The Woman of His Dreams

 

The Village of Camden Corners

The Woman of His Dreams

As was his pattern, Ernie Black was at the housing construction site bright and early.

“Boss, as much as I would like to stay here in Camden Corners, I think the work has slowed down too much to justify keeping me on as a foreman.” Ernie said to Reggie Blackburn.

“I don't want you to go Ernie. You are my right hand man and with Josie about to make me a papa very soon, I would like to keep you on. Think about it for a few days. I understand we will be getting the okay for more housing starts in the next week or so.”

“I'll do that, boss. I hate to leave, but I don't like seeing you waste your money on me. Now I'd better get to the train station. That lumber shipment from Zeke Dalton is due to arrive in about 10 minutes.”

The train pulled into the station. Ernie was distracted by the sound of a loud wolf whistle. He looked over and saw Nettie Crowley with her arms around a woman who towered over her. Ernie caught his breath. He thought he had never seen a vision as lovely as the redhead who had just stepped off the train. It was love at first sight for Ernie Black, the confirmed bachelor.

Ernie had never paid too much attention to women. He grew up with four sisters and had his fill of the female population. When he turned 18 he left home and had been on his own ever since. He wasn't a bad looking fellow, but he never gave a woman the time of day unless it was part of the job he was currently working.

That was why he didn't know what to think when he spotted the beauty. He was finding he couldn't take his eyes off of her. She looked up and saw him gawking at her and Ernie's face turned red as a beet.

Beverly was accustomed to men staring at her. She had a very attractive face and figure and always dressed to accentuate her curves. She gave Ernie a beaming smile and he was a goner from that moment on.

Nettie noticed the exchange between the two.

“The gentleman is Ernie Black. He works on Reggie Blackburn's construction crew. In fact, I believe he is Reggie's foreman. I don't know him well but what I do know about him is that he is a very nice young man. I'd be glad to introduce you to him.”

“Maybe later, Nettie. He looks terribly embarrassed and I wouldn't want to embarrass him even further. I have a feeling we will be meeting again.” She winked at Nettie and Nettie didn't doubt her words.

“Let's get you settled at home. I think you will like your room. It is situated at the back of the house so you won't be hearing noises from the street.”

“Oh Nettie, I live in New York City. A little noise never bothered me. I appreciate your putting me up but I really don't mind staying at the Wharton Boarding House. I stayed there the last time I was in Camden Corners and it was very comfortable.”

“Don't be silly. We have plenty of room and both Oscar and I would love the company. It has been so quiet since Polly and Faith left after her marriage to Randy Burke.”

Beverly glanced back in Ernie's direction. There was something about the fellow that made Beverly take notice. She had been acquainted with any number of men in her life and even became romantically involved with a few of them. What was it about this quiet country boy that attracted her? She would have to think about it a while longer.

Ernie supervised the lumber shipment and helped the crew load it on the wagon. He found it difficult to concentrate on what he was doing and had to recount the order twice. His mind was still on that beautiful redhead he saw. He thought he could still smell her perfume lingering in the air.

Leland Harvey was in his office at 11:03.

“I'm very sorry for my tardiness, Lucinda. I don't know what has come over me lately. I have always prided myself on my promptness.”

“Mr. Harvey, there is no need to apologize. I just arrived myself. I hope you aren't ill, I know you weren't in the office yesterday.”

“No, nothing like that. I will confess to you that I have been keeping company with Mrs. Millie Stout these days. Lucinda, I shouldn't say this but I do find her a very attractive lady and enjoy her company immensely.

“Mr. Harvey, I think that is wonderful. You and Millie make a lovely couple. I wish you both the best. Millie's life has been changing quite dramatically of late and having you for a beau would be the icing on the cake for her.”

“I hope she feels the same way my dear. Please call me Leland. Better get down to business. How may I help you today Lucinda?”

“I would like to buy the houses that Reggie Blackburn and his crew are building. Seems they need to sell the ones that are already built before they are able to start on more. We have a serious shortage of homes in Camden Corners and we need to keep the building process going if we are to recruit physicians and staff for Memorial. I thought I could buy them and rent them at a reasonable rate.”

“You do have enough money to buy all the houses and then some. I admit I have made some good investments for you but you must be the luckiest person in the world. Everything turns to gold and I see nothing but profit for you. I'll start the ball rolling on the purchases. Lucinda, the day you came to Camden Corners was a red letter day for this community. I don't know how we ever got along without you.”

“Thank you Mr. Harvey...er Leland. I have Paul McCoy's grandfather to thank for the money. I'm just happy I have been able to put it to good use and I know Paul would be too.”

Lucinda left and Leland looked at his pocket watch. “It's near lunchtime, I wonder if Millie would care to join me at O'Sullivan's?”

Leland reached for his coat. “Miss Blair, I will be back after lunch. Please hold down the fort.”

“Yes sir” Miss Blair smiled. She liked this new Mr. Harvey. He seemed 10 years younger since he had been keeping company with his lady friend.

Millie was busy arranging some of the items Leland donated yesterday. Lily and Emma made sure they had accurate records of each and every item they had chosen from Mrs. Harvey's collection. Emma was sure many of the pieces dated back to the 1700s. She and Lily greeted Leland and thanked him profusely.

“Leland, I have already contacted an appraiser in New York City. He is very reputable and will be coming to Camden Corners to appraise your mother's beautiful collection. I do believe the pieces are extremely valuable. I will let you know what his determination is and we will discuss your compensation. I don't believe you will want to donate the entire sales tally to the library fund.”

“No, Emma, you are right. I will donate 10% of the profit. The remainder is to go back into your antique business. I believe there is much more left in that house. I'll gather up some crates and ask Mrs. Rollins to sort through them. No sense those things taking up room in that big old house. I don't even look at them and maybe someone will be able to use them that will appreciate them as my mother did.”

Millie spoke up, “I think you'd better just give in and accept what Leland is offering girls. He can be very persistent. I know that from experience.”

Leland smiled at her and said, “I hope you will keep that in mind Millie. I have come to ask you to have lunch with me today. That is if you aren't too busy.”

Everyone encouraged Millie to take a break. Addie practically pushed her out the door. She and Leo were very happy their friend and employer was finding happiness right here in Camden Corners.

“I wonder why it took them so long to discover each other.” Lily said.

“I don't think either of them was looking. Leland was glued to his desk at the bank and whenever he tried to see Millie to let her know she was close to being penniless, she would hide from him. I'm so glad he called on Oscar and Nettie to figure out a solution to the problem,” Addie said.

“Millie is an entirely different person since you and Leo moved in here and she opened Merryweather's. She was always pleasant but a bit standoffish. Everyone treated the Merryweathers as though they were royalty. The townspeople never got to know the real person. Now she is well liked in the community and has many friends. I'm glad her life is turning around. I think she was very lonely after Mr. Stout died. Now she has her nephew and his mother too. She seems to glow these days.”

Millie and Leland sat at a table near the corner. Both were a little shy about being seen together in public. It didn't take long for Fiona Mackenzie to notice them and ease their discomfort with her chatter. Their food came and Fiona left them alone to enjoy their meal.

They were sipping their coffee when Leland took hold of Millie's hand.

“Millie, I can't begin to tell you what a difference being with you these last few weeks have made in my life. I know I am being presumptuous to expect you to feel any differently towards me but I must confess that I love you.” The words coming out of Leland's mouth shocked even him.

He had no intention of blurting out his feelings in such a blatant manner. He pulled his hand away and was about to apologize when Millie pulled his hand back towards her.

“Leland dear, we aren't getting any younger, you know. If we are going to take the plunge we shouldn't waste too much more time doing it. I hope I'm not the one being too presumptuous thinking you were about to propose marriage.”

“I'm not sure what I was planning to do. As you know, I have never been married and haven't the foggiest notion how long a gentleman should wait until he asks for a lady's hand. I do know that you have made me a very happy man and I would be honored if you would agree to be my wife.”

“Dearest Leland, if we were in our twenties I would tell you it is too soon and we should have a proper courtship. However, we are in our golden years and I would be delighted to be your wife just as soon as possible. I wonder though, have you thought of the impact on your life? I live with two other families. We share meals and living quarters with a shop that is open daily just one floor below. You are accustomed to a large home with only yourself and your housekeeper. It would be quite an adjustment for you.”

“Believe me, I have thought of that and it sounds perfectly delightful. I have always enjoyed being around people while I am at the bank. I think part of the reason I remained long after banking hours most days was because I dreaded going home to an empty house. Even the janitor was better company than the four walls I faced. I have a plan for the house. Mrs. Rollins loves the old place. I have watched her polish the mahogany railings with such care you would think the stairs belonged to her. I would like to make the whole house hers. She and her husband live in a small cabin down by the lake. I thought I would speak with Jamison Bentley about converting the house into several apartments. Camden Corners needs affordable housing for the nurses they are attempting to recruit. Mr. and Mrs. Rollins would be able to live in one of the apartments and be caretakers for the whole place. I think Mrs. Rollins would be happy to take the nurses under her wing. What do you think Millie?”

“Leland that is a wonderful idea. Are you sure you want to give up the house you have lived in all your life? You know how protective I was of my family home and not facing the fact that I simply didn't have the money to pay for its upkeep.”

“The house never meant that much to me. I suppose if I had brought a wife home to it and raised a family I'd feel differently. Speaking of a wife, you did accept my proposal, didn't you?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Do you suppose it would create a scandal if I reached over and gave you a kiss right here in O'Sullivan's?”

“Let's throw caution to the wind.” Millie said with a smile on her face.

Leland did better than that, he walked around to the other side of the table and took Millie in his arms. They could feel the other customers staring at them but they didn't care. They had both been alone for way too long and they weren't going to waste a minute more of their time together.

An Unusual Engagement

An Unusual Engagement

It's December and the Christmas activities in Camden Corners are in full swing. Luke and Molly Shannon put on another memorable Christmas Program at the Rialto Theater. Becky Bentley had a featured part in the production. Becky had a wonderful singing voice and now that she was speaking and singing again it was obvious she was a very talented little girl. Becky was unable to speak after several tragic events happened in her young life.

The children decorated the giant spruce tree in the town square as the townsfolk gathered to sing Christmas carols and Santa handed out packages for the children to take home. Chris Pringle made the perfect Santa accompanied by Mrs. Santa or Priscilla Pringle as the town knew her. Luke continued his tradition of donating toys to the children. He couldn't bear the thought of a child not having at least one gift for Christmas. Thanks to Nettie Crowley and her friends, he was no longer burdened with the full expense of the toys. That was a good thing because he and Molly were expecting their own child in the spring.

The children were practicing for the Christmas pageant at St. Peter's Church on Christmas Eve. Everyone was busy shopping for that special gift and baking their favorite Christmas treats.

Reggie Blackburn had his hands full in his construction business. So far the weather had been good. His crew had just finished the outside walls and roof of the winery and were working rapidly to complete the exterior of the hospital before the snow began to fall. They were succeeding in their quest but Reggie was not about to let his crew work long hours without working right along side of them. Josie missed her husband but didn't expect any less of him. His dedication to a job well done was one of the many reasons she loved him.

Josie had recently established the Camden Corners Chronicle. Randy Burke was her right hand man. Randy didn't know any more about publishing a newspaper than Josie did but together they were learning. Arthur Preston, the new editor of the Greensboro News was a big help to them. Arthur liked Josie and Randy and wanted to see them succeed. He felt a certain responsibility for the actions of his former boss, Harvey Wilson, who tried his best to sabotage the first edition of the paper.

Josie had written an editorial about a special family she had met recently in Virginia. Zeke and Effie Dalton lived at the base of Dalton's Mountain with their two sons, John and Ben. Josie hadn't known what to expect when Reggie decided to pay Zeke a visit. She had heard horror stories about how mountain people lived and was a bit nervous about meeting them. She couldn't have been more wrong. Zeke and Effie lived in a lovely old farmhouse that had been built by Zeke's kin years before. Zeke prided himself on the exceptional lumber he sold. They lived very frugally. Effie put up vegetables from her garden and fruits from the trees and bushes on the land. Zeke and the boys hunted and fished all year long. Effie and Josie hit it off immediately. Although the visit was not a lengthy one, Josie left Dalton's Mountain knowing a friendship had developed between them that would last a lifetime. At the end of the column, she asked her readers to submit their own stories of people who had come into their lives and made a difference. As many as possible would be published throughout the month.

Polly Cooper finished reading Josie's column. She was touched by her words and immediately sat down to write about her own saviors, Nettie and Oscar Crowley. Polly had been taken advantage of by a young man who was under the mistaken impression that Polly's father, Marlin Cooper was a wealthy man who would give up his land for his daughter. James Philpot arranged a bogus marriage between them and then tried to weasel money out of the old man. What James didn't know was that next to Harvey Wilson, Marlin Cooper was the meanest man in town. James admitted that his marriage to Polly was a sham but not before she was expecting a baby. Marlin marched his daughter off to an aunt with the intention of sending the baby to an orphanage as soon as it was born. Polly managed to escape her aunts house and found her way to Camden Corners where she knew her favorite teacher, Nettie Dawson had moved. Nettie took her and baby Faith into her home and heart. Shortly after that Nettie and Oscar were married and the four of them became a family.

Randy Burke fell in love with Polly and Faith the minute he laid eyes on them. They had been inseparable since their first meeting but Polly, who had been emotionally mistreated by both her father and her so called husband, was reluctant to commit to Randy. Randy was a patient man and was willing to give her all the time she needed.

Polly wrote her story and turned it over to Josie. Josie thought it was the most beautiful tale she had ever heard. She could feel the love pouring out on the paper and knew it had to be published in the next edition.

Several days later Marlin Cooper walked into Shaky's Bar & Grill. He liked Shaky's because nobody bothered him there. He would sit in the corner booth, grab a day old paper and drink himself into a stupor until it was time to go home to his long suffering wife and children. Marlin picked up the paper.

“What's this rag?” he said out loud to no one in particular as he read the heading Camden Corners Chronicle.

His eyes went directly to the name at the bottom of an article; Polly Cooper, Camden Corners Resident.

Marlin could feel his blood pressure rise as he swigged one double bourbon after another. The other patrons of the bar could hear him talking to himself but decided to just let him be. Marlin was known to get violent when he drank.

“I thought I'd heard the last of that harlot. The ungrateful twit left the loving home of my dear sister to go off with her little brat to that snoopy school teacher. That woman gave me trouble when Polly was in school. She kept telling me the kid was too smart not to go to college. College? I didn't even want her to go to high school but at least it got her out of the house part of the day. She was a real pain always telling her mother she should leave and take the other kids with her. No respect. She didn't give me no respect. Well, we'll just see who she respects now. I wonder how much money I could get for that little brat of hers. Sure she's older now but some people like older kids.”

Marlin got up from the table with the Chronicle in hand. He walked out without saying goodbye to anyone. Nobody was sorry to see him go. Schultz, the bartender wished there was some way he could keep the man out of the bar. He gave him the creeps.

Marlin went directly to the train station and bought a ticket to Camden Corners. He slept on the train and woke up thirsty. Before finding a bar he would find this fancy Crowley house and drag his kid home where she belonged.

Even after several days, Nettie Crowley would still tear up when she thought of the beautiful piece Polly had written about her life in Camden Corners. Nettie knew Polly was grateful to her but Nettie loved Polly and Faith and considered them her own family.

She had just finished setting the table for a quiet dinner at home. Faith had recently mastered walking and was scampering all over the dining room. Oscar entered and picked the little girl up to swing her around. She giggled as he tickled her belly.

Faith was born in the back bedroom of her great aunt's house. Polly had been treated with disdain by her aunt the whole time she was there. Polly knew she had to get away from the house with Faith and wrapped her newborn in a thin blanket before boarding the train to Camden Corners. After reaching Camden Corners she found a small chapel where she stopped and rested. Her prayers were answered when Nettie entered the chapel that fateful day just over a year ago.

Polly and Randy arrived at the Crowley home together. Polly was taking classes to become a teacher like her benefactor. Faith squealed when she saw her mother and Randy. Polly put little Faith in her high chair and they all settled down to eat their dinner when the doorbell started ringing and there was pounding on the door.

“I know you're in there you little tramp. Open this door or I'll kick it down.”

Polly thought her heart would stop beating. She knew that voice. She would never forget it.

“It's my father,” she cried.

Oscar quietly got up from his chair and went to the door.

“May I help you sir?” he said

“Yeah, give me my daughter and her kid and I'll be on my way.”

Oscar reluctantly allowed the man to enter his home. He could smell the stale booze on him and knew he was still drunk. There was no telling what the man would do and he'd heard Nettie repeat some things she'd heard about him in Greensboro. Now be believed those stories were correct.

Before Marlin could make his way into the house, Polly picked up Faith and handed her over to the housekeeper.

“Trudy, please take Faith out the back door and to Emma and Richard's house. Tell Richard what is going on here. They will know what to do.”

Randy stood by Polly's side when this crazed man who was her father walked into the room.

“There you are. Pretty proud of yourself aren't you? Living here in this fancy house. Where's the kid?”

“Hello to you to, Father. I can see you are still the charming man I remember so fondly.” Polly said sarcastically.

“Got a mouth on ya still, don't ya. I'll get rid of that once I get you home now get that kid of yours and let's go.”

Randy fumbled in his pocket and took Polly's left hand as he slipped a ring on her finger. Polly's eyes opened wide. The ring wasn't a total surprise to her but why on earth would Randy pick this time to give it to her?

Randy stood tall, stepped forward and extended his hand to Marlin.

“How do you do sir? I'm Randy Burke and I'm engaged to your daughter. I hope you will give us your blessing”

“Engaged! Why would you want to marry the girl? She is soiled goods, you know.”

Oscar put his hand on Randy's arm because he could feel the boy was going to explode if he didn't calm down.

“I love your daughter, sir. She is a wonderful young woman and you and your wife can be very proud of the life she is making for herself and her daughter. It will be an honor to be married to Polly.”

“You people are all crazy. I don't know what you like about her. She won't show you any respect. You just wait and see. Right now I want to see the brat.”

“She is not here and since you have no claim to me I suggest you leave right now. Go back to your happy little home. I know you won't but I wish you would tell my mother and brothers and sisters that I love them. If there was some way I could save them from you I would.”

Just then Richard and Robert entered the house with Sheriff Mendenhall.

“Mr. Cooper, come with me. I'm arresting you for public intoxication. Maybe tomorrow you will feel the urge to apologize to these fine people.” The sheriff put the handcuffs on Marlin and walked him out of the house.

“You'll pay for this Polly. I'll be back.” He dropped the copy of the paper with Polly's words staring back at her.

“I never imagined he would ever see this” she cried. “I'm so sorry he came into your house, Oscar. I didn't think he could get any worse than he was a year ago but I was wrong. Oh Randy, I wish I could get my mother and the other children away from him. I just don't know how.”

Trudy came back and started clearing the table of still full plates. Everyone had lost their appetite. Oscar proceeded to pour everyone a brandy including Trudy who was still shaking from fear.

Emma and Lily came in through the back door with Faith who was oblivious to all that was going on. Lily was the first to notice the ring on Polly's hand.

“What have we here?”

Polly looked down at her finger and for the first time she saw the beautiful ring Randy had slipped on her finger.

“Guess it's time to ask if you will marry me? How could you possibly turn me down with all these people waiting for your answer.”

“Randy, this isn't the first mess you have gotten me out of. Are you sure you want a wife who always seems to be more trouble than she's worth?”

“I'll take you any way I can get you. Now, are you going to marry me?”

“Yes!”

Everyone started clapping and singing and sipping a little more brandy. Faith was still in Emma's arms and was clapping along with everyone else. She was smiling and giggling and suddenly reached her arms out to Randy and said

“Da da”

A Worthy Cause

 

A Worthy Cause

It had only been three days since Lucinda McCoy and Nick Rossi had parted ways. Nick didn't need his sister, Rosa, telling him what an utter fool he had been to ruin everything with the only woman he had ever loved. He had been a jealous fool and there was no reason for it. One of the vineyard workers had spoken improperly to Lucinda and Nick didn't like her reaction or more appropriately her lack of reaction. When he thought of the way he had blown up at her because of that and because he had just found out she inherited millions from Shane Howard instead of the few dollars he envisioned he couldn't stop kicking himself. He missed her terribly and missed Cassandra too. They had become an inseparable threesome and now he was alone in his thoughts.

Rosa poured her brother a cup of coffee. “Nick, go see her, I'm sure she is feeling as lonely as you are. I know Lucinda loves you. For goodness sake, the whole town knows you love each other. If you don't do something about this, I'm going to ask Sheriff Mendenhall to lock you two up in adjoining cells and have you duke it out. Now don't be so stubborn. You are the one who created this mess now go fix it.”

Nick knew when his sister got this way she meant business and he wouldn't be surprised if she did call the sheriff. Maybe he would just take a leisurely stroll by the Bentley house. He hadn't seen Jamison in a while. Maybe he would check on the plans he was drawing up for the vineyard. After all, he was investing his money in the project.

Caroline glanced out the window and saw Nick walking hesitantly by the front porch. It's about time she thought to herself. Lucinda wasn't showing any outward signs of misery but Caroline knew the girl well enough to know that she was suffering since her breakup with Nick.

Nick couldn't get himself to go knock on the front door. He was so ashamed of the way he acted. Instead he went to the side door where Jamison's office was. Jamison was happy to see his friend and welcomed the interruption. He had been busy sketching the winery and was running into some logistical difficulties. Nick was able to suggest alternatives and solved the problems.

Caroline knocked on the door with a pot of freshly brewed coffee.

“Good Morning Nick. So nice to see you. It's a lovely day Maybe you would like to have your coffee in the garden gentlemen and enjoy the Indian summer weather.”

Jamison thought his wife was a bit obvious but Nick agreed immediately and took the tray from Caroline and placed it on the small table in the gazebo. He glanced up and saw Lucinda standing on the far end of the garden admiring the mums that were in full bloom this time of year. She turned around and couldn't hide the smile on her face. She had never been so happy to see anyone in her life. She knew she loved this man and he loved her. They both walked toward each other, Nick held out his arms and Lucinda fell into them. Between kisses Nick kept telling her how sorry he was about his foolish behavior. Lucinda knew she couldn't stay angry at him and decided not to even try. Caroline and Jamison were sitting at the table in the gazebo both smiling broadly.

Lucinda and Nick joined them just before Cassandra and Becky came running out of the house.

“Mama, Mama Kenny is crying” shouted Becky. “He said his tummy hurts” Caroline excused herself and went into the house to see to her son.

“Must have eaten too much ice cream yesterday.” Jamison said.

Within a few moments, Carolyn called from the window “Kenny is very sick, I think we should get Doc right away.” Nick took off on foot and ran into Tom Campbell.

Tom is Doc McMillan's son-in-law. He is married to Doctor Julie. Years ago Doc treated Tom's dying mother and saved her life. From that moment on Tom knew he wanted to be a doctor. He and Julie fell in love long before they knew it themselves and have been working side by side ever since. Tom rushed to examine Kenny. He suspected Kenny was having an appendix attack and knew time was of the essence getting him to the hospital in Greensboro before the appendix ruptured.

“The best way to get Kenny to Greensboro is in the fire truck.” Nick took off on foot again to the fire station. Cody Hill was sweeping the front walk when he saw Nick running toward him.

Cody had been working at the fire station, learning the ropes since shortly after his arrival in Camden Corners. Instinct told Cody something was not right. He shouted for Joe Taylor that there was trouble. Joe came running. Nick was almost out of breath after the two mile run to the fire station. He did manage to explain the situation. Joe and Cody hooked up 6 horses to the truck and threw some mattresses on the floor of the truck in rapid fire precision. Nick hopped in the back and off they rode to the ailing boy. Tom had given Kenny some medicine that would help with the pain. Tom and Jamison gently carried Kenny down the stairs and into the truck just as it arrived. Caroline, Jamison and Tom rode in the back of the truck with Kenny anticipating the 2 hour ride to Greensboro.

Several of the townspeople had gathered wondering what all the commotion was. April Hawthorne was on her way to school. She worked part time for the doctors trying to get experience for her future nursing career. Tom asked April to let Julie know he was on his way to Greensboro. April didn't stop to think how handsome Cody looked sitting in the driver's seat of the fire truck. She was hurrying on her way to the McMillan house to deliver the message to Doctor Julie.

Lucinda did her best to calm Becky who was remembering her mother being hauled away and never coming back home. She was afraid for Kenny. Lucinda couldn't promise the boy would be alright since she knew his condition was serious.

Doctor Julie arrived to see if she could help with Becky. She was aware of Becky's inability to speak after the death of her mother. Her father, in a drunken stupor had put that fear into her head because he wanted to end her little girl chatter. Becky was clinging to Lucinda. Julie told her Kenny would have the best of care from Doctor Tom on his way to Greensboro.

“Why can't he stay here?” she cried.

“Kenny needs to be in a hospital where the doctors have everything they need to make him well again” Julie told her.

“Why can't Kenny go to a hospital here? I want to see him.” Lucinda looked at Nick and they both knew just what Shane Howard's money would be used for. She couldn't think about it now but as soon as this crisis was over she would get the ball rolling to start building Camden Corners' own hospital.

The medicine Tom had given Kenny made the pain more bearable he was drifting in and out of sleep. The long trip to Greensboro in the back of the fire truck was uncomfortable for Caroline in her condition but she hadn't noticed. All she could think of was the first time she saw Kenny and Becky staring at her from behind the hydrangea bush just a few months ago. Caroline loved these two little orphan children the moment she laid eyes on them. She knew Becky would be worried about her brother. The poor little girl had finally seemed to be adjusting to her new life and now this.

They finally reached the hospital. Kenny was transported to the operating room where Tom performed surgery to remove his appendix. What seemed to the Bentleys to be an eternity later, Tom appeared and told them little Kenny would be just fine. They had made it in time, there was no rupture. Kenny would be sleeping for the next several hours.

Jamison immediately sent a wire to Camden Corners saying Kenny was recovering and would be back home in two weeks. When Lucinda read the wire to Becky, she was somewhat relieved but wanted to see her brother. Even though hospitals didn't allow young children to visit, Nick and Lucinda piled the two girls into the Hightower's carriage and set out for Greensboro the very next morning.

Kenny finally woke up shortly before noon. He didn't like the fact that he would be staying in the hospital for two weeks but he wasn't feeling well enough to argue. His main concern was his little sister. Caroline was holding his hand and assuring him that Becky was being well taken care of when the door opened and Lucinda walked in the room holding Becky's hand. Nick had used his charm on the young charge nurse as the two slipped by her. Becky thought her brother still looked pretty sick but better than the last time she saw him. Lucinda promised if they didn't stay for more than a minute that they would be able to come back again. Becky didn't argue, she waved to Kenny and blew him a kiss and out the door they went. Nick was still charming the nurse as Lucinda and Becky walked passed her unnoticed.

“I didn't realize you were such a charmer Mr. Rossi” Lucinda said sarcastically.

“Hey, anything for a good cause” Nick liked the little hint of jealousy he saw in Lucinda's eyes.

The two weeks passed quickly and Kenny was back home again. The emergency was just a memory now but Lucinda knew the outcome could have been quite different. Camden Corners needed a hospital and she was going to do everything she could to make it happen quickly. She would set up a meeting to discuss it but now she had a wedding to go to. Her friends, Emma and Lily were being married in a double ceremony to the Crowley Brothers.

Nettie Crowley and Ethel Fulbright could hardly catch their breath. Emma and Lily were standing before them. Emma in her grandmother's wedding gown and Lily in Ethel's. Emma could almost feel her grandmother's presence in the room. They both wore rose buds from Nettie's garden in their hair. Jonas Fulbright was giving both girls away and Oscar Crowley was acting as best man for both of his sons.

Jonas knocked on the door of the small room of the chapel where the wedding was taking place. Each girl took the old man's arm. Jonas thought the buttons would pop off of his morning suit he had such pride in these two lovely ladies.

Oscar was waiting at the end of the aisle with his two handsome sons. He had waited for this day for so long and it was finally here. He loved Emma and Lily as he would his own daughters. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Nettie, her eyes glistening with tears. What a lucky man he was. He had found two wonderful women to share each phase of his life with and now his sons and daughters-in-law would be presenting him with beautiful grandchildren.

The wedding was followed by a reception at the home of Nettie and Oscar Crowley. The guests were dancing, eating and drinking champagne. Nick and Lucinda were dancing with Cassandra in Nick's arms.

“I'd like to ask you two ladies a question” Nick said with a quivering voice.

His fist was clenched and he opened it where Lucinda and Cassandra saw two beautiful rings, one a diamond and the other an amethyst. He slipped the rings on their fingers, as he said

“Will you marry me?”

Cassandra answered first as she wrapped her arms tightly around Nick's neck “Yes, we will!” she shouted. A little more skeptically she whispered “we will won't we Mama?” Lucinda saw the happiness on her daughter's face and knew Paul would definitely approve of her answer when she said, “yes Cassandra, I think we will.” Rosa and Eduardo were dancing by and she heard every word.

“Eduardo, we better order more sacks of flour. I have a wedding cake to make.”

Reluctant Bridegroom

The sun was shining through the window of Watson Bed and Breakfast as Grace Watson was adjusting her bonnet before Ted Evans came by to walk her to church one Sunday morning. Grace and her mother, Caroline owned and had their living quarters in the B&B. Grace loved running the B&B, she also helped out at the school three days a week and enjoyed a full and busy life.

Grace was feeling a little melancholy this morning. For the last ten years, her companion had been Ted Evans, proprietor of Ted's Hardware Store. Their romance had become routine and rather dull and ordinary.

Ted was head usher at St. Peter's Church, Grace handed out the Sunday programs. She served coffee to the parishioners after the service while Ted chatted with the men. After church he walked her back home where she and Caroline prepared dinner for him and any guests who were still enjoying their stay. She saw him on Wednesday and Saturday nights and occasionally in between, but normally they stayed with the same schedule week after week, year after year.

Grace couldn't remember the last time the subject of marriage was brought up. Ted said they would be married one day but here it was ten years later and she was still Miss Grace Watson.

Grace put a smile on her face and greeted Ted with a kiss on the cheek as they walked out the door on their way to church. The pair walked along Main Street waving hello to their friends and neighbors when suddenly there was an unfamiliar sound. They looked up and saw a horseless carriage coming down the middle of the road.

Grace had seen a picture of an automobile but this was the first time she had seen the real thing. Horses were being spooked all along the way, children were holding their mother's hands tightly as this strange contraption approached them. Men were running to catch up to the magnificent machine.

Chip Peabody, the driver, was in his glory with all this attention. He was about halfway to his destination and decided he would stay in Camden Corners for a few days. Honor the locals with his presence and let them admire his fancy automobile.

He stopped at the Watson House, knocked on the door but no one was there. They must have been with the group of church goers he had passed along the way. He happened to see a coffee shop on the next block and thought a cup of coffee would be nice while he waited. He parked his pride and joy in front of the window of the coffee shop where he could keep an eye on it.

On their way home, Grace and Ted were surprised to see the automobile parked on the street in front of the B&B. Caroline had come home right after the service and was registering Mr. Peabody as the couple walked through the door. Grace took a closer look at Mr. Chip Peabody. He certainly wasn't ordinary. He had a twinkle in his eye as he glanced in her direction.

Ted was oblivious to the sparks that were lighting up the room. For Grace, that Sunday had become anything but dull. Everyone sat down to Sunday dinner. After they had their apple pie and the ladies began to clear the table, Mr. Peabody offered to take Ted for a ride and drop him off at his home. Ted had planned to enjoy a nice long Sunday afternoon with Grace but he couldn't resist the opportunity to ride in an automobile for the first time. He gave Grace a peck on the cheek, thanked Caroline for the fabulous meal and was out the door ready for his joy ride. Chip drove him around the block one time then on to his house, dropped him off and returned to the Watson place within 5 minutes ready to give Grace a spin.

Grace was a little nervous but she took her place in the passenger side of the auto and off they went. Chip drove up into the hills and they stopped at the Camden Hill Ski Lodge. They sat by the cozy fire drinking hot buttered rum while Chip told her all about himself. At least what he wanted her to hear. Grace was enamored. Although she knew Ted loved her, Chip knew how to make a girl feel special. She hung on every word and didn't want the afternoon to end.

Caroline was worried when it started getting dark and the pair had not returned home yet. She knew her daughter had a good head on her shoulders but she also knew Grace was becoming impatient with Ted's reluctance in making a commitment. At that moment, there was a knock on the door. Ted was surprised to hear that Grace was not at home but out gallivanting with a stranger.

Chip and Grace arrived a little while later. Grace was just a tad giddy from the effects of the rum. Ted was surprised at Grace's behavior and just a little concerned that she might be succumbing to Chip Peabody's charm. There was tension in the air during supper but Grace was unaware of it. Ted left shortly after and fumed all the way home.

The next day Chip suggested they take another drive. Caroline told her daughter she could handle the B&B this morning and insisted she go along for the ride. She and Chip passed Ted's Hardware Store just as Ted was opening the doors. She didn't notice him standing in the doorway but he could see she was laughing and having a wonderful time with Mr. Big Shot with the automobile. Ted knew a long and worrisome day lay ahead for him.

As they drove to the edge of town, Grace was beginning to realize that the seats of the automobile weren't all that comfortable. She kept hitting her elbow on the door when they went over the ruts in the bumpy road. Chip wasn't quite as charming as he seemed yesterday. In fact, she was getting tired of hearing him talk about himself all the time. There were so many interesting things to discuss. She and Ted could talk for hours and she never tired of their conversations. She wondered why she was feeling so down in the dumps yesterday. Ted was a lot more fun to be with than this jerk.

Chip knew Grace was different from the girls he normally took for rides and it would take a little longer to persuade her to give into his charms but he was tired of waiting. He looked for a secluded spot and made a quick right turn. It was a little too quick because he ended up in a ditch.

His seduction plan was forgotten as Chip buried his head in his hands and cried. “What a revolting development this is!”

Grace, who was by this time anxious to be anywhere but with Chip Peabody, got out of the car and began to push back and forth until the wheel dislodge from the ditch. She told Chip it was time to turn around and get back to Camden Corners .

Chip was silent on the way back to the B&B. He couldn't believe this country girl hadn't fallen head over heels for him. Although he would have liked to work his charms on her, he was anxious to get out of this hick town with the dirt roads. He wasted no time packing his suitcase and left without as much as a nod in Grace's direction.

Grace marched herself into Ted's Hardware Store, locked the door behind her and told Mr. Theodore James Evans that he had 30 seconds to make up his mind. Did he or did he not want to marry her and if he did it was going to be before the month ended.

Ted shook his head and said “No, I don't want to wait that long. Let's get married this Saturday. I don't know why we have waited so long but I don't intend to let any city slicker take you for a ride ever again.”