Autumn Lady
Page 16
His hands reached back, easing her hips closer. Their eyes locked and lips parted. When they joined together, their souls merged into one. They were no longer connected to the earth. They moved across sea and storm, and the universe rejoiced.
For the next week, they spent their days walking along the beach, hand in hand, exploring the town of Sausalito. They took their meals by candlelight and danced under a blanket of stars. At sunset, they would climb on their horses and ride along the shore, the ocean spray mirroring the moonlight, and then they would rush back to their little cottage, to make love until dawn’s first light. Their eyes would never tire of one another. When they were old and gray, their children with little ones of their own, they would hold one another by the firelight and Patrick would whisper words of love to his little Irish rose.
Autumn Lady
October 1st, 1873 was a bright autumn day in the city of San Francisco. Mara stood in the front of a grand estate, her horse Calliope peacefully by her side. Jenjie smiled and set down his brush. “I’m finished with the painting if you’d like to take a look.”
Her eyes widened as she hurried over to the canvas. She studied the striking brushstrokes, the brilliant ocean blue hue of her dress and bonnet. Mara’s strawberry blonde curls shimmered like gold dust. Calliope’s sorrel coat sparkled in the soft light. An electric current flowed over the figures. The dabs of paint had captured a specific and special moment in time.
She took Jenjie’s hand and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. It’s absolutely gorgeous. I’m going to have it hung in the parlor where everyone can see.
He grinned, busying himself by putting away the paints. Behind them, sheltered by the shade of a great oak, old friends enjoyed an outdoor picnic. The chilly wind scattered autumn leaves over the checkered tablecloth. Betty and Joshua watched their little boy chasing his shadow across the grass. Isaac Cohen stood with his mop of golden curls and his mother’s vivid green eyes. Donald offered a bowl of salad to Jeremiah. Mrs. Levy passed a platter of potato latkes down to Sheriff Carpenter. He smiled, helping himself to a generous portion. Mara noticed they were running low on iced tea, and so she grabbed the pitcher and made her way back to the house.
She believed they would be toasting one another after they heard her news. She opened the double doors and headed into the parlor.
Autumn light shimmered through the stained glass windows, dancing crystals flickering across the walls. She studied the beams with fascination. She still couldn’t believe that her husband created this beautiful home with his own two hands. It was breathtaking. The warm rays of the sun fell against her skin, settling on her growing waist. She looked down at her belly, a feeling of love so powerful that it nearly swept her away. Her hand reached down, caressing the modest bump, and for a brief moment she thought she could hear its heartbeat. Patrick walked behind her, gently placing his hand around her waist. He kissed her cheek, entwining his finger in hers. She turned toward him, his dark eyes full of love. “Are you feeling alright?”
“Yes,” she said, “I was just going in for some more iced tea.”
“Oh, you really need to rest, darlin’,” he said, his brows knitting together. You’re in a delicate state.” He traced his fingers over her cheek, his eyes widening.
She laughed and shook her head, her curls bouncing around her shoulders, “I’m fine, love.”
He smiled down at her and gave her a kiss on the nose. “I’m sure you are, but let me help you anyway.”
He took her arm, escorting her to the back kitchen, and then helped carry the pitcher over to their friends. Mara and Patrick made sure everyone had a glass in hand. Just as he was preparing to speak, a loud clanging sounded from down the hill. Laughter floated on the wind as a blue and white cable car made its way past. Several passengers waved from the open windows as they traveled up the steep road.
Isaac’s plump legs raced across the lawn, stopping inches from the wrought iron fence. He reached his chubby fingers through the bars, pointing towards the speeding trolley, teetering on overhanging cables. He jumped up and down, shouting and clapping, “Kaybee car!”
The friends giggled while Joshua lifted his son up onto his shoulder to get a better view, their golden curls highlighted by the autumn light. Patrick put his arm around Mara’s waist, raising his glass in the air. All eyes were on them, anticipating a toast.
“We’re so happy to have you all here to celebrate our house warming. Each and every one of you has been such a blessing in our lives. And we’re hoping that as our family, you’ll join us in celebrating some very exciting news.” Their friends looked at each other, eyes widening. He took a deep breath, and his voice choked as he continued, “My little rose is expecting.”
There were gasps and applause. Betty rushed over and hugged Mara, kissing her on the cheek. Donald followed behind, reaching for her hands. “Oh, my goodness, I can’t wait to get started on your little one’s wardrobe. I have some patterns that would be absolutely perfect. I just need to find out if it’s a boy or a girl…well maybe I’ll make both, and so we’ll be ready for the next one as well,” he said hugging her close.
Mara kissed his cheek, her eyes glistening with tears, “You’re a dream come true, Donald.”
The friends took turns toasting. Afterwards, they helped clear the table and went back inside to sit by the fireplace. Jenjie helped Patrick hang the new painting on the parlor wall. Mara looked up at the portrait, her mouth trembling. She shook her head back and forth, her hand against her heart.
“Oh, it’s absolutely stunning, Jenjie. I can’t even tell you what this means to me.” She reached her arms up and he smiled, hugging her gently against his chest.
Isaac ran over, pointing with outstretched hands. “Look at the beautiful autumn lady!”
Her friends looked toward the painting, flickers of golden light dancing along their silhouettes. Mara’s tears trickled down her cheeks as she gazed in wonder. Patrick kissed her softly and whispered, “Yes, my autumn lady is very beautiful, indeed.”
The Legacy
Mary closed the diary, the morning light flickering through the windowpane. When she stood, her legs tingled from sitting too long. Her mind raced, and her heart was beating with anticipation. She went back to her bedroom, quickly changed, and headed outside. Everything seemed clearer this morning, such a contrast from the day before. She noticed the sparkling dew on the pink rose bushes, their fragrant blossoms fresh in the morning sun. She’d planned to go back to her apartment this morning, but now everything had changed. She brought her Vespa down the cobblestone path, and let herself through the wrought iron fence.
The air was crisp and smelled faintly of chimney smoke. She traveled down Van Ness Avenue, heading to the Embarcadero. She parked her bike in front of the large procession of tents and food vendors. The city’s farmers’ market had drawn a large crowd this morning. People mulled around the various produce stands and craft tents. The aroma of fresh food mingled with the scent of herbs and spices. She walked past rows of tents, the soft morning light shining on the fall vegetables. A variety of orange and white pumpkins were displayed next to buckets of golden chrysanthemums. Yellow peppers appeared like shiny orbs in the soft morning light. She found her way to her favorite organic produce stand. A woman with dark red curls was busy helping a customer choose some heirloom tomatoes. She looked up and a smile spread over her face, “Mary, it’s great to see you this morning. You’re up early!”
She smiled at her friend, realizing that this was probably the last time she’d see her at the Embarcadero. “Katie, is this your last market?”
She nodded, pushing her curls out of her eyes with the back of her hand. “Yes, I’m moving next Saturday. It’s been so crazy these past few weeks,” she said, looking towards the bay. “But…I really need a change of scenery,” she said.
Mary studied her face; it was a pretty one, but tired, dark circles under her eyes, streaks of gray highlighting her auburn hair. She’d been through a lot
in the past year with her recent divorce. So, now she was getting ready to start all over in a brand new town, leaving everything she knew behind. Mary looked into her vivid green eyes. She noticed a little flicker of excitement that had been absent the past year. She hoped that her friend would find what she was looking for, perhaps some peace and solitude.
“Give me a call, if you’re ever near Napa. You can stay in my cabin. There’s a lake behind the house, a few acres of hiking and running trails. The country life is pretty peaceful, and I’ll be starting a new market next spring. I have over fifteen acres to plant. It’s exciting…but I know there’s a lot of work ahead,” she said.
Mary nodded and smiled, “I admire you, Katie. You know what you want and go for it. Good for you. I just inherited my grandmother’s estate. There are a few bedrooms upstairs, so there’s always room if you want to visit the city. I’m expecting some big changes myself. I think I finally found out what I want to do when I grow up.” She laughed. “Well,” she paused, “I guess I always knew; I was just a little too afraid to try.”
Katie nodded, looking into her dark brown eyes, golden highlights flickering around the pupils. They had an unspoken understanding. They were both dreamers. Katie O’Brien was not only a farmer and businesswoman, but also an accomplished artist herself. They promised to keep in touch and exchanged addresses on their phones before leaving. The women hugged one another tightly. After saying goodbye, Mary made her way around the market, picking up a few fruits and vegetables, along with three breakfast sandwiches and headed back to the estate.
When she went inside, she noticed Margaret was busying herself in the kitchen, the aroma of fresh coffee in the air.
“Hello, Mary. I thought you were heading back to your apartment this morning. Everything all right?”
“Actually…I’ve had a change of plans. I’m going to be working in the studio today, and I picked up some breakfast sandwiches for us…so, don’t worry about cooking. I just might need a little coffee.”
Margaret studied her face, looking deep into her eyes. “I think coming back this morning was a wonderful idea. You look…peaceful. I’ll be downstairs if you need anything, dear. And thank you for picking up breakfast.”
She helped herself to a thermos of coffee and made her way upstairs. The storm clouds were gathering, and the rain trickled against the windows. She pulled back the studio curtains, revealing the gray cityscape. Mary stood in front of the unfinished canvas, studying soft blue eyes, which she knew held a secret.
A warm breeze blew against her face, the clanging of crystals echoing from the parlor. Her hand reached for the brush, hesitating for just a moment. She bit down on her lower lip and sighed. A dab of color hovered in the air until she released it. The dot joined perfectly with the others. She was pulled toward the light, and she was told a story. The canvas was a mirror, and the reflection was hers. The torch had been passed, and she knew that as long as they walked beside her, she’d never be alone. A smile spread over her face as she felt the spirit of many hands guiding her.
Outside the rain came down like blissful tears from heaven. She exhaled and whispered, “Autumn Lady.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
AnneMarie Dapp
AnneMarie Dapp is a graduate of San Francisco State University, where she studied Studio Arts and Art History. She lives and writes on Sock Monkey Ranch, her and her husband Dale’s vegetarian farm, in Prunedale, California.
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