Wedding Belles

by Janice Hanna

  “What are you talking about, Mama? You were raised in a pretty little white house in Loveland. You showed it to me once.”

  “No. I wanted you to think so, but it’s not true. I was raised among women who…” She shook her head. “Anyway, I left when I was fifteen and got a job working for a wonderful family. They took me in. And then, of course, I met your father.” Her expression brightened. “That man turned my whole world around.”

  “Mama, does he…I mean, does he know?”

  “He’s always known.” Her mother’s expression shifted. “And now, I’m afraid everyone is going to know. It’s really my own fault. That attorney…”

  “What about him?”

  “When he saw that my pie was being featured at the pie parlor, he started asking around about me. I don’t know how he did it, but he discovered my secret. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. He is from Loveland, after all, and that’s where…” She paused. “Anyway, he’s unwilling to take our case. He says it’s for my own good. Says he’s afraid Augie will get hold of it and splash it across the front page of the Mountaineer.”

  “Augie would never do that, Mama, but I do understand Thad’s concerns.”

  And will thank him later for sparing you the grief.

  “After the ruckus I’ve made?” Her mother squeezed her eyes shut and released a slow breath. When her eyes opened, she gazed intently at Lottie. “So I’ve asked him to stop the petition.”

  “Stop the petition?” Lottie gasped. “And there’s not going to be a lawsuit?”

  “No. It’s over, Lottie. I can’t protect you from those women, but I can protect myself from the shame it would cause our family if my story went public.”

  “Mama, listen to me.” Lottie gripped her hand and gazed into her eyes. “Once and for all, please listen. Those women are not what you’ve accused them of being. In fact, several of them are about to be married ladies.”

  “Married ladies?” Mama used her hankie to dab her eyes.

  “Yes. So dry your eyes. I have a lot to tell you, and this is a story you’ll want to hear. I promise, by the time it ends, you’ll be cheering for the very people you once accused. Won’t you give them a chance, Mama? Please?”

  When her passionate plea ended, Lottie’s hands shook so much that she could barely keep them still. And though Lottie could scarcely believe it, her mother responded with a nod.

  Whispering up a prayer, Lottie began to share the real story of the wedding belles.

  TWENTY-THREE

  ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR

  Come one, come all, to Parker Lodge Theatrical Society’s first-ever melodrama, which opens tonight! We’ve settled on a name for the show: All’s Fair in Love and War, suggested by local resident Althea Baker. Enjoy the camaraderie of your friends and neighbors as you eat a tasty meal by master chef Jeb Otis and nibble on slices of pie named after the various characters in the show. My favorite is the Justin Credible Pecan Pie. It’s just incredible! Those who were fortunate enough to get tickets for tonight’s show will sit alongside veteran theater critic Gerald Jefferson. Together, they will witness the talents of locals and new residents as they take to the stage to give the performance of their lives. You’re sure to be thrilled with their abilities. A special thank-you to the Women’s League for purchasing more than a dozen pies. Proceeds will benefit Parker Lodge and the surrounding areas. See you tonight at the show, folks. Until then…break a leg! —Your friends at Parker Lodge

  ON THE AFTERNOON of the opening show, Lottie buzzed around the dining hall in happy anticipation, putting the finishing touches on costumes, props, and set pieces. She could hardly believe how seamlessly things had come together. If she had any doubt in her mind, this morning’s visit from Mama and Althea Baker laid all her concerns to rest. And how funny, in the midst of their conversation, that Althea had inadvertently given them the title for the show. Yes, all was fair in love and war, but living in peace was so much better, especially with the Lord at the center of it all.

  As she rounded the corner into the hallway, Lottie bumped into someone familiar. Actually, a couple of someones—who happened to be kissing.

  “Winifred?”

  Lottie looked on as her older sister stood with her arms around Thad Baker’s neck.

  “Oops.” Winifred giggled and took a step back. “Guess the cat’s been caught with the cream.” She gazed with intensity into Thad’s eyes. “Oh, but what cream!”

  He pulled Winnie close and planted a kiss on her forehead. “Why would I mind if anyone sees us kissing? I think we’ve already established that folks around here are accustomed to dealing with rumors.” He waggled his brows. “So let’s start one. Let’s tell everyone we’re getting married.”

  “Getting married?” Lottie laughed. “Now, that would be quite the story, wouldn’t it? I can almost see the expressions on faces now.”

  “We are, Lottie.” Winnie held out her left hand and revealed a lovely opal ring.

  “Wait…” Lottie shook her head. “You two are getting hitched?”

  “Yes, we’re getting married. I’ve known for a couple of days but didn’t tell anyone because I didn’t want to disrupt the show. That’s the most important thing right now.”

  “More important than my sister’s happiness?” Lottie practically flung herself into her sister’s arms. “Nonsense! You’re more important than some silly melodrama, Winnie. Heaven help me if any production ever becomes more important than the people in it. If—or when—that happens, I pray someone will slap me upside my head.”

  “Silly Lottie-Lou. No one can ever accuse you of paying more attention to the play than the people in it. I think you made it clear that you love your cast and crew. And they love you too.”

  “Speaking of love…” Thad swept Winnie into his arms and gave her another kiss. Lottie took this as her cue to move on, though she could hardly believe what she’d just seen. Would wonders never cease?

  She reached the pie parlor just in time to see Doc Jennings working behind the counter alongside Hannah. Lottie offered him a smile, which he returned.

  “Just keeping an eye on our patient, Lottie. That’s all.”

  Sure it is.

  She looked at Hannah, who gave her a wink. “So, what’s going on in here?”

  “Oh, just selling pies, as always,” Hannah replied. “We’ve done a lot of business today, but we’re saving as much as we can for the show. That’s why I asked William to help, because I’ll be so busy on stage.”

  “William?”

  Hannah gestured at Doc Jennings, who had ventured over to speak to Mrs. Parker on the far side of the room. “William Jennings, the doctor. You know.” Hannah almost lost her grip on the blackberry cobbler in her hand. She set it on the counter and looked at Lottie. “It might sound silly, but I’m ready for things to change.”

  “How so?”

  “My life has always been the same—day in and day out. That’s not to say I don’t love the theater. It’s just that I’m looking for more.”

  “More what?”

  Hannah smiled. “Not sure. Just…more. And when I’m with William, I feel more alive than I ever have.”

  “Well, of course you do. He’s a doctor. It’s those vitamins he’s been giving you, along with that new high-protein diet.”

  Hannah giggled. “You’re so funny, Lottie. But that’s not it at all, though the vitamins have improved my stamina. I feel more alive when I’m with him because—because…” She giggled. “Oh, you might as well know it. I love the man.”

  “W–what?” Lottie could hardly believe it. Of all people for Hannah to fall in love with. Doc Jennings. Why, she couldn’t have arranged this any better if she’d tried all day.

  She’d just started to ask for more details when customers swarmed the pie parlor. Hannah turned her attention to waiting on them. Oh well. Lottie still had a lot to do. Better get to the kitchen to check on Jeb.

  She found him there, as always, but appearing a little di
stracted, with Fanny in his arms. Better move on. There were a few questions she needed to ask Grace about the choreography. Lottie found her on stage, behind the closed curtain, going over dance steps with Chauncy, who—for the first time—looked perfectly natural in taking the lead. Lottie decided not to disturb them. Might be better to visit with Flossie about those last-minute changes they’d made to the script.

  She couldn’t seem to find her in the dining hall, so she checked backstage. Heavens to Betsy. Flossie and Phineas were located in Gil’s office, amid the costumes…kissing. And giggling. And basically acting like a couple of kids.

  Must be something in the water.

  Something in the water. “Hmm.”

  She smiled as she thought about the many, many times she’d waded through the shallow rapids of Fall River, letting God minister to her heart. Oh, what blissful confidence she’d found in that place. Yes, there was certainly something in the water at Parker Lodge, and it appeared to be contagious.

  * * * * *

  GILBERT BARELY HAD TIME to take a few bites of his dinner before getting into costume. Even after weeks of preparation, he still felt unsure about his role as Justin Credible but would give it his best shot.

  Really, the only performance on his mind was the one he’d been rehearsing for all day. He could hardly wait for that show to begin. With the tables now cleared and dining hall doors about to open to the public any moment now, he’d better get to it.

  “Folks, I know we’re in a hurry, but I need a couple of minutes of your time.”

  The cast grew silent. He glanced over at Lottie—beautiful, ladylike Lottie, all dolled up in the prettiest pink dress he’d ever seen. It really accentuated that lovely upswept hair. He would have to remember to tell her later that she looked prettier than any of the others in the room. Right now, though, he had something else to tell her.

  Or, rather, to ask her.

  He cleared his throat and called out her name. She looked at him, her brow wrinkling. “Gil, the show’s about to begin.”

  “Yes. It is.” He smiled. “So, c’mon up here before I forget my lines.”

  “Forget your lines?” She joined him on the stage. “What are you doing?” she whispered.

  “Lottie, I have a little something I’d like to share, right here in front of our friends and neighbors.”

  “You haven’t changed your mind about being in the show, have you? Because if you have—”

  “No. I’m committed. Fully and totally committed to being Justin Credible.”

  This got a laugh out of the cast.

  “And I’m committed to something else too.” He dropped down on one knee, ready to speak the most important line of his life. Fumbling around in his pocket, he came out with a ring, one that had belonged to his grandmother.

  “Oh, Gil!” Lottie clasped a hand over her mouth and several of the ladies began to cheer.

  From outside the door, he heard the voices of the patrons eager to be let inside. Well, they would just have to wait. Nothing would steal this moment from him, not even a room full of paying customers.

  “Lottie-Lou Sanders, I’m going to pose this question using a line from the show. As Justin Credible would say, ‘I’m hankerin’ fer a honeymoon.’ ”

  A ripple of laughter went up from the crowd, and Lottie’s cheeks turned as pink as her dress. “Gil, I’m not sure what you’re—”

  “I’m trying to propose,” he said. “But I’m making a disaster of it. Wish I knew someone who was good at stringing words together.”

  “I’ll help.” Flossie stood up. “What sort of scene were you imagining, Gilbert? Deep and romantic or lighthearted and fun?”

  “Guess it’s a little too late to speculate about that,” he said, shifting to the other knee. “Though, under the circumstances, I’d say something brief would be good. Something that cuts right to the chase. Our audience is waiting outside, you know.”

  “Hmm, that might be problematic.” Flossie shrugged. “I only write lengthier scenes.”

  “I’m a newspaper writer.” Augie stepped up to the edge of the stage. “I’m good with short pieces. What would you like to tell her, Gil?”

  “If I knew that, I wouldn’t need your help.”

  “Good point. Give me a minute. Maybe something will come to me.”

  Hannah approached with a smile. “I’m pretty good with words, Gilbert,” she said. “And I’m a woman. I can tell you what I think Lottie would like to hear.”

  Gil nodded in their direction. “True, but I think I’d better do this one on my own.” He gazed up at Lottie—his precious, beloved Lottie—and smiled. “Where was I?”

  “I’m pretty sure you were proposing.” She went into a fit of giggles, which gave him the courage he needed to forge ahead.

  “Will you marry me, Lottie?” he said. “Will you marry me and make Parker Lodge your home? Will you bake pies alongside my mama and direct plays and raise our babies and walk in the river with me?”

  “Gracious. In that order?” Lottie chuckled.

  “I’ll take it in any order I can get it, as long as you’re beside me.”

  “Then the answer is yes.”

  He slipped the ring on her finger then rose and wrapped her in his arms, completely overcome. Their lips met for a kiss that would make the ladies blush, but he didn’t care. After waiting for so long, Lottie deserved to know his feelings once and for all. And he would go on showing her…for the rest of his life.

  * * * * *

  FOR A MOMENT, Lottie felt as if she’d somehow drifted off into a lovely scene from a play. Had Gilbert just proposed? And in front of all of their friends? And that kiss! Ooh-la-la! What a doozy! She glanced down at her left hand and took in the beautiful ring he’d slipped on her finger, and the tears started.

  “There’s no crying in theater, kid,” Flossie hollered out.

  “Only the tears caused by evil critics,” Fanny added.

  “Oh! The critic.” Lottie started to attention. “Does anyone know what time it is?”

  “Six forty-eight,” Gilbert said.

  “The doors were supposed to open at six forty-five.” She clapped her hands together and hollered out her instructions to the group. “Backstage, everyone! I’m about to open the doors to our audience.”

  As everyone scrambled, she paused just long enough to give Gilbert another kiss. Well, maybe two. Or three. What did it matter, in the grand scheme of things, if the audience members sat down at six forty-eight or six forty-nine?

  Or six fifty.

  She finally opened the doors, a rush of emotion kicking in as she saw the crowd. The ladies were dressed to the nines, just as Augie had predicted. And, oh! She’d never seen such hats! What fun!

  With the doors open, she returned to the area backstage to wait until time for the show to begin. In her mind, she rehearsed the order of events. Mrs. Parker and a couple of the local ladies would go from table to table, taking orders for food and pie. Jeb would play an opening number on his saw. She would greet the audience and fill them in on the story. And then…well, then the play would begin.

  From backstage, she peeked out at the dining hall, stunned to see the chairs filling so rapidly. One unfamiliar fellow took a seat up front and straightened his coat tails with dramatic flair.

  Cornelia joined Lottie and peeked out at the room. “Ooh, that must be the critic. He’s sitting front and center. That’s where they always sit.”

  “I figured as much.”

  “Are you worried about him?” Cornelia asked.

  “No, not at all. The way I see it, we’ve already faced our critics head-on and won. So what can he say about us?”

  “Still…” Cornelia’s lips curled up in a smile. “He’s nice-looking, for an older fellow. Oh! Lottie, look!” She pointed as Althea Baker landed in the seat next to the critic, with Thad and Winnie on her other side and a young man, about Cornelia’s age, next to Thad. “Who is that, do you suppose?”

  “I think it must
be Thad’s younger brother. Winnie told me he was coming, but I’d forgotten.”

  “What’s his name?” Cornelia’s lips curled up in a delightful smile.

  Lottie shrugged. “Daniel, if memory serves me correctly.”

  “Daniel.” Cornelia giggled then clasped a hand over her mouth. “Oh, sorry. It’s just that he’s awfully handsome. Is he…”

  “Married? No. Very single and quite the businessman, from what I’ve been told.” Lottie turned to gaze at her friend. “Why?”

  “Oh, no reason.” She blushed. “Just wondering.”

  Lottie turned her attention back to the audience and tried to get a better look at Mr. Jefferson. Unfortunately, he had turned toward Althea, who must’ve said something that put a smile on his face. Then he reached down to pick up her program, which had fluttered to the floor.

  “Guess I’ll never get a good look at him,” Lottie said. “Not sure what to make of the way he’s acting around Althea.”

  “I’ll tell you what I make of it,” Sharla said from behind them. “She’s flirting with him.”

  “Flirting?” The women spoke at once.

  “Sure.” Sharla chuckled. “I could teach lessons in flirting, but that woman doesn’t need any. She dropped her program on purpose so he would pick it up for her. And look at how she’s patting her hair. Women only do that when they’re flirting.”

  “O–oh?” Cornelia stopped fidgeting with her hair and shrugged. “I had no idea.”

  “Ironic, isn’t it?” Gilbert slipped his arms around Lottie’s waist and drew her close.

  “What’s that?” She nestled into his embrace, completely content.

  “Althea might just make use of that honeymoon suite yet.”

  Lottie gasped. “Oh, Gil, I’d forgotten. She won the contest.”

  “Yep. We chose her title for the show.” His brows wiggled playfully. “Maybe the Lord knew what He was doing all along.”

  “Doesn’t He always?” Lottie giggled.

  Before they could say anything else, Jeb took the stage and began to play his saw. “That’s our cue.” Lottie grinned. “Everyone ready?”