Tattered & Torn

by Carol Dean Jones

  She reached in and pulled out a small appliqued quilt which she laid aside. “My mother made this one. I added it to this box after mother died.”

  “But this,” she said before pulling out the second quilt, “was made by my great-great-great-aunt, Madeline Rainey.”

  It was Sarah’s turn to gasp and grab her heart. “Memories!” she exclaimed. “It’s the other half of Memories!” Sarah sank into a nearby chair. “I don’t understand. Where did you get this?”

  “It was passed down in my family. I wouldn’t know anything about it if it weren’t for the Bible that was in the box along with the quilt.”

  “The Bible?” Sarah repeated with astonishment.

  Virginia reached into the box and pulled out a very old and ragged Bible held together by a black silk ribbon. She carefully opened the Bible in the middle and handed it to Sarah. Sarah read through the carefully written names and dates, going back to the early 1800s. She recognized some of the names as being ones Paula had found along with the dates of their births, marriages, and deaths. She saw little Nicholas’ name, Annie and the twin boys as well as Madeline’s sister, Mabel.

  A list of other relatives followed that Sarah didn’t recognize, most likely those in Mabel’s branch of the family, leading to Virginia. “Mabel was my great-great-great-grandmother,” Virginia said proudly pointing to her mother’s name. Moving her finger down a line, she pointed to Madeline’s name. “And Madeline was her sister. Madeline made the quilt.”

  “How do you know that?” Sarah gasped.

  “By reading this,” Virginia responded, handing Sarah an old discolored envelope that was tucked in the back of the Bible. Sarah was afraid to open it for fear it would crumble in her hand. “It’s okay,” Virginia said. “Just open it carefully. I’ve only taken it out once.” Sarah carefully removed the several sheets of paper, obviously a letter written many years ago.

  “I taped the creases from the back. I probably shouldn’t have, but it seemed important to keep it from tearing,” Virginia said. “Take it out on the porch and read it. It needs to be read privately.”

  Sarah sat down in the swing where she had first seen Virginia sitting. She slipped on her reading glasses and began reading.

  I’ll be gone before spring arrives. I told them to put my grave next to Nicholas’ on the knoll behind grandpa’s farm. I’ll be the fourth to be buried in the family graveyard. Uncle John was first, then Mama, and finally my little Nicholas. The knoll has been cleared and planted with bulbs and wildflowers. It’s a mass of color in the summer, but in the winter it’s barren and cold.

  My family and friends will meet at the chapel for a solemn service. I wish they’d make it festive. My life has been shortened, but the Lord has been good to me, and I want the family to celebrate that.

  Last night I heard my sister, Mabel, whispering in the hall. She wants to bury me with my ‘Memories’ quilt, but I promised it to young Annie. I called out to Mabel, and she tiptoed into my room, whispering as if the sound of her voice might cause my death. I told her that Annie was to have the quilt.

  Mama and I started ‘Memories’ together in the fall of 1854 when Annie was only four. Annie made a few stitches that year and many more in years to come. The fabrics are from my dear children’s clothes and scraps from mama’s basket. Mabel spent hours working with me at the quilting frame after Mama was gone.

  Everyone in the family has a place in that quilt. They would sit around the fire at night while I was working at the frame and the children would squeal, “Look, that’s from my old dress,” or “Remember when Papa wore that shirt?” Annie could point to any piece and say who it had belonged to even though many of the people were long gone by then.

  She has a memory for things family. Annie promised me that she will keep the quilt in the family where it belongs for years to come.

  I had to set Memories aside when Nicholas was born. What with his sickness, my own weakness, and caring for the house and the other children, there was no time left for frivolous sewing. Not that year, nor the next for that matter. I often took the unfinished quilt out of the cedar chest and held it to my heart. Mama was gone by that time, but I could still see her in her tiny stitches. I finished it this winter -- just in time.

  Yes, I’m glad Annie will have the quilt. She’ll keep it in the family.

  Madeline Rainey

  February 2, 1859

  A note had been added at the bottom of the last page in a different handwriting dated October 4, 1861, and signed by Madeline’s sister, Mabel Rainey.

  “Today Madeline’s twin boys left to join the soldiers. Annie and I cut the Memories quilt down the middle and quickly added a binding to the cut edges so that each boy would have half of his mother’s quilt to remind them of their mother’s love. She died so young, leaving young Annie and the boys. Annie had promised to treasure the quilt, but she knew her mother would want Nathan and Matthew to have it with them to remind them of her love. We both cried as we cut the quilt and again as we watched the boys trudging down the dusty road with their meager possessions strapped to their backs.”

  Sarah sat feeling numb. Finally she stood and returned to the living room where she found Virginia with tears running down her cheeks. “It’s a sad story,” Virginia muttered. “I’m sorry to have to share it with you.”

  “I’m glad you did. I’ve needed to know.”

  They sat quietly for a while when Sarah suddenly looked up and said, “But both halves of the quilt made it back. That means the boys came home.”

  “No, my mother knew that part of the story. Only Nathan came home, carrying both quilts. He was with his brother when he died, but he had been buried by the time his quilt was located. Nathan brought it home with him, but he died shortly after from his own injuries.”

  “And they gave both halves to Annie?”

  “No one knows how that was decided, but each half ended up being passed down the two lines: Madeline’s line and Mabel’s.”

  “That seems only fair since they made it together.”

  “Now what?” Sarah asked, knowing that she should offer her half to Virginia.

  “I think we should take them into Hamilton to the quilt museum and tell them everything we know,” Virginia announced.

  “Oh Virginia, I think that’s exactly what we should do. How would you feel about giving them the letter too?”

  “I have no living children, Sarah. I’d be willing to donate the Bible as well. This is history that deserves to be shared.”

  Virginia stood and wrapped her arms around her new friend as they grieved for people long gone.

  Chapter 27

  Six Weeks Later

  Sarah and Sophie were sitting in two of the dozen or so cushioned wicker chairs the caterer had arranged strategically around in Sarah and Charles’ back yard. “The garden looks beautiful,” Sophie commented as she sipped her frothy island drink.

  “You can take that umbrella out of your drink,” Sarah said, noticing that her friend was having trouble drinking around it.

  Several people were arriving, and Sarah stood to greet them. She didn’t recognize any of the women but thought she had seen one of the men in Martha’s office. He approached Sarah smiling and introduced himself and his wife and the other two couples. “We’re the Lab contingency.” An attractive young woman who was with them held out her hand and said, “And I’m Sylvia. I think we met when you stopped by the lab last month.”

  “Yes, Sylvia. I’m so glad you came.”

  “We met a few men outside the chapel that introduced themselves as Timothy’s coworkers from the fire house,” Sylvia said. “They asked me to tell you that they were on their way. They needed to stop by the station first.”

  “So glad to meet all of you,” Sarah said. “They’ve set up a bar just over there,” she added, pointing to a man in a white jacket who was arranging glasses on the patio. ”Get a drink and find a comfortable spot to relax. Martha said she and Tim would be along soon. They’re
having a few pictures taken at the chapel.”

  “It was a lovely ceremony,” one of the wives said. “Thank you for including us. Martha said it was going to be primarily family and we were honored to be included.”

  “They both wanted a few special friends,” Sarah responded with a welcoming smile. “Come meet Timothy’s mother and daughter,” she added motioning for the group to follow her. Penny had joined her grandmother and was sipping a matching frothy drink with an umbrella, but without the alcohol.

  “Hey Sophie,” a young man hollered from the gate.

  “Those are the firemen we met earlier,” Sylvia said fluffing her hair and smiling in their direction.

  Sarah introduced the people from the Lab and was surprised to see the firemen crowding around Sophie, talking excitedly.

  Turning to Sarah, Sophie said, “Have you met this rowdy bunch?” She introduced them by name, to Sarah’s surprise. Sarah later learned that Tim had taken her to the station to see where he worked, and she had entertained them with her repertoire of greatly embellished stories about life in their retirement community.

  There were now a dozen people crowded around Sophie which, of course, put her in performance mode and within minutes she had them all howling with laughter. It was Sophie’s unique talent. She could find the hilarious side of anything, and in this case, she was describing how today’s party had grown from a casual wine and cheese get together to a full-blown catered luncheon.

  Sarah’s son Jason and his wife arrived a few minutes later, having taken the children to their other grandmother for the afternoon. Andy and Caitlyn came through the gate next, and Penny ran to meet them, leaving Sarah and Sophie alone again.

  “I could handle another one of these drinks,” Sophie announced as she held her empty glass in the air. The attentive bartender signaled and immediately appeared with two umbrella drinks, handing one to Sarah. “Your son said to bring you this.”

  Sarah thanked him and put it on the wicker table between her and Sophie. “It’s perfect weather,” she commented, looking up at the fluffy white clouds gently floating across a cerulean sky.

  “It’s been a perfect day in every way,” Sophie replied. “I wish there had been more people in the chapel to enjoy the beauty of it all. Your daughter was stunning, and my son was rather striking himself.”

  “He sure was, Sophie. He looked very dignified in that suit. But remember, a small ceremony was what they both wanted with just their closest friends and family.”

  “True, but they also wanted an informal get-together in your backyard, and I believe I see a linen table cloth and napkins, not to mention a handsome bartender and wait staff running back and forth.”

  “And who’s responsible for that?” Sarah asked with a playful grin.

  “Okay, I’ll admit there was a bit of devious meddling going on, but neither one seemed to mind.”

  At that moment the back gate opened, and everyone stood and began clapping and cheering. “That must be our kids,” Sophie said, wiggling out of her chair to stand. The clapping continued as the newly married couple walked across the yard hugging friends as they headed for their extremely proud mothers.

  “Where’s Charles?” Martha asked, looking around.

  “He and Norman had something to take care of,” Sarah responded. “They’ll be right back.” Martha gave her a quizzical look, but shrugged and noticed Andy nearby. Tim had already spotted him and guided her over to where Andy was standing. “Congratulations, old man,” Sarah heard him say as the men were shaking hands. She saw her daughter kiss Andy’s cheek and heard her giggle as he whispered something in her ear. Sarah knew for sure this was the happiest day in her daughter’s life.

  Not long after Charles and Norman returned, the caterer requested that the guests be seated for lunch. There were two long tables placed together to form a table long enough to seat all the guests. The table was covered with a white linen tablecloth, and simple centerpieces of red roses and baby’s breath were placed along the middle of the table every few feet. Martha had rejected the idea of place cards and encouraged everyone to choose their seat, but she had already picked places for herself and Tim on one side near the middle of the table and said, “You four sit across from us,” looking at Sarah and Sophie.

  “The four of us?” Sophie responded, looking confused.

  “The mothers, Charles, and Norman,” Martha replied in a matter of fact tone.

  “Norman?” Sophie responded.

  “Of course,” Martha replied just as Norman walked up behind Sophie. “Without that man we’d be sitting on metal folding chairs and eating cheese and stale crackers.”

  “Now Martha,” Norman responded in a diminutive tone. “You did it all.”

  “With your help, Norman, and your sense of style. You made it perfect, and I can never thank you enough.”

  Most of Martha’s coworkers found seats on Martha’s side of the table except for the single young woman, Sylvia, who found a seat in the midst of the firemen and was enjoying their raucous attention.

  Sarah looked around for Penny and found her at the far end of the table. “Why isn’t Penny up here with us?”

  Martha responded, “She wanted to sit with Caitlyn and Andy. Besides, she’s taken a liking to Scott, the young fireman sitting next to her.”

  “She’s too young to be taking a liking to anyone,” Sophie grumbled but got over it immediately when Martha asked Charles and Norman where they had gone.

  “We went to pick up dessert,” Charles responded.

  “Dessert?” Martha repeated, looking confused. “We have a wedding cake for dessert.”

  “Not that kind of dessert,” Charles responded.

  Martha looked at him curiously, but ultimately shrugged and picked up her fork.

  The caterer had served the first course consisting of a thick slice of red tomato and an equally thick slice of mozzarella with basil olive oil drizzled over the top.

  Two young men serving as wait staff filled their wine glasses in preparation for the toasts.

  Later when the main course arrived, Martha smiled with pleasure and sent Norman an appreciative look. The elegant plate featured a large split puff pastry filled with flaky salmon in a cream sauce and accompanied by dark green asparagus and a rice dish with almonds and dried cranberries.

  Everyone lingered over their meal, clearly enjoying a pleasant afternoon. After the dishes had been taken away, a simple wedding cake was brought out and placed in front of the wedding couple for Martha to cut. She sliced a piece and fed it to her new husband while everyone cheered and applauded. “I wonder what your elderly neighbors are thinking about all this?” one of the firemen said to Sarah.

  The caterer returned and took the cake into the kitchen, quickly returning with her staff carrying trays with slices of cake for everyone and several pots of coffee. The bartender followed with a bottle of Kahlua for anyone who wanted their coffee spiked.

  Relaxed and well fed, the group remained sitting around the table long after all evidence of the meal had been removed. They laughed, told embarrassing tales on both Timothy and Martha, and generally just had a great time. Sarah noticed that Sophie and Norman were holding hands.

  At one point Charles stood and said, “Martha and Tim, I know you said that you didn’t want gifts, but this isn’t exactly a gift…it’s more like a replacement...”

  “What?” Martha said looking confused. “A replacement? Don’t tell me you want to take away that gorgeous quilt Sophie made for us,” she cried. “I’ll never give it up!”

  “No,” Charles chuckled. “We aren’t going to replace your quilt. What we have in mind replacing is your plan to drive out to the lake for a few days.”

  “With what?” she asked, tilting her head not quite sure what was going on.

  “With this,” Charles said as he handed Martha a brochure describing a tropical beach resort in Bermuda. He then handed two tickets to Tim. “Your flight leaves at noon tomorrow, and Sarah and I
will pick you up at nine so don’t stay up too late.”

  There was a bit of snickering at the firemen’s end of the table.

  Both Timothy and Martha were speechless. “But my work…” Martha started to say.

  “Covered,” her boss called from the other end of the table.

  “And I have…” Tim started to say.

  “Covered,” came simultaneously from three of the firemen.

  Timothy shook his head and appeared to be overwhelmed. He could only mutter, “This is too good to be true.”

  Martha began reading through the brochure. “Look Tim, white beaches, a tropical island, snorkeling, and boating excursions. Oh and look, the resort has a spa, their own restaurant overlooking the ocean, island tours…oh Tim, look at the rooms!” She leaned over so he could see the brochure. He kissed her cheek and looked at her with such love Sarah thought she would weep. Sarah reached over and took her husband’s hand, and they looked at each other, both knowing they couldn’t have found a better gift.

  “Oh,” Martha said, suddenly remembering that she was now a parent. “What about Penny?”

  “Covered!” Penny called from the other end of the table.

  “What do you mean covered?” her father asked in a firm parental tone.

  “We’ve worked it out. I’m staying for three days with grandmother and three days with Caitlyn.”

  “You knew about this?” he asked, turning to Sophie.

  “Sure did, and you thought I couldn’t keep a secret.”

  “And you knew too, pumpkin?” he called down to Penny.

  “Yep.”

  “Wow. What a family,” he responded shaking his head. “Thank you, Sarah and Charles. This is way too much, but we appreciate it more than you can imagine. It’s the perfect beginning to a perfect life.”