Sanctuary

by Alene Adele Roy

  They walked silently down Veranda Path and Pond Path at sunset, side by side. He simply pointed to which turns they would make, without speaking. To her delight, they traversed around the third corner to his special spot ~ Dragonfly Pond. Finally, he stopped near the water’s edge.

  She was nervous now. Would her employment be terminated, she wondered? Or would they, perhaps, continue their new and intriguing friendship? What about the lieutenant, she also wondered?

  “This is my most secret place. I come here often because birds and dragonflies do, too, as you very well may have noticed during our last visit. It’s peaceful here, isn’t it? While away, I thought so often of this vista, sheltered by the magnolias backed by evergreens. We never failed to see something interesting here.”

  She knew he was obviously referring to him and his wife being here together, previously. That was understandable. Ask nothing about that, she told herself. “It’s lovely here. So, I have now learned where both the dragonflies and butterflies roam,” she whispered in awe, vowing to just keep silent and let him think or speak, while enjoying this solitude he had openly shared with her.

  “There’s another secret here, Rachael,” he continued. Unfortunately, he just quit talking to smile a content smile. He was watching a little dark bird darting along the water’s edge, as if he didn’t even know she was with him. That little creature ran to a reed, making tracks in the soft mud. There, it drank several long drinks before pecking at some seed pods. Afterward, it flew into a flowering white magnolia. “The sun on that magnolia makes it appear like a wedding gown, doesn’t it, Rachael?”

  “I don’t know.” The nanny changed the subject. “Is that the secret? That was a wren,” she laughed, as a pastel pink and white sunset graced the evening sky, reflecting magnificently in the pond. “This scene reminds me of home. The baby pink in the sky is so appropriate for Lily’s return, too, isn’t it?”

  “I hadn’t thought of that. Thank you. It was a wren, but the secret is white.” Instantly, intriguingly, instinctively, he stopped divulging his thoughts. John now turned and held out his arms to her.

  “Oh, that reminds me, my cousin Wren Hathaway was here to see me. I forgot to mention that to you, but perhaps Crane did. It’s not a secret, by any means.”

  “No, he didn’t mention it.” He shook his head and stared absentmindedly, speechless.

  “What is it? Tell me, please,” Rachael implored him. “I want to know what your secret is here, John.”

  The sound of his first name thrilled him. Therefore, instead of telling her, he showed her one of his secrets, by gently taking Rachael Hathaway into his arms and kissing her tenderly. She didn’t resist. “That is one secret revealed, Rachael. How do you like it?” he asked in a whisper, still holding her close.

  Unfortunately, his embrace somewhat reminded her of Monty’s. They both have kissed me today, unexpectedly, she thought to herself. “What a special day this is. But, what can I say? What is love, anyway? Those became my list of questions for you, while you were away,” she confided.

  Still holding her, he knew exactly what to say in order to answer her questions. “Love is everything, Rachael. It renders me speechless, and I love you.”

  Chapter Eight

  “Prove it.” Springtime and his kiss made her merry, and bold, or she never would have spoken those words. As natural as the nearby spring bubbling over smooth rocks near the hollow, she slipped her hands into his. “Your kiss was as welcome as raindrops on your garden,” she whispered.

  He kissed her. “I’ll do anything.” He gently pulled her closer. “We both seem to cherish time together after being apart, a good sign in any relationship,” he reasoned. “What would you have me do?”

  She laughed. “I’m laughing only at my boldness. Speak of the pumps you’ve located, please.”

  “Rachael, I love you.” Finally, after many moments and a smile, he explained, “I’ve found a source. We can send a telegram to learn more about them.”

  “That’s wonderful. I’m excited about that, John. Thank you.” Just then, she pointed. “See that little black-capped chickadee, a greatly appreciated songbird? It pecks at something on that magnolia branch, and then it goes for water. You know, with a new well somewhere, plants, animals, and people, will have water.”

  “Yes. I believe you have a good plan, Rachael. Isn’t it a wonder how the other birds know when one has found food or water, and flock to join it? I’ll flock to join you, anywhere.”

  She laughed. “By the way, did I tell you that I am happy to be flocking with you in your own private paradise tonight?”

  “No,” he whispered. “Rachael, what is your secret? How do you feel about me now?” He waited patiently for her answers, while holding her in his arms. “I have very specific reasons for asking. I’ve waited and wondered as I journeyed,” he explained. “Rachael, I’ve committed my love to you.”

  She stared up into his face, studying it. Pondering about this man she called her employer, she wondered if their relationship was turning into something more, something special. But what about the lieutenant’s words? “Someday, I might have those answers for you. For now, I don’t know,” she truthfully confessed, for both he and Monty had mentioned marriage to her. “I can’t entrust my heart just yet.”

  “Oh, Rachael, please tell me the truth about how you feel about me before I wither away from lack of encouragement,” he pleaded, with a grin. “I do wish to know if we have a wonderful future together.”

  This time she did pull away. “I’m confused, sir. I have no feelings for you, only a wish to work. You know that,” she told him bluntly. But he wasn’t accepting it. She could tell. “I’m Lily’s nanny, nothing more.”

  “Rachael, you just informed me that you are happy to be spending time with me here. Doesn’t that mean anything to you? You are beautiful, more than that, sweetheart.” He paused. “In time you’ll know. But I know how I feel. I won’t rush you, though. However, I will make you realize that you are a very desirable young woman and I’ll remind you often of it and what you have just said to me, that you enjoy spending time here with me. You’re sincere, sweet, trustworthy, and powerful. Don’t deny that or be fooled by anyone. Trust your own heart, but let it lean toward me, please. I will be here for you. Indeed, I need for you to be here for me, as well. Will you be, Rachael? If not, let’s go inside.”

  She was speechless. Finally words came and she dared to speak them. “That sounds like an ultimatum, a final decision. Thank you for telling me all of this and making me realize your feelings. I dare say, I’ve never heard such sweet sentiments from anyone before.” Then, she realized that the lieutenant had just about said as much at the oak tree, but not quite. Remember, Rachael, she thought to herself? “I shall ponder your words and your actions and stay at Magnolia Gardens for awhile, only awhile. I can’t promise anything else. However, I do want Lily to know me and that I am her friend, for I believe the little darling needs me.” She wasn’t about to tell him of her encounter with the lieutenant, and that his kiss was also on her mind right now. She didn’t dare, because now she had loved John’s kiss.

  “Oh,” was all he said, as he reeled away from her, as if in pain. One hand to his head, somewhat exasperated, he did not appreciate what he’d heard. He wanted more terms of endearment from her, a promise, a better answer than she had given him just now. He was heartened, though, that no man had ever spoken this way to her. She had said so. No other love was waiting for her back home. “I shall continue courting you until you are thoroughly convinced that I love you and you love me. That is one mission I will not deny myself. Therefore, I need you.”

  “I don’t know what to say.”

  Taking a deep breath, he vowed to be patient, and mysterious, holding her attention, so she would not rush from him. Watching dragonflies dip and soar gave him an idea. He’d entertain her, keeping her spellbound, informing her, for
she seemed to enjoy learning new things. “Rachael, while in Washington, I spoke to a man who knew Jules Henri Giffard, who flew the world’s first passenger airship on September 24, 1852 in France. In that steam powdered dirigible balloon, he flew and made small circles in the air, proving to everyone that air flight is possible and can be controlled. What a marvel that is. Someday, perhaps, you and I shall take flight in one.”

  “That’s just amazing and fascinating,” Rachael had to admit, mesmerized by his tale of flight in a foreign country. “I’m so very glad you shared that with me, for I’ve never been to beautiful France.”

  “Perhaps someday we’ll go. But for now, these beautiful dragonflies will have to entertain us with their flights, since they’re amazing and fascinating, too. So are their fossils, for that matter.” He wondered if any of it mattered to her at all.

  It did. “John.” Rachael suddenly took the liberty of calling him by his first name and placing a hand gently upon his back. In an instant, she encouraged him to turn to her with a single touch.

  In delighted shock and awe, he certainly did turn, for he could tell she was interested. “Those soaring dragonflies made me think of the airship tale, and of the humerus or arm bones and metatarsi or foot bones I’ve found here in fossil form,” he revealed, hoping to further amuse her. “There were also phalanges of the hand and foot. Those are finger, thumb, and toe bones,” he quietly explained, noting that he certainly had her attention.

  “Really?” she asked, earnestly excited by his announcements. She was thrilled at learning more of his secrets, about ancient treasures found here. She slipped her right hand into his left one, waiting for his reaction.

  He bent to kiss her hand, heart pounding.

  For a moment, she felt like a nurtured archaeologist, learning, experiencing, sharing, and caring.

  “They were large, the bones, that is, from an animal above human size. As a doctor, I know that size well. They were like nothing I’ve ever seen before, Rachael. They held me spellbound upon their discovery.”

  “You actually discovered some?” Words suddenly failed her, while she waited for him to explain.

  “Evidently this watering hole, as you call it, has been here for some time, eons, centuries, and huge grazing, animals, maybe mastodons or dinosaurs, extinct reptiles of gigantic size, came here for water.” He was explaining his true thoughts on the matter. “I would have liked to have seen that. Erosion, weathering of the earth and soil, I’d venture to say, brought their bones forth for me to find, shortly before I left for the war. I haven’t thought much about them until now. But I have read about them and about people studying them. Maybe one day I’ll have a museum to place them into and I’ll meet with other archaeologists to compare notes,” he told her. “I sound as if I am a want-to-be archaeologist, don’t I? Yet, I believe our community would be interested in seeing those fossils. I also think I’d like a barometer to keep track of weather patterns, since certain kinds of eroding weather, such as heavy rains or snows, flooding, even high winds could precede my finding other fossils and artifacts as the earth’s crust changes.”

  “I’m speechless from your words.” This immediately gave her an idea for a gift for John. “We have much in common. My father has also unearthed some skeletal remains with his plow. We think they are from large birds from the prehistoric era. So, I know exactly what you are talking about. It’s an exciting feeling. I’ve never discussed this with anyone outside of our immediate family, though. Thank you for sharing that information with me. I’ve had a lovely time and I had no idea that those big giants roamed here, too, or drank here. What a special place this is, your Dragonfly Pond.”

  “Your face reveals excitement for the same things I ponder. A bond is surely being formed between us.”

  “Perhaps,” she whispered, with just a hint of a flirty smile, for she did appreciate his reasoning.

  “Well, I dare say, I believe I need a plow, then,” he chuckled, knowing that his words were working magic tonight, holding her attention. “You know, fossils are often found in tar pits, bogs, and in clay or mud turned to stone. So, I was excited to find some here, on my property. Bless the rains and winds which washed them to me, and bless the low water level from that drought we had.”

  “Bless this pond. There could be more here. Father said he’s heard of some found in tree resin.”

  “That’s fascinating. I often imagine them being discovered all over the world. I thrill at the very thought of that,” the young doctor conveyed.

  “I do, too. Perhaps some will even be found in ice. Actually, there’s no telling what the future will reveal and where fossils will be found and what discoveries will be made about them.” Consequently, her thoughts suddenly turned to more modern beauties, the dragonflies. “Look at all of those soaring dragonflies over your pond. See how some swoop very low over it, while others fly high, hover, or soar to land on the flowers.” An amazed Rachael studied those flying insects.

  John studied her. His plan had worked. Happiness was shared after his revealing statements. “Those fascinating creatures are friendly, you know, with their four wings, jewel colors, and ability to even fly backwards. Some people call them horse stingers or darning needles, and they sometimes lay their eggs in peat or other mosses here, or on the pond plants. They love water, as we can well see.”

  She laughed at his use of the word ‘well.’ “Well, I just love it when they hover. I wonder, would one land on my hand?” Rachael slowly stretched her right hand toward the pond, as they strolled even closer. “By the way, I also have some plans here, with your approval, that is,” she told him, wondering if he would accept her ideas. “Since you have these lovely botanical gardens, I was wondering if I could collect and press some flowers, ferns, leaves, and seed pods or seeds for highlighting my stationery paper? I did that of an afternoon at home for family and friends, and I’d like to do it again. Many of your flowers are different from ours, and it would be fun to work with some new varieties.”

  “I see. So, we both enjoy flora, as well as fauna. We seem to prefer many of the same things. Don’t we, Rachael?” He quietly pointed out that fact, trying to make her realize that they were well suited for one another. “Of course, you may collect botanicals. But I must help you cut and garner the flowers and greenery, so you don’t cut yourself, and so you will have only the most prized specimens for your work. We should also survey my bottomland out back, for I believe different varieties are found there, especially ferns and clover. It’s my best offer.”

  “And a lovely offer that is, I must say. Yes, I shall certainly accept your best offer. I’m quite happy that you approved my idea and I’m thrilled that you will be involved. Of course, I don’t want my hobby to interfere with my duties as a nanny, or your plans. So, I thought I would do it of an evening, after the baby is asleep,” she explained, still amazed at his suggestion that he would help her. “Yet, the timing would be absolutely up to you, sir.” Suddenly, she was thrilled again. “I feel as if I could just fly to the large, full moon rising before us.” Lifting on tiptoes, she expressed her pleasure. “It will be great fun to press flowers once again, and send some to family and friends. I can hardly wait.”

  “I can hardly wait, as well. The timing will be yours entirely, though. You know, we can take Lily with us to procure your flowers and greens, or do so during her naps, with Miss Mariah watching over her. Perhaps the library table would be a sufficient workplace, with a fire in the fireplace on chilly evenings, surrounded by plenty of candlelight, so I can see your beautiful, eager face. Maybe I can read poetry aloud to you at the same time,” he offered with a grin, while picking her a daisy. “I did note that you like poetry.”

  “Would you?” She was consumed with excitement. “Yes, thank you. Please do!” She rose on tiptoes again, making him chuckle this time. “I wish you’d read to me from your medical books, as well.”

  “Come with me. L
et us sit on the bower bench. The pink clematis is blooming there.” So, they did. Then, John continued to enthrall her. “Oh, you’re interested in those thick volumes? I’m amazed.” He stroked her hair. “I will read from them, if you like. Are we friends once again, Rachael Hathaway?” he asked in delight.

  “Yes, of course. You and I shall be friends forever, Dr. John Davis,” she added, accepting his floral offering of some blooming clematis tendrils he’d pinched off to join the daisy. “You see, my interests are wide and varied, and my curiosity in the medicals comes from the fact that my family lovingly refers to me as ‘Medicine Woman,’ for I can roll a bandage with the best of them.” She was trying to sound mature, in order to impress him.

  “How wonderful that is. I’m impressed, and above all, I’m becoming your best friend.”

  She was relieved, glancing at the spectacular sunset. When she turned back to him, John was holding a letter. “What’s that?”

  “It’s for you.”

  “It’s from Wren! It’s a letter from my cousin,” she exclaimed, happily.

  “Is Wren a female or male relative?” he questioned, which she thought was strange.

  “Wren is a man. He’s my cousin on my father’s side, and he lives in Bower. We’re very close. He checks on me and my well being from time to time.”

  “I see.” He turned away from her so she could read the letter in private, and read she did, to him.

  Tearing it open, she instantly began:

  “‘Dear Cousin Rachael,

  You will not believe what Mysterious Buyer has sent into our store this time. It’s an octagon window! Do you believe that? Do you think it will sell? Do you have one in Velvet Villa Village?

  I was happy to find you doing well at your new place of employment. Has the young child arrived yet? Your father and Robert have not. I should tell you that I am venturing over there to your area on business soon and I would like to come to call upon you. I’ll let you know more details later when I know the situation. Your family is doing well and welcomed a new calf recently.