She gave it. “I love it. Thank you so very much, Dr. John Davis.” She snuggled deeper into the soft folds of the garment, knowing full well she’d always love it. “Yet, with the financial situation …”
He stopped those thoughts with a kiss.
That blizzard lasted several days, cooling the land, providing plenty of ice for the ice house, yet, it also warmed hearts. John and the others did one more very brief search the next morning, but quickly decided to cancel any further plans to look for his horses, so no one would catch a cold. For the most part, those in John’s household enjoyed fireside chats, food, games, making plans, quickly creating snowmen, and music, with John on his glass harmonica, Crane on his mouth harmonica, Rachael playing her new xylophone, and others with their instruments, if they had brought them along, or simply spoons on tin pans.
John and Rachael happily spent some time together, too, in private, sometimes, or with Lily, discussing everything from soup to nuts or taking walks, inside and out. As they watched the snow fall and pile or blow into even larger snowdrifts, they spoke of courtship, planting more crops, and improving the gardens. When the snow finally did begin to melt into springtime, pink clematis vines bloomed near the library and dining room windows, inviting hummingbirds, cheering them even more, as snowmen shriveled.
“It is calendar spring, except there’s an unseasonably cool breeze blowing in from the north here, Rachael, and the snow’s not yet melted,” John told her when he found her on the terrace, coat around her, sipping tea and reading one day. “You must come inside.”
“I will. I need to speak with you about something, anyway, John,” she revealed, closing the book.
He smiled upon hearing those words and when he saw her in the coat he’d given her. “You look lovely, but, nevertheless, it’s too cold out here. Let’s hurry inside, please.”
“Fine, but I haven’t mentioned my idea yet, since I knew we couldn’t go to Velvet Villa Village in this snow,” Rachael remarked.
“Oh, yes, I remember some mention of it one enchanted evening.”
She grinned. “We have not had a proper chance to discuss it.”
“Well, we have, but I guess the subject just didn’t arise at the time. I’m sorry about that.”
“That’s fine. We can discuss it now,” she countered.
“I hope it wasn’t about leaving Magnolia Gardens.”
“It isn’t,” she replied, quietly trying to reassure him, and her words seemed to do just that, as they settled inside in warmer quarters. It was then she explained that she felt his Lily needed a baby doll.
“Oh, is that all? I mean, is that your idea?” He stammered, since he could see that his words hurt her feelings. “I’ll buy her one then.”
“No. I mean, yes, that’s all,” she answered curtly. “But, my idea is that if I can present her with something soft and cuddly to carry and sleep with each night, which I have made for her myself, perhaps she may come to know and accept me better. That’s all. I realize it’s not as important as your missing horses.” As soon as she said those words, she regretted them. “I’m sorry. I did not mean to hurt your feelings.”
“I wish we’d discussed this on one of those cozy, snowy nights when we were snuggling in the library, or when I was reading to you and Lily, or when we were laughing over botanicals or horses we tried to draw for Lily. Remember? There are so many things I want to fix and make right again, Rachael, such as bringing my horses home, the cancelled race, and my leg.” He stared out at the blooming clematis’ promising springtime protection over the veranda. “Those vines are a feature I’ve always loved when sitting out there in the spring. They form a canopy, sheltering us, blocking the sun’s harmful rays.”
“They are a fine tribute to the goddess of springtime,” she agreed, smiling, remembering Wren’s visit and her Easter lily. “Oh, but I would not have wanted Lily to hear of this. It’s a surprise.”
Unfortunately, his mind went elsewhere. “Knowing my beautiful animals are gone, though, grieves me. I wonder where they are. Do they have good food? Are they indoors at night? Who took them and why? Has the snow affected them in any way?” He glanced at his barn and pastures, almost unaware of Rachael’s presence. When he did glance back at her sweet face, she smiled. It warmed his heart to share her friendship. “While sharing this moment with you, I want to thank you for being here, for staying. I was at my wits end while away, thinking you might leave me.”
“I didn’t,” she quietly replied, noticing a sincere nature about him. To her, they had seemed on more formal terms this afternoon, with his mind going to the loss of his horses, until now. She wondered how to introduce her doll project again, or if she even should. It seemed important to her, but not to him.
He clicked his half full mug against hers when she raised it, in a gesture of friendship. “I want to toast to the bright side. I’m sure this will all work out someday, for the best, I hope.” He believed that.
“It will.” She fully understood his mind focusing on his problems. Hers had done the very same thing after she arrived only to fall, and immediately she had wanted to go home to loved ones, into a safe haven.
“You know, those horses are wonderful gifts from my parents and grandparents,” he told Rachael. “Otherwise, we could never have afforded them when we were first married.”
“I understand. We all love our pets and livestock. I have many fond memories of farm life. Still, I’m glad I met you.” Immediately, she wondered if she had said too much.
John’s thoughts returned to Rachael Hathaway, the sweet nanny he was now so very fond of. “I’m so glad you came here, Rachael. You must know you have certainly changed my life forever, and my daughter’s, too.”
He used my first name again, she thought, thinking of the memories they’d made. “Perhaps I should make a wish for us to have a future together after my year of work is completed here.”
“Yes, absolutely do that, please. I can’t believe you said those words. Wish it, and your fondest wish will be granted.”
Rachael whispered, “Thank you,” and leaned to kiss him.
“Your plans about creating a doll for Lily warmed my heart. I think it’s a wonderful idea.”
“You do?”
“How do we go about it? What will you need? Let’s get started.” His enthusiasm now showed.
She sat up straight, happy to explain. “I need to go to the market for soft flannel, some lace, yarn, and ribbons. I shall stuff it with gathered lavender and rose petals for softness and scent from the Kitchen Garden and Red Rose Garden. The eyes will be quite safe, not buttons like some others, but made with drops of blueberry juice, instead. Her mouth will be created with a raspberry stain,” she explained patiently, since she imagined that he knew nothing of dolls.”
“How clever, and safe,” he declared. “I can see that you are very serious about this matter. I’m amused and intrigued by the very thought of it. I want to help you, Rachael. When would you like to go?”
“Now, but I’m afraid that it will be too much for you, with your leg hurting. It’s cold outside.”
“It’s not as cold as it was. We’ll go now. I believe in your idea. I think you are correct. It may comfort Lily.” He asked Crane to fetch Miss Mariah to watch the napping baby, since he did not wish to disturb her sleep or expose her to the cool weather.
Magnolias were in high bloom. Birds swept from the road ahead into trees lining the drive to the village. “Thank you, Rachael, for making a bad day into a beautiful one,” he told her in the carriage. “What I mean to say is that our search was not successful, as you may well know, and that concerns me”
At the mercantile, they saw Emma Hoover and the twins and invited them over next week. Yet, the task at hand was selecting soft fabric for the doll body. Emma helped. The two women laughed and enjoyed a special time together, getting to know each other, while John
did some shopping of his own, buying fruit and other items. He also priced a steel plow in the garden center outside. When Rachael saw this, she spoke with the market manager, and handed him something before departing.
The race meeting, delayed because of the storm, was rescheduled as a luncheon gathering. The sheriff attended, too, and was stunned by the news John delivered. He agreed to help. They would search, while Cousin Emery went to ask the closest neighbors to take their buggies along roads and lanes, only if they were clear of snow, though. The weather had improved enough for that. Rachael wished she could go, too. Still, she and Lily were trying to get to know one another. During the meeting meal, they enjoyed being together, at times. Yet, Rachael could hardly wait for Lily’s naptime, so she could work on the doll.
Sheriff Joe Turner surprisingly interrupted those thoughts, however. “May I see the song the soldiers wrote, Miss Hathaway?” He asked, in his quiet, pleasant manner. “Perhaps they gave their last names or a clue to their whereabouts.”
“No, they did not.” She shook her head. “But, here it is.” Reaching into her pocket, she found it, and held the paper out to him, knowing good and well there were no clues. Neither their names, nor hometowns appeared on the song. “They are innocent, sheriff.” She had to speak for them, adamantly declaring their innocence.
John smiled at her, as if he believed. Watching Rachael carefully, he was filled with admiration for this woman, glad she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. After the meeting, he lingered, even when the others headed toward the barn to saddle horses and bring out the surrey, which Crane and Miss Mariah would use for the search.
The room was empty, except for the three of them ~ John, Rachael, and Lily. He could speak freely to her now. “I’m grateful to all those who are helping me today, and to you, Rachael. So far, you haven’t run away to Bower Farm. I half expected you to do so, with all of these problems arising, and in case you’d like to know, I’m thrilled you haven’t. Just look at you and Lily together.” He wanted to express his gratitude to her for her determination to please his child. So, he came to the chair where she held his young daughter. Whispering, “Thank you,” he leaned to kiss the top of Rachael’s head and Lily’s hand on his way outside.
She was warmed by his affection and actions, which spoke louder than words. Lily soon fell asleep, so Rachael placed her on the sofa and began to place the stitches needed to hold the doll head together. Each time Lily stirred, Rachael hid the doll. Miss Mariah soon arrived and wanted to take Lily for a walk when she awoke. Therefore, Rachael decided to stop by the kitchen to show Miss Callie her progress on the work and talk about a berry crumble recipe she wanted to try soon.
The cook was impressed with her needlework, marveling over it, as she frosted a layer cake. “When will you give it to her, honey? She’ll just love it,” Standing back to survey her work, she announced that it was John’s birthday, and she also had pantry supplies and produce to put away, which Cousin Emery and Buddy had so thoughtfully brought to her when they arrived to search today.
“It is? The cake is just beautiful. I’ll give the doll to her tonight at dinner then, if I get it done in time. It may lift her father’s spirits, too.”
Miss Callie thought she read something special into the nanny’s comment. She raised her eyebrows. “Yes, it might do just that,” she cooed. “He needs those spirits lifted, you know.”
“I think I know just how to do that, if I can borrow the guys for awhile this afternoon,” Rachael declared.
“We’ll see to it, Crane and I.” Then, she changed the subject. “You know, those boys, Monty, Buddy, and Emery are always bringing in something special for us to sup on. They help keep our pantry full and hang all kinds of interesting produce in the cellar, unless it’s too big, like squash or pumpkins, that is,” she laughed.
“I’ll help you store the produce.” Rachael happily gave her a hand unloading two large boxes of vegetables, more shiny apples for the apple barrel, plump carrots, red beets, rutabagas, potatoes, onions, and winter squashes someone had stored in their barn. They even were surprised to find a bag of pickles for the pickle crock and a loaf of spiced orange bread someone had purchased at one of the markets.
“Oh, I just love squash. We often had it on the farm,” Rachael told her friend. “It’s wonderful.”
“Do you want some for dinner tonight, honey? I can sure fix it if I start now.”
“I would love it. Would the others?” Rachael asked, trying to be considerate of everyone’s wishes and tastes.
“They do, except for Miss Mariah. I haven’t convinced her yet,” the cook laughed. Then she turned more serious. “I know it’s not my place to ask, but how is your ankle coming along?”
“Well, it feels stronger.” Rachael was surprised, yet delighted, that her friend had asked about it.
“Can I take a look, or is it my place to ask? I didn’t think the men would think to ask you.”
“No. I mean, yes. I mean, no one has looked at it for awhile, except doctors Evans and Davis. But you certainly may.”
“I don’t want to embarrass you or anything, Miss Hathaway. I was just concerned about you.”
“Miss Callie, I do appreciate your concern.” Rachael then began unwrapping her bandaged, bruised foot.
Chapter Ten
“Honey, you have a rainbow-colored ankle,” Miss Callie exclaimed, with a concerned look upon her sweet face. “There’s purple, yellow, pink, blue, and green there. But the swelling has gone down, for certain. That’s a good sign. Can you move it well?”
“Most of the time I can move it without much pain. It’s not as bad as it was. Sometimes it seems to catch when I turn it a certain way and then I have a stab of unwelcome pain,” Rachael admitted.
“I’m so sorry. You’d better be careful. Let’s put a cold cloth on it again. You sit right here and I’ll get some ice for the wrap. Always watch the staircase when you go up or down, please, will you? Use the hand railing. It sometimes takes these things a long time to heal, as our good doctor is finding out, too.”
“Thank you, Miss Callie. You’re like a dear mother hen,” Rachael laughed. “I appreciate your concern.”
“I know you do. Your own dear mother hen isn’t here right now, so somebody has got to show you some regard, honey, don’t they?” the cook explained and asked at the same time.
“Yes.” Rachael wanted to speak of the tender foot rub John had given her that felt so good, increasing blood circulation to her injured foot and the one she’d given to him in return. Yet, she didn’t. Instead, she just smiled at those memories. When Miss Callie returned with the ice, Rachael’s berry crumble recipe became the topic of interest. It was appropriate to postpone making it, however, since the cook had already created John’s birthday cake for dessert at tonight’s surprise celebration. So, Rachael explained more fully what she needed for Crane and the men to do, then went back to work on Lily’s doll in her room, with the kitten curled beside her. She also wrote home again.
‘Dear Mother, Grandmother Rachael, Great Aunt Millie, Phoebe, and Viola,
I just came from Miss Callie’s kitchen. She is such a wonderful friend to me and her cooking is absolutely delicious. Tomorrow I shall make our family recipe of berry crumble. I made the tea cakes and Dr. Davis loved them. He also likes fossils, flowers, and music. He sang a song and I’m going to write him and baby Lily each one. We’re going to name the kitten soon, and we plan to open the gardens for visitors to tour this spring or summer, and perhaps again sometime in autumn.
Crane, and our housekeeper, Miss Mariah, were at Dragonfly Pond and they thought they saw a ghost late one afternoon when the fog was rolling in and visibility was poor. But I don’t think it was. I think they are sweet on one another and just weren’t paying attention. Dr. Davis and I saw the sweetest birds and dragonflies at that same watering hole, some pretty sunsets, and we walked in Kitty Lane. We hop
e to visit those places more often.
We’ve even seen falling stars there of an evening. I dare say, I could never ask for a better employer. He is polite and sees to all of my needs, as he promised Mother. In fact, when I fell on the stairs, he summoned Dr. Evans right away; but it was only a slight sprain of the ankle. There is nothing to worry about. Do we have baby chickens yet? Wren wrote that there’s a new baby calf. Did you name it yet?
I must tell you that my fondest wish has now come true, for I am indeed a new nanny now. I have a paying position and Lily has returned home. In fact, I definitely do not deserve it, but I have surprisingly been given a raise in my salary. I believe it is because I have not quit and run back home like some scared little rabbit. (Laugh now, for it’s not that bad here.)
Baby Lily is wonderful. The Magnolia Gardens are beautiful, and there are a fair number of guests who visit here often, to keep things interesting. Lieutenant Monty Graham of Fernhaven is here now. Wren came, also. We had a good visit and played marbles. He assured me that you are all well.
I wish you could see it here. No, instead, I wish you could see me! My next letter will be on my botanical paper, with my favorite pressed flowers from here found on them. Tonight is the doctor’s surprise birthday party, and I was able to buy him gifts with the funds I brought with me.
Sincerely, With Much Love,
Rachael, of the Hathaway Clan
P.S. We are making a Christmas quilt for under the tree, and I’ve nearly finished Lily’s baby doll.
Long faces accompanied the men when they returned from the search. Many neighbors had joined them, to no avail. At dinner shortly after, John announced that Magnolia Gardens would be hosting a picnic and springtime garden tour soon to repay everyone’s kindness, and that was not the only thing revealed. Rachael noticed smiles and glances between Crane and Miss Mariah. From her window, Rachael had seen him help the young maid from the buggy they shared when they returned from the search this afternoon. It was quite apparent at the time, that these two liked each other very much. Although she didn’t want to embarrass them in any way, she longed to know more about her new friends. “Did you enjoy the search today and the weather and scenery, Miss Mariah?” she asked.
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