Sanctuary

by Alene Adele Roy

Rachael began to read aloud so John and Hattie would also learn of the sender’s purpose and Robert’s visit:

  “’Dear Children,

  Your Grandmother Rachael has fallen and she remains pretty quiet and inactive at this time. The doctor thinks she may have suffered a stroke. Yet, we are not sure. Please do not fret. This letter is simply to inform you of her condition, since I felt you should know. She eats well and talks some, but has some difficulty walking and speaking. Our best is sent to you.

  Love, Your Mother and Father

  P.S. Robert, we’re delighted with your beautiful Robin. Rachael, give our love to John, and I hope your quilts are coming along nicely and will sell. Phoebe, you must write me all about the cotillion and Fernhaven. Viola, your former fiancé has stopped by to ask about you twice now. I told him very little, only that you were visiting family. How is Antonio?’”

  Rachael slowly placed the letter into her lap and stared at it.

  “Don’t fret, dear.” Hattie leaned toward her to whisper to the obviously alarmed Rachael. “Remember, that I myself had a stroke last year and here I am, back home where I belong. I’m sure your grandmother will do the same. Give her time.”

  “I do think that is where I belong, too, back home. However, I’m torn, I dare say, for I want to stay and tend your wound, John,” Rachael admitted, while pointing to an amazing phlox-butterfly combination in Hattie’s side garden near Black Woods.

  Suddenly, an owl perched high in a nearby tree sounded an answer. “Who, who, who.”

  “Just now, that owl reminded me of who I really am ~ a Hathaway.” She paused to point toward it in the treetop. Then she refolded the letter. “My people need me at this time, I feel, for, I am my Grandmother Rachael’s namesake, very close to her. A reunion with her must be imminent. It may be just what she needs. Therefore, if you will excuse me for awhile, John, I’m going home. Married or single, I would go. She’s my grandmother.”

  “Of course, darling, you must go,” was his quiet reply. “I understand completely, and only wish that I could travel with you. For now, though, I shall stay and deal with anything that arises about your well-drilling plan, if you trust me.”

  “Of course, I do,” she answered, taking his hand. “You just get well, please, while I’m gone.”

  “I’ll take you home, Rachael, but we must find out first if Viola and Phoebe wish to go,” Robert explained, as Hattie served him a glass of milk and a saucer of apple slices and cookies. “Robin already knows I’m going.”

  Rachael nodded her acknowledgement of the facts. “I’m sure they will wish to go. I’m going upstairs to pack.” She picked up her glass and lunch plate and turned to go.

  At that very moment, John’s grandfather appeared after his walk. “The fields are ready for cutting, Miss Hathaway,” he informed her.

  “I appreciate hearing that, Mr. Davis, because I know all about haying. I’m a farm girl,” she responded, warmly. “Perhaps our fields are ready for cutting at home, or maybe the grass is down already, or baled.”

  “Of course, you would know about haying,” he replied. “It’s a pleasure having you here.” Hattie then went to him to explain about Rachael’s imminent departure.

  When Viola and Phoebe returned from the village, they understandably wished to leave immediately. The packing was done quickly and the group left abruptly, leaving behind several quiet households, all with occupants hoping and praying for a good outcome for Grandmother Rachael of Bower Farm.

  “It’s true. She is more quiet than usual,” Phoebe told Rachael with concern in her voice, after pulling her sister aside from the others shortly after their arrival. “She is not acting quite normal, is she? It’s her speech, isn’t it? I’m worried.”

  “So am I. It’s her balance, too. But, say nothing, for we can’t let her know of our suspicions that she has suffered a stroke. She may be just overly tired. Let’s unpack and have lunch as planned,” Rachael suggested. In the hallway they learned that Viola had the same concerns, yet Mother was optimistic.

  Later, after dishes were cleaned and the food was set in ice until supper, grandmother and granddaughter went for a stroll, arm in arm, just like old times. “Us Rachael’s have a bit of catching up to do, Grandma. I value your opinion and I am newly promised to wed Dr. John Davis, MD. of Velvet Villa Village. Yet, should I marry someone so far from home, Grandma?”

  Her grandmother was silent for only a few seconds. “How great is that love, Rachael? Do you miss him? Do you need him? Will you see him again? Do you wish to return to work for him?”

  Rachael smiled, radiantly. “Yes is the answer to all of those questions. You’re the same sweet grandmother I adore,” she told her, and they hugged. “The love I have for John cannot be measured, it seems. I miss him every moment I’m not with him, and I do need him. I shall see him again. My life is not the same without him, and I never expected it to be like this. I shall return to work for him again soon.”

  “I understand that you have worked very hard for him, both before his injury flare-up and afterward. So, yes, you should marry this special someone so far from home who delights you, and visit us often,” was her loved one’s sage advice. They sat in chairs under a shade tree for the longest time, where Rachael explained her other hopes, dreams, and plans, including the mission of the wells.

  “I believe those wells can help our world become a sanctuary, Grandma.”

  “I believe you’re right, Rachael.”

  This became a ritual for the pair, their walks and talks after each meal. Mother, Great Aunt Millie, Viola, and Phoebe joined them often. In the evenings, Father and Robert did, too, although during the daytime they shared work on the farm or in the barn. Hay was down and needed turning. Neighbors often helped each other with those chores, and sometimes the three Hathaway sisters briefly watched the proceedings from the edge of the fields, or gathered eggs, fed the chickens, or picked vegetables, fruit, or flowers. It seemed like old times to Rachael, and was good medicine for the ailing family member they all loved so dearly. Little by little, she was gaining strength and her speech was returning, easing fears. Her balance had improved and her speech. So, if she did have a stroke, she was now recovering nicely.

  Rachael kept quite busy, visited Swan several times, and conversed with her and the family about wedding plans. She also received telegrams and love letters from John, which absolutely thrilled her. It was good to be in love, even though it would bring about changes. One summer day, however, she was visited by Harry, after he learned that she was home again. It was her welcome hug to him that was nearly her undoing.

  “Rachael!” She heard her name called by a familiar voice. Yet, she wasn’t quite sure who called it until John Davis surprisingly appeared, with a look of utter disgust upon his face. Quickly, she ran to hug and kiss him and make the introduction she dreaded. Shortly thereafter, the doctor asked to speak to her in private. “I’m very surprised and disappointed, Rachael.” Concern and anger were evident in his voice and mannerisms, and upon his face. The young nanny was constantly studying mannerisms these days, since Monty’s wise revealing insight into the value of doing so some time ago.

  “I am, too.” She swallowed hard, nervous in his presence for the first time in a long time.

  “Is there something I should know?” He was brief, challenging.

  “Know that you look wonderful, John, and I love you.” His silence after those words proved she had to do something more to put his mind at ease. “Let’s step over to the old swing near the long vegetable garden,” she requested. Once there, she came to him and kissed him tenderly.

  His response was unexpected. “Surprise! I’ve come with several things to discuss with you. Monty is here, too.”

  “He is? Where is he?”

  “Where do you think he is? He’s with Phoebe, wherever she is.” His tone was not a cordial one, although his kiss had been war
m and reciprocal, she realized, and he had lovingly wrapped his arms around her in a warm embrace, which said even more.

  “She and Viola are in the house preparing lunch. We’re feeding a haying crew, including Harry. I made biscuits and was about to cut the salad greens. Being in your arms feels just right, though, John. In my mind, there is some hope for us, still. So, don’t be too angry with me. At least you didn’t turn and leave to go back home. One small hug from my neighbor should not dissolve the love we have for each other. If it does, ours was not a real love, for love should be stronger than that. Do you wish for your ring back?”

  “Our love is stronger than that. No, I do not want the ring back. Yet, it’s upsetting for me to learn that you were in Harry’s arms,” was his retort.

  She looked away for a solution. Finally, she removed the ring and held it out to him. “Here, John.”

  He slowly took the mounted gem and replaced it upon her finger. “No, Rachael, darling. I do not want this ring back,” he whispered close to her lips, as he carefully slid his hands from her arms to her shoulders for another warm embrace and a very passionate kiss. “Come, let’s sit on your screened porch, please” he suggested, while holding her very close. “I’ve come a long way to see you.”

  She held out her hand and took his. Breathless from his unexpected passion and pleased to have the ring back, she whispered, “Tell me all of the news. Something must have occurred that isn’t mentioned in your letters or telegrams, to bring you here. I loved those. That hug from Harry was nothing more than a friendly ‘Hello.’”

  “Yes, something has happened, Rachael. We have some problems about the well.”

  Smiling, she inhaled a deep breath to keep from becoming dizzy with rapture at his unexpected appearance at her home. “I noticed that you used the word ‘we,’ not ‘you.’”

  “Yes. One problem is the transportation of supplies. The bids came in very high, which would have turned out to be very expensive. Another problem is the location. Chief Morning Star wants it moved before it’s even begun. Therefore, he has invited us to a pow-wow, an American Indian celebration and discussion. We are to celebrate with him and his people and some other tribes and Indian nations.”

  “That’s wonderful! I am so thrilled! I’ve never been to one. I am perplexed, though, by the new developments, the high bids, and needed change in the well location. I am delighted, though, with the invitation. But let’s forget the well for now. Directly, I want you to know that my Grandmother Rachael thinks I should marry you, although our home would be miles from Bower. She asks only that I visit often.”

  He remained silent, intently studying Rachael for a few moments, while sitting very close to her. Fortunately, his pleasant smile betrayed him. He took her hand. “We can manage that.”

  “Perhaps your anger, which I feel is unjustified, is dissipating then, and you will soon forgive me. Now that Grandmother Rachael is much improved, I would like to accompany you back to Magnolia Gardens, without regret,” she informed him.

  “We can manage that, and there is nothing to forgive.” Slowly his lips met hers and his kiss was just as passionate this time, as the previous one.

  Upon their arrival at his home, she asked, “May I see your wound?” He agreed. So, for the first time since before her departure, she saw it, and what an amazing miracle of transformation she laid her eyes upon that fine day. “I can hardly believe how good it looks.”

  “I applied the Aloe Vera several times a day in your absence, just as you had done while playing the role of my sweet nurse. The inflammation and infection are nearly gone. The pain is gone, as well. Now, it just itches,” he remarked with a laugh.

  She laughed at his comment, too, as she applied another dose of the healing balm.

  “My healing enabled me to travel to you,” he told her with a relieved smile, obviously glad she was back in his own territory and home.

  “I’m so glad you’re nearly healed and that you traveled to get me, John. I missed you dreadfully.”

  “By the way, the flower seeds from Crane and Mariah have germinated in our gardens and in my parents and grandparents’ gardens, as well. It was a very generous gesture on their part to give them, and they’re growing!”

  “Yes, it was. I’m thrilled. I can’t wait to see them. Let’s give flower pouches at our wedding,” she announced happily. This began a long, welcome, detailed discussion about their upcoming nuptials.

  “My best man is Cousin Emery, with Monty, Buddy, Crane, Robert, and Sheriff Joe for ushers.”

  Rachael smiled. “Then, I’ll ask, oh, dear. Who shall be my maid of honor? I have two sisters.”

  “You may ask them both!” He solved her problem instantly.

  “Oh, can I do that?”

  “Of course, you can. It’s your wedding. Do it your way. Monty could escort both of them and you could ask two or even more of your friends to be bridesmaids. Or should we ask Antonio to escort Viola?”

  “Antonio!” She grabbed John’s hands in delight. “I believe that a romance could develop between the two of them. I’d also like to ask Emma, Amber, Robin, Aggie, Mariah, and Swan, to be my bridesmaids. That’s more than two, isn’t it, though? I thought we were going to have a double wedding with Monty and Phoebe! Have they agreed?” It was a healing time for the pair, and joyous conversation ensued while working out the details of their special day.

  “That does present a problem. We’ll ask them again, and I’ll ask Antonio and Albert to usher, too. I’m sure they both will.”

  “It will be difficult to ask Phoebe, for she’s still at home.” Rachael sighed. “I forgot to ask her, but I can write my questions to both her and Viola.”

  “Rachael, darling, we are getting married, with or without them. Send a letter. But by now Phoebe may very well be with Monty at Fernhaven for a visit.”

  “That’s true. I hadn’t thought of that. Do you really think so?”

  “Perhaps she’s visiting him. Have you removed the red lace from your wedding gown and replaced it with white yet?”

  “I doubt if Phoebe’s at Fernhaven. No, I haven’t had time to remove the lace,” she replied rather bewildered. “While you were ill and my sisters were here, and while at home, I was cutting quilt blocks. I didn’t have my dress with me at home, and haven’t had time to shop for lace yet. You know I left Black Woods Castle almost as suddenly as I left Bower Farm to come to work here in the first place.”

  “Yes, I know. Thankfully, you didn’t have your dress with you, or I might have lost you to, what’s his name?” His thoughts turned to seeing Rachael in Harry’s arms, but just for a moment, because she interrupted that train of thought he was having.

  “John, I did create your map while I was away, and I had fun doing so, too. I was thinking of you endlessly. I’ll get it!” Rachael hurried to her room and trunk, where she had placed their secret item.

  Unfortunately, he laughed uproariously upon its inspection. Map details were not the representation he had expected.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked in wonder, almost hurt by his reaction and attitude.

  “Well, it’s nearly correct. However, there are a few misconceptions, things slightly out of place. But I like it. What is this heading about, though, ~ ‘Treasure Map At The Secret Garden 1818’? That is a little before our time, Rachael, don’t you agree?” He chuckled, while studying her lovingly created work of art.

  “Well, the title gives it a little distinction, mystery, and excitement, don’t you think? And if a robber found it, he would search an area somewhat different from where your treasures will be hidden.”

  “Oh, I see. It’s a chart of deception. Yet, it’s fun. We’ll know exactly where the treasures are, anyway.”

  “John, isn’t it just for our own use, in case we forget where we’ve placed those treasures, or for Lily, or your heirs? We can simply place a star where they
really are!” The idea made sense to her.

  “Yes. I agree. I could not do a better job myself. We should hide it in my locked desk or in a book, in case we forget where we’ve placed the coin, crown, Gold Medallion, shield, and treasure chest.”

  “The shield is so large. It could probably hang upon your library wall for all to see, don’t you think? Let’s hang it now! Can we?” She was excited by the prospect of it.

  “Of course, we can. That’s an excellent idea.”

  Days later, they were fortunate enough to be able to study other amazing shields and emblems, as Chief Morning Star’s people and other tribes gathered for the powwow near the village. It was said by Rachael Hathaway to be ‘a most wonderful gathering and learning center for me,’ with a suggestion that another one take place someday. Music, dance, food, and many different cultures and dress were featured. This was a very happy time, a time when Rachael and John felt honored to be able to sit down with the chief and some others to decide just where a well should be placed, which would benefit many of them.

  She, especially, was happy that this took place, because now they could concentrate on finding an appropriate place for the new well, and perhaps a route and way to more easily move the pump and supplies, as well as get the well drillers into the area. Together, a group walked to Blue Slough, with Morning Dove beside Rachael. They had occasionally spent time together in each other’s gardens or on the road when Rachael replenished her stationery supply in The Hiding Tree. The chief’s wife had often asked about John’s condition, and she and her husband had briefly visited Rachael often, inquiring about John. They had discussed favorite foods, clothing, travels, home, flowers, children, and animals. A warm friendship had developed between the two women.

  “Will you marry soon?”

  “Oh, I’m not sure if we shall marry this year or next. I believe we should wait until next holiday season,” Rachael confided, although not quite sure if she should be doing so. Yet, perhaps it would be a good idea to get another opinion on the matter. “Should we marry soon, Morning Dove?”