“That’s admirable of you, John,” Monty responded. “Yet, under the circumstances, we could hold it at my place. Perhaps you need to rest more and not trouble yourself with all of those details right now.”
“No. I want to do this, Monty. But perhaps you could throw one, as well,” John laughed.
“Perhaps I will,” was his response. Monty turned his smile toward Rachael. What a perfect idea, he thought. “Let me know the date you decide upon, so we don’t both do picnics on the same day, will you?”
At that, the group chuckled. Yet, Rachael Hathaway read more into his words than anyone else, since she had already been issued an invitation to his home.
“What’s wrong with two picnics?” Cousin Emery wanted to know, as he winked at Amber.
“Nothing!” several people called in unison.
“Maybe you should hold one, too, Emery,” John told his cousin, jokingly.
“Maybe we will,” his cousin responded, turning toward Miss Worthington. “Do you want to?”
“Just so there’s plenty of chicken,” Monty commented, keeping the jovial group chuckling.
“I think there will be chicken at our event,” Crane blurted. Next, he looked toward Miss Mariah for her approval, so that he might speak freely of their engagement. It wasn’t exactly how they had planned to announce their upcoming nuptials to their employer. Yet, Crane could no longer contain himself. Joy was bubbling from him. He now had to share it with the others, and his fiancee was nodding her approval.
“What’s this?” John asked. He glanced at Rachael, as she placed a finger to her lips to silence him, since they both already knew and she did not want him to spoil the moment by giving away the fact that she had let the news slip. He understood. He’d promised not to tell he already knew, and his smile said as much to Rachael.
Crane came to his feet. “Sir, I have asked Miss Mariah to be my bride,” he nervously told the doctor. “She has accepted.” There, he had spoken it. Their news was told, so now it would come true.
“My congratulations go to you both. Have you selected a date for this happy event?” John asked.
“No, not yet, sir.” The butler looked at his bride-to-be and she shook her head negatively.
“Well, you let us know what you need. If I can be of help to you, I certainly shall. You’re welcome to have it here, if you haven’t decided upon the church setting.” John moved to shake Crane’s hand. Others did likewise, with a happy celebration ensuing. They also congratulated Miss Mariah.
“I certainly hope I can return for the wedding,” Phoebe declared, a sweet smile upon her face.
“I’m sure we can arrange it,” Dr. John assured her, which also eased Rachael’s mind. After all, she wanted to please her sister, and John was helping to do so. She was ever so grateful for that.
Baby Lily now clapped her hands, obviously delighted at the happiness surrounding her. In doing so, she dropped her new doll. Rachael quickly yet carefully, leaned to pick it up, but Monty beat her to it.
Gently handing it to her,” he whispered, “I’ll see you at Fernhaven, soon, Miss Hathaway.”
She chuckled and hugged the child she was tending. “Perhaps, but I have Lily to think of, Lieutenant Graham,” she whispered in response.
“Oh, I’d love to come for the wedding, Dr. Davis,” was Phoebe’s reply. “It’s a delightful place. I can’t wait to write to Mother about it. The Kitchen Garden and some others have inspired and encouraged me to do something like it at home. I shall be pressing flowers, too, when I return to Bower Farm,” she declared.”
“We had an interesting thing happen while we were out riding yesterday,” Cousin Emery then announced, glancing at Amber. “Three young men were walking along Cat’s Eye Road,” he remarked.
“Well, I surely hope it wasn’t the horse thieves,” John retorted. “Were they on horseback?”
Rachael bristled at his comment. He was again condemning them without knowing the circumstances.
“No. They were on foot. We were in the carriage. So, we didn’t stop. It may not mean anything.”
“I hope not,” John Davis remarked. “I shall not rest well until my horses are found and safely home.”
“We know you miss them, John,” Amber announced, implying that she knew his mind well.
“It was a sad day when those beauties disappeared,” Cousin Emery responded, sympathizing with his cousin. “We’ll find them someday. They shall be back at Magnolia Gardens this summer, I’m sure.”
“I’ll find them,” John vowed, and everyone in the room could understand both his determination and his losses. Several nodded in agreement. Fortunately, the conversation turned to a lighter note.
“This is a wonderful pudding, Miss Callie,” Monty exclaimed, changing the subject.
“Fernhaven has some blackberries and raspberries coming on for pie,” Charles Earl then informed them. “Perhaps they will be ready before our picnic. They would do well in a pudding, too, I imagine.”
“I will have to acquire some berry plants, for sure,” Cousin Emery responded.
“I love strawberries, too. Yet, I can’t wait for blackberry season to arrive,” informed Crane.
Rachael and Phoebe exchanged excited glances, since blackberries were also a favorite of theirs.
“I love wedding cake!” Amber offered, changing the subject to her liking. “Be sure to let us know if we can help you with yours or anything else, honey.” The widow seemed eager to be included in Crane and Miss Mariah’s wedding plans. “After all, I’ve known you both for most of your lives.”
At that, Cousin Emery leaned to whisper something which made Amber Worthington smile. Everyone heard him loudly whisper, ‘wedding cake.’
Rachael immediately saw another side of the generous neighbor she had previously disliked. So, she decided to extend some extra kindness her way. “I do, too, Miss Worthington, and I really must compliment you on the wonderful casserole dish you brought with you.” Then, the nanny turned to tell the bride-to-be that she would create a wedding quilt for her.
Miss Callie joined in. “We’ll finish the Christmas quilt and start Mariah’s next week.”
“May I help?” Amber asked, uncertain what the response would be, yet hopeful for an invitation.
“Of course, you may,” the cook and mother of the groom replied. “We can always welcome extra hands for a lively quilting session. Let’s make it a quilting luncheon,” she suggested, exciting everyone.
“Let’s invite Emma Hoover and Aggie, too,” Rachael suggested. “May we?”
“Of course, we can. That’s a wonderful idea. Yes, we shall do just that, and the twins can play with Lily.” Miss Callie reached out for the baby’s hand.
“I’d love to quilt, as well, while I’m here,” Phoebe Hathaway admitted, wishing to join them.
“That would be wonderful,” Miss Callie agreed, and Miss Mariah also nodded her approval.
“That sounds like fun,” John agreed. “However, the men will find something else to do that day.”
“Let’s search, again,” the butler suggested, meaning for the horses.
“Yes. I like that idea, Crane,” John replied, quietly. “Oh, we may not be here long, though.” It was then he remembered the next upcoming trip. “What do you think, Monty? Will we be traveling next week?”
“Let’s search for the horses this weekend. I’ll check the exact dates we’re needed,” he replied.
“Maybe we’ll find those three culprits in the search,” Emery suggested, wanting to help John.
Toward the end of the evening gathering, John also encouraged Miss Callie to read the chosen parts of her letter to the group, which stated that “the drought has caused such a lack of water that farmers are having a very tough time of it.” She further explained that there was to be a barn-raising and at a later date, a barn dance to
celebrate that construction success. “Everyone is invited,” she laughed.
Cousin Emery declared, “We may just have to consider those invitations.”
“That reminds me, I’m going to the village for supplies tomorrow morning. If anyone wishes to go, I’m issuing invitations.” John glanced at Rachael, wondering if she would accompany him.
Yet, she was inclined to decline, and spend some time with Lily and Phoebe, to his dismay. So, she excused herself to give little Lily her bath.
Chapter Sixteen
Of course, Rachael really wished to spend more time with Dr. John Davis before his next departure. She stayed seated, finding him intriguing, a gentleman, sincere, and even more. Words couldn’t explain her feelings for him. Could she possibly go to Velvet Villa Village, take care of Lily, and spend time with her sister, as well, she wondered? The trip seemed repetitive, since she had already been there recently when Wren and Swan arrived unexpectedly, to take her and Phoebe shopping.
Yes, she could. Her mind was made up. So, as the baby pointed to Crane’s finger puppet, entertained, Rachael decided to ask what her sister wished to do. “Phoebe, would you like to go to the market again?” Her sister’s answer would most likely dictate the plans.
“Really, Rachael, I’d rather stay here, if you don’t mind. There’s so much to see and do at Magnolia Gardens. Besides, I wish to explore Black Woods to look for the castle. I overheard someone mention it in Market On The Main, while Swan and I were pricing a tie for Wren.”
“Then, I shall stay, as well,” Rachael announced, loud enough that her employer heard her decision. After all, their last carriage ride had been quite eventful, enough for two rides. Besides, Phoebe made her wonder just exactly where the Black Woods castle was. Rachael hadn’t heard of it. “No one has even mentioned a castle to me,” she whispered to Phoebe.
“Monty, perhaps you’ll accompany me. You’re staying the night, aren’t you?” John was asking his friend. But before Monty could answer, John turned to Rachael. “By the way, I found your handbag, Miss Hathaway.”
A blush brushed her cheeks, for she knew very well that he had brought it to her in his room. Perhaps she had left it there while concentrating on his transferring her wedding dress to her room. “Oh, thank you very much. I appreciate that. I’ll see you later to get it.”
“I was planning to leave for home and let Buddy be your buddy for a day or two, but I don’t relish traveling in this storm. So, I’ll stay the night and go with you in the morning, John.” Monty liked the idea, with a chance to learn what John’s intentions were toward Rachael. If he had none, then it would be clear sailing - Monty’s turn to act. He knew that, and he would propose again, convincing her this time, perhaps.
Yet, their host had some plans of his own. “Miss Hathaway, I shall be stopping by the Hoovers home tomorrow. Emma had something to discuss with me about the upcoming first edition of the new newspaper,” John announced with a grin, thinking that his comment might move her to join him.
It did. “Oh, I forgot all about the newspaper. Perhaps I should go and help her with it awhile, with your approval, of course.” Rachael suddenly felt overwhelmed. Had she taken on too much by offering to work on it, she wondered? Still, his announcement intrigued her, and she was excited at the idea of a newspaper in the area, informing readers, an idea which she had boldly introduced to the community on Easter. Suddenly, she felt an obligation to assist with it. It was only fair to do so.
So it was that Rachael and Phoebe, who changed her mind about going when Miss Mariah offered to tend Lily, did accompany John and Monty to the Hoovers for work on the newspaper. What a very special time they had. Rachael really liked Emma, the pastor’s wife, and no wonder, for the lady complimented her in a surprisingly wonderful, welcoming way.
“Stay at Magnolia Gardens awhile and enjoy yourself, Rachael. You are indeed a part of this community and you are making many new friends here, you know. The choir just adores you, I dare say. We can hear you singing of a Sunday morning. You have perfect pitch, and you really must join us for choir practice sometime, please. Get to know the group. Then you’ll feel right at home here.”
This warmed Rachael’s heart, and she took it as a sign, which answered her question about going home to Bower Farm this week with Phoebe. Instead, she would stay.
John heard, too, and was pleased with Emma’s comments. “Why don’t you attend choir practice? I can certainly bring you,” he offered.
“Oh, I don’t think I can take on another thing, especially with my sister here,” was her reply.
Yet, neither John nor Emma Hoover would take ‘no’ for an answer. Later that week, Rachael and Phoebe did join the group of singers for their practice. Since John was escorting them, he was soon asked to sing a special song for the upcoming Sunday service, with three other brave souls, forming a men’s quartet. Rehearsals went well in one corner, while some work was done on the paper on tables and pews, in order to finish the first edition.
In a few days the workers were filled with excitement, as they held up their finished product. “This one isn’t a large news edition, by any means. Yet, it is filled with many exciting announcements and some interesting upcoming events,” Pastor Hoover told the crowd of happy writers and publishers. “Don’t forget, one of those future events is Cinco de Mayo on May fifth. It will be well worth attending. We’ll see you there.”
On the way home that afternoon, the mood was carefree. Each of them had been given a copy of their community newspaper. Phoebe planned to take several home with her to show in Bower. They now felt a part of it, since John, Rachael, and Phoebe had helped, each in their own way.
“I’m hopeful that we are successful at bringing Velvet Villa Village and Twelve Ponds Territory a real prize in literature,” Rachael declared, with a feeling of contentment that her idea had gone over so well.
“Yes, it holds not only news, but a part of people’s lives, birth, engagement, marriage, and other announcements, plus, sale and auction news. Who could ask for more?” John asked the Hathaway sisters.
“I particularly, not being from here, appreciate the upcoming events announcements. I’ve never heard of or been to Cinco de Mayo,” Phoebe explained to John and Rachael, as the horses strolled under blooming, white dogwoods on the edge of Black Woods. Petals swirled into the carriage, delighting them.
“I haven’t either,” Rachael revealed. “Can you tell us about it?”
“I heard it’s a celebration on May fifth. We absolutely must go,” John advised. “I understand there is to be wonderful Mexican food, music, dancing, colorful dress, booths, and guitar and singing competitions. We’ll all enjoy it, I’m sure.” He turned to Rachael, reached for her hand and kissed it, to her dismay. Yet, he made sure Phoebe did not see this gesture of affection, since she was intently watching a fisherman at the woodland stream.
“I haven’t laughed that much in ages.” Rachael told John, referring verbally to choir practice and their stint at newspaper publishing, but disagreeing with his handholding at the present time, for she was shy.
Phoebe agreed, nodding silently, still intent on watching the man she’d seen casting his line for a trout on this lovely spring day.
“I can hardly wait to hear you sing again,” Rachael declared, referring to John’s new quartet invitation.
“Why did I get into this? I’m to be up there in front with only three other carollers to back me up, ladies,” John laughed. “That should be something comical this coming Sunday morning, at least on my part.”
“You can do it!” Rachael quickly encouraged him. “I have confidence in you, boss.”
“Don’t call me that,” he whispered. “I’m John. Do you think I can do it?” He turned serious, letting the horses lead themselves for a few moments. “I have never thought of myself as a public singer.”
“Yes, of course, you can!” was her answer. Racha
el pointed to a deer, a sweet smile upon her face, very satisfied with her answer, hopeful that it would give him confidence. “You’re a great crooner. I’ve heard your work and I love your song lyrics,” she informed both him and Phoebe.
Her sister, though, clearly had other things on her mind. She was absorbed in studying Black Woods, watching for that castle. It did not even occur to her to ask John Davis about the matter.
“Back to Cinco de Mayo,” John began. “It’s a celebration of freedom and liberty, a joyous one, celebrating the Mexican people’s defeat of aggression at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. So, we celebrate Mexican culture, with a respect for both neighboring countries ~ America and Mexico.”
“I do believe that I can attend. I would love to collect some recipes there,” Rachael told him. “But I was planning to ask you if I might go home, perhaps next week, since I’m anxious to see Father and Mother. They’d be delighted if we came to Bower.”
“We?” he asked. “Yes, of course,” he answered slowly, although something was bothering him. “You are planning to come back with me, aren’t you, Rachael?”
“It seems I am held by verbal contract, aren’t I? So, I shall accompany Phoebe home for a few days, then return to my duties here, afterward. Is that satisfactory?”
“Certainly you may go whenever you wish, Rachael. But I can’t.” His face held an unhappy pose.
He’s obviously displeased, she thought to herself, unsure how to proceed, and disappointed that he would not be accompanying them. She turned to her sister. “That was your wish, wasn’t it, Phoebe.”
“Oh, yes.” Phoebe’s attention returned to her traveling companions, as she quietly confirmed it.
“Then, it shall be,” John agreed, with a heavy heart. “Yet, you must return soon, please.”
“I wanted to help with some spring planting, since brother has not returned as yet, to help with it.” Phoebe tried to explain her upcoming planned departure, although she was enjoying herself immensely.
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