by Tara Randel
Hesitantly, Kate returned the picture to the place Mary Beth had left it. Time to get back to work. And try to figure out what niggled her memory.
9
“You had to bring the mystery thread up again, didn’t you?” Annie teased later that afternoon as she and Alice took an impromptu walk down to the small beach by Butler’s Lighthouse. Even at the end of June, cool sand sifted under her bare feet. Closer to the surf, a chilly mist sent shivers through her body. She slipped on the hoodie she’d wrapped around her waist when she’d left the house.
“Sorry. The gang was enjoying all the talk about Betsy’s cross-stitch. I wanted to get the discussion back to it.”
“Yeah. And look what happened. Stella stormed out.”
“I’m sorry about that, really. I had no idea she’d get so upset.”
Annie kicked at some dried seaweed. “Why do you think she’s so touchy about it?”
“I don’t know if it’s a personal thing, your grandmother, or life in general. She hasn’t been a very happy person in the years I’ve known her.”
“From the sounds of it, she’s had a wonderful life.”
Alice shrugged. “Who knows what makes a person happy? I told you she doesn’t like to talk about her life in New York all that much. She hardly ever talks about her late husband and never talks about her childhood here. She’s one of those people who never truly lets you see the real person inside.”
And here Annie had waltzed in, a stranger, rocking the boat that was Stella’s life. “I have to admit, I feel kind of guilty. She’s been involved in the Hook and Needle Club for years, and in just three meetings I’ve managed to run her off.”
“Don’t take it so personally. Like I said, Stella’s hard to figure out. She can always find something to be mad about. To each her own.”
They walked along in silence for a few moments. Salt from the water tinged the humid air. Seagulls cried out as they dove after fish in the waves. The frothy coastline left behind treasures of the ocean, including myriad shells that were eventually crushed into the sand, alongside rounded stones. Tidal pools of water with sea life swimming inside waited for the next high tide to pull them back into the depths.
Butler’s Lighthouse towered in the distance. White washed, silhouetted against the sky, it stood proudly on a peninsula, a beacon to boats on the water as well as a landmark to folks on shore. Annie figured she knew the answer to the question forming in her mind, but she asked anyway. “I take it the lighthouse was named after the illustrious Butler family?”
“One and the same.”
What a proud family legacy, Annie thought. She had her own version--in a piece of stitchery. Every family made its own mark. Betsy’s had been her amazing cross-stitch flair.
Annie had one thing on her mind. “So is there always so much drama in the Hook and Needle Club?”
“No, you managed to start that all on your own.”
“Wonderful. I hope I’m not branded as the troublemaker. I only wanted to make friends.”
“I think everyone is secretly glad you showed up. Our routine needed to be shaken up.”
Annie wasn’t so sure about that but wasn’t about to argue the point. Instead, she said, “So tell me about Kate. She’s usually quiet.”
“She and her husband split up, not long ago. If you met him, you’d know why. He’s sweet but gets rough when he drinks. She’s still getting used to being on her own.”
“Sounds like a theme.”
“She’ll be fine. She’s stronger than she lets on.”
“Her crocheted clothing is superb.”
“Isn’t she talented?” Alice agreed. “All of the jackets she makes are her own design. Your grandmother and I tried to get her to enter her pieces in contests, but she never would. She’s really shy about her talent, although Mary Beth has gotten her to display her inventory at the shop.
“Of course, Mary Beth didn’t ask if Kate would display her work, per se. She just did it. Said she’d fire her on the spot if Kate made a fuss. The jackets have been displayed ever since. She’s made some sales and had requests by customers to make more. So Kate hasn’t exactly complained.”
“She seems to like talking about Gram.”
“Oh, yeah. They were thick as thieves, spending hours plotting a project.”
“Gram made it a point to support people with talent and a willingness to learn.”
“That’s our Kate. She’s had a real rough relationship with her husband. He’s still making things difficult for her. I think that’s why she doesn’t like to draw attention to her work, or herself for that matter. She never thinks she’s good enough, even though she’s about as professional as they come.’’
“That’s too bad. Is her husband around?”
“Yeah, which doesn’t help things. Harry is a third-generation Stony Point fisherman. Makes a pretty decent living by fishing, but Kate wants to make her own income and help support their daughter.”
“So let me guess, she’s another life-long resident too?”
Alice snorted. “Harry, not Kate. Although she’s lived here long enough.”
“Well, at least I’m not alone. Mary Beth, Kate, and I should form our own club. Outsiders United.”
“It won’t take that long before everyone forgets you’re from Texas. Just watch the y’alls, and things should be great.”
“As if it were that easy. I was actually going for that flat accent you Maine people speak with.”
“Hmm, so far not so good.” Alice veered away from the shore. “What do you say we have a seat while the sun sets before the mosquitoes come out to feast on us?” She headed to a curve in the coastline, leading to a small secluded cove. “Those annoying insects can ruin any party.” Inhaling deeply, Alice breathed in the cool ocean air. “I come here all the time to think or get rid of the stress of the day. I love watching the colors change in the sky as the sun sets. It reminds me of some of the cool color choices Kate picks for her clothes. Boy, if I had half her talent …”
They navigated the cove, staying near the edge of the water. A clump of tall sea grass added a small dash of color to the otherwise sandy terrain. The breeze kicked up, bringing with it the unmistakable scent of rain. Clouds gathered in the south, but not dark or heavy enough to threaten a storm just yet. Annie followed Alice, a nagging sense of déjà vu nudging her as they strolled into the cove. “Did we come here when we were kids?”
“I don’t remember. Maybe.”
“This place seems so familiar to me.”
“Have you been down here since you came back to Grey Gables?”
“No, this is the first chance I’ve had.” Annie rubbed her arms as goose bumps skittered up and down her skin, and the weird sensation grew stronger. “I can’t put my finger on it.”
Alice dropped down into the sand, the water lapping her toes. “You’re still antsy after the club meeting at the shop. Sit. Chill.”
Annie arched her brow. “Chill?”
“Whatever. Relax.”
Taking one last sweeping glance at the beach around them, Annie was about to sit, when something about the shadow, caused by the sun lowering in the western sky, angled along the sand to the water. Her heart pumped faster. As she backed up to get a wider view, she thought for sure her knees would give out.
“Oh my gosh!”
“What?”
“C’mere.” She waved frantically at Alice. How could her friend not see it?
Alice jogged over. “What? What?”
Annie took her by the shoulders and aimed her in the direction she herself had just viewed. Her voice quivered. “Does that look familiar to you?”
“Sand. Water. Sea grass.” Alice shrugged. “I’ve seen it all before.”
“Look again. And then think cross-stitch.”
Alice tilted her head one way and the other. Then went totally still. “I can’t believe this.”
“The way the land curves, along with the water level and the sky color,” Anni
e fanned her hand out over the view. “It’s not exact, but it sure looks like the beach scene on the cross-stitch.”
“It’s been here all along, and I’ve gotten so accustomed to seeing it, I completely missed it.”
“See, we outsiders are good for something.”
“Who knew?”
Annie playfully punched her arm. “You know what this means, don’t you?”
“We found the first clue.” Alice laughed, her expression one of disbelief mingled with awe.
“It makes sense, now that I think about it. This cove isn’t very far from Grey Gables. Gram probably came here often.”
“We’ll have to bring the picture so we can compare, but I have a good feeling about this.”
Annie grinned wildly. Things were starting to fall into place, she sensed it. Just as she knew Gram had stitched together the fabric of her life, somehow Annie knew Gram also had hooked her up with these new friends in Stony Point.
Alice shook her head. “I can’t wait for the girls to hear about this.”
“Our next meeting should be eventful,” Annie said, trying not to visualize what Stella’s reaction might be.
Alice gaped at her. “You’re going to wait a week to tell everyone?”
Her friend had a point. “Okay, I guess I’m not. I’ll call Mary Beth later.”
“You bet you will. If we don’t tell them right away, we’ll never hear the end of it. Trust me, it won’t be pretty.”
As dark clouds headed in their direction, the wind picked up. It was time to head back to the house in case the sky let loose with a summer rainstorm.
“How about we celebrate our first foray into detective work by letting me whip up something special for dinner?” Annie offered.
“You’re on.”
They retraced their steps down the beach and returned to Grey Gables. The majestic Victorian stood in stately silence, as if waiting for the women to come inside. For the first time since arriving in Stony Point, the overshadowing sadness Annie harbored for so long began to lighten.
“I wonder if Betsy knew what she was doing when she left that cross-stitch in the attic for you to find.”
“Whether she did or not, she left me one last gift.” And Annie knew deep in her heart that Gram would be proud. Annie was moving on with her life through the beauty of the cross-stitch.
* * *
Back in the house, Annie handed Alice the phone, dispatching her with the duty of calling each member of the club. By listening to Alice’s end of the conversation, it sounded as if Mary Beth wanted to call an emergency meeting, but Alice talked her out of it since it was so late in the day. Besides, Alice related all the information she had at this point. So for now, the women, except for Stella, who hadn’t answered, were ecstatic with the shared news. By the time Alice finished the calls, Annie had dinner on the table. It rained briefly as they shared a victory meal, and then Alice headed home.
Having just put the last clean dinner plate away, Annie finally had a chance to settle down. She’d just set the pot on for tea when the phone rang.
“Mom? You’ve been a hard woman to reach,” LeeAnn teased from the other end of the line.
“I guess that’s because I’m a long way from Texas.” A wave of contentment washed over Annie. “It’s so good to hear your voice.”
“Same here. We sure miss you back home.”
“Oh, honey, I miss you too. How are you? And the twins?”
“I’m doing great. John and Joanna are growing like weeds. I have them in the church summer camp. They’re loving it. And so am I. It gives me a couple hours each day to breathe and get caught up on things around here.”
“I’m glad they’re enjoying it. Send pictures. And give them a kiss from Gramma.”
LeeAnn chuckled. “Will do. So tell me, what have you been up to?”
For the next fifteen minutes, Annie launched into her adventures in Stony Point, from arriving at Grey Gables and meeting her old friend Alice, to the ladies in the Hook and Needle Club.
“Sounds like you’re getting pretty settled there, Mom.”
“It’s not quite like when I was a child and visited Gram, but I’m enjoying myself.”
“Have you decided what to do with Grey Gables?”
The teakettle sang as Annie decided to broach the subject. She took hold of the handle, pouring hot water over a peach tea bag. “Not yet. I did hire a handyman for the cosmetic work that needed to be done on the house. Overall, and considering the age, this house is in sound shape.”
“So you’re keeping it?”
Did she hear censure in her daughter’s voice? “Do you think I shouldn’t?”
“You live in Texas. How do you expect to keep it up from here?”
“I don’t know, but I was thinking about keeping the house in the family. Carrying on the tradition of spending the summer in Maine.”
“I don’t know … it’s awfully far. And Herb has to work.”
Annie bit her tongue. She knew better than to prod her stubborn daughter if LeeAnn wasn’t ready to make a trip here. She’d have a whole lot more convincing to do before she got results.
“Say, did I tell you I have a Betsy Original on my hands? I found it in the attic. It’s amazing work; a young woman sitting on a porch swing here at Grey Gables.”
“Really?”
Annie didn’t hear any enthusiasm in her daughter’s voice, but she continued the conversation anyway as she wandered out to the front porch to sit on a wicker chair, teacup in hand. With the cool evening breeze brushing her skin, Annie explained the woman and the scenes around her; how just this afternoon they’d discovered the beach setting. “I’ve been doing some detective work to find the identity of the woman, but so far no luck.”
“Sounds like fun,” LeeAnn said, her tone flat. “So when will you be back?”
Annie paused. She really hadn’t thought that far ahead. Then she stopped short. “Wait. Is there something you’re not telling me?”
“No. I told you, everything is fine.” The tension in her voice said otherwise.
“But?”
Annie heard a rustling sound on the other end. “I miss my mom.”
Hearing that her daughter missed her made Annie smile. Even though they hadn’t spent a lot of time together in recent months, it softened her heart to know LeeAnn still needed her mother. “And I miss you, honey. Look, you have Herb and the children to take care of. I was rambling around in that big house back home with nothing to look forward to, except seeing you. Now I’ve made some new friends and I’m finding out things about Gram.” She hesitated. “Things about myself.”
“You do sound happy,” LeeAnn conceded grudgingly.
“I am happy.”
LeeAnn sighed. “I guess I didn’t realize how much I’d miss you until you weren’t here, you know? Does this mean you’ll be hanging out in Maine for the entire summer?”
With everything that was going on, Annie couldn’t see heading back to Texas any time soon. “Maybe …”
“Then I guess you’ll have to keep me in the loop for now. I want to know how your mystery plays out. So maybe we could talk more often?”
“I would love that,” Annie replied, feeling needed by her daughter for the first time in a long time. Too bad she had to be halfway across the country for her daughter to miss her.
She hung up, placing the cordless receiver beside her, and took a sip of her now cool tea. In the distance she heard the surf hitting the shore and seagulls screeching as they dove for food. The sun was nearly set, causing the sky to take on a palette of colors--light blue, deepening to indigo further up in the sky.
After a few more minutes of enjoying the evening, Annie rose, intending to return inside and lock up for the night. As she did, her gaze fell upon the row of impatiens along the house, under the living room windows. Something seemed out of place. Curious, she walked over. Surprise, then concern, filled her when she saw that the plants had been crushed. She checked under another
window to find the same results--flowers trampled into the ground.
Gripping the teacup firmly, she walked around the house, checking under all the windows as she went, convincing herself this was nothing to worry about. But just last night she’d thought she’d heard the back door creak and seen headlights out back. This time was no different. Her heart pounded quickly.
Every so often she would come across the displaced plants or trampled flowers. By the time she’d made a full circuit, she was out of breath. What was going on here? As she climbed up the front-porch steps, she noticed a stack of wood neatly placed by the edge of the railing, tucked to the side so no one would trip over it.
Relief overwhelmed her. Wally was still working on the window trim. So that would explain the flower beds. And knowing Wally, he had every intention of fixing the ground under the windows when he finished the job.
Her heart slowed, but she took one last look down the street, searching for anything out of the norm. Other than insects singing their nightly serenade, she was alone. Nothing stirred around her. She was safe.
She had to believe that if she wanted to sleep through the night.
10
Solving the mystery of the Lady in the Attic, as Annie started to think of the cross-stitch, as well as the strange events at Grey Gables, was put on hold as the entire town got ready for the July Fourth celebration. In her mind, Annie came up with plausible reasons for the night she’d seen the lights and for the trampled flowers. Now, with the holiday here, she would concentrate on town festivities.
Every year Mary Beth set up a table outside the store for children to participate in the construction of patriotic crafts: small flags formed from beads on oversized safety pins; fake sparklers fashioned out of colored straws and sparkly ribbons; and colored sand art, to create the illusion of exploding fireworks.
Usually Kate and Mary Beth took turns manning the table. It was too hot for Stella to sit outside all day, Peggy worked at the diner, and Gwendolyn had other pressing duties planned by her husband. So when Mary Beth asked if Annie would be willing to help, she couldn’t refuse. This was her chance to become part of the community. Another step to belonging.