“Are there that many?” Rachael asked, suddenly interested in the topic, as an idea crossed her mind. She smiled, excited with her plan, as well as the thought of the rabbits and squirrel at the scene.
“Yes, there are several large trees down. My point was that the little squirrel ran right down to the end of the tree trunk which had partially fallen into the water. There he stopped, as if to show me some swimming ducklings. They were so cute, Rachael. I was so fond of seeing them. I hope you can, too. I was even thinking of bringing some home and asking Daddy to dig a pond for them. But I didn’t.”
“Can we go see them and pick some berries?” Rachael pleaded, excitement rising in her voice.
“Of course, we can, darling,” her mother replied. “It will be like old times having you with us.”
“Can I view the orchard first?” She moved to the window seat to view her favorite trees.
“If you’d rather get the quilt you are working on, we can help you with it until John and your father come in from the fields,” Mother suggested. “That way, you can sit there and view the orchard for awhile.”
“No, thank you,” was Rachael’s quick response. “I’m not in the mood for quilting. Let’s go without them. Can we? Maybe Robert will escort us.”
“That, I shall. Let’s give Dad and John lots of time to discuss giving Rachael’s hand in marriage. That may take awhile, since we all love her so and don’t wish to let her go,” he teased. “But they’ll wonder where we are when they return, won’t they?”
“I’ll leave a note, son,” Mother calmly informed him, as the group grabbed baskets for picking.
“I’m bringing a jug of water, Mother,” Phoebe called, as she and Monty went to the pantry.
“I’m bringing the glasses, Mother,” Monty called, mimicking Phoebe, bringing forth laughter.
Viola also had her turn at making them laugh. “He is going to fit in quite nicely, isn’t he Mother? Perhaps he’ll teach Phoebe how to make pie crust.”
Their mother didn’t understand her meaning, yet Viola and Rachael did. “It’s good to have you girls home.”
A few minutes later they arrived at the bog. “Little Squirrel doesn’t seem to be here this time. That’s what I named him,” Phoebe revealed near the downed timber.
Rachael was almost more interested in it than the berries or the squirrel. “These could be the very beginning of John’s dream coming true, his mission,” she mused out loud, while the others gathered around her. “He wants to place a museum at Magnolia Gardens. Yet, he generously gave his funds from Antonio Bradshaw to me so that I could have a well drilled for residents in the east of Twelve Ponds Territory.”
“Oh, Rachael, how nice both plans are,” Mother related. “Is there anything we can do to help?”
“Well, plans for my dream came together so quickly when we needed help transporting supplies, the pump, and the drillers for the well. The Snagpuller North offered their services. So, now that the well is probably drilled, I’d like to see John’s dream come true.”
“Of course, and it shall someday, if we concentrate on what those needs are,” Mother urged.
“Yes, and that’s exactly why I did not want John to hear this. These trees, turned into logs, could be made into lumber at Emerys’ sawmill for the walls and roof beams of the museum. But I see it as a dual purpose,” Rachael then confided.
“What’s that, honey?” Phoebe wanted to know, as she sampled berries and gave a taste to Monty.
“I see this as an opportunity for us in Twelve Ponds Territory to have, not only a museum, but a medical sanctuary, as well. Monty, Buddy, and John may open one soon. Isn’t that right, Monty?”
“Yes, we have talked about it, and what a wonderful idea that is of combining the two, Rachael. I’ll buy the windows and roofing”
So, the plan began to materialize while they picked blueberries that day. Actually, other ideas surfaced, too.
“It’s to be a secret until after the wedding, a gift,” cautioned Rachael. “Is that fine with all of you?”
“Yes. We won’t breathe a word about it,” Viola assured her, taking the liberty of speaking for the entire group.
The others agreed, wholeheartedly, especially Monty. “I’ll inform Buddy Callahan of the plan.”
“Please write Antonio about it, Viola, since he offered to haul logs to the mill using his horses. Furthermore, I’ll ask Amber Worthington to tell Cousin Emery of our scheme. He has offered help with anything,” Rachael told them.
“It’s not a scheme,” Mother explained, sweetly. “It’s a wonderful gift idea for John, as well as the whole community, Rachael. Your sisters and I can create interior comforts, such as curtains, rugs, chair cushions, and such. We’ll begin now, long before your wedding, so we can help with it this autumn.”
“Oh, Mother, it won’t be this year,” Rachael whispered.
Later that afternoon, she and John were asked and convinced to stay the night at Bower Farm, so they could all enjoy the cuisine at the Hathaway family’s favorite restaurant, The Orient Gardens in Bower, owned by Swan’s family. A lively group they were, indeed, celebrating the engagement of Phoebe Hathaway and Lieutenant Graham, John’s recovery, and Rachael’s well-drilling and promised engagement. As conversation turned to the upcoming holiday season, it was confirmed that Rachael, John, and Monty would travel to the farm for Thanksgiving Day. In turn, the Hathaways would journey to Fernhaven and Magnolia Gardens for the Christmas holiday season, and perhaps a wedding, weather permitting.
At dinner, Mother handed Phoebe and Rachael each a lovely handkerchief with their name and their future groom’s name sewn into it with blue thread. “This will be your ‘something blue’ to carry at your wedding, girls,” Mother explained. The pair of thrilled brides-to-be each went to hug her. The men were also promised a gift, which would prove to be a handkerchief with bride and groom names stitched upon it, as well. Yet, their future mother-in-law did not intend to give them this until later, sometime before the wedding.
On the last day of the visit, John had a request of Rachael. “Please accompany me on a walk. I wish to pick you a bouquet of bachelor buttons from the uncut field border, since I saw where your wildflowers grow.”
“I would be delighted, and you are quite the investigator, aren’t you, Dr. Davis.”
“Yes, I keep my eyes open, and I also asked your father for your hand.”
“What did he say?”
“He shook my hand and said he would always be there for us.”
Upon their return trip, the two did stop in Bower to buy berry plants, with the help of Wren, who told them he was still mystified by the latest mystery merchandise which had appeared in the store ~ the beautiful wooden chest of inlaid wood, which some thought might be from the orient. At present, though, John and Rachael were purchasing the feed store’s entire stock of raspberries and blueberries, to the delight of Rachael’s cousin and the other store manager. As the two employees loaded John’s buggy with the merchandise through the store’s back door, Swan swept in through the front door to deliver a stack of American Indian baskets for sale. She left quietly, unseen and unheard.
Next, John and Rachael ventured to the place where Rachael’s first well was drilled, near Blue Slough, just as John had promised. When they arrived, no one was there. Instead, a sign had been painted and posted at the scene. Hand in hand they walked to it, and read: “‘Heaven’s Water ~ A Gift From Little Bird.’” Rachael was overcome with joy at seeing the sign, and at the prospect of her dream finally materializing. As she wiped away happy tears, her family arrived to join them, cheering. “I can’t believe you’re here!” she called.
“We had to see your well, Rachael,” her mother exclaimed.
“I like the name,” her father added.
Embraced by John, then her family members, she whispered, “It came true.”
“I accept. Thank you,” the new neighbor agreed, shaking John’s hand. It was apparent that he and his wife were filled with joy at the news. Previously, John had met with Mr. Cunningham at a bank board meeting, where they released some of the charity funds, which John delivered, as well, to further help the new neighbors.
One evening, a few nights later, as they played chess in the library, an invitation arrived inviting them to attend ‘ The Emerys’ Of Timber Lane Place Fourth of July Celebration Picnic at Otter House.’ As Rachael read the missive over John’s shoulder, Lily played and laughed on a blanket with her Dolly Molly.
“I just thought we would celebrate with a quiet day here, John,” the young nanny informed him with a sigh. Sitting back down at her chair across from him on the other side of the chess table, she smoothed her skirt and awaited his reply, then added, “We could have our own quiet little picnic here with Lily.”
“I know, Rachael, but this one would be so much fun to attend. Cousin and Uncle Emery are the perfect hosts, you’ll see. We can return home any time you are ready to rest. Please say you will attend with me. Miss Callie, Crane, and Mariah are invited to Monty’s, with Charles Earl and Miss Phoebe Hathaway in attendance, if she decides to come.”
“Oh, they are?” Reluctantly, she agreed, and when the day came, Rachael was glad she had decided to accompany John, because Uncle Emery and Cousin Emery were indeed the perfect hosts. Laughter ruled the day, along with unexpected suspense, when they all engaged in an indoor scavenger hunt in the parlor, away from the blazing summer sun. After Uncle Emery called out each item, they searched for “a tea cup and saucer, a cane, nut, pebble, candle, book, thread spool, tintype, inkwell, newspaper, string, basket, quill pen, and potatoes, of all things.” As they ventured to find the items, it was a hilarious time for all, with guests: Amber, Crystal, Buddy, Aggie Hoover, Pastor Albert, Emma, Quinny, Minnie, John, Rachael, Lily, and Sheriff Joe in attendance.
Dinner was served before the fireworks display began in the village, which they would easily be able to watch from the covered porch, later. Cousin Emery cooked early corn on the cob. Uncle Emery made no-bake cookies. Amber brought frosted cupcakes. Crystal created her baked beans medley. Rachael provided fried chicken, and John created his summer salad of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and chives in oil and vinegar. Buddy brought ripe watermelons from his indoor garden, while his friend, Aggie, made shrimp salad from seafood given to Buddy on the Snagpuller North. Pastor Albert and Emma brought a potato salad, which they said they concocted together. Their children presented a flower to each of the guests, while Lily brought moments of laughter throughout the day by trying to stand on her head or dance.
Buddy was the first to comment on the meal. “What fine food this is. I’m so glad you invited us.”
“Yes. May we have the next gathering for you all at our place?” Emma happily asked, which delighted everyone, and set off a round of new plans for entertaining the circle of friends.
Aggie left herself open to suggestions with her invitation. “I’ll offer my place anytime anyone wants to get together.”
“That sounds like roast, new potatoes with peas, and cake on Sunday, to me,” laughed Amber.
“Let me check my social calendar, please, Miss Worthington, for I may be booked up,” Aggie laughed, comically holding up an invisible one for a moment. Then, she quipped, “No, wonders never cease, for I am available then. Sunday it is.”
Finally, after a most colorful fireworks program, John stood to get ready to leave the party. “Thank you so very much, Uncle Emery and cousin. I thoroughly enjoyed the day with you and your guests.” Within minutes, John, Rachael, and Lily entered their own domain at Magnolia Gardens, a happy, tired group.
“That gathering was lovely, John. I did enjoy myself very much and laughed myself silly, too. Lily helped. We could certainly learn from their way of entertaining,” Rachael chuckled, as she unloaded the basket of picnic food sent home with them by the others.
“Oh, would you prefer a scavenger hunt at our wedding, Miss Hathaway?” John joked.
“No, sir,” she quickly replied, tickling him in the ribs, after they had put a sleepy baby Lily to bed. They soon were joined in the hallway by Miss Callie, Crane, and Mariah, just returning from Fernhaven.
“This is for you both,” Crane informed John, handing him a sealed note. “It’s from Lieutenant Graham and Miss Phoebe Hathaway.”
Taking it to the library, John and Rachael settled upon the settee. Unfolding the paper, John read: “‘Sorry to tell you this, but we won’t be joining you for vows in December. We love you both. Monty and Phoebe.’ Well, there goes our plan for a double wedding,” he remarked.
“It was probably too soon for them to marry, anyway,” Rachael declared, trying to hide her disappointment. “But it won’t be next year.”
Chapter Twenty Eight
Rumors about the hamlet of Velvet Villa Village needing a mayor came to light about the same time that it was decided the citizens would hold the Cherry Pie Social. Stepping up to his self-imposed civic duty, John’s father, John Davis The Second and his wife, Cloie, offered to host it at their home at Sunset Place. It would also be the thank you to the horse searchers. But, Pastor Albert Hoover and Emma had other ideas in mind, and insisted on making it easier for them by offering to have it at the church setting.
One notion of theirs was adding pots of chicken and dumplings for an afternoon delight before the cherry pie was served, since they knew a discussion would soon ensue about electing a mayor. Another idea they had was to suggest that the host would be the perfect candidate to fill the mayor’s office. Their underlying view was that this would also help his self esteem, since the missing horses had actually caused some distress within the Davis family, if not the community. Perhaps this social would bring some cures.
With a festive feeling in the air, the vote was unanimous that day, after simply no discussion, since the mayor-to-be was a good, kind, energetic man, a perfect candidate for the office. Cheers erupted after the vote, since their family, friends, and neighbors had always held John and Cloie in high esteem. Everyone knew he was the perfect person for the position, who would lead this community to new and interesting ideas, changes, group gatherings, and growth.
“They will be the perfect emissaries for our town, community, and nation,” Pastor Albert toasted, with his grape juice held high. The rest of the people in attendance did likewise. Next, the pastor called for a speech. But the new mayor simply thanked everyone for coming, voting, and searching, saying that he would not keep them with a long acceptance speech. “Instead, I shall let you all know more about my plans later, as they develop, by way of the newspaper and on the community note board located in the barber shop.”
Swan had come to visit Rachael earlier in the week, along with Rachael’s cousin Wren. So, they shared this exciting time with John and Rachael, and were pleased that it was John’s father who had garnered the honor of mayor. Some time later, back at the Magnolia Gardens terrace, the two best friends, Rachael and Swan, easily removed the red lace from Rachael’s wedding gown, while John and Wren visited and viewed livestock. Finally, Swan and Rachael went to her room in order to use her sewing machine. Together, they expertly added rows of white lace which they had excitedly and hurriedly purchased just before today’s social event had commenced.
“This time shared also gave me a chance to formally introduce Sheriff Joe Turner to you, since he will be ushering you down the aisle at the Hathaway-Davis wedding, someday,” Rachael informed Swan.
“Thank you. As we were dining today, he promised to venture to Bower, Rachael, to sample the cuis
ine at The Orient Gardens,” Swan confided, with a bewildered smile upon her face. “That shall make me nervous.”
“Why? That’s wonderful! I had no idea he would offer to do that. He may wish to court you. Swan, you shall have fun, indeed, for he’s a very nice man, dedicated to his work and the community. You’ll like him. Being very community oriented, he attends many events and is just invited everywhere. You could enjoy a very active social life with Sheriff Joe Turner as your escort”
“Yes, I’m sure I could, and the idea of it certainly does intrigue me. Yet, I dare say, your cousin, Wren, has been somewhat attentive to me as of late, Rachael.”
“Oh.”
As they joined the men downstairs for tea and wafers and to discuss bridesmaids’ dresses, Rachael’s thoughts soon returned to Swan’s comments and her two possible suitors, one Rachael’s very own cousin. Unfortunately, Swan had to return home before Rachael’s idea of the Twelve Ponds Territory Agricultural Fair could materialize, and of course, Wren escorted Swan. Although Rachael’s spirits were dampened by their departure, the fair soon boosted her morale again. Response was overwhelming to the call for agricultural displays, after Rachael and Emma had placed a notice in the newspaper. Thus, that summer day, people poured forth with their garden’s best bounty: squashes, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, pumpkins, and other kinds of vegetables, plus luscious, ripe fruits, flowers, berries, and herbs in all shapes, sizes, and colors imaginable, for display and judging.
It was also the day the young nanny changed her mind about some things, which ultimately changed her mission in life, for she learned at that gathering that there was a great, growing, constant, and imminent need for adequate housing, too. She now wrestled with an idea, an awakening she’d had. Finally, she decided to make her discovery known to her good friend and helpmate for the day, Emma Hoover.
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