Memories from Acorn Hill

by Melody Carlson

  “Here you go,” she said as she set a cup in front of Kenneth, then filled it.

  “I've just been observing Wendell's antics.” He nodded over to where the cat was rolling in the dust, enjoying the sunshine as well as a dirt bath.

  “Silly kitty,” said Jane as she sat and refilled her own cup. “And usually he is so dignified.”

  “Guess we all need to let down our hair sometimes.”

  “Even you?”

  He chuckled. “Well, I don't think I'll get caught rolling in the dirt, at least not in public, but yes, even me.” He held up his cup. “Thank you.” Then, as he continued looking at her with an even gaze, she knew this was his gentle hint that now was her time to share.

  “I think I'll just get right out with it,” she began quickly. “My ex-husband is coming to Acorn Hill.”

  Kenneth looked momentarily surprised, then, returning to his unflappable pastoral countenance, he simply nodded.

  “And the question on my mind, as well as my sisters', is why is Justin coming?”

  “You don't know why?”

  She shook her head, then took a sip of the hot coffee.

  “Obviously, he is coming to see you. Right?”

  “Well, yes, I suppose. His letter was quite brief.”

  “He communicated through a letter?”

  She explained the letter, the road trip and the reservation that he had made with Louise.

  “He'll be staying here at the inn?”

  She frowned. “Yes. I wasn't pleased.”

  “That could be awkward.”

  “Louise was caught off guard by his call.” Jane gave him a sheepish look. “I hadn't even told her he was coming.”

  “But he's still staying at the inn?”

  “I guess so.” Jane made a face. “I'm considering going AWOL.”

  “But you won't.”

  She shrugged. “That's probably not the most mature way to handle it.”

  He smiled. “Probably not.”

  “So, now you know,” said Jane. “That's what's been troubling me the past few days.”

  “I can imagine that would be unsettling.”

  “Very.”

  “How do you feel about your former husband, Jane? What is his name again?”

  “Justin.”

  “Right, how do you feel about Justin?”

  “In what way? I mean, if you're asking if I'm still angry with him, the answer is no. I've forgiven him. What's past is past. But are you asking if I still have feelings for him, if I still love him?”

  “Do you?”

  “I don't think so. I mean I do care about him. How can you not care about a person you were once married to? Alice suggested that perhaps Justin might be ill, and I'll admit the thought of that makes me sad. I really do hope he's okay.”

  “Naturally.”

  “Maybe he wants me to donate a kidney or something.” She gave a weak smile.

  “I'm sure you'd consider it, Jane.”

  She nodded. “You know, Kenneth, I would.”

  “So, can you guess why he's coming here?”

  “That's just it. I can't.”

  Kenneth seemed to ponder this for a long moment. Finally, he said, “Maybe he still loves you, Jane.”

  Jane sat there without responding. She was feeling the warmth of the sun on her head, listening to a bird singing sweetly in a nearby maple tree. She considered what Kenneth had just said to her.

  “You have to admit that it's a possibility,” he persisted. “Justin might still love you, Jane.”

  “Yes, that's what Alice said. And Sylvia. Even Louise hinted at it.”

  He smiled at her. “And it wouldn't be surprising, Jane. You're a wonderful person. I've told you before that I thought he was a fool to let you go.”

  She felt herself blushing. “Well, I think we were both foolish.” She laughed. “We weren't young when we married. I actually thought of myself as rather sophisticated at the time. Now I look back and think I was so naive, so foolish, really.”

  “Perhaps you've both matured since then.”

  “That has occurred to me.”

  “God does give second chances, Jane.”

  She took a quick sip of coffee, avoiding Kenneth's gaze. In truth, Jane wasn't the least bit convinced she wanted a second chance, even if God was the One offering it to her. Naturally, she could not say this to Kenneth. Not only did it sound irreverent and disrespectful, but she also knew that Kenneth and God were like partners on good speaking terms. Still, it troubled her to feel this way, as if she were being rebellious and willful. She didn't like feeling that she might be putting herself at odds with God. And yet, it troubled her even more to think that God might want her to give Justin a second chance.

  “Uh-oh,” said Kenneth, glancing out toward the street. “That looks like Belle's car parking. I thought you said she and Ethel were going to Potterston today.”

  “I thought they were,” said Jane. “Now that Auntie is feeling better, she's insistent on helping Belle with the planning.”

  He took a final sip of coffee. “You'll excuse me if I make a quick retreat, won't you, Jane?”

  “Of course.” She grinned. “The runaway groom.”

  He firmly shook his finger at her as he stood. “I am not the groom.”

  “Not yet, you aren't.”

  “Jane Howard,” he said in a mock warning tone. “You are wicked.”

  “Later,” she called as he hurried off around the back way.

  “Hello, Jane,” said Ethel as she and Belle made their way toward her.

  “Hello, ladies,” Jane said as she stood to meet them. “You look like you're doing much better, Auntie.”

  “Why, yes,” Ethel said, patting her smooth cheeks. “Thank you.”

  “Was that Rev. Thompson?” asked Belle as she eagerly peered over Jane's shoulder in the direction Kenneth had headed.

  Jane avoided answering Belle by asking a question of her own. “Why are you back so soon?”

  “We need a model,” said Ethel.

  “A model?” Jane frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “We were in town, speaking to Sylvia to get some pointers on wedding gowns, and we were about to head to Potterston when it occurred to me that this would go much more quickly if you could come with us to try on bridesmaid dresses. That way, you can stand next to Belle, and I can stand back and decide which dresses go together best.”

  Jane wanted to point out that picking out dresses was impractical when no groom had stepped up to the plate. But not only did that sound mean, she would probably get Belle's typical response, “God will provide.”

  “I really need to stick around the inn today,” said Jane.

  “Nonsense,” said her aunt. “Louise and Alice are both here.”

  “But I have my garden to—”

  “Your garden will wait.” Ethel gave Jane a commanding look. “I am your aunt, Jane. And I have been ill. I would think you would show me some cooperation.”

  “But, Aunt Ethel,” tried Jane. “I just don't see the point of—”

  “The point is that Belle has a wedding to plan. She came to Acorn Hill because God gave her a dream.”

  “I know.” Jane's exasperation rose to the surface. She turned to Belle. “I don't want to offend you, Belle, but I am having difficulty with this. I mean, if you actually were engaged or at least if there was a particular man involved, it might be—”

  “There is a particular man involved,” said Ethel.

  Jane was surprised. “Who?”

  Her aunt glanced about as if to see if anyone was around to listen, which was not the case. “Well, if you must know, Jane. We think it might be Wilhelm.”

  “Wilhelm?” Jane felt a stab of empathy for the poor man. “And what makes you think it's him?”

  Ethel held up one finger. “For one thing, Lloyd thinks that it's possible. He and Wilhelm chatted, and Wilhelm was quite impressed with Belle.” Then she held up a second finger. “And tonight,
Lloyd, Wilhelm, Belle and I plan to play bridge.” Then she held up a third finger. “Finally, Belle and I were just in town and we ran into Wilhelm's mother.”

  Jane glanced at Belle, who seemed embarrassed. “What did you think of Mrs. Wood?”

  “She seemed nice.”

  Jane turned back to her aunt. “And how did Mrs. Wood react to Belle?”

  “She was very kind to Belle.” Ethel nodded so firmly that her chins gave a shake. “She seemed to approve, Jane.”

  Jane thought that unlikely since Wilhelm's mother seemed quite content for her son to remain a bachelor for the rest of his days. Still, several people had noticed the interest Wilhelm seemed to have taken in Belle. Unless he was simply being polite. It was hard to know. Jane turned her attention back to Belle.

  “How do you feel about Wilhelm?” she asked.

  For the first time, Belle seemed unsure. “I'd like to get to know him better.”

  Suddenly, Jane felt sorry for Belle. She was getting in over her head with all this wedding nonsense. And with Ethel in charge, Belle might be drowning before long. Still, Jane was not about to let herself be dragged around Potterston, trying on bridesmaid dresses today. She would put her foot down.

  “It seems to me,” she began, directing this more to Belle than her aunt, “your time might be better spent narrowing down who your groom is going to be rather than running around trying to pick out dresses. After all, a marriage is supposed to last a lifetime, and a wedding dress is just for one day.”

  Belle's eyes lit up. “You are absolutely right, Jane.” She turned to Ethel. “I think I should take your niece's advice, Ethel.”

  “You don't want to pick out your wedding gown?” asked Ethel.

  “Oh, I do,” said Belle, “in good time. But at the moment, I think I should focus my attention on my prospective husband.”

  Ethel was clearly at a loss. She switched her purse to the other arm. “So, then, shall we go pay Wilhelm a little visit? I could use some tea.”

  “How about if we go visit the pastor first?” suggested Belle.

  Aunt Ethel's eyebrows arched, then she glanced uneasily at Jane. “Do you know where he was going?”

  “I couldn't say,” admitted Jane.

  “Well, I would like to get another little peek at the chapel,” said Belle as she linked arms with Ethel. “I've been trying to imagine big pink bows at the end of each row, but I'd really like to see it again just to be sure.”

  “Good idea,” said Ethel. “We'll make notes of these details.”

  And off they headed toward the chapel. Jane hoped that Kenneth would have the good sense to stay out of their way. Or perhaps he should just nicely but firmly let Belle know that he did not wish to be on her list.

  Jane briefly toyed with the thought of paying Wilhelm a visit too. She wasn't sure if he was fully aware of Belle's intentions. On the other hand, how could he not be aware? Everyone in Acorn Hill must be aware by now. Finally, she told herself that Wilhelm was a big boy. Goodness, he'd been a bachelor since forever. What were the chances of him accidentally stumbling into marriage now? And certainly his mother would put her foot down if he seemed the least bit inclined to make a mistake. Besides, what if he was seriously interested in Belle? No, she decided, Wilhelm did not need her protection.

  Instead, she went inside, then slipped into her overalls and Crocs. She grabbed her garden gloves and her straw hat before she headed back out to lose herself in the sunshine and growing things. She could not imagine a better distraction from disturbing thoughts of marriage, ex-husbands and ill-conceived weddings.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Sunday may have been a day of rest for most folks in Acorn Hill, but it was clear that Belle and Ethel had big plans for their day. For starters, Ethel joined Belle for breakfast at the inn, carrying a little notebook full of wedding ideas that she and Belle discussed freely in front of the discreetly amused guests. It also seemed Ethel wished to get a better look at the Johnson twins. Perhaps she thought she might have the power to break up the set and present Belle with the “better” half. But it was clear that the brothers were not interested in matrimony. In fact, Jane thought she detected real fear in their eyes as they finished up breakfast. And when Louise invited them to church, they politely excused themselves by saying that they wanted to get on the road as quickly as possible.

  “Florida awaits,” proclaimed Don, giving Belle an uneasy glance.

  “That's right,” agreed Ron. “One more stop in South Carolina to visit our aunt Rae, and then it's straight to Miami.”

  “By Tuesday, well be hitting the beach.”

  “After that we'll head out for some fishing and exploring.”

  The others wished the men well. More than ever, it seemed that Ethel was doggedly determined to find a match for Belle, although Belle seemed unaffected by the twins' hasty departure. Perhaps they had not been to her liking. But as the sisters were cleaning up in the kitchen, they overheard their aunt going over the list of potential targets. It seemed she had broken the list into sections. The sisters had no idea what these sections represented. Perhaps simply their aunt's own personal likes and dislikes.

  Later in church, Ethel and Belle sat next to Wilhelm and his mother. After the service, Belle and Ethel monopolized Kenneth's attention.

  Finally it was afternoon, and all the guests except Belle had checked out. The inn was quiet, and the sisters gathered on the front porch with iced tea and gingersnaps. Belle was spending the day with Ethel.

  “One of the reservations for next weekend is a rather intriguing fellow,” said Louise as she refilled her glass with tea.

  “You mean someone besides Justin?” asked Jane wryly.

  Louise frowned, but she ignored Jane and continued, “Do either of you ever read Clive Fagler in the Philadelphia Inquirer?”

  “Sure. I read his column all the time.” Jane bent down to pick up Wendell, situating him comfortably in her lap. “I like his writing. He's very witty.”

  “I've read the column a few times myself,” said Alice.

  “I thought you might be interested to know that he'll be staying here from Wednesday through Memorial Day weekend.”

  “Really?” Jane brightened as she stroked Wendell's furry coat. “That should be fun.”

  “Yes. He said that he's looking forward to a restful break from the city.”

  “He'll find it here.” Alice waved her hand toward the quiet street. “I haven't seen a car go by since church.”

  Louise cleared her throat. “However, it occurs to me that there is a minor problem or at least the potential for one.”

  “What?” asked Alice as she reached for a cookie.

  “Mr. Fagler is a bachelor.”

  Jane let out a groan. “Belle.”

  “And Aunt Ethel,” said Louise.

  “What do we do?” asked Jane.

  “I don't want either of them to terrorize the poor man.”

  “Oh, Louise,” said Alice in a good-natured tone. “All you need to do is warn Auntie, and I'm sure she'll respect your wishes. And you know, Belle never terrorizes anyone. She's really very sweet.”

  “You know what the Bible says about too much honey,” said Louise.

  “That it can make you sick,” Jane finished for her.

  “Perhaps if you mentioned our new guest a little ahead of time. Tell Belle that Clive Fagler is coming,” suggested Alice. “Simply be up front with her and tell her that Clive is a bachelor, but that he expects to have a restful vacation in Acorn Hill.”

  “I suppose you're right. Honesty really is the best policy,” agreed Louise. “And I do think Belle is a good person. I just feel she is carried away with her unfortunate dream.”

  “And Aunt Ethel encourages her,” said Jane.

  “Auntie is simply caught up in the idea of a wedding,” said Alice. “You know how she can be, and she felt she missed out on some of the fun while she was cooped up with her rash. Give her a few days, and I'm sure she'll come
to her senses.”

  “Still, I wish we could put a stop to this nonsense.” Louise picked up her knitting bag and adjusted her glasses. “I can't tell you how glad I'll be after the first Saturday of June is finally past.”

  “I was even feeling sorry for our pastor after the service this morning,” said Jane. “It seemed that Aunt Ethel and Belle had the poor man cornered.”

  “Well, if you had been closer, you might have observed that our pastor handled the whole thing quite nicely.” Louise's knitting needles began to click together, making a rhythmic sound. “I couldn't help but overhear.”

  “What?” demanded Jane eagerly. “What did he say?”

  “He told Belle that he wished her well. And that, while he respected her wedding dream and that it may very well have come from God, he knew for a fact that he was not meant to be a part in it.”

  “Except to perform the wedding,” added Alice with a smile. “He did promise her he would do that when the time came. Very nicely, I might add.”

  “It seemed to settle it for her,” said Louise. Then she shook her head. “But I noticed Wilhelm observing from a distance, pretending to visit with Clara Horn, but keeping his eyes on Belle the whole time. I do believe he was jealous.”

  “Really?” Jane chuckled. “Perhaps Wilhelm is interested after all.”

  “Belle is a charming young woman,” said Alice. “Don't you think she'll make a wonderful wife?”

  Neither Louise nor Jane responded.

  “Anyway,” said Louise. “Belle and Wilhelm and Lloyd and Auntie seem to have plans for the evening. After Belle and Aunt Ethel do some things in Potterston, they will meet up with the men to see a matinee, followed by dinner.”

  “Wouldn't it be wonderful for Wilhelm if Belle really was the woman for him?” asked Alice.

  “Despite the age difference?” questioned Louise.

  “Age shouldn't matter,” said Alice. “Not if they're truly in love.”