Birdie's Nest

by Linda LaRoque

  “I understand. Tell her hello for us and to bring the children by when she needs time to herself.”

  “I will. She’ll like that.”

  “Come on, let’s take a seat over here on the sofa.”

  As was his habit, he sat close to her with an arm behind her—so much like his father. He’d always been protective and the bond between them was close. She reached up and patted his cheek. With his hair dark like Lucy’s, his blue eyes were startling against his tanned complexion. Though his coloring was different from the other children, he’d always been the first born in her heart and number one son. Not that she loved the other children any less, because she didn’t. But Nathan appeared to need her more.

  When he decided to go into law, she and Tad decided he should inherit Birdie’s Nest and Jason would take over the ranch. At twenty-six, Jason was already an integral part of running the large operation. The girls, Patty and Julie were both married and each had been given a tract of land. Fortunately, all their children lived near in and around Waco so they were able to get together often.

  Nathan patted her shoulder. “It’s done, Mother, just as you stipulated.”

  Thank you, Lord. Now the future of Birdie’s Nest was secure and wouldn’t be razed to build condominiums or some resort.

  Tears stung her eyes and she dropped her head to his shoulder. She spoke around the lump in her throat. “Thank you, son. I can’t tell you how much that eases my mind.”

  “I think I do, Mother.” He chuckled. “After all, you told me often enough as soon as I was old enough to understand.”

  She swiped at the tears on her cheeks. “You’re right, but I couldn’t let you forget. They didn’t mind the stipulations we placed on the bequest?”

  “Nope. The members of the legal department were pleased with the arrangement.” He took a document from his inside coat pocket. “Here is your copy. The University has several copies and will serve the paperwork to Patty Braxton on July 15, 2012.”

  “But, the title is in my name.”

  “True, but your document supersedes any will left after the date your bequest was signed—June 1, 1920. A court would have extreme difficulty trying to over turn it.”

  Birdie exhaled a sigh of relief. “And they have the note for Aunt Patty, the brooch and my silver star and will deliver them to her?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I think you’ve thought of everything, but Mother, I’m curious as to how our ancestors are going to be named Braxton.”

  “I can’t remember for sure but a Braxton inherits somehow. It will work out, Nathan, don’t worry.”

  * * *

  July 15, 2012

  Patty’s heart thumped in alarm as the doorbell sounded. Was it someone with word about Birdie? She hurried to see who had stopped by. It could be Captain Smith and Sergeant Weaver. The two Rangers checked on her often. She knew they were doing all they could to find Birdie, but dragging of the Brazos had stopped. Divers believed she’d moved south and her body might never be found. Thank goodness she’d baked a fresh batch of teacakes. Those two men enjoyed them so.

  She opened the door to see two men, both dressed in fancy suits and one carried an attaché case. “Yes, may I help you, gentlemen?”

  “Ms. Patricia Braxton?” He held out a card and she opened the screen door to take it. The first thing she noticed was the embossed Baylor University symbol and then his name—Jonathan Sanders, Legal Department.

  “Yes, I’m Patricia Braxton.”

  “I’m Jonathan Sanders and this is my co-worker, Lane Price. May we come in and talk with you about a legal matter?”

  “Well I can’t imagine about what, but yes, come in.” She stepped back and the two men entered, closed the door behind them and stood in the entry hall waiting for her directions. “Come into the parlor and have a seat. Could I get you a cup of coffee?”

  “No, ma’am, but thank you.”

  They sat on the sofa and she sat in one of the chairs facing them. “Now, what’s this all about?”

  Mr. Sanders laid his briefcase on his knees, opened it and withdrew a large manila envelope before closing and locking the case. “From what I understand, you have no idea about the legal documents I’m going to show you today, so, if you’d like to call someone to be here with you for advice, please feel free to do so.

  What on earth were they talking about? Were they here to take Birdie’s Nest before August first? “Yes, I believe I will. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be right back.””

  She telephoned Captain Smith and briefly explained her situation. “We’ll be right there, Patricia.” She hung up the phone and brewed a pot of coffee. She stacked five cups on a silver tray and a china plate filled with teacakes. When the coffee was finished she poured it into the silver coffee pot, added containers of cream and sugar and carried it into the parlor.

  When she entered the sitting room, Mr. Price jumped up and rushed to take it from her. “Thank you, young man.” She cleared a space off on the coffee table. “Set it right here.” The doorbell chimed. “That will be Captain Smith and Sergeant Weaver.”

  She let them in and made the introductions. The two Baylor officials stood and shook hands with the two officers. Captain Smith asked, “May we see your business cards and a drivers licenses?” Both were quick to present their identification. He nodded. “Looks like everything is on the up and up, Ms. Braxton. Let’s hear what they have to say.” He added. “Let’s all take a seat.”

  Mr. Sanders took a long paper from the envelope. “This is the original deed to Birdie’s Nest, issued in December 1892.” He handed it to Patricia. She flipped through the pages and gasped at what was on the last page. The signature at the bottom was Birdie Leigh Braxton Lockhart.

  “I can’t believe it. It’s signed by Birdie. I’d know her handwriting anywhere.” She handed the papers to the captain. “But… Lockhart?” She shook her head. “I don’t understand.”

  When they’d all perused the deed, Mr. Sanderson handed her another document. “This is a bequest document saying that on August 1, 2012 Baylor University will inherit this home. To do so, they must fulfill the following stipulations. Pay the back taxes and undertake to preserve the building and grounds in current condition for the enjoyment of the town of Waco or Baylor University, whichever Baylor decides. Any living relatives of Birdie Leigh Braxton Lockhart will be allowed to live in the carriage house for free until death and be able to bring his/her favorite items from the main house.” He handed the record to Patricia.

  Patty could only stare at the words. Again, there was Birdie’s signature. How could this be? She handed the document over to the two rangers. Both looked it over and then sat deep in thought. Captain Smith leaned forward and handed the paper over. Mr. Price took it and placed it with the growing stack on the table.

  The captain poured himself a cup of coffee. He sipped quietly for several minutes. “The date on these documents is June 1, 1920. Rather odd, isn’t it?”

  “It’s quite common for people to bequest their property to Universities years before their expected death,” said Mr. Sanders. “However, this is the earliest one we’ve ever handled.”

  Ted filled several cups with coffee and offered them to Sanders and Price. They both accepted the hot brew, but Sanders was quick to move the papers to a safer spot. “Thank you.”

  “Aunt Patty, would you like coffee?”

  She smiled. The young man had started calling her Aunt Patty when he’d visited with Birdie. Both Rangers had visited on occasion since her disappearance. It was just a month and a half, but felt like years. “Yes, thank you.”

  He lifted the plate of teacakes and held it forward. “Cookie anyone?”

  Patty smiled as all four men took one. No one could resist her teacakes.

  Captain Smith frowned at Ted. “How is it that you call Ms. Braxton Aunt Patty, Ted?”

  The younger man grinned. “I’ve been eating her teacakes for a long time. I’ve earned the right.”

  Captai
n Smith snorted. “You’ve been over here mooching, huh?”

  “Actually, Captain, he’s been a blessing to have around since Birdie disappeared.”

  A shocked Sanders and Price traded glances. “Disappeared?” asked Price.

  “Yes,” said Smith. His eyes narrowed as he studied the reaction of the two men. “She was one of our best Texas Rangers. She disappeared on June 1st of this year.”

  Price stammered, “I can assure…you…we knew nothing about a disappearance.” He tapped the papers. “This has to be a different Birdie.” He glanced around at them all. “Right?”

  “I don’t know what to think.” Patty rubbed her temples in confusion.

  Sanders sat his cup down. “I suggest you contact your lawyer, Ms. Braxton. We know the arrangement is legal, but you need to be reassured. You will not be tossed out of your home and your taxes will be paid. This house will probably become a museum of sorts for Baylor University.” Price handed the documents to her. “These are your copies. We have a different set. We also have some personal items to give you when you vacate the main property and sign the documents signifying that you’re conceding to Mrs. Lockhart’s wishes.”

  Two days later, Ted and several of his friends helped her move into the carriage house. When she was settled, she opened the envelope Mr. Sanders had handed her that morning, after she’d signed the papers. It had taken all of her will power to wait until she was moved. “Okay, Ted, I’m opening it.” She patted the sofa cushion beside her.

  She carefully opened the package and poured the items into her hand—Birdie’s silver star and the amethyst brooch. “My God, Birdie had these on her when she disappeared. I don’t understand what’s going on here.”

  Ted patted her shoulder. “I don’t understand it either, but let’s take a look at that letter before we jump to conclusions.”

  Patty carefully unfolded the fine stationary.

  June 1, 1920,

  Dear Aunt Patty,

  No, you’re not crazy. It took me a while to figure out I wasn’t. Something strange happened on the Brazos Belle. The locket warmed, there was some lightening and then someone hit me on the head and tossed me overboard. Thaddeus Lockhart pulled me from the water. The year was 1890. It took me a long time to believe I had traveled back in time, but when I accepted the fact, my main goal was to get Birdie’s Nest built by the end of 1892.

  The brooch was lost in the river. On our wedding day, Tad gave me one that I believe is the same—it was just new in 1891. I’ve never worn it because I feared it had something to do with my time travel. I didn’t want to take a chance of being separated from my new family.

  Please give my star to Captain Smith or Ted Weaver. They’ll know what todo with it.

  Love to you always,

  Birdie

  Epilogue

  July 22, 1920

  Birdie sat beside Tad in the glider on the front veranda. A cooling breeze blew in from the Brazos and the hand fan she waved back and forth in her hand helped. They needed to get ceiling fans installed out here. She pulled the gauzy dress away from her legs. At least the clothes in 1920 were more bearable and nylons hadn’t become a required accessory yet.

  Tad slipped his arm around her shoulders and leaned in to kiss her cheek. “Happy, sweetheart?”

  “Yeah, I am. How about you?”

  “I couldn’t be happier. The kids are all settled and happy, you’ve gotten the future of Birdie’s Nest settled.” He nipped her ear and whispered. “I think we should take a trip. Fly somewhere on one of those new-fangled air planes.”

  She giggled. “You’re a brave man. I’m not sure I want to risk my life.”

  He sat up straight and looked out across the lawn. “Do you recognize the car stopped out front?”

  Birdie stood and walked across the width of the porch, shaded her eyes with her hand and tried to get a better look. It was a Ford Model T. “No, I don’t.” A woman got out of the back seat. She turned and said something to the driver before turning and walking across the lawn to the house. The dress she wore was slightly shorter than the one Birdie had on, and she wore a large straw sunhat, one most women wouldn’t wear away from their back garden. Curious, Birdie left the porch and walked across the lawn to meet her. Something about her hair…the way she walked… Could it be?

  “Aunt Patty?” Birdie yelled as she broke into a run. “Aunt Patty!"

  Birdie caught Aunt Patty to her in a hug, and held on tight, afraid if she let her go she’d disappear. She sobbed, “I can’t believe it! You’re here, you’re really here!” She struggled to stop crying.

  “Turn me loose, young lady, so I can look at you.” They stood arm’s distance apart. Except for a few additional worry lines on her face, Aunt Patty appeared as she had the day Birdie disappeared. “My God, Birdie, you’re almost as old as me.”

  Birdie giggled and choked out, “Well, it has been thirty years.”

  “Maybe for you. It’s been a month and a half for me.” She shook her head and touched Birdie’s face, wiping away the moisture. “No tears, now.” Her aunt ran her fingers over her face, touched her hair and looked her up and down. “I can’t believe it. Thirty years.” She smiled and shook her head. “You are still beautiful.”

  “Why don’t you ladies come in out of the sun?” Tad had joined them and slipped an arm around each of their shoulders. He steered them toward the porch. “Sarah is bringing a pitcher of sweet tea.”

  “Aunt Patty, this is my husband, Tad.”

  She looked up at him. “You found a good-looking one, didn’t you, dear? Tall too.”

  “Yes, ma’am, I did. Tad, as you know this is my Aunt Patty.”

  “It’s wonderful to meet you at last. Birdie has missed you every day she’s been here.” He dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Are you happy, sweetheart?”

  “Ecstatic.”

  Tad pulled chairs closer together so they could visit. Sarah poured tea and passed glasses around.

  “Aunt Patty, this is Sarah. She was Nathan’s—you’ll meet him later—wet nurse until he was weaned. She married one of the wranglers at the ranch and decided to stay with us.”

  “Hello, Miss Braxton. I feel as if I know you. Birdie talked about you so much.”

  “Well, I hope it was good. And you call me Aunt Patty, just like everyone else.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Sarah, will you call all of the kids and tell them we need them tomorrow? Don’t tell them why... just say we need to discuss something with them. Oh, and include Bethany and her family.” Birdie picked up a plate of teacakes and passed it around.

  Aunt Patty took a bite and her face lit up. “These are very good. I’ll have to compare recipes with your cook.”

  “Actually, I made these.”

  “No!”

  “Yes. I swore I wouldn’t be doing all that womanly stuff but somewhere along the way, I picked it up. I actually enjoy cooking on occasion.”

  “She’s quite good, especially with desserts. Makes a mean pecan pie, just like my mother’s.” Birdie had learned shortly before Olivia’s health started to decline in 1909.

  “Well, will wonders never cease!” Aunt Patty reached over and patted Birdie’s leg. “I’m proud of you.” She sniffed and wiped at the corners of her eyes. “I’ve gotten so maudlin in my old age.” She coughed to clear her throat. “I can’t tell you how horrifying it was to think you’d drowned in the river.”

  Birdie stifled a snort. “More like Samuelson tried to murder me. And of course, I can imagine how distraught you were. I’m sorry for the pain you had to suffer. Now that I look back on it all, I’d probably still have time-traveled anyway, but he hit me in the head and tossed me over, right into that eddy.”

  “Harrumph, he didn’t get off Scott free, young lady. The police and your Ranger friends bugged him for weeks. Because of the suspicion, his financial investors backed out of the building deal.”

  “Ha-ha, served him right. I’m glad. Do Captain Smith and T
ed Weaver know what happened to me?”

  “Yes, indeed. Saw them both several times after the Baylor lawyer came to call. And both rangers will know what’s happened to me now that I’ve disappeared.” She winked. “That Ted checked on me often. I really think he was after my teacakes, but I did enjoy having him around.”

  Tad reached for another teacake. “Ladies, I’m enjoying the conversation, but let’s get to the meat of the situation here. Tell us how your time travel occurred, Aunt Patty.”

  “Birdie, you know those beautiful yellow roses you love so?” Birdie glanced across the lawn to the rose garden in the center. A variety of colors were planted around a recycling water fountain. Yellow “Sulphur” roses surrounded the assortment. Fortunately, through hybridization they now had a much more pleasing aroma.

  “Yes, I remember.”

  “This morning, wearing the brooch, I went out to the garden and cut the prettiest bloom I could find. Then, I grabbed my handbag and my hat and walked to the suspension bridge.” She patted her hip. “Oh, and I was afraid to leave your letter behind so stuck it in my pocket. Standing in the center I looked down, day-dreaming about the many times we’d walked the bridge and enjoyed the spring weather, when I saw an eddy flowing toward the bridge with the current, getting deeper the closer it got. It was odd—frightening.” She shivered. “As I tried to think up a few fitting words to say in your memory, this dang brooch became alive... it got warm and vibrated. I accidently dropped the rose into the eddy at the same time as a bolt of lightening shot from the sky. It knocked me to the ground. I thought I was dead.”

  She drew in a deep breath. “Until that old Model T sounded ‘ah-ooo-gah‘ and the screech of the brakes halted the contraption not two feet from my body.”

  “Good grief, you could have been killed!”

  “Scared me, I tell you.” She placed her hands over her heart. “Thought for a minute there I’d had a heart attack. The driver of the Model T helped me up and fussed over me. Of course, I was confused. I knew you’d said you’d time-traveled, Birdie, but had no idea that I would. It wasn’t until I was on my feet and looking around that I realized what had happened.” Her expression turned dreamy. “There in the distance sat Birdie’s Nest looking like a regal lady, with no wide boulevard running parallel with the river, no apartment complexes down the road and no Cameron Park.”