“You don’t find it too lonely?” Miss Emerson, the new teacher asked Barbara shyly. She was rather quiet, and this was her first year of teaching.
“No, we have books and the radio to keep us entertained, and there is always something that needs doing,” Barbara answered, realizing the woman was sending unconscious signals of attraction to her. That was a first for her. Previously, Marion had been the only woman that had ever come on to her. She wasn’t certain she wasn’t imagining it.
There was only one minor mishap when someone fell on the rocks, but first aid and an admonishment to stay off the wet rocks kept the children from more misadventures. They ended the afternoon with a couple ghost stories, then Marion and Barbara drove everyone back across the expanse of water separating them from the mainland. Originally planned as an overnight stay, the parents and teachers had decided a day of picnicking was best for this first year. Already, the children were planning an overnight stay for next time. Their parents would be relieved to learn those two “odd women,” who lived off the coast were okay. Their children came home late in the afternoon, tired but full of stories showing that all was good.
“I wish I could stay,” both Barbara’s mother and brother said as they left them on the pier in Franklin to make their way south to Massachusetts, first on the ferry and then by bus.
“She’s mellowed,” Brent admitted to Barbara when she got him alone and asked about her mother. She’d been expecting a confrontation, but instead, they’d had a mature meeting of two women, and it was quite a pleasant time as the two vacationed. They’d had to stay in the main cabin since the rentals were full, but their help in finishing the fourth cabin and getting so much done on fifth was appreciated. They also helped with the building on the beach. Barbara and Marion could finish up the details this fall and next season.
“Now, I want to come next summer, and I expect you to invite me,” her mother told her in a no-nonsense and demanding voice as she left them with a kiss on each check, including Marion and her children in her comments.
“Wow, that was actually a pleasant visit,” Barbara marveled as she watched her mother heading down the cobblestone street towards the ferry landing with Brent carrying their luggage. “Well, Brent did say she had mellowed. Man, that was a lot of help he gave us,” she admitted as she realized how much work the two of them had managed last year and how much difference a third and fourth set of hands made on the work. The two women had been repeatedly interrupted in their work by their guests but that was to be expected. Between taking one guest to the mainland to visit with a doctor and filling gas tanks once people with boats realized they didn’t have to go all the way to Franklin to get gas, they were kept busy all summer long.
“Fill up your tank?” The tanker boat had arrived to top off their tank. It stood on its stilts and was now hidden by the overgrown summer foliage on the beach. Marion paid the bill in full by check, pleased at the amount of money now in their bank account. They’d even managed to pay ahead on the loan and were well on their way to fully repaying it. Having a gas tank on the island was convenient. They didn’t have to worry about topping off their tanks in Franklin all the time and had sold a bit as word spread that they had a gas pump in their cove. They kept it locked for safety and security.
“I would say our first season was a success,” Barbara said as she came back from dropping off their last guests. She handed the mail to Marion, watching her face carefully. She knew instinctually the letter from her attorney probably wasn’t good news.
Marion saw her girlfriend’s expression and saw the postmark on the envelope. Opening it quickly, she scanned it and sighed. An informal hearing was scheduled for the next week. She handed the letter to Barbara, not saying a word.
“They didn’t give you much notice, did they?”
“Did you get a letter too?” Marion asked, surprised when Barbara held up a letter, this one from the State of Maine demanding her presence at the hearing.
Barbara nodded as she slid the letter across the table. She had waited because she wanted to read Marion’s letter. The lawyer’s letter didn’t make them feel warm and cozy, but at least it wasn’t as demanding. The letter from the state seemed ominous.
“Do we have all our bank records?” Marion fretted, worrying needlessly.
“We do, and I don’t think they will be disappointed. While we haven’t made a profit, we didn’t have too much of a loss, and next year will see us in the black with all the cabins rented.”
Marion nodded, folding up the letters and handing them to Barbara. She hated doing the bookkeeping, much preferring the busy work of building the cabins. She’d throw herself into doing that until they had to go into town for the hearing. Her lawyer said it was informal, but she wasn’t fooled. She knew her mother-in-law would show up to intimidate and bully her way through the court system. She wasn’t going to win, but Marion worried how it would affect her children.
Barbara watched sadly as Marion worked herself to a frazzle. Complete exhaustion was the only thing that allowed her to sleep. Barbara had tried to lift the burden from Marion as much as possible, but there seemed to be nothing she could do. She had even offered to move off island and break up, but that had only upset the blonde more.
“Don’t you see? This has nothing to do with us. It’s about her controlling things. She wants my children. Since we no longer live near her and she can’t keep an eye on them to make sure I’m not screwing up Brian’s children too much, she wants them completely. If she suspects more, she’ll use that against us, but so far, she has nothing. She probably speculates that our relationship is more, but there is nothing wrong with two women pooling their money and raising their children together. She can speculate all she wants, but she has no proof that it is more. To her, such a relationship would be unthinkable. She will only use that idea if she thinks it will help her case, and you and I both know they will probably ask.”
Barbara knew that was right, but she would do anything to make Marion happy. It had been a hard year and a half while building up the island, but the summer had been a success with only minor problems and things that would have come up anyway. She concentrated on making sure their books and bank statements were in order. She had dropped them off the day before the hearing for the lawyer to look over and picked up supplies while she was in town, Marion stayed on the island to keep working and try to forget what was coming up.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
They dressed carefully for court, making sure the children’s clothing fit them well...even Richard’s. The children had shot up so much in the last year and a half, and even the new stuff they bought was already starting to get small. Both women wore dresses, which were taken in carefully by Barbara. It wasn’t the latest fashion, but they didn’t need that here on the island or even in Franklin.
The truck took three tries before it turned over. “We better get the engine looked at before winter sets in,” Marion said as she tried again and again before it finally caught.
“As well as both boats.”
“We can put the Woody under the overhang for winter,” Marion answered as she drove away from the pier. They made plans as though this were just any other day for them. She was nervous but also confident. They had done nothing wrong, and she was relieved that her mother-in-law had stopped writing her. It should have felt ominous, but she didn’t care anymore. It wasn’t only the children who had changed in the last year and a half. Marion had gained more confidence as people lived in and enjoyed the cabins she and Barbara had built with their own hands. They were learning and experimenting, not only with design but also with putting up living quarters for people. They had been successful, and while she had made mistakes and had to redo some things, overall, it had worked out wonderfully, and she expected that would continue.
They parked at the building that looked nothing like the courthouses they had seen back in Massachusetts. An officious looking building, it seconded for a lot of governmental business in th
is area. As they entered, they saw Mr. Polaski waiting for them. He looked relieved that they had shown up.
“Mrs. Whiting, Mrs. Jenkins,” he tipped his hat to them as he removed it and held it in his hand, he glanced at the children, pleased to see they were properly attired. “I know I said this was an informal hearing, but it appears they have called in a few of your neighbors to testify.”
“Our neighbors?” Marion asked, confused. They had no neighbors; they lived on an island!
“Friends and acquaintances you have made in town. Mrs. Mason has been very busy,” he answered, watching her and wondering if he should be worried. This had seemed like a very simple case. He glanced at Barbara, wondering about their relationship. Nothing he saw indicated their relationship was anything but close friendship. She looked very becoming in the dark blue dress she was wearing and with her hair up. It was a far cry from the dungarees or trousers he had seen on her around town. He knew that some gossips said they were more than just two women raising their children together on an island, but he didn’t put any credence in gossip. He only hoped Mrs. Mason hadn’t heard that rumor.
They went into the large room they would be using as a courtroom for the hearing. Marion and Barbara smiled at Thomas O’Flaherty as well as Mr. Bradshaw from the bank. The fisherman smiled congenially at both women, but the banker looked annoyed to be taking time out from his busy schedule. The Whitings were sitting on the other side, their backs ramrod straight, disapproval clearly written on their faces when they saw the two women. Their looks only softened when Brenda ingeniously said, “Hi, Grandma. Hi, Grandpa!” Brian waved at them both with a smile, clearly puzzled by why they were here.
The judge came in. When he noticed the children were present, he asked that they be taken out by one of his clerks. Marion started to protest and Barbara was right behind her, about to offer to take them herself, but he assured everyone the children would be fine with his clerk. They would be in the very next room because some of what they would be hearing that day was not for children’s ears. Marion and Barbara exchanged a look, then glanced at Mr. Polaski, who now looked worried. So much for an informal hearing.
“This hearing will come to order in the matter of the State of Maine and Mr. and Mrs. Whiting of Massachusetts versus Mrs. Whiting of Maine. We are here to determine–” the judge began but was interrupted when the doors to the hearing opened, admitting Barbara’s mother and brother, much to Barbara’s surprise.
“Sorry, your Honor. Our bus was delayed,” she said as she quickly made her way to a seat behind Barbara.
“And you are?” he asked, angry to be interrupted.
“I’m Mrs. Warner, Barbara Jenkins’ mother,” she said, putting her hand on Barbara’s shoulder in a show of support. Barbara was further surprised. This wasn’t a side of her mother she was used to. Obviously, that week spent together at the end of summer had changed their relationship considerably.
“And who are you, young man?” the judge addressed Brent, who looked startled to suddenly be the center of attention.
“I’m Br...Brent Warner,” he stuttered nervously, wanting to sit down but unsure if he should. “I’m her brother,” he pointed at Barbara.
“Okay, sit down, so we can come to ord–.” He was interrupted again as another latecomer entered the room. “Can we help you, madam?” he asked, glaring at one of the officers of the court, who then went to stand by the door.
Craning their necks to see who the other person was, both Barbara and Marion were astonished to see the woman entering the room. Normally, they would never have recognized her. Long gone was the slovenly woman they’d known, replaced by the very stylish woman now entering the court. Wearing what looked like a dark blue, tailored suit, she glanced around and spotted the two women. Smiling cheekily at her friends, she answered the judge. “I’m Grady Lavender, your Honor, and I’ve come to testify on behalf of Mrs. Whiting.”
“Were you summoned?” he asked sternly.
“No, sir. I no longer live in Franklin, but I heard the gossip and thought I could be of help,” she answered, speaking slowly and enunciating, almost as though she were afraid to say something wrong. Barbara and Marion beamed at their friend, pleased to see her there.
“All right, all right. Sit down. Do you have anyone else coming?” he addressed Mr. Polaski, who shrugged his shoulders and shook his head. “Any more for the state?” he addressed the man sitting ahead of the Whitings. He also shook his head. Mrs. Mason was looking over at Grady, bemused and frowning at the well-dressed woman, wondering who she could be. Appearances were very important to the woman.
He called everyone to order and continued with the documents both the state and Mr. Polaski had submitted, including the bank statements of Whimsical Island, which included both Marion and Barbara’s banking information. He had Mrs. Mason come up to testify about her report, which wasn’t a completely negative report, it just stressed how isolated the children were. Mr. Polaski had countered with a report from the school showing that both children were exceeding expectations, and he included a personal letter from Mrs. Larson stating how well-adjusted the children were and how much fun the school picnic on their island had been. She stressed how both children had gotten along marvelously with their classmates, mentioning that Mrs. Whiting had made the effort to bring the children to school several times during the school year. The letter also mentioned Mrs. Jenkins but as Barbara and Richard weren’t the issue at hand, that part was excluded.
Mr. and Mrs. Whiting testified how bereft they were of their grandson and granddaughter’s presence and how they were certain the two children were terribly neglected. It was almost laughable as they obviously had both been prompted by their attorney and were acting out this little scenario for the court’s benefit. Mrs. Whiting was a bit more convincing than Mr. Whiting. They were a bit put out when Mr. Polaski asked about their finances. The judge was not pleased that they could produce no bank statements and seemed ill-prepared.
Mr. Bradshaw testified that the bank statements of the two women were correct. He also confirmed how hard-working the two women were in the repayment of their G.I. loan, that they had been paying ahead, stating he was certain they would repay it in a timely manner. After his testimony was completed, he was excused and looked relieved to be getting back to his bank.
Thomas O’Flaherty testified he had observed the two blended families on the island and off, and he found both mothers to be caring and hard-working, seeming to be excellent mothers to their children. He shot a smile at Marion as he left the courtroom.
Grady gave careful testimony, thinking her words through and articulating them slowly. She stayed in the room after the judge excused her, sitting down and giving Barbara’s hand a squeeze.
The judge gave no indication how he would rule as he excused the adults and went to meet with the children. After a while, Richard came out of the room, so the judge could interview Brian and Brenda alone.
“What’s going on, Mom?” he asked Barbara as he came over. The Whitings looked almost angrily towards him, but he smiled to see his Uncle Brent and grandmother sitting there.
“Tell you later,” she said, not wanting to give anything away as they waited on the judge. They hadn’t broken for lunch, and her stomach was growling. “How are you doing?”
“I’m bored. I didn’t bring a book,” he confessed. “And I’m hungry,” he added. She smiled when she heard his stomach gurgling.
“Me too,” Marion admitted, smiling at the boy.
“We should all go out to dinner after this,” Barbara’s mother suggested.
“I can’t believe you are here,” Barbara murmured quietly.
“I heard what they’re up to, and I thought I’d come and give my two cents,” she nodded towards the Whitings.
Barbara and Marion exchanged a look and then glanced at Brent, who nodded before smiling at Grady, a little bemused by the elegant woman. “It’s so good to see you,” Barbara said, reaching out to squeeze the wom
an’s hand. She was surprised to see her manicured fingers.
“I ain’t letting thems take ‘em,” she nodded towards the room where the judge was speaking with the children, “away from ya.” Her carefully controlled speech was gone, and the three women grinned at the more familiar vernacular.
Finally, the judge came out, and they were shushed as he returned to his chair. “Mr. Richard can return to his friends,” he ordered, nodding towards the boy. Richard exchanged a look with Barbara, who smiled and nodded encouragingly. Once the door was closed, the judge ordered Barbara to the stand.
“What is your relationship with Mrs. Whiting?” she was asked by the state. She could see the Whitings’ lawyer leaning in and whispering hurriedly from time to time.
“She’s my best friend,” she answered honestly, smiling.
“How did you meet her?”
“We were both working in the mill and became friends. We had a lot in common.”
“What did you have in common?”
“We both had husbands in the war. Our sons are the same age. We got along very well.”
“Why did you decide to live together?”
“When we both got the notices that our husbands had been killed, we thought perhaps we would save money if we bought a house together. We sold our houses and moved into an apartment until we could find a house, but the bankers wouldn’t lend us money.”
“Why wouldn’t they?”
She shrugged. “I think we were lied to. We weren’t able to get the loan we were entitled to by the G.I. bill, but Mr. Bradshaw helped us get the loan here in Maine.”
“Why did you come to Maine?”
“We saw the island advertised for sale in a newspaper, and we came up to look at it.”
An Island Between Us Page 28
