Penny answered the door with a shriek, “Dad! Tessy!” as she fell into her father’s embrace. “Welcome home! Oh, it’s so good to see you. I was just about to head over to Ashling Manor before going to pick up the girls. Come in. Come in. How was it? Can’t wait to hear all about it and, of course, the pictures!” She finally stopped talking long enough to give Tessy an affectionate hug.
Marshall and Tessy chuckled. “It was absolutely fantastic,” Marshall gushed. “I would highly recommend it to anyone.”
“Aye, ‘twas a grand holiday.”
“Can I get you a coffee?”
“No, I think we’re fine, thanks,” Marshall looked at Tessy. She nodded her head in agreement. “Is Jim home? Or, is Kyle around? I hear he’s been visiting some,” Marshall continued.
“No. Jim is off to work and Kyle hasn’t arrived yet. But he is planning on being out this weekend. Did the kids have time to pop over to see you before heading to the beach?”
“Aye. “Twas so good to see them. I think wee Emma and Becky have grown some since we left.”
Penny chuckled, “Probably. I can’t seem to fill her up lately.”
“She’s on a growin’ spurt, then. That’s good. We brought them back a few things from Ireland and they left them at the house so ye might want to stop on your way home and gather them up. We have a thing or two for ye and Jim, as well.”
“Oh, you two! There was no need for that, but thank you so much. How was your stay at the castle?”
“Oh my! One could certainly get use to that lifestyle in a hurry!” Tessy held her hand over her heart.
Marshal and Penny laughed.
“Boy, I’ll say. We took a bunch of pictures so you guys could see just how spectacular it really was,” boasted Marshall.
“Oh, I’m so glad. And, the handfasting?”
Marshall threw Tessy a teasing scowling glance.
“Don’t be lookin’ at me that way, Dr. Tayse. ‘Twas ye with all the surprises.”
“Surprises! Dad tell me more.”
“Oh, let’s not get into all that right now. Don’t you have to go pick up the girls?”
“Yes, I do. Rats! Okay, but I want to hear all about this later… in great detail!”
Penny dropped Marshall and Tessy off at Ashling Manor and continued to Ladyslipper Lake. They entered the house to find Sage there to welcome them home. Tessy and Sage gathered each other in a loving hug. When Tessy pulled away she stopped and took a long look at her blood relative… Find the Clan named after the herbs ran through her mind. However, this was not the time to discuss it. Aye, she and Sage would talk, but not now.
“Sage dear, how wonderful to see ye!”
“Oh Tessy! I missed you so much!” Sage exclaimed as she reached for another hug. Then she drew away and blurted, “But, I have something to show you… Look!” And up popped her left hand with a sweet little ring on her finger. “A promise ring!”
“Oh my! Sage! How wonderful. Congratulations to ye and Tommy. I couldn’t be happier.” Tessy glanced over at Dotty who gave her a wink and a nod, confirming that she displayed the exact amount of enthusiasm required.
After a short chat, Marshall excused himself saying he was headed outside to give Bert a hand.
Tessy looked around her kitchen and let out a soft sigh. How blessed she felt right at this moment to be surrounded by family and friends. She may miss her beloved Ireland but Ashling Manor was truly HOME!
26
Surprise!
There were a few more surprises on the horizon, in those first couple of days home. Penny informed Tessy and Marshall that since Emma was a little older now she would like to go back work. When Connie was getting her new quilt shop ready she asked Penny if she would like to come and work it with her. Penny did think about it but soon declined saying, “Thank you, but I know absolutely nothing about sewing, so I really wouldn’t be of much help.” This did get her thinking about what kind of store she would start up. Mason’s General Store in town did have some clothing, mostly for children, but were very limited and especially for shoes. She decided to open a shoe store and perhaps add a clothing line to it. She and Jim had already found and were considering a small empty building close to the school so that Emma could come after class.
Marshall also wasn’t quite done with surprises for Tessy, just yet. He had one more very important event to spring on her before he left for Winnipeg. Prior to them leaving on their honeymoon, Tessy had decided, that between planning the wedding, travelling to Ireland and not getting home until the last week of July, that she just wouldn’t have time to prepare for her annual Christmas in July party this year. She’d told Marshall it could wait until next year.
Marshall, being a true romantic, was not about to let the anniversary of the day he met his lovely Irish lass slip by without a celebration. So, before they’d left, he discussed his plan with Dotty, Bert, Penny, Jim, Sage, Tommy and all the kids. Everyone gladly agreed to help with the preparations and to keep it under wraps. Emma and Becky were especially giddy with excitement, but did a fine job of holding the secret. It was this coming weekend so they were down to the wire! Dotty had already snuck the Santa suit over to Roger. Danny and Tommy were getting the wagon and team all spruced up for the hayride. The girls had all the gift bags and decorations done up and over at Cherokee’s house. Dotty had been baking up a storm for the past couple of weeks, hiding some in the freezer while storing more in Penny’s fridge. The girls had gone over most days to help and to decorate gingerbread men. They all tenaciously worked to make it just as festive and special as Tessy always did. Sunday finally arrived and all they had to do was get Tessy away from Ashling Manor for a few hours.
Between Penny and Marshall it was decided that to get Tessy out of the house Sunday morning, Penny would invite Tessy over to discuss some details and to go inspect the little shop with her. Tessy was more than happy to help in any way she could. After breakfast, she went upstairs, slipped on a lovely print dress, kissed her husband goodbye and headed over on her trike. When Tessy arrived, the children were quite excited, supposedly, to spend the day at the beach. The little girls were giggling as Sarah and Cherokee quickly whisked them out and down the front walk.
“My, isn’t it lovely to see the children so happy,” she mused out loud to Penny as she turned to watch them.
“Oh yes. They’ve just been wild this morning.” Penny laughed.
“What a blessing.” Tessy smiled.
“Come in. Can I get you a coffee or a tea maybe?”
“No, thank ye, dear. I’m fine.”
Penny needed to stall as long as possible. “If you don’t mind, I think I’ll make myself another cup?”
“Not at all, dear. Go right ahead.”
It was a lovely morning so Penny suggested they sit out on the deck. They spent the next while just chatting in general before Tessy finally enquired, “So dear, what have ye got planned so far regarding your little venture?”
Penny slowly went into detail and explained the research they had done and what they had accomplished up to now. After she was done she disappeared into the house and brought out her binder of paperwork for Tessy to look through.
“My, ye have done a fine, thorough job. Looks like ye’re almost ready to go.”
“Well, thanks Tessy. We are getting closer. Believe it or not, my toughest decision so far is what to name it!”
Tessy laughed. “That is a pretty important step, to be sure. Let’s take a look at the space and see what we can come up with.”
“We have to pick up the key at the real estate agents house first. Shall we go?
“Aye. That would be grand.”
Penny took her time getting ready then looking for the car keys. She made a wrong turn driving to the agent’s house then had to back track to get there. It took an extra twenty minutes, but they finally made it to the little shop. Tessy smiled when she saw it. It had been one of the empty buildings she chanted over.
“Oh, Penn
y dear! It’s as cute as can be. I remember, years ago, this being the candy shop. A darling, older lady by the name of Mrs. Butterworth owned and operated it. All the children adored her, and she them.” Tessy chuckled, “I don’t think she ever made any money. She gave away more than she ever sold.”
“What happened to her?” Penny asked, genuinely interested.
“Oh my, she’s been gone for years, now. Her family had all moved away and they just closed the store when she passed. But I can still feel her dear, sweet energy all around.” Tessy closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath of that energy. “Aye, I’m getting a very good feeling about your venture, dear.” She smiled warmly at Penny and gave her a reassuring nod.
Penny was already certain this was the right choice, but having Tessy agree clinched it. She and Jim would talk one more time, before signing the papers. They wandered around for a few minutes then stepped outside to view the storefront. As Penny locked the front door of her, soon to be, new shop she was quite excited. It all felt so real. She stood back and took another good look. Partially to waste some time, but mostly to soak up the feeling of having her own store. When they reached the car she glanced at her watch. “Oh, my goodness! It’s after noon. You must be starving. I know I’m getting hungry. Would you like to pop in the Lotus Garden Café for lunch? My treat.”
“That sounds grand. But that’s not necessary.”
“No, really. You’ve been such a help today.”
“I certainly haven’t done much.”
They left the car and walked down the street and into the café. They got seated, ordered and were sipping on some green tea when Tessy started to chuckle. She’d been brainstorming on a name for Penny’s new shop when it came to her.
“What?” Penny questioned.
“I think I have the perfect name for your shop, dear.”
“Really? What?” Penny was excited.
Tessy smiled, “The Lady’s Slipper and Family Footwear.”
Oh Tessy!” Penny gasped. “That is perfect. Of course, The – Lady’s – Slipper,” she slowly enunciated. She was almost in tears. “Oh, thank you! It is so perfect,” she repeated as she reached across the table and held Tessy’s hands. She couldn’t wait to tell Jim.
They enjoyed a leisurely lunch and talked non-stop about the store. Penny wanted to get it up and running as quickly as possible. She was hoping to get set up and some inventory in before school started, but knew that might be a bit optimistic.
“One day at a time, dear. The Universe has set it in motion. It will happen as it is meant to be,” were the final wise words spoken by Tessy before they got up to leave.
Penny looked at her watch again. She had kept Tessy busy for almost three hours. She wasn’t sure how she was going to call over to Ashling Manor to see how they were doing without Tessy hearing. They finished their lunch and walked back to the car. Penny opened the doors and Tessy got in. Penny just stood there looking into her purse.
“What’s wrong dear?” Tessy asked.
“Oh, my goodness, I think I left my wallet at the front counter when I was paying. I’ll be right back.” She was proud of herself for being so devious! “I’m better at this than I thought,” she chuckled out loud as she stepped in to the restaurant. She made a quick call and found out they were ready. Tessy would have about an hour to get over the shock and get dressed before the rest of the people arrived.
Penny returned to the car and they were off. She pretended to absentmindedly drive to Ashling Manor. When Tessy started to protest saying she had ridden her trike, Penny just said she’d have one of the kids bring it over later. As they drove up the lane Tessy could see several vehicles and people scurrying about.
“What in St. Paddy’s name is going on?”
Penny shut the car off and impishly grinned at her. She didn’t answer. She could see her father approaching and thought it best that he should be the one to explain. He opened Tessy’s door and helped her out.
“Marshall Tayse! What is it ye’ve been up to?”
“Hi Honey.” Marshall gulped wondering now if maybe he’d over-stepped his boundaries just a bit.
“Don’t ye be hi honeying me until ye tell me what it ‘tis that ye’ve gone and done now!”
Thankfully, to Marshall’s relief, all the kids came running over in a hub of excitement. “Merry Christmas, Tessy! Isn’t it wonderful! Come see the awesome job we did. It’s just like you taught us last year. Come on. Hurry!”
Tessy looked up at Marshall and followed the children to the back yard. Despite her shock, she had to smile as her heart melted. “Oh children! How beautiful. Ye did a marvellous job. Oh Marshall! Christmas in July!” and she started to tear up. “How did all this happen?” She turned to see Dotty, who was crying, and everyone else all pointing at Marshall.
“Surprise!” he teasingly shouted.
Tessy laughed, grasped her heart in a gesture of appreciation, “How can I ever thank ye?” She pulled Marshall in for a hug and a solid kiss.
“Phew! You had me worried for a few minutes. I really thought I was in hot water.” Marshall wiped his brow.
Everyone laughed.
Then he announced, “Well guys, I’d say we are pretty much done for now so we should probably go and get freshened up before our guests arrive.
Tessy graciously hosted and assisted throughout the day. Everything fell into place perfectly. She could not have planned the event any better herself. She was so proud of Marshall at how effortlessly he co-hosted as if he had known the good folks of Ladyslipper all his life. She felt so blessed to be married to such a man. Dotty and Bert were also amazing. They never stopped. Yes, fussing was absolutely Dotty’s forte!
Marshall enjoyed a quiet drink at the far end of the yard and blissfully admired his wife from a distance. Penny walked over to join him. “Hey,” she greeted.
“Hey,” he smiled.
“You did a great job, Dad.”
“I didn’t do much. It was pretty much done by the time we got back.”
“I think you’re being a bit modest. Hard to believe that one short year ago it was like pulling teeth to get you here.”
Marshall chuckled, “I cannot even imagine, or want to, what my life would be like had you not insisted. I guess I never properly thanked you, honey. I wouldn’t know where to begin.” He pulled his daughter close for a long hug. When he released her, he had to brush a tear away.
“Ahh, Dad. I am just happy that everything turned out as it did. We couldn’t love Tessy more.”
“That makes two of us!”
Later that night, Tessy and Marshall celebrated in the privacy of their bedroom.
27
Clarity
The next morning everything was cleaned up and all traces of Christmas in July had disappeared. Dotty and Bert were packing to leave the next day. Marshall was leaving for Winnipeg mid-week and they wanted to get back ahead of him. They were going to be missed. They had grown close to so many folks in their stay at Ashling Manor and were having a difficult time of it. Bert was down at the café enjoying one last visit with the “old guys” while Dotty was busy fussing. Tessy found her in the pantry. “Dotty dear, what are ye doing?”
“Oh, Tessy! I was just checking to see what you’re short on. With you being away you wouldn’t know if you were out of something until you needed it. I’ve made a little list here to help you out.”
“Dotty! Come out of there, now. Ye have your own packing and gettin’ ready to do. I’ll make out fine, dear. Although, I must admit I’m going to miss ye terribly.”
That’s all it took. Dotty burst into tears. “Oh Tess! I’m going to miss you, too… and the children,” she sobbed. Tessy grabbed two tissues and handed one to Dotty before hugging her.
Tears were eventually dried and the mood brightened as the day carried on. Kyle dropped in that afternoon to visit with his dad. They were enjoying a beer out on the veranda.
“So, I hear you are spending quite a bit of time in Lady
slipper lately, son.”
Kyle chuckled, “Yep, I guess I am. I really like Susan. We have a lot in common.”
“Sounds like this might be getting serious.”
“Well, Dad, I think she could be the one.”
“Wow! That is serious. What about little Becky? Kids are a big responsibility. Are you sure you’re ready for that?”
“Oh, Dad, Becky is a terrific kid. We get along great. You know I’ve always loved kids. That’s the main reason I worked in underdeveloped countries. It was the kids that kept drawing me back.”
“And… what about that? Are you ready to give that up?”
“What are you saying, Dad? Do you not like Susan? Do you not think I should ever fall in love and start a family of my own? You and Mom were at least ten years younger than me when you got married and started a family.” Kyle was getting a bit agitated and went to get up.
“No! Son, please sit. I’m sorry. Of course, I like Susan. And, I’m very happy for you. But don’t you think it’s all happening a little fast. You have only known each other barely over a month.”
Kyle looked at his father. Then a rueful grin spread across his face, “How long did it take you to fall in love with Tessy, Dad?”
Marshall threw back his head and heartily laughed, slapping his youngest son on the back, “Touche, my boy! Touche!” Marshall held up his beer bottle and tapped Kyle’s. That conversation was over!
Tessy popped out to join them after a bit. She wanted to make sure they had spent some quality time alone. She knew Marshall was not that comfortable regarding Kyle’s relationship with Susan and she wanted them to clear the air. She was sure that had happened. The three of them sat and chatted about their holiday before Kyle left. Tessy and Marshall stood on the veranda and watched him drive away.
“Did ye have a nice visit, love?”
“Yah, we did. Do you think Susan is too old for Kyle?” Marshall’s brow was furrowed.
Tessy looked puzzled. “Why no, not at all, dear. I don’t think there is much of a difference in their age. Just because Penny and Susan are close friends does not make them close in age. Ye must remember, Penny’s youngest child is the same age as Susan’s only child.”
Wise Woman Homage Page 15