House at Whispering Oaks

by Hargrove Perth

  Jesse smiled, half-heartedly. He was at a complete loss. Despite their efforts, Jesse and Sadie had never been able to have a baby. Having a full-blown teenager dropped in his lap left him a bit baffled concerning what to say and what not to say. Things he didn’t think would make Cordie cry, sent her to her room in tears, things he thought would, made her smile.

  “Your dad was a great man. Don’t ever forget that.”

  The ten-minute drive to Whispering Oaks was filled with uncomfortable silence until Cordie caught a glimpse of her Aunt Sadie standing on the front lawn, wearing a full hoop skirt, a layered dress, corset, and carrying a parasol. As soon as she saw Aunt Sadie, Cordie snickered.

  “That is what she does on Tuesdays?”

  “No, Cordie, only the first Tuesday of the month. We must be proper about this.” Jesse burst out laughing and so did Cordie.

  “Can I ask why this is such a big deal? I mean, the Civil War is really interesting, but why would they want to get together in a get-up like that?”

  “The quintessential definition of a Southern Belle is a woman who prides herself on being well mannered, having social graciousness, and being the epitome of Southern hospitality. The South was very rich before the War, Cordie, and when it was over, families were left broken, bankrupt, and some of them were completely wiped from the land. Many of them came to the South with nothing. They worked their way up to becoming landowners, and as the generations passed, they became wealthy from tobacco and cotton. There is more to the South than just the War and slavery. This is just their way of holding onto their heritage, not because they are glorifying what the South did, but because they want to remember what it once stood for before slavery.”

  Cordie tilted her head as she looked at her Aunt Sadie, wondering how much the dress weighed and if it was uncomfortable.

  It sure looks uncomfortable. I bet it took hours to get dressed in one of those things. Torture, pure, torture… Cordie thought while looking at the clothing.

  She shook her head, causing her uncle to laugh.

  “You better be careful or Sadie will suck you into going to one of those things with her.”

  “Oh no, that is not happening. I think I will be busy, um, with you, fishing, or something.”

  Jesse laughed even harder as the car rolled to a stop.

  She’s going to be okay…he thought.

  Cordie opened the door, grabbed her bag, and walked toward her aunt.

  “Why, Miss Cordie, you are the vision of loveliness today. How was your first day at school?”

  Cordie couldn’t stop laughing as her aunt waved a fan at her.

  “It was ok.”

  Sadie walked next to Cordie as they ascended the stairs. “Let me change and you can tell me all about your first day.” Cordie watched her aunt disappear at the top of the steps. Twenty minutes later, Sadie was in the kitchen making sandwiches.

  “That was pretty fast. I thought it would take you an hour to get out of the contraption. Why do you do it, anyway?”

  “Well, my place in the Daughters of South was willed to me by your grandmother, just the same as mine will go to you.”

  “Yeah…about that,” Cordie began, but stopped as soon as she saw the look on her aunt’s face. Sadie had been nothing but kind. There was no need to hurt her feelings.

  “How was your first day of school? Did you make any friends?”

  “Geez, Sadie, give the girl a break,” Jesse said as he passed Cordie, elbowing her in the side. “It was only her first day.”

  “I met a girl named Cricket,” Cordie said, but didn’t elaborate on how the meeting initially started.

  “Oh, that is Will Derringer’s girl. Nice southern family.”

  It seemed to Cordie, every comment ended with ‘nice southern family’ and that everything here was about family.

  And I don’t have one… Cordie thought while standing there.

  “Well, did the two of you hit it off?” Sadie paused in the middle of making the sandwich and looked directly at Cordie.

  “After I apologized for asking her if she was named after a bug, it got better.”

  Jesse, who had just taken a sip of sweet tea, spit it out, and started laughing uncontrollably.

  “She’s got spirit, Sadie. That’s great!”

  “Savannah Oaks is a small town, Cordie. Do you know where I am going with this?” Sadie asked.

  “Yeah, great, I lose my parents and end up someplace where I can’t even be myself.” Cordie ran from the kitchen, up the staircase, and slammed the door to her room behind her. She opened the balcony doors and stepped outside, staring at the tobacco fields and the cotton field in the distance, wondering how her life ended up this way. She looked at the towering Oak standing in the center of the field that had been harvested and saw that same man again, leaning against the tree.

  He sure is tall. Wonder if he lives around here? Cordie thought. She was certain the faint sound of a harmonica being played in the distance could be heard. The melody was sweet and nearly familiar, like Cordie had heard it someplace before but couldn’t remember where. She continued to watch the young man until he stepped into the sun and disappeared.

  “Must be the angle of the sun,” she whispered while straining to see where he went. “At least I know he has blonde hair,” Cordie mumbled before stepping back inside.

  Jonathan Pembroke Schelling stood in the middle of the field, looking at Whispering Oaks, tapping his harmonica against his leg.

  I wonder who she is? he thought. “And I wonder why she can see me?

  Chapter Six

  Guidance

  Sadie sat on her bed in tears. She hated that she had upset Cordie again, but she was her legal guardian now. She felt it was only the proper thing to do to give her guidance. It just wasn’t proper to make fun of someone’s name.

  Her husband entered the room and sat down carefully beside her, as to not disturb her. “She’s going to be fine. She has been through a lot. And she’s a teenager. They are crazy as loons.”

  Sadie nodded.

  As her husband excused himself to get cleaned up for bed, Sadie decided that she would go apologize to Cordie. Jesse was right. She had been through so much, and Sadie didn’t want to put undue pressure on her. But she would tell her that she was expected to act like a lady.

  Sadie approached the door. Trepidation washed over her. She hadn’t the slightest clue how to be a parent. She was winging it for sure. Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door.

  No answer.

  Sadie knocked again.

  No answer.

  “Now, child, I know you are not that angry at me,” she called through the door.

  Worry churned in Sadie’s stomach. It occurred to her that she wasn’t at all aware of what a teenager might do in the heat of anger. What if her niece had run away?

  She pushed the door open to find an empty room.

  “Jesse!” she shouted.

  Her husband came running into the room with half a face of shaving cream.

  “Cordie is gone!” Sadie bellowed.

  Jesse laughed, “No, she’s not.”

  “What? Where?” Sadie sputtered.

  “I passed her in the hall on my way to the bathroom. She was going downstairs to watch television,” he smiled. “She’s still a bit upset and mumbled something about us probably not having any channels to watch, but I think it was good she came out of her room.”

  Sadie breathed a sigh of relief. “That frightened me!”

  “I don’t think the child is just going to run away. I know she gets upset easily, but give her a little credit.” Jesse replied. “What do you want with her anyway?”

  “I was going to apologize,” Sadie replied.

  “Don’t do that,” Jesse said calmly. “I love her personality, but she does need guidance, so I say you stick to your guns and let this blow over.”

  “Easy for you to say,” Sadie replied. “She’s not mad at you.”

  “Your broth
er would be so proud of everything you have done for his daughter. You are trying to teach her what’s best. I don’t think there’s a thing wrong with it.”

  “You’re right,” Sadie huffed. “I was just trying to help her. She’s never going to make new friends if she’s making fun of people’s names all the time.”

  “I know it would bother me!” Jesse laughed.

  A grin parted Sadie’s lips.

  “Let’s just get some sleep,” she said.

  They walked down the hall back to their bedroom. Sadie stopped at the edge of the staircase and called down to the living room, “In bed by 11, Cordie.”

  “Fine!” Cordie yelled back.

  Sadie turned and smiled at Jesse. “She will get over it. She’s a good kid.”

  Chapter Seven

  Lost

  Cordie looked at the clock. She still had an hour and a half before her “bedtime.” She was furious. What type of seventeen year old has a bed time? She thought while staring at the tv. There was very little to watch on television, and she found herself growing more anxious as she tried to remedy the situation.

  The wind was picking up outside and the cool night invited her to come out and play. Deciding to explore the property a bit, she grabbed a light jacket and headed out for a walk. She closed the front door behind her quietly and crept down the steps.

  The breeze blew through her hair, and she felt her tension melting away. As she headed towards the back of the house, the tree came into view. That is where she had seen the young man. She wondered again briefly who he was and why she was preoccupied by the tune he played.

  She found herself thoughtlessly heading in the direction of the tree. The night cast a haunting shadow on the property, but Cordie kept walking. She didn’t believe in all of the nonsense she had heard lately. Investigating an old property and reading about the past couldn’t stir ghosts. It was ridiculous.

  As she approached the tree, she noticed the small cemetery. Her mother and father had been laid to rest there, not two weeks ago. Glancing around, she noticed that a few wild flowers still grew around the tree. She picked them and entered the cemetery through the wrought iron gate.

  She fell on her knees beside the graves of her parents and let the tears flow once more. “I’m so sorry I didn’t appreciate you more. I’m sorry for being a dumb teenager and taking you for granted.” She wiped her eyes and sat for what seemed like hours beneath the willow, thinking about her family.

  Once she felt her grief ease a bit, Cordie returned to her feet, and roamed out of the cemetery, and back to the tree. She examined the area around it, thinking there may be some sign of who had been standing there. She gazed into the darkness towards the Schelling house. She could barely make it out. Abandoned and soulless, the house begged for company.

  Cordie stepped confidently, one foot in front of the other, towards the old house. Cobwebs and dust had collected in the corners of the windows and the house groaned with the wind. The paint was chipped and worn. This house doesn’t have a family either… Cordie thought, remembering something her father had once told her about empty houses.

  She walked carefully up the front steps and made her way to the swing at the far end of the wrap around porch. Pushing down on it to check for stability, the swing didn’t falter. She dusted it off a bit with her hand and sat down.

  From the Schelling porch, Whispering Oaks looked majestic. Aunt Sadie and Uncle Jesse had taken good care of their home. And Cordie knew they were trying to take good care of her too. It was a big adjustment. But, she knew she needed to cut them some slack. They had been so patient with her.

  “Are you lost?”

  The voice of a man behind her startled Cordie so suddenly that a slight scream escaped her throat. She turned to see the young man from beneath the tree. He smiled.

  “I’m sorry,” she said, embarrassed by her reaction.

  “Are you lost?” he asked, still amused by her reaction.

  “No,” Cordie replied. “My family lives in Whispering Oaks. I was just sort of exploring the area.”

  “Exploring?” Jon asked, still charmed by her presence.

  “Yeah, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be here. But, I just needed to get out for a moment.” Cordie felt her face blush.

  “I have no problem with your presence here.” He crossed the porch and came to stand closer to her. “My name is Jon.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m being rude again,” she stammered. “I’m Cordie.”

  “Cordie,” he repeated. “That is an unusual name.”

  “Well, it’s short for Cordelia,” she added. “It’s sort of a nickname.”

  “It is very nice to make your acquaintance, Cordelia,” he said and extended his hand.

  “Oh!” Cordie straightened her stance. “It’s nice to meet you, too.” She shook his hand and smiled.

  Jon was a handsome young man. His golden hair swayed with the wind. His grin revealed the most adorable dimples, and Cordie fought the smile from her face.

  “So, Cordelia,” Jon began. “How is it that you came to live in Whispering Oaks? I do not believe I have seen you around here before.”

  Cordie pulled in a breath. “Actually, I’ve had a little bit of a tragic summer. My parents were killed in a plane crash. I am living with my aunt and uncle now.”

  “I am very sorry to hear you have lost your parents. My condolences are offered,” Jon replied.

  “It’s okay. I’m figuring it out.” Cordie smiled.

  Jon took a seat in the rocking chair across from where she stood. He eased back and began to rock as if he took no small pleasure for granted. She noticed his white, button down shirt was dingy, and his brown slacks weren’t exactly from the mall.

  “Are you doing one of those reenactments or something?” Cordie asked.

  “Excuse me?” Jon asked.

  “I mean, you’re dressed sort of funny,” Cordie said.

  A rich laugh came from Jon. “I am dressed funny?”

  “What?” Cordie said, looking down at her attire.

  “I do not recall ever seeing a woman dressed quite like that.” Jon smiled. “I do like it. Do not misunderstand me.”

  Cordie looked down at her jeans and converse tennis shoes, wondering what was so funny about it. She shrugged it off and began to swing again. Taking a cue from Jon, she leaned back and enjoyed the night for a moment.

  “I’ve always loved this time of year,” she said, taking in the fresh air.

  “It is my favorite as well,” Jon added.

  Cordie leaned up and pulled her phone from her pocket to check the time. “Shoot! I better get going. It’s almost my curfew.”

  “Would you like for me to see you home, Cordelia?” Jon asked. “I think it would be the proper thing to do.”

  “Sure,” Cordie accepted.

  Jon walked with her quietly. She snuck a peek at him here and there, but she remained quiet as well.

  “Well, thank you. Good night,” Cordie said, filled with nervousness once she reached the front door of Whispering Oaks.

  “You are very welcome, Cordelia,” Jon replied with a smile.

  “Okay,” Cordie said, wondering how Jon could be such a gentleman being raised in this day and age where rudeness was just part of life. She barely had anyone ask her out properly, much less offer to walk her to the door.

  “Wait,” Jon said. “Do I have your permission to call on you sometime?”

  “You want to call me?” Cordie asked. “Sure. Let me just write down my number for you.”

  Jon began to speak, but Cordie was already reaching for the screen door. She turned to enter the front door, when it opened and Aunt Sadie was on the other side of it.

  “Cordie! Where have you been?” she asked sternly. “I thought you were watching television. It’s ten minutes past your bedtime!”

  “Bedtime?! Aunt Sadie, I am not a baby. You have to stop saying that,” she said in a hushed, harsh tone.

  “We will talk about all of t
his tomorrow. Right now, you need to come in and get to bed. We were worried sick. Where have you been?” Sadie rambled.

  “Let me just say good night to my new friend,” Cordie said.

  She turned to find Jon was gone.

  “Where did he go?” Cordie asked.

  “I didn’t see anyone, Cordie,” Sadie replied. “Now, come in and get some rest. You have school tomorrow.”

  Cordie huffed and marched into the house. “You scared him off!” she shouted.

  “Who are you talking about?” Sadie bellowed back.

  “Jon. He walked me home,” Cordie said, crossing her arms.

  “Well, I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t know anyone named Jon around here, and I certainly don’t think you should be out this late meeting boys. Now, you do as you’re told. Go to bed.”

  Cordie stomped up the steps and slammed her door. She could hear Aunt Sadie telling Uncle Jesse what had happened. “Some boy walked her home or something.”

  After a minute, they grew quiet and Cordie crept out of her room onto the balcony. She stepped lightly as to not disturb her aunt and uncle any further. She was shocked that they were treating her like a little kid. And she couldn’t believe her aunt had said “bedtime” in front of Jon. He probably thought she was too young for him and took off.

  Peering into the darkness, she searched for movement, hoping he was still out there. But she saw nothing. She wanted to apologize. She wanted to explain to him that she was almost an adult. She wished she had talked more when she had the chance to.

  After a few minutes, Cordie gave up and went back inside. She left the door to the balcony open and the sweet, cool air drifted into her room. She knew the fresh air would help her sleep. She got comfortable and closed her eyes. Then, a slight smile touched her lips as the haunting melody of the harmonica reached her ears.

  Chapter Eight

  Schelling House Summer 1861

  “Jonathan Pembroke Schelling, this dinner bell will not be rung again,” Hannah shouted from the porch of the estate knowing her Mistress would be angry if Jon missed dinner again. “You know your momma does not take kindly to you being tardy.”