Quickly, she placed a key into the door lock and turned it to unlock the door. Next, she pointed to a package leaning against the building and asked her surprised groom to please unwrap it. After he did, he held it high for everyone to see. A sign was revealed. “This sign was created by Pastor and Emma Hoover for you and everyone who comes to read or study here,” Rachael informed the people. “My family donated the trees and Emerys’ Sawmill cut them into lumber.” She was thankful again for the discovery of those large downed trees at Blueberry Bog. “Merry Christmas! Here is your ‘Velvet Villa Village Library And Book Sanctuary.’” Rachael pushed the door open to show shelf after shelf of beautiful, donated volumes. “I wanted this for all of us, especially the children.” She now picked up a curious Lily and sang the song she had written for her:
A Sweet Child To Love
(A Song For Lily)
A sweet child to love every day,
Is a great gift, in every way.
To learn and love and thrive with them,
Brings joy, just like a floral stem.
To watch them grow is a good goal.
You must be a parent on patrol,
To keep them safe from harm’s fast way.
Making sure they are safe each day.
To nurture growth and share their time,
Is a sweet beauty so sublime,
It nearly takes my breath away,
To watch them find their way and play.
I march in joy for this small one,
Whose life has barely just begun.
To make things perfect is my wish,
All day, not just at dinner-dish.
More than family, I hope we’re friends,
Along life’s paths, with bumps and bends.
May we keep communication free,
To bless the lives of you and me.
Then as if sent from Heaven above,
I shall have a sweet child to love.
After those surprises, John and Rachael Hathaway Davis said “Farewell” and hosted the other brides and grooms and their circle of family and friends, who gathered around the Magnolia Gardens’ Christmas tree. The guests nibbled on Rachael’s meat muffins, fruitcake, plum pudding, fruit, nuts, and other finger foods, as they discussed the surprise triple weddings, hopes, plans, dreams, their missions in life, and their resolutions for the new year, for in a week it would be year’s end, New Year’s Eve.
Rachael, while distributing gift cookies and oranges with her new groom, declared, “Even before I became a nanny, or a new bride, I wanted to be a nanny and also drill wells, bringing water to communities in need. Happily, we were able to put one in this year, after accepting help for the task. Yet, at the Agricultural Fair, I realized the imminent need for housing, and became determined to build homes, plus a museum, John’s dream. Unfortunately, I gave away my fossil dragonfly and fish we planned to display, for John’s Christmas gift. Yet, I still do have the mission of a museum building to also become a medical sanctuary for his, Monty, and Buddy’s patients. But, I especially thank all of you for your warm friendship, and my new name is now Rachael Hathaway Davis!” Everyone cheered the happy bride and hostess.
“I’m Swan. Rachael is my best friend. I work at my parents’ restaurant in Bower, The Orient Gardens.”
Dr. John Davis III announced, “I am thrilled to report that my old resolution to get well materialized in time for my dream to come true to marry Rachael, one of my best friends, this very Christmas Eve. My repeated proposal of marriage to her at the Magnolia Gardens Cotillion at Black Woods Castle was finally accepted, and it also prompted my Cousin Emery and friend, Monty Graham, to propose to their loves. Together, my beloved Rachael and I have a new resolution, as she has already mentioned, and that is to build a museum on our property, offering a very real glimpse into the past, by way of ancient artifacts on display to interested visitors, a sanctuary of sorts. Another mission of mine is to continue work for the growing railroad network, from time to time, in advisory or security positions, so goods can be moved and made available from farms, factories, forests, mines, and markets. My medical practice, with doctors Graham and Callahan, will also evolve, someday, along with my Red Cross work.”
“My name is Wren Hathaway. I’m Rachael’s cousin and guardian. I work at the Bower Feed Store and I’m trying to decide just what my New Year’s resolution will be, other than being Rachael’s guardian angel, along with John, that is. I am also trying to solve the mystery of some mysterious incoming goods which have come into the store as of late.” The group applauded.
“I’m Doctor Monty Graham and my resolution is to convince my best friends, John and Buddy, to share a mission to open a medical sanctuary together for the injured and ill within Twelve Ponds Territory. Simultaneously, I offered my love, by way of marriage, to Miss Phoebe Hathaway. Since we wed today, as you all know, that resolution has been realized and we will reside at our home at Fernhaven, in between here and Bower. Therefore, my newest resolution is taking Phoebe home to Bower often, as promised, and who knows what adventures that might conjure up.” The crowd laughed and applauded.
“Mrs. Phoebe Hathaway Graham here, enjoying the luxury of this comfortable floor cushion. I was torn between my family and home at Bower Farm, and my love for Lieutenant and Doctor Monty Graham. I really wanted to grow wildflowers and sell the seed from our family farm. Yet, I found another calling when Monty proposed marriage and asked me to assist him as his nurse. Together, we do plan to grow various wildflowers and sell some seed to keep those varieties alive throughout the territory. But, in the recent past, in our travels from Magnolia Gardens to my former home, we have sometimes offered medical attention, or just advice, to those in need of it in several lovely communities. So, my New Year’s resolution and mission, besides being a blissful bride, is to become a better gardener and nurse.”
Viola Hathaway spoke next and revealed, “My resolution is to be cheerful and make people happy with my pastry baking and lunches. I’ve found a new circle of friends here, and I’m also happy to have met Antonio Bradshaw at the summer cotillion at Black Woods Castle. While on an outing with him, we found a building I’m considering renting to open Viola’s Village Kitchen, where I will also serve meals free to those in need.” Applause and cheers were heard. “Recently, I visited with other women in the area who make jewelry, rugs, clothing, and other items to sell, and may be interested in joining my venture. If they do, I hope it will be brimming with foods, activity, and opportunity for women who wish to sell their wares, plus, feature a charity basket. Also, today, Antonio has asked to court me. So, this is one of the happiest days of my life. His work would be close to mine, if I should decide to come here. My family and I have been invited to spend Christmas with Antonio and Robin at the Bradshaw home at Willow Poncho, which I understand, is named for its leafy canopy of trees sheltering a beautiful pond with waterfowl and wildlife. So, tomorrow, we will celebrate with both of our families, and I’ll travel home with mine in the afternoon.”
“I, Francisco Antonio Bradshaw, have one mission in mind, to help others. I work at The Market On The Main, in an area I hope will develop into Velvet Villa Village’s French Quarter. I love New Orleans each time I visit relatives there, and have brought back some ideas for many little stores and vendors, and was hoping for another cafe to grace Town Square when Viola made her wishes known to me. I plan to use our new newspaper to make my ideas known and gain suggestions to beautify the village with trees, flowers, shrubs, planters, windowboxes, and caneberries in containers. Birds love berries. Customers do, too. I enjoy visiting with people, enlisting them in conversations about their ideas or lives, and quickly helping them find what they need. If the store doesn’t carry it, I make sure to let the owner know so that the item can be available for the customer the next time they come to market. I also enjoy quiet and the animals and birds at Willow Poncho. Some of you know
me from Cinco de Mayo, which I did organize this year, and I have decided to make arranging it a yearly mission and resolution, as well as perfecting my guitar playing.”
What he didn’t tell them was that he was a very private person at home and didn’t entertain much because of working with people, goods, and having conversations his entire day. So, in his leisure, Antonio prefers birdsong, while working in his extensive gardens or just watching wild animals roam his land and come to a watering hole he created for them. Not many even know of his residence here, except for his family and Robert, or that he and his sister actually own The Market On The Main. He had hoped to keep that a secret and find a lady who would love and share, or at least tolerate, this desire for quiet in him. He did just that when he met the beautiful Viola Hathaway at the Cotillion in Black Woods, a sister to his next door neighbor’s nanny. He had seen the Hathaway sisters walking past his place, in the market, and at Cinco de Mayo, and had secretly longed to meet Viola. That’s exactly why he interrupted their party at Black Woods Castle, with his plan for honoring Dr. John Davis III, in order to reward John’s service to country and meet Miss Hathaway. Antonio did not consider it devious. Instead, he thought it would be wonderful to meet the doctor neighbor he’d heard so much about, and just as amazing to make the acquaintance of Miss Viola, and perhaps court her, which could lead to love and marriage. Not surprisingly to him, they did find much in common. They liked many of the same things, had similar goals, and enjoyed working with foods. In courting her, he realized that his secret residence in the area and living next door to the Davis family of Magnolia Gardens would eventually become known. However, it would be worth it to gain her affection, and never will Antonio’s new mission to help those next door neighbors in repayment for finally meeting his future bride, be revealed, for he knew Viola now to be the love of his life.
Robin Bradshaw, Antonio’s sister, spoke next. “My resolution is to continue to sew. After I met Rachael, we sometimes sewed here in the afternoons. Some items were placed for sale at the market. Others went to the church for those needing them or as a gift for newcomers. Occasionally, we sewed for each other, a dress, skirt, or bolero, or something for Lily. Yet, our favorite fun is making mittens with soft fabric, surprisingly found quite often and brought to us by Antonio. These are quick to make and we sew them by hand, even though Rachael has a new sewing machine. A time or two we have made doll clothes for Dolly Molly and Minnie’s doll. When we take rest, pausing to let our hands come back to life, we sip mint leaf tea and speak of food, family, and fashions. My cousin had her baby here, so I now sew for the baby.”
“I’m Robert Hathaway, a fisherman, and I enjoy supplying family and friends with my catch-of-the-day. I’ve consulted with my sister about selling fish in her store and cafe, if she opens one. Sometimes, I work on the Snagpuller North, and came through this area and was fishing when I met Antonio. He asked me to stay and rest at his place for awhile. I was tired, so I did, to regain my strength. Soon, I felt like helping him in the Willow Poncho Gardens, and we went fishing in Blue Slough and various lakes and streams in and around Black Woods. I sold fish at The Merry Market and The Market On The Main. So, I’d say my new resolution, since I’ve found work, is to continue to do so, and maybe teach others to fish, and work with John and Rachael’s horses, if they have more shows or riding sessions.”
“My name is Glen Hathaway, and my resolution is to grow winter wheat, which I planted at Bower Farm this fall, for the first time. My wife and I recently realized a need for it within our community and elsewhere. Although it will be a new venture for us, we hope to ship some out of the area, perhaps by railway, if it comes our way.”
“Agnes Hathaway here. I’m Rachael, Viola, Phoebe, and Robert’s mother, Glen’s wife, and Wren’s aunt. My New Year’s resolution is to enlist my mother and aunt to help create baby layettes for the four of my children, for I plan to be an amazing grandmother, someday. I shall also watch over Swan and Wren in Rachael’s absence, and invite them and our children home to Bower Farm often, and lure Robert, with a new fishing lure this Christmas, so that he will visit every week to stock our local market with fish. As for the wheat fields, I will mostly give Glen moral support, and take long walks with him of an evening to survey the growth and give my wisest counsel,” she laughed. The group loved her ideas and cheered with applause.
“I’m Emery Davis, John’s cousin, and I live at Otter House just down the road with my father, Emery Senior. I’ll work our farm and on the Snagpuller North, whose captain and crew have offered some of the retrieved snags to me. I will cut those into lumber at our mill, Emerys’ Sawmill. Dad and I are partners. We’ll be selling some lumber throughout Twelve Ponds Territory and donating some. I’ll also use some of the trees on the back of Otter Place, and sell fruits and vegetables at the markets, although some of our crops were flooded out this spring. When the railroad comes to town, if it does, I’ll ship boards, beams, fruits, and vegetables to distant places. My resolution to marry Amber Worthington was realized today. I’ve loved her since grammar school, and finally found a fine solution for our roadblock to marriage and convinced her. I’ll let her tell you about that,” he laughed. “Meanwhile, my New Year’s resolution and greatest mission is to be the best bridegroom possible to her and to learn more about the craft of woodworking from my father. I also had an idea, which I haven’t spoken to Dad about, but I’d like to haul in some soil with our new wagon and raise the bottom land some so it will become a more stable planting area.” The guests happily applauded and nodded approval.
Sitting beside him, his bride was the next one to speak in that close-knit circle of family and friends. “My new name is Amber Worthington Davis, as of today. I share my mother’s mission and passion for collecting, growing, dividing, and sharing alpines and other high meadow flowers. We sell some at The Market On The Main and Merry Market. Another sure resolution we have is protecting and feeding birds and their young broods at The Hidden Nook At Owls Tor. It’s a secret sanctuary above Craggy Eggy Moor and Whisper Wastelands, high on Granite Cliff. But, my love for Emery Davis was also a dream and a resolution, which came true today, Christmas Eve of 1865. I must admit that I did not wish to move from the family place I share with my widowed mother. Yet, finally, I was able to accept Emery’s wonderful proposal of marriage recently, since he made the perfect offer. He would reside at Apple Valley Ridge with Mother and I and use he and his father, Emery’s, farm and sawmill as his workplace. They will also be providing a part of their home, Otter House, to renters, with his sweet father’s approval. As for my newest resolution, I want to ride the train when it comes to the village.” Everyone cheered.
“My name is Emery Davis Senior. My New Year’s resolution and mission in life is to plant trees on our place and to encourage others to do the same throughout Twelve Ponds Territory. We’ll plant some in Blue Slough Park, too, because in my many years here on this earth, I have learned that trees not only cool the land, their leaves are a useful cover. Leaves cool plant roots and add rich nutrients into our garden soil. Trees also naturally give shade to man, beast, butterflies, birds, and homes for some animals. I’m happy to say that we are offering fallen leaves free to local gardeners and farmers. So, come on over.”
“Speaking of birds, I am Crystal Moore, Amber’s mother, mother of one of the brides, by the way, and I also love birds. My resolution continues to be one of nurturing the flowers and birds of Apple Valley Ridge. This year, both of the Emery Davis’ were kind enough to come over and help Amber and I add a pond, grassland, and a flowering meadow at our place. Therefore, I am thrilled to convey that we have seen different kinds of owls and birds taking food in the form of earthworms, frogs, snails, night-flying moths, beetles, bats, meadow mice, and fish from Alpine Pond and the surrounding grasslands we’ve named Birdlands. Also, to our great surprise, we discovered a woodpecker’s hole in one of our favorite trees. Emery, my new son-in-law, climbed up to see a clutch of five, wh
ite eggs inside at nesting time this spring. By the way, Rachael, I forgot to tell you that Amber and I have also found some other markets for your botanical stationery. But, we shall chat about that later.”
“I’m Dr. Buddy Callahan, and besides doctoring, I own a farm called Potato Pasture or Callahan Place. I love agriculture, growing things, working with my hands, tilling the soil, planting and harvesting. Most of my crops, except for some timber on the perimeter of the farm, are seasonal. Unfortunately, some went underwater, just like yours did, Emery. So, we both went to work on the Snagpuller North, clearing trees and snags in Blue Slough. I fell in love with the job and being on the water. I also have to admit that I fell in love with, and I don’t mind saying so, the lovely Aggie Hoover, at the Cotillion at Black Woods Castle. She is the sister of Amber Davis and Pastor Albert Hoover. Her beauty, humor, cooking skills, mandolin music, choir directing, singing, and companionship have touched my heart and made me comfortable. I, therefore, wish to court you, Miss Hoover. Our friendship and meeting our new president are my resolutions for the new year.”
Aggie Hoover’s response was immediate. “I accept. With a passion for music, I lead the choir at Community Church and sing wherever I am ~ at the market, for weddings or gatherings, or just to please myself. Perhaps you have heard me and wondered why I do so. I’m practicing for Sunday mornings and also for the singing lessons I give within Twelve Ponds Territory, whether parents can pay or not, and I was recently hired at the school. But after Rachael introduced me to dashing Dr. Callahan at the cotillion, all I could do was smile and laugh. He is funny, amusing, interesting, intelligent, charming, and I immediately felt very comfortable in his presence, too. In fact, I smile every single time I think of him. He makes the best peach and strawberry pies imaginable, and somehow understands my humor. I was just thinking, the other day, that surely there is some way I can make our paths cross again, and I plan to invite him to dinner often. Maybe he’ll cook! He did for Thanksgiving. Anyway, my New Year’s resolution was to be a kitchen for the needy, where I’d serve a warm meal once a day. Yet, that seemed to be Viola’s idea, too. So, we’ll have to get our heads together and discuss it. We’ll need help, though. Volunteers will be welcome. Buddy, are you game for it?” She asked, and he chuckled and agreed that he was.
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