by Janice Hanna
“And now only one remains…” Gilbert stressed the word one. Lottie watched Augie, wondering what would happen next. She had her suspicions, of course, but couldn’t be sure.
Two women rose at once—Margaret Linden and Prudy Stillwater.
Prudy took a step in Margaret’s direction, put up her hand, and said, “Oh no you don’t, sister. He’s mine!” Then she raced for the stage.
This, of course, got a spectacular cheer from all in attendance. Well, all but Margaret, who sank back into her chair with a wounded look on her face.
By now, all the folks in the room were on their feet, clapping and laughing. Lottie joined them, her heart so full she could hardly stand it.
Still, one fella on stage had not asked to be rescued.
She stared up at Gil, who glanced her way with a smile. Whether or not he wanted her to untie him from the proverbial tracks remained to be seen. But at least several of the other ladies would have their happily-ever-afters.
For now, that would have to be enough.
TWENTY-TWO
IN APPLE-PIE ORDER
We at Parker Lodge are in the final days of rehearsal for our melodrama, which will open to the public this Friday night, just three short days away. Ticket sales have far surpassed our expectations, and we can hardly wait for our audience members to enjoy the antics of Sadie Word, Hugh Dunnit, and the rest of our cast. Much work has gone into the show, but there is still much to be done. Lights, costumes, set pieces—we’re in a flurry here at Parker Lodge as opening night approaches. But never mind all that! Whenever we get stressed, we head to Parker’s Pie Parlor for another slice of that amazing Sanders’ Strawberry Pie, our featured pie of the week. It’s a little piece of heaven on earth. Why not enjoy a slice while you watch the show with your sweetie? See you soon! —Your friends at Parker Lodge
THE WEEK LEADING UP TO the August first opening was pure chaos. Lottie’s thoughts remained a jumbled mess as she fought to keep things straight. Sets. Costumes. Lines. Ticket sales. The hovering issue with the Women’s League. Every time she needed to escape, she closed her eyes and pictured herself standing on the edge of the mountain, looking out over that breathtaking scenery. At once, she felt her nerves settle down.
As for the petition going around town, she had it on good authority—Augie’s—that few businessmen had been willing to place their signatures on it. She took this as a very good sign. Another thing had her hopeful, as well—ticket sales. Folks had come in droves to purchase tickets for the melodrama.
Not everything was coming together, of course. Mama was still hopping mad over the pie issue, and all the more when she saw that the news had been spread across town on the latest Parker Lodge handbill. Not that Lottie had been home much. She’d spent most of her days at the lodge, working against the clock, to prepare for the show.
With just three days left, she found herself worried about something new. Something unexpected. She told Gil all about it at breakfast.
“I’m really worried about Hannah.”
“Hannah?” He looked up from his scrambled eggs, concern in his eyes. “Why?”
“She’s not well. I don’t know if you noticed how frail she looked at last night’s rehearsal. She’s paler than usual and has an upset stomach. She’s also complained of feeling a bit woozy.”
“Nerves?” Gilbert asked
“Maybe. I’m not sure. I stopped by her room this morning and she asked if we could call Doc Jennings.”
“Did you send for him?”
“I did. He should arrive anytime now. I just hope she’s okay. I’d hate to think of what might happen if she’s truly ill. What if she’s contagious? We could have an epidemic on our hands. With the show opening in just three days, we can’t risk exposing the entire town to some sort of disease.”
“Lottie.” Gilbert chuckled. “I don’t want to take your concerns lightly, but how did this go from Hannah not feeling well to the town succumbing to an epidemic?”
“I don’t know. Just worried, I guess. She prepares pies, so I suppose it’s possible that she’s passed along whatever she’s got to others in town.” Lottie chewed the nail on her index finger but stopped when she realized Gil was watching her. “I’m already worked up because of my mother. Things at home are awful.” Lottie sighed. “I had a long talk with Pa recently, and he, well…I guess you already know.”
“I do?”
“Well, yes. And so do I, of course. He’s the one who’s funded the show. I knew it the moment you said a local investor had offered to help.”
The relief on Gil’s face was evident. “He’s been such a blessing, Lottie. You have no idea.”
“He’s always been far too good to me.”
“And now to me.” Gilbert sighed. “He even took care of the line of credit at the general store.”
“That’s my father for you.” Lottie smiled. “He said he’ll smooth things over with Mama, but I don’t know. I just feel like I’m walking on pins and needles. Probably nerves. There’s so much to do.”
Gil put his hand on her arm. “Lottie, take a deep breath. We’ve come this far. We’re going to be fine.”
She’d just started to respond when Doc Jennings arrived with medical bag in hand.
“Where’s our patient?” he asked, a worried look in his eyes.
“She’s in the Chalet Suite,” Lottie said. “I’ll walk you there.”
“Has she been out in the heat? Eaten anything unusual? Running a fever?”
“Well, we’ve all been out in the heat—going from the cabins to the dining hall, that sort of thing. But nothing out of the ordinary.”
“Hmm. I’ve seen quite a few others on the outskirts of town who have influenza. Sure hope that’s not it.”
“Does it present with stomach pain and shakiness?”
“Sometimes.” He pursed his lips. “But let’s not worry unnecessarily, Lottie. Could be she’s just exhausted. Those symptoms you’re describing would fit. Has she been working harder than usual?”
“Has she ever. Have you tasted the pies she’s been baking?”
Doc Jennings rubbed his extended belly. “You have no idea. I’ve been by several times over the past month to purchase pies. Loved the chocolate one, but I’ve got to say, the persimmon pie is my favorite.”
“That’s Hannah’s favorite too.”
“Yes, I know. We spoke at length about it when I came on Monday. Strange that she’s taken ill so suddenly. She seemed fine then.” A concerned expression passed over him. “But with your big theatrical coming up it’s more important than ever to make sure she’s not contagious.”
“That’s what I told Gil. Don’t want to start an epidemic.”
“You’re wise to be cautious, Lottie. Many people don’t pay attention to the potential spread of germs. I’m glad you’re aware of the possibilities.” His brow wrinkled. “At any rate, it’s a good thing you called.”
They stopped in front of the Chalet Suite and Lottie knocked on the door. She heard a faint “Come in” and turned the knob.
They found Hannah in bed, fragile and pale. Doc Jennings headed to her side at once, the concern on his face palpable. “Tell me what’s going on, Hannah.” He reached for his stethoscope. “What are your symptoms?”
She released a slow breath. “Well, after staying up really late to rehearse last night, I got out of bed early and made my way to the kitchen to start baking, as always. Only, this morning I felt light-headed and strange. My head is swimming and I’m a little shaky.”
“I see.” He pressed the stethoscope against her back. “Go on.”
“Well, I’ve been so thirsty. Nothing quenches my thirst, really. And my vision is a little blurry.” She looked panicked as she shared this information. “That’s not normal, is it?”
“Coupled with some of your other symptoms, perhaps. Tell me, have you noticed any weight loss?”
“My dresses are a bit loose.” She blushed as he moved the stethoscope to her upper chest.
“I just attributed it to working. I haven’t had time to eat much.”
“Take a deep breath, Hannah.”
After listening for a moment, Doc Jennings put his stethoscope back in his bag and continued his exam, focusing on her ears, nose, and throat. “Let me ask you a question,” he said when he finished. “You told me that you haven’t eaten much.”
“Well, not much real food, anyway.” She giggled. “You know that I’ve been working in the pie parlor.” Her cheeks turned pink. “Well, of course you know. You’ve purchased three pies from me over the past couple of weeks.”
“Um, yes.” He cleared his throat.
Lottie couldn’t help but laugh.
“Let me ask you this, Hannah,” Doc said. “Have you been sampling the pies?”
“Sampling them? I’ve eaten little else but!” She laughed. “Someone has to taste them to make sure they’re good. Why, just yesterday I had a slice of our new banana twist pie and the persimmon as well. Before that, it was the cinnamon streusel and the coconut cream. The day before that—”
Doc Jennings put his hand up. “Say no more. I believe we’ve found our answer.”
“We have?” Her eyes widened. “You can tell me. I won’t be afraid. Am I going to…I mean, is it fatal?”
He chuckled. “Hardly. In fact, I daresay with a few days of regular food and no sugar, you’ll bounce right back. I’m guessing your blood sugar is high, Hannah. Far too high, which would explain your odd symptoms.”
She sat up. “I’m not dying?”
“No.” He reached to grip her hand and gave her a look so tender that even Lottie felt the emotion behind it. “I’m not sure what I would do if that were the case. So, please do as I say and eat a solid meal. Refrain from sugar.” He turned to Lottie. “Can you arrange for some sort of meat and vegetables to be brought here to Hannah? No potatoes or other starches and no breads. Just proteins and green vegetables, please.”
“Of course. Jeb is cooking brisket, and I have it on good authority he’s got a big pot of green beans cooking too.”
“Perfect. I’m going to suggest some vitamin tablets. We’ll have someone from the pharmacy bring them out. And drink plenty of water. You need to wash that sugar out of your system.”
“Can I…can I still be in the show?” Hannah’s voice trembled.
“If you’re feeling up to it, of course. Just promise you’ll eat the right foods between now and then.”
“I promise.” She held up her hand as if taking an oath.
Lottie wanted to stay for a lengthy visit with Hannah but work beckoned. She headed back to the dining hall, relieved that one disaster had been averted.
She met Fanny and Flossie along the way.
“How’s our patient?” Flossie asked.
“She’s going to be fine.” Lottie explained the situation, and before long the twins were all smiles.
“Well, that’s a relief.” Fanny shook her head. “I wasn’t sure how we would manage without her.”
Lottie followed Fanny to the dining hall. “Fanny, I keep forgetting to mention it, but you look like, well, like you’re…” She hesitated to say the words.
“Losing weight?” Fanny smiled. “Guess I must be. My dresses are all getting bigger. Thank goodness my sewing skills are intact.” She ran her hands over her stomach. “I must admit, it feels good. Life in the mountains has truly benefited my health.”
“Well, you’re just a shadow of your former self.”
“I’ve been so busy I hardly think about food anymore.” She gave them a little wink. “Guess I’ve had other things on my mind.”
“I daresay you have. How’s that going, anyway?”
“Oh, you know.” Fanny’s cheeks turned pink. She’d just opened her mouth to say more when Grace rushed into the room.
“You’re not going to believe it! You’re just not!”
“Believe what?” Lottie and the ladies gathered around her.
“It’s Prudy.”
“Oh no!” Lottie sank into a chair. “Tell me she’s not ill too.”
“No, she’s not ill.” Grace giggled and tossed a package onto the table. “She’s—she’s…married!”
“Married?” All the women spoke in unison.
At once the cacophony of voices overtook the room. Lottie did her best to make sense of this. “How? When?”
“I’m not sure, but I’m guessing they got hitched that day we were on the mountain. I—I guess she really did find her courage. She went straight to town that afternoon, dressed in her finest, and married Augie Miller.”
“I don’t believe it.” Lottie shook her head, dumbfounded. “So the night the fellas did their funny little melodrama…”
“She was already married to Augie. That’s why she almost tore Margaret’s eyes out for wanting to untie him from the tracks.”
A giggle rose up inside Lottie. “I don’t believe it. I truly don’t. I mean, I do…but I don’t.” A full-fledged laugh now caught her by surprise. “Oh, will wonders never cease! Where are they now?”
“Well, this is how I found out. I went into town to buy fabric for that last dress you asked me to make.” She gestured to the package on the table. “While I was there, I overheard someone on the other side of the shelves giggling and talking about buying fabric for curtains for her new home. I felt sure I recognized the voice. Only when I walked around behind the shelves did I realize it was Prudy.” Grace’s face turned red. “Oh, you should’ve seen the kiss he gave her. It was scandalous!” Another laugh followed.
“Not exactly scandalous if they’re married,” Lottie said.
“Right, but here’s the funniest part of all. Several ladies from the Women’s League were in the store at the time and they saw it too. Oh, were they ever riled up. That one woman—Althea?—well, she took off in a hurry.”
“Oh dear.” Lottie rested her head on the table. “Oh dear, oh dear.”
“Did Prudy see all of this?” Fanny asked.
“Heavens, no. She was so busy kissing Augie that she didn’t see any of us. Oh, it was the sweetest thing ever!” A fit of giggles began again.
Lottie glanced up, her concerns lifting. What difference did it make what Althea Baker thought, if Prudy and Augie were man and wife? Why, everyone should be celebrating right now, not worrying.
“I still can’t get over it,” Grace said. “Augie’s running for mayor. If he wins the election, Prudy is going to be the first lady of Estes Park.”
“Who would’ve dreamed it?” Lottie rose and paced the room. “A girl so afraid of her own shadow. Now, if things go as planned— and I’m sure they will, since God has a sense of humor—she’ll be married to the mayor of the town. Can you imagine how much fun that’s going to be?”
Fanny cleared her throat. “Well, folks, since this seems to be a day of confessions, I’d better get something out in the open too.”
* * * * *
GILBERT APPROACHED the ladies just in time to hear Fanny say, “Would you like to know how Jeb proposed?”
He almost lost his breath. Jeb? Engaged?
Gilbert listened in as Fanny continued, her eyes now twinkling. “He wrote me a song.”
“A song?” Gilbert could hardly believe it. “I didn’t realize he was a songwriter.”
The women turned to look his way, likely astounded that he’d interrupted their little meeting without notice.
“Well, it wasn’t the kind of song you sing, exactly,” Fanny said. “He played it on his saw. And since I’ve told you all this, I might as well come out and tell you something else too.”
The women all leaned forward in rapt silence. Gilbert joined them, equally as curious.
“I bought Katie Sue and returned her to her rightful owner.”
A gasp went up and then the ladies cheered.
“Best news I’ve heard all day,” Gilbert said. He reached to give Fanny a warm hug then stepped back so that the women could celebrate with her. Gilbert’s gaze shifted to Lottie. All t
his talk of weddings had him stirred up. Yes, it did. Now, if he could just figure out a way to share his heart, he might snag a wedding belle too.
* * * * *
THE REHEARSAL WENT BETTER than anyone expected. Afterward, Gilbert walked Lottie home. She practically floated through the front door of the house, blissfully happy. Everything appeared to be coming together. Well, almost everything.
She found her mother in the front parlor, dressed for bed, her eyes filled with tears. Mama gestured to the sofa, speaking with a strained voice. “Lottie, please have a seat.”
“A seat?” Oh no. After such a perfect day, would Mama ruin it by lecturing? Would she forbid Lottie from participating in the show?
She reluctantly took a seat. “W–what is it, Mama? Tell me.”
“I met with the attorney today.”
Lottie’s heart hit her toes. “O–oh?”
“Yes. And there’s something I must tell you, though it pains me to do so.”
Lottie felt absolutely ill. Would her mother’s next words put an end to the show they’d worked so hard to put together?
Tears ran down her mother’s cheeks as she whispered, “I never wanted you to know this.”
“Know what?”
She reached for Lottie’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “Promise you won’t hold this against me?”
A shiver ran down Lottie’s spine. “Of course not, Mama. Just tell me.”
Her mother rose and paced the room. “You never met your grandmother…my mother.”
“No. I knew she lived in Loveland and ran a boardinghouse.”
“Boardinghouse. Hmm.” Mama wrung her hands and continued to pace. When she finally stopped, she faced Lottie. “Perhaps you’ve wondered why I’ve been so intent on stopping these women at the lodge.”
“I’ve never understood your passion or the way you’ve gone about it.”
“My passion comes from my own experience, Lottie.” Mama dropped onto the sofa next to her and took her hand again. “I— I never wanted you girls to know this, but I was raised in a place much like the one those Parkers are now running.”