A Talented Tot

A Talented Tot

“Did you have fun tonight, Becky?” Caroline asked as she was tucking her into her bed.

“Oh yes Mama. I have a new friend and her name is Valentine. Isn't that the prettiest name you have ever heard? She said she was going to call me Rebecca because she had a dolly named Rebecca when she was a little girl.”

“Valentine is a very pretty name and so is Rebecca but you are my Becky, and I love you.”

“I love you too Mama.”

Caroline kissed Becky good night and turned out the light. She had an uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach.

“Jamison, do you think it's odd that a perfect stranger has chosen to change Becky's name to Rebecca?” She said to her husband who was playing a game of checkers with Kenny.

Kenny looked up and said, “Becky doesn't like to be called Rebecca. Papa use to call her that when he yelled at her to stop singing.”

“She doesn't seem to mind now. She likes this woman called Valentine. I'm going to have to speak with Molly about her. I know she is Molly's cousin but Nettie told me Molly hadn't seen her in years and at that time she was called Verna. It just doesn't feel right to me.”

“Kenny, your mama is a worry wart but it's better to be safe. Luke is questioning her motives too. He is going to ask Sheriff Mendenhall to see if he can discover anything about her through the Brooklyn Police Department. Kenny, don't mention this to Becky. I'd hate to keep her from seeing the woman if she is on the up and up. Becky is a loveable little girl and maybe Valentine is just being kind.”

Caroline was happy the sheriff would be involved. She slept fitfully and decided she would speak to Molly in the morning about her cousin.

After church the following day, Caroline stopped for Becky in her Sunday school class. Molly was teaching that day.

“Hi Molly, Where is Becky, did she go off with Cassandra?”

“No, Nick came to take Cassandra home. Lucinda is suffering from a bout of morning sickness and Nick was worried about her. Some of the children went out in the yard when class ended. It is such a beautiful day.”

Caroline wanted to speak with Molly about her cousin but she was worried about Becky and went out to look for her.

She noticed her talking to Valentine under the oak tree on the other side of the street. Her voice was shaking as she called to her daughter.

“Becky, come here dear. We will be leaving shortly.”

Becky gave Valentine a hug which made Caroline even more uncomfortable. She came running across the street waving goodbye to Valentine on the way.

“What were you and Valentine talking about Becky?” Caroline tried to sound calm but Becky noticed the edge in her voice.

“Are you mad at me, Mama?”

“No dear, I just couldn't find you and I was worried that's all. Why did you go across the street?”

“Valentine wanted to show me a flower in the Hawthorne's garden. She said it looked like a star and that I could be a star someday because I sing so pretty. I like Valentine, she always tells me I'm pretty and I sing pretty. She asked me if I thought you and Papa would let me go to New York City with her someday.”

Caroline was tempted to approach Valentine who was still across the street and staring in their direction. She thought better of it, but she did want to talk with Oscar Crowley today. That uneasy feeling just wouldn't go away.

Jamison came strolling across the lawn carrying Lucy with Kenny walking behind.

“Where have you two been? You disappeared on me. You had me worried. I guess it must be catching.”

Kenny and Becky started running ahead. They caught up with Iris Taylor and April Hawthorne.

Caroline told Jamison about finding Becky across the street with Valentine and the conversation the two of them had.

“I'm worried Jamison. I want to talk with Oscar about this girl. I just have a bad feeling about her. You don't suppose she is a relative of Becky's parents do you?”

“I don't know but something doesn't seem right. There's Oscar now. You keep an eye on Becky and I'll go speak to him.”

Just then Lucy began to cry and distracted Caroline. When she looked up she could hear Kenny calling Becky's name. There was no answer.

“Jamison, come quickly. Becky has disappeared.”

Everyone walking from church heard Caroline's cries. They all came running and looking for Becky.

“Rebecca is with me, we were talking about her singing career.” said a smug Valentine.

Becky looked a little fearful. She liked Valentine but she really wanted to play with her friends. She was tired of talking about singing and that was all Valentine wanted to talk about.

“Her singing career? What singing career? Becky sings for her pleasure and the pleasure of those around her. She is seven years old. She doesn't have a career and won't for many years, if ever! Who are you anyway and why are you harassing my daughter?”

Caroline was still holding Lucy who began crying even louder. Becky was in tears and Kenny took her hand and moved her away from Valentine.

“You don't understand!” cried Valentine. “I promised Arnold I would bring him a client. Becky has a beautiful singing voice and we can make her a star. She will be happy, I'll make sure of it. I won't let Arnold be mean to her, I promise.”

“The woman is mad!” shouted Jamison. “Leave Becky alone and leave my family alone. Molly who is this woman? I can't believe she is related to you.”

Laura Hawthorne came over and offered to take the children into her house.

“That's a good idea Laura.” said Oscar knowing things were getting out of hand. “Shall we all go to our house and try to get to the bottom of this? Molly and Luke, you come too. Young lady, I am Oscar Crowley and this is my wife Nettie. Please join us. Let's not frighten the children anymore than they already are.”

Valentine walked along with everyone else. What had she gotten herself into? Arnold would be fit to be tied.

Nettie asked Trudy to make coffee for everyone. Lucy had fallen asleep in Caroline's arms.

“Let me put Lucy down in Faith's crib. We still have it set up in her old room for when she comes for a visit.” Nettie said as she carried the sleeping baby to the bedroom.

Oscar started the conversation. He tried to take on a calming tone and it worked. The hysteria had gone from Caroline's voice.

Molly spoke up. “Valentine, are you really my cousin? We only met one time and we were no older than Becky is right now. I barely remember the visit let alone remember you. Why did you seek me out?”

“Yes, I am your cousin. I meant no harm. Molly told me the little girl is an orphan. I didn't think it would matter to you if I took her to New York City to make her famous. After all you have a baby and she is your real daughter.”

Caroline had to control herself to not jump up and throttle the girl. Jamison held her arm. He knew having another shouting match would not help matters.

“Young lady,” Oscar said calmly. “Why do you think you have the right to take Becky anywhere?”

“Don't you see, I have to bring her to New York. Arnold will be angry with me if I don't. I told him I could find someone talented in Camden Corners. I saw the reviews in the papers after the play your town put on. I figured since the critics all said such nice things about the actors I could talk one of them into being a client of Arnold's. Then I heard Rebecca sing and she was the answer to my prayers.”

Oscar spoke again, “Valentine, please start at the beginning. Who is Arnold to you and why are you willing to take a child away from parents who love her so that he can make money?”

“You make it sound so terrible. I didn't mean for anyone to get hurt. I wish someone had made me a star when I was Rebecca's age.”

“Please Valentine, start at the beginning.”

“Alright. My name is really Verna. My last name is Hart and Arnold thought Valentine sounded like a Broadway star so I changed it. I lived with my family in Jamestown. I had dreamed of being famous for as long as I can remember. My brothers use to tease me that I couldn't sing and I couldn't dance. We didn't have the money for lessons so I tried to teach myself. Papa use to say that I was born with two left feet. I never knew what that meant but I knew it wasn't a good thing. Mama told me I couldn't carry a tune in a bucket and that made me feel bad too. Nobody said anything about my piano playing, they just had the piano hauled away one afternoon while I was at school.

“All through high school I dreamed of the day I would be a star. I knew if I could just get to New York City I would be able to improve my signing and dancing. Mama wanted me to marry Ronnie Ford and have a bunch of babies but that wasn't for me. I liked Ronnie but I just couldn't stay in Jamestown all my life.

“Papa wouldn't let me go to New York so I worked at the local dairy farm until I saved enough money to buy a train ticket and some extra for a boarding house. I told mama and papa I was going on a picnic with Ronnie and put my clothes in a picnic basket and caught the next train out of town.

“I was sure that my dreams would all come true the day I stepped off the train. New York wasn't what I thought it would be. I couldn't see Broadway and didn't even know how to get there. My money was running out quickly. I lived in a boarding house with six roommates and some of them had men coming into the room. I couldn't sleep most nights and didn't know what I was going to do. One of the other girls told me I needed to get an agent and she told me about Arnold Bloomfield. She said he would be able to get me a job. I went to see him and he helped me move out of the boarding house and into a room in his office. He told me I could stay there if I would take care of his business.

“He didn't have very many clients but the ones he did have were all very pretty girls who wore a lot of makeup and not a lot of clothes. I thought they were showgirls and had to dress that way.

“Everything was going well until one day when the police banged the door down and took all the books right out from under me. Arnold was hauled off to jail. Someone paid the fine to get him out. I think it might have been the lady who lives downstairs. Her name is Clara Bella.

“I love Arnold. He helped me when I didn't have anywhere to go. He gets mad sometimes but it's only because I do something wrong. He told me it was my fault that the police arrested him because I told them about the girls who performed on Broadway. I didn't say anything to anybody but it must have been my fault that Arnold lost all his money. That's why I wanted Rebecca to come with me. She would be a big star. I just know it.”

Molly had to ask, “Valentine, did Arnold strike you? Is that where the bruise on your face came from?”

“He only hits me when I do wrong. He is always sorry afterward. I know he loves me. He takes care of me and I don't have anywhere else to go.”

Valentine began to cry. Nettie put her arm around the girl and led her into the other room.

Caroline spoke. “That man should be horsewhipped. He has brainwashed that young girl. Did you hear her say everything that evil man did was her fault? What can we do to help her?”

Tears ran down Molly's face. She couldn't believe what she had heard.

“I wonder if her parents even know where she is. Luke, I have to try to find them. I think I might have the address in Mama's keepsakes. I thought about looking for her address book the other day when I was beginning to suspect Valentine was up to no good. Oscar, do you think she is capable of kidnapping a child?”

“I think she is a very troubled young woman. I'd like to have Doc check her out. He would know more about her psychological condition than I do. She has definitely been brainwashed. I only hope it isn't too late.”

Luke said, “I'll go over and ask Doc to pay her a visit. Molly, why don't you see if you can find that address? I think we should get in touch with her family if we can.”

“Both are good ideas,” said Oscar. “I think we should talk to Doc before calling the sheriff. We'll see what he has to say.”

Caroline and Jamison held hands. They were both thinking about what could have happened if Valentine had taken Becky to New York. Caroline couldn't stop shaking.

We Meet Again

 

This is the last story in the Camden Corners Collection

Check back tomorrow when the stories continue in 

The Village of Camden Corners 

*********

We Meet Again

Helene Robinson understood why her son wanted to get to know his father and half sisters. She didn't blame him, she was too busy chastising herself for keeping this secret from him all these years. Chester had been right all along. James needed to know the truth. Helene couldn't face having him know of her behavior so many years ago. He didn't seem to think twice that his mother behaved like a harlot. Thinking back on the night James was conceived, she realized over indulgence in champagne was only an excuse. What happened with Neville Merryweather was not an accident, it was intentional.

“Maybe it's time you forgave yourself, Helene.” said her good friend Margaret with whom Helene had confided in several months before. “Chester loved you and married you knowing you were carrying another man's child. He never thought any less of you because of one mistake. You gave him the greatest gift of all. A child who adored him.”

“Maybe you're right, Margaret. I just can't help thinking I'm being punished because James seems to be happy living in Camden Corners and being with his other family. His last letter said he had been hired at a local photographic factory. It sounds like he is planning a very long visit there.”

“He also asked you to come to visit him. His Aunt Millie even sent you a note asking you to join your son. What in the world is keeping you here? I've already told you I'd keep an eye on your house and water your plants. Could it be you are afraid to see Neville Merryweather again?”

“You know me so well, Margaret. I know I'm older and wiser than I was 20 years ago but what if I fall into that same old trap? He's a married man. From what James has hinted it isn't a happy marriage but that might make it even more difficult to keep my emotions in check.”

“What if he is bald with warts all over his face and weighs 300 pounds? Maybe you are worrying for nothing.” Margaret laughed.

“You're right, Margaret. He can't be as beautiful as he was back when I knew him. I probably will laugh when I see that overweight, bald headed, wart faced man again.”

Before Helene could change her mind she went to the telegraph office and telegraphed her son. She also sent a telegram to Millie Stout thanking her for her invitation to be her guest. She wouldn't dream of imposing on Mrs. Stout and would ask her son to arrange for lodging in a local boarding house.

When the telegrams arrived, Millie told her nephew not to even think about arranging for his mother to stay at Mrs. Wharton's. She wouldn't hear of it.

“We have lovely rooms in this house and I want to get to know the only woman who ever made my brother happy. As far as I'm concerned she is much more a part of this family than that insipid Prudence.”

“I'm happy you feel that way Aunt Millie because I know you two will be great friends. My mother will love this old house and all the antiques. She and my....ah Chester liked to visit estate sales and such before he became so ill.”

“James, I want you to feel comfortable calling Chester Robinson your father. He was your father in every sense of the word. Neville understands that too and we are both grateful to him for the part he had in making you the fine young man you are today.”

“Thanks Aunt Millie,” James said as he gave his aunt a big bear hug.

One week later, Helene Robinson walked off the train and into the arms of her son. Waiting with him was an attractive older lady with a happy grin on her face.

“Welcome to Camden Corners, Helene. I am so happy to meet you.”

The two women embraced as if they'd known each other all their lives.

“I can't thank you enough for your hospitality toward James. I'm sure his visit was the last thing you expected. I hope we haven't disrupted your life too awfully much.”

“Disrupted my life? Nothing could be further from the truth. Young people fill my parlor with laughter every day of the week. Even my nieces are happy to visit their old Aunt Millie more often these days. James has brought nothing but joy to that old house on the hill. Which reminds me, I won't hear of you staying anywhere but in my home.”

Helene appreciated why James was happy in Camden Corners. It was such a picturesque town. People walking down the street shouted hello to them as their carriage rode by on their way to the house on the hill. Helene couldn't believe Neville had grown up in this mansion. She knew he came from wealth but had no idea how rich his family was.

“Don't let this big house fool you Helene, I was in hock up to my cheekbones until Nettie Crowley gave me the idea of opening the antique shop on the first floor. You'll meet Nettie soon. I thought it would be nice if the two of us became acquainted before I shared you with the rest of Camden Corners.”

Addie had prepared a nice supper for the guest. She and Leo thought the two women should be left alone to talk and made the excuse they were visiting the Pringles for the evening.

Helene felt she had known Millie all her life.

“Millie, you have made me feel so welcome. I believe you and Neville share the same charming ways.”

“Yes, Helene, Neville can be very charming. He takes after our father and grandfather in that way and also in other ways. Being accepted into society was a priority for our grandfather, he married our grandmother for that reason alone. I'm sorry to say, from what I knew of Grandmother Merryweather, she was a rather shallow person herself. She never bothered with Neville and me when we were children and I would guess she was the same with our father. With all his charm, Cyrus Merryweather was a cold man. Neville always craved his approval and even after his death tried to emulate him. It didn't help that he married a superficial woman like Prudence. Neville has mellowed over the years. He hit the roof when Melanie's beau followed her to Camden Corners a year ago. It was only after remembering his lost love that he acquiesced and allowed them to be together. Now he thinks of Michael as his own son.”

“I have to admit Millie, I'm a little worried about meeting Neville again. I think a small part of me has never gotten over my feelings for him. I hope it won't be too awkward for you. I know he visits James occasionally.”

“I know for a fact that Neville still has feelings for you. He has carried that torch for so long. If only he had the gumption to fight Father so many years ago you two would have been married to each other. I know Prudence doesn't deserve loyalty, but I doubt very much he will ever leave her.”

“I don't want him to. I am hoping we can be friends though. For the sake of our son.”

“I'd like that very much,” came a voice that Helene would never forget. She turned around and looked into the eyes of the man she had loved since she was a young girl.

“Neville, how nice to see you. I didn't expect we would meet again so soon after my arrival.”

James spoke up. “You can blame me Mother. I knew you and Neville would both be anxious about seeing each other again so I thought it best we get this first meeting over with.”

“You raised a very bright young man here, Helene.” said Neville as he embraced her.

The awkwardness disappeared quickly and Helene and Neville were just two old friends enjoying an evening together with family.

Neville left on the morning train with the promise of returning for a longer visit in just a few days. James had to report to his new job but knew his mother was in good hands with Aunt Millie.

Millie didn't waste anytime. She left Addie in charge of the antique shop and had Leo drive them in the carriage to the Emma and Lily's shop to start their tour of the town. After a delightful morning meeting the residents of Camden Corners, Helene was falling in love with the little town. She was already dreading leaving. She and Millie walked by the Camden Corners Library.

“I studied to be a librarian.” said Helene. “I stopped working when I married Chester. I've been thinking of seeing if they need any help in our local library.”

Millie's ears perked up. “Sarah Harcourt is the head librarian here. She has become a writer and she and Max are expecting a baby. I know she has been talking about giving up her job at the library. Why don't we drop in to see her. Maybe the answer to her dilemma has just come to town.”

“Millie, I couldn't possibly move to Camden Corners. My life is in Albany. I have friends there and obligations.”

“You have family here. Let's just talk to Sarah. There is no harm in that.”

An hour later Helene Robinson was the new head librarian at Camden Corners Lending Library. Helene didn't know what hit her. She didn't know if it was her decision or Millie's. Her new friend could be awfully persuasive.

James took some time off from his new job to help his mother pack up their home in Albany. Along with his other good qualities, Chester had provided well for his family. The house had sold quickly. Helene was sorry to leave the home she had lived in since James was a baby but she had a new life to look forward to. She said a tearful goodbye to her friend Margaret who had promised to come for a visit during the summer.

James held his mother's hand as the train pulled away from the station. With tears in her eyes she bid farewell to Albany and all the memories she would carry with her to her new life in Camden Corners.

At that moment in Greensboro, Neville Merryweather was ducking his head to save himself from the perfume bottle that was headed toward his nose.

“I know you are carrying on with that woman. You spend more time in Camden Corners than you do here. What does that harlot have that I don't have?”

“Now Prudence, why don't you just go back to bed. You know I have been faithful to you since the day we were married. I visit Camden Corners to see my son. I would have him come to visit me here if you would just open your heart to him. He is a very nice young man. I think you would like him.”

“Like him? I loathe him. He and his trashy mother. Now get out of here,” Prudence shouted as she picked up another bottle off her dresser.

Neville left the room and ran into Melanie.

“Why don't you just leave her Father. You don't deserve to be treated like this. You don't owe Mother anything. I'm sure you could find happiness with Helene and you know how Melinda and I feel about her. Just in the short time we have known her we have grown to love her and you know you still do.”

“I won't leave your mother, Melanie. She is my wife and that is all there is to it. Besides, she gave me two beautiful daughters and I will be forever grateful. I'm glad for Helene's friendship but that is all it is or ever will be.”

“Never say never Father.”

As Neville walked down the hallway, he heard another bottle hit his wife's bedroom door. No Melanie, I never will say never. He thought to himself as he looked at his pocket watch. She should be leaving Albany about now. I'd better hurry if I'm going to catch that train to Camden Corners. His step felt lighter as he walked away from his wife's room.

The Party Goes On

The Party Goes On

Margie Springer reached out her hand hoping to calm her husband. She had known Clayton Springer since they were in sixth grade together and she could tell when his temper was getting the best of him. She couldn't imagine what he meant about knowing the pretty young woman who stood at the podium in front of the applauding crowd.

Clay was seething as he listened to Lucinda praise a man called Shane Howard. He had no idea who she was referring to. His only thought was how she had made a fool of him. He couldn't understand why she would masquerade as she did and the fact that she would put her sick child in danger infuriated him. Was she testing him to see if he was up to her standards as a physician? Was this just a trick to get him to agree to uproot his family and move to Camden Corners? Most importantly why did she choose him to humiliate? His mind was whirling and then he heard her mention his name.

“I would personally like to welcome our newest physician and his family to Camden Corners. I'd like to tell you of my encounter with Dr. Springer when Cassandra and I were still living in New York City.

As you know, Cassandra and I were struggling to make ends meet in our little apartment in New York. It was a cold January day just over a year ago when Cassandra woke up with a fever. I was grateful that there was a free clinic in town and I knew they would be able to help Cassandra but it was three trolly car rides away and Cassandra was such a sick little girl I didn't want to take a chance that the cold would be the worst thing for her at that time. There was a small medical office three doors down from our apartment building. I bundled Cassandra up in blankets, held her as close to me as I could to protect her from the howling wind. I was so relieved when I made it to the doors of the office. The nurse was very pleasant and told me to have a seat. I tried to explain that I only had some change in my pocket but that I would visit the pawn shop as soon as I was able. I had a pearl ring that was found with my mother after the accident. One of the attendants at the orphanage gave it to me as a keepsake. She told me to hide it and I kept it inside a hankie all the years I was in the orphanage. I never thought of selling it even when I was down to my last few pennies for the week. Cassandra's health was more important than any ring and I knew that was what I had to do to pay the doctor's bill.

I could hear the nurse explain my situation to Dr. Pike. He glanced my way and I heard him tell the nurse that they didn't accept charity cases and to send us to the free clinic. At that point, a man with the kindest of faces walked through the doors. I think he heard what Dr. Pike said and came over to Cassandra. He sat down next to us and then asked that we come into his office. I told him I didn't have very much money and he told me about his children at home and that if they were sick he would want someone to help them too. He gave Cassandra some medicine and she was so much better the next day. I asked Mrs. Coleridge, our neighbor to watch Cassandra while I took my ring to the pawn shop. I stopped in the medical office and asked to see Dr. Springer. He was making a house call at the time so I left the money with the nurse. That very afternoon there was a knock on the door. It was Dr. Springer. He said he was checking on his favorite little patient and then handed me my pearl ring. His nurse had told him that I had mentioned pawning my ring and this wonderful man searched the pawn shops until he found it and brought it back to me. You can understand why I mentioned Dr. Springer as a possible addition to our hospital. I'm just happy he agreed to join the hospital and our community.

Margie could feel the tension slipping away as Lucinda told her story. She didn't doubt for one minute that Clay would do as he did. She always knew he was an exceptional man.

After the applause settled down, Clay asked “Maybe it isn't my business but in one year's time how was that poverty stricken young lady able to build a hospital?”

Doc laughed “To make a long story short....”

Mary interrupted him “It's a lovely story and I will tell it. You will leave out all the details Doc.” Mary began at the beginning and ended with the happiness Lucinda found in Camden Corners with Nick Rossi. Clay listened intently to every word. He was ashamed of his previous distrust of Lucinda. She could have lived a life of luxury with money left to her but instead donated it to the building of a hospital. Any doubts he had about moving his family to Camden Corners were dispelled that evening. Clay and Margie were born and raised in a big city but they were both small town people at heart and Camden Corners won both their hearts that evening.

Young Peter Springer found himself glancing in the direction of the pretty young girl seated at at the table directly across from him. She would look his way and turn her head as soon as their eyes met. He hadn't met too many people just yet. Mostly the boys from his classes at school. This girl looked familiar but he couldn't place her and then he spotted another boy sitting at the table. He was playing ball with the kid with the great pitching arm he saw earlier that day. It turned out that kid was a girl. He suddenly realized this was that girl, the one with the curls all over her head.

Peter never thought much about the opposite sex until his sixteenth birthday just three months ago. He remembered noticing the red haired girl in his history class in New York. One day she was just another girl and what seemed to be overnight she was transformed into a beauty. He wondered what she would do if he tried to hold her hand but he never would find out since his pa moved them to this little town. Pete wasn't sure he was going to like it in Camden Corners. It was always so quiet. His little sister, Abigail had already made friends and had forgotten all about New York. Samantha seemed to be happy wherever she was as long as she had a book in her hands. He heard Mama tell her about some antique shop and how the owner said she could work there a couple days a week. Samantha was excited about that and couldn't wait to start. Maybe he should think about getting a job after school. He thought of the art gallery on Main Street and wondered if they needed someone to sweep and empty trash. He wouldn't even ask for pay. He liked looking at the artwork and he liked to draw and paint. He stopped in the gallery earlier in the day and met the owner, Jack Mackenzie. He liked Mr. Mackenzie, he always thought painters were a little unbalanced like Vincent van Gogh, but Mr. Mackenzie seemed like a normal guy. He told him he could come into the shop anytime he wanted to. He even told him to bring over some of his work and he'd take a look at it. Pete wasn't sure he was ready to have an artist look at his work. He'd have to think about that.

The dancing started and Pete saw his classmate, Marty dancing with that girl. They seemed to be having fun. Pete wasn't much of a dancer but he could see other fellas cutting in on the dance floor and wondered if he should do the same.

“Come on, Samantha, let's dance.” He took her hand and Samantha didn't have much choice but to follow her brother to the dance floor. She didn't mind because she loved to dance. Even as a little girl she would dance around the house pretending she was a ballerina.

“Samantha, I want to cut in on that kid over there. Would you help me trade dancing partners?”

“Pete! I can't do that, what if he turns me down and I'm standing on the dance floor all alone, I would be mortified.”

Pete didn't listen to her and danced over to Marty and Jennie and tapped Marty on the shoulder. Marty turned around and saw Samantha standing there with a petrified look on her face. He could almost read her mind and asked if she would care to dance with him. She nodded her head in relief.

Pete held Jennie in his arms. She thought her knees were going to buckle. What was wrong with her and why was she acting this way?

“Hello, my name is Pete. I'm the dumb guy who thought you were a boy. You sure don't look like a boy tonight.”

Jennie found her voice. “I'm Jennie”

Jennie's brother Ben tapped Pete's shoulder. He didn't want to give Jennie up but didn't have a choice when he started to pull away, Jennie pulled him closer.

“Get out of here Ben or I'll sock you. Go dance with somebody else.”

Pete couldn't help but laugh. This was the girl he saw with the great pitching arm. She was going to be a lot of fun to be around. She turned back to him with a demure smile on her face.

“So Pete, how do you like living in Camden Corners?”

“I think I'm going to like it here just fine Jennie”

Samantha was enjoying her dance with Marty Mackenzie. He was an exceptional dancer and they glided across the floor. She didn't want the dance or the evening to end.

“Samantha, where did you learn to dance like this? You could be in a musical. The high school always puts on a show in the spring. Mr. Lane was talking about doing the Wizard of Oz. If you can sing as well as you dance you should try out. I'm going to try for the straw man myself.”

“That would be fun Marty but I'm not sure I would be able to perform in front of all those people”

“Nonsense, we are all your friends or will be by then. Anyway, look around you now. All eyes are on the two of us.”

Samantha looked up and sure enough, everyone was standing next to the dance floor and watching them dance. They all started clapping and instead of feeling shy, Samantha found herself enjoying the attention.

Margie turned to Clay. “I don't think you have to worry about our children here in Camden Corners, I do believe they are fitting in very well.” She pointed to a table on the far side of the room where Pete and Jennie were talking and laughing. Margie chuckled as she saw Pete take hold of Jennie's hand. She noticed Jennie didn't pull her hand away.

According to Grace Evans' calculations, she should have given birth two weeks ago. Doc Julie told her not to worry, babies have their own schedules and her little one would be here soon. She had felt rather like a cow that evening while she dressed for the dance.

“Maybe I should stay home” she told Ted “I'm so big and fat I'm not sure I'll be able to waddle up to the second floor of the winery.”

“It will be fun Grace, and if we don't show up, your mother will worry about you. You know how she has been looking forward to this evening.”

Grace was enjoying herself more than she expected. She was very calm and almost forgot she had been with child for over nine months. She was in Ted's arms as they glided over the dance floor.

Suddenly she had the strangest feeling and then a suspicious pain.

“Maybe you'd better take me home, Ted.”

Ted scooped her up and carried her to the carriage with her mother, Caroline and Doc Julie following behind.

The band began playing “Rock A Bye Baby” with everyone wishing the new parents good luck as they exited the building.

The Miracle

 

The Miracle

Melvin Tanner was walking down Main Street enjoying the beautiful early summer weather. He strolled by St. Peter's Church where he came upon the vicar and a young man planting petunias in the flower bed in front of the church. He greeted the two and introduced himself. The planting was almost completed and Vicar Willard Duesenberry left his handyman to finish the job while he and Melvin entered the church office for a cup of Alma Shrum's tasty coffee.

Alma had been the church housekeeper and cook for as long as she could remember. She loved the vicar like a son and was very protective of him. She was thrilled that her granddaughter, Kate and the vicar were a couple although their courtship was going terribly slow. Alma brought out a pot of freshly brewed coffee and a plate of oatmeal cookies that she had just taken out of the oven. One bite into the warm cookie and Melvin's heart melted. It had been 25 years since Melvin's wife passed away. He had never even considered becoming involved with another woman until now.

The vicar was interested in how the professor happened to become Cody Hill's guardian. He believed in miracles and saw the professor's tale as proof that they are possible. Melvin checked his pocket watch and realized he had taken up well over an hour of the vicar's time.

“No bother at all, Professor. I have enjoyed our chat very much and I hope you will join me for dinner very soon. Mrs. Schrum is a superb cook as you can tell by my expanding waistline.”

Mrs. Schrum entered the room just then and poo pooed the idea that the vicar was fat.

“You are too skinny, vicar. You need to put some more meat on your bones.”

Melvin chuckled at Mrs. Schrum's gentle teasing. He would like to have asked if there was a Mr. Schrum but he couldn't think of a way to say it without seeming forward. Before he knew it he had blurted out, “Mrs. Schrum, I would like very much to get to know you better and wonder if I may have another of those wonderful cookies. Oatmeal are my favorite.”

Melvin's face turned red and he was mortified at what just came out of his mouth. The vicar had never known Alma Schrum to be speechless but she just stared at the professor with her mouth open.

“Alma, why don't you show the professor around the church grounds, the roses are beautiful now.”

Alma took hold of the professor's arm and guided him out the back door to the garden. She finally found her voice and the two talked so long it was almost dinnertime and she hadn't even begun preparations.

The vicar told Alma to take the night off. He was going to ask Kate to stop over after school and together they would be able to find something to sustain them for the evening.

“Professor, the Marino Trattoria has a wonderful menu in case you and Alma are hungry a little later.”

Kate found it incredible that her grandmother had a beau. She couldn't wait to write to her mother to give her the news. The letter could wait. Tonight she was going to cook up a storm to show Will she was almost as good at cooking as her grandmother.

The vicar was standing in the doorway smiling at this beautiful girl. He had a ring burning a hole in his pocket just waiting for the right time to pop the question. Maybe tonight would be the night. Every time he planned to ask Kate to be his wife, one of his parishioners knocked on the door in need of his help. The meal was wonderful. Every bit as good as Alma's. The mashed potatoes were heavenly and the gravy was sinful. Just the way Will liked it. As he was taking the last bite of his peach pie, there was a knock on the door.

Will was called away and Kate stayed behind to clean up the kitchen and said to the cat, “I'd better get use to these interruptions if I am to be a clergyman's wife. I just wish Will would give me that ring he has been carrying around with him all this time.”

Alma and Melvin had been inseparable since the day they met in the vicar's office. Melvin stopped by to escort her to the Founder's Day picnic. Excitement spread through the whole town. Other than Independence Day and Christmas, the Founder's Day Picnic was the biggest event in Camden Corners. Alma's picnic lunch consisted of fried chicken, potato salad, cucumbers and tomatoes from the garden and two pieces of chocolate cake with fudge frosting. She also carried along her entry for the pie bidding contest, a strawberry pie brimming over with strawberries picked just this morning. Melvin's mouth was watering. He loved sweets of any kind and Alma was very good at making his favorites. He wondered why it took him so long to find a companion and then realized he was just waiting for Alma to come into his life. Alma was proud walking arm in arm with Melvin. Her dear Harlan passed away just before Vicar Will became pastor of St. Peter's Church. Harlan was the head caretaker of the church and planted many of the trees that were towering over the grounds now. It never occurred to Alma that anyone would be taking Harlan's place in her life and in her heart. Somehow she knew he would approve of her choice in Melvin. Harlan had a sweet tooth too and Alma loved baking. The vicar was much too conscious of his waistline and never had seconds of Alma's delicious treats.

As promised, everyone was having a wonderful time at the picnic. Cody and April came in a close second in the three legged race. They were beaten by Joe and Diana as Iris watched them rolling over with laughter.

Oscar, Chris Pringle, Doc McMillan and Isaac Nichols strolled through the picnickers in their Barber Shop Quartet garb singing in beautiful harmony.

Croquet and horseshoe games were being played all over the park. Some of the older fellows found a nice big tree and set up their checkers game. Kate and the vicar organized relay races for every age group. Sounds of laughter could be heard throughout the park. April Hawthorne's blueberry pie turned out very nicely and Cody bid a whole day's pay on it.

The sky began to turn a little dark and everyone started packing up after a long and happy day. Iris, Timmy Hawthorne and some of the Burke and Mackenzie children were playing tag down by the lake. Nettie found Cody and asked him to run quickly to the lake to bring Iris to her mother. He started toward the lake and April followed along with him. Just as they approached Iris and the rest of the youngsters, the sky turned very dark.

Nettie, who was watching from the picnic area had a terrible sinking feeling. She remembered looking into the crystal ball a few days ago and it looked just like the dark sky above. Oscar felt it too and wrapped his arms around Nettie. Within the next few seconds a bolt of lightning shot through the sky to where Iris was standing and struck her. Nettie screamed as Iris fell to the ground. Cody ran to her and very calmly got down on his knees and pressed gently on her chest stopping and starting and covering her mouth with his began breathing air into her little lifeless body. Diana and Joe came running.

“What are you doing to my baby?” she yelled at Cody who was continuing with this strange procedure.

She and Joe both tried to reach their daughter but their legs seemed to be glued to the ground. Doc McMillan looked on in amazement. He didn't know what Cody was doing but he could see the little girl start to move and then cry out. Cody leaned back and Iris looked over at Diana.

“Mama went back home.” she said in a weak little voice.

“I'm right here, sweetheart.” said Diana as she took Iris in her arms.

“No, my other Mama. She said I would be alright and that I needed to stay here with my new Mama and Papa.”

Doc McMillan examined Iris immediately and determined that she was in excellent health. He suggested the Taylors take her home and bring her by his office in the morning. He was shaking Cody's hand and told the crowd that what Cody had done saved Iris' life. Everyone was congratulating Cody and calling him a hero.

He turned to April, “I'm not a hero. Something or someone made me do what I did and I'm not even sure what that was.”

Nettie and Oscar were both relieved that Iris was going to be fine. Nettie was still shaking at the sight of the lightning bolt hitting the little girl. Ethel and Jonas were visibly upset too.

“There was something about that crystal ball that predicted what just happened.” said Ethel.

“That is impossible, my dear” said her husband.

The vicar joined the foursome, he had overheard something about a crystal ball. Jonas explained that they had bought it at an estate sale.

“Something strange came over me and I had to bring that thing home. Jonas tried to tell me to leave it there, but I insisted and look at what happened.” Tears were welling in her eyes.

“Now dear, I'm just as much to blame. I could have been more forceful but the truth was, I didn't really want to stop you from buying it. There was something about that thing that seemed to take over.”

“I know what you mean, Jonas. That was how it affected me too.”

Nettie agreed with both of them. She told them about what she saw in the ball and how it made her feel. She was happy it dropped and broke. Oscar then told how it appeared to almost be alive when he disposed of it in the trash.

The vicar was listening intently. “You know I am in a business where miracles are promised. Do you think maybe the crystal ball was just warning all of you of that lightning bolt?”

“Nettie, I remember you telling Cody to hurry to get Iris. You didn't mention the other children and they were all together. Is it possible you knew something was going to happen to Iris even though your conscious mind didn't know what it was?”

Cody had joined the group by this time. “Cody, you said you didn't know what or why you were doing what you did to Iris but according to Doc McMillan, you saved the little girl's life. Diana and Joe both said they were going to stop you but they couldn't get their feet to move. Little Iris seems to think her mother was with her when she was unconscious. Maybe her mother was protecting her from what she knew was going to happen. We will never know, but don't fault yourselves because you were tempted by the crystal ball. We members of the clergy don't normally advocate anything resembling predictions of the future but in this case, I think we should make an exception.”

Everyone agreed that they would not talk about the crystal ball anymore or tell the other townspeople about the strange happenings around it.

The park cleared out just as the clouds disappeared and the moon shone brightly along with several stars including one that was twinkling especially bright that night. The friends all smiled at one another as they wiped away a tear from their eyes.

After Oscar and Nettie arrived home, Oscar looked in the trash and saw that the crystal ball had shattered into little pieces. The glass was as clear and bright as could be and had lost its menacing appearance. He called to Nettie pointing out what had happened to the three broken pieces. There was no darkness or bright light shining from the remains. It looked just like what it was, a broken glass ball with no magical powers.