The Valentine Dance

 

The Valentine Dance

Camden Corners was abuzz with the news there would be a Valentine Dance held in the newly finished ballroom of the Hightower Winery. Special dance classes were being held for those who needed a refresher course in dancing or had never mastered the art in the first place. Even those with two left feet were getting into the spirit of the holiday.

Everyone involved in the building of the Hightower Winery was proud of the final results. The décor in the tasting and meeting rooms in the lower level was exceptional. The ballroom was reminiscent of the finest dance halls in any large city.

The Hightowers engaged the services of a catering company from New York City for the event enabling the local restauranteurs to attend the party as guests. They also brought in a band they had heard in New York when they were there finalizing their Uncle Shane's estate several months before.

At first the Hightower brothers thought they would sponsor the dance for adults only. Their wives thought it would be a better idea if the whole town was invited to the dance no matter what their age.

“Our town is growing thanks to Uncle Shane and his hard earned money. Why not let the children be a part of the growth since we hope they will be part of the town's future and build their lives here.” said Dahlia

Jennie Burke was tossing a ball back and forth to her brother Ben on the school playground. As usual, Jennie's clothes were disheveled. She was wearing her snowsuit pants and jacket. Her long braids were hidden under her brother Jack's old stocking caps. Her face was smeared with mud.

“That's a pretty good arm you got there kid”

Jennie turned around and looked into the most beautiful blue eyes she had ever seen.

The boy with the beautiful eyes said “Bet you could pitch for the New York Highlanders. That's my favorite team.”

Jennie, who was never at a loss for words just stared at the boy.

Ben shouted “Hey Jennie, toss me the ball, I'm going over to Billy's. Tell Mama I'll be home before supper.”

“Sorry miss, I thought you were a fella. Are you gonna be at the dance tonight? We are new in town so maybe I'll see ya there.”

Jennie could only nod her head. She couldn't get any words to come out of her mouth. She walked back home in a daze.

Meanwhile, Nadine was preparing a light supper for her family before the big dance tonight. Maddie was visiting with her mother with some happy news.

“Mama, I guess I should have known but you know how busy we were in the shop during the holidays and then that whole mess with Polly's family and Oscar being arrested for murder, it just didn't occur to me that I could be expecting. You know Jack has been helping Mack with his drawing, he is becoming quite good at it too. Well, Mack drew a sketch of me and my face was fuller than it had ever been. It was only then did I realize I had been feeling tired lately. Everyone has morning sickness but I didn't, not even once. Doc Julie told me some women never do have it although she isn't one of them. Julie had to excuse herself two times while I was there. She doesn't know how much longer she can keep up her patient load. Anyway, she confirmed it. Mack and I will have our own baby in August.”

“Maddie, that's wonderful news. I know you have been wanting to start a family. Mack must be thrilled.”

“He's passing out cigars to everyone. I told him that was suppose to be done after the baby's arrival and he just says he'll pass them out then too.”

Fiona arrived and threw her arms around Nadine. “We are going to be Grandmas together Nadine. Our dreams have come true.” She hugged her daughter-in-law and patted her tummy.

Jennie walked in the back door staring into space.

“Jennie, are you alright? You have a very odd look on your face”

“I'm wonderful Mama.” She proceeded to take her heavy snowsuit off.

“Jennie, I know you didn't want to go to the dance tonight. I discussed it with your papa and he has agreed that you can stay home, we won't force you to go.”

“Oh no Mama, I want to go to the dance. I wonder if Bethany will let me borrow that pretty pink dress she wore at Christmas.”

Jennie walked up the stairs to the room she shared with her sister Lucy and her adopted sister Bethany. She sat down at the dressing table and looked at herself in the mirror. Lucy didn't think Jennie ever looked in a mirror. She never wanted to dress up in frilly clothes as Lucy did. She would rather play ball with her brothers than dolls with her sisters. She was a funny, happy girl and everyone just accepted that Jennie was being herself and they loved all her little tomboy ways.

Without warning, Jennie let out a yelp, yanked at her pigtails and started to sob.

“Mama, come quick, something terrible has happened to Jennie.”

The three women ran up the stairs two at a time. “What's happened?” shouted Nadine.

Jennie was still seated at the dressing table. “He thought I was a boy. He's right, I do look like a boy and even Bethany's pink dress won't make me look pretty like all the other girls.”

“Who thought you were a boy Jennie?” Everyone in town knew Jennie didn't dress in frilly dresses or brush pretty curls into her hair.

“I don't know who he was but he had beautiful eyes and my tummy did flip flops when I saw him.”

Lucy shouted out, “Jennie's in love!” She was just a year younger than her sister but she herself had been in love at least three times in the last year.

“That's enough Lucy. Why don't you go downstairs and check on your little brother.” Fiona walked with her while Nadine and Maddie stayed with Jennie.

Nadine dried her daughter's tears. She knew behind all that smeared dirt on her face there was a very pretty young lady. Maddie helped untangle her braids and helped her sister wash her hair. She curled her pretty auburn hair with rags and pins. Bethany was more than happy to lend her sister her pink party dress.

Jennie was afraid her brothers would tease her if they saw her in her rags and pins and decided to stay in her room until just before they all left for the dance.

Papa talked to all the boys and told them not to tease their sister about the way she looks. “What's wrong with the way she looks? All my friends like her and want her on their team. They wouldn't ever make fun of her. Besides, she would sock them if they did.”

Maddie hurried home to change for the dance herself and she and Mack came back so Maddie could oversee her sister's transformation.

Jennie watched in the mirror as Maddie brushed her hair. She had never seen so many curls. Maddie applied just a touch of blush to her cheeks and a pale pink lipstick. Bethany's dress fit her perfectly. It was time for her to walk down the stairs. The whole family was waiting for her as she stepped into the parlor. There was total silence in the room. Jennie was about to dissolve into tears when her papa turned on the phonograph and asked his daughter for a dance. Liam told his little girl how beautiful she looked. Her brothers and sisters all started talking at once. They had a hard time recognizing this lovely young lady before them.

“We'd better hurry if we are going to make it to the dance on time.” Everyone hurried into the waiting carriage and headed for the Mackenzie house so the families could go together as they always did.

Dr. Clayton Springer and his wife Margie were getting dressed for the dance. Clay was hoping he had made the right decision in moving his family to Camden Corners. It meant taking the children away from their familiar surroundings and their playmates. All three seemed to be taking it in stride and the youngest, Abigail already had two best friends in Camden Corners. Pete came home laughing about a girl he had mistaken for a boy. He told his father she had a better pitching arm than any of his chums back in New York. Samantha was always rather quiet. She enjoyed helping her mother with the cooking and loved reading. She was an excellent student and there weren't any signs that she was slipping in that area. He shook off his doubts and watched as his wife brushed her hair. She was the love of his life. Margie had a calming effect on Clay and just watching her face in the mirror quieted his unease.

“I'm very excited about the dance tonight Clay. I think we made the right decision in moving to Camden Corners. The children seem happy and it is such a beautiful little town. The people all care about one another. Mary McMillan and I went to the antique shop on Main and I met some of the loveliest ladies. Oh, by the way, I bought a pretty little lamp for Samantha's room. I think she likes it. It has an interesting history behind it. When I told Lily Crowley, one of the young owners of the shop, about Samantha's interest in antiques, she suggested she might like to work at the shop one or two afternoons a week. It seems everyone involved in the shop is a history buff. She even suggested Samantha might like to attend an auction with her friends Ethel and Jonas one day this summer. Samantha is thrilled with the idea and is planning to visit the shop after school on Monday.”

Clay was certain Margie could read his mind. She knew just when reassurance was required and always seemed to have the exact words he needed to hear.

“I'm a lucky man,” Clay said as he kissed his wife on the forehead

“Why, because you have a wife who enjoys spending your money on antique lamps?” Margie laughed.

The night air was very brisk as people began arriving at the winery. This was the first time most of the townsfolk had seen the winery. All of the carpentry work had been completed but it wouldn't be in operation until the fall when the first wine harvest began. Nick Rossi was happy to show off the winery to everyone and his papa, Lou was right at his side.

Upstairs in the ballroom, people were milling around enjoying a glass of champagne or fruit punch while they greeted their friends and neighbors.

The McMillans welcomed the Springer family and began introductions as they circled the room.

“It looks like Lucinda Rossi is busy behind the scenes,” said Doc “I'll introduce you to her later. Lucinda is responsible for the Camden Corners hospital being built. She is an extraordinary young woman. She and her daughter are also from New York City. She married Nick Rossi after she and Cassandra moved here just over a year ago.”

Peter looked around the room. He recognized some of the fellows from school and excused himself to join them at one of the tables set up with appetizers. The girls were at the other table and he noticed a pretty girl with very curly hair. He thought she was staring at him. She did look vaguely familiar but he couldn't place her.

Lucy noticed her sister staring longingly in the new boy's direction. “That's him, isn't it Jennie, the boy who you saw today? My goodness, he really is cute. He's looking over here Jennie. Go say something to him.”

“I can't, I can't move my legs. Oh Lucy, I'm such a klutz. These shoes are so tight I just want to kick them off and walk around in my stocking feet. Doesn't he have the most beautiful eyes you have ever seen?”

Lucy didn't know how she was going to do it but she was determined her sister would have at least one dance with that boy, sore feet or not.

Harold Hightower stood at the microphone announcing it was time everyone took their seat. Shortly after that Will Duesenberry gave the blessing.

Harold walked back to the microphone and asked everyone to begin eating their dinner. He wanted to announce that Camden Corner's Hospital would be fully functional within the week. He introduced two new doctors in town, Grady Murphy and Clayton Springer. The men stood at their seats while the audience showed their appreciation in applause.

Harold then said, “I would like to introduce the young lady who saw a need for a hospital in Camden Corners and fully funded the cost to build it with some left over for its operation. Mrs. Lucinda McCoy Rossi.”

Lucinda was walking into the room just as the building shook with the sound of applause. Harold called her to the microphone. She slowly walked to the front of the room.

At the McMillan table, Clayton Springer looked on with astonishment. “I know that woman. She brought her very ill daughter to the clinic and she is definitely not who she pretended to be.”

Everyone turned to look at Clayton. It was obvious he was not as impressed with the hospital benefactor as the rest of the room was.

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.”

Dalton's Mountain

 

Vicar Will had been reciting the wedding vows so often for the new brides and grooms of Camden Corners that he knew what to say without looking at the printed word. This week was no exception. The Crowley boys had been married two days ago and now sitting in his office were Lucinda McCoy and Nick Rossi. They had passed Josie McMillan and Reggie Blackburn on their way into the Vicar's office.

“Seems to be the season for weddings” he said as he looked at the two smiling faces in front of him.

Will and his beloved Kate had been married themselves just a few weeks ago.

Both weddings were very simple, Josie and Reggie were married in the chapel just west of town. Josie wore her sister's gown. A small reception was given at the lake house she and Reggie were still in the process of remodeling.

The following day, Lucinda and Nick were married under the grapevine archway behind the Marino Trattoria. The reception was in the restaurant where Eduardo had prepared all of his specialties for the occasion. Rosa and the entire Marino family were overjoyed with the two additions to the family. Nick rented a small house two doors down from the Bentley house and just south of the Marinos. He was worried that Cassandra would be lonely without her friends close by. Cassandra was just so happy to have Nick in their lives. She told everyone she saw that Nick was now her new papa.

There wasn't much time for adjusting to married life for either couple. Construction on the new hospital was about to begin. Jamison Bentley had drawn up the preliminary plans with the assistance of Doc McMillan, Tom and Julie. Lucinda was more than happy to leave the details to the professionals, however she insisted on only top quality construction material and labor. She didn't believe in cutting corners to save a few dollars.

Reggie was happy to abide by her wishes, it was a pleasure to work with someone who believed in the high standards that he did. His crew was all in place and waiting for the materials to be delivered by train. Reggie assembled the usual men in his crew. He assigned Ernie Black as foreman of the project. Ernie was one of the best men in construction. He was almost as much of a perfectionist as Reggie and was the man Reggie relied on the most. This would be the biggest project either man had ever been involved in and he knew Ernie would do the job well. Ernie voiced concern about one worker who had signed on for the job. Ernie was a good judge of character and felt uncomfortable about the fellow named Dusty Blanchard. Ernie had known Dusty's Paw, Al who died a year or so ago working on a project in Greensboro. Al was a good man. The incident had been ruled accidental but Ernie had never known Al to be careless about his safety or that of the crew. Ernie hired Dusty because of who his father was but he was such a nervous kid he wasn't sure he was up to the pressure of constructing a building of this magnitude. He'd keep his eye on him, maybe the kid just needed a break.

It wasn't too long before the first shipment of lumber arrived. The men loaded it on buckboards and transported the planks of wood to the job site. Ernie came out of the makeshift office to inspect the shipment.

“This can't be our order. The quality is poor. He picked up one plank and there was a knothole almost as wide as the plank itself. Ernie called Reggie over to do his own inspection. At least half of the order had some type of flaw. Something was not right. This lumber had been ordered from the most reputable sawmill he had ever dealt with. It was just a small outfit located at the base of a mountain in Virginia. Ezekiel Dalton owned the mill. He assured Reggie the task would not be more than he could handle.

Reggie explained to Lucinda that this lumber could not be used for the hospital. He personally would travel to the Dalton Mills to speak with Zeke about the order and see what could be done about getting the superior product he had always been able to depend on. The problem was, if he let the crew go, they would most likely finding other jobs. He couldn't expect them to be waiting around without pay. Lucinda didn't blink an eye.

“No, don't let the men go. We can find something around town for them to do. You look into this matter.”

“Thanks Lucinda, I think Josie would like to go with me to Dalton's Mountain. It's beautiful country around there and I know she would enjoy the adventure.”

Reggie was right about Josie wanting to go with him. She loved Camden Corners but was anxious to see more of the country. She was a little nervous when they arrived in West Virginia as to what they would find. They rented a horse and buggy and started the trek through some of the most beautiful territory they had ever seen. The only thing she knew about the Daltons was that Zeke was the head of the household. He lived on his land with his wife and their two sons. Josie had them pictured with corn cob pipes and missing teeth. Mules and critters roaming in and out of their house with no windows or doors. Reggie pulled up to a charming farmhouse.

“Here we are.”

They were greeted by a nice young man who introduced himself as John Dalton. “Please come in the house. You must be exhausted from your long trip. Ma has some fresh lemonade made for you.”

They walked into the warm and welcoming house. Mrs. Dalton greeted her visitors. She was a tiny woman, but Josie had the feeling she could hold her own. She had the most welcoming smile and Josie noticed all of her teeth were intact. Zeke came through the door. A friendly man with a twinkle in his eye. Behind him was another young boy. Zeke introduced him as Benjamin.

Josie liked this family right away. Zeke reminded her of Oscar Crowley although she had never seen Oscar in a pair of overalls.

“Effie, these young folks must be hungry. Let's dish up some stew for them and while you're at it, I'll have some myself”.

“Just about to do that old man”.

Josie had to suppress a giggle the way they spoke to each other. It was done in such a loving way that it didn't sound offensive. She had called him old man and he couldn't have been more than 40. Josie wondered what she will call him when he really is an old man, Methuselah maybe. She didn't dare look at Reggie, she knew she wouldn't be able to keep from chuckling.

Josie was thoroughly enjoying the stew. She had no idea she was eating rabbit which was probably for the best. The fresh baked bread and sliced tomatoes were the best she'd ever tasted. Effie told her they lived mostly from the land up here.

“Our families have lived in these mountains for a century or two.”

“There are Daltons all the way up that mountain there” said Zeke. “We don't see them much. They don't like to come down this far. They live totally off the land and take care of their own. They're not much on having visitors either so we just leave them alone for the most part”.

After dessert of a fresh baked apple pie, the men went out to the sawmill. Reggie felt bad complaining about the lumber received after being treated to a meal but knew it had to be done. He showed Zeke the block of wood he carried with him.

“Where'd you get this? It's from what we call a junk tree. They grow like weeds but you have to pull them up by the roots before they take over all the land.”

“Zeke, this came from the order you sent to Camden Corners.”

“Reggie, we never got any order from you, I know you mentioned it and I have some wood set aside for you but when I didn't hear from you I thought the project had been delayed or abandoned.”

“I don't understand Zeke, I signed off on that order myself. It was to be in three shipments to make it easier for you. Something is not right and I will get to the bottom of it. In the meantime, will you accept my handwritten order and I will wire for your money.”

Josie came out to the mill to see what the operation looked like.

“Josie is one of my best crew workers Zeke. She knows her way around a hammer and nails.”

Zeke loved the idea of a woman working somewhere beside the kitchen.

“My Effie hung the door of this barn” he said proudly.

“Only to hang it back up after it fell down and broke your arm”.

“It only sprained it, old woman” “That was the lightening that we had that day”

“Maybe the lightening helped, but it had more to do with the bolts being too short when someone hung it in the first place.”

John piped in “those two keep Ben and me entertained, it's like watching a Punch and Judy show”.

Reggie did as he said and put an order in writing. Zeke insisted there was no hurry in requisitioning the deposit but Reggie insisted and he and Josie traveled to the general store that also housed the telegraph office. He sent a wire to Lucinda explaining that the lumber received was not sent by Zeke Dalton and he would get to the heart of the matter upon his return. He asked that she speak privately with Ernie but not to let on to the crew what the hold up is.

Reggie thought it best to wait for a reply. He and Josie took a seat at the small table by the window of the store. The store owner, Ike Goolsbee poured them a cup of coffee on the house. It wasn't too often strangers visited his store and he was happy for the company.

While the threesome chatted, a young girl entered the store. She heard them mention the Daltons and a smile came on her face.

“I'm going to marry John Dalton some day and we will have so many children that old farmhouse will be bursting at the seams.”

Ike introduced the girl who couldn't have been more than 13 to the visitors.

“This is Olivia Benson, I think if anyone is capable of snaring young John Dalton it will be Miss Olivia here.”

Josie didn't want to burst the child's bubble but she thought back to the boy she thought she'd marry when she was 13 and shuddered now at the thought.

Before long there was a message on the telegraph machine telling Reggie the deposit was on its way. Ernie was in the office with Lucinda and Jamison and he had some ideas about solving the mystery of where the inferior wood came from.

Josie and Reggie thanked Ike for his hospitality and returned to the Dalton's to bid good bye and assure Zeke that they were back in business.

Effie wouldn't hear of the two young people riding all the way back to the train station that evening. She insisted they stay the night with them. There was plenty of room and they would be able to get a fresh start in the morning.

The next morning Josie tearfully hugged her new friend Effie Dalton goodbye. It was the start of a friendship that lasted through the years. Five years after their first meeting Effie wrote that Olivia Benson was her new daughter-in-law. She and John had been married and moved into the Dalton home. Every year or two after a new arrival was announced until the old Dalton farmhouse was bursting at the seams

Just as Olivia said it would be.