A ghost appeared from the fog at the pond. She didn’t see it. He did, and he went to fight for his lady’s life.
But complications arose one afternoon, when Rachael and Dr. Davis were in his library. Lily was napping peacefully on a colorful star quilt nearby. John tried to prove his appreciation and affection with his actions. “Rachael, please come and sit with me,” he said quietly, trying to call her away from her work for some rest.
“I’m busy, sir. I need to get these finished,” was her curt reply. Unfortunately, it was the wrong thing to say. Glancing at a silent John, she knew that immediately by his attitude and expression.
“I insist,” he replied, a little louder than his usual tone of voice, which surprised her. Quickly, she turned in his direction. He was sitting on the settee near the fireplace. She was at a table gluing pressed, purple pansies onto paper. “I insist,” he repeated. “You need to rest for awhile, Rachael.”
She rose rather stiffly, yet held her position. Gazing through a window, she marveled aloud at the lovely gardens in bloom, though even they were not enough to keep her here, if her employer was angry with her. Just when she thought things had been going pretty well, she now wondered if they were otherwise. Perhaps she would just excuse herself, go to her room, pack her trunk, and go to Monty’s until someone could travel and escort her and Phoebe home. She pondered this idea for a moment before she even set a foot toward John. The situation was tense, as far as she was concerned, nearly unbearable. Licking her lips, she squared her shoulders. “What have I done wrong this time?” she asked, even though her employer had never ever chastised her for anything she’d done. “I’ll be right there,” she told him quietly, as she tossed her work onto the table. In defiance of the interruption, she took her time, though.
Her voice betrayed her, and he could tell that she was disgusted. She wouldn’t sit beside him. Instead, she took a comfortable overstuffed chair near the fireplace, and waited, not wishing to mince words. She dared not admit it, but he was right. She was quite tired and did need some rest, especially her tired neck, back, shoulders, and fingers.
He gazed at his shoes and smiled. Ignoring her after calling her made her angry, and she was slow to anger, usually. Obviously, he thought the moment funny. Well, she might just show him by not even speaking with him. When he had had enough of silence, she would return to her work, then decide whether to leave, contract or not. She’d even send a missive to Phoebe of such. Her sister could well advise her.
“Rachael, I did not intend to upset you. Quite the contrary; I simply wanted us to take some time together.”
She remained silent, staring at him. Rubbing her hands, she knew she’d never admit that he was correct and that she did need to rest her hands and eyes from such close work, never. Drawing a deep breath, she shook her head in agreement with herself.
Directly, Crane knocked on the library door, which had been closed.
“Enter,” John commanded, while not taking his eyes from his Rachael.
“Sir, the twins and their parents are here to see you,” Crane informed him.
“I’ll greet them at the door, Crane,” was his quick reply, which surprised Rachael. This was a first for him, not rushing to the door or having guests summoned to join he and Rachael immediately, as far as she knew. Crane left the room, somewhat bewildered, shutting the door behind him. John rose slowly and went to Rachael’s side. He bent to kiss her cheek gently, taking her by surprise. Taking her hand, he placed a small package into it. Abruptly, he turned and was gone.
She was angry, yet felt a fool. He could order her around, then kiss and gift her with a present. How does John dare to assume this would please me, she thought to herself? I did spoil his surprise, though, didn’t I? How frustrating for both of us.
Before Rachael could even open the treasure, which was wrapped in a thin, white paper adorned with, of all things, delicately pressed flowers to delight her, John and his guests entered the library. As the twins rushed to hug her, the doctor informed Rachael of some good news, which Pastor and Emma had brought to them. “Rachael, they have seen Monty and Phoebe. His fever has broken. Phoebe, Amber, and Cousin Emery will return by week’s end.”
Emma rushed to hug the nanny, while John and the pastor shook hands at the grand news. Minnie and Quinny first hugged the two ladies. Next, they shook hands with the gentlemen, including Crane. Finally, the twins stepped over to Lily’s blanket to whisper her awake.
“What a relief,” John admitted. “I was so worried.”
“We all were, John, and did you know Cinco de Mayo is back on, too, just in time for us to celebrate Monty’s recuperation?” Pastor Albert gave notice of more than one happy fact. “You know, it was postponed due to the unexpected storms. Did you hear that the rains even refilled The Ten Day Lake, John?”
“No. I’ll have to mention that to the Hathaway sisters. Perhaps if I tell them it’s near The Secret Tunnel and it doesn’t stay filled for long, they will stay for a few more days to take a trek there with us.”
Rachael pretty much ignored his comment and excused herself to adjourn to her room after he offered her time off while Lily played with her guests. In her bedroom she studied the sweet, tiny package. Upon opening it, she held an exquisite locket. With no more duties until he summoned her, this was a very welcome break. It would give her time to think. Reclining on her bed, she decided to wait until Friday, when Phoebe returned, and speak to her about leaving, except that a knock on the door would ultimately change her mind. Setting aside the piece of jewelry, she reluctantly opened the door.
Surprised at seeing her employer there when he had guests in his home, she was not quite sure what to expect. Knowing she did have to thank him for the necklace, or return it, she wondered: which would it be?
“Rachael, I don’t have to come in to say what I need to say to you,” he began.
With her mouth open, she stood there, knowing full well that she appeared foolish. “I want to thank you for the gift. It’s lovely. I must return it, however, since I will be leaving at the end of the week.” There, she had said it without even hesitating or discussing it with her sister. Let him look at his shoes now and smile, she thought. Holding the locket toward him brought a look of dismay to his fine facial features. “Here it is.”
“Rachael, no,” he whispered, yet with force. “You can’t leave me. Please, keep the locket.”
“I can and I am,” was her reply, with just as much force, for, his domineering attitude had to change.
“Please stay. Keep the locket. I will bring you a photo for placing into it soon.”
“What are you bringing me, a photo of my dog? Why, thank you very much. I do love Shepherd dearly and I’ll see him soon,” she quipped, so naturally that she was proud of herself, until he showed his extreme dismay, that is. Stepping back to close the door, she then realized the locket was still in her right hand. Unfortunately, she accidently dropped the lovely token of affection he’d given to her.
“Oh,” she cried. “I’m so sorry. I did not intend to drop it, sir.” Rachael backed away thinking that now she was done with him. She had used the formality of ‘sir’ because things were awry. To her dismay, tears welled in her eyes, meaning it was not over between them. For an instant, she wished to rush downstairs to Emma and ask her what to do about John. She had already asked Monty Graham, and that had presented its own dilemma.
“Let me get it for you, please.” He slowly bent to reach for the piece of jewelry. To her surprise, he next got down on both knees. “Miss Hathaway, will you marry me?” he whispered. “The photo I was to bring you is mine. I am having it done and I wished for this to be an engagement gift to you ~ a promise of our marriage, whenever you so choose.” There, he had said it. “This comes from my heart, Rachael. Answer honestly. Then we can ask Pastor and Emma when the church is available, if you wish. They’re still here.”
Ins
tantly, she remarked, “Your proposal and engagement token have genuinely touched my heart, John. To answer ‘yes’ is what I truly want. But, it’s too soon for us to marry,” she told him, regrettably, although she had to admit she cared deeply for this man. He rose and came close to hold her. The kiss they then shared sent a shock of unexpected delight through both of them.
“Will you be mine, someday, Rachael? My daughter and staff would love that, just as I would.”
“I believe so,” was all she could manage to say, as she dried unexpected tears with the dainty hanky he had given her and she’d retrieved from her pocket. “Please, give me some time, though.”
“I love you, Rachael. I’ll wait and I’ll give you time. Today, could you accompany me to the bank for our deposit? It’s such a lovely day for a drive. I’m sure there’ll be no storms, of weather or in our relationship. Let’s have some fun,” he suggested. “Albert and Emma are waiting for us to join them.”
Without hesitation, she agreed to go. After he had spoken to the banker and signed some papers as a board member, they joined the Hoovers to venture to the area where the Mexican-American celebration was to be held. Preparations were under way for the festive event to take place on the weekend. While there, they all made a commitment to attend, promising this to some of the friendly vendors, as well.
“See, you’re not leaving me on Friday. We must celebrate with our friends before you go, if you must leave,” John told her, as they sampled tacos. “Or, we can celebrate our secret engagement,” he whispered quietly. She cocked her head and smiled, leaving him to wonder if she agreed.
Cinco de Mayo proved to be a wonderful time, with some surprises for their group. Monty felt well enough to travel with Phoebe, Amber, and Emery, to join Emma, Albert, the twins, John, Rachael, and Lily at the festival. Charles Earl also came in attendance, in case Monty needed help or to return home to Fernhaven. To everyone’s surprise and delight, he was soon seen strolling with Miss Callie Emerson, and he also stood with her when the parade began. She had arrived with Crane and Miss Mariah, who were now shopping for wedding items and rings.
“I believe I’ve found the perfect lace veil, Miss Rachael,” an excited Miss Mariah told her. So, Rachael went with the bride-to-be, to offer her approval. The rest of the group stayed for the guitar competition.
Together again, the group ate other exciting culinary creations, listened to the music, and visited with people that sunny afternoon, as sweet guitar sounds and singers serenaded them. It was a relaxing time for all. Dr. Callahan met them there, and together they laughed and talked of old times and future plans, including the clinic. To their surprise, there were copies of the latest newspaper edition available, too. This made Rachael realize her idea was well taken. She had become a part of this growing community, and was pleased when John showed a copy of the current news to Buddy for the first time.
“You may write in your next edition that my gardens are open for seasonal picking free of charge, Miss Hathaway. We’ve taken all from the early crops that we want to sell to market, and with tough times, I think it’s only appropriate to offer some food to others,” Buddy explained. “So, the newspaper is, indeed, a good messenger.”
“I will certainly include your message, Dr. Callahan. Thank you.” She warmly shook his hand, pleasantly surprised to realize that the paper could inform others about things in a timely manner, even about free food, which needed to be picked soon, while at its prime. However, she was not prepared for what he told her next.
“I took your advice, Miss Hathaway, hired a helper, and we planted mid-season crops of onions, greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, melons, squashes, and potatoes. Therefore, with that work done on the farm, I was also able to work on the Snagpuller North, too. My family calls me ‘the agricultural baron of Twelve Ponds Territory,’” he told her with a hearty laugh, as John patted him on the back and the others applauded.
“Well done. I’m proud of you, Buddy. I know we haven’t seen much of you lately,” Rachael replied. “I’m pleased you stayed with farming, but also happy you tried the new experience on the boat.”
“I’ve been weeding and watering between rains, Miss Hathaway.”
Immediately, another surprise was soon to come, when Lily ran from the group to go see a baby in its cradle. John, Rachael, Phoebe, and Monty sprinted after her, although her journey was short-lived. When her father picked her up, she squealed in delight, pointing to the infant, as the baby’s family turned toward them from a nearby park bench. It was the young couple who had delivered their child at Magnolia Gardens Manor.
“Mr. Davis! Miss Rachael! Dr. Graham! I’m so glad to see you here.” The baby’s mother expressed her delight at seeing them again. While the woman hugged Rachael, her husband shook hands with Drs. Davis, Graham, and Callahan. Miss Callie, Charles Earl, Crane, and Miss Mariah joined them to visit with the couple, view the baby, and to mention the upcoming wedding day and issue a verbal invitation.
“We are indebted to you all for helping us and feeding us,” the young husband told them again.
A pleasant visit ensued, as they listened to colorfully dressed singers delight them with their tunes and talents. Lily kept leaning to see the baby, of course. She pointed to her and squirmed in John’s arms, wishing to be put down to touch the infant. With her becoming so restless, it was now time to go home, John thought. So, the group turned toward their carriages.
But a voice called to them. He explained that he was the father of the baby’s mother, the new grandfather. “I understand that you helped my family in their time of need. You opened your home, gave them help and food. For that, I am very grateful to you.” He shook hands with each of them. “I want to prove it to you and thank you. I overheard that you will be having your own festive event soon with the wedding of Mr. Crane and Miss Mariah. I’d like to help.”
“Oh, no, sir, that won’t be necessary,” Crane informed the gentleman. “Thank you very much, though.”
“What is it you might need for your wedding – flowers, food, dresses, music?”
“Oh, we could not accept anything, sir. You are so kind to offer, though,” Miss Mariah added.
“I would be hurt if you do not accept my offer.” He was blunt, yet he smiled warmly.
His daughter then joined him. “May I suggest some pretty skirts or dresses for the ladies and some shirts for the men in your wedding party?” she asked. “My mother, sisters, and I fashion them. We sell or trade them, but I wish to give you some. It would please me to do that for you.”
Miss Mariah looked at Miss Callie for an answer, since the cook had already offered to do the sewing of the dresses, yet hadn’t gotten started on them yet, since they hadn’t found material.
“It’s up to you, dear bride-to-be,” Crane’s mother informed her.
Miss Mariah hesitated for only a moment. “Thank you! That would be very lovely of you. I accept.”
“Come with me and choose freely, please,” the young woman offered, and they happily did.
The next morning John held out his hand to Rachael as she entered the hall. His gesture produced another wave of pleasure. It was a warm and wonderful way to begin their day. She told him so. Together, silently, they strode to the dining room for breakfast, and smiles. Surprisingly, no others were in attendance. Everyone else was busy. Monty and Charles Earl had spent the night and were sleeping late. Crane, Miss Callie, Miss Mariah, Lily, and Phoebe were on the terrace discussing the wedding plans. John and Rachael could hear their happiness, and he desperately wished to discuss the same kind of plans with Miss Rachael Hathaway.
All at once, he noticed her locket. She was wearing it. He couldn’t believe his eyes. Instinctively, he carefully reached out to touch her cheek. “It’s true. You are wearing my engagement gift to you. Thank you. I love you.” Placing one hand upon hers, he kissed her tenderly.
“Bring me your picture, please, Joh
n,” she whispered, while he was near, just before they kissed again. Afterward, to her delight, he quietly began to sing:
To Keep You In My Heart
To keep you in my heart, I close my eyes.
To keep you in my day brings me blue skies.
To keep you in my mind will bring a smile,
And make me think of you all of the while.
To keep our love alive’s an easy task.
All you have to do for need is ask.
Your silent smile says more than you may know.
It sets my very heart and soul aglow.
So, keep me in your heart and close your eyes.
You bring me joy each day, not just blue skies.
So, keep me in your mind and hold a smile,
To make you think of me all of the while.
That’s what our love should be, my dearest one,
No matter if it’s old or just begun,
To warm the day, our souls, and very heart,
And never from us, dear, should it depart.
Chapter Nineteen
The barn-raising near Miss Callie’s family was a quick success, so the happy group of neighbors who shared that barn invited John and his friends who helped to a celebratory barn dance. A jovial time followed. After a few tunes John left Rachael speaking with Emma. Moments later, she found him outside on a hay bale, pensive. “What’s wrong?” she asked quietly.
John glanced lovingly at her, tears welling in his eyes. “It’s Rose’s birthday.”
“Oh.” She moved closer.
He hugged her to him. “You’re my sanctuary.”
Rachael then looked up to see Monty approaching. Stopping short, he silently mouthed “Rose?”
She shook her head affirmatively and mouthed a silent “Yes.”
Monty blew her a kiss for comforting his best friend and retreated to wait at the door.
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