Sanctuary

by Alene Adele Roy

  “It’s very appropriate, son,” Mr. Hathaway told him, shaking his hand, and John felt honored.

  Rachael was overjoyed by the gesture of the hotel fee, her father calling John ‘son,’ and his handshake and acceptance of the name John gave. In a sudden display of love and sentiment for everyone, her home, and John, plus, a future mission of building houses, and perhaps, drilling wells, she began to sing, making their Thanksgiving Day even more special:

  Houses

  Houses are amongst great things,

  More than buildings; the heart just sings,

  When one has a shelter like this,

  To give us a much needed bliss.

  Houses can come in any size.

  For each family one should rise,

  With friends so warmly welcomed there,

  In each household ~ with love and care.

  Houses give shelter from the storm,

  Glowing with love, so very warm.

  They give pleasure just being there,

  For happy families to share.

  Houses are more than just four walls,

  A roof and floors and doors and halls.

  They offer blessings, peace, very

  Sweet shelter, and sanctuary.

  Chapter Twenty Nine

  Her song was well received. So was the note upon the Magnolia Gardens front door when the travelers returned on Thanksgiving Day. Only Hope, their Siamese cat napping on the windowsill, had seen who delivered it. The missive read: ‘Please join us for Thanksgiving Dinner Two, too, this afternoon at Community Church. Don’t bring a thing. Dinner is served when you arrive!’

  “This all seems quite wonderful and mysterious,” Rachael declared, as they obeyed and went directly to the waiting group, even before unpacking. When they walked through the sanctuary door, John’s family and many friends awaited them, plus the congregation. They were greeted warmly.

  Emma took Rachael aside, happily pointing to a large box in a corner of the room. “Look!”

  John assumed it was wedding attire Rachael had ordered, perhaps shoes or dresses for the bridesmaids. He asked no questions. Instead, he gathered with the men for discussions on various things, while everyone began to celebrate with another delicious roast turkey dinner, plus salmon and corn provided by Chief Morning Star and his lovely wife, and Joshua, Jason, and Jay, some of John and Rachael’s best friends. Soon John and Rachael noticed a large banner gracing a hall wall, reading, ‘We could not have Thanksgiving without you!’

  Stories were told about interesting happenings on some travelers’ trips or at home, of treacherous, mountain passes already featuring snow challenges, of animals seen, including fuzzy, large caterpillars, which some thought indicated a hard winter ahead. Family recipes were discussed and exchanged, too. Finally, the conversation turned to, of all things, the value of books.

  “Without them, where would we be?” Emma questioned, and many others agreed with their worth. “That’s why we are collecting them. So, if any of you have volumes in your library that you aren’t using, please bring them here to the church. We shall find a good home for them. You know there are always new residents moving into this area and many people love to read and learn.”

  Pastor Hoover now had an announcement. “With a large cold front about to descend upon us, it won’t be long until we can restock the Ice House with ice taken from Old Wetlands Pond and Echo Meadow Pond, when they freeze.”

  Cousin Emery also had suggestions. “I think we should also check Black Woods Pond and the Mariner’s Money Mine or The Wishing Pond. They’re at a little higher elevation and could host ice first.”

  “Yes, of course, Emery. We’ll see what this week brings,” the pastor advised. Yet, they didn’t have long to wait.

  “It’s snowing!” Crane Emerson called at the door, causing an early adjournment of the gathering, due to arriving inclement weather, just like on Easter Sunday.

  “I’m not too surprised. After all, this is December,” the pastor announced, as everyone hurriedly packed, grabbed their coats, and began to leave the building for home. “Be careful!”

  “We’re glad you’re back and not caught traveling from Bower in this storm!” Emma called, waving to John and Rachael, while gathering her children to hurry to the parsonage behind the church.

  “We’ll see you in a few days, Rachael,” Amber informed her, as they hurried to the carriages parked next to each other. She fruitlessly brushed snowflakes from Rachael’s coat. “We have things to discuss, don’t we, honey, when weather permits?”

  “Yes,” Rachael agreed, as John helped her aboard.

  A large storm swept down from up north that evening and for several days it mystified residents by bringing many inches of snow to the area. It changed plans, but actually gave most people more time to spend with their families. Several days later, as the snow was melting in a brief late autumn warm spell, Amber Worthington arrived at John’s place with several bunches of dried hydrangeas in bags.

  “I have plenty of these, if you wish to carry some for your bouquet. They should hold up well dried like this,” she happily explained to Rachael, while laying some blossoms on the table for inspection.

  “They are perfect,” Rachael declared in delight.

  “So, shall we give some to our bridesmaids?” Amber asked, with a twinkle in her eyes.

  “Yes, let’s do that. Mine are to be my two sisters, Viola and Phoebe, plus Swan, Robin, Emma, and Aggie.” Rachael informed her friend. “Will you be my maid-of-honor? John has ushers in mind.”

  “Of course, I will. I’d love to, if you’ll be mine. We shall have quite a large wedding party, won’t we?” she chuckled.

  But the young nanny had something else on her mind to discuss before answering. “Amber, honestly, I’m thinking that it might be a little too soon for us to wed,” Rachael quietly admitted. “Perhaps next year we can, although all of my friends and family seem to be in favor of us wedding this season.”

  Miss Worthington ignored the comment. “I may have to borrow some of your bridesmaids, though. I was going to ask Emma and Aggie to be mine, too.”

  “We can share bridesmaids,” Rachael agreed, “but Phoebe thinks it’s too soon to marry, also.”

  “She does? Sharing bridesmaids will do perfectly well for me. Listen, I brought these ribbons we can tie on all of the bouquets. Don’t you think that will be pretty? Then, shall we make boutonnieres for the men’s buttonholes, Rachael, with just a tiny hint of a ribbon?”

  “You’re ignoring my fears, but that does sound perfect. I’m glad you’re here. I’m nervous.”

  “Don’t be, honey. See, I’ve wed before. Yet, it will still be a first with Emery and I, and very special with you and John as witnesses. I do love Emery and that is why I believe that it is right for us to marry. You just know. You’ll feel that way, too. Then, we shall all jump over the broom into the land of holy matrimony together.” She squeezed Rachael’s hand for emphasis and to reassure her.

  “You are right, of course, for I do wish to marry John. Shall we try to arrange it so the men all dress alike?” Rachael wondered. “I like that look.”

  “I do, too. Let’s ask them, and Rachael, you have known John long enough to wed, if you wish.”

  “Yes. Let’s ask them about the boutonnieres, too. Miss Callie and Mr. Earl have very graciously offered to bake and frost our cake and make punch. They also will transport them. That relieves my mind. I could see it toppling if I had to handle it. I also believe it’s the beginning of a sweet romance for them.”

  “That’s wonderful on both counts ~ our cake and punch, and their new romance,” Amber replied.

  They were interrupted by noise at the threshold. “We’re bringing in your Christmas tree! It’s very special, not a table top one this year, since this fine fir was just waiting for us beyond the pond,” John exp
lained. The aroma of Christmas came to life at that very moment from the fir’s sweeping boughs. Lily clapped her hands in delight and ran to it, when she saw her daddy with the arriving evergreen giant.

  “It is a fine specimen, a holiday treasure!” Cousin Emery called, helping his cousin with the large tree, after stamping snow from his boots on the outside rug. “Sorry I am making a mess. There’s about a foot of snow in the outback in shady areas, and lots of interesting animal tracks.”

  “I wish I could see those,” Rachael replied.

  “Oh, let’s decorate it right now, shall we, Rachael?” Amber asked, excitedly. “You’ll have help and it will be all done and then you can relax. That way, you’ll even have time to come over and help us decorate ours and sip eggnog and relax some more. Bring Lily.”

  “Popcorn and dried fruit awaits us in bowls, ready for stringing or eating,” John announced, as he carefully began unpacking some special golden ornaments for the tree. Just then, Crane excitedly announced that guests had arrived. In walked Rachael’s father, mother, Phoebe, Viola, Robin, Robert, Monty, and Antonio. “It’s a family Christmas now!” Rachael exclaimed, rushing to hug them. “You’re just in time for tree-trimming and tea. Cousin Emery, please tell us all about the tracks you two saw out back?”

  John pretended to pout. “It’s not a family Christmas, since my family has yet to arrive, darling.”

  “You poor thing,” Amber teased. “Why don’t you just send Emery right over for them?”

  John’s cousin answered Rachael’s question. “There were deer and bird tracks, for certain.”

  “You must be tired from your journey,” Amber commented to the Hathaways and friends.

  “Please sit down and we’ll bring you something to drink,” invited John.

  “Would you prefer tea, eggnog, or apple cider, and there are meat muffins?” Miss Mariah asked.

  Crane, John, and Rachael took their wraps with great happiness, since they had well prepared for this exciting day when their families would arrive to celebrate tree trimming with them.

  “Tea!” several sang, as if in a chorus, while they took turns hugging a delighted little Lily.

  “We want to bake cookies, Rachael!” announced Viola, as Antonio helped her off with her cloak.

  “We will, darling,” Rachael replied over her shoulder, for she had turned to go for refreshments.

  So it was, that the holiday celebrations and preparations continued, with a merry group gathered at John’s Magnolia Gardens. Window and door garlands and wreaths were created with boughs and berries tied together with string, ‘a man’s job,’ Cousin Emery declared. Luckily, John and Emery’s family arrived just in time, a few moments later, and were eager to be included, to tie on pinecones, hang swags and wreaths, place large boughs upon fireplace mantles throughout the house, and fill baskets of cones for scented displays. Some of the decorations were placed in each room of the manor and a large wreath was crafted by several to hang on the front door. Next, mistletoe surfaced from somewhere, to be hung in several conspicuous places for future use. Finally, the conversation turned to making plum pudding.

  As beverages were served, the group took a break to survey their work and the decorations. Some in attendance were seen silently slipping packages under the tree. Guests and host alike, all quickly agreed that candles were not appropriate for use on the tree this year with its paper decorations, for safety reasons. Next, the gentlemen wanted to join the ladies in cutting stars, crescent moons, hearts, butterflies, and birds from newspaper, for the Christmas tree. Late in the afternoon, everyone became tired and silly, trying to fashion cows, pigs, and horses. Most did not look the part, yet they all had fun trying to create them.

  “Aren’t scissors wonderful?” Amber asked, while punching a small hole in one corner of an envelope and adding a ribbon, because Rachael wanted it hung upon the fir for decoration. It had no address. The envelope was blank. No clues were seen and no one knew who the letter was to, except for Rachael. “Did you know scissors were used in Mesopotamia 3,000 to 4,000 years ago?”

  “That’s amazing,” John declared, and later he would learn just how amazing that letter was.

  Laughter reigned, while they finished stringing popcorn and fruit strands to drape over the branches. For a finishing touch, Rachael and Mariah added the Christmas quilt the ladies had created for at the base of the tree. Finally, a few sighs of satisfaction were heard, when everyone stood back to survey the holiday tree and other decorations, to usher in Christmastide.

  As if they had not spent enough energy already, John now suggested, “How about a rousing game of Yuletide Horseshoes, for anyone feeling lucky at the game? We have bells or candles for the winners.” A cheer resounded, as most everyone rushed to get their wraps, except for a few.

  “Bundle up!” Rachael advised. “It may be brisk outside this afternoon.” She was staying inside.

  Outside, happy laughter transpired and inspired, as the majority of the guests spent time perfecting their horseshoe throwing skills, making some ringers, and throwing snowballs. Inside, Rachael, Phoebe, and Amber happily discussed wedding details.

  “I find everything is getting done in good time,” Rachael merrily remarked. “I hope,” she added, as her cat Hope now climbed into her lap and she began petting her. Soon, though, the feline wanted outdoors.

  Amber then asked about adding small sandwiches to the reception menu. “You know how these men love to eat. Perhaps cake and punch are not quite enough for that noon-tide meal.”

  “Yes, I do believe you are correct,” Rachael agreed. “Maybe we should handle that part of the reception menu and make them ourselves, since Miss Callie has a huge task with the cake.”

  “I agree. If the three of us prepare sandwiches, that should be plenty,” offered Phoebe. “You do know I’ll be working at Fernhaven, though, with Monty, part of the time this holiday season, don’t you?”

  “I assumed as much,” Rachael chuckled. “I imagine his household has holiday traditions, too.”

  “Yes. He has some very special ones. We are decorating, shopping, and making plum pudding.”

  Next, the gentlemen wanted to join the ladies in cutting stars, crescent moons, hearts, butterflies, and birds from newspaper, for the Christmas tree. Late in the afternoon, everyone became tired and silly, trying to fashion cows, pigs, and horses. Most did not look the part, yet, they all had fun trying to create them.

  Amber took the lead, because she could. “How are you two doing?” she asked Phoebe, as the three began a quilting task Rachael needed to finish soon for under someone’s Christmas tree as a gift.

  “We’re doing wonderfully well. Monty is a very kind and considerate suitor. We have spent much time together these past few months, both at his home and mine, discussing things and doing much. I appreciate all of the time he has devoted to me and my silly whims and wishes, and his devotion. He asks very little of me and he is always a perfect gentleman. I was sure to tell Mother that,” she laughed.

  “How perfect, and they’re not silly whims and wishes at all, my dear,” Amber informed her. “How else will we know a man’s true heart unless we discuss things with him and spend time together?”

  The Hathaway sisters shook their heads in agreement. When Rachael went into the kitchen, though, to prepare tea for the three, Phoebe leaned closer to Amber, quietly revealing some special secret.

  “Ohhhh,” was Amber’s quiet response, along with, “I won’t tell, dear, and of course you can.”

  Those horseshoe teams soon entered, shivering. It was then Rachael missed Hope. “Oh, John, it’s too cold for our kitty outside tonight,” Rachael insisted. “I let her out a half hour ago. Have you seen her?”

  He replied, “No,” and the search was on, ending with the splintering and removal of one of the home’s face boards, in order to retrieve, not only Hope, but also her litter of kittens
from under the house. Everyone cheered. “Let’s surprise Rachael,” John announced, as he handed kittens into helpful hands. Moments later, the group delighted her upon entry. “Our rousing game of horseshoes scared Hope, but look what we found.” Her fiancé held up a sweet bundle of fur in his hands, and others did, too, plus Hope, herself. The kitties were now delivered into Rachael’s arms, one by one, delighting her.

  “Oh, I can’t believe it. They’re darling. Why didn’t we know? This is such a wonderful Christmas surprise.”

  “Yes, it is,” several agreed. The family of felines soon became the center of attention, with friends and family taking turns holding them. Even little Lily was especially careful while holding, petting, and giggling over the newest family additions. Later that evening, after everyone was asleep, John tiptoed down to his library to remove the letter hanging enticingly from the Yuletide tree. The envelope was not sealed with wax. So, he gladly opened it:

  My Darling John,

  Thank you, always, for your fabulous smile, the romantic dinner at The Gardens At Lake Side, taking me to the theater, holding hands in church, the flowers, the cozy bedroom, the tintype of the old church, dinner at The Italian Café, buggy rides, the necklace, the ring, whispering, your wonderful family circle, your laughter, your songs, and your letters. My heart thrills upon remembrance of these, just as it does every time I see your face. Be mine. Merry Christmas! I love you dearly, darling.

  Your Future Wife (and memories are made of this)

  The next morning had been appointed for the beginning of restocking the Ice House at Velvet Villa Village. Men, women, and children were invited and delighted to partake in this winter tradition, which had actually become an annual delight. While the men sawed ice chunks at the local ponds and hauled them to the building, women, children, and some of the men prepared the site with fresh hay and clean sawdust from Emerys’ Sawmill, which would cover their icy necessity. Everyone was joyous during this holiday custom, handed down for decades and generations, for they all knew that this ice store would contribute to cooling their foods and icing their lemonades and teas for months to come, perhaps even yearlong. Cocoa and pots of homemade soups were served afterward at the church, where the topic of conversation quickly turned to the village’s still unsolved mystery, while some children continued to play next door in the hay, supervised, of course.