“That rock is Glistening-Gray-Granite. The valley is Whisper Wastelands,” Amber informed her.
“What are these wonderful flowers?” Rachael then wanted to know. “I just love them.”
“They are hydrangeas. I may use them in my wedding. I found they are nice fresh or dried, so they can be used in any season, really, any time of the year we choose to wed. One group of blossoms makes a lovely, sizeable bouquet.”
“I see that. Oh, decide on a wedding date soon, for we must get together afterward to discuss it,” Rachael implored her friend. “Can we take this path, Amber? I wish to see your columbines and compare the colors to those we saw at Craggy Eggy Moor.”
As the two strolled the garden trail arm in arm, their hostess posed a question to Rachael. “When is your wedding? Have you two decided? There will be many weddings among us soon, you and John, Phoebe and Monty, and us. Emery and I shall have to work around all of those dates,” she laughed happily.
“No you won’t. We’re going to make it extremely simple for everyone. Ours is in December,” Rachael joyfully announced, with a radiant bride-to-be smile and a glance toward her future fiancé. “Also, it is to be a double wedding a year from now. So, you’ll have one less date to add to your social calendar.”
“What a wonderful idea, Rachael! Who is that lucky other couple?” Amber asked, anxious to know all of the details about those upcoming nuptials.
However, just then, John joined them and placed an arm around Rachael’s waist. “We have details to work out yet, too, Amber, so we really should be going.”
Quickly leaning toward her friend before John could turn her back up the path toward home, Rachael announced, “The other bride and groom are to be Phoebe and Monty Graham.”
Amber’s reaction was immediate and jubilant. “Oh, that’s wonderful!” She warmly hugged Rachael.
“Can you and Cousin Emery meet us for brunch tomorrow?” Rachael wondered. “I have something to discuss with you, my bridesmaid.” She happily gave a clue. “We can picnic at Saving Knoll near Black Woods to learn more details about our future grooms’ childhoods.”
“That won’t do, darling,” John interrupted. “I’m leaving for a railroad meeting in the morning and you’re going with me, if it pleases you, that is.”
Rachael stared at him in surprise. “I don’t recall an invitation, John. I have things to attend to and Lily to care for, and clothes to unpack and put away,” was her retort. “Remember, I am Lily’s nanny.”
“I’ve sent Lily to my parents. They were delighted to have her come for a visit. So, you’ll have some time to yourself to rest. I know you’re tired. Later, I’ll have your delightful company for a romantic dinner tomorrow evening. Our meeting is in the morning,” he informed her. “Sorry Amber. The brunch picnic will have to wait for a few days.”
“That’s fine, John,” she replied. “I understand. Go have some fun and rest, Rachael.”
“You said ‘our meeting.’ Am I to attend that meeting with you?” Rachael wanted to know.
“No, dear, Monty and I will be attending it. He’s meeting me there. You’ll have time to yourself.”
“Won’t he be at our romantic dinner?” She asked, while cocking her head to the side.
“No, he will not be. He will be at a romantic dinner with your sister, Phoebe, tomorrow evening, according to Cousin Emery.” John was delighted to inform the two women of this bit of news.
It actually stopped Rachael in her tracks. “You mean he is going to propose marriage again to her tomorrow night and give her the ring he’s just purchased?”
“It appears so,” was John’s happy reply.
“Oh, I hope she accepts it.” Rachael was thrilled with the revealing of this turn of events.
“I do, too,” Amber Worthington replied. “Otherwise, how can you have a double wedding?”
“She just must accept Monty’s proposal. Oh, John, that’s wonderful news,” Rachael announced.
A brilliant sunset now lit the evening sky beyond Owls Tor and Craggy Eggy Moor below, in ribbons of pink, baby blue, amber, and lavender, adding to the excitement of the day. At the same time, a slight breeze swirled pink and cream colored flower petals into a beautiful blossom rain over the gardens and paths at Apple Valley Ridge and around the happy strollers, as if in celebration. Cousin Emery joined his new fiancée for a lover’s embrace. So, the newly promised John Davis and Rachael Hathaway did likewise.
“We shall go visit Phoebe and Monty the morning after he proposes, to learn her answer,” John informed Rachael, further delighting her with other intriguing details of the proposed trip. “I must tell you we shall be staying close to Bower Farm so you can also visit your family on this journey.”
“Oh, Heavens!” Rachael shrieked, turning to embrace John once again for his joyous plan, delivering a happy hug. Then, she gazed up at his smiling face. “You just made my heart sing!”
“I’ll help with your wedding, if you‘ll help with ours,” Amber called, as her guests went to mount their waiting, life-saving, steeds for the short journey home. “We’ll have fun when you return, Rachael! You can tell me all about Phoebe’s engagement and wedding plans, too.”
“We will! Congratulations!” Rachael called with a wave, as thoughts of John’s newest surprises swirled merrily in her head. “I can hardly wait for tomorrow’s journey. Yes, I like traveling, with you.”
Delighted that he had chosen her small hometown of Bower for their destination, she did some quilting in her hotel room after they arrived. She rented her room for the stay with her own money, and stayed inside until the chill of the morning melted into a perfect day for sightseeing. Old school friends, neighbors, and her best friend, Swan, were equally as delighted to learn she was here. Together, they visited shops and the Merry Market, where they delighted in finding Rachael’s floral stationery for sale, when it was pointed out to them. Several friends, including Swan, had lunch with Rachael at The Orient Gardens Restaurant, while relating the latest news throughout the close-knit community.
“I hope we are able to visit here often after we are wed. I miss it,” Rachael confided to Swan, knowing full well that John intended to oblige her wishes. “Now, come and help me buy some little surprise gifts for my family, please, if you will, my bridesmaid,” she invited.
Swan was delighted with both invitations, to be Rachael’s bridesmaid and to shop with her. “I can hardly wait for your wedding. Please let me know how I can help you, my dear friend.”
The afternoon just flew, as they laughed, talked, shopped, planned, and reminisced, while selecting the perfect gifts for their families. Swan was also compelled to select a trousseau gift for Rachael, a beautiful cream colored silk gown and robe, and they both chose a hat.
“I love it, darling Swan. Thank you so very much. I can hardly wait to discuss bridesmaids’ dresses with you and the other girls at Thanksgiving time. What do you think we should wear in our hair, a veil, brooch, flowers, hat, a floral ringlet, or just a single flower?”
“I love flowers, but what is available at holiday time?” Swan asked, puzzled by the matter.
“I believe we will have to ponder hair decorations for awhile, but Amber Worthington is going to dry some flowers for our bouquets. You and I shall write back and forth and consider things, for I’d dearly love your opinion.” Then she remembered John’s mother’s offer. “Oh, I nearly forgot to tell you that John’s mother has offered to make me a veil.”
That evening, she and John relaxed in a quiet corner of the Bower Hotel dining room for dinner. As he related the events of the day, he assured her that Monty did indeed plan to propose again and offer the ring to Phoebe this very evening, possibly at this very moment. It sent thrill chills throughout Rachael’s entire mind and body to know that her sister would most probably marry such a wonderful man as Monty.
“We shall know her answer
in the morning after breakfast,” John continued, just as the waiter was serving the delicious delicacies they had chosen for their dinner dining delights. Jumbo shrimp was the order of the day, selected from the menu by both of them, along with a salad, new potatoes, peas, and carrots. The fresh, buttered cornbread was a big hit, too, as always. Yet, unfortunately, after eating it, Rachael had to forgo the pie offered for dessert.
“We could take the pie with us,” John offered with a chuckle. “It can be a snack.”
“Let’s do that.” She quickly agreed. “We can always enjoy it for breakfast.”
It was then, while the waiter was cutting and packing the pie to go, that John mentioned Rachael’s well. “Let’s see it on our way home to liven up the journey. Surely it has been drilled by now. Would you like that?”
“Oh, could we? Yes, I’d like that very much, since I’m anxious to know all went well with it.”
“I believe we must check its progress, don’t you? It’s your mission and your longtime dream, now ours. We’ll learn if they have named it yet, and probably see that it was accomplished in a fine fashion.”
“Oh, John, thank you very much for thinking of it. After all, it was your money from Antonio that purchased it. You had a big part in it, too.”
He corrected her gently. “It was our money, dear Rachael, given to us unexpectedly, especially for that very sweet purpose. I strongly feel that way, don’t you?”
“It was.” She respected his opinion on the matter and repeated his sentiment, taking satisfaction in the moment and the thought. Happiness bubbled over in her heart just now. “I am so grateful that you love me, John.”
“I am the lucky one for selecting you as Lily’s nanny. You are a wonderful mother to her and someday we shall have children of our own. How many do you want?”
His question completely caught her off guard. “I’m not sure,” she answered quietly, laughing at the very idea. “I’ve never really taken the time to ponder it, John.”
“You have time to do just that, my dear,” he stated in reassurance. “But, let us select names.”
“Names?” she repeated, stumped by his suggestion. However, after only a few seconds, the appropriate ones came to mind. “Well, darling, of course they will have to be John and Rachael,” she revealed.
“That’s perfect.” His soft laughter warmed her heart, further proof that she had selected correctly. Later, after some quilting, she retired fairly early, looking forward to the reunion with her family in the morning and wishing to learn of Phoebe’s answer to Monty as soon as possible. John’s knock on her door at their chosen time of eight o’clock a.m. sent her into a whirlwind of activity, finishing her packing. When she met him in the hall moments later, she was ready for her eggs, toast, and fruit in the dining room.
Now, it was time to quickly inform him of her thoughts on something else, and she dreaded it. That is exactly why she had waited until morning to face him with her latest topic of interest. She had not wanted at all to spoil this journey for John. Still, she had to make him realize the importance of the impending financial crisis they were facing.
“We have to speak about the coffers again, my love. Funds have dwindled drastically, to the point of having to make some really tough decisions I would rather not have to make.” She was extremely glad that they were seated in a private area in the back of the restaurant, away from the diners in the front of the building, so she could be honest and openly discuss this delicate issue with her future husband.
He gently placed his hand over hers in a loving gesture. “Continue, please,” he whispered, leaning close to her. “I wish to hear of your concerns and help whatever is on your mind this morning.”
“If you can speak of our future children, I can speak of our future finances,” she quietly told him. Drawing a deep breath, she plunged further into the subject. “We may have to relieve Miss Callie, Crane, and Mariah Emerson of their duties very soon. We cannot afford to continue to pay them their wages after this month. I see no way around their dismissal and I must say that I hate the very thought of it, John.”
“Is it that dire, Rachael?” he asked, scratching his head, waiting for her explanation.
“Yes. Not only that, but we cannot afford entertaining holiday guests, a large wedding, and a long honeymoon, as you’ve suggested. We shall just have to wait until next year for most of those things to occur. You should really go over the ledger with me upon our return.”
“We must find a way. I shall open my medical practice with Monty, then, immediately.”
“Wait a minute. Where? We cannot afford to build a medical facility at this time, and there are no large buildings for rent or for sale in Velvet Villa Village, either. I’ve searched with Viola and Phoebe.”
He sighed and pondered the dilemma. “Monty will have a solution, I’m sure.”
“Monty is not planning our wedding, our honeymoon, our holiday guest list, or our financial responsibilities to your staff. I propose that we postpone our wedding until our finances have greatly improved. That should solve most everything, except for the wages of the help,” she explained.
It was like a slap in the face to him. Suddenly rising from his chair, he pranced about the room, as if heartbroken by the news and her suggestions for solutions.
“Sit, please. I have even more to discuss with you. I want you well before we marry or you start doctoring again.”
With a perplexed look upon his face, he did sit. First, however, he picked up his chair to place beside hers, in a most romantic gesture, or perhaps it was simply so that he could more quietly discuss the dilemma with his intended bride-to-be.
She appreciated his undivided attention, smiled, and chuckled. “As one solution, I believe we should plant raspberries and blueberries in mass. We can plow to prepare the soil with your new tool, for easy planting of those crops. People love that type of fruit. I’ve heard many speak of their fondness for berry pies. Those bushes will eventually produce abundant fruit to satisfy customers and provide for our household, too. After harvest, we can sell them at The Market On The Main and Merry Market, plus, use the wagon to send berries about Twelve Ponds Territory and elsewhere. We may see good profits even sooner than expected, depending on how they perform this year.”
“I like your ideas. We could bring some to sell in Bower when we visit your family, too.”
“Yes, that’s a possibility. It may seem expensive to buy the bushes right now. However, I have some money from selling my stationery. Swan and I admired some plants at the feed store yesterday. Wren could help us select good stock and luckily, you have plenty of garden space for them.
“You’re right, Rachael, of course. You have thought of everything. I’m so proud of you and pleased with your solution to those situations.”
“Well, berry sales will probably not give us a complete solution. It probably will not cover a wedding, honeymoon, or food for Christmas visitors. But it may keep our helpers at Magnolia Gardens, John. Yet, if we wait until next spring to plant them, we won’t have a crop for a long while, not this year, anyway. This way, we could get some results this summer or even in early autumn.”
“We’ll buy the plants on the way home in Bower, I promise. We may even find some in the village. But, I cannot wait to wed you. I must marry you at Christmas, Rachael,” he whispered. “I love you.”
“You can wait a few months to establish a medical center, though, can’t you? In the meantime, rest your leg. We shall search for a building or consider building one as we get funds for it. Of course, you can discuss this with Monty and Buddy, too, for they may have other suggestions, as well.”
“I agree with nearly all of your ideas,” he whispered, just before he kissed her. “My museum dream can wait, our marriage can’t.”
She was shaking her head and smiling when their waiter arrived with their food. Together, they enjoyed a nourishing
breakfast, happily discussing how many plants they could buy with her funds. Later, when they arrived at the farm, the mood was merry there, too. “Phoebe has accepted Lieutenant Monty Graham’s proposal of marriage. Come and see her beautiful diamond engagement ring,” greeted Viola.
“Now, we simply must convince them to join us in a double wedding ceremony,” Rachael declared. It wasn’t easy, however, since Phoebe was reluctant. She had not known Monty as long as Rachael had known John. They had not been courting as long as the bride-to-be would have preferred, either. Yet, she obviously loved and adored him, and was committed to this union.
At this time, John had a suggestion for his friend. Pulling Monty aside, he advised him to “Court her. Spend some time together here and at Fernhaven to alleviate all of her fears, Monty. She is a sweet girl, just like Rachael.”
“Fresh blueberry muffins are ready,” Viola called cheerfully, breaking up their hallway conference. Therefore, a crowd of eager eaters easily gathered around her. Soon, many of them were raving about her baking.
“Are you going to bake some for Antonio Bradshaw?” Rachael asked quietly with a grin.
“I have no idea when I shall see him again, if ever, my dear sister,” was Viola’s tart retort. She wiped her hands on her apron, and busied herself with another batch of baking, obviously trying to ignore Rachael.
“But you’d like to bake for him, wouldn’t you?” Rachael pushed the idea even further, teasing her.
“Rachael dear, remember, we need to speak with Monty and Phoebe about the wedding plans?” John interjected, trying to prevent any friction from developing between the Hathaway sisters.
“I am not bothering Viola at all, merely mentioning her friend, which we haven’t seen lately, by the way,” Rachael explained to her husband-to-be, an impish smile remaining upon her face.
Phoebe now came to Viola’s rescue, too, delighting them all with a story about a blueberry picking trek she had made recently with Viola, Harry, and his brother, Perry. “They’re ripe now at Blueberry Bog and when we were there, the area hosted all manner of wildlife, as well as berries. It’s located in a low, warm spot,” she explained to Monty and John, who hadn’t been there yet. “While birds sang and a pair of cute rabbits ate grass nearby, I was delighted to see a funny, furry, grey squirrel scamper along the top of a large, fallen tree. There were many of them there, downed trees, that is. So, there must have been a bad windstorm or heavy ice and snow to bring them down like that.”
Sanctuary Page 51