Sanctuary

by Alene Adele Roy

  “Homemade apple juice is the beverage of the day, since I enjoy an old apple orchard at Fernhaven.”

  “I love the beautiful tablecloths. They’re so elegant, crisp and white,” Phoebe offered, by way of a compliment. “They remind me of a wedding.”

  “Oh, why, thank you, Miss Hathaway. My mother chose them for our picnic and reunions.”

  “Why is this area called Mellow Maples, Monty?” Rachel questioned. “Is that a specific species of tree?”

  “No. When I was young and searching for a perfect picnic place here, we learned that the knoll over yonder and the evergreen hedge made this maple grove a focal point at Fernhaven Pond. They nearly stop the wind around it, providing a mellow climate for picnics. It’s been a sheltered, shady nook for our gatherings ever since, surrounded by these ferns,” he explained. “Our Fern Flush spread rapidly, flowing down to the knoll and to the welcome pond, after we planted a few varieties of them long ago. It must be a natural habitat for them, or close to one. I know they appreciate shade, yet will tolerate some sun, as well, as long as they get plenty of water and mulch. Sometimes they turn brown if they receive too much of the drying summer afternoon heat, however, especially if there has been little rain. Watch, the fern fronds barely sway in the breeze, and if they do happen to take to fast flights, we head for the house pronto. That means an unexpected storm must be approaching. I haul dogwood leaves to the ferns in autumn, and they seem to like that. It gives them natural nutrients for good growth when the leaves break down. Also, the ferns and leaves provide places for wildlife to roam, hunt, scratch, search, and eat insects, just as the fallen maple leaves do under the trees.”

  After a scrumptious lunch, they adjourned to walk across the long lawns near Fernhaven Pond, and throughout the gardens. Monty favored an English garden plan and effect, mimicking his ancestors’ gardens in England, he explained. Generously, he offered plants to all in attendance. If a guest asked for one item, he mentioned digging three, saying that three would make a ‘much finer display’ at Magnolia Gardens, Bower Farm, or Apple Valley Ridge.

  Next, with the sun high and hot, even under parasols, they quickly went inside for another fireside chat, which was surely becoming a splendid tradition for this particular circle of friends. “We shall forego my planned croquet games, due to harsh sun.” It was then Monty noticed that John was pensive and silent. He asked him to speak first, about anything, saying it was good for the soul, as well as the soul mates.

  “Okay,” John began, slowly. “When ripples came up this afternoon on Fernhaven Pond, for some strange reason I harked back to a certain day.” He tried to explain. But then he grew silent once again, causing them to wonder, since words did not come easily.

  “What day?” Monty questioned, playing the role of an inquiring best friend, host, and brother.

  “It was a day not so long ago.” The retired Army captain spoke quietly and slowly, very unlike his usual manner amongst his friends, except when he was conversing with Rachael Hathaway, that is.

  “Is it a bad memory?” Miss Callie wanted to know. Being a longtime friend, she felt she could ask.

  “No, Miss Callie, and yes.” He surprisingly contradicted himself, as if in some kind of conflict. “This sounds strange. I know that.”

  His friends stayed silent, waiting patiently so he could decide about just which details he wanted to share with them. John appreciated that in his friends, while he struggled.

  This must be something important, Rachael mused, as she held a sleepy baby Lily and waited for her employer to clarify his thoughts. This was obviously something they had not yet discussed.

  “Today, your pond seemed like that stream, the day I saw it floating.” He gazed out a window to Monty’s colorful gardens and Fernhaven Pond, remembering.

  At this time, Rachael proceeded to speak, because with the baby nodding into sleep in her lap, she was nearly ready to return to Magnolia Gardens. “Is this about your wound, sir?” She dared to ask.

  She read my mind. Her soft voice broke through my distant thoughts and sights of the billowing flowers in Monty’s gardens and reflective pond waters. I have to answer to reassure her. Yet, he hedged. “It’s about a message in a bottle floating in Upper Stream. Unfortunately, I never learned what it said, because I couldn’t catch it. The current was too swift. But, I’ve often wondered who wrote it and what its message would have revealed. So, I vowed then and there that I would have fewer secrets in this world, if I returned safely. I promised myself that I would, most always, speak openly to try to get my message across to the listener, plus, my friends gathered around me, instead of keeping things bottled up. I have tried to keep that vow.” He smiled, while gazing upon his Lily and Rachael.

  Chapter Eighteen

  “What a great story!” Amber Worthington exclaimed. Others, fascinated, nodded in agreement.

  “Oh, it is quite true, I can assure you, and there’s more,” John informed his spellbound friends, as if now was his time to share some of his secrets.

  “Tell us about it, please, Cousin John,” Emery pleaded, since he had never heard him speak of this incident until now. He was intrigued by the revealing of a message in a bottle in a faraway stream.

  “That was the day I was injured.” He really didn’t want to burden them. So, at this time he focused on their faces, and saw friendship there.

  A hush enveloped his friends. Rachael was surprised, not expecting him to speak of his injury. Sympathy for him tugged at her heart. Surprisingly, Phoebe came to her side to place an arm around Rachael for moral support. Next, she lifted the baby and began to walk with her. Rachael appreciated the kind gesture. Now she could fully focus on John Davis. Her appreciation showed in her smile for her sister, as the two exchanged knowing glances. After all, Rachael had informed her about the special feelings she had for John. However, Phoebe already knew of it, even before she learned that Harry would never become a suitor to Rachael. That’s why she had smiled the day of Rachael’s revealing of her feelings.

  “Do you want to talk about it or not, John?” their host asked, sensing that his friend had already made peace with that day long ago, yet wanted to speak about it today, amongst friends, in order to put aside any lingering feelings associated with it. It was entirely John’s choice and chance.

  “You don’t have to,” Phoebe whispered, while stopping her walk to sit with the sleeping Lily.

  He smiled at her cradling his child. “Thank you.”

  They waited, eager to hear more and listen intently.

  “But you could,” Rachael quietly coaxed.

  “Yes, because I want you to know that when I was in the hospital I didn’t dwell upon it. Instead, I thought about returning to all of you, and also about that interesting glass vial with its contents, a message inside for someone, drifting, in that small, clear, rushing stream, in a meadow so beautiful in shades of lavender and pink clover, that it reminded me of my own grandmothers’ gardens. I also thought of the mother duck with her baby ducklings happily swimming there. I threw my crusts of bread to them. They reminded me of home, Dragonfly Pond, with mothers and little ducklings I’d seen swimming in the waters. Those babies reminded me of my own baby. All of those memories, and Buddy and Monty, really helped during that brief, yet very painful part of my life.”

  They all smiled, while also thinking of how pleasant memories had helped them in difficult times.

  “That’s wonderful,” Rachael quietly avowed, as she carefully took Lily from her lovely sister.

  “Animals, people, and memories can do just that for us, lift us to a higher, happier plain,” Amber explained. “I know how some of those very same things helped me after the loss of my own beloved husband. I would watch tor owls soar at twilight time and smile when they screeched their evening calls to me. Sunset became a beautiful time, which helped me cope again. I’d walk in the gardens of Apple Valley Ridge and enj
oy happiness with my own sweet Mother. She and you are the ones who helped me try to heal. You, flowers, birds, and animals were the frosting on my healing cake.” She then gracefully held out her hand to her mother, Crystal, seated across the room, then went to hug and kiss her best friend.

  “Thank you for sharing those very beautiful, profound, and touching thoughts with us, John and Amber,” commented Emery, visibly touched by what he’d just heard from two of his closest and dearest lifelong friends. Amber then came to hug him. She whispered, “Please, Emery, don’t be offended by my mention of Jake.”

  “I’m not,” he whispered, to set her mind at ease. “You know that. We’ve talked about it.”

  “Now let’s plan our fundraiser. Rachael and I have talked of a cotillion, an informal dance with a picnic preceding it, just before sunset. There will be time to stroll in the gardens. It’s about time for new beginnings.” John began, sharing details about the evening he was so looking forward to with Rachael.

  “Yes, let’s,” Amber whispered in approval. “Let me know how I can help, John and Rachael.”

  The nanny was shocked and delighted to be included in Miss Worthington’s thoughts.

  “That sounds wonderful to me,” Cousin Emery agreed. “What can I do? I can bring food!”

  “I thought you might help me build a small, flat bridge and paint it white, to place for guests entering the gardens by the side yard, instead of through the house,” John informed his cousin.

  “That sounds great! When do we start?” Emery rubbed his hands together in anticipation and joy.

  “Soon,” John answered. “It’s to be held in a couple of weeks, if the ladies agree, since the weather should be good and I’ll feel like entertaining by then, plus, we shall have returned from our journey.”

  “We agree!” his cook answered, speaking for the others. She and John’s help had stayed silent during his unexpected story, yet, now it was time to speak, time for excitement. “What do we need to do?”

  “Just prepare some food, please,” the young doctor replied with a wink and a smile. “We’ll decorate. Well, you may certainly help, if you wish. Oh, someone needs to write and send invitations.”

  Everyone glanced at the nanny and her charge.

  “If Miss Rachael volunteers to do it, we should all help her, John. It could be a daunting task, depending on the size of the gathering,” explained his cook.

  “You’re right, but she has not volunteered,” he informed them. “We’ll discuss it later.”

  “I’ve already pressed some flowers for it,” Rachael happily confided. “I shall be glad to make the invitations and look forward to it. Anyone can help, though.”

  John glowed with excitement and love for her. “We could go for paper tomorrow, if you’re free.”

  Phoebe came to the rescue. “I would love to watch Lily while you two are gone, if I may.”

  “Oh, that would be perfect. I can tell that she really likes you,” John said, complimenting his guest. “Your sister and I won’t be gone long. We shall return before lunchtime, Phoebe.”

  “Yes, I will be available, then,” Rachael agreed, getting excited about the prospect of it.

  “We might also look for lanterns for on the terrace,” John told Rachael, and she nodded, obviously quite liking the idea. “I believe we have six tables to adorn, and we’ll set one lantern near the entry.”

  “Why don’t you light the entire Magnolia Gardens and paths for the occasion, John?” Monty suggested. “I can just see that. In fact, I have some lanterns you may borrow, instead of buying them. I’ll send them home with you tonight. Could you help me round them up before it gets too dark, Emery?”

  “I certainly will, Monty,” was his reply.

  “May I go, too?” Phoebe asked shyly, to Rachael’s surprise. “I’d love to see your barn kittens.”

  “Of course you may, Phoebe,” Monty replied with a smile. Over his shoulder he remarked, “John, if we only had time to build a locomotive, wouldn’t that be an appropriate garden feature for you?”

  “Yes, indeed, it would be. Yet, lumber and metal are hard to get just now, Monty, my friend.”

  Emery now had a suggestion. “Monty, since you promised Amber a fern for her Apple Valley Alpine Gardens, may I dig that soon so we won’t have to do it in the dark? Just show me where to dig.”

  “Good idea! Should we get one for each side of your bridge, John, to enhance your side entry?”

  “That would be wonderful. Thank you, Monty. I like your lighting and landscaping ideas.”

  Being very organized, their host took Amber, Emery, and Phoebe directly to his shovels, then he showed them his collection of lamps. They selected a dozen to send with John. A ball was imminent.

  Just days before the event, one evening, John asked Rachael to walk to the pond. It had been a tough day. The baby was teething and fussy. People had dropped by with questions or answers for John, plus his leg was still paining him. He had much on his mind. Yet, as usual, he felt refreshed at the wetland waterhole, and always, in the company of Miss Rachael Hathaway. However, this time, there was a shocking new development to further test their nerves, as a rainy day mist surrounded them.

  A ghost appeared from the fog at the pond. She didn’t see it. He did, and he went to fight for his lady’s life. One blow from his shovel sent the white alligator retreating into the marshes, back to his bog in Black Woods, perhaps. John held Rachael tightly afterward, as he guided her back down the path to the manor, assuring her that “I’ll find the animal and transport it out of the area, so it will never bother you or anyone else again. I’ll also search to find any others,” he assured her, and with help, he did.

  The Magnolia Gardens Summer Cotillion was a huge success, although delayed by Monty Graham’s illness and the tiring searches for John’s horses. Frequent journeys had not resulted in locating John’s prized animals, although many had searched diligently. Yet, Dr. John Davis wished to reward the searchers efforts, kindness, and devotion. So, he invited his family, friends, and neighbors from all across the Twelve Ponds Territory to come, and they obligingly did, to celebrate this enchanted evening with him.

  Many insisted that they wished to donate money or garden produce to help him or make it a charitable event. Funds and food from it would certainly help someone, and so it was decided upon, without him even saying a word about it.

  “Rachael’s invitations are a huge success, regarded most highly amongst members of our community and the merchants,” Amber told her friends that afternoon, including the owners of Merry Market and Market On The Main, further exemplifying Rachael’s work. Each owner of the two stores asked to carry the stationery in their markets and Merry Market would also place it in their Bower store.

  Rachael was delighted, and also had individual orders to fill. After the ball, in her spare time, she planned to be extremely busy, including creating the wedding invitations for Crane and Miss Mariah. Thankfully, Phoebe had offered to come to her rescue once again. “I’ll help with the stationery or care for Lily, whichever you need,” she informed her sister.

  However, that all changed the day Monty took ill, just days before invitations were mailed for the cotillion. Because Monty was so weak, he really needed a nurse for awhile. Some thought Phoebe might wish to go help tend to him, and in fact, his new friend was more than anxious to hurry to his side. He actually had his helper and cook, Charles Earl, there with him. But since Monty could barely lift his head from the pillow, Phoebe had much concern when the message arrived at John’s residence one morning, announcing his illness. She desperately wanted to go to help Charles keep an around-the-clock vigil.

  Fortunately, for her, Cousin Emery and Amber Worthington came to call at Magnolia Gardens that very day, as if sent by an angel. Instantly, they insisted upon transporting Phoebe to Monty’s side. They also agreed to stay indefinitely, as long as they
were needed at Fernhaven, until Monty was right again, which greatly relieved the rest of the minds in the close knit circle.

  “I can help the poor chap to bathe, and prevent him from falling,” Cousin Emery offered.

  They all silently agreed with nods of their heads, for it was indeed a frustrating and fearsome time for these friends and a fragile period in the life of one, Lieutenant Monty Graham, as well. “It’s a generous offer for a great friend, Emery.” John revealed his thoughts on the subject in thanking his cousin for his intended service to Monty. “Thank you so very much. Please keep us well-informed of the developments there, will you, and don’t take sick yourselves? Let me know if I can send anything over there.”

  Some days passed. Rachael continued her work on the newspaper and wedding invitations, plus, cared for Lily. John was consumed with searching for his horses with friends, planting and watering crops, and building his new entry bridge, with the help of Crane, Buddy, and Pastor Albert. Luckily, for Rachael, the housekeeper and cook also helped her with Lily, and somehow, John also found time for Rachael, collecting and pressing flowers of an afternoon, reading in the evenings, with the baby often at their side or in their lap, and Crane and Miss Mariah nearby for moral support and consultation about the cotillion.

  Surprisingly, as Rachael’s profits at the secret oak tree cavern and in the markets continued to accumulate, John’s coffers dwindled alarmingly low. Her success gave her confidence to continue doing both jobs, although she would have also gone to Fernhaven, too, to help the lieutenant. Still, she knew her job and place was here, with Lily and John. As nanny, she was now teaching Lily words and sounds by reading to her, plus, the doll had quickly bonded their friendship. For now, Rachael was content with those facts. Her prior sewing and babysitting experience had surprisingly helped with her nanny position, she was certain. Even her boss had been impressed with the doll and new friendship between his daughter and her nanny. He said so several times. This did make Rachael feel more welcome and needed here, for now.