Casting Call

The Village of Camden Corners

Casting Call

Shane Howard Memorial Hospital was up and running. Much to Reggie Blackburn's relief, the building hadn't collapsed down around Mayor Horton during the dedication.

As much as Caroline Bentley was enjoying the special treatment she and her newborn were receiving as the hospital's first patients, she wanted very much to return to her home and her family. Little Lucy was only three days old. Because the hospital hadn't officially opened when Lucy decided to make her appearance, Becky was able to see for herself that her mother was going to be just fine. Three days later the rules were in place and young children were not allowed to visit.

Doctor Julie understood Caroline's anxiety and approved her early dismissal only after she received a promise of complete bed rest for the next week. Jamison was in the room listening to every word and Caroline knew she would be forced to follow doctor's orders.

Becky was happy to see her mother and was torn between sitting with her and watching the nurse Jamison hired to care for her little sister. Becky loved to sing and serenaded her mother and Lucy. Caroline couldn't remember when she was so relaxed. She felt guilty not caring for Lucy herself but Jamison threatened he would carry her back to the hospital if she dared get out of bed.

The week of confinement passed quickly and Caroline took over much of the baby's care. She was glad, however, to leave some of the chores to the nurse. Having a baby at this stage of her life was a little more tiring than she thought it would be.

Memorial Hospital was much busier than any of the doctors anticipated. Word spread about the new facility and doctors were referring their patients from small towns and villages in every direction.

Doc McMillan was acting as administrator of Memorial. He wasn't happy about the position but he knew it was only temporary.

“We need to make every effort to recruit physicians and nurses to the hospital. Does anyone know how Reggie is coming along with the houses he's building on Elm Street? We can't ask folks to move here to work if they don't have a place to live when they get here.”

“Doc,” Jamison spoke up, “Reggie has three houses completed and is in the process of finishing three more. Our problem is financing at this point. We have to sell these places before we can start building new ones.”

“How much do you need, Jamison?” said Lucinda. “Mr. Harvey keeps investing Mr. Howard's money and it keeps growing. I could probably make arrangements to purchase some of the homes. Let's get together with Mr. Harvey and try to work something out.”

“I like that solution, thank you Lucinda. Clayton, do you know of any of your associates in New York who would be a good fit for Camden Corners?”

“I may have a few suggestions, let me feel them out and see if there is any interest in relocating.” said Clayton Springer.

“Grady, how about you? Anybody you know of who would like nothing better than to live in our friendly town?”

“I'll think about it, boss. I do know of one surgeon who showed some interest when I told him I would be practicing here. I'll try calling him this afternoon. I'm glad we finally have telephone service here. It is limited but better than nothing.”

“What we need immediately is an administrator. I am just a country doctor. I know nothing about running a hospital. It all seems overwhelming now but I'm sure it will work out. In the meantime, let's get back to our patients.”

Jamison walked out of the room with Lucinda.

“Lucinda, you know you don't have to donate all of the money Shane Howard left to you and Cassandra. You and Nick could take a honeymoon, visit New York and see the shows, do things you never were able to afford when you lived there.”

“Jamison, I don't have any desire to do those things. I love my life just the way it is. Besides, Nick would never be happy if he knew I was spending money on things he can't afford just now. Let's go have a talk with Mr. Harvey.”

They walked to the bank and were surprised that Mr. Harvey had taken the day off.

“I've never known Mr. Harvey to miss a day at the bank. I think I even saw him sitting in his office on Christmas day last year. I hope he's not ill.”

His secretary smiled and said “He's not ill unless you consider a heart condition an illness. I believe after all these years as a bachelor, our dear Mr. Harvey has taken a shine to Millicent Merryweather Stout. He and Mrs. Stout had an engagement today. I'll let him know you were here to see him. Would you like me to arrange a time tomorrow? It looks like he is free at 11:00 in the morning.”

“That will be fine, I'm happy Mr. Harvey is finding an interest outside these walls. He works much too hard.” Lucinda smiled. “Don't you just love it when two people find each other, Jamison?”

Jamison laughed. “I can tell that made your day. You are such a romantic. I'm glad you are, if it weren't for you I'd still be living all by myself in Greensboro. Instead I have a growing family and couldn't be happier.”

They parted ways and Lucinda went to visit Emma and Lily. Sarah Harcourt was in the shop and talking excitedly about Hannah's Treasure. She and her husband, Max discovered a hundred year old mystery involving Hannah Lane and her husband. Sarah felt a connection to her ancestor, Hannah. She was compelled to write her life story and unbeknownst to her, Max had arranged to have it published. It was a story of love and hardship, a very sad tale of people who were trusting to the wrong person. One of the Save the Library projects was to put on a play and invite all folks from the surrounding area to attend with the proceeds going to help pay off the bank loan needed to keep the library under Camden Corners control.

“Hi ladies, I see you have been working on your script Sarah, how's it coming?” Asked Lucinda.

“I finished it last night with the help of my dear Max. I think it's going to be a good play. I've made several changes to make it a bit more uplifting. The true story of a husband and wife being murdered and their children left at the door of an orphanage just doesn't cry out happy ending.”

“I've read your book several times and always dissolve in tears.”

“I know,” added Emma, “Richard can't understand why I continue to read it when it makes me so sad.”

“Men just don't understand.” said Lily.

“I was hoping someone would be willing to read the play and tell me what you think. Don't worry, Sylvia still has a big part in the story. I love the idea of Beverly Mills as Sylvia. That was Emma's suggestion,” she said to Lucinda.

“Oh good, I never did see Beverly perform because I wasn't living here at the time but I understand it was quite a shock when she appeared on stage.”

Lily spoke up. “I hope she isn't still working with that slimy Elmer Brubaker. I think he took most of the profit from the show she put on. I know we didn't collect nearly as much money as we should have.”

Nettie walked out from the back room. “Did I hear you talking about Beverly Mills? I felt so sorry for her when she came to town and we all were expecting the famous opera singer. I wrote down her address to write her a thank you note and we have been corresponding ever since. She really is a very sweet lady. She did part ways with Elmer and has cleaned up her act quite a bit.”

Sarah said, “Do you think she would be offended if we asked her to play the part of Sylvia Reynolds in Hannah's Treasure?”

“I think she would love it. I'm going to go to Oscar's office right now to use the telephone to call her in New York. I have her phone number in my address book. Beverly comments in every letter about how much she enjoyed visiting our town. I'll invite her to stay with Oscar and me. I don't know how much she charges for her appearances but I'm sure we can work something out.”

The girls knew the play would be wonderful. Sarah was a gifted author and with Max helping her out it was guaranteed to be good. Lily began reading the first few pages, as she finished she handed them to Lily and then to Lucinda. Sarah walked to her family's home to visit with her mother. She was nervous watching everyone read her play. Marian was happy to see her daughter looking so well. Her first grandchild would be coming into the world very soon. Marian remembered the reservations she had about Max Harcourt. She thought he was much too sophisticated for her sheltered daughter. She was glad Max had proven her wrong. The two young people were perfect for each other. After a while Sarah walked back to the antique shop.

All three of her friends were dabbing their eyes with their hankies. That's a good sign, thought Sarah. There is a bittersweet part near the end of the story.

Lily finished the last page. She stood up and hurried to wrap her arms around Sarah “What a beautiful story Sarah. I loved the new ending and I think Hannah would be happy with it too.”

As each of the ladies finished the story they wiped their eyes and hugged Sarah. With everyone talking at once they didn't hear Max enter the shop. He knew Sarah had a hit with the play. His concern was that the local actors wouldn't do it justice.

“Looks like everyone likes your play Sarah.”

“Oh Max, isn't it wonderful? Lily and Emma just told me Richard and Robert were willing to play the Lane brothers. I spoke with Betsy Wallace earlier. She would love portraying Hannah and she was sure Charlie would jump at the chance to play the sinister Clarence Reynolds. Nettie is calling Beverly Mills as we speak. You weren't here when she came to Camden Corners a while back. She will make a perfect Sylvia Reynolds. Max, I'm so excited. This is really shaping up and I have a good feeling that we will raise a lot of money for the library.”

Max still had his doubts about the cast but Sarah's enthusiasm was catching. He had been around theatrical productions through the years, even tried his hand at directing a time or two. Sarah was thrilled when he agreed to direct. She hesitated to ask Luke Shannon since he would be working on the talent show in a few months.

We have so many talented people in town, I'm sure we won't have any trouble getting help with the sets. Nettie opened the door. “Beverly can't wait to get here. She will be on the first train out of New York in the morning. She wants to get started right away and is looking forward to playing a tart. I also stopped by the newspaper office. Josie Blackburn said they would be delighted to print up scripts, signs, programs and anything else we may need.”

Max was flabbergasted that everything was falling into place in just one afternoon. “Never underestimate the power of the women of Camden Corners. When you ladies set your mind to getting a job done, there is no stopping you.”

As he'd promised, Leland Harvey opened the door to his home to Emma and Lily.

“Hello ladies, please come in. Miss Millie is already here and waiting in the parlor.”

Emma and Lily walked into the house and knew immediately that this house was a goldmine of treasures. They greeted Millie and she poured them a cup of tea from the fresh pot the housekeeper had just brought into the room.

“Ladies have a look around, there is nothing I have any attachment to so if you think you see something of value, please feel free to take it with you. Mother was a collector of everything. I think Mrs. Rollins, my housekeeper, would be happy to see this place emptied out. She never complains but I know it takes her a full morning to dust the items in the parlor alone.”

Lily spoke up. “Mr. Harvey, you have so many beautiful and valuable pieces. Emma and I can't just take them. Maybe we could arrange to sell them on consignment for you if you are willing.”

“Lily dear. I have worked all my life and nothing in here has given me the pleasure that spending an evening with Miss Millie and her family did recently. If you feel better about selling them on consignment, I would be willing to accept that and donate the profits to the library.”

Just looking at Millie and Mr. Harvey glancing at each other, Emma wondered if Mr. Harvey was planning a move sometime in the near future. A move into the Merryweather household would be her guess.

“Mr. Harvey,” Emma said, “we will be delighted to sell your mother's collection. We'll arrange to have Jonas pick everything up at your convenience.”

“Please ladies, call me Leland. Mr. Harvey is the banker and I plan to be spending less and less time at the bank.”

Emma didn't think she had ever seen a broader smile than the one that was on Millie's face as he spoke.

The Auction

 

The Village of Camden Corners

 

The Auction

“Allow me to assist you Miss Millicent.” Millie Stout heard the deep voice of Leland Harvey behind her.

“Thank you Mr. Harvey. I didn't realize how heavy this small table was. I thought I could manage it myself. I think you know me well enough to call me Millie. After all, it was you who sought me out to let me know I was down to the last of my funds for this old place.”

“I am truly sorry to have been the bearer of bad tidings. It is one of the more unpleasant aspects of my position as president of First National Bank & Trust. I would be happy if you would call me Leland.”

“Leland, what brings you to Merryweather's today?”

Merryweather's is the childhood home of Millicent and Neville Merryweather. Millicent was forced to convert the lower floor of the mansion into an antique shop. Her friends, Lily and Emma Crowley found it necessary to expand Looking Back Antiques and since Millicent was running out of money for the upkeep of her home, she was delighted when Nettie Crowley suggested the arrangement. Millicent, who now preferred to be called Millie had never been happier. Since her husband's death several years before, Millie had been living by herself in the big old house. She didn't realize how lonely she was until she employed Leo and Addie Schmidt and shared her home with them.

Out of the blue, James Robinson appeared at the front door of Merryweather's looking for his father, Neville Merryweather. James had been raised by his mother, Helene and Chester Robinson. On his deathbed, Chester confessed to James that he was not his birth father. Helene kept the birth of his son a secret from Neville. Neville and Helene never stopped loving each other, but it was a love that couldn't be. Neville's family lived in the world of high society and Helene was from a working class family. The two had met and fallen in love in college. Neville's father wouldn't hear of his son marrying beneath his station and the young couple parted ways. Several years later, they met by chance and Helene conceived a child. Neville returned to his life and his arranged engagement to Prudence Wingate, a woman he never loved. Prudence and Neville were the parents of two daughters. The moment Neville was informed of James' existence, he welcomed him. James' sisters were happy to meet their new brother and loved him without question. Prudence wanted nothing to do with James Robinson and continued a pattern of drinking herself into a stupor more and more often.

James quickly became attached to Camden Corners and with the encouragement of his Aunt Millie, decided to stay on for a while. Eventually his mother joined him and settled in as head librarian of the library. Millie and Helene became instant friends, she occupied one of the many rooms in the Merryweather mansion. Helene and Neville met again and both accepted the fact that they would never be together. Neville found his way to Camden Corners on a regular basis. His daughters both enjoyed being with their brother also. Prudence was left home to wallow in her own self pity. Neville did try to encourage her to take an active role in her daughters' and his son's lives, but she seemed to enjoy her misery.

Leland offered to help Leo and Jonas Fulbright load the buckboard carrying the last load of Millie's mother's treasures to the Hightower Winery. The auction was being held that afternoon. It was only 9:00 in the morning and already people from the surrounding towns were lining up to examine all the items that were to be auctioned.

“Millie, I have a few things of mothers that I would like to donate to the auction.” said Leland. “I don't know if they will bring in much money, but I do know they have been in the family for quite a while.”

“How nice of you Leland, I'm sure we will be able to get a good price for them. Are you sure you want to sell your mother's treasures?”

“Yes, I have no use for them. I spend most of my days and evenings at the bank and don't even notice the items I have in the house.”

“Leland, you need to be with friends more. I know it has made a world of difference to me. I never even realized what a lonely old woman I was until I started spending time with other people. Addie is making a special dinner this evening. Why don't you plan to join us?”

“I would be delighted Millie. Would you care to ride along with me to the winery? I have more room in my carriage than Jonas does, with all those items in the buckboard.”

Millie looked at Leland and saw quite the nice looking gentleman. She wondered why she hadn't noticed how attractive he was long before this? She allowed him to help her into the carriage as a smiling Addie and Helene looked on.

Millie looked behind her and saw a carton filled with cranberry hobnail tumblers, a pitcher and several different size vases.

“Leland, why these pieces are exquisite. They are extremely rare and I can't be certain but I do believe they date back to the middle of the last century. Possibly further. You may want to reconsider donating them.”

“I do hope they are of some value and will bring in some much needed cash. Mother use to dust them and whenever she did it made both of us sneeze. I don't remember her ever using them even when guests came to dinner. There are so many items in the cabinets and curios in that old house. I should have you come over and help me weed them out. I may be able to donate most of them to the antique shops.”

“If this is any indication, the girls and I would be delighted to search through your mother's things. I imagine we will find many treasures.”

“Then it's settled. Miss Millie, will you do me the honor of having tea with me next Wednesday? I will call for you at 3:00.”

Millie felt herself blushing and wondered what Addie and Helene would have to say when she told them she had an engagement with a gentleman. Millie had a difficult time keeping the smile off her face for the next quarter mile to the winery.

The crowd was overwhelming when they arrived with their treasures. Sheriff Mendenhall was having a difficult time keeping the lookers away from the buckboard and Leland's carriage long enough to allow them to carry their goods in through the back door. Once inside, they couldn't believe what they were seeing. There was barely any room to move around the display area as more and more items were being added.

It looked like everyone in town had donated several of their family heirlooms. Everyone was greeting Millie and thanking her for coming up with the idea of an auction.

The young people were busy in the lower level setting up tables for the many baked goods every household provided for sale. The high school students in their crisp white aprons were arranging the tempting treats. The doors were opened and most of those waiting were hungry when they smelled the freshly baked goodies just waiting to be sampled. Within an hour, every last morsel had been purchased and consumed. The boys and girls were very happy with the amount they collected in such a short time.

People were milling around examining all of the fine pieces of artwork, jewelry, furniture and collectibles. Dahlia and Hyacinth's quilts were displayed beautifully throughout the ballroom. The room was buzzing with chatter and activity until the auctioneer hired by the Hightowers pounded his gavel to silence the crowd and begin the auction.

It had been previously decided those from out of town would be given the opportunity to place bids before the Camden Corner folks. If the bids were very low, residents were welcome to bid on items of their choice. As it turned out, the bids were much higher than anticipated. There was nothing left by the end of the auction three hours later. Even the professional auctioneer admitted the event was very successful.

Addie and Helene left the auction early to put finishing touches on the feast they were preparing for their family and guests. Mr. Leland Harvey had agreed to join them that evening and they wanted to make sure Mr. Harvey was made to feel very welcome. The two women giggled when Helene placed his name card to the left of Millie's usual seat at the table.

Dinner was wonderful, Addie had outdone herself. Grady and Elizabeth Murphy joined them that evening. Addie and Leo had been the only family Grady had ever really known. His mother died when he was young and his father was a busy physician who catered to the rich. He was never much of a father to Grady. Grady also became a doctor but his goals were not to accumulate money but to help and care for people. Addie and Leo made the trip from their New York home to attend Grady and Elizabeth's wedding and never returned to their former home again.

After dinner, James suggested they play a game of charades. Leland had never heard of the game but he was enjoying his time with Millie and her friends and family so much he was willing to learn something new.

After a few rounds, it was Leland's turn. He picked a card out of a hat and it read Let's Talk Turkey.

“This is an easy one,” he said. Leland moved his mouth as though talking and his team guessed he was trying to tell them he was a fish. He gave up on that word and went to turkey. He knew he couldn't speak so put his hands under his arms and flapped them strutting through the parlor with his head bobbing. Nobody had ever seen the very formal Mr. Leland Harvey act the least bit silly before. Everyone was doubled over in laughter. Leland caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror and couldn't help but laugh too. Time was up before his team guessed his quote but nobody cared. They all had a wonderful time, especially Leland. He was realizing how much he had missed out on all these years when his ambition in life was to be a success in the banking business.

“I have had a most delightful evening Millie,” Leland said at the end of the night. He took her hand holding it a little longer than necessary.

“It was a wonderful day, wasn't it? I'm looking forward to meeting with you on Wednesday afternoon to look through your mother's treasures.”

“I'm not sure I want to wait that long. May I call for you tomorrow for Sunday services? I must admit I'm not a regular parishioner. I find the quiet of a Sunday morning in the bank is the best time to work without interruption. I would like to join you tomorrow though if that would be satisfactory.”

“Yes, of course. I will expect you at 9:15 if that isn't too early.”

He squeezed her hand and resisted kissing her good night.

Millie went to bed with a smile on her face. She was so looking forward to church in the morning.

The Crowley Brothers, along with Emma, Lily, Oscar and Nettie were just finishing tallying the proceeds from the auction and bake sale. They were all astonished that the total received was well over half the amount of their loan with the bank. Emma prepared a deposit slip that would be taken to the bank first thing Monday morning. Oscar locked the money in his strong box for safekeeping.

Everyone was tired but still full of chatter about the events of the day.

“Did you happen to see the cranberry hobnail glassware Mr. Harvey donated? It was exquisite. He has invited us to go through his mother's collection. I can't wait to see them.” said Emma.

“Everyone in town was overly generous in their donations. Isabelle Burke was overwhelmed with the auction. The library had been a part of her life for so long, I know she was very concerned after she heard Mr. Ellis list his proposed changes,” Nettie said.

“Now on to the next project. Sarah Harcourt has agreed to write a play based on her novel, Hannah's Treasure.”

“Won't that be wonderful? I think Robert and Richard should play the parts of the Lane Brothers. Richard, I have heard you perform in front of a jury and you and Robert both are excellent actors. Sarah is trying to convince Charlie Wentworth to play evil Horace Reynolds.”

“That is so out of character for Charlie, he is such a kind man. I think Betsy would be perfect as Hannah though. I wonder who will play the part of Sylvia. I don't know of any one in Camden Corners who could pull off being a floozy.”

“Maybe we could call upon Miss Beverly Mills. You do remember her don't you?”

“Who could forget? She certainly stirred up the stuffier folks of Camden Corners. You know, Lily, that might not be such a bad idea. I'll check with Sarah but I think Beverly might just be willing to help us out. She was such a good sport when she was here.”