Sanctuary

by Alene Adele Roy

  “Where can we hang it? It’s not mine. I don’t want Phoebe to see it in my room. I haven’t accepted a proposal yet.”

  He sneezed. “We could hang it in here, if you like, if you don’t wish for your sister to see it yet.”

  “Did you change clothes already? Wet clothes aren’t good for you. You are sneezing.”

  “Yes, darling, I did change my wet clothes. I’m all ready for the run to the kitchen for us.”

  “I think you’ve caught cold, though,” she quietly explained, worried about his leg, too.

  “I’ll be fine,” he assured her on his way out the door. But the truth was yet to be seen. Within moments, upon his return, he surprised her again. “I told the others that you have retired for the evening.”

  “You did what?” She sat upright too quickly. “No. You can’t do that! My sister will never forgive me.” She put a hand to her head. “I have a headache now, and by the way, you can’t see my wedding dress.”

  “I know, darling. I believe you’re hungry, thirsty, and tired, plus, you sat up too quickly. Here, I cooked you a delicious meal.” Removing a white linen napkin from her plate, he presented her with a traditional Easter dinner.

  “I am grateful, John. This looks wonderful, our Easter feast.”

  “Yes.” He gently placed her handbag and hanky next to her. “Besides ham, there are all the trimmings, and bread and grapes I purchased at the market yesterday.” In a few moments, he was feeding her those. She enjoyed all of it, his nurturing. They both remained mostly silent, eating and savoring their developing relationship.

  “This is a very special evening. You are nourishing me, and I know that. Thank you very much for taking the time to take such good care of me.” She meant it, too. “Actually, this surprising turn of events is delightful and restful,” she admitted, “even though I am more than anxious to be with my sister. Doesn’t she miss me?”

  “Of course, she misses you. But I told her how tired you are. She understands. Lily will sleep in Miss Mariah’s room tonight. So, you won’t have to worry about her. I will have you all to myself for the next few minutes, at least. I won’t keep you up late, Rachael. It’s early to bed for you, Miss Hathaway.”

  “Oh, that’s too bad for me.” She pretended to pout. It drew him closer, which she hadn’t expected at all, or had she?

  “By the way, here is a letter from your sister, Viola. Phoebe gave it to me when I was dishing up the food. I had to go into the dining room for it, for that’s where the food was.” He now saw a beautiful sight from his bedroom window. “Oh, look, Rachael. There is our rainbow at sunset, a good sign.”

  Delighted, she grabbed the letter from his hand and rose for a view of the rainbow. “Both are beautiful,” she whispered, as he gently surrounded her with an embrace. “Ah, contentment is mine. Yet, I can hardly wait to read this letter’s contents. I wonder how Viola is doing, since the recent ending of her engagement. I shall not read it now, however, since you have nearly my full attention.” She grinned.

  “I do? Go ahead, read it, sweetheart. I know you are anxious to hear about your family, and I’m just as anxious to know about your sister’s spirits. Read it to yourself, if you wish, or me. We’ll invite her here.”

  “You don’t even know her, do you?”

  “No, but, go ahead, Rachael, read it, please,” he instructed, politely, steering her back to the sofa after her rainbow viewing.

  So, she did.

  “‘Dear Sister Rachael,

  I miss you so very much and wish that you were here, or I was there. Father is home. He speaks of a shipwreck his friends have talked about. We don’t exactly know when it occurred or where it is. Yet, it seems to be on his mind lately. But Mother won’t let him go, won’t allow him out of her sight to travel to view it, and I can’t blame her. I won’t let him go either. Anyway, perhaps when you return, and Phoebe does, too, we can all go. I shall try to draw it.’”

  “We must send for her,” John declared. “Perhaps she would enjoy drawing Dragonfly Pond, Magnolia Gardens, birds, or dragonflies.” His mind was racing at the thought of making the Hathaway sisters happy.

  “Can we do that? She would most certainly love it here! I can assure you of that fact.”

  “Of course, we can. Wouldn’t it be lovely if you three sisters could all be here together?”

  “Yes. Phoebe’s our nightingale, night owl, our singer, and Viola is our artist who loves sleep.”

  “What are you, Rachael? I’m more interested in what you like to do,” he confided.

  “Oh, I don’t have any particular hobby or talent, I’m afraid. I do like to write, though.”

  “You are a writer. No wonder you suggested the newspaper. But you also have much talent with children, flowers, food, songs, and compassion, especially for me.

  She laughed. “You’re not old. You look younger all the time.” She happily complimented him, divulging her opinions, instead of hiding them.

  “Thank you for the compliment. I always relish them from you, and I pray to stay young for you, Rachael. Yet, sometimes I feel extremely old and tired. Perhaps we should all get more rest. Now, I’ve confided my innermost feelings to you, just as you have done to me, and well that we have, I believe.”

  “Thank you for sharing that. I must go now. I must keep my employer happy, young, and rested.”

  “Yes, but make me more than your employer, will you, please, Rachael Hathaway, for I want to still be with you after your year here ends, and ten, and twenty? But, before you go, where shall we hide your dress from Phoebe?”

  “Oh, I forgot about it.” Removing the lid, she felt the dress. “It’s dry. May I take it out and look at it full length before I take it to my room? I’ll hang it in the back of my closet. She’ll never look there.”

  “Yes, of course, look at it, and thank you for doing so. The gown is yours. I promise I shall turn away, since I know that I am not to view it before our wedding day.”

  She held it up and its ivory fabric unfolded toward the floor. “Oh, it’s so creamy that it absolutely takes my breath away.”

  “Excellent. Rachael, you must know before you go that I would love to be with you always, right here at Magnolia Gardens. Yet, I can’t until I return, and I can not wait to plan our wonderful wedding. In fact, I’ll think about it often during my trip. I want the best for you and not to keep you up late. So, please read the rest of the letter. Then, we will say goodnight with a tender kiss and perhaps a short poetry reading.” He sneezed again, but she could tell that he was dead serious in his sentiments, and a gentleman, too. “I’m going to bring you a ring, Rachael.”

  Oh, he had said it, hadn’t he? Carefully, she folded her dress and placed it back into the box in disbelief. “I know not what to say, for I had not planned on this. Words escape me. Thank you.”

  Suddenly, he moved from the chair he had taken to allow her to see the dress. Instantly, he was down on his knees in front of her. “Miss Rachael Hathaway, may I have your hand in marriage? Will you marry me? Say you will change your name to mine.”

  Silence engulfed the room, as she pondered his proposal, which he thought meant she probably would not say ‘yes.’ He looked down, studying the floral rug. “I know you are young. But for me it was love at first sight. I can wait. I just don’t want to hear you say ‘No.’ Please don’t say no.”

  His proposal bothered her some. “How can you ask me that? You were married before, and you don’t even know me very well,” she suddenly blurted. “How can you love me? I want an honest answer.”

  “Is that what is bothering you? Is that why you are hesitant, unhappy, because I was married once? Rachael, my marriage ended tragically, unexpectedly, while I was away. Please understand that I am no longer married.”

  “Yes. I’ll try. But I know you are still grieving her, too.” She was being blunt because he was.

/>   “Yes, and I may do that for the rest of my entire life. I probably will. I can’t change that. Yet, I still know what’s in my heart, about my feelings for you. I am certain that you make me happy, and for that, I will always love you, also.”

  “You’re angry with me, aren’t you? I must go. It was a beautiful, yet incident-filled Easter.”

  “No. I’m not angry, and you should stay a few more moments. Please read the rest of your letter. Afterward, you can go to your room after I sing for you what is in my heart, instead of me reading a poem.”

  “How beautiful,” she whispered. “Yes.”

  “You’re tired. I know that, but think of my song and me in your dreams. Think of it while I’m away. Think of it night and day. I won’t see you until I return. I won’t bother you, Rachael.”

  Some kind of panic or dread welled up inside of her at hearing those words, a fear of losing him, perhaps. Suddenly, she sobbed. “No, John!” She felt as if she was losing someone precious, and she grabbed for him. “No. Please, see me before you go.”

  “Rachael, I will,” he promised. Kissing her tenderly, he was surprised and absolutely delighted by her sudden outburst of passion for him. She had spoken her mind, finally, and he believed her. “I love you and you love me.”

  “Well, I shall miss you,” she agreed. But, she was too shy to declare her love for him at this time. “Do hurry home.”

  “Rachael, you are my home. I belong with you. I won’t be gone long this time, believe me.”

  “We’ll see,” was her response, since she wasn’t quite sure of his love or plan yet. Still, she knew without a doubt that she had deep feelings for this man. Talking helped.

  He handed her a glass of water, and pointed to her letter resting beside her. After she had a few sips to refresh her dry lips, she continued to read. “‘I hope you are well, and that the little girl will come to like you. If not, you come right straight home to those of us who love you. Rachael, I’m so glad that I did not marry, for I do not wish to leave Papa at this time, anyway. I could not bear it. Still, I long for a man who understands me. Don’t tell anyone this, though.

  Write me soon. I love your idea of the floral-adorned writing paper. Please send me one so I can see what flowers you have collected there. When you return, we shall do some together. I shall be collecting and pressing some flowers until your return.

  Brother is not home yet, but we did have a telegram from him. Fret not, for, he is well and it seems that he is recuperating somewhere heavenly with friends, in order to get his strength back. His return should occur soon. Perhaps you shall be back here by then for the reunion upon his return. What a sweet day that shall be!

  Love, Your Favorite Sister, Viola (I know that not to be true, since you love us all equally)’”

  Rachael laughed. Her eyes were glassy with happy tears when she met John’s. They stayed silent a moment.

  “It’s a lovely letter. Don’t cry, darling,” he whispered. “Know that you are loved here, as well, though, Rachael. Remember that. Pondering the matter, I believe we should not send for your sister at this particular time. Instead, we must give her some time with your father and brother. It sounds like she needs that. Afterward, she shall happily come for a visit here, without any hesitation on her part.”

  “You’re right, of course. I’m just so relieved Father is home and my brother soon will be.” She wiped away happy tears and smiled.

  “You know, we can go visit them any time, when they are ready for guests,” he suggested.

  “Oh, thank you, John. I’d appreciate that.”

  A few minutes later, he took her hands in his. “Rachael, before you retire for the evening, I agree that you should see your sister, Phoebe, since I have learned how very close your family ties really are, and she did travel a good distance to come to see you. I was wrong to say that you had retired early. Please forgive me for that and I’ll escort you downstairs, if you wish. How would that be?”

  “Wonderful, because my own common sense, convictions, and close family ties told me to do so, anyway, I dare say.”

  Within moments, she and John heard how everyone had missed them, as he brought her a piece of walnut pie in celebration with the other guests and his staff. An extremely exciting, enthusiastic Easter evening encore ensued. Everyone enjoyed the merriment and musical connection following dessert, a short, lively session. Yet, for Miss Rachael Hathaway of Bower Farm, even as she played her new xylophone, her thoughts kept drifting to time spent earlier today, her eyes to Dr. John Davis of Magnolia Gardens. During their discussions and conversations, she and John had settled many things. They also enjoyed a love song he sang, one which was in his heart, one which he said he hoped would speak to hers:

  Think Of Me, My Darling

  Think of me, my darling, because I’ll think of you.

  I will do it often, because this feeling’s true.

  I love you and I will, dear, with all my heart and soul.

  You’re more than my sweet darling. You are my heart’s best goal.

  Wherever I may travel, I’ll take you with me, too.

  In thoughts and deeds you’re there, dear, with me, as a rule.

  I delight in seeing you. You make my very day.

  A bright and shining future is with us, I can say.

  The moment I first saw you, I wished to know your name.

  That joy has not escaped me. Today, that joy’s the same.

  I always feel at home, dear, whenever you’re around,

  And I can hardly wait to hear your sweet, voice sound.

  You should know I love you. My heart’s an open book.

  You can make my heart sing with only one sweet look.

  So, glance at me quite often, and if I am not here,

  Know I’ll always love you, my darling and my dear.

  Apart from you there’s sorrow. Know I shall return soon,

  And if I could I would, dear, bring you the fullest moon.

  My ring is yours forever. On that you can depend.

  Know I’ll always wish for, and call you my best friend.

  So, think of me, my darling, in dreams and all the day,

  Because that’s how I’ll think of you ~ in a very special way.

  I love you and I will, dear, with all my heart and soul.

  You’re more than my sweet darling. You are my heart’s best goal.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Easter Monday was a whirlwind of activities. John and Rachael hardly saw each other until dinner that evening. He had been busy with several meetings and home conferences, on horse racing, agriculture and farm plans, a meeting with several other produce growers and market buyers, including a buyer from The Market On The Main, and with some Red Cross companions. John was trying to tie up loose ends before his trip, and he didn’t feel well, either. He wouldn’t allow anyone to know that, of course. His discomfort would pass soon, he reasoned.

  Rachael had been occupied, as well, with Lily, Phoebe, and a surprise visit from Wren and Swan. The young nanny was thrilled to be with her sister, but to see her cousin and best friend made her day even sweeter. She wished Viola had come, too. They all discussed details in each other’s letters during short walks in the gardens, and helped briefly in the kitchen. In the afternoon, while Lily napped, the two sisters and Swan fashioned doll clothes for Lily’s new doll from fabric remnants from Miss Callie and did some quilting, while Wren entertained them with various short readings and news from Bower.

  Catching up with happenings from her hometown was a great delight for Rachael. But when Phoebe brought up Harry in front of the others, the nanny knew he was not a topic of interest to her, and quickly put an end to discussion of him by inquiring about wildflowers in bloom. She didn’t intend to write him or speak of him. “Perhaps I’ll send him a message at Christmastime. I’m not sure,” was the way she en
ded any reference to her longtime school friend. At that disclosure, she detected a brief smile upon her sister’s face at Rachael’s apparent disinterest. Perhaps Phoebe was interested in him. Rachael didn’t ponder it. Instead, she encouraged discussions on the missing horses, Spice Dock, and feed store mysteries.

  Too soon her guests had to depart, for it was merely a day visit for her friend and cousin. Within a few minutes, she missed them desperately. To make matters worse, the opening conversation at dinner, although interesting, was not one she could take part in, for she had no knowledge of ancient European byways to share.

  “You know, wagonways were used in Germany by 1550, Monty,” John was telling his close friend and confidant. Again, their gathering was larger than Rachael would have preferred, and to her surprise, Mrs. Worthington had been invited to attend. Once again, the young widow was seated next to the host, with Rachael on the other side, and once again, to say that Miss Rachael Hathaway was somewhat jealous, would be putting it mildly. Rachael knew this herself. The widow Worthington was also completely ignoring her, as far as the young nanny was concerned.

  After John’s attention and apparent devotion last evening, even keeping Rachael away from the others to rest awhile, this situation made her uncomfortable. Why does that woman have to show up at just the wrong time? Why did he invite her if he is so utterly devoted to me? Of course, it’s because his Cousin Emery escorts her. Why am I so jealous? I believe in John’s love and devotion and I shall just have to change my way of thinking, although I also think that he is making me jealous. Therefore, do I love him?

  “They were roadways of rail, wooden rails,” John continued to explain, while the woman Rachael once thought to be her rival, now smiled at her, warmly. John smiled amazing approval at Rachael, also. Yet, she turned to Phoebe and began laughing, as if they had previously shared some humorous news, because she felt like a fool. Phoebe gaily played along with her sister’s plan, laughing happily and daintily. Rachael’s happiness at her sister’s ability to practically read her thoughts came forth in further bubbling laughter on Rachael’s part. Consequently, she then asked to be excused from the table, and hurried to the kitchen to join the cook. Peeking into the cheerful room, she noticed that Miss Callie was reading. Finally, Rachael decided she needed some air. Waltzing into the Kitchen Garden, she unintentionally scared birds at a bird bath and those pecking seeds near The Chives Circle, which was edged with white alyssum. A warm, wafting breeze welcomed her. When she turned, Lieutenant Monty Graham was approaching, a puzzled look upon his face.