by Ruth Hay
“It’s too small for me now, Jannice, but the proportions are exactly right for you and the mid-calf length suits you well.”
“What a lovely thing! I feel like a princess with the skirt swishing around my legs and the deep V neckline. It’s not too revealing is it?”
“Not at all! You should show off your assets, my dear. That shade of pale green brings out your fine complexion and the depth of your dark, shining hair. I will never wear this again, so it’s yours.”
“Oh, I couldn’t accept that! It’s too much!”
As Jannice’s lips pronounced this objection, her eyes were glowing. She studied her reflection in the long mirror in Vilma’s washroom. Her hands gently smoothed the rich fabric around her waist and she swung her hips to see the effect of the folds of skirt wafting about her legs.
Vilma knew she adored the dress. She knew if it was to be worn again to create more good memories, there was no one else to whom she would rather gift it. In her heart she hoped for other suitable occasions for Jannice to enjoy the dress.
“See how you feel after the dinner tonight. I think you will vote to keep it, Jannice. It was always a lucky dress for me.”
* * *
Hilary and Mavis retrieved dressy clothes from the downstairs storage lockers and gave Honor a preview.
“Oh, I do like that navy blue outfit on you, Hilary. It’s smart and not too fussy.
Mavis, your brocade skirt and jacket are elegant and timeless, and if you have a white blouse with a bow or ruffle at the neck it will set off the patterns nicely.
You both look ready. Just run the clothes in the dryer for a minute or two to remove any wrinkles from being folded and you are good to go.”
Hilary surmised Honor had been paying more attention to clothes since Faith came on the scene. The girl’s school outfits seemed strange to the older woman but Honor assured her she was right in style for the teen scene. Apparently, Faith bought her own school clothes, in consultation with her friends, using her own money from part-time jobs.
Honor had learned a lot from listening to how this was done. Faith had shown her Instagram photos of how the most fashionable kids were dressing these days. The styles were individual, for the most part, and that was what appealed to the kids.
Hilary decided this was better than the false conformity of uniforms such as she was subjected to in her high school years.
* * *
Eve debated about what to wear. She really owned nothing suitable and could not afford to buy clothes that might never be worn more than once. Despite this, she thought it was time to make her mark.
She had come through a very difficult time and emerged intact. It was something to celebrate and she wanted to do that in style.
She and Honor had discussed this very matter one day over coffee. Eve learned about fabric production methods because of a client of Honor’s who offered innovative online clothing.
“What they do is provide a service producing clothing printed with art or designs submitted by their
customers. I’ll show you some of their products.”
Eve was duly impressed and the idea had lingered in her mind.
What if she photographed one of her favourite flower paintings and had it reproduced on a pair of slim pants and a vest? The company advertised a Lycra fabric which would stretch for comfort if she got the measurements wrong.
With Honor’s help, the order was placed and the finished work arrived in due course, to the satisfaction of both women.
“This is beautiful, and completely unique, Eve! It’s yours in every possible way.
You should think of producing more items incorporating your paintings.”
Once again, Honor’s words had an effect. The result was an announcement that Eve planned to make at the Thanksgiving dinner table.
Dusk was falling as Louise and Dennis Ridley walked, arm in arm, through the break in their greenery to Harmony House.
There was a moment of hesitation when Louise noticed the glow of a lamp from the top of the tower and remembered the impact on her life of a smaller light up there. The moment passed by when Dennis spoke.
“Isn’t that a charming effect, Louise! The golden glow will get brighter as darkness falls and light our way home later.”
Sensing her momentary discomfort, he pulled her arm closer to his chest and smiled reassuringly.
“I hope you are looking forward to this evening as much as I am, my darling. That vegetable dish you sent over earlier, smelled delicious. I can hardly wait to sink my teeth into it.”
“Well, you are in for several treats if the display of foods I saw laid out in their kitchen is any indication.”
She breathed out, relaxed as she had been taught, and smiled up at her handsome husband.
“How nice to be going there together, Dennis. The women have been so welcoming to me. I can’t explain what a difference they have made to my life.”
He nodded and squeezed her arm. He would never be able to adequately thank Hilary Dempster for her intervention. The business with the carpeting that had startled him at first, was only the beginning of what he intended to be a mutually-beneficial association. He had a life-changing project he would discuss soon with Mavis and Hilary before talking to Louise, but tonight was all about fellowship and appreciation and he was in a good mood for both.
The sounds of a piano drifted over to them as soon as Hilary opened the front door with a welcoming smile. “Hello there! Please let me take your coats and go ahead into the reception room for drinks and snacks. Faith is serving and Mavis is our pianist. Jannice, Vilma and Honor are already there and we are waiting for Andy to arrive.”
Everyone turned to greet the new arrivals and a party atmosphere was immediately evident.
Soon Louise and Dennis had drinks in hand and were admiring the light and airy room with its expanse of pale carpet and comfy sofa. The music in the background filled any gaps in conversation until Eve appeared to announce she had seen Andy’s truck arriving.
Vilma went out to greet him and saw he had made quite an effort as far as attire was concerned. She had never before seen him in formal clothes. This dark suit looked new and its clean lines were set off by a pale blue shirt and matching tie with a tiny print. His hair was freshly combed back from his forehead and his tan appeared deeper in contrast to the pale shirt.
Vilma was taken aback at this new version of Andy Patterson. She thought he would not look out of place at a formal event anywhere. She was reminded for the first time, of his former career as a uniformed policeman. Divested of the tools of his gardening job, he stood taller and more confident. She accompanied him into the reception with a sense of pride.
Andy was struck at once by Vilma Smith, the elegant and exquisite lady, in a dress that shaded from lavender at her bare shoulders, to deep purple at her feet. Gone was the sporty look she favoured when with her dogs. This transformation revealed a beautiful figure and stylish hairstyle.
He was speechless. He hoped a tremulous smile and a raised eyebrow spoke to her of his surprise and delight.
What is this gorgeous creature doing with me? How am I going to get through this evening without taking my eyes off her?
A few minutes later, once Andy had acquired a drink and exchanged casual conversation, the party advanced to the winter dining room.
Some discussion about the seating arrangement had taken place prior to this occasion. The final decision placed Hilary and Mavis at either end of the table with the two men opposite each other in the middle seats, and Vilma and Louise beside their partners. Eve insisted on sitting to Mavis’s left which put her nearest to the exit and closer to the kitchen. Honor chose to sit beside Andy with Faith on her other side. She thought it might well be necessary to quietly advise her niece at this, her first grown-up dinner.
There were several gasps of delight when the guests entered the dining room. The gas fire was lit, the chandelier over the table cast light onto bright candles, gleaming glasses
and polished silverware and the Thanksgiving centrepiece, a masterly concoction of seasonal leaves, berries and fruits drew all eyes and added its own outdoor scents to compete with male aftershave and female perfumes.
Hilary gave a sigh of relief. She had been ordered to remain in position and allow the others to serve and remove plates. When she protested, Mavis reminded her she would be in charge of keeping the conversation going during any interruptions. She was also charged with gathering intel for later discussion. As Hilary already knew some of the previously-secret bombshells to be thrown at this event she wisely agreed to take on these responsibilities.
To reduce the number of interruptions, Eve planned to arrange hot dishes from the kitchen along the sideboard credenza, protecting the polished wood by placing a long, many-folded tablecloth on its surface. From here, dishes could be circulated and returned. As there were a number of special side dishes for the main course, this was a good plan. The turkey, partially dismembered on its huge platter, would be placed in front of Hilary since she had the most experience in carving meat.
Before the main part of the meal commenced, with salads dispensed and wine poured by Dennis, a toast was made by Mavis.
“Welcome everyone to our feast. We at Harmony House have so much for which we are truly thankful in this beautiful season when we take a break and think of our blessings. Please join hands around the table and take turns expressing one thing in your life that is new and good. I’ll begin.
I am glad to have survived long enough to see this table full of friendly faces!”
Mavis’s humour set the tone and everyone knew it was not intended to be a chore to think of something profound and original.
Eve followed on by saying she cherished her painting.
Louise hesitated, then looked around the table and simply said she valued every person here, while Dennis underlined her comment and called them all prime rescuers.
Jannice said she would need an hour to list her true blessings, and that in itself is a good thing.
Hilary beamed, and stated everyone around the table had taught her many valuable lessons this year. Vilma brought laughter by adding her dogs gave her a new lease on life and insight into how people and animals are similar in their basic needs.
Andy was grateful for a few seconds to prepare. He cleared his throat and said life was full of unexpected twists and turns and the Harmony House inhabitants had given him the new beginning he badly needed.
Honor was temporarily overcome with emotion and quickly announced her new and good item was sitting to her left which caused an audible ‘ah’ to circulate.
Faith was thinking along similar lines, but did not want to repeat her aunt’s statement so she simply said, “I never knew what family meant until I entered this home. Family can be those to whom you are related.” At this point she squeezed Honor’s hand hard. “It can also be those who open their hearts to you in love and acceptance. Thank you.”
There was a brief silence while throats were cleared. Then hands were dropped and applause filled the room to Hilary’s cry of ….. “Now, Happy Thanksgiving to all of us and let the feasting commence!”
* * *
It was a memorable night, not least for the amount of good food consumed with relish. The hot dishes were placed on the credenza, emptied, and returned to the kitchen on a tray, to be replaced with more. Conversation flowed easily as family recipes were discussed and their merits assessed.
It was not until the selection of desserts, from pies to tiny pastries and fruits, had been sampled, that the room settled down over coffee and mints for more serious matters.
Honor took the lead.
“I am proud to announce to all of you, an accomplishment of my niece, Faith. She is working on a school assignment consisting of a journal and accompanying internet project. I believe most of you know about the unusual internet part of this, but there is a recent development. Faith’s teacher has asked her to be an ambassador for mental health. She has already given a speech to her school assembly about the trials of her early life and what she has learned from these. The speech was so well received that she will be speaking to other London schools in the near future. This accomplishment will contribute to the community service portion of her secondary school studies.”
Spontaneous applause broke out and Faith was inundated with genuine praise which almost brought her to tears despite knowing about the announcement beforehand and steeling herself for it.
Vilma took up the theme. “Faith will be travelling part of the way with Andy, myself, and the dogs, to an Agility and Obedience trial in Long Sault in a few weeks. Faith will stop off in Kingston to visit with the young boy who put her in touch again with the man who was an important part of her early life.”
“This is amazing news, Vilma! Congratulations to all three of you, and the dogs, of course. That will be very exciting all round. I hope Faith will work ahead to justify the time off school.”
Faith chirped up in reply to Hilary’s comment. “Don’t worry! It’s all been approved and it will be a part of my assignment. Oh, I almost forgot! Please no birthday gifts for me this year. I have everything I need.”
When the questions had subsided, Jannice looked over at Vilma for reassurance and got the nod of the head she needed to continue.
“Well, now! I have a trip of my own to announce, but it’s not until later in the year.
You see, I will be absent over most of Christmas as I have been invited back to my old home to share the celebration with the new owners. Then I will be going to Quebec City where a gentleman called Mitchell Delaney, who some of you have met, is interviewing me for a book on old Irish tales and history.”
This was news to most around the table and it was the last thing they expected to hear from Jannice O’Connor, arguably the most reserved, and least adventurous, of all of them.
Many were thinking back to the subdued little person they had first met in Camden Corners. Mavis and Hilary looked to Vilma who they held responsible for these changes in her protégé. Vilma just smiled, somewhat like a proud mother whose child has become independent.
“Goodness me! Are there any more exciting events to be announced tonight?” Mavis looked around the table. She bypassed Dennis. His secret idea was not yet ready for public consumption.
This time Honor placed Eve on centre stage by saying, “There’s someone who has been busy with food most of the evening but who deserves her own acclaim for that, and a further example of her accomplishments. Tell us about it, Eve.”
That lady simply stood and displayed her outfit by turning around and back again.
“This garment has been designed and made to my specifications from one of my paintings. Thanks to the internet skills of Honor Pace here, there is a new website, called ‘Eve’s Garden’ where anyone can buy clothing like this. On the mantelpiece you can help yourself to a flyer with additional information and styles.”
She sat down to more applause and congratulations. Hilary who had earlier commented on Eve’s new outfit had not been told the secret, and she was astonished to think of how much progress this woman had made in emerging from her self-imposed shell of darkness and depression.
* * *
Hilary summarized for all of them. “What a night this is! So much to talk about!
Please sit at the table with more coffee or go to the fireplace, or retire to the reception room if you wish. Eve and I will be clearing the dishes but the evening is by no means over. Just relax and talk together.”
Faith jumped up. She had had enough of sitting under intense inspection and she began to pile up the empty dishes on the credenza with the plan to take these to the kitchen and stay there, washing dishes if necessary, until the guests had left and she could resume her occupation of the former guest suite.
She had a sudden thought. Have I left anything incriminating in the washroom?
She searched her memory but could not come up with anything in particular. One or two cosmetic
items were lying on the floor of the shower with a waterproof box holding her phone and journal. Mavis had made sure there were fresh towels folded properly on the rails and the air had been sprayed with a scented aerosol for guest use. All was secure for the remainder of the evening.
She could not wait to tell the gang about this, her first ever Thanksgiving at which she had something special of her own to celebrate.
Chapter 21
The ripples from the Thanksgiving dinner at Harmony House were to spread far and wide in the following months. It seemed as if the formal announcements gave impetus to the various projects that had been going on in comparative secrecy.
Jannice began assembling photographs and anecdotes from her family history, including the beautiful pictures of her wearing the antique gowns discovered locked in the attic wardrobe.
Eve continued painting and searched for a venue in which her latest art work could receive a wider audience.
Honor monitored the clothing production for Eve’s Garden and arranged the distribution of garments through a delivery company, with payments going to Eve’s account via Pay Pal.
Faith kept up communications with the Kingston family and grew closer to Melvin and his mother, Pauline, which gave her some assurance that a weekend with them was not going to be unbearable.
She worried a bit when Vilma revealed it was a seven hour car journey to the Dog Show location, but relaxed when she remembered she was not going all the way. She did, however decide to spend a bit of time with Vilma’s dogs after she figured out the back seat of the car was likely to be crowded and she would be crammed between the animals. The last thing she wanted was to arrive in Kingston with blood dripping from dog bites.
Vilma became increasingly glad she would have Faith in the car for part of the journey. She planned to ask her about her school presentations and what she had observed as a result. It would be a nice change to be able to talk to a teenager who was doing something to help others instead of fixating on appearances or thinking up ways to annoy the life out of a stepmother.