Chapter Thirty-Two
WHEN SHE SAW the video of Benito and his family in the farmhouse, Beulah felt like she had a visit with her brother, so strong was the likeness between father and son. They were already looking at the calendar to see when Benito and Angelina might come for a visit in the spring. Maybe she could make the trip to Italy. Knowing there was family on the other end of the long travel made it worthwhile.
It had been an unusual week. Even having Rossella in the house had been a good thing for her, as hard as it was in the beginning.
Beulah thought back to the conversation with Rossella just before Jake brought Annie and Janice home from Italy. Rossella had told her about her joy at cooking for the Country Diner and how much the opportunity had meant to her. Then her eyes had filled with tears.
“After my husband died, I want go back to Italy. But what am I to do with my children and grandchildren here? Eetz been a hard time. I no have purpose. Last night, how you say, special for me. I like cook for many people.”
When she put herself in Rossella’s shoes, she saw things in a different light. Rossella had been displaced and uprooted after losing her husband. The kitchen was where she had some control over her life. Even this week, she had been dropped in a new and unfamiliar place and it was natural she would try to regain her footing in a place where she was the most confident. Beulah knew these feelings well. Whenever there was a crisis, she wanted to cook. It was like a warm blanket on a chilly evening, or that first cup of coffee in the morning. Pure comfort.
“Is there somewhere close to where you live like the Country Diner? A place where you can cook from time to time for other people?” she had asked Rossella.
“There is Mario’s. He does breakfast and lunch and he has asked me to help him, but I can’t leave Jimmy and Janice. They let me live with them, so I must earn my keep by cooking.”
“Is that the agreement you have with them?” Beulah had asked. “Or what you think they expect of you?”
“It’s the right thing,” Rossella had said. “I no want be burden.”
“Well, what if you brought home food you cooked at the restaurant for their dinner? Then you’ve cooked for them as well as for others.”
Rossella had raised her eyebrows. “Maybe work, I think.”
Before Rossella left, she gave Beulah a bottle of wine as a parting gift—and Beulah accepted. In exchange, she sent Rossella home with some doilies she had knitted. Rossella kissed her goodbye on both cheeks. Before Rossella got in the car, Beulah had one final question.
“Rossella, how did you know about Tom and Evelyn?”
Rossella had looked at her and shrugged. “I know love.”
There was a twinge of sadness at seeing the car leave the driveway, headed for the airport—only a small twinge.
After everyone left the house, she stood in her quiet kitchen and whispered a prayer of thanks. Having the house back made her want to dance a jig, and she might have attempted it, had her knee been stronger.
***
“Beulah, did Rossella leave? Elmore was talking to Joe and wanted her to come back this Thursday to cook if she was still here,” Betty said.
“She’s in New York by now,” Beulah said.
“I’ll bet you are tickled pink to have your house back. I hear you might be hosting Stella for the wedding weekend. Of course, we’d be glad to have somebody, but you know I moved into the extra bedroom because Joe snores like a bear and I wasn’t getting a wink of sleep. There’re only two bedrooms here, you know. I’ve never been much on houseguests anyway. Law have mercy, I like to walk around without my bra early in the morning and you have to be all buttoned up with company milling about. We’ve only got the one bathroom, and of course, Joe and me have our routine and our morning rituals at a fairly set time. At our age, I can’t afford to get knocked off my habits. The digestive tract is the second brain—that’s what I heard on the morning show the other day.”
She frowned, preferring not to hear about Betty and Joe’s daily habits. There was such a thing as knowing too much about a person. Why in the world do people over a certain age feel like they need to talk about it so often? Even aging celebrities on television were spokespeople for products to help keep them “regular.” It was not polite conversation, she thought, and attempted to change the subject.
“It sounds like Scott and Mary Beth have everybody placed,” Betty continued.
Evelyn’s car nosed its way down the drive and she saw her opportunity to break off the phone call.
“Well, I’ve got company, so I’ll let you go,” she said, and hung up the phone even as Betty talked on.
“I was on my way to Rutherford to pick up some vases to use as the centerpieces for the reception. Do you need anything while I’m over there?” Evelyn said.
“Come in for a minute.” Evelyn smiled as if she hoped for the invitation. Beulah poured her a cup of coffee.
“You have something to tell me?”
“Yes, I do. Tom called yesterday and asked me out to dinner this Friday night. Beulah, he asked Jake for permission first. He also asked Lindy and they both are fine with it. Jake told me he wanted me to be happy and he couldn’t pick anyone else better than Tom Childress. I’m thrilled, but I’m also a nervous wreck. I don’t know how to do this dating thing. It’s one thing to talk on the phone and another to be on an official date,” Evelyn said, her face glowing, all the while twisting the strap of her purse.
“Don’t borrow trouble,” she said. “Enjoy being with him. Get to know him, ask questions and relax.”
“Oh my goodness, I never thought I’d be here again, nervous as a schoolgirl,” Evelyn said.
Beulah thought back to Charlie’s illness and subsequent death, and the heartbreak Evelyn suffered afterwards. A verse came to her mind: I will restore what the locusts have eaten.
Yes, indeed, she thought. Sometimes in this life and sometimes the one after.
Chapter Thirty-Three
ANNIE WATCHED AS three stonemasons replaced mortar joints and reset some of the stones. Two other men pulled down charred timbers and parts of the roof truss. A large dumpster sat in the front yard and the damaged materials were tossed into it, making way for the new. It was a relief to see the house getting the attention it needed.
Annie thought back to the day when she found the letters and how it had led her all the way to Italy and back. If the house had been picked apart for salvage and then torn down, the letters might not have been found, which meant Benito would have been lost to them forever.
It had been an unbelievable week. Now, there was a house to restore, a job to find, more research on the stone house’s history, and preparations for Scott and Mary Beth’s wedding.
Lindy called on her cell.
“I heard all about Italy at Evelyn’s yesterday. Annie, it’s truly amazing. I’m so happy for you all.”
“How do you feel about your dad and Evelyn?” Annie asked.
“Gosh, I love Evelyn, and Jake’s awesome, so how could it not be good? I want Dad to be happy. I’m glad to know it’s love and not the early stages of dementia, although they sure have some of the same symptoms.”
“How’re you doing with Rob’s engagement?” Annie asked, her voice gentle.
“I heard from a mutual friend he’s getting married this weekend,” Lindy said, a slight break in her voice.
“No way, already?” Annie said. “I’m so sorry.”
“I know. I thought it’d be a long engagement and maybe he’d come to his senses,” she said. “Now I have my resolution.”
“That is something.”
“I’ll talk to you later,” Lindy said, and hung up.
***
Annie left the stone house and walked to the crossover place dividing the Campbell farm from the Wilder farm. Shielding her eyes from the sun, she spotted Jake bent over a wire coil near the back pasture, at the base of a wooded hill.
“Hey you,” she said, after making her way to him.
“You got here just in time. Can you hold this for a minute while I tie this end?”
Annie took the spool of wire and watched him work with pliers and wire cutters.
“I talked to Lindy just now,” she said. “Rob is getting married this weekend.”
“I’m glad,” he said. “They want different things.”
They were silent a minute as Annie thought about how delicate love was and how the dance before marriage had to be handled so carefully.
“You need to be careful going through the field now. I don’t want you to get shocked,” Jake said as he twisted a wire.
“What’s next after you get the cows set up?” she asked.
“A few goats are coming next week. It’s slow integrating and balancing it all, and we’re going into winter. Next spring I’ll get chickens for the pasture.”
“Farming is not immediate gratification,” Annie mused.
“Not with a gestation period of nine months for a cow,” he said. “Waiting through seasons for a harvest. But life’s meant to be slower.”
“Speaking of a slower life,” she said. “In Italy, everything closes down from around twelve-thirty to three, or sometimes as late as four-thirty, so everyone can go home and eat lunch, take a nap, whatever else they want to do before going back to work in the evening. It kind of makes sense, to rest in the heat of the day when your body naturally gets sleepy.”
“The seasons and cycles tell us what to do. Humans aren’t too good at listening,” he said.
Jake’s cell phone rang and he pulled it out of his front pocket. He looked at the number and she waved for him to go ahead and answer the call.
“It’s okay. I can take it later,” he said, slipping it back into his pocket.
“I don’t mind,” she said.
“It can wait,” he said, concentrating on the electric fence.
It was only ten minutes later when Jake’s phone rang again. He looked at the number.
“Sorry, I need to take this. See you tonight?” he said, and walked toward his truck before he answered.
“Sure,” she said, realizing she had been dismissed. When she left, he was talking quietly into the telephone and looking over his shoulder to make sure she was walking away.
***
When Annie walked in the back door, Beulah called out.
“Richwood Manor called and Vesta Givens has asked to see you right away.”
“Is something wrong?”
“I don’t think so, but it seems important.”
“Do you want to go with me?” Annie asked.
Beulah wiped her hands on her apron.
“Yes, I’ll go. Give me just a minute to get my pocketbook.”
Vesta Givens was finishing her lunch in the cafeteria when they arrived.
“Hello, Vesta,” Beulah said, and extended her hand.
“Beulah, it’s been a long time,” Vesta said, taking Beulah’s hand and holding it for a moment. “I’m so glad you came. You’ll be thrilled to hear what I have to say.”
“Did you find out something about the old stone house?” Annie asked.
Vesta grinned. “Let’s go back to my room. Annie, do you mind pushing my chair?” Annie moved behind her, pulled Vesta’s chair away from the table and toward the hallway. She went slowly, so her grandmother could walk with them. One of the residents caught Beulah’s hand as they passed by, so Beulah stayed back to talk with the woman while she continued to push Vesta down the hall.
“How was Italy?” Vesta asked. “Did you find what you were looking for?”
“Yes,” she said. “I have several cousins and they are the nicest people.”
“Your great-uncle’s love … is she still alive?” Vesta asked.
“No, but her child is alive and well. He has children and grandchildren.”
“So, your mother and this child would be first cousins. You are his first cousin once removed. You are second cousins to his children. His grandchild would be your second cousin once removed.”
“Not sure I can keep all that straight,” Annie laughed.
“That’s why most people just say ‘cousins.’ But if you deal in genealogy or legal terms, the distinction is quite important.”
At Vesta’s room, Annie turned the wheelchair and parked it where Vesta pointed.
“Do you have a report for me?” Vesta said, lifting her chin and raising her eyebrows in expectation.
“About the Ethiopian and his skin?” Annie said.
“Yes,” Vesta said.
“What is impossible with man is possible with God,” Annie said. “My family name or my history doesn’t have to define who I am.”
Vesta smiled. “There is always hope. There’s far more to the scripture when you examine the historical and cultural context, but that’s what I wanted you to understand.”
Beulah came into the room.
“Beulah, please sit here on the bed. It will be the most comfortable. Annie, can you hand me those papers over there on top of the bookshelf?”
She reached for the papers and handed the stack to Vesta.
“After you left, I remembered one of my former students who is particularly good at research. She is a professional genealogist and has a vast knowledge of historic documents. I asked her to look into our matter. While you were gone, she mailed this to me.”
Vesta handed a page to Annie with two sections highlighted.
“Please read both of the highlighted sections, out loud, so Beulah can hear as well.”
Annie cleared her throat.
From the letters of William Champ, pioneer and settler of Fort Paint Lick.
I had left Logan’s Fort on my way home but went round by the crab orchard to see the house of stone. Josiah May and his sons worked that day alongside the Negros he hired from John Douglas. The house raised higher than the tallest man and they were still laying stone. Josiah told me it was the first of its kind in Kentucke territory. I believe it since I have heard nor seen no other. It will make a fine house.
Beulah’s mouth dropped open.
“You found it!”
Vesta’s tinkling laugh flowed like water.
“My people were right,” she said, nodding her head.
“They were right,” Annie said, “and now we have proof. We can apply for the grant.”
“And the historical marker,” Beulah said. “Honoring both families’ contribution to the house.”
“Will you help me with the application for the marker?” Annie asked.
“Certainly, if you will do the first draft.” Then she looked stern. “But I am a demanding editor, I hope you know. My red pen is itching,” Vesta said.
“I’ll do my best,” Annie said, solemnly. “What are you reading these days, by the way?”
“Christie and Sayer,” Vesta said. “After the Russians, I like detective stories. They’re like the palate cleanser between courses,” Vesta said, her eyes dancing.
“Beulah, do you like to read like your granddaughter?”
“I enjoy magazines and recipe books. I reckon I save most of my reading for the Bible.”
“Well, it is another thing we have in common,” Vesta said. Then Vesta looked at Annie.
“I suppose you won’t be back after we get all this business settled,” she said, smoothing out the wrinkles in the lap of her dress.
Annie kneeled down next to the wheelchair.
“Well, there’s the matter of the dedication if they grant us the historical marker. You might like to see the old stone house before the weather turns bad, as well. I’ve also been thinking about reading another Russian author, if you have a recommendation,” she said.
Vesta Givens smiled. “Did you know our activities director gave her notice this morning? They’ll be looking for a new director,” Vesta said.
“Activities director? That has a nice ring to it. I’ll stop by and pick up an application on my way o
ut.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
EVELYN’S DINING ROOM had transformed into a craft shop complete with glue gun, scraps of parchment paper, scissors, and ribbon in shades of muted pumpkin. Annie examined the ribbon she tied around the wedding program and then handed it to her grandmother who put the finished programs in a basket. Mary Beth and Lindy worked on cutting ribbon while Evelyn went back and forth to the kitchen, making sure everyone had plenty of drinks and snacks.
“The tent arrives on Thursday, along with the tables and chairs.” Evelyn said, standing in the doorway between the kitchen and the dining room. “We can set up Thursday night, so everything is ready for the rehearsal on Friday.”
“Let’s pray for sunshine and no wind,” Beulah said.
“When should I pick up the mums?” Lindy asked, placing a vase on the finished side.
“It won’t hurt to have them anytime. Jake said you could use his truck,” Evelyn said.
“I’m so thankful for you all,” Mary Beth said. “With teaching school, it’s hard for me to do much this time of year, but this was best for Scott, after the fall kickoff for church activities and before the holiday season.”
“What do the kids think about all this?” Annie asked.
“They both love Scott. How they’ll perform in the ceremony is another thing,” Mary Beth laughed. “Henry was completely against being the ring bearer until Scott told him it was a secret mission and he really needed his help. Now he can’t wait. Ellie loves the idea of dressing up like a princess and throwing flowers.”
Annie tried to keep up with the chatter, but she couldn’t keep her mind from turning over the recent change in Jake. Something was wrong, and this time, it was not her. After getting back from Italy, things were good between them, until just over a week ago. Now it seemed Jake was the one pulling back. They had hardly spent any time together lately. There was always a good excuse: a sick cow, meetings, picking up more hay, setting up the new goats, and on and on it went.
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