A Time To Love

by Lynn Emery

  “I, uh, don’t know. They only got as far back as the 1900 census.” Mr. Davenport put his saucer down on a nearby table. “Are you feeling all right, Marian? You look pale.”

  “I want to see the records you gave her. More important, I want to see the records she might search through.” Marian stared off without seeing anyone around her.

  Mr. Davenport’s expression showed both puzzlement and anxiety. “She probably won’t even come back. A lot of people give up when they realize how much time it takes.” He seemed eager to call back whatever he’d said that disturbed this formidable woman.

  “I’ll be here tomorrow at nine when you open.”

  “I generally don’t get here until ten....” Mr. Davenport’s voice ended weakly at the stone-like expression that greeted his words.

  “Nine, Albert. I want to see those records.” Marian put down her cup and marched off. She uttered half-hearted curt goodbyes to her friends before leaving.

  Fredric Reymond strolled over to stand beside Mr. Davenport. At sixty-three, the hair on his head and face were both silver. He chuckled as they both watched Marian. His family history in the parish went back to the eighteenth century explorers. He was among the few brave enough and with the social standing to make fun of the Bellows clan.

  “Got a bee up her skirt about something again, eh?” Fredric chuckled, laugh lines fanned out from the corners of his mischievous blue eyes.

  “And the worst part is, I don’t know what I said.” Mr. Davenport looked quite distressed. “Freddy, I have a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Oh dear.” He cringed when Marian gave him one last glance before going out into the night.

  Chapter 11

  Chandler and Neva sat close together in the River City Coffee shop in Baton Rouge. It was a sunny Sunday afternoon. They’d spent the last hour at a genealogical lecture at the library. Later the speaker showed them how to find journals kept by those who’d witnessed local Civil War battles. Now they were content to linger over café au lait and enjoy the quiet of the mostly deserted downtown.

  “Wasn’t that fascinating? You’ve found out more about the history of my hometown than I ever knew.” Neva propped both elbows on the table. “I mean, just think of it. Our ancestors might have even met.”

  “Hmm.” Chandler gazed at her.

  “No really, it’s quite possible. Look here.” Neva opened the blue pocket folder that contained copies of old records. “Lilly was referred to in this journal kept by Katherine Bellows back in 1854. Now we know Lilly was never sold.”

  “You have a reddish tint to your hair when the sun hits it just right.” Chandler held his head to one side to get a better view.

  “Pay attention.” Neva shuffled more papers. “Right, Katherine Bellows later complains about Lilly not being trustworthy. Seems she suspected her of sneaking off to the Union soldier camp.”

  “Um-hum. I like that scent you’re wearing.” Chandler leaned forward and took sniff at her neck. Not satisfied, he grazed the skin with his lips. “Delicious.”

  “Your coffee?” Neva grinned back at him.

  “I’m talking about this candy coated, cinnamon flavored morsel sitting next to me,” he mumbled.

  “Yes, yes.”

  “Stop,” Neva whispered. “They’ll throw us out of here.” Yet she made no move to stop his tender attentions.

  “Good, then we’ll move our investigation to my place. I can think of some interesting areas to explore.” Chandler rolled a thick tendril of her hair between his thumb and forefinger.

  “You sound like a naughty college professor.” Neva shook her head at him.

  “Ah, the innocent young student and the professor. I’m ready to play that game.” Chandler had an impish sparkle that lit up his brown eyes.

  “What’s come over you?” Neva jerked a palm up to cut him off. “Don’t dare say it!” She giggled.

  “I had the perfect answer.” Chandler laughed out loud.

  “Yeah, I just bet you did.” Neva sat back to examined him. “Amazing.”

  “Sure I’m good, but amazing....” Chandler let his voice trail off as he shrugged.

  “Oh please.” Neva gave his arm a playful tap. “I’m talking about how you’ve shed that serious approach to life.”

  “And I’m enjoying every second of it, too.” Chandler took a deep breath. “It’s like coming up for air. I never realized how much I was missing.”

  Neva gazed out the window. “There’s something to be said for taking life a little more seriously, Chandler.”

  “I wrote the book on being a straight-arrow. I want to kick back.”

  Neva thought of her mother. She felt just as much a duty to Rose’s memory as to her grandparents. “I want the store to expand. We can do so much more. Timber from our land could bring in a lot of cash.”

  “What happened to that starry-eyed flower child that makes jewelry and dances in the forest? I kinda like her.” Chandler brushed her hair with his hand.

  “No time. Unless it’s on a spreadsheet or included in a small business seminar, I won’t be seeing it anytime soon. In fact, I should be working right now.” Neva chewed her lower lip.

  “You stop now.” Chandler shook her gently. “Mama Jo made you go to church and you enjoyed it. Right?”

  “It did refresh my spirit. She can still sing a spiritual like nobody else.”

  “Then you made me grovel for a little attention or you’d be at the store right now.” Chandler affected a wounded look.

  “I did not.” Neva looked guilty. “One hour tops. Then I’d have a head start on the week.”

  “We haven’t seen each other in so long.” He hugged her to him.

  “You had to work overtime, too.” She poked a finger in his forearm.

  “I accepted overtime because you’ve been so busy.” Chandler put a hand over his heart. “Work was the only way to numb the pain.”

  “Try acting lessons, okay. Hey!” Neva jumped when he tickled her.

  “Don’t get smart with me, young lady.” Chandler shared a laugh with her then was quiet for a while. “Why are you so determined to be businesswoman of the year? Mama Jo doesn’t expect it.”

  Neva looked away. “I’ve been too flighty and selfish in my life. I realize that now.”

  “You didn’t cause Nathan to self-destruct, baby,” he said. “It’s time you stop beating yourself up about what happened to him.”

  When she finally answered after several moments, her voice shook. “He wasn’t the only person I hurt.”

  “That other guy–”

  “So people have warned you about me.” Neva glanced at him.

  “Stupid gossip,” Chandler said in firm voice. “Worth about as much to me as a pound of nothing.”

  “Maybe you should have listened to them.”

  “No way. I prefer finding out for myself. And I like what I’ve found.”

  “Chandler, I think you should know the whole story about me.” Neva grew still and somber.

  “I don’t need to.” Chandler kissed her forehead. “But maybe you need to tell me. Go ahead.”

  “I’m the reason my mother left Solitude,” Neva said in a small voice just above a whisper.

  “How could that be?” Chandler massaged her arms in a soothing way. “You were just a baby.”

  “Having me kept her from going to college. I heard her say it one day. Not long after that, she took off.” Neva sniffed. “Mama Jo doesn’t think I know, but I do.”

  “I don’t mean to criticize your mother, but she had lots of support. Your grandparents had the money to send her to school and Mama Jo would have looked after you.” Chandler spoke in a calm, reasoned way. “She could have easily gone to college.”

  “But she didn’t. So she ended up working too hard to make a life for us and then... she died.” Neva felt the loss just a much now as she had as a little girl.

  “Yes, an accident. Not because of you.” Chandler lifted her face.

  “Intellectua
lly I know that. But in here no,” Neva said as she tapped her chest. “Anyway the last few years have made me take a long look in the mirror.”

  “And becoming a button-down kinda woman is the answer? I don’t think so.” He shook his head slowly.

  “Listen, when I look back I’ve always worked hard. Some of my jewelry and ceramics took hours of tedious attention to detail. The only difference now is I’m doing it for people other than me.”

  “Fine. But you can have fun now and then, too.” Chandler cupped her hands in his. “I want to make you as happy as you make me every day. Let me put a smile back on your face.” He gave her a soft whisper of a kiss on the lips.

  Neva relished his touch. “That will do it every time,” she murmured.

  “Good. No more looking back.” Chandler signaled to the waitress for more café au lait.

  “I expect you to follow your own advice,” Neva said. “No more guilt that you’ve damaged Tariq. He’s a well-adjusted child from what I could tell.”

  Chandler let out a long, slow puff of air. “Whoa, you got me there. I must have wondered a million times if I was being selfish. Sometimes I still wonder.”

  “I know. At odd moments when you looked at him with a little sadness in your smile, it was clear to me.” Neva caressed his face with the tips of her fingers.

  “We’re both a bundle of guilt, huh?”

  “Seems so.”

  “There’s only one solution.” Chandler spread both arms wide.

  “What?” Neva decided to play the game.

  “Plunge into a whirlwind of mindless pleasure to forget our troubles. Let’s plan a holiday trip.” Chandler gazed at her as though this was the most logical suggestion in the world.

  “Excuse me?” Neva gazed back at him with an expression that said she doubted his sanity. “How did you come to that conclusion?”

  “Makes sense. In three weeks we get a much needed mini-vacation.” Chandler dug money from his pocket as the waitress approached with a tray. “Thanks.” He took the heavy mugs of steaming liquid.

  “I can’t leave Mama Jo during Christmas.” Neva shook her head.

  “We’ll go to New Orleans. I’ve got a room at the Omni Hotel.”

  Neva scowled at him. “Pretty sure of yourself.

  Chandler held up a palm. “Take it easy. It’s a company deal that was made months ago as bonus. I solved an expensive problem back in April.”

  “Like I said, Mama Jo—”

  “Has plans. She’s going to be at a senior bash with friends. They’ll attend the church watch meeting then at midnight go over to Patsy house for a New Year celebration buffet.” Chandler laughed at the look of shock on her face.

  “She needs her rest.”

  “But I think it’s great. I heard she was really depressed for a long time after Mr. Sterling died. That had to have affected her health.”

  Neva thought for a while. “You’re right. We were really worried that she’d just waste away and die from grief. They were more than husband and wife, they were lovers, partners and best friends.”

  “Loss gets harder as we age,” Chandler said. “You should be glad she’s perked up.”

  “I am, believe me. But leaving for two days... She needs me.”

  “Sure, and you need her.” Chandler wore a look that said he understood the special bond between them. “You’re back home for good and she knows it.”

  Neva smiled. “So we can both enjoy our lives, right?”

  “And you say you can’t read minds!” Chandler lifted his mug. “Here’s to New Year’s Eve”

  “You’re one extraordinary man, Chandler Macklin.” Neva tapped her mug against his in a toast.

  “I try, sweetheart.”

  “Maybe it’s because you come from a long line of heroes,” Neva said with a wink.

  “What about you? Apparently Lilly risked danger. We were lucky to find all those old journals.” Chandler put down his mug and sat forward. “It’s like we’re close to solving a one hundred year old mystery.”

  “The librarian gave me a great idea. Papa Dub’s Aunt Florrie is ninety-nine years old and still lives over in Wakefield. I’m going to interview her and take a cassette recorder with me.” Neva felt a chill at the prospect. What was she about to discover?

  “Sounds great. But will she remember anything helpful?”

  “Mama Jo says she’s fuzzy about recent events, but she remember stories her grandmother told her. And some go back to before the Civil War.” Neva wondered at the unsettling sensation in her stomach. She tried to define what was bothering her but it seemed just out of reach.

  “Babe, what’s up?” Chandler stared at her.

  “Nothing.” Neva blinked back from the gloomy thoughts that tried to take hold. “Come on. We promised to take Mama Jo out to dinner.”

  “She’ll complain the whole time about us young people wasting money when we could have a home cooked meal.” Chandler chuckled. He stood up and helped Neva put on her jacket.

  “Mama Jo is tickled you invited her, don’t you doubt it. Seems you have a knack for charming ladies,” Neva teased.

  “I’m only interested in charming one lady right now.”

  They walked out of the coffee shop holding hands, laughing and talking. They did not notice the man who had sat across from them listening to every word. With dull blonde hair, fair skin and average features, he blended into the background. After waiting a few minutes, he followed them out.

  ***

  The sounds of laughter filled Mama Jo’s house. Family members, and friends who were as close as family, milled around. Most balanced plates of food. Smells of baked ham, cinnamon and other delicacies mixed with the scent from the Douglas fir tree. Neva and Mama Jo had decorated it with ornaments Papa Dub had carved himself. There were also white and gold ribbon garlands strung on the branches. Neva gazed around at the smiling faces. She’d never been so happy. Chandler was entertaining twins Gina and Trina, rambunctious five year olds, with an impromptu puppet show. Their mother Glyner, another of Neva’s cousins, watched from nearby.

  Glyner strolled over to stand next to Neva. “That man is a real find, sugar. Most folks run after a few minutes with the dynamic duo there.” She looked at her girls with fondness.

  “Chandler is good with children.”

  Neva watched him put his all into the little drama. He was obviously having even more fun than the children. Soon the other children had joined and sat in a circle at his feet.

  “Humph, they’ll wear him out if he’s not careful.” Glyner took a sip of punch from the glass she held.

  “No, Chandler’s got staying power,” Neva said.

  “Ooo, sounds interesting. Tell me more.” Glyner’s eyes lit up. She cackled at the way Neva blushed. “Wait until I tell Lainie.”

  “Tell me what?” Lainie joined them.

  “About your little cousin and that fine man of hers.” Glyner winked at her.

  Lainie grinned. “She’s crazy for him.”

  “Yeah, but listen.” Glyner whispered in Lainie’s ear.

  Neva was mortified. “Glyner, you stop that!”

  “What’s going on?” Uncle Roy joined them.

  “Nothing, just having fun,” Glyner said with a smirk.

  “Come get some pie,” Mama Jo called out.

  “She just said the magic words.” Glyner headed off.

  “Me too.” Lainie was right behind her. “Y’all coming?”

  “I’m still full of macaroni and cheese.” Uncle Roy patted his belly.

  “Not me. I’ve had enough.” Neva watched her cousins cross the room in a quest for more good food.

  “It’s good to have all the family together again.” Uncle Roy smiled at the chattering crowd. “Your young man fell right in with ‘em.” He nodded to Chandler.

  Neva felt her heart beat with happiness. Chandler stood next to Mama Jo serving pie to the children. “Yes, he did. What do you think of him, Uncle Roy?” She looked up at the tall
dark man who reminded her so much of Papa Dub.

  “Nice young fella from what I can tell. Long as he treats you right, he’s okay by me.” Uncle Roy dipped his head in a gesture that made him resemble his father even more.

  “He’s wonderful, Uncle Roy.” Neva hugged the big, beefy man.

  “I’m happy for you, darlin’. Folks can’t stop talking about how you turned that store into a money maker so quick.” Uncle Roy caught sight of Desiree and Shirley standing off together talking. “Not having any problems are you?”

  Neva followed his gaze. “Not really. Desi’s taking it better than I’d hoped.”

  “Oh yeah? Good. You let me know if that changes.” Uncle Roy wore an intent expression as he continued to look at the two women.

  “Is something wrong?” Neva tried to read his expression.

  “No, no. It’s just we all know how those two can be.” Uncle Roy smiled and looked at Neva. “You just keep working hard. We’re all behind you.” He patted her on the head as he’d done since she was a baby.

  “Thanks, Uncle Roy. That means a lot.” Neva felt a warm glow.

  “You know I got room for some apple pie and a little ice cream after all.” Uncle Roy rumbled a bass laugh. He went to the table.

  “You did a nice job on everything, Neva.” Shirley came over with Desiree. They both seemed relaxed and friendly.

  “Lovely decorations. So sweet of you to do this for Mama Jo, poor dear.” Desiree sounded as though she thought Mama Jo was helpless.

  “She did a good bit of the cooking.” Neva marveled at the way her grandmother had moved with energy. Not surprising since family was everything to her.

  “Was that a good idea? She’s bound to be forgetful these days. Leaving the stove on could be so dangerous.” Shirley pursed her lips.

  “There’s nothing wrong with Mama Jo’s mind, Aunt Shirley.” Neva tried not to sound as irritated as she felt.

  “I didn’t mean she’s senile or anything. But having a bad memory goes with old age.” Shirley lifted a shoulder. “But as you say, she can make up her own mind. Right?” She stared at Neva.

  “Yes.” Neva stared back.