by Jan Fields
“The Harvest Ball,” Mary Beth said. “It has the whole town in a tizzy.”
Gwen Palmer paused in her knitting and absently smoothed the hem of the perfect dove gray skirt she wore. Annie always admired the older woman’s unwavering sense of style. “John and I are going,” Gwen said. “I didn’t even have to twist his arm. He felt it was something the bank president should appear at. Of course, to me, it sounds like a lovely chance to play dress-up.”
“It does sound wonderful,” Peggy said, her round face wistful as she dropped her quilting project in her lap. The pieced place mat in warm autumn colors contrasted sharply with the candy pink skirt of her waitress uniform. As usual, she had gotten a short break from work at The Cup & Saucer to come to the needlework meeting, though instead of squeezing it in during the morning lull as usual, she had come after the lunch rush. The club was one of the few indulgences the busy young mother allowed herself.
“Are you going?” Annie asked her.
Peggy shook her head and began to tick reasons off on her fingers. “No tickets. No babysitter. No dress. And definitely no tux for Wally. Unless my fairy godmother comes by with some mice and a pumpkin, I’m definitely not going to be there.”
Annie smiled. “I didn’t grow pumpkins, and I’m pretty sure I don’t have mice any more, but I might be able to help with the dress and the tux.”
All eyes turned to her.
“While I’ve been organizing the attic, I’ve seen several trunks of really lovely old clothes. And there are still more trunks I haven’t even opened yet,” she said. “I am absolutely certain I saw a tuxedo. You might have to work on it some to make it fit Wally, but you’re fantastic with a needle and thread. I’m sure you could manage, and you’re welcome to anything we can find. I’m certain we could find dresses for both of us.”
Annie’s best friend, Alice, looked at her and smiled. “So you’re going too?”
“Ian asked me.” Annie felt a blush warm her cheeks as all the other woman grinned at her. She spoke as firmly as she could. “As a friend. He has to go to these things, and he asked me to go with him as a friend.”
“Right,” Alice said, her blue eyes sparkling with mischief. “That Ian Butler is always such a friendly guy. Not that he’s asked me to any parties lately. Has he asked you, Mary Beth?”
“Not that I can remember,” Mary Beth said.
The women laughed, and Annie felt her cheeks grow even warmer. Then Mary Beth took pity on her and drew the attention away from Annie and Ian. “I can babysit Emily for you since I’m definitely not going,” she said to Peggy. “You know I love that little girl to pieces.”
“Really?” Peggy said and her eyes suddenly swam with tears. “You are the best friends I could have. I would love to go. Let me talk to Wally about it.”
“I’ll donate the tickets for both of you,” Stella Brickson said, drawing all eyes to her. As the oldest member of the Hook and Needle Club, Stella had a tendency to put on queenly airs now and then. Annie had found her quite frightening when they first met, but she’d come to understand that Stella’s heart was warmer than her tone. The older woman drew herself up regally and said, “As a member of the Historical Society, I felt I ought to buy several extra tickets since it is a fund-raiser. I can give you two.” Then she turned her eyes to Kate. “I would be happy to give you one for Vanessa too.”
“Looks like we have a room full of fairy godmothers,” Kate said. “Vanessa will be delighted. Apparently Mackenzie is going, so Vanessa was desperate to go too.”
“Since we’re on the topic of the ball, I want to show you my surprise,” Mary Beth said. She got up and walked to the front counter. Only the top of her cropped, gray hair showed as she rummaged around for a moment, and then she brought back a cardboard box. She pulled out a white costume mask. The corner of the mask was attached to a long, slender stick so the mask could be held in front of the wearer’s face instead of being held on by elastic like a Halloween mask. “The owners of Maplehurst Inn have decided to have an extra event related to the ball. It’s going to be a charity auction to raise money for Alzheimer’s research, and it’ll be held this Saturday afternoon. They’re going to auction off decorated ball masks. That will give those coming to the ball a chance to wear a one-of-a-kind mask, and the timing is to make it easier to coordinate the mask and your costume. I thought the Hook and Needle Club could do a few masks and donate them to the auction, so I had them send over a box of blank mask forms.”
“Oh,” Peggy said, clapping her hands. “That sounds like fun. I actually have a little bit of pink satin left from the quilt I made for Emily last year. I could cover a mask with it.”
“Wait, I have a great idea,” Gwen interjected, holding up a perfectly manicured hand. “Let’s not talk any more about what we’ll do on the masks. We should each do one in secret, and then see which one brings the biggest bid at the auction. It’ll be a little contest among us. That could be fun.”
“And mysterious,” Kate added.
“And we do like mysteries,” Mary Beth agreed.
“You know, we wouldn’t have to invent our own mystery here if you’d just dig us up a new one,” Peggy said, grinning at Annie.
“Give her time, she’s about to go—dum, dum, dum—back into the attic,” Alice said in her best creepy voice. “Which reminds me, can I come too? I have a dress, and you know I have jewelry since I could hardly go to a party without showing off some of my Princessa line, but I’d love to help you play fairy godmother.”
“Sure,” Annie said, giving in to the excitement of the group. “We’ll make a party of it. Anyone else?”
“As much as poking in the attic sounds like fun,” Mary Beth said, “I’m not going to the ball, so I’ll skip.”
“And I have all I need,” Kate added. “I’ve been working on this vintage dress pattern that’s all lace, and I’m doing it in this fine sparkly yarn. It’ll be perfect for Vanessa’s gown, and I’m sure I can finish in time.”
“Do you have time to do a mask too?” Mary Beth asked.
“Absolutely,” Kate answered. “In fact, I already have my mysterious secret idea in mind.”
“I don’t believe I’ll need anything to add to my dress,” Stella Brickson said and every eye turned to her.
“You’re going to the ball?” Gwen asked.
“You don’t need to sound so surprised,” Stella answered, looking slightly insulted. “I am a member of the Historical Society, and this is going to be the social event of the fall season.” Then the tiniest twitch of a smile flitted across her face. “Plus, much of my wardrobe could be considered vintage.”
“This is going to be so much fun,” Peggy said, beaming at the woman she considered a mentor. “I’m glad you’re going to be there too.”
“So,” Annie said, turning to Alice. “Who are you going to the ball with? Is Jim Parker going to be in town?” Annie knew Alice still kept in touch with the handsome photographer who had visited Stony Point when he was working on a book.
“I wish,” Alice said. “That would make it easier. No, I actually haven’t decided yet who I’ll go with. I’m only certain that I’m going. I hate to miss a chance to wear a mask and play dress-up.”
“This kind of event does bring out the little girl in me,” Gwen said. “I remember how much I adored playing dress-up when I was a child. I would totter around in my mother’s shoes until she caught me and scolded me for the terrible scuffing I always gave them.”
As everyone began to share dress-up stories, Mary Beth passed out the rest of the mask forms. She was just putting the box back behind the counter again when the door opened with another light jingle of the bell.
A slightly built young woman in her mid-twenties practically jumped through the door. She wore her hair pulled back into a high ponytail and a wide smile covered her small face. With her bright eyes and very pointed chin, she reminded Annie of a pixie.
“Oh, what a charming shop!” the young woman exclaimed exci
tedly. “It’s just beautiful.”
“Thank you,” Mary Beth answered. “May I help you?”
“Yes, I need to buy some embroidery floss. I am working on this kit, but they didn’t include enough floss.” The young woman giggled. “Well, probably they did, but I had a few knots and had to pick some parts out. Cross-stitch is so much more complicated than it looks.”
Mary Beth blinked slightly at the rush of words. “It can take some practice,” she said. “Do you have the piece so we can match the colors? Or maybe the chart?”
“I have both!” The young woman rooted around in the huge bag she wore over her shoulder and pulled out a plastic bag with a squeal. Her enthusiasm reminded Annie a little of Tartan.
Mary Beth quickly helped her pick the colors she needed. Then the young woman turned toward the Hook and Needle Club group. “I think it’s so nice that you have a spot where people can sit and work on projects,” she gushed. “I never seem to have time to sit. Well, sometimes in the evenings, but then the light can be bad. That’s how I get the colors mixed up.”
“We actually have a needlework group that meets here,” Mary Beth said. “This is the Hook and Needle Club.”
“Oh, that’s adorable!” The woman rushed over and thrust her hand out at Annie. “Hi, I’m Jenna Paige. Actually, I’m Dr. Jenna Paige, but that always sounds so old.”
Annie smiled and shook Jenna’s hand. “I’m Annie Dawson.”
“Oh, Annie is such a nice name,” Jenna said. Then thrust her hand at Alice.
“I’m Alice MacFarlane,” Alice said. “So, you’re a doctor?”
“Not a medical doctor,” Jenna said with a shudder. “I totally could not poke around inside people. I’m actually a biologist. My partner and I are here studying the lobsters.”
“Oh,” Peggy interrupted. “I’ve heard about you. I’m Peggy Carson. I met your husband, I think. I work at The Cup & Saucer.”
“Oh, Simon isn’t my husband.” Jenna giggled. “We’re working together on the project. He said you had wonderful food.”
“I don’t cook it,” Peggy said, smiling. “I’m a waitress, but I thank you on behalf of my boss.”
“I haven’t been in yet, but I plan to,” Jenna said. “I want to go everywhere. This is such a nice town, everyone has been so friendly. Well, mostly everyone.” Then she brightened and said, “Have all of you lived here your whole lives?”
“Why would you want to know that?” Stella asked, narrowing her eyes slightly at the young woman. Annie remembered how much Stella didn’t like anyone she considered “nosy.”
Jenna just turned and smiled at Stella. “This just seems like the kind of town where families would settle forever.” Then she thrust her hand out at Stella. “I’m so pleased to meet you.”
Stella looked at her in alarm and didn’t touch the hand. “Thank you. I am Stella Brickson,” she said primly.
Kate stepped forward and took Jenna’s hand. “Kate Stevens,” she said. “I’m certain you’re doing very important work out on the boats. We do want to keep our lobster population healthy.”
“Yes,” Jenna said, her eyes wide. “A healthy and vital marine environment is essential to life on earth.”
Annie caught a sideways look and slight eye roll from Alice. Jenna Paige did seem amazingly high-strung, but it was hard to resist such a friendly girl, though it was clear Stella had no trouble resisting her. She continued to frown disapprovingly as Jenna chattered about the town.
“I just love your little town square,” Jenna said. “And the lighthouse. I love lighthouses. Anyway, I still don’t know— have you all lived here forever?”
“None of us are quite that old,” Gwen said in an amused tone.
“I didn’t mean that! Besides, I like old people!”
At that Alice burst out laughing. “I probably should go before my joints seize up,” she managed to say. “Annie, when are we getting together for the costume search?”
“Costumes?” Jenna said.
“For the Harvest Ball,” Peggy explained. “It’s a charity ball.”
“Oh, that sounds wonderful!” Jenna exclaimed. “Where is it? Are there still tickets?”
All eyes turned to Stella since it was the Historical Society putting on the ball, as Stella had been quick to remind them earlier. Stella finally sighed and began to explain the coming fund-raisers. From Jenna’s bright eyes, Annie suspected she’d be seeing the young woman at the ball.
“Peggy, timing is really up to you,” Annie said quietly, hoping not to draw the biologist’s attention back to them. “When do you want to get together to look in the attic?”
“Could it be tomorrow afternoon?” Peggy asked. “Afternoons are slow right now at the diner in the middle of the week like this. I’ll get the stink eye from the boss, but I’m sure I can get a couple hours off. Would that be all right?”
“It works for me,” Alice said.
“Me too,” Annie agreed. They quickly decided on the exact time, and then all three escaped while Jenna Paige’s attention was centered raptly on Stella. Glancing back though the large window, Annie had to smile at the pained expression on the older woman’s face.
3
When Annie pulled up at Grey Gables, she was delighted to find her porch empty of mums, though she could see it now needed a good sweeping. The yard was beginning to need raking too, but Annie wanted to wait a few days. She actually liked the look of the brightly colored leaves on the grass and the sound of the crunch under her feet. As long as she cleared them off before the next rain, she didn’t feel in any hurry.
She stood on the front path, looking at the leaves drifting down and thought of the times she’d shared the raking with Wayne back in Texas. When their daughter, LeeAnn, was little, she’d begged them to make a big pile of leaves and let her jump in it. Even though it meant raking the same leaves over and over, somehow it never seemed like such an overwhelming task.
Missing Wayne fiercely still snuck up on her now and then, but she found the bittersweet memories were finally growing less painful. Her wonderful new friends in Stony Point had helped, but so had the ways she’d changed since coming back. She was reconnecting to her own past; her memories of summers in this very house with Gram and Grandpa were filling some of the empty places in her heart.
With a slightly teary smile, Annie hurried up the steps and into the house. She passed Boots curled up in a sunny spot in the kitchen. The cat twitched an ear but didn’t bother to look up. I guess I finally found a point in the day that Boots doesn’t consider mealtime, Annie thought as she walked to the mudroom and grabbed the broom.
After she swept the front porch and walk, Annie moved from one small chore to another, and the rest of the day passed quickly. She’d learned most of the important fall tasks last year, and now it was just a matter of doing each of them at the right time.
Sunset came earlier every day, and Annie always tried to be outside for it. The changing slant of the sun made for some lovely, though brief, sunsets. Living on the East Coast made the sun seem to leap up over the water in the morning and dive for cover every evening. Somehow that made each sunrise and sunset even more special and rare just because they were hard to catch.
The next morning, Annie was up before sunrise, and she stood on her porch sipping coffee as light painted the horizon over the strip of water she could see from the porch. Boots had slipped outside with her, zipping through the door like a shadow. Annie knew from experience that it didn’t pay to chase the cat around to get her safely back in the house. It was easier to let her sniff around the porch. Since Boots hadn’t had her morning bowl of dry food, she wouldn’t linger outside if she thought Annie might be on the way to the kitchen.
“Morning, neighbor,” a cheery voice called out.
Annie turned toward the sound to see Alice crossing the lawn that separated Grey Gables from what had been the carriage house when the whole place was much grander. Alice carried a small basket covered in a tea towel. “I s
ee you come bearing treats,” Annie said.
“You know I hate to arrive empty-handed,” her friend replied. Annie smiled as she noted that Alice was wearing her “adventure clothes,” which were nearly as worn as Annie’s own yard-work gear.
“Our attic adventure doesn’t start until this afternoon,” Annie said. “You weren’t planning on getting a jump start on Peggy were you?”
Alice shook her head. “I’m going to spend the morning cleaning,” Alice said. “I’ve gotten a little behind with all the parties I’ve had booked lately.”
Annie opened the front door and led the way into the house. As she expected, Boots followed them inside. “I’m glad to see the economy hasn’t hurt your business.”
“It was a little slow over the summer this year, even with the ‘summer people’ in town,” Alice admitted. “I had to dip into my savings once or twice, but everything picks up in the fall. People buy for the holidays.”
After Annie dug out the box of dry food for Boots, whose meows of starvation would have been difficult to talk over, she poured a mug of coffee for Alice and freshened her own cup. Alice unwrapped a lovely golden applesauce cake, and they sat down to chat.
Annie took a bite of the warm cake and moaned. “Have you thought of marketing some of your baked goods?” she asked. “I baked apple muffins yesterday, and they really can’t begin to compete with this.”
“I have thought about picking up some extra money baking, but then I think it would take away some of the fun. Right now, it’s what I do to relax. And I’m not sure it would be good for my waistline to spend all day surrounded by sweet baked goods! I don’t have that much self-control.”
Annie smiled. “I can totally understand that. Your baked goods are dangerous.”
“Are you going back to Texas for Thanksgiving?” Alice asked.
“Right now I’m trying to get LeeAnn and Herb to bring the twins here. I would love for them to have a Thanksgiving in Gram’s house. My parents were in the United States on sabbaticals from the mission field for a couple of Thanksgivings when I was a kid, and we always came here whenever they were. Do you remember that?”