When The Sweet Bird Does Sing
When the sweet bird does sing,
It warms my heart and soul.
To have those wonders near,
I call a lifetime goal.
I’ll feed and water fowl,
And watch them on the wing,
Give nest materials,
So we can hear them sing.
To see those tiny eggs,
All tucked into their nest,
Where babies burst from them,
To grow and thrive, is best.
With spyglasses I’ll spy,
First flight delights in spring,
When their feathers mature,
And they start sing and wing.
Chapter Seventeen
Goodbye hugs were being exchanged by everyone, when the widow Worthington suddenly mentioned her idea. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my visit with you all. So, you must come to visit me at Apple Valley Ridge and see my owls. We shall have lunch, too. I was about to invite you last time, but the subject was changed and I forgot to do so.”
“You have owls?” asked Phoebe, an amazed look upon her face. “I enjoy seeing the barn owls at home swoop across the graceful swaying grasses in the hayfields, and hearing their nocturnal calls.”
However, Cousin Emery objected. “Oh, Amber, do you think you are up to it?” he asked.
“Of course, I can do it, darling,” was her answer. Then, to Rachael and Phoebe she remarked, “I often address the Davis cousins by ‘darling.’ You’ll have to forgive me and think nothing of it, for, it’s just my way. I’ve known them so very long, since childhood, and they are just like brothers to me. I have been energized and inspired by all of you and by our illuminating bird discussions this evening, prompting me to want to entertain you at my home and gardens. Please humor me and come on Saturday at noon. Rachael, Phoebe, I have alpine flowers at my place, with some rare plants you may not have seen. I’ll share them with you, if you like.”
“Oh, how wonderful,” responded Phoebe. “That would give me another reason to stay longer.”
“That would be nice,” Rachael added, trying to be enthusiastic and forgiving at the same time.
“That includes Miss Callie, Crane, and Miss Mariah, if you’re willing,” Amber insisted. “We can discuss wedding plans,” she suggested, with a warm, sincere smile. “I love weddings. Maybe I can help.”
“We’d be delighted to come. Thank you for the invitation, Miss Worthington,” replied Miss Callie, speaking for herself, her son, and soon to be daughter-in-law, Mariah. Excitement lit her radiant face. The others in the room smiled adoringly at her instant decision. “Is there anything I can bring?” She continued to address her future hostess, as she helped Amber Worthington wrap her shawl around her shoulders.
“No. I have a plan forming in my mind, Miss Callie. Thank you, though. Just come to relax.”
“Now, wait a minute, please,” Monty interjected. “I can’t be outdone, now can I? So, please join me the following Saturday at Fernhaven, same time. We shall have lunch, followed by croquet or chess and a garden tour, depending on the weather, then adjourn for an early dinner. I have a new sauce I’d like to try, that is, if Charles Earl will allow me into his kitchen,” he said with a chuckle. “I also want to help the baby feed the pond ducks and geese. I don’t know if the rest of you will take pleasure in doing so, but Lily, John, and I have practiced it a time or two, while on leave,” he informed them.
“We’ll try our best,” Cousin Emery replied, as he winked at Miss Worthington.
“That will be wonderful. Thanks Monty,” John agreed, shaking his friend’s hand. “We’ll be there, and I know Lily will love it,” he affirmed with enthusiasm, while glancing at Rachael and Phoebe. “Well, I can’t speak for my guest and nanny. You may take that day off if you wish, Miss Hathaway.”
Rachael turned to Phoebe with a smile, questioning. “Shall we go, or do you want to go home?”
It only took Phoebe a moment to decide. “Let’s go! I was going to go home. But those two invitations are worth staying for, indeed. I dare say, I am most anxious to attend the two garden walks.”
Rachael took her sister’s hand in hers. “We’ll be there!” she informed the others, while hugging Phoebe, relishing the opportunity to be with her sister longer, and to spend some time with a new host and hostess.
“It’s all set, then,” Monty announced, glancing at Rachael, happy with the impact of his invitation.
“Yes, it is,” Amber Worthington agreed, heading for the door.
Emery Davis went to her. “If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know, Amber,” he happily informed her, and an even greater look of joy transformed her lovely face, as he took her hand.
“Believe me, I shall need your expertise, Emery, darling. Will you drive me home, please, and we shall discuss it well?” she quietly asked, then laughed softly. The others were thrilled at her happiness and because they could imagine those gatherings, since Mrs. Worthington was a great organizer and director.
Right then and there Rachael wondered if this could be the continuation of a sweet, blooming romance between the two old friends and neighbors, Cousin Emery and Amber. Only time would tell. Yet, those thoughts were interrupted when the widow came to take her aside to whisper to her.
“Miss Hathaway, please do not think me too forward when I say that you need not be jealous of me, for I only wish the best for my Davis brothers.”
“I won’t, Mrs. Worthington,” Rachael replied, taking her hand. “Thank you.”
John was tired. After his guests left, he told his daughter and nanny goodnight and sat at his desk to reread an alarming letter which had arrived. With it came a great deal of concern for him regarding his property loan. It read: ’To Whom It May Concern: The note on the following property is now in foreclosure, (See Enclosure) due to the lack of payments for over a period of one year. Our board has therefore deemed it necessary for a meeting with you in the near future. Please stop by at your earliest convenience for discussion of this matter, otherwise, an auction will transpire at the Davis property, at which time you may bid on said property to satisfy the mortgage.
Signed: The Board of Directors of Velvet Villa Village Bank.’
John knew that he certainly needed to have a discussion with Miss Rachael Hathaway concerning this issue, although it now dawned on him that he had forgotten any mention to her about sending a monthly property payment, since he had just returned home and finances were not on his mind. He knew it was not her place to attend the bank meeting. Still, he was very anxious about the matter and wished that she could accompany him and wait outside for moral support. He would not ask that of her, though, only that she go over the books with him to see where the problem had occurred. That could wait awhile, though. For now, he retrieved the May baskets from under his desk with a plan to show Rachael and her sister some fun within his own realm in the morning.
Fairly early the next day, he led Rachael and Phoebe into his bountiful gardens, while the air was still and calm and the sun’s rays were warming, unfurling the blossoms. He and the Hathaway sisters had a grand time quickly gathering flowers for the springtime bouquet baskets they’d hang on Miss Callie, Miss Mariah, and Lily’s door knobs. He even helped choose some which he thought to be the most delightful, colorful, scented ones for the bouquet gifts before Lily awoke.
“I’m enjoying you two so much that I must keep you here, forever,” he announced with a grin, when they returned to the kitchen to place the flowers into the paper baskets they’d created a day earlier.
It didn’t annoy them in the least to hear his wish. Yet, Phoebe did let him know that she “couldn’t possibly stay here much longer and impose.”
Rachael then informed him, teasingly, “It’s doubtful that I shall, either,” although she very well knew of her agreement to sta
y for one full year as a nanny.
“You ladies are breaking my heart and I’ll not hold either of you to your words,” he laughed. “But, for now, it’s time to deliver our surprises. Don’t they look fine? I’d prefer to take Lily hers, if you don’t mind,” he confided. The Hathaways agreed.
“Oh, yes, they do. I believe I’ll take Miss Callie hers,” Rachael cheerfully informed the other two.
“Then, I’ll take Miss Mariah’s to her door. Let’s not wake them, though,” Phoebe suggested.
When finished, John peeked into Lily’s room to find her already awake. So, he picked her up and carried her to the kitchen so Rachael could feed, bathe, and dress her. Afterward, he exclaimed, “Here are your surprises,” as Lily toddled toward the Hathaway sisters with a basket in each hand, which John had retrieved from a cupboard. “We made them yesterday. I thought Lily would enjoy picking the flowers and surprising both of you today.”
“Ohhhhh,” was their unison reply. “Thank you.” They each gave the little darling a kiss and hug.
That evening he asked Rachael to accompany him to his library. She wondered about this, but said nothing as he unlocked his desk and laid out the ledger for them to study. Turning pages, he looked back, month by month. “No mortgage payments have been made since my late wife’s death. That’s wherein the problem lies. Rose had been making them faithfully. Yet, after she passed away, no one took on the responsibility of doing such or speaking to the bank about it, probably thinking that I would tend to this upon my return, which I shall do. Rachael, I do not wish to lose this place,” he stated, concern in his voice and upon his face as he handed her the ominous letter to read.
It did not take her long to size up the situation. “Oh, no, John. You will not lose your place. I shall see to that,” she responded, trying to reassure him.
“Rachael, it’s not your responsibility, my dear. I’ll think of something. But I certainly don’t want it to go up for bid at an auction, as they are proposing.”
“Of course not, and it won’t. All will be well. You’ll see. It’s actually a good thing that this letter arrived. This way, you know of the situation.”
At Apple Valley Ridge, one could see for miles. Hills toward the horizon were bathed in shades of yellowish-brown and lavender, at least at this time of day. Birds swooped from tree to tree, as hostess Worthington pointed out The Hidden Nook At Owls Tor above Craggy Eggy Moor.
“It’s one of my favorite places to view owls. There’s a secret cavern in the hillside, a protective haven from which they come and go, feed and nest. I’ve always enjoyed watching the entrance to that bird retreat while walking along Alpine Agenda Avenue, our garden walk. As a child, I picked flowers and clover here for glorious bouquets. I just loved searching for four, five, six, seven, and even eight leaf clover.” Swaths of brightly colored wildflowers and red and green shamrocks flourished on that interesting windswept hill. “I’ve dreamed of hosting a wedding here in our gardens, someday.”
Phoebe sighed. “Oh, I would love to have my wedding here, Mrs. Worthington, although, I’m afraid, I’ve yet to find my groom.”
“Oh, my dear, a beauty like you will have no trouble finding a groom, and yes, you may certainly have yours here. Many of these flowers were given by friends and family from their travels or gardens. Mother and I are fortunate and grateful for their sharing. Our gardens wouldn’t be the same without them.”
“You definitely have a love for gardening,” insisted Rachael. “I greatly enjoy your color combinations.”
“Your green thumb gardening ability certainly shows here,” added Phoebe. “I wish I had some.”
“Thank you. I love growing, dividing, and sharing flowers with others.” She pointed to another charming, winding path. “Let’s take Hill Path to visit some of my favorite partial shade plants. The bellflowers, columbine, English daisies, violas, primroses, alliums, silene, and ranunculus are in bloom there. Perhaps you’ll want some of those. The snowdrops are just waning, yet there may be some in sheltered nooks.”
“Your gardens are as lovely this spring as you are, as always, Amber.” Cousin Emery whispered, while they strolled side by side in her Eden, ahead of the others. Some of the guests overheard him and smiled.
“Your paths are wide enough for four in most places,” remarked John, who was walking with Monty behind Rachael and Phoebe, while he carried a delighted Lily in his arms. “I like that. Not all of mine are wide.”
“I made them that way on purpose, John, since I enjoy walking here with my guests.”
“The fragrance is wonderful,” Phoebe declared. “You have scented gardens.”
“That might be our daphne bush, for one thing. Birds and bees love it,” their hostess informed them.
Next, the group stopped to gaze at a soaring owl over the valley.
“I just love your gardens, Miss Worthington, especially your Solomon’s Seal with azaleas, and the clematis featured with campion or lychnis,” Rachael complimented, and decided to share her floral passion verbally just now. It just seemed like the appropriate time. “I press blossoms for botanical papers.”
“You do? That’s wonderful! I’d love to provide you with some flowers for pressing, Rachael. Perhaps before you leave we can talk the men into digging them for us. Just let me know which ones you’d prefer. I also want to buy some of your beautiful stationery to send to family and friends. I’ve seen ladies with some at the market and wondered where it came from and who created it. Are they yours?” Amber asked, pleased that Rachael had called her ‘Miss,’ for she was now ready to be single.
“Thank you. I appreciate your interest. Yes, I placed a few at the market recently, on a temporary basis, since postage is just one cent now,” Rachael warmly reminded her. “I felt that more people would be writing and needing writing paper in the near future.”
Her opinion was shared by Amber. “Actually, I have received more letters of late and I do plan to pen more of them myself.”
“I’m just thrilled that you have so generously shared this splendor with us.” The young nanny swept a hand toward the blooming beds. “I would just love some of those white violets.”
“But will they show against your white papers?” Amber wondered.
“They would be a very delicate addition, perfect for a wedding invitation paper and in the garden, as well,” declared Rachael, with thoughts of Crane and Miss Mariah’s upcoming wedding.
“We’ll be glad to dig them, just as long as we aren’t out over the cliff, Amber,” John teased. “I don’t believe the owls could save us from tumbling into Craggy Eggy Moor and Whisper Wastelands.”
Their hostess laughed and quickly assured him that it would not be a good area for digging up flowers anyway. “It’s too rocky there, John, although a few flowers always do seem to pop up and bloom amongst those rocks and crags over there. I’m not sure just how they survive. They must have deep roots. To me, they are little miracles.”
With John’s favorite spyglasses, they took turns watching the owls, songbirds, and some squirrels with food tidbits, nuts, and other treasures, which they were eating or stashing in hideouts. Little Lily would giggle in delight and point each time she saw an animal or bird. She was having a great time and both John and Rachael were very glad of it. The toddler was perfectly happy walking between them, holding their hands part of the time, when she wasn’t being held by someone, as they traversed the pleasant trails on the property, discovering new surprises at every turn.
Next, as if on cue, a swallowtail butterfly flitted from an urn dripping with flowers. The guests were in awe of both the flora and fauna found here. Their hostess stated. “My family and I often see butterflies and the creatures especially enjoy sunning themselves on the warm rocks in our various gardens. Dragonflies do, too.
Butterflies sip nectar from the flowers and from our lilac hedge. They also love the water and mud puddles
found in those rock hollows,” she explained. “The water draws them like magnets.”
“It’s fascinating and lovely here, Miss Worthington. You are an expert horticulturist and biologist,” Monty Graham complimented. “I must say that you have certainly inspired me to create a puddle or two for the butterflies at my place.”
“It is very restful here,” Cousin Emery added.
“Lunch will be at The Ancient Oaks near a favorite rose garden, since the roses are already budded or blooming there,” Amber advised, pointing. “It’s a warm, sunny, sheltered area in the meadow, with some pretty wildflowers adjoining the rose beds. But, we shall be right at home in the shade under those sheltering oak trees. Their leaves are upon them now. We’ll also be able to watch the little squirrels and chipmunks with their acorns. They’re really quite a sweet reminder of nature, the squirrels and chipmunks, that is, not the acorns,” she laughed.
“Oh, I believe the acorns are a fine addition to any garden plan,” advised the lieutenant.
“Why, you could each take an acorn home to plant for a tree, if you wish. Some may thrive.”
So, they each chose an acorn or two on their way to dine. Next, a delicious picnic awaited them in baskets on bright tablecloths, when Amber and Emery led the group to the chosen picnic place. It was then that several remembered seeing him dash from the house with baskets and cloths hanging from his arms, as he disappeared upon their arrival. It all made sense to them now.
“Oh, this setting is absolutely lovely. How nice of you to offer it,” Phoebe remarked, as Amber beamed.
“I’m so glad you came, dear, and are having a good time,” Amber replied sincerely. “Let’s have lunch, everyone. Oh, and that reminds me that you may see some deer feeding on bits of apple in the orchard, for they lunch there quite often.”
“Wild roses are in full bloom here, too, nodding their approval on a slight breeze,” remarked Rachael.
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