Springtime seemed to arrive in their hearts at that very moment, as John understood, perfectly. They gazed at each other, content with the glorious feelings they were sharing just now. Words were not important in these moments of pleasure and bliss. They kissed.
Finally, she spoke. “I dare say, that was wonderful,” she whispered, revealing her feelings for him. “Yes, that is the secret I was reluctant to speak of, since it was not mine to tell, and they prefer to reveal it to you, themselves. Please keep it quiet, sir. I do not wish to disappoint them, for I know they shall inform you in their own good time. Aren’t you thrilled?”
“Yes, I am absolutely thrilled, and relieved. But don’t call me ‘sir.’” He admired this woman, and promised not to say a word. “It shall be our secret, darling, and theirs, until they speak it,” he assured her. Kissing her at the temple, he added, “It shall be one of our secrets, and the song will become our song.”
She laughed. “Excellent. You sound as if we may have other secrets in the future.”
“Yes, we shall, because it is good with us. May our love stay well until I return, and forevermore. I promise not to be gone long, and yes, we shall have other secrets, Rachael. I can guarantee it.”
She reached to kiss him on the cheek, but their lips met, instead. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“Thank you for kissing me and for being truthful. You had me worried that there was another man.”
She drew a deep breath, knowing full well another man had kissed her. “It’s getting late.”
“Is it?” He leaned close again. “I’m sorry to hear that,” he whispered. “I was hoping that we could confirm our courtship, an understanding, and a promise of a lifetime together.”
A stab of pain touched her, for she was unsure that she could make a complete commitment to him at this time, for a future together. “I can’t stand to see you looking so sad, Dr. John Davis,” she admitted.
“Really?” he whispered, hopeful of gaining her affection, her respect, even her adoration.
Tiny raindrops began to fall. She couldn’t explain it, but his nearness made her desperately desire to kiss and hold him close again. Still, was she entirely too confused by this man or her feelings to do so?
He wanted that, too. “You must promise to marry me within the year.”
Surprised and thrilled, she said nothing. Instead, a feeling of joy came to her, but it was overshadowed, for some reason, by thoughts of her brother and sisters. Would they approve of him? Should she consult with them? No, she was not about to wait and ask them for their permission. Instead, she did a strange thing, by both of their accounts. She put on her gloves to ward off a sudden chill in the air. Then she placed white gloved hands upon his cheeks. “I do not wish for my cold hands to chill you.”
He waited, not rushing her into anything. “That is very considerate of you. What wonderful moments we are sharing today.” John wondered what she would do next.
Rachael glanced toward the woods again and saw the fisherman removing a trout from his line. She was thrilled for him and for herself, John, too. The time was right. Turning back to her companion, she closed her eyes and surrendered to the moment and the kiss. It was perfect. Smiling, she opened her eyes to his grand smile.
“I appreciate that,” he admitted. “Thank you very much,” he whispered, so close to her lips. “It was very special.”
A strange thrill came over her. It was not expected. What did she expect? She paused only long enough to decide that she expected to kiss him again. So, she did, relishing his gentle touch. His sweet lips were smooth and warm. She welcomed their warmth, since she was beginning to shiver. “We are changing our lives, as our nation changes, you know, John.”
“I welcome it. Shall we go home now?” he asked. “Everything is going to be according to your wishes from this moment on, for I totally accept your words, wishes, and wisdom, Rachael. Shall I cover your wedding gown box so it doesn’t get wet? I have a blanket here somewhere.”
“Yes, please. Things shall really be according to my wishes, John?” she asked in amazement and disbelief.
“Yes, they will, Miss Rachael Hathaway, for you are soon to change your name.”
“Yes, thank you. I would appreciate that. Oh, what have I said?” She looked away. “I’m so confused, though, John,” she confided. “I’m just certain that you must think I am so immature, not ready for marriage at all. I was actually thanking you for covering the gown box.”
“Why would I think you immature and not ready for marriage? Honey, you’ll have time to think about this while I’m away,” he pointed out, lifting the reins, as if ready to leave. With his right hand he stroked her hair. “We’ll get wet if we sit here very long to ponder our wedding.”
“Wait!” She almost said it too abruptly, too loudly, knowing that she was about to break their magic moments into bits, if not his heart. “John, I believe I have feelings for Lieutenant Monty Graham, as well,” she blurted.
It did pain him to hear her reveal this, yet he did not believe her. “Do you? Has he brought you a wedding gown, too?”
“Of course not, and now that my sister is here with him, and I with you, I’m not sure of my feelings, or what will happen.” She shook her head in confusion. “Why I’ve confided this to you, I’ll never know. I did not mean to hurt you.”
He placed the reins into his lap and gently bit his lip, for there was no going home at this moment in time. “Monty is a fine gentleman, Rachael. I love him like a brother. If he becomes your decision, your future, so be it. I‘ll honor it and you. But I’ll still love you. However, I do not believe it to be completely true when you say you have feelings for him. They cannot be the same as the feelings you have for me, and I you. We’ve shared wonderful moments and kisses. Have you shared those with him? Time will tell, though. We shall see.” He stared longingly at her.
Rachael was sympathetic. She licked her lips. “Yes, we shall see, though now I am very sorry that I have told you this, for I have spoiled our entire Easter.”
“You haven’t spoiled Easter. But you haven’t told me if you and Monty have kissed and shared what we have shared. Still, until the day you wed him, I have hope. Besides, it was my hand you took to go to the bridge for wishes, not his.”
“You’re so serious, sweet, and sincere. I love all that about you, and the way you clarify things for me. Is that a sign?”
“Absolutely.”
“Will you kiss me again, although I was a fool and don’t deserve it?” she asked, wondering what his reaction and answer would be, now that she had spoken about Monty, deeply hurting John.
“See?” He smiled, yet looked tired. “I certainly will,” was his reply. “I am so thankful for your honesty and this conversation we’ve had. Please do keep it in mind while I am away, love. Think of me only, for you would not ask me to kiss you if you did not believe it was right. You have deep feelings for me, or you could not do that,” he explained.
Pondering his words, she had to agree. “You are correct,” she whispered, taking his hand.
Just then, a bright red dogwood leaf spiraled down from a tree onto the seat beside them. He lifted it. Handing it to her, he announced, “This one is from last autumn, Rachael, and before the red leaf dries in your hand, I will be with you.”
“Your sentiment is more beautiful than anything I could have ever imagined for this moment.” Accepting the leaf he offered, she gladly threw her arms around him and kissed him passionately, not waiting for him to do so. As they parted, neither said a word. Drawing a deep breath, she stared happily at the leaf. “I’ll treasure this, John.”
“It doesn’t take much to thrill you, does it? What about the dress? What about Monty? Does he thrill you?” he asked, hurt, yet certain that she loved him, not Monty Graham. After all, her actions proved it today. Pondering that, he added, “Let’s name our kitten Hope, to sea
l the deal.”
“What deal? Monty is a friend. He has been nothing but polite to me. He told me once when you were with your friend, Amber, that I should watch, wait, and listen, since I was sad about it. So, I did.”
“He told you that? You were sad about Amber? Rachael, she has nothing to do with this, or with us. In fact, I am even more convinced about our love now, since you were worried about Amber and I being close. You must want my friendship and love.”
She was somewhat shocked by his questions and revelations. “What I meant to say was I no longer feel so very threatened by your friendship with Mrs. Worthington, and you being together, or inviting her to dinner.”
“I thought I explained that to you. I was trying to help her. That issue should be settled by now. She means nothing more to me than a friendship, a distant one.” His voice was almost pleading. “I truly believe that she will eventually fall in love with my cousin, Emery. He adores her. He always has, since our early school days together. Of course, he hasn’t said so in so many words, not even to me. But his actions speak loudly. After all, she is still grieving her husband. It’s just a feeling I have, another one of our secrets, dear one. He does treat her most tenderly, as you must have certainly noticed.”
“Yes, and that’s three secrets. I am keeping track,” she whispered, thrilled to hear of it. “I’ve had that same feeling about them, as I’ve watched them,” she confided. “I’m marveling that we think so much alike.”
“Really?” he asked, quietly studying her lips. “I don’t wish to ask her about it, but you could.”
“Yes, or ask Cousin Emery. He gives her comfort when she needs it. I’ve noticed that. He’s sincere. But Buddy Callahan, on the other hand, is also interested in her, for he told me so. Yet, I believe I’m too new in her life to ask about her romance.”
“Maybe, yet you are not too new in my life to ask me about our romance, Rachael.”
“Call me by my first name for awhile first, in private,” she insisted, teasing him just a little, and enjoying it.
“I do, Rachael. Rachael. Rachael.” He repeated it three times.
“You make me feel weak, and as if I have butterflies in my veins, trying to fly,” she confessed.
“That’s good,” he whispered into her upswept hairdo. “What month and day shall we wed?”
Unfortunately, before they could even discuss this, incessant rain began to fall.
“We should go,” she told him, feeling her wet hair, since rain was coming in sideways, under the surrey top.
He reached for the blanket to ward off the rain. “I don’t know why I didn’t think of this sooner,” he laughed. “It’s cozy. Now, what is this about Buddy being interested in Amber? I’ve not heard of it.”
“Yes, you did. He wanted to see her before one of your departures. I heard him. He is interested. He also said so in the hallway on the way to dinner one evening, and this is cozy. I think you’ve been too preoccupied to notice his interest in her. You’ve had so many guests lately.”
“Yes, and I see myself as preoccupied with you quite often in the days ahead.”
She giggled. “I like hearing you say that. Now I wonder if Lieutenant Graham will become preoccupied with my Phoebe?”
“I certainly hope so, and do you like hearing me say I’ll be preoccupied with you, my darling? If so, I want you to remember that I shall think of you and wish to be with you, always. Think of that while I am away, especially if our Monty is near.”
“He’ll be with you, silly,” she reminded him, laughing, as she reached for the wedding gown box.
“Oh, that’s right,” he laughed. “Still, he may creep into your mind, your thoughts, or your heart.”
“I’ll be busy with Lily, Phoebe, Miss Mariah, Miss Callie, and Hope. Will you think upon how we can help with the upcoming wedding of Crane and Miss Mariah, please, while you are away? I know that you’ll be very busy, though.”
“Yes, I’ll do anything for you, darling. I’ll think about it and won’t say a word to them until they approach me about it. Enjoy your wedding planning.” He smiled and looked adoringly at her. “You definitely are a welcome addition to Magnolia Gardens, Rachael. I want you to know that. Thank you for your sweet concern and interaction with my staff and Lily, and for singing your sweet wedding song for me the other evening.”
Rachael looked away, embarrassed. “It was a song I wrote for their wedding. I didn’t even know that you were listening.”
“I was just passing by on my way to my room. I thought it was ever so beautiful. It can be our wedding song, too.”
“I have no wedding plans yet, though, John. They merely asked me to think about creating one for them. I did it immediately while it was still on my mind.”
“And you did a fine job, too. You shall have your own wedding plans someday, sweet Rachael. But for now we’re headed home.”
A heavy rain was falling. Surprisingly, above the sound of the downpour, they also heard a loud roar. Glancing toward the marshes below the Deep Meadow grasslands, they saw a most shocking sight ~ a wall of water was gushing toward them.
“How deep is that?” she asked, concern in her voice.
“I don’t know. I’ve never before seen anything like it,” he answered calmly.
“Oh, no! There’s so much water! What are we to do?” she asked, gripping his arm.
“Hold on! It’s a flash flood! Do you swim?” he asked, glancing at her frightened face.
“No!” she shouted, above the approaching roar, barely able to find a voice. Terror gripped her, making it difficult to breathe. Gazing at the pristine stream nearby, she wondered about the fisherman. “What will he do for protection?” she yelled, pointing. Then, to John’s surprise, she stood and yelled at the man. “You must climb a tree, quick!” She knew her suggestion was fruitless, her voice probably unheard by the man.
“That’s Green Sheen Stream, but we can’t make it to a tree there, Rachael. We don’t have time. This is a crisis. But, stay strong and calm. I’m with you. I shall protect you, no matter what.” At once, he placed his muscular, capable arm around her, pulling her close. “Hold on tightly,” he ordered. “Everything is going to be fine. Yet, I think it best not to try to outrun that raging force of nature and perhaps injure the horses or overturn the carriage and hurt us,” he explained, gripping the reins tightly. So, as that muddy flow of water, soil, and rocks raced at breakneck speed toward them, John quietly began to sing with confidence to calm Rachael Hathaway:
Hold On My Love
Hold on, my love. You must be strong.
Hold on, my love. Listen to my song.
We’re here together. Have no fear.
We’ll hold on tight to each other, dear.
Don’t worry about this storm we face.
We will move past this turmoil place,
To a quiet peace that’s so serene,
Beyond this threat, sudden and mean.
Hold on, my dear, it won’t be long,
Until we move our cares along.
We’ll find safety where friends await,
For just desserts ~ we’ll keep that date.
See that rainbow not far from here?
It is a sign of hope, my dear.
It hovers over home right there.
We’ll soon be with those ones who care.
The love we share will soon erase,
This strange crisis, each cold, cruel trace.
Our lives will be of service then.
All will soon be just fine again.
So, hold on, dear. I know you’re strong.
Please listen to my heartfelt song.
I hope it brings some sweet release,
Of fear, and a measure of peace.
Chapter Thirteen
Lightning flashed. Thunder crashed. Storms lashed. All across
Twelve Ponds Territory that day, the land was gripped in a winter-spring-weather, tug-of-war. Near the woodlands, John Davis had stopped his surrey for a moment to bestow a beautiful gift to Miss Rachael Hathaway. However, he was not expecting an ugly, fast-moving, flash-flood, which was quickly rushing down from Hill Armadill near Old Wetlands Pond toward them. Birdsong ceased. In fact, flapping wings were heard, as birds flew past them, some squawking, obviously retreating to the safety and heavy foliage found in the trees of Black Woods.
Wind and rain suddenly began to buffet them. The sky was transformed into a strange mixture of purple and yellow hues and streaks. John and Rachael held onto each other, for moral support and safety, bracing for the fierce frenzy which was about to engulf them, hoping against hope that it would quickly abate to leave them, the horses, and carriage unscathed by the torrents of water.
Instantly, John changed his mind, though. He had an idea. “We’re not about to sit this one out, Rachael!” he announced. Instinct, or was it experience with horses and storms, although he had never experienced anything quite like this before, told him to move, and react immediately.
Gently, yet firmly and quickly, John urged his horses forward. “I have a better plan.”
“Oh?” Rachael questioned, as the horses moved and the buggy lurched forward. Clutching her surprise package, she wondered how long they would be held up by this sudden threat, and what the guests waiting at John’s manor must be thinking. Did anyone even miss them? Phoebe must be worried by now.
“There’s a knoll just around the bend. I know it well. We can make it.”
“Well, I am relying on your good judgment to get us through this current climate crisis,” she told him with a weak smile, as they rounded that bend. Glancing ahead, she spied exactly the rise he had mentioned. “I believe your new plan is a good idea.”
“Thank you. I’ll do my best.”
While expertly guiding his team of horses to safety on that small land rise, he implored her, “Trust me, Rachael. We’re better off here, on higher ground, when the water hits.” He glanced over his shoulder to try to judge how much time they had before the rush of water surrounded them.
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