Sanctuary

by Alene Adele Roy

  He laughed. “I appreciate your suggestions and your humor. I must say, I was thinking of taking up the mandolin myself, someday.”

  “Well, that day is here, for I shall instruct you momentarily,” she chuckled, while carefully waltzing with his pie.

  At that moment, John came to Rachael’s side. “Rachael, darling, look who is here.” He pointed to her brother, who was standing nearby, holding pies in both of his hands, a guest whom they thought had declined tonight’s invitation to stay with his family at Bower Farm. Instead, Rachael’s family was with him, and she was thrilled.

  “Look! They’re all here! I must find Viola and Phoebe! Will you help me?” she asked of her soon-to-be fiancé, and taking her hand, he agreed to do so. After finding her sisters, the reunion with their family was sweet. All of the guests were overjoyed at the Hathaway family’s appearance, which John had, of course, arranged in secret. Rachael’s family was equally joyous, as she spoke of her and John’s betrothal promise this evening and of their upcoming Thanksgiving engagement. Just then, she realized that she still wore the ring. “See?” she asked proudly, while showing it to her family members.

  Most of the men, except for Buddy and John, were still on their knees, giving John support in his proposal and enjoying it. He quickly went to help his grandfathers to their feet and motioned to the others to rise. Yet, some ignored him, lost in their own resulting, romantic rapture.

  “Thank you for this, grandsons,” John Senior sang to John and Emery, while sweeping his hand toward the crowd of friends and well-wishers. We greatly appreciate it,” he responded, nearly choking up with emotion.

  It was Miss Callie’s sweet question that came to those kneelers’ rescue. “Does anyone want pie?”

  So, as the sun set gloriously over shimmering Black Woods Pond, seen from several living room windows, the waters fairly glistened in so many jewel colors that it fairly took the breath away, just as what was happening inside did, too. All at once, the choir gathered in front of one of those windows and began warming up their voices with sweet tones. When Aggie heard them, she excused herself and rushed from the kitchen to take her place at the front of the singers, as choir director. Once there, she leaned toward them to say, “Perhaps we should have named our song “Rush To The Rug.” The choir laughed happily as she began the song with the downward motion of her right hand, and coached the singers to humorously gesture to the tune they were singing. At the same time, the men came off their knees and stretched, and the ladies laughed in delight, while John Davis III and his staff served jewel-colored fruit pie to their guests, while the choir sang:

  “Will You Marry Me?” He Asked

  “Will you marry me?” he asked, and I have to ask my heart,

  Do I miss him very much with the two of us apart?

  He is now upon his knees. Can I see him in my dreams?

  Does he really make my day, and bring about daylight moonbeams?

  Should I answer him with “Yes,” and hold out my very hand,

  To begin our lives anew and hope he’ll always understand?

  Should I take more time to think or should I change my name to his?

  Should I change from miss to Mrs. and always cherish his kiss?

  Should I waltz again with him and tell him I shall let him know,

  When the dance is finally o’er and our feet begin to slow?

  If I close my eyes just now, do I see him pictured there,

  Because, if I do it means I will always know I care?

  Should I answer him right now? Should he be my darling dove?

  Should I give to him my heart? Should I pledge to him my love?

  So, I did and here he is, right before me on his knee,

  For, he wants to marry me, and be my own sanctuary.

  Part Three

  Chapter Twenty One

  “Could we stroll for some air?” Rachael asked John, nodding toward the veranda after finishing a lively polka, a European dance, which they and many of their guests heartily enjoyed. That dance took much energy, though, with its quick steps in 2/4 time. They both were out of breath, laughing, just as their happy guests were. John quickly nodded and placed his hand under her elbow to help Rachael move through the joyful crowd. Guests greeted them as they passed by several couples and her delighted parents.

  “We probably should have sat that one out, John.”

  Monty patted him on the back exclaiming, “Nice work. It’s a great turnout! We raised a goodly sum for the needy. I gave the funds to your father, and by the way, congratulations on your engagement.”

  John explained that it would actually occur in November, on Thanksgiving Day, for certain, although Rachael still wore his ring, which thrilled him. He didn’t ask for it back. Monty then turned to ask his dance partner, Miss Phoebe Hathaway, if she would like a glass of tea and to meet some of his other friends. She happily agreed to both suggestions, to Rachael and John’s delight.

  “It’s a wonderful cotillion, doctor, one I’ll not forget,” Rachael whispered, as they stepped onto the veranda, into only slightly cooler, evening air. Birds flew in all directions from the terrace vines, which sheltered Look Nook, named, appropriately, by John in his youth, for its welcome views. Hand in hand, they strolled into the gardens and saw others doing the same. They watched a ruby-throated hummingbird settle into its nest in the honeysuckle. Butterflies and dragonflies soared in search of nectar and insects. In a burst of breeze, blossoms blew from roses and clematis vines, to join them on Indigo Path and on the terrace. “I’ve really enjoyed this day and evening. It was so nice of everyone to help,” she declared. “I just love this time of year, with all its beauty. Look at the blossoms blowing, and my family is here, too! Thank you.”

  “When will you call me John?” He kissed the hand which held the ring. “Just love every season of the year, Rachael, because we’re together.”

  “I shall call you John, darling, for I remember you as the one with all the secrets. But, I’m learning some of them. Oh, I must now give the ring back until November.” She began to remove it.

  “No, we have promised betrothal, Rachael, and I couldn’t be happier. I’ll share all of my secrets with you. But, please, wear your engagement ring. Don’t give it back. We can formally announce our engagement on Thanksgiving Day, if that is what you wish.”

  “I believe that to be appropriate, and I am so looking forward to it this autumn. Secretly, though, I shall begin wedding preparations soon. Thank you. I shall wear the ring.”

  In Indigo Gardens they kissed. Slowly, they retuned to stand on the veranda to make a few future plans, but others joined them. Candlelight lit their happy faces from a tabletop display near them.

  “I can hardly wait for fall, too,” he admitted, as he pointed to an owl landing on the barn roof.

  “Shall we sit?” She extended her left hand toward a table decorated with a scented bouquet of rose blossoms and sweet pea tendrils, showing the hand that held his ring, and soon, a wedding ring.

  “Yes, let’s do. My leg has been paining me some tonight,” he confessed, then thought better of it. After all, he did not wish to worry his sweet bride-to-be with this soon-to-be-resolved medical problem.

  “That polka probably didn’t help it at all.” Rachael hesitated, not sure whether she should ask to see his healing wound or not, thinking it would be awkward to approach the subject, although he had mentioned his pain. Together, they watched, thrilled, as dragonflies soared closer from Black Woods Pond. The creatures hovered nearby, as if investigating them. Others landed upon potted plants or on the veranda furniture, making them laugh in delight at the small insects lively antics in flight. “I can’t wait to show Mother and Father your Dragonfly Pond. I wish we’d been able to go see The Ten Day Lake, though, and The Secret Tunnel.”

  “We will. Dragonfly Pond is our pond, though, darling. Would you like some
cold tea now? It is rather warm tonight. I shall try to take you to the lake and secret cave next week.”

  “Thank you. I’ll have some water a little later,” was her quiet reply. Right now she was focused on his features, his face and lips, and the way the breeze tried to carry away a few loose strands of his hair. She held his hand, and thanked him for her wedding gown. Just then, a stab of pain hit him and he grimaced.

  “In just a few short months we’ll be gracing the third finger of your left hand with a wedding ring, my love. I’m glad you like the gown. I’m not looking upon it too much tonight, only your sweet face.”

  “I can hardly wait, but it won’t be in a few months, John. I thought we agreed to wait.” Her heart pounded a lively beat, mimicking a hummingbird’s wing beat, as she thought of their wedding. “I’m so excited, yet, I have nothing to give to you in return,” she whispered, smiling.

  He kissed the ruby ring on her right hand, a Christmas gift from her parents, and then the one on her left hand. “You’ve promised your love, Rachael. That is enough for me. It’s all I could wish for,” was his gentle response to the woman he loved. He leaned the rest of the way to meet her lips with his, in a brush kiss, the slightest of touches. Then, they again repeated that magic.

  Something in her heart knew this night had been the right time to promise to marry, and pledge her love. “I gave my promise and it’s time to plan our future together. Let’s have a daytime wedding. Mother, Father, Grandmother Rachael, and Great Aunt Millie will be delighted to have you in our family.”

  “A daytime wedding it is.”

  “I’ll be Mrs. John Davis soon. Rachael Hathaway Davis sounds nice, too, doesn’t it?”

  “Yes, you will be both, but when shall we marry, in the summer, autumn, winter, or springtime?” His voice took on a serious tone, since he really wanted her answer.

  “That’s an important question. I don’t know.” Actually, she did know what her heart was set on. A meadowlark and a wren interrupted, though, singing their cheers from a nearby field of gently swaying grasses. For awhile, John and Rachael were silent, enjoying the rapture which came with this new commitment. They and the others watched a deer family rise and meander through Northfield, soon to be filled with hay bales. Those critters scared a covey of quail, which took to short flights near the deer, causing the couple to cover their mouths, stifling laughter, so as not to scare any of the beautiful creatures.

  “Look! A Great Blue Heron, with its large wingspan, is now sweeping over Morning Meadow. Rachael, would you please stay here tonight? It’s a peaceful place. I want to make sure that my grandparents get settled. If they need anything I can fetch it at the market in the morning. I also want you to see the glorious sunrise over Black Woods Pond at dawn. We’ll continue to plan our wedding, too.”

  She raised an eyebrow, questioning. He obviously did not know of her plans. “I shall be staying here. I’ve already been asked to stay by your grandmother, Hattie. So, yes, Phoebe and I will be staying, though I’m not certain if I will be up at dawn. In fact, I rather doubt it, after tonight.”

  “I beg your pardon,” he replied, not wishing to scare away his future bride, or embarrass her in any way. “Of course, we shall have separate bedrooms, my dear. The guest rooms have already been made ready, and there are a number of them, since my grandparents always wanted family members to stay here as often as possible. Monty and Emery are staying with me. My parents will be here, too, or at my place.”

  At that very moment they were interrupted by Crane, who apologetically approached John. “Doctor, there is a gentleman here to see you. I don’t know if he is an invited guest. His name is Mr. Bradshaw, but he doesn’t appear on the list.”

  “Please show him out here, will you, Crane? I don’t remember that name on our guest list, either.”

  “I don’t, either. Perhaps he’s with the sheriff’s office and it’s about your horses,” Rachael offered.

  Moments later, the man approached John with an outstretched hand and a warm smile. “I am Francisco Antonio Bradshaw, an ambassador for royalty, sir. I have been asked to bestow a most prestigious honor to Dr. John Davis The Third of Magnolia Gardens, this evening. I believe that is you, sir.”

  He seemed polite enough. However, John and Rachael were skeptical, astounded by his words. John rose. “Sir, I am Dr. John Davis III, and may I introduce you to my intended bride, Miss Rachael Hathaway. We are newly promised, just this evening. We have not set the wedding date yet, though. Our engagement will be official this fall. Now, may we know why this honor is being bestowed on such as I, since I must say I’ve done nothing to deserve it? Perhaps you mean my father or grandfather. Tea, sir?”

  “Yes, thank you. I’ll have a spot of tea, please. First, Sir John The Third, I assure you I shall not divulge your precious marriage secret, and congratulations are in order. Secondly, I’m not at liberty to explain about the honor at this time, except that it comes to you with certain privileges ~ the ability for travel accommodations, or to study with certain biologists, archaeologists, doctors, inventors, or statesmen, and housing as guests, in certain areas. It might even be a honeymoon consideration.” The gentleman thanked Crane for the tea.

  Wide eyed, John Davis looked at Rachael in disbelief and smiled. “I can hardly believe this.”

  “How shall you bestow this honor, sir?” Rachael wanted to know, being somewhat protective of her new future groom, especially since he was injured. Concern was evident in her voice.

  “I have the Golden Treasure Chest, Shield of the Blue Knight, the Crown of CastleBlue, a rare coin, and the Golden Medallion to present this evening. I would prefer to do that in the presence of your family and friends. It makes the giving, and perhaps even the receiving, that much more special. Tonight does seem like the perfect time for this, sir, and Miss Hathaway, especially on the lovely evening of your cotillion and wedding promises, a very special time, indeed.” His smile was genuine and most convincing.

  His mention of their upcoming engagement thrilled Rachael. A wave of excitement again flooded throughout her very being. John took her hand in reassurance of what this evening held for them, and she thrilled to the promises it represented, from and to John. She could hardly wait to further visit with her family about these unexpected new developments, nor could she wait to begin planning for that happy, future wedding day. Astonishingly, her groom would also receive several surprise gifts on this evening of promise.

  “We are amazed by your offer, I assure you,” John told the new guest, as they shook hands again.

  “May contentment be yours,” Mr. Bradshaw told the happy couple.

  “May it also be yours, and please visit me at home next door at Magnolia Gardens,” John invited.

  “Yes, viewing your home and gardens would be contentment on my part, but may I go back on my word and have the privilege of announcing both your award and your splendid betrothal promise? It would make this weary traveler happy, indeed, to be a small part of such a wonderful occasion on such a promising eve.” Sipping his tea, the man gazed across the fields, with their great waves of billowy, ripe grasses. “That’s a breathtaking view appearing around Black Woods Pond and the horizon. What a lovely setting this is.”

  Rachael studied his face, and thought she knew him from somewhere. Was it the market?

  “I believe the guests already know of our engagement. Still, it’s up to you, Rachael,” John replied, referring to his proposal, not wishing to embarrass her any further, like he had unintentionally done earlier, on his knees, in front of everyone. He was ever so glad she’d accepted, though, with her promise. “They’re excellent hayfields with hardly any thistle. We’ll be haying soon for record bales this year, I believe.”

  “I wonder if they’re cutting and baling hay at home?” Rachael pondered aloud.

  “There’s always a need for good hay. We don’t know what winter season will pose for o
ur livestock or wildlife,” the guest ventured to say. “I’m going to fill my hayloft and then also leave some windrows and small piles, for feeding the local deer and elk, to get them through the winter. I can certainly spare some.”

  “I have the Golden Treasure Chest, Shield of the Blue Knight, the Crown of CastleBlue, a rare coin, and the Golden Medallion to present this evening.

  “Good for you. My family also leaves hay for the wild animals, Mr. Bradshaw,” Rachael informed him.

  John agreed with the plan. “I will, too. This is my grandfather’s place, Mr. Bradshaw. I live next door.”

  “I shall come to call one day soon, Sir Davis.”

  “Please do, but I’m not a sir, just a doctor.”

  The three rose to rejoin those inside, with Rachael taking the liberty of going straight to the musicians and requesting a short fanfare. She next hurried back to John’s side. They held hands and he quickly kissed her on the cheek before many noticed their re-entry. After a lovely, short, lilting melody, all became quiet. Guests turned, silently wondering about the visitor and what his role might be this evening. They did not have long to wait before an announcement came. Mr. Bradshaw stepped forth, giving some kind of intricate, jovial salute to the eager crowd, which was well received. In return, they loved it, cheered, and applauded him.

  “It is with great pleasure that I, Francisco Antonio Bradshaw, a visitor from some distance away, have joined you tonight. I’ve been given the privilege and distinct honor of announcing to all gathered here this evening, that your very own Dr. John Davis M.D. has been bestowed the honor and title of Knight Of CastleBlue, for service and selfless acts, studies, and deeds, above and beyond the call of duty, and what was expected of this fine gentleman. He joins the ranks of others in this realm, by his giving, and he will have the privileged opportunity of meeting with some of them in the future. I can’t speak highly enough of his meritorious service for all of us, nor divulge more details at this moment. Yet, over time, you will all learn of his capabilities, humanitarian and environmental efforts, and some of their results, on your behalf. I give you the Golden Treasure Chest, the Shield of The Blue Knight, the Crown of CastleBlue, the royal coin in your likeness, and the Golden Medallion, to use however you wish.”