When she reached the corner, Aggie saw her friend’s car returning. She waved to get Tina’s attention, and then laughed as her friend exclaimed, “Well, lookie me… I got myself a pretty little hitchhiker!”
“You came early!”
“Yeah, well, I found someone else to sub for me. I thought maybe I’d make it in time for lunch, but I had a flat and my spare was flat too.”
“I’ll reheat you a plate. Mrs. Sullivan brought the most amazing blackberry cobbler you’ve ever had in your life.” Aggie pointed to her driveway and then laughed when Tina said she’d been looking for Aggie’s Beetle convertible. “I haven’t had that for months.”
“Well, I kind of forgot about your new monster van. I took one look and kept going.”
Libby appeared with a hot tray of food just as Aggie finished making the introductions. “And this is Luke’s mother, Libby Sullivan.”
Sometime later, Ellene crossed the lawns through a gate Aggie hadn’t ever noticed. Aggie rose to greet her, and trying hard to keep distrust out of her face and voice, she introduced her to her guests. Flustered, her greeting came out all wrong. “Murphy! Welcome! You’ve come at a great time.”
Ellene’s face was a picture of confusion, but Aggie continued with her introductions. “You’ve met Luke. This lady is Luke’s dear mother, and that is my friend Tina over there. She’s visiting me for a few weeks before classes start again.”
The odd looks that Ellene sent her way made no sense to Aggie at first, but when Luke jumped up and said, “Here, Ellene, take my seat,” she turned red and excused herself. Luke followed close behind her. At the bottom step of the stairs, he caught her arm before she could go up to her room. With a sympathetic grin, he said, “Your thoughts will always catch up with you, Aggie. Just go out there and make a clean breast of it. If you mention losing Ian and the run in with the nurse over at the clinic, everyone will find it funny, and she won’t be upset.”
She sighed and nodded. Luke was right. Again. Aggie forced herself to return to the porch and sat on the floor across from Ellene. Laird started to offer his chair, but she shook her head. “I’m fine here, Laird, but thank you.” She smiled up at Luke leaning against a post before turning to her newest guest. “Ellene, I owe you an apology. When you came over, the day we lost Ian, I was so upset about the baby and everything, that I wasn’t rational. When you were questioning William, my mind saw you dragging the children away, and it killed me to think of it when they’ve lost so much already. I took an instant dislike to you, and in my anger, I christened you Murphy.” Ellene just looked at her as if she’d grown two heads. Trying to clarify, Aggie added, “You know, Murphy’s Law? ‘If anything can go wrong it will…’”
Laughter erupted as the two women tried to build a bridge between them. Good-natured teasing flew back and forth between everyone until the walls that Aggie had started to build were demolished. They might never be dear friends, but Aggie no longer felt that Ellene was an enemy.
The evening passed pleasantly. Luke fired up the grill, while Aggie set up a croquet court on the lawn. William arrived, much to the delight of Ellene, the curiosity of Tina, and the amusement of Libby. The children sang silly songs, and Vannie recited a poem. Rodney and Ian fell asleep, side-by-side, on a blanket under the biggest oak tree, while the youngest twins cuddled on the couch.
Long after sundown, Luke and William cleaned up after the evening meal, while Mrs. Sullivan and Aggie put the children to bed. Tina and Ellene chatted while they washed the dishes and then sat back on the porch getting to know each other. Ellene learned a whole new side to Aggie through Tina’s eyes, and with a broader picture of the circumstances, the new neighbor developed a genuine admiration for the inexperienced aunt-turned-mother.
When everyone had gone, Aggie and Tina chatted. After an afternoon of observing Aggie in her new home, with her new friends and neighbors, Tina thought that she had a realistic picture of how things were in Brant’s Corners. She also realized that everyone in Aggie’s life was too close to the situation to see how things stood. She’d watched Ellene relate with Aggie, Luke, and William. She watched the foursome interact and knew that things would be getting interesting, and unfortunately, she also realized someone was bound to get hurt.
The long conversation that Tina and Ellene had enjoyed turned into an even longer one with William. Tina discovered, contrary to Aggie’s description, that William was a charming and fascinating conversationalist. They hit it off quite well, but Tina also saw that William seemed to keep a protective eye over Aggie. All of these things whirled in her mind as she talked with Aggie. “So, which of the two men would you see yourself with, oh, say in ten years?”
Tina’s directness and lack of hesitation was refreshing for Aggie after weeks of Luke’s slow and deliberate words. “Tina, when did you become such a matchmaker? I picture myself as good friends with both of them for years to come! What did you think of them?”
Tina was thoughtful. “Well, William is by far the handsomest, but there is a certain charm about Luke, isn’t there?”
Aggie laughed. “Today Luke caught me being downright goofy a couple of times. I was so embarrassed.”
“I can see that they both look out for you, but Luke is much more subtle, and as a result, it seems more-- something.”
“Mrs. Sullivan says it’s because he grew up protecting his sisters. Anyway, she says he always finds someone to help in some way.” That conversation with Libby had meant a lot to Aggie. Changing the subject, she asked, “Did you see the cabinets he built me? I am in love with them.”
Tina laughed. “Wouldn’t Allie flip? I remember the way she reacted to your idea for her bridesmaid dresses!”
Laughing, Aggie thought of something else and changed the subject again. “Do you think that the kids are adjusting ok?”
It was well past eleven o’clock when Tina finally dragged herself into the library and curled up on the air mattress Aggie provided. Accustomed to those few minutes of silence after the end of a long day, Aggie powered up her laptop once she’d climbed into bed and went to check her email. To her surprise, Mrs. Landry was added to her messenger contact list.
Aggie says: Iris!!! Hello!
Landry’s Lady says: I’m excited to see you. You gave me your name, but I never remembered to add you. How are you doing in that big old house?
Aggie says: I love it. We’ve just finished the kitchen. In a week or three, we’ll be done with the rest and my little haven will be complete.
Landry’s Lady says: Haven. I like that. With all of the turmoil your family has been through, you need one don’t you?
Aggie says: And how. I’ve met a woman I think you’d like. She lives fairly close to you, I think. I’d like to introduce you.
Landry’s Lady says: What is her name?
Aggie says: Libby Sullivan. Do you know her?
Landry’s Lady says: No, but anyone you want to introduce me to, I’d be happy to meet. Can we all go to lunch soon? Mark was hired back on at work again.
Aggie says: Oh, I am so glad! May I bring my friend Tina? Do you remember the one who insisted that I hire someone? If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t have met you!
Landry’s Lady says: Please do! I heard all about her from Vannie.
Aggie says: You did?
Landry’s Lady says: Yes. She’s small and pretty and filthy rich. That about sums up Vannie’s perceptions!
Aggie says: She forgot to mention pushy and too smart for her own good. Oh yes, and she’s also my best friend!
Landry’s Lady says: That sounds like the best kind of best friend to have.
Aggie says: So, when are you going to come see my house? Why don’t you bring Jonathan out, and you can help Tina and I go through the furniture up in the attic and set up the rest of the house! I’d be happy to pay you.
Landry’s Lady says: And I’d be happy to do it just because I am your friend. How about Wednesday? I have a Bible study early, but we can drive over right a
fterwards if you’d like.
Aggie says: Oh, that would be wonderful! I’ll fix us lunch and we can dream this house into perfection.
Landry’s Lady says: Or at least into Aggie’s haven.
Aggie says: Isn’t that a wonderful thought. It’s really becoming that, too. I feel peaceful and at home, even when things are going wrong and everything is “sixes and sevens.”
Landry’s Lady says: God has blessed you beyond measure. Eight children, a beautiful home, the ability to stay home with those children and serve them. You are becoming a veritable Proverbs 31 woman!
Aggie says: Except that she sewed, had a business, and a husband!
Landry’s Lady says: One thing at a time dear. Those will come, you’ll see!
Aggie says: I never pictured myself married… even as a little girl-- not that I was against it or anything. Maybe it’s because God knew I was going to be so busy with these children that I wouldn’t have time for being a wife too.
Landry’s Lady says: That is possible, but don’t count on it.
Aggie says: You think that I’m out there on this one?
Landry’s Lady says: No… it’s possible that you’re called to singleness. I just think that marriage is the rule, rather than the exception.
Aggie says: Well, that is true, but then I’m already an exception. There aren’t many twenty-two year old mothers of eight.
Landry’s Lady says: Oh my, Jonathan has a finger gushing blood and Mark can’t get it to stop. I have to go. Bye.
Aggie says: Bye… Praying.
Chapter 23
Oddly Enough
Wednesday, July 24th
“Aggie… where do you want these clothes? They’re all over the couch!” Tina sounded almost as exasperated as she looked. Aggie danced down the stairs. The sight of all the day’s laundry still piled on the couch touched a sore spot. Tina watched as she walked over to the kitchen and splashed water in her face.
“Front and center,” Aggie’s voice was loud and clear. The children came from all directions and in all states of dress and undress. Aggie rolled her eyes and took a deep breath.
“What do I see on that couch? Anyone?”
Kenzie piped up with the obvious. “Clothes!”
Aggie looked pointedly at the older four children and raised the question again with her eyes. The younger children seemed clueless, but the older children had the grace to look ashamed. Eventually, Vannie spoke up. “I’m sorry, Aunt Aggie.”
Tina listened and then turned to Aggie. “May I?”
Aggie nodded and picked up Ian. “Break a leg.”
“Ok, guys. Here’s how it works. Each of you older four children will have a “sheep” who is one of the younger four. It’ll work oldest takes youngest and on up, so that middle children aren’t working with the least trained. So, Vannie, your job is to help Ian, when he learns to walk that is, get his things upstairs and in his drawers. Laird, you help Lorna. Gather all of Lorna’s clothes and help her fold them. Ellie, you help Cari, and Tavish, you help Kenzie. You guys have thirty minutes to have this room ship shape and your drawers filled but not overflowing.”
Aggie giggled as she watched the younger children excitedly rush to get the clothes folded, hung, and put away quickly. Vannie talked to Ian, as she folded his clothes and ticked his feet with his socks. Tina folded towels and sheets, while Aggie put them and her own clothing where it belonged.
Iris and Libby arrived at exactly the same time and introduced themselves to each other as they came up the steps. “Aggie! The paint is magnificent! How did you get it painted so quickly?”
Aggie giggled. “William, a friend, painted it during his vacation. It was a lot of hard work, but Laird and Tavish were an enormous help. They each earned about fifty dollars in the process!”
“Hi, Mrs. Landry; where is Jonathan?” Laird seemed very disappointed.
“His father had to take him to the doctor to get his stitches checked, and then they’ll be by.”
Without a thought to saying hi, welcome, or in any other way acknowledging Libby Sullivan, Laird dashed off to tell the others. Aggie shook her head. “I’ll figure out how to instill basic etiquette eventually!”
The four women joked, laughed, and talked as if they’d known each other for years. Libby and Iris knew many of the same people and spoke regretfully of the years that they could have spent together. Iris, in particular, seemed blessed to have new friends at that time in her life. Smiling as she glanced around her, Iris grabbed Aggie’s arm and said, “So, Aggie, show me your house! I want to see everything. The dining room looks like it’s really coming along!”
Aggie led the women into the kitchen with their eyes closed and described her dream kitchen. At her word, all three women opened their eyes, and Libby spoke. “He did it, didn’t he? I knew it was what you wanted, but I didn’t realize how closely he came!”
Iris was enthralled. “I love the graniteware!”
Aggie laughed. “I took Mrs. Sullivan’s advice and accented with it. Thanks to Tina’s shopping skills, it’s here already, but I haven’t found curtains. There must be some geranium curtains somewhere!”
Iris raved over each room and its décor. Aggie and Tina showed the other ladies plans that were not yet executed and described how each room would look when the final pieces of furniture and the accents were added. The jungle room, with its huge tiger draped over the boys’ dresser, made everyone chuckle.
“Aggie.” Iris frowned as she stood in the doorway of Aggie’s room. “What about your room? Aren’t you going to do something in here? Oh-- look at those windows!”
Everyone looked at the two half circle topped windows that flanked each side of the fireplace. “Stained glass! How wonderful! What do you plan to do in here?” Iris waited anxiously to her the plans.
Aggie grinned. “Tina and I have been talking. We think we know what we’re doing. Tell ‘em, Tina.”
Her friend nearly beamed, becoming extremely animated. “Well, that fireplace has to go. The brick is all wrong.”
Aggie looked confused. “And when did we decide this?”
“Just give me the chance to explain. Luke doesn’t know it, but he’s going to cover all of this with stone. That ugly brick is stained, chipped, and garish.”
Aggie pondered the potential transformation of her fireplace, as Tina described the white and tan color scheme. “It’ll have Windsor green accents here and there but not too many. I’m trying to talk her into a four-poster bed with sheer canopy type curtains just kind of looped over it. Ohhh, and over the windows too.”
Aggie laughed. “Ok, but if I don’t like it, you can come redo it.”
“What kind of furniture do you have for the room, Aggie?” Iris was intrigued by Tina’s ideas.
“None. But, we’re taking you guys up to the attic, and maybe you can help us find some! That place is just stuffed with antiques.” Aggie was obviously very excited.
“Aggie?” Mrs. Sullivan stood in the bathroom doorway. “Are you going to carry the colors in here?”
“Well, I want to keep the colors the same but add more of the green. It’s such a ridiculously large bathroom. Especially for one person.”
“Are you sure you want green in a room where you’re getting ready every morning? It might give you sort of a Martian look.” Libby frowned as she tried to picture Aggie’s plans.
Tina nodded in agreement. “She’s right. You want something more neutral in there. Maybe go with a lighter tan and add another color accent.”
“What color?”
“I don’t know,” Tina demurred. “Maybe blue or something. We’ll figure it out.”
The ladies excitedly planned Aggie’s rooms in the most incredible detail. After a long time of debating different options, Aggie dashed downstairs to retrieve the baby, so Vannie could read her book in peace. The children’s squeals announced the arrival of Jonathan and his father before Aggie could go back upstairs.
“Come on up, Mark. I’m sh
owing your wife my room and what we’re doing, but you’ll survive, I’m sure!”
“There’s nothing Iris loves more than to see a room get a face lift.” Mark Landry tickled the baby’s chin and reached for him. Aggie handed the baby over willingly. He seemed extra heavy lately, and Aggie personally thought that Solomon must have been talking about carrying babies when he commented on how the ideal woman “makes her arms strong.”
When Mark heard the ideas for the bathroom, he pulled his wife aside. Iris was obviously excited about what her husband had to say. She squealed like a teenager and hugged her husband, which seemed ridiculously out of character. Taking Ian, she sent Mark back home and turned to share with her friends.
“Mark just reminded me. Last weekend we were at this garage sale over in Marshfield and found these hand-painted tiles. They’re leaves-- oak, maple, ash-- all kinds of leaves in various shades of green on buff colored backgrounds. I think there were twenty-five of them. You could use them here and there in the backsplash, maybe around the shower surround-- something like that.”
With Tina talking a mile a minute, Aggie led the group up to the attic and listened as Tina and Iris planned her bathroom. Though she’d always loved rearranging her bedroom as a girl, and had created a very home-like space in her dorm room at college, Aggie was somewhat insecure about making such detailed decorating decisions. To date, anything she’d tried had cost little to no money and was easily changed. In this house, she needed to make a good plan the first time, because she didn’t have time for redecorating if the idea failed.
As the women reached the top of the attic stairs, the dank scent of age and decay assaulted them. She’d opened the windows a few times, but after forgetting them and discovering destroyed books from rain, she didn’t trust herself to try it again. Aggie pointed to the wall in front of her. “I thought I’d use that mirror and paint it the Windsor green. What does everyone think?” The consensus was a unanimous affirmative, so Aggie leaned the mirror against the stair railing.
Ready or Not (Aggie's Inheritance) Page 34
