If she had read the article, had she also visited his gallery? Perhaps he had talked to her without knowing it. The feelings of being connected to Marjorie strengthened with this revelation. Henry shook his head as he marvelled over the serendipity of it all.
As he was about to put the magazine back into the open drawer, he noticed the brass plate adhered to the inside side of the drawer. It looked similar to the one that was on the inside of the roll top desk he had purchased from the antique dealer at Old City Hall.
Henry leaned forward and read it to make sure:
Manufactured
By
The Kroehl Brothers
1938
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Henry immediately recalled what the store owner said “Not only were the Kroehl Brothers fine craftsmen but they were also known for their secret compartments in nearly every piece of furniture they built including chairs, beds and even dining room sets.”
The feeling of anticipation he felt when he came into the house earlier now escalated to the point he could no longer contain himself, “Could this table also have a secret compartment!?”
Henry slid his trembling hand slowly inside feeling for a round brass ring…and there it was. He could see it in his mind’s eye.
“Oh, my God, what would he find?”
He inserted his finger in the ring and felt not only the cold touch of metal but the warmth of Marjorie’s touch zinging through him. He felt almost helpless to pull the ring.
He heard the “clunk” of the trap door open exposing the secret compartment.
He fully expected to pull out a wooden box like the one in his roll top desk but there was no knob or handle to pull on. It felt like a book. He worked his fingers under it and pulled it out.
It was a diary.
He stared at the diary in disbelief. The top and back were hard thick covers topped with brown leather. The words, ‘My Diary,’ were stamped in gold on the front. Most of it had come off. The corners were dented and worn exposing the cardboard paper core underneath the layer of leather covering. For the months he had been coming to the home, he had never once contemplated searching for a diary
Henry was amazed at the workings of divine providence. How he was filled with such an urgency to get here today. Almost as if time was running out and he was supposed to find this diary. Had he not purchased the roll top desk a year ago preparing him for this moment, he would never have known of the existence of the secret compartment let alone this diary! Julean…in both instances she had alerted him. Henry was in awe of it all.
What a discovery…he felt certain that he was led to find this…why?
He thought he knew most everything about Marjorie from her books and personal notes and recipes …but this, “Oh, my God, this would reveal her heart.”
He stared at the diary on his lap. It seemed to be divided into two parts; each secured by a leather tab.
The latch on the front cover opened when he pressed the button. Hesitation rippled through him. He had just opened a private journal. Did he have the right to open it? Normally he would have respected the privacy and sought to return it to the owner or a next of kin or even destroy it, yet he felt compelled to open it. Both his guardian angel and Julean led him to discover it, he was certain of it.
And besides it seemed her son was not interested in anything of hers and during the months that he had come to the house he probably got to know Marjorie even more intimately than her offspring. It probably had to do more with her teenage life anyway he rationalized.
The urge to continue nudged away his hesitation. From the moment he had entered Marjorie’s home that afternoon he had been under the umbrella of his guardian angel and on the verge of something that would affect his life and perhaps…change it forever.
He was certain of that, too!
Chapter Seventy-One
Father Engelmann decided to head back to the Santa Maria Home just to see Jenny. Their visits tended not to last too long as Jenny would often slip into a medication-induced reverie similar to the one he had witnessed following her confession. In any case, Father saw the disease’s grip on her accelerating and just wanted to be there for her as much as he could.
“Oh, I am so glad you stopped in, Father,” Jenny said, as he entered. “I need you to help me with a certain matter.” Jenny continued then paused, trying to catch her breath. Every word she spoke required effort and like the other day, her voice was low and hoarse. Jenny’s eyes moved off Father’s towards the bedside eating table. Father’s gaze followed and rested on some papers.
“I want you to witness that I still have all my marbles, that…I am of sound judgment…and, that I no longer wish to be supported by any machine when the end is certain.”
Father smiled and nodded. “Yes, Jenny, I know everything is okay in your heart and…upstairs.”
Jenny tried to appear buoyant, but her inner strength was failing. She blinked several times to keep her eyes from drooping closed from the medication. She took a long deep breath sucking in energy from the air and raised her right hand motioning Father to bring the pen and papers to her. Father slid the table in front of Jenny, picked up the papers and searched for the one which required her signature.
She fumbled for the pen then slowly and deliberately signed the dotted lines. Father placed his hand upon hers guiding it through the motions. The only letter that was really discernible was a J, the rest of her signature went off at an angle in the form of hieroglyphics. It was only important that Father knew she had signed it. He took the pen from Jenny’s hand along with the papers and studied her for final confirmation. As soon as Jenny nodded, he witnessed her request to die naturally.
Father rolled the table off to the side and pulled up a chair in its place. He sat down at Jenny’s bedside and placed his hand on hers. Jenny opened her eyes and gazed tenderly at Father. “There’s another favour I require, Father.”
“Yes, of course, how can I help?”
Once again, Jenny raised her hand and pointed to the end table beside the bed. “In the drawer is an envelope addressed to my lawyer who is the executor of my will. Over the past few weeks one of the nurses helped me write my life story…”
Father reached over and secured the large 8 x 11 brown envelope. It was thick and surprisingly heavy.
“Perhaps it will be a New York number one bestseller.” Father quipped.
Jenny’s eyes remained closed, but her lips formed a slight smile,
“Yes, I hope I can make a tour and do signings.” Jenny’s expression turned serious, “I’ve never told you, Father, but when I was a young girl of fifteen I had an unfortunate circumstance which resulted in my getting pregnant. I was too young to keep the baby and gave her up for adoption—”
“Yes…Camilla. Is it not?”
Jenny’s eye’s opened. “How did you know, Father?”
“You mentioned her name during your confession.”
“Oh my, I hope I didn’t reveal every dark corner of my life?”
“No, no, Jenny…I’m sure the good Lord sees only light in your life.”
“I had hoped that someday I would see my child, but I guess we will have to meet in heaven. In any case, I wanted Camilla to know about her mother and explain the circumstances around her birth and adoption. Since learning of my illness, I thought it best not to disrupt her life with the news that her parents were not really her birth parents, but after speaking with my niece who counsels pregnant girls I thought it best to try and let my daughter know who I am and that I would love to see her if she was willing. I called the social welfare department to contact Camilla and let her know. I informed the agency as well that if I am gone, they were instructed to direct my daughter to my lawyer who will give her the envelope I gave to you.”
“I’m certain God will turn this all out for the good—”
“I will pray for a wonderful re-union between you and your daughter. That was a wise decision to let Camilla know.”
“Thank you, Father. I only wish that my son and I could reconcile as well. It would be so wonderful for us and for him to meet his half sister. Would you pray for that as well, Father.”
“Yes, I will also say a mass for your wish, too.”
Jenny winced and shifted slightly trying to find some comfort in another position. A glass of water with a plastic straw in it sat on the table; Father reached for it and directed the straw to her mouth. She sipped slowly and winced again as she swallowed.
“Have you met my niece, Chloe, yet?”
“No, I am the only one in the room. Has she come to visit?”
“Yes, she must have gone for lunch. I hope you meet her, she is a wonderful girl. Matilda, is also coming to visit in a few days. It is so good to be surrounded by people you love.”
“Yes, it is, Jenny.”
A streak of pain crossed Jenny’s face. She was tiring and was using every bit of strength she possessed to stay awake.
Father tried to be consoling and perhaps offer some solution that might speed things up.
“That was a very thoughtful thing you did, Jenny, to write a letter to your daughter, but perhaps I can find her and bring her to you…”
“I thought of that, Father, but my life gets complicated. In my confession I do recall telling you that I had a love of my youth whom I still desire…”
“Yes, I remember, Jenny.”
“Well, that man, Father, turns out to be Camilla’s father-in-law. I don’t want to disrupt his life or marriage. My son still blames me for being the cause of breaking up our marriage. So, I decided to keep it secret until I was gone.”
“Oh, Jenny, I’m sure everyone will understand under the circumstances and be so happy. Are they near? What city does your daughter live in?”
Jenny’s voice was dry and hoarse: even her lips were becoming chapped. Father reached for the water again, and she flinched with each sip.
“That’s the unbelievable part, Father. They all live here in Regina.”
“So near and the Lord has not prompted you to call them?”
“Several times before I became sick I wanted to, but now I think the letter you have will be the best for all concerned and perhaps the welfare agency can explain it to all concerned—I”
“Are you certain this is the way you want it to be? Tell me who they are and I can explain and quickly bring them to you…”
“It has always been my heart’s desire to see my two loves, but it’s all too late and this is for the best.”
Jenny was tiring and Father could see the pain was increasing and she would require her medication soon. He wanted to press Jenny and get her to reconsider, but if that is what she wanted he would have to respect her wishes.
How life can spin a web that has so much love and yet filled with so much sorrow. As incredible a story as it was, Father somehow felt that he had heard it all before.
Exhaustion was overtaking Jenny. Her energy was all but spent in talking to him and coping with the growing pain. Father remained silent as she drifted in and out of consciousness. Suddenly she stirred and fumbled for the pewter angel at the end of the chain hanging from her neck. It sparkled in the dim light and obviously soothed her. Her features relaxed and as sleep was about to take her, her true desires became known.
Father leaned forward straining to hear the prayer she began whispering to her guardian angel. All he could make out was that she wished to be kissed by someone, but who did she say? It surely must be her first love.
“Who is it you desire, Jenny?”
He studied her intently hoping for some clue, but she did not respond.
He gazed down at the sealed envelope still in his hand. It held the answers he wanted to know; it would have Camilla’s last name and address and thus identify the last name of the father-in-law – Jenny’s sweetheart. Father so much wanted to grant Jenny’s final wish. But time was running out. Father gazed with tender compassion upon Jenny as she clutched her angel; her knuckles white from the fervour of her heart’s yearning.
It triggered a similar memory…but when and where?
Tears flowed from Father’s eyes as he looked up and soulfully pleaded, “Lord, will you forgive me for breaking the seal of this envelope?”
When Father left Jenny his mind was buzzing. The predicament that people find themselves in. That poor woman lying on her death bed yearning for her daughter that she gave up for adoption to come to her.
Death is at the doorstep.
Oh Jesus, heavenly Father, please allow this dear soul to die in peace and for the daughter to also live in peace having at least met her mother for as long as time permits.
As Father made his way down the hallway he saw a smiling young lady coming towards him.
“You must be Father David? Auntie Jen said you have a wonderful smile and she is right.”
“And you must be Chloe?”
“That’s me, I’m the mischievous girl that Auntie had to put up with when I visited her in Ottawa for many a day when I was a toddler.”
“That’s not what I hear. Over the past few months Jenny has spoken so kindly of you and I believe your Mom’s name is Tammy…?”
“Yes, that’s right but Mom or rather Tammy has passed away and Auntie Jen has become my Mom.”
“That’s good and it’s so good of you to be here. Jenny needs lots of love and support.”
“Yes, she needs a lot of prayers, Father. I wish my faith were stronger, so I hope you have her in your prayers.”
“I do, Chloe and I know the Lord hears yours as well. He listens to your heart and I know you want your Aunt to be healed just as I do.”
Chloe’s eyes filled with tears. “Oh, Father, I don’t know what I would do if I were to lose Auntie. We are so close and like I said she is just like my mother.”
Father took Chloe’s hand and squeezed it. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, Chloe, things will work out.”
“Thank you Father. I better get back in there. Oh by the way, did Auntie tell you her friend Matti is coming from Ottawa tomorrow?”
“Yes, she did mention it. And I do remember Matilda. She is Coreena’s sister, Eddy’s bride. Yes, yes, I remember them well at my 25th anniversary party.”
“I’ve met Matilda but not her sister. Now if you want to see someone filled with faith Father wait till you see Matilda in action. She is something else. Even more fervent than my Dad.”
Father smiled. “Well I must be going too. So nice to see you Chloe.”
Father gazed at the envelope in his hands as he made his way to the front entrance door. He could easily find the answers he needed to know who these people were and search them out. But it was wrong to look into someone’s private affairs without their permission.
He checked his watch; three forty five. There was still time to see one more patient at the General Hospital before dinner. He promised Gertrude he would stop in today.
“Hi Bruce, thank you for waiting.”
“No problem, Father, glad to be of service. Back to the Nunnery?”
“Could I trouble you to stop at the General Hospital, I just want to run in for a few minutes to see a patient that is scheduled for surgery tomorrow morning, I would like to pray for her and wish her well.”
“No trouble at all. So, this has been a busy day for you?”
“Yes, I must admit I am feeling tired. Perhaps I will retire right after dinner. I guess my years are catching up with me.”
The taxi pulled up to the front door. “I’ll wait for you in the taxi waiting area.”
“Thank you Bruce, I shall be no longer than fifteen minutes.”
“T
ake your time, it’s not busy at this time of the day, and I have a book I’m reading.”
As Father made his way to the front door, weariness was weighing on him. Who should come out but, Camilla!
“Hi Father, going in to see someone?”
“Yes, yes, Camilla, how nice to see you. Hope you were not here for yourself?”
“Oh, no. One of the girls at the school started to haemorrhage and we drove her here rather than call an ambulance. We are only a few blocks away.”
“You have been on my mind since out last visit. You wanted to know the name of Henry’s girlfriend, Jenny Sarsky.”
“Yes, it’s a long story, Father, but since our talk I found out that I was adopted. I had always suspected it but I found some papers in my dad’s metal storage box after he died that confirms I was. I’m just trying to track down my biological mother. I called the social welfare department in Ottawa last week and am just waiting for them to call back. Anyway I think I know her name.”
“Yes, last time we spoke you also mentioned the name, Marjorie, does that name have anything to do with all this?”
There was a long silence and then Camilla said, “I’m not one hundred percent certain, Father, but I think she lives in Ottawa and her name is, Marjorie Hamilton…”
Father stared at Camilla and his mind went blank as if in a state of shock. He was so weary and had so many names bouncing around in his head he just couldn’t think clearly. What Camilla said registered, but his mind couldn’t connect the dots to the Marjorie Hamilton he was seeing. His mind kept thinking ‘Jenny Hamilton in Regina at the Santa Maria Home.’
The connection that they were speaking of the same lady was the furthest thing from Father’s mind and yet…
“I have to run, Father, I will keep you posted. I hope the agency calls today or tomorrow.”
Chapter Seventy-Two
The Angelic Occurrence Page 64
