Sanctuary

by Alene Adele Roy

  “Yes. You have love for each other. I can see it in your eyes and his,” she happily explained.

  “You can?” Rachael was astounded.

  “It shows on the faces of those who share love,” was the wise woman’s wisdom for her friend, spoken in privacy, of course, since they had walked away a bit from the others to discuss this matter.

  “Thank you.” Rachael gave Morning Dove her biggest smile and hugged her new friend. “You must come to our wedding. I shall let you know when it will be.”

  “Yes, that will be good for us and our husbands to, as you say, socialize.”

  Rachael laughed. “It will be, and please bring your son and nephews,” Rachael requested.

  They turned. Morning Dove pointed, because in some places, Blue Slough’s water shimmered, as if sprinkled with diamonds and gold dust in the noonday sun. Other areas appeared flat, blue or grey, when not being riled by birds taking flight or landing. As they stopped, several chiefs pointed out the different birds they recognized ~ geese, goslings, ducks, Great Blue Herons, swans, gulls, terns, and sandpipers.

  “This is a beautiful, bird-filled territory,” Rachael remarked. “I don’t know why they don’t call it Bird Town,” she reasoned. They selected the spot for the well, then turned to walk back to a tipi for venison, fish, corn cakes, and berries. For the moment, their work was done. It was time to celebrate, and afterward, hold the exchange of goods, since many of John and Rachael’s friends were here, too.

  “We are glad you came. Thank you for your gift of water. Anyone will be welcome at this well,” the chief announced in assurance to her. “What should we name it, Miss Hathaway?”

  “Any name your people choose will be fine with me,” she said in parting, glancing at a thriving corn patch. When the chief saw her interest, he invited them back to share at corn-ripening time.

  It was late when they returned home from the gathering, exhilarated by the experience and the opportunity to meet so many from surrounding areas, and see basket weaving, arrowheads being honed, and other long held traditions handed down from the elders. Watching the happy children play and dance today had made them both think of Lily. They went to check on her now. John gently touched his young daughter’s hair, which warmed Rachael’s heart. Next, he kissed his bride-to-be and she thought she heard wedding bells for a moment. But he reassured her that it was only the magical Summer Bells of Musical Gate. Falling into bed nearly exhausted, she was soon asleep. A half hour later she woke and quickly sat up in bed.

  “The snagpuller!” she called to herself, excited by the dream she’d just dreamed. “That’s the answer. I have to tell John, but he’s asleep.” Too excited to retire again, she decided to view the gardens. Night moths danced in flight near a lit table lantern just outside the door and around the sweet-scented honeysuckle vine over the veranda. The aroma was heavenly. It reminded her of home, representing warm summer nights. The sight of so many tiny creatures active this evening also seemed like a sign of summer. Nearly bursting with happiness, she leaned against the door frame to enjoy the sight.

  Just then, another small happy creature unexpectedly delighted her when Hope came to rub against her ankles. “How did you get outside, darling?” she asked, picking up her cat, delighting in its affection and loud, happy purring. “I thought you were inside when we went to bed. I guess I should have put you on my bed, Hope.”

  Right before her eyes, John appeared. “In answer to your question, I walked. I just had to see Chocolate and Butterscotch again. Hope followed me, but I kept a good eye on her. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “I don’t mind. I’m just so surprised to see you and Hope here. I couldn’t sleep.”

  He placed his hands upon her waist.

  She gently let Hope down, and took his hands in hers. Leading him inside to a settee, she went to break a piece of aloe growing in a pot on a table near the window. Rubbing its soothing liquid upon his wound and hands, she asked, “What have you been doing? Your hands are rough.”

  “We watered and weeded Emerys’ Corn Maze while you were away, so we could get lost in it come October.”

  Chapter Twenty Six

  “The Snagpuller North is the answer, John! That vessel could possibly transport needed items for the well and the drilling crew, right on Blue Slough.” They were both jubilant at what her dream had just revealed ~ a new plan.

  “I think that idea is the perfect solution, Rachael. It could also move your plans forward much more quickly, to provide a needed water supply to the area much sooner than we expected. It’s even better than using Cousin Emery’s wagon, which would be too small for the job. May I suggest we waste no time in proposing your idea to the ship’s captain? Let’s venture over to Spice Dock in the morning.”

  “John, that’s a wonderful idea!” She agreed immediately.

  “Let’s take the horses!” He posed his new idea to her, since he knew she rode. Rachael agreed. John rode Chocolate. Rachael rode Butterscotch. Through the countryside they proceeded the next day, with a sense of freedom, joy, and happiness for this bit of progress, which was apparent upon their faces and in their laughter, as they enjoyed the serenity suggested by the trees and foliage surrounding them.

  It was the first time the horses had been ridden since Rachael’s return to Magnolia Gardens. The happy couple just had to celebrate her return, and after the captain agreed whole heartedly to Rachael’s request and offered to donate The Snagpuller North for the purpose, without payment, Dr. John Davis and Miss Rachael Hathaway were even more elated. Before leaving, they inquired about the lost or stolen items from the ship’s cargo, and were told that the packages were indeed still missing. After saying their goodbyes, their thoughts quickly turned to the picnic basket hanging from Butterscotch’s saddle, ready and waiting for a celebration.

  They rode alongside Craggy Eggy Pond At The Moor, a peaty, boggy area within Whisper Wastelands, which most of the time was not a wasteland at all, since wetlands heal wastelands. Instead, it was simply a hidden refuge and sanctuary for all kinds of animals. Huge flocks of ducks, Canadian geese, and other birds were seen foraging throughout the grasses, reeds, rushes, cattails, and water lilies in and around the marsh. Quail scattered or flew, accompanied by songbirds, frogs, rodents, other wetland creatures, and insects, as the riders approached.

  “I’ve always loved seeing birds at home. But, I have never seen this many at such a close proximity.”

  “Stick with me, Rachael, my love. This area is steeped in history and animals in abundance. I’ve even seen deer here.”

  They dismounted to search for the perfect picnic place. “What are those?”

  “They are armadillos, burrowing mammals, probably down from their home at Hill Armadill. With their sharp claws they dig dens.” At once, he pointed to some shade trees to the left of them, which could provide a little privacy and shelter from the noonday sun. He turned to see her reaction.

  “Let’s go,” she agreed, after which they led the horses to their chosen lunch haven, a perfect perch for viewing birds. Yet, little did they know that they would attract some of them, as they discussed a serious subject - the Magnolia Gardens financial situation. Still, those geese, ducks, songbirds, some happy little squirrels, plus dragonflies, would help lighten the mood and keep enthusiasm high.

  “In conclusion, I would say that we should not spend any funds on another well after this first one, your museum, or our wedding, right now, John.” A serious bride-to-be was trying to further explain her opinions to her groom-to-be, since their absence from each other when she’d gone home to Bower Farm to be with her ailing grandmother.

  “Rachael, my darling one, I have to say that I did not further diminish our funds very badly when I used some for a hotel room for Monty and I when we visited you. Monty generously paid half of the room rent for those nights we stayed, and bought some meals for me, as well, since we took my tea
m and buggy. What I spent was well worth it, I might add. Coming to your family farm brought you back to me.”

  She handed him a brownie. Turning to study his handsome face, she spoke softly. “I feel lucky to have a friend and future husband who cares so much for me that he followed me nearly to the ends of the earth. I’m so glad you felt well enough to travel and were able to come and surprise me. But you spent too much money on fur coats and such, John.”

  “You are an excellent nurse, trained well by your mother and grandmothers, I assume. I never would have considered the orange a day and the Aloe Vera juice as my helpmates for a cure. Thank you.”

  “Silly man, you changed the subject, and you forgot the binoculars and the note I found and brought to you. Still, you can’t deny all of the doctors’ expertise and the excellent care they gave you during your convalescence,” she attested, laughing. “They stand by you in thick and thin.”

  “Yes, I’m happy to say they do, and you do, too. But I also enjoyed your extra special care, my love, and kisses” he replied, drawing close to her.

  Suddenly, they were interrupted by a curious goose honking and waddling toward them. “I think he wants our lunch,” she whispered, laughing softly, throwing the bird a piece of cornbread. Quickly, it gobbled the morsel and scanned the ground for more, causing them to laugh quietly.

  “You’d better stop feeding him or we’ll have the whole herd over here in no time,” he laughed.

  “It’s a flock of geese, not a herd, John. I know that much about waterfowl.”

  “Good,” he whispered, drawing near again, waiting for a kiss. “Look, that goose is now retreating to its gaggle or flock scattered along the moor. I wish I had at my place some of those tall, reed-like, cattails, marsh plants with their furry, brown tops, which are dotting that terrain.”

  “I’d like to speak again about finances,” she began, handing him a handful of walnuts to munch on or throw to the squirrels. “Did you hear what I suggested? Since I have already given most of your money from Antonio to drill this first well, I cannot get it back for you. We should have kept it, John.”

  “Nonsense, those people in that area of Twelve Ponds Territory do need water, Rachael. You know that, and you were correct in offering it. In only a matter of days, you’ll have a drilled well and will have given them a pump and water! Do you know how important and wonderful that is?” His excitement for her project was quite apparent.

  “Yes, I know, and I am thrilled about it,” was her response. “I am just certain that we can also accomplish your important mission of a museum in this area, someday, John, my dear. Oh, and that reminds me, Emma told me that Mr. Croft needs a job. He’s head of household of the new family which moved in down the road.”

  “I know just the job for him, then. It’s with the railroad. Can we stop there on the way home?”

  “Certainly, because I really like his wife and I’d like to get to know her.”

  “Now, let’s discuss our wedding plans. Do you know when and where we should be wed? Should we have the ceremony at Magnolia Gardens or at Black Woods Castle, Rachael?” he asked, even more excited about their wedding than he was about the well.

  “No to both, for we can’t depend on the weather for an outdoor wedding. I do not want our guests and families subjected to rain, freezing temperatures, or snowfall. We must consider that.”

  “Does that mean an indoor Christmas wedding is our choice, for certain?”

  “Yes, I’d like that.” She placed his hand against her cheek, until a rustle in the reeds was heard.

  “When we return, can we remove the red lace from your wedding gown as a sign of our decision?”

  “Yes, I’d like that, too,” she whispered, gazing into his eyes. “I’m amazed that you would help me with that and I appreciate your interest in our wedding.”

  “We’ll send for your family early in December, since your mother told me that they wish to be at home at Bower Farm for Thanksgiving, with us all there,” he informed her. “I hope you are not offended by my boldness in speaking with her about it.”

  “Oh, she did, did she?” Rachael asked, feigning an indignant stance on the subject which was discussed without her. “Where was I at the time? The wedding can’t occur for a year, anyway, you know.”

  “I believe you were in the arms of your favorite neighbor boy, Miss Hathaway,” he teased.

  “Ah.” Her mouth dropped open. “I was not, and he’s not a boy. Furthermore, you know better than to say that,” she corrected. “Please don’t mention it again. He deserves only our respect. Besides, he checks on my family often, and I appreciate that fact.”

  “I was just checking your reaction, in case you wanted to change your mind about exchanging vows with me, Miss Hathaway, even if it is more than a year away,” were his words to his future bride. “Will you invite him to our wedding?”

  Rachael studied him for a moment, yet a smile crossed her face. “Should I? By the way, what color of frost would you prefer on our wedding cake?” she asked, grinning. “Does that tell you anything at all?”

  He moved closer in order to kiss her. “It tells me you love me. Frost is white, so, I believe I would prefer white, and that you call me ‘love.’ Furthermore, it tells me that you are serious about our wedding cake. We will discuss later whether to invite Harry or not.” He kissed her again.

  “I am serious about our wedding cake. What color should the cake be, and what color should my bridesmaids wear, love?”

  He kissed her again. “I’d prefer a white cake. As for your bridesmaids, they could be adorned in anything you wish, or perhaps in the Cinco de Mayo gift gowns to save on funds. Someone could even wear yours, Rachael.”

  “Oh, that’s a fabulous idea. Perhaps Swan would wear mine,” she answered in a whisper, gazing at his lips. “What about Amber, Emma, Aggie, and Robin, who don’t have those dresses? They weren’t given one at the Cinco de Mayo festival, remember?”

  He kissed her neck and stroked her hair. “Then, we shall have to speak to Antonio or Robin to find some, since they can get us in touch with the seamstress from the festival, their cousin. Now, where would you like to spend our honeymoon, Miss almost a Mrs.?”

  She laughed. “You’re so silly. Yet, you do have a good idea about asking Antonio or Robin, or perhaps we shall have some dresses made for all of them alike in a pastel shade of sea green or petal pink. I’ll discuss it with all of the girls. There is plenty of time, since it won’t be until next year. But, you know, John, that we must complete our wedding plans first, before discussing the honeymoon,” she advised.

  “Why?” He kissed her again. “I don’t even know if you like to travel? I don’t even know the answer to that question and a few others. So, should we leave the area?”

  “I don’t know. Perhaps, I believe that discussion to be premature, John.”

  “Well, are you getting cold feet now? We’ve already decided on the month, the location, about your dress trim, and the cake and icing. What more is there to plan?” Before she could answer he kissed her passionately to a songbird serenade.

  “There are the invitations to discuss, reception location, the guest list, the music, and the food.”

  “Music?” he asked, abruptly straightening his aching back, choosing only one item from her list.

  It made her laugh. “Yes. Are you going to sing to me or should the choir sing?”

  “I’ve never really thought of that until now,” he admitted, as she came to rub his aching back.

  “It takes some advance planning, John. I’m not going to make all of the plans by myself.”

  “Why, thank you for including me, Miss Rachael. I did not expect for you to do it alone.”

  “My pleasure,” she admitted, sitting back down on the blanket.

  “Thank you for the back rub. Now, back to the honeymoon,” he alluded. “I have some ide
as.”

  “Quite the contrary, back to the invitations, John,” she countered. “What kind shall we send and how many will we need?”

  “Aren’t you making them with floral designs?” he asked, almost certain of the answer.

  “That depends on the guest list. Will there be one hundred guests, fifty, or five?”

  “I had not even pondered who to invite or how many. Just as long as you’re there, I’ll be happy. Why not a hundred?”

  “John, if we do invite one hundred guests, I shall need your assistance creating those botanical invitations, since that is a lot of work to do by myself. I also have other responsibilities, as you well know,” she quietly explained to her groom, with a smile. “There’s Lily.”

  “Oh, I’ll gladly help you,” was his response. “I’ll do anything for a happy wedding day.”

  Rachael laughed. “The next question in my mind is the location of the reception, since it will have to be written on the invitations,” she advised. “Will it be at the church, Magnolia Gardens, or somewhere in between?

  “Oh, I hadn’t given it any thought. What is your choice?” A flock of small birds chirped nearby.

  “I choose the church because we will already be there,” was her instant reply. “Another reason is that I am beginning to feel at home there.”

  “I do, too.” He was equally as speedy in agreeing. Perhaps it would hasten this wedding planning and he could take her into his arms and kiss her again, tenderly, he was thinking. “The church it is.”

  His comment made her laugh happily. “You are a very congenial groom, today, I must say.”

  “Now, would a honeymoon at Blackberry Inn be appropriate, Miss Hathaway? It’s not far and it has gardens.”

  “No, not until we discuss the food and music. Besides, will those gardens be snow-covered in late December?”

  He laughed and hung his head. “Well, I imagine so. Rachael, I’m not a singer. So, I know not how to discuss the music with you, and any garden could be snow-covered in December. I can’t control that. Let’s ask the choir to sing two songs, one at the beginning and another at the end of the ceremony. There, I’ve made a decision and I’m quite proud of myself.”