Finally, she gave up and decided to go downstairs to fix some cocoa. A mug of warm cocoa usually helped her to relax and, eventually, to sleep. She had made the cocoa and was tiptoeing with it back through the darkened inn when she heard voices coming from the library. Curious about who was in there at that hour, she decided to investigate.
As she approached the door to the library, she determined that the voices belonged to Laura Winston and Adam Peterson. Despite her earlier idea about getting these two young people together, she felt seriously alarmed now. Questions ran through her mind. What are they doing down here? Are they alone? Do Laura’s parents know where she is? How did Laura find her way down here in the first place?
“So how long have you been blind?” Alice heard Adam ask.
“A couple of months,” she said.
“And you can’t see anything? ”
“Shadows, sometimes.”
“And it’s not going to get better?”
“I don’t know….”
“Well, that’s a bummer, all right.”
“Yeah, tell me about it.”
“Laura?” a woman’s voice called out in a whisper, yet Alice could hear the sound of worry in it. It came from upstairs, and Alice knew it was Mrs. Winston calling. She hurried to the foot of the stairs to reassure the woman.
“Down here,” called Alice quietly.
Mrs. Winston, wearing a pink satin robe, peered over the railing with a troubled expression. “Pardon?”
“Laura’s down here,” Alice mouthed the words, pointing in the direction of the library.
Within seconds, Mrs. Winston was at Alice’s side. “Is she all right?”
“Yes,” whispered Alice. “She’s fine.”
“But how did she get down here?”
“I don’t know. She’s talking to another guest in the library just now.”
“We had fallen asleep, but when I got up for a drink of water, I saw that Laura was gone.” She still looked frightened. “I didn’t know what to think.”
“Mom?” Just then Laura came out of the library, using the hallway wall to guide her. “Is that you?”
“Yes, dear.” Mrs. Winston went over and took Laura’s arm. “What are you doing down here?”
“I couldn’t sleep,” she said. “I didn’t want to disturb you, so I went out on the landing and Adam was out there. And, well, we just started talking and stuff and he thought it’d be better to go downstairs so we wouldn’t wake anyone.”
“I see.” Mrs. Winston nodded, but her expression was troubled. “Well, it’s late, Laura. I think both you and, uh, Adam should call it a night.” She glanced in the direction of the library, but Adam did not seem to wish to make an appearance.
“Good night,” said Alice. “Sleep well.”
“Thank you,” said Mrs. Winston. “I’m sorry if we disturbed you.”
“Not at all,” she assured them. “I was still up.” Then, as they went upstairs, she went to the library to check on Adam. “It’s rather late,” she told him, hoping it did not sound too much like a scolding, although it was meant to be a hint.
“Yeah, I couldn’t sleep.”
“Yes, I heard that, but Laura’s mother was quite worried about her. You probably should check with the Winstons before you, uh, well, before you spend any time with Laura.”
“Why’s that?” he asked in a belligerent voice.
“Because they’re both very concerned for Laura. She has only been blind a short while and—”
“I know all about that,” he said.
“She doesn’t really have the skills to get around yet,” continued Alice, no longer caring if she sounded like she was scolding or not. “In fact, she ran into a table earlier today and actually cut her—”
“I know about that too.” He stood now and, without even looking at her, headed for the door.
“I’m just saying you should check with her parents before—”
“Yeah, yeah,” he said as he exited. “I heard what you said.”
“Well, good night, Adam.”
He just kept on walking down the hall and then up the stairs without bothering to say good night to her. Well! she thought, as she turned off the light in the library and headed back up to her room. By the time she got there, her cocoa was tepid and unappealing. She took a few sips of the lukewarm liquid, then decided to go to bed.
Before she fell asleep, she prayed for both Adam and Laura. Surely they both had problems and needed some divine help. Then she prayed for herself.
Please, heavenly Father, she prayed. Give me an extra-large dose of patience for that young man. Because the truth is, I would like to wring his neck. I’m sorry about that. Please, forgive me, and help me to be gracious and kind. Amen.
To her surprise, she slept relatively well that night, though she felt nervous and unsettled the following morning. Just the same, she adhered to her regular Saturday routine, putting on her jeans, sweatshirt and walking shoes, then heading over to Vera Humbert’s for their morning walk.
“You seem troubled,” said Vera after they had barely gone one block. “What’s the problem?” Vera and Alice had been friends for years and were very sensitive to each other’s moods.
Alice frowned. “I’m not entirely sure.”
“Worried about Mark coming today?” Vera asked gently.
“Yes,” she admitted. “I guess I’m not certain …”
“About what?”
“Oh, you know,” said Alice. “About us, I suppose. I’m not sure what our relationship is going to be … what it should be.”
“What do you think Mark expects?”
“I don’t know. The idea of marriage came up once, but we haven’t discussed it seriously. ”
“What does he talk about in his letters?”
“He mostly writes about his work, and if he says anything concerning us and our relationship, it’s more about our friendship and how much he appreciates it. Oh, and a few other things, I suppose.” Alice was not sure that she wanted to tell even her best friend everything.
“And how does that make you feel?”
Alice shrugged.
“Well, what do you want from the relationship, Alice?” Vera had stopped walking now and was looking right into her eyes.
“I don’t know, Vera. I really don’t.” Alice sighed. “And there’s a complication.”
“A complication?”
“Yes.” Alice told her about Adam and even confessed that she disliked the young man. “And that’s just not like me,” she continued. “You know me, Vera, I try to see the good in everyone. But there’s something about Adam that just sets my teeth on edge. Louise can barely tolerate him. And, Jane, well, she’s trying to be patient, but I can tell that even she’s feeling concerned.”
“Oh my.” Vera shook her head, then they continued walking. “That is quite a complication. But, tell me, what exactly is Adam’s relationship to Mark?”
“I have no idea. All I know is that Adam has known Mark all his life.”
“Maybe Adam’s a relative. A nephew perhaps?”
“I know Mark’s only sister, and Adam is not her child.”
Vera considered this. “Do you think Adam could be …” Then she stopped herself. “No, that’s ridiculous.”
“If you were wondering if he might be Mark’s son, you’re not alone. Jane has already suggested that possibility. As far as I know, Mark has never been married,” Alice paused, “but Mark and I have only been reacquainted for such a short time … after so many years. It’s possible that I don’t know everything about him.”
“No, I think we’re on the wrong track there,” said Vera quickly. “Sorry, Alice. I shouldn’t have suggested such a thing.”
Alice nodded. “Yes, it does seem rather unlikely.”
“Well,” said Vera as they paused on the curb for the morning traffic to move along. “You do have your work cut out for you this week, my friend.”
Alice sighed. “Yes, that’s what I�
��m thinking too.”
They spent the rest of their walk making final plans for the annual Easter egg hunt that Grace Chapel had scheduled for next Saturday. As usual, it would be held in the city park. Vera had already placed the notice in the newspaper that all residents of Acorn Hill were invited to attend. By the time they reached the inn, their parting place, they had just about covered everything.
“Whose car is that?” asked Vera as they paused on the sidewalk to say good-bye.
Alice followed Vera’s gaze over to where Adam’s dilapidated Nissan was parked. Sporting three different colors of paint, the small vehicle had a dented front fender and a missing taillight, and duct tape appeared to be the only thing keeping the trunk closed. “That’s Adam’s car,” she told Vera.
“Looks like this young man is a little down on his luck.” Vera peered into the car and then turned to Alice and made a funny face. “It appears that he’s been living out of his car,” she said in a lowered voice, as if someone else might hear.
Alice hesitated, hating to be so nosy, but finally walked over and peeked into the car herself. It was filled with piles of what appeared to be dirty or at least very wrinkled clothes, a sleeping bag, blankets, pillows, lots of fast food containers and miscellaneous pieces of debris. “Goodness,” said Alice quietly. “One could only imagine what it must smell like in there.”
“Well, as I said, it appears that you have your work cut out for you this week.” Vera laughed. “Enjoy your little vacation, Alice.”
“Thanks a lot.”
“See you tomorrow,” called Vera. “If not sooner, and I’ll want a complete update.”
Alice waved, then went into the house and through to the kitchen.
“Morning, Alice,” said Jane as Alice came into the room. “Good walk?”
“Yes,” said Alice, noticing Jane’s damp hair. “Have you already done your jogging and showered?”
Jane nodded as she cracked an egg into a small mixing bowl. “It was so nice and sunny out that I couldn’t resist getting an early start on the day.”
“Impressive.” Alice peeked into the oven to see what was the source of the delicious aroma that was perfuming the room. “Ah, cinnamon rolls.”
“And omelets,” said Jane.
“Sounds good.”
“I had planned to make waffles,” said Jane as she cracked another egg. “But I got to thinking about Laura’s diabetes and all that maple syrup.”
Alice nodded. “Good for you. Protein is a great way to go. Now, I’m going to run on up and get showered so that I can hurry back down to help you.”
Alice tried not to think about Mark as she hurriedly showered and then dressed carefully. Oh, she knew that she was putting more effort than usual into her appearance, especially for a Saturday. Still, she could not help herself. Besides, she knew that if she didn’t, Jane would probably give her a lecture.
As she gave her hair a final pat in front of the mirror, she prayed a quick, but heartfelt prayer. Your will be done, Father. Amen. Then she went back downstairs.
Chapter Six
Don’t you look pretty,” said Jane as Alice returned to the kitchen.
Alice looked down at her sage green sweater set and olive-colored trousers. “I thought Louise might be glad to see that I’m wearing the set she got me for Christmas. She’s mentioned that I hardly ever wear it, but it’s just that it’s so nice I don’t want to spoil it.”
“That color is great on you,” said Jane as she handed Alice an apron. “Would you please grate this cheese while I run upstairs to get something?”
“Of course.”
Alice put on an apron, then hummed to herself as she grated first cheddar cheese, then Monterey Jack. She was just finishing up when Jane returned.
“Close your eyes and hold out your hand,” said Jane.
“What?”
“Just do it,” said Jane.
Alice complied, expecting Jane to put something into her upturned palm, but instead she felt Jane putting something around her wrist.
“Okay, open your eyes.”
Alice opened her eyes to see that Jane had clasped a lovely beaded bracelet around her wrist. It had several shades of green beads along with some pretty amber and coral colors.
“That’s beautiful, Jane!”
“Thanks. I made it for you for Easter, but when I saw your sweater set, I decided you needed to have it today.”
Alice hugged her sister. “The colors are absolutely perfect. I love it.”
“Good.” Jane grinned. “Now do you want to chop some mushrooms and green onions?”
“Your wish is my command.”
Alice had just finished her chopping and was washing the knife and cutting board when someone knocked on the back door. “I’ll get it,” she called to Jane, who was taking the cinnamon rolls from the oven.
Before she got there, Ethel was letting herself in. “Yoo-hoo,” she called in her familiar greeting.
“Hey, Aunt Ethel,” said Jane as she set the fragrant rolls on the butcher-block countertop. “What’s up?”
“I’m all out of coffee,” said Ethel as she stood in the doorway with a childish pouting expression. “And I thought maybe I could borrow a bit—”
“Come in, and pour yourself a cup,” said Alice as she gave her sister a knowing grin.
Jane winked at Alice. It was their little joke that Ethel always ran out of something if she was hungry, lonely or just wanted to know what was going on at the inn. “Yes, Auntie, do come in,” said Jane. “We have plenty of coffee. We have freshly brewed, freshly ground or even still in the bean form. Take your pick. I suspect you haven’t had your breakfast yet.”
Ethel’s eyebrows lifted hopefully as she leaned over to sniff the cinnamon rolls. “No, as a matter of fact, I haven’t.”
“Maybe you’d like to join us,” said Alice.
Ethel smiled as she helped herself to a cup of coffee. “That sounds perfectly lovely.”
“Is Lloyd going to dress up like Mr. Easter Rabbit again this year?” asked Jane.
Acorn Hill’s mayor, Lloyd Tynan, was a tireless promoter of town functions and was Ethel’s beau.
“Of course, dear,” said Ethel sitting down at the kitchen table. “I’ve already steamed his costume and fluffed his tail.”
“Fluffed whose tail?” asked Louise as she came into the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee.
“Lloyd’s,” said Ethel in a matter-of-fact voice.
“I beg your pardon?” Louise turned around and stared at her aunt.
“Mr. Easter Rabbit,” explained Ethel.
“Oh,” Louise said, looking relieved. “Goodness, one can certainly get confused when hearing only part of a conversation.”
“Speaking of conversations,” said Jane, “what was going on down here last night, Alice? I heard voices, including yours. Mrs. Winston sounded a bit upset.”
Alice explained how Mrs. Winston had thought that Laura had gone missing. She tried not to sound critical of Adam, but Louise was already on that tack.
“That boy,” said Louise. “I don’t think he is a good influence on Laura. I will be most relieved when Mark arrives and sets things straight.”
“Sets things straight?” echoed Jane. “Just how is Mark supposed to do that?”
“Well, if he knows Adam, then he can explain to us his relationship to the young man and he can exert some influence over his behavior.”
“You mean teach him some manners?” said Jane in a teasing voice.
“Perhaps.”
“I haven’t seen him yet,” said Ethel, “but I’ve seen that horrid-looking little car in front of the inn. What an eyesore. Don’t you think you could get him to park it in back?”
“I already suggested that to him,” said Louise, “but he apparently didn’t take me seriously. I’m hoping that Mark will get through to him.”
“I wonder why he’s so moody,” said Jane as she began mixing some cream cheese frosting for the cinn
amon rolls. “He’s got a great big chip on his shoulder.”
Alice went to the dining room to set the table. It was not that she wanted to avoid the conversation about Adam so much as it was that she felt responsible for the young man’s behavior. She knew that this was ridiculous since she had nothing to do with him. He was here because of Mark and, well, Mark was going to be here because of her. Or was he? She shook her head at the thought.
“Good morning,” said Mr. Winston as he came into the dining room.
Alice smiled. “Good morning.” She nodded to a side table where a small selection of newspapers was neatly arranged. “Help yourself to a paper, if you like. I’m sure that breakfast will soon be ready.”
“Thank you.” He picked up the Philadelphia paper and scanned the headlines.
“Did you sleep well?” she asked.
He nodded as he moved to the table. “Surprisingly well. To be honest, I hadn’t expected to be this comfortable in a bed-and-breakfast.”
“Oh, good,” she said with one hand on the kitchen door. “Would you like some coffee or tea?”
“Coffee,” he said. “I don’t know when the rest of my family will be down. My wife was primping in the bathroom, and Laura was still asleep.”
Alice smiled. “Perhaps that roll-away wasn’t too bad after all.”
“If you ask me, kids can sleep anywhere. It’s only when you get to be old and achy that a good bed becomes imperative.”
“True enough,” said Alice as she left to get his coffee.
It was not long before the Langleys and Mrs. Winston were also in the dining room. Louise and Ethel joined them, Louise playing the role of hostess and Ethel adding some local spice and flavor to the conversation. Meanwhile, Alice helped Jane with the made-to-order omelets.
Memories from Acorn Hill Page 4