leaves scattered all over and had put her strawberry blonde curls up in a high pony tail with a matching bow that had a small turkey in the center wearing a bow tie. Sabrina couldn’t resist it, it was so cute! She picked up Charlie and they went down stairs to find Sherrilyn and Edgar listening to a local news broadcast.
“This slow-moving system will continue to produce heavy rains and strong thunderstorms. Flash flooding will become likely in low-lying areas. Local law enforcement is encouraging residents to stay indoors and not to venture out unless it’s an emergency.”
Sherrilyn reached and turned off the television. “Well, isn’t this just a fine kettle of fish? I sure wish we would hear something from your momma or from Carl and Keelie. They should have been here over an hour ago!”
Sabrina bounced Charlie on her hip as she watched the torrents of rain lash at the windows. “I tried calling mother’s cell phone, but it went straight to voicemail. She probably isn’t getting any signal in this mess!”
Sherilyn nodded. “Same thing happened when I called Keelie’s as well. I bet they all pulled over somewhere and they are waiting for the worst of the storm to pass before traveling any farther. If anything had happened, we would have been notified, I’m sure.” She assured Sabrina. They all
stood in silence watching the ever-worsening storm until a streak of lightening hit the tall cedar tree in the middle of the yard. The sound was deafening and you could actually smell the ozone in the air! They all watched as the tree caught fire then just as quickly sizzled out in the heavy rains.
Gideon was pacing and watching, too. He was concerned for Sabrina’s family and wished he could do something. He felt like that most of the time! Sherrilyn listened and Edgar watched as he paced from one end of the entry way to the other. Walk to the door, turn and walk to the doorway of the long hallway, and repeat.
Sherrilyn finally couldn’t take it anymore. “Big guy, if you don’t stop that pacing, I’m going to have Edgar hog tie you and put you in a closet somewhere!” As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized what she had said. She clamped her hand over her mouth and mumbled, “Oops…”
Chapter 21
The foyer was silent except for the howling winds and pounding rains outside. Everyone turned to look at Sherrilyn. Edgar looked at Gideon and Gideon looked at Sabrina and Sherrilyn just kept her hand firmly over her mouth.
Sabrina looked at her friend with concern. “Who are you talking to? No one is pacing, Sherrilyn…who are you going to have Edgar hog tie?” She put Charlie down and knelt down in front of Sherrilyn’s chair. She put her hand up and felt of her forehead. “Are you feeling okay? Maybe the stress of worrying about everyone and the roar of this awful storm is making you hear something that isn’t there.”
Sherrilyn sagged in her chair in relief. She laughed. “Honey, I bet you’re right… sounded just like someone pacing behind me, with the thunder booming and the lightening popping all over -- must have my super ears all kinds of messed up!”
Sabrina smiled. “Why don’t you go lay down? Edgar and I will put the food in the oven to keep warm until everyone can get here.”
Sherrilyn nodded, “I think I will, Sabrina, just for a little while.” She then turned her chair and wheeled herself down the long hallway.
Sabrina and Edgar walked down the hall toward the kitchen. Charlie ran ahead and found her scooter to play on. Sabrina was quiet, but her forehead was creased with worry and she was deep in thought. They put the food away silently and then went into the den.
Gideon wasn’t convinced that Sabrina was going to let this go. He could practically see the wheels spinning in her mind as she thought about what had just happened. Edgar went to the giant fireplace and within a few minutes had a cheery fire going to dispel some of the gloom from outside. Sabrina sat in the large overstuffed armchair watching Charlie play with some toys in the floor.
Sabrina looked at Edgar. “She spoke like there was someone else here. She knew that we were the only ones in the house… who was she calling Big Guy?”
Edgar took his time sweeping up the bits of bark and ash that were in front of the fireplace. He then arranged the fireplace tools perfectly and started arranging the small sticks of kindling in order according to size.
Sabrina stomped her foot in frustration. “Edgar! I don’t really believe for one minute that her ears were overwhelmed by the storm; who was she calling Big Guy?” She held the butler in place with her stare.
Edgar again looked to Gideon for some assistance. Gideon just stood there and shrugged his shoulders and held his hands out helplessly. What could he do? Edgar cleared his throat once and then twice. “I believe… I believe the madam was referring to the house… ghost.”
Sabrina slowly raised her eyebrows. “Did you just say the house ghost? As in ghost like… Casper?” she squeaked out.
Gideon palmed his face and scrubbed it roughly. THAT was what this wise old man had come up with?? Now he was supposed to be a ghost?
Edgar scowled at him. “Yes, Miss Sabrina, the house ghost. Most all old houses are reported to have one, I believe.”
Gideon groaned and flung his arms out then walked around in circles. This was great… just great… maybe he should get a few chains and rattle them around. Moan and groan in the middle of the night to prove the old butler’s story.
Sabrina leaned forward in her chair. “Really? This estate really has a resident ghost?”
Gideon heard the note of interest in her voice and he turned around and looked at her… yep, her eyes were huge and she looked at the old butler with eager expectation. Perfect…this… was… perfect… Gideon sprawled out in the love seat and stared up at the ceiling and waited to hear “his” story.
Edgar again looked at him and Gideon just shook his head. “You’re on your own on this one, dude. Just let me know when to move a chair or hurl a book.” Then he motioned with his arm for the butler to continue with what was sure to be the most ridiculous story he was likely to ever hear.
Edgar stood there in his formal tux he had put on for the Thanksgiving meal, held his hands behind his back, and with an absolute bland look on his face told the tale of “Gidmore,” the estate’s resident ghost.
Apparently Gidmore was a large but extremely weak and unattractive fellow who had died after stumping his big toe against a tree root while out smelling the roses around back.
“How in the world does someone die from stumping their big toe?” Sabrina asked.
“You have to understand that Gidmore was a man of a very weak constitution, Miss Sabrina. He most always had a runny nose and a cough, so most anything really could bring about his demise.”
Gideon raised his head and looked at Edgar. His frown deepened as the story unfolded further.
“Yes, unfortunately he got an infection and during this time period antibiotics were not yet available so poor Gidmore languished for weeks before succumbing to it.”
Gideon wasn’t happy about the story line at all. He was anything but weak, and he might not be the most handsome angel ever created, but he wouldn’t go so far as to say he was unattractive! He knew the old butler was getting back at him for not coming to his rescue, but what could he have done?
“So we have a snotty nosed clumsy house ghost?” Sabrina asked in dismay.
Edgar nodded mournfully while looking directly at Gideon. “Yes, I’m afraid that’s the story I was told. We didn’t get a heroic knight or a dashing warrior to haunt our estate…I’m afraid we got rose-sniffing Gidmore.”
Sabrina looked terribly disappointed. “Well, I’ve lived here for a few weeks, and I haven’t seen or heard anything, so I assume he isn’t very active?”
Edgar shook his head. “Not at all. He was quite lazy in life and the same after death. You most likely will never see or hear anything from him, I would wager.”
Sabrina stood and picked up Charlie; then she gave the butler a long look as if she was trying to decide if he was serious or not. Edgar just stood there and held her stare.
Sabrina finally just shook her head. “I’m going to go check on Sherrilyn.” Then she left the room.
Gideon got up and stalked over to where the butler stood. “That was a real…interesting story you told.” He stared down at the old butler, using every inch of his considerable height and muscle to intimidate the old gentleman. Edgar stood toe to toe against the towering warrior looked up and… winked!
Sabrina went down the hall to check on her friend and decided that Edgar was pulling her leg. His ridiculous story of a rose-sniffing, snotty-nosed ghost had her laughing and wiping tears from her eyes by the time she got to Sherrilyn’s room.
Sherrilyn heard her giggling as she approached her door and wondered what had Sabrina so tickled. Sabrina knocked then waited for Sherrilyn to answer. When she opened the door, Sabrina’s face was flushed with laughter and she was wiping her eyes.
“I never in a million years would have guessed that Edgar had a sense of humor!” she told Sherrilyn. “He just told me the most far-fetched funniest story I think I have ever heard! Oh it was priceless!”
Sherrilyn cocked her head, “Edgar, MY Edgar told you a funny story? You have got to be kidding me!”
Sabrina sat down on the bed and put Charlie in the floor; she i
mmediately went and climbed in Sherrilyn’s lap. “He sure did! And what made it so funny was that he told it in that monotone bland voice that he uses and his face never changed expression!” She giggled some more. “I have to go to the bathroom; I almost peed my pants laughing on the way to your room!”
While Sabrina was in the bathroom, Sherrilyn hugged Charlie. “What in the world did I miss?” she asked.
After several hours the storm finally calmed down enough for the others to arrive safely. Catherine came in the door with Evan close behind, talking a mile a minute about how dreadful the trip was and what a fantastic driver Evan was. Carl and Keelie came in just a few minutes later and Sabrina was struck again by Keelie’s beauty. The woman was carrying a woven basket lined with a towel that had little loaves of bread that smelled like honey and cinnamon. When everyone was finally gathered around the table, they all joined hands while Evan led them in a prayer of thanksgiving.
“Heavenly Father, we come into your presence with thankful hearts for all of the many blessings that You have given us this day and every day that we live on this earth. We give thanks for our safe journey here and ask for a safe journey home. We give thanks for every person here and ask that You will continue to work in our lives to bring us all closer to You. Most of all we give thanks for Your son Jesus and the sacrifice that He made so that we might all know and receive Your mercy and grace…Amen.”
Everyone immediately started in on the dinner that looked so good; after having to wait so long for everyone to arrive, they were all half-starved. After everyone had gotten some food in their bellies, the conversations started to flow around the table. Sabrina had bitten into one of the little loaves of sweet bread that Keelie had brought and moaned as she chewed, it was so good.
“What is this Keelie? It’s wonderful!” She asked.
Keelie smiled. “It’s called Pou’lka, and it is sweet bread that my grandmother used to make when I was a child. It was always my favorite. I’m happy that you like it as well.”
