Sanctuary

by Alene Adele Roy

  “We may have to relieve Miss Callie, Crane, and Mariah of their duties and let them go, Emma, because of our financial situation,” Rachael sadly confided, in a quiet corner of the church, just after they had completed the final judging. As they sipped water, she revealed, “I just don’t know where they will go, however, since there is not a single house available for them in this vicinity right now, much less jobs.”

  The two women had had quite a task and challenge before them in choosing the agricultural fair winners. Just now, they were delighting in a little much needed rest, while watching the happy and surprised expressions on the faces of exhibitors, as the doors were opened and they were allowed back inside the sanctuary to see the displays and prize ribbons for the first time. It was an exhilarating day, just to see their responses, and have those folks know without a doubt that others had the greatest respect for all of their hard toil in growing and nurturing the agricultural items displayed. Yet, it was also a troubling time for the two, when couple after couple approached them to ask if they knew of a house for rent or sale.

  “It’s a growing community, for sure,” Emma reported, in between greeting exhibitors. Wiping her weary hands on her apron, she sighed, as if a great weight was on her mind. One was. “Your comment does make me worry about John’s staff and where they will find a new home, Rachael,” she admitted.

  The nanny wiped her brow with her pale pink hanky. “It is a great dilemma for us, too, for this should be a time of rebirth, restoration, rebuilding, and renewal. It’s sad that we cannot take strong measures and all who need housing into our homes, isn’t it?” she lamented.

  Just then, Aggie Hoover and Amber Worthington rushed to the two of them for hugs, prompting Emma to announce, “Your hydrangeas won the blue, Amber, and we were fair about it, too. Aggie, your favorite rose won, as well. We didn’t even dare peek at the names until we were finished, did we, Rachael?” Emma chuckled.

  “No, we didn’t. There was a lot of competition here today, but you two did well.”

  “I’m relieved in knowing the hydrangeas are worthy specimens, since I plan to use them as our wedding flowers,” Amber excitedly revealed, although Rachael had already heard this delightful fact and smiled at the revealing of it to the others.

  “Next month let’s have a sewing fair!” proposed Aggie. “I have some competitive embroidery!”

  “Now, that’s a good idea,” agreed Emma. “Shall we do that, Rachael?”

  “Fine, but I want to be an exhibitor, not a judge,” she remarked with a laugh. “I think that’s only fair.”

  “That is fair, so perhaps I’ll ask Miss Callie and Mariah Emerson to help judge, since I believe Robin Bradshaw may wish to also exhibit some of her fine work and not be a judge.”

  That evening, the subject of housing still weighed heavily on Rachael’s mind, as the nanny approached her fiancé at dinner about the matter. “If we let Miss Callie, Crane, and Mariah go, where will they go, John?” Rachael whispered, leaning close to her future partner. “I’ve seen no house available.”

  He took her hand in his. “I’m not sure, but I am dedicated to their well being. I will not put them out on the street, Rachael, even if I have to work more hours at the bank or open my medical practice earlier than we discussed. However, I do know that Charles Earl is romantically inclined toward our Miss Callie. Monty told me as much at Bower Farm. So, perhaps she will go to Fernhaven, if Charles asks her to marry.”

  “Do you believe that a wedding is imminent for them, and what about Crane and Mariah?”

  “No, I don’t believe a wedding will occur soon,” he replied, with a droop of his strong shoulders. “She’s quite independent and loves it here. We’ll just have to wait and see. As for the young Emersons, I don’t know. I do believe that Cousin Emery could rent them a room, if needed. They might not prefer that, though, since it would not be the same as having a home, unfortunately. I’ll further ponder the matter.”

  “That is exactly why I have a concern about housing now, John. Your staff’s need and some exhibitors at the Agricultural Fair asking us about homes for rent or sale today, have certainly opened my eyes and brought the issue to the forefront, in my mind, at least.” She was pensive and pondering the issue at hand, as well, since it involved people whom she cared about so deeply, their friends.

  “Were there really people in need of homes at the fair today?” he then asked in disbelief.

  “Yes, there were many in need of housing. I was amazed, and somewhat dismayed at having no answers for them. Therefore, I have decided that after our mortgage is satisfied and your museum completed, some of my earnings will go toward building homes, if you approve. That is my new goal and mission. It has to be, John. The need is great.” She was serious when she looked into his adoring eyes.

  “That is how it shall be then, dear,” he whispered, patting her hand lovingly. “We’ll plan on it.”

  At that moment, Amber’s comment about using her hydrangeas as wedding flowers reminded Rachael that she wished to return to the moor to collect columbine seeds to give as floral gifts to guests at their wedding. So, she and John kept their surprise a secret and swept away the next morning before the heat of the day. It was peaceful and quiet near the wetland, where the flowers grew. With only birdsong, the flapping of wings, plus an occasional call from waterfowl to keep them company, they went quickly, silently to their work. By carefully shaking the seed heads into their bags, they soon had enough of the wonderful plant seed to satisfy their need, and probably the needs of many happy little hummingbirds searching for nectar in these future flowers for generations to come. They were helping habitat.

  “This makes me so happy to do this for flora and fauna, John.”

  “I can just picture them in our family, friends, and neighbors’ gardens, Rachael.”

  Astoundingly, as they were about to depart, Rachael stubbed her toe on a mossy rock. When the stone overturned, she happened to glance at it, and low and behold, she made an amazing discovery. A fish fossil was imbedded in that rock. “John, look at this!” she called, holding her breath in excitement. “It’s a new, positive sign about your museum, for, it’s a fossil!”

  As he bent to view the ancient image, a huge smile graced his face. Hugging her to him, he laughed. “You’re right! So, our mutual dream and concern for ancient animals and plants continues, with this discovery, Rachael. I do believe that we shall have our museum, someday.”

  “This shall join the other fossil finds,” she declared quietly, just before he kissed her tenderly. Carefully, he picked up the well-preserved, aquatic imprint, a treasure from the past, to inspect it.

  “It is a fish.” He studied the remains from the earth’s crust. “How did you ever find it, love?”

  “I stubbed my toe on it, John. You must call me Mrs. Graceful Davis after we’re married.”

  He laughed. “Look! It’s in perfect form,” he announced delightedly. “I’d love to show it to an archaeologist or some other fossil lover. Thank you for stubbing your toe and noticing it. I only hope you didn’t hurt yourself.”

  “Well, my toe does burn a bit, but for good reason we can expect a museum now.” She was so anxious to tell him the truth ~ that she had put the museum plan into motion, with help from family and friends when she went home to Bower the last time. Yet, she did not dare spoil his surprise. “The bones, this fish, the dragonfly fossil, and the arrowhead are proof that we must show the world what lived here before, or at least our friends. This seals the deal for a needed museum, John,” she insisted, trying to reassure him, knowing full well that she herself had already sealed the deal for it. Wheels were currently turning in the direction of that structure, Emery’s wagon wheels, along with Antonio’s horses, hauling logs to Emerys’ Sawmill at Timber Lane Place from bountiful, Bower Farm’s Blueberry Bog, as they spoke.

  At the next gathering of their friends, for picnic and p
oetry under the trees near Saving Knoll, John and Rachael decided to include many of their friends, instead of just his cousin and Amber. John hadn’t told anyone, but they were also celebrating Rachael’s birthday. All of twenty now, she was so happy in love, and secure, unlike the scared nineteen year old who had come to work at the manor for the handsome, injured Army captain. Not only had she come to love him dearly, she also admired his family and friends.

  “A new life has unfolded for me here, unexpectedly, since I came to work at Magnolia Gardens. John saved our lives right over there during the flash flood,” she informed the group, pointing to the knoll.

  “Lily and all of us are so admiring of you, Rachael.” Emma verbalized her observations. “We are all so glad you came.”

  “She adores you,” Amber announced, adding, “as we all do.”

  “Please let us know what we may do to help for the wedding,” Aggie sweetly told her, while presenting a gift.

  Rachael quickly glanced at John, afraid he had given away the secret of her birthday. Yet, he shook his head ‘no,’ so she turned her attention to the soft, intriguing package in her lap and carefully began to unwrap it.

  “It’s for your honeymoon journey, a cloak. I stitched it myself. You know I love to sew.” Aggie could hardly wait for Rachael to open and inspect the garment.

  “That was evident at the Sewing Fair, Miss Aggie,” Buddy announced with a wink. “You took away several prizes.” It was obvious to everyone that he admired the woman, his new friend, with whom he had much in common. They now spent as much time as possible with each other. People saw them together everywhere. Everyone in their circle of friends, plus the choir, was waiting, hoping for news of a betrothal. “She’s now teaching me the mandolin.”

  “I wish I had not been too busy to participate in the fair. Perhaps I will next year. Oh, thank you so much. It’s lovely, Aggie. I can’t thank you enough,” gushed Rachael, feeling the soft, cream-colored, fabric by placing it against her cheek. “It shall warm my wedding day.” She held it up for everyone to view.

  A question was posed at that time. “Where are Monty and Phoebe?” Emma asked with concern.

  “They’re courting, I would imagine,” Cousin Emery ventured to say, as Rachael carefully folded the cloak and silently glanced at John to address Emma’s unexpected question.

  “They probably are courting, cousin. But, unfortunately, there won’t be a double wedding with us this year. They have informed us of that sad fact by written note recently. However, that will not stop our wedding plans for this upcoming holiday season, though,” he remarked. Yet, Rachael thought otherwise and shot him a puzzled glance, for she understood that they were waiting until next year to wed. “Don’t you all love Rachael’s scrambled eggs with asparagus and onions, everyone?”

  “Oh, that does remind me of something, John. Could we exchange some eggs for honey at the Crofts? I do love honey in my tea, and he’s a beekeeper, according to his wife.”

  Her question and comments set off a round of discussion, with many in attendance wishing to trade for Mr. Croft’s honey.

  “It could help them a little financially, too, or help fill their pantry,” advised Emma.

  “By the way, your steel plow was a hit in Twelve Ponds Territory this spring, John,” Buddy announced. “It greatly helped me and others prepare the fields for planting, which will, in turn, help a few other pantries.”

  “It also helped pay on the mortgage. So, thank you everyone who rented it, and thank you, Rachael. It was, indeed, a worthy birthday present,” John replied, blowing her a kiss. “Rachael’s berries are helpful, too. They’re loaded with berries, for some reason, and should reap a good harvest soon.”

  I’m so glad they also will provide funds for the wages of Miss Callie, Crane, and Mariah, Rachael thought to herself. That income could also help in the upcoming months when guests arrive for the holidays. This gave her a certain measure of peace.

  Emma sensed Rachael’s uneasiness about the double wedding idea being withdrawn by Monty and Phoebe, though, and the financial issue she had confided to her. Thus, she moved to sit with the young nanny, squeezed her hand, and began to examine the cloak. “I may wish to borrow this when first snow flies, my dear.”

  “I’ll make you one for Christmas, Emma.” Aggie whispered her intentions to her sister-in-law.

  Surprisingly, the next weekend, at a gathering at Magnolia Gardens, the double wedding dilemma was solved.

  “Do you care for blackberry pie, anyone?” Miss Callie asked, entering the terrace with Crane, Mariah, and pie slices.

  “Yes, thank you, Miss Callie. You saved my life,” Buddy answered, playing the comedian. Everyone laughed.

  “John and Rachael, I believe we can solve your problem of the double wedding,” Cousin Emery suddenly informed them, while accepting a piece of the luscious dessert from Crane.

  “How is that?” John asked. But, a thought occurred to him and he smiled back at his cousin.

  “Miss Amber Worthington and I would be glad to oblige your wishes for a double wedding at holiday time by being your other bride and groom and filling in for Monty and Miss Phoebe Hathaway.”

  Amber nearly choked on her pie. “What?” She laughed at the exciting prospect of it, yet appeared puzzled, giving everyone in attendance a clue that they had not yet discussed this.

  “Perhaps I should speak with my lovely bride-to-be, first,” Emery Davis sheepishly commented, as he went to sit beside her to try to make amends by whispering lovingly in her ear, planning.

  The aroma of the pies and freshly cut roses on the terrace tables wafted through the air, causing Rachael to comment. “This is a lovely gathering. I hope it won’t be our last one of the season.” In saying so, she was putting aside any double wedding discussion. She felt it should be dealt with in private, with just the four of them, to avoid embarrassing Miss Worthington. Guests took her cue, speaking of many other things, including food, upcoming events, travel if the railroad came through, reflections on agriculture, funny happenings, and their animals, plus Emery and Buddy’s corn mazes.

  “This won’t be the last gathering, I assure you, for it is my understanding that there is to be a Mayor’s Ball soon,” Aggie advised. “A birdie told me. But, for now, it’s to my home for a spaghetti dinner next Friday evening, please. You may arrive at five.” Buddy quickly agreed to bring vegetables.

  “Come for stroganoff the Saturday after,” Emma invited. “I’ll speak with my husband and give you the correct time at Aggie’s,” she told them. Pastor Albert added, “There’ll be horseshoes!”

  “It’s fish and fried chicken at Apple Valley Ridge the following Friday evening,” Amber happily informed them. “Come early.”

  Cousin Emery exuberantly offered, “I’ll become the host in early October at Otter House at Timber Lane Place for a corn maze walk and dinner afterward.”

  Buddy then eerily promised, “I shall host a mysterious Halloween gathering at Callahan Place on Mousefield Road late in October.” All were delighted with those revelations and invitations.

  “Thank you for a wonderful time,” Rachael told John after guests departed and she was snuggling in his arms. A peacefully sleeping Lily was cozily wrapped nearby with her doll. Rachael’s duties were finished for the day, except for tucking the toddler into bed, and John would help with that. It was time to relax. She sighed in sweet contentment just before John kissed her.

  “Do you think we should have that double wedding with cousin and Amber?” he asked, wondering himself if it was a good idea. “Or will it complicate things too much?”

  “It won’t complicate things at all. I think it’s a perfectly wonderful idea, if they’re eager for it,” Rachael responded.

  He reached to light the candle on the table in front of them. Its cut glass cylinder was a prism, bouncing beautiful beams of light in ribbons and stars around the ro
om, as if in celebration with them.

  “Perhaps we should discuss it with them over lunch and work out the details,” she suggested.

  He kissed her hand. “Yes, but you look fatigued. I insist that you take some time off to rest.” In an instant, they heard their cat meowing outside the door. “Hope wants in. I’ll attend to her. I don’t want her out at night with raccoons nearby.” He moved swiftly to open the door for her.

  “Thank you,” she told him, as her cat ran directly to Rachael and jumped into her lap. “Let’s walk to the pond and watch the dragonflies, if you’re not too tired,” she suggested. To her surprise, he declined.

  “We’re both too tired, Rachael. Let’s stay right her and fall in love all over again, my love,” he countered.

  “That won’t be too difficult,” she whispered between kisses. “Oh, we forgot to show them the ancient fish fossil we found.”

  “In time, we’ll show them, sweetheart. Right now I’m more interested in kissing than talking.”

  “John,” she finally cautioned him. “We must call it a day, a lovely day, and get some sleep.”

  “Not before I give you this. Happy belated birthday, darling. I wanted to give this to you in private.” From his pocket he retrieved a small, beautifully wrapped package with a pressed, red rose on top. “Kiss me, first,” he teased; so she did.

  “Another kiss, please,” he begged, moving the gift just a little closer to her right palm.

  She obliged, happily, as he placed the gift into her hand. “What is it? I love the pressed flower. You’re clever.”

  “It’s your birthday gift. It had to have a flower on it. I thought you might want to wear it when we wed, though, if you wish, that is.”