Sanctuary

by Alene Adele Roy

  Crane and his bride-to-be just looked at each other, then burst into happy laughter and hugged.

  “You can think about it. There is no hurry, or did you set a date yet?” Rachael wanted to know.

  “Oh, no, not yet, we didn’t. I just asked her this very evening and she said, ‘Yes,’ Crane confided.

  “That’s wonderful! Just let me know what I can do to help. We’ll talk again,” she reassured them. “I need to get some rest now.” She turned away, but suddenly remembered the doll in her left hand. “Oh, I also wanted to show you the baby doll I am making for Lily. Do you think she’ll like it?”

  “Oh, yes, Miss Hathaway. She will,” Crane replied, enthusiastically.

  “It’s just darling,” Miss Mariah insisted. “She’ll love it.”

  Rachael turned to go, satisfied that little Lily would like her creation when it was clothed.

  “Allow us,” Crane advised, and the two of them, one on each side, helped Rachael up the stairs.

  “Do you have your wedding dress yet? What about shoes?” Rachael asked on the way upstairs.

  “Oh, no, not yet,” the young woman answered. “You know, with the war and all just being over, pretty fabric can be hard to find. I didn’t know when I was going to become a bride, so I haven’t planned for it yet.”

  “Of course not,” Rachael replied, understanding fully well. “I’m the same way. I’ve never planned for my wedding, either. Right now, work comes first.”

  At Rachael’s door Miss Mariah gave her a kiss on the cheek and said, “Goodnight.”

  The love Rachael felt from the Magnolia Gardens staff was very special, and it was apparent they cared about her, too.

  Crane lingered, although Miss Mariah took a few steps. So, Rachael kept her hand on the knob, without opening the door.

  “I didn’t know I was going to fall in love like this, Miss Rachael. So, I haven’t planned, either,” Crane confided. “We need to shop for her ring, decide where the wedding will be and when, and everything.”

  Rachael smiled. “Your friends and family will help you, though. Just wait and see. Everything’s going to turn out just perfect.”

  Her sweet voice and words comforted them. “Thank you,” the pair of lovebirds said in unison, as they turned to go to their rooms.

  “Miss Rachael, there’s just one more thing I thought you should know,” Crane told the nanny. “It has nothing to do with our wedding, though,” he informed her, a serious tone to his voice.

  “What’s that, Crane?” she asked over her shoulder from halfway through the bedroom doorway. Turning back to them, she gave the couple her full attention once again. “Please tell me.”

  “Well, when Dr. Davis carried little Lily to the barn and stables, his leg started to bleed again. It’s from his wound, you know.”

  “Shouldn’t that be healed by now?” Rachael asked in wonderment and concern.

  “I thought so, too,” Crane admitted. “Evidently it’s not, though.”

  “He keeps breaking it back open when he works or carries something,” Miss Mariah informed them. “I’ve seen proof of that myself when he carried a heavy potato sack. I think he needs more rest.”

  “Oh, no,” Rachael gasped. “How horrible that must be for him. Thank you for telling me about it. I believe he needs more rest, too.” It was very apparent to her that his help knew him quite well, and they kept an eye on him and cared very much about him. They were sympathetic and concerned. “Please come in here for a minute, you two,” Rachael invited, wanting their engagement evening to be even more special for these new friends of hers. However, now she wondered just how to make it so. Also, some concern for the doctor put a near sob into her own voice after the discovery of John’s wound not healing. “Sit here on the bed with me, Miss Mariah. Crane, please take that chair by the window.” Rachael spoke quietly, with sisterly tenderness in her voice. Next, she carefully lit a candle and took it to her trunk on the other side of the room. Slowly, she raised its lid, and rummaged inside for a moment. Her ankle was bothering her, throbbing, so who was she to talk about healing, she wondered? “I have something here for you.”

  “Do you need help?” Crane asked.

  “Yes, please. You may hold the candle while I search.”

  The air was filled with the sweet aroma of cedar from her walnut chest masterpiece. Just the very sight of it took her back home again. “This hope chest was a gift from my family on my sixteenth birthday, three short years ago, and I’ve stuffed it with my favorite things.” Rachael searched and brought out two items. “Here we are.” She held a box of homemade candy and an embroidered tablecloth. Excitedly, she presented the offerings to the newly engaged pair. “These are to celebrate your engagement and upcoming wedding. This candy is what we use to celebrate special occasions back home at Bower Farm,” she declared. “It’s homemade, and it’s a family favorite. This table covering was embroidered by me.”

  “Thank you, Miss Hathaway.” The bride-to-be took a piece of the sweet confection and tasted it, while studying the embroidery work on the piece. “They’re both wonderful! Thank you so very much.”

  “Thank you, Miss Hathaway.” Crane repeated his future bride’s sentiment. “This is a perfect engagement celebration. I’m so glad we shared our news. Be a part of our wedding, please,” he invited.

  She agreed, and after they left Rachael wrote the lyrics for Crane and Miss Mariah’s wedding song, as asked. Then, she sang it several times.

  Surprisingly, and without her knowledge, Dr. John Davis, on his way to his room, heard her, and pressed his ear to her door, delighted.

  A Wedding Devotion

  It was here that I first saw you.

  I wondered if we would be friends.

  That’s when I started life anew,

  Hoping our friendship never ends.

  I live to spend my time with you,

  To give my heart and mind a smile,

  Just like a brand new springtime view,

  Each time I think of you awhile.

  In summer roses I see you.

  Red autumn leaves or a harvest moon,

  Or a snowy winter scene view,

  All make me wish to see you soon.

  I give my heart for that reason.

  So many things have shown the way.

  Your dear voice in any season,

  Is like music within my day.

  I know you gave me your heart, too,

  Showing me your sweet, deepest love,

  Just like a dear best friend would do,

  Just like an angel from above.

  Devotion that you give to me,

  Is sincere and does not vary.

  Your steady plan’s a guide for me,

  To lead me, my sanctuary.

  Part Two

  Chapter Eleven

  A robin near Blue Slough shared its springtime song, over and over, to the delight of its listeners, who silenced their conversations to hear it, at times. It was during one of those songbird serenades that John reached into his pocket and produced a carefully wrapped dill pickle, which he then handed to Rachael. Her sweet laughter filled the air at receiving his green gift, yet, that was not the only surprise he had for her this Easter Sunday.

  “Look.” He pointed, as she received the tangy treasure and prepared to take a bite, savoring it. A couple stood at the entrance of the shaded, tree-lined park. To her surprise, the gentleman was Monty. She saw that he had obviously bid on and was taking a picnic basket from a young lady in a pretty, spring-green dress. When they turned, Rachael called in delight, “Phoebe!” There stood her sister.

  John waved, then reached out to shake Monty’s hand upon his arrival. “Well done, my friend.”

  “How did this happen? When did you arrive?” Rachael laughed, as she hugged her sister.

  “
Mr. Davis kindly sent his carriage for me and I arrived late yesterday,” Phoebe informed her.

  “You came yesterday? Come and sit.” Rachael motioned to a floral quilt where her picnic lunch John had bid upon was scattered. “Tell me all about it. Where did you spend the night? Why didn’t you come to visit me last night?” Rachael was full of questions. “I dare say, I had no idea you were coming. I am thrilled!”

  “It was late afternoon when I arrived. I was tired. The carriage let me off at Pastor and Emma Hoover’s to keep the surprise visit a secret. Dr. Monty Graham arrived and had dinner with us shortly thereafter. The Hoovers and Dr. Graham are all such nice people, Rachael, and I love the twins.”

  “John, what a surprise, and did Monty know of it, too?” Rachael asked, almost hurt by the two men deceiving her. John Davis looked sheepish and spoke nary a word. The Hathaway sisters now glanced at the Hoovers and their two youngsters. Minnie and Quinny were very happily entertaining Lily with their new colorful, egg-shaped, stuffed toys made for them by their mother for the three children. Minnie promptly gave Lily hers and the toddler giggled with joy and ran to show her father, Nanny Rachael, and Uncle Monty. She was shy about showing Phoebe, though, since they had not met.

  “So, you came with them today?” Rachael asked, while giving Lily some tasty bites of food.

  “Yes, and Lieutenant Graham met us here and he immediately bid upon my picnic basket lunch Emma helped me to prepare this morning,” she quickly explained, motioning her sister away, pointing to some blooming daffodils, so others would not hear their conversation.

  Her sweet laughter filled the air at receiving his green gift, yet, that was not the only surprise he had for her this Easter Sunday.

  “He’s so handsome, Rachael,” Phoebe whispered. “Do you know him? He must be single.”

  “Do you really think he’s handsome?” Rachael teased. “Yes, I do know him,” she laughed gaily, because at this very moment she was promising herself never to tell her sister that Lieutenant Monty Graham had actually kissed her. The two sisters gazed fondly at the lieutenant, who was by now playing with the children. “He kept the secret well about your arrival, didn’t he?”

  “Yes, and he is handsome, and he did keep the secret,” Rachael’s sister emphatically replied, “and so did I.”

  “Well, shame on you, Phoebe,” scolded Rachael. “I would have liked to have known that you were coming to visit.” Rachael then turned to the pastor’s wife. “Emma, you’ve really surprised me!” she called, as her new friend happily unpacked her picnic basket onto a pink and white quilt. Then a real celebration and reunion began that Easter Day, in the shade of some old growth oaks at Blue Slough Park.

  “Thank you, everyone, for my surprise of a lifetime! I’m so happy that my sister is here!” a thrilled Rachael announced, putting aside her hurt feelings.

  “One of many, my dear,” Dr. Davis quietly took the liberty of saying, which embarrassed Rachael beyond words, making her wonder just what he meant.

  A rosy-glow-blush colored her cheeks. Of course, she couldn’t ask him about it at this particular time, in front of everyone. Besides, she was too busy visiting with Phoebe, Emma, and John’s staff, caring for Lily, and delighting in the twins’ antics, to question John Davis any further. To Rachael, this was bliss.

  “I didn’t think you would come until the holidays. How long will you stay?” Rachael then wanted to know, while she tried to feed Lily. “I’m so glad you came now to enjoy this fine weather we’re having.”

  “I could not resist when the invitation was extended to me by telegram from your employer, when he assured us of your safe arrival,” Phoebe explained. “We set the date for me to come, and luckily, here I am. I don’t know how long I’ll stay, however. My satchel and bags are at the Hoover home. They match yours, Rachael,” she excitedly told her sister, as she accepted a wrapped sandwich from the lieutenant.

  A slight breeze cooled them and conversation ebbed while the group enjoyed it and nibbled at their food. Dr. Davis finally broke the silence. “She may stay as long as she likes,” he informed the sisters, in his quiet, polite manner, as he held Rachael in his gaze. “Magnolia Gardens is always open to all of your family and friends, Miss Hathaway.” Appropriately, he introduced his arriving parents and grandparents to Phoebe.

  Something in his warm smile spoke volumes today, at least to Rachael. His invitation announcement seemed sincere. It touched her heart to know that he would welcome her friends and family at his home place. “I appreciate your invitation extended to my family and friends, sir.”

  “It’s John, remember?” He whispered, leaning toward her.

  She smiled, rose suddenly, and ran after Lily. “Wait for me, little one!” she called, laughing.

  “We have fresh doughnuts for dessert,” Emma Hoover called to her, while uncovering the dozen delectable delights. The children gathered and were served first, before the plate began to make the rounds.

  “It’s my favorite food, Mrs. Hoover. Thank you,” Lieutenant Graham said politely, as the tray reached his hand. He offered some of the ring-shaped cakes to Phoebe first, which seemed to delight her. Then he passed the tray to Rachael, saying, “You must all come to Fernhaven.”

  John changed the subject with a discussion about archaeology, with Monty and Pastor Hoover. “I have found fossils protruding from the earth after a long, rainy spell, when the pond water finally receded.”

  “That’s exciting. I imagine that would be an excellent time to find them,” Pastor Albert Hoover replied. “Rains do wash the soil and cause erosion. When that earth dries, no telling what we could find.”

  The group then gazed at a flock of singing geese high in the cloudless sky. “Isn’t spring wonderful?” Phoebe Hathaway happily asked.

  “Oh, we have geese here all winter long, with many other birds, including hummingbirds,” John explained. “They winter over here, and I’d love to find some bird fossils, someday.”

  “Yes, and after a mud flow or a landslide would be a good time to look for some, I believe, John,” Monty declared.

  “Well, I’d love to find anything ancient, actually.” John was remembering Rachael at the pond and her interest in fossils.

  Their conversation interested her. Yet, she was preoccupied by her sister’s presence, questions and answers, and making sure Lily ate a proper meal, along with her doughnut.

  Soon, the children wanted to do some somersaults in the nearby clover. John and the Hoovers gave their approval, while all of the adults agreed to help watch over them, to keep them only a few feet from the blankets. Everyone laughed at the children’s lively antics and laughter. When Rachael studied her employer’s face, she saw a certain amount of contentment there. Seeing Lily happy with her friends gave them both a sense of peace, happiness, and satisfaction, a perfect spring awakening.

  “I think other ancient artifacts might be unearthed someday near my watering hole, as Miss Rachael Hathaway refers to it,” John stated, with a grin. “No telling what we shall learn.”

  Rachael laughed, yet for some reason she suddenly remembered her gift for Lily, which she somehow had managed to bring today. “May I give Lily her doll now, Dr. Davis? I finally finished her clothes,” the young nanny quietly explained, although she already knew the answer.

  “Of course,” he replied, chuckling. “You needn’t ask for my approval, Rachael,” he said warmly.

  “Lily, I have a surprise for you.” Rachael called to the little girl, but then was dismayed that she didn’t have anything for the other two children. Instantly, she nearly regretted her announcement, until she remembered the soft candy in her pocket. “I also have something for your playmates. Bring them over, please, honey.” Carefully, she broke off tiny bits of homemade candy for the sweet tots.

  The toddler hurried to her friends and took their hands.

  “Oh, by the way, Phoebe, speaking
of surprises, Wren came to visit. He’s coming back soon, according to his last letter” Rachael informed her sister, loud enough so her employer heard every word. “I can hardly wait.”

  “I hope he comes while I’m here,” was Phoebe’s cheerful reply.

  “I hope so, too,” Rachael responded.

  “So do I,” John Davis remarked, causing the nanny to laugh.

  The children were holding hands, walking in a circle when Rachael noticed them. So, she called to them. They continued holding one hand, as they quit playing, and slowly, shyly edged their way toward Lily’s nanny.

  “What is it?” Minnie asked, cocking her head a little.

  “It’s candy. Is that alright, John, Emma, and Pastor Albert? I should have asked you first, of course.” John’s first name just seemed to slip out, but Rachael did not change it to a more formal version, which made her sister jerk her head to study Rachael’s eyes.

  Rachael laughed quietly at her sister’s reaction. Leaning toward Phoebe, she whispered, “Sorry, I did not mean to shock you, sister dear.”

  “We certainly must have some catching up to do later today, don’t we, Rachael?” Phoebe insisted.

  “Yes, we certainly do,” Rachael agreed, holding out her hand to the approaching children.

  “Yes, Rachael, Lily may have some candy. It’s an annual celebration, after all,” John replied, silently hoping to inform everyone that they were now on a first name basis.

  Pastor Hoover also approved the candy. “That’s fine, Miss Hathaway. They will enjoy it. Thank you very much.”

  Rachael beamed. The pastor had put her at ease as far as the candy for his children was concerned and John Davis had put her at ease for using his first name, unexpectedly, in front of everyone, by using her first name, as well. Surprises never cease, she thought to herself, when you live at Magnolia Gardens.

  Monty continued the conversation about ancient artifacts. “I’ve never found fossils at Fernhaven. Yet, that might be because I’ve never really diligently searched. I always did have an interest in them, too. That doesn’t mean that Charles and I couldn’t look for them on the property, someday, though.”