The Pringles~Part 1

Christopher and Priscilla Pringle were the proud owners of the Snowflake Christmas Shop in Camden Corners . Snowflakes was a favorite of all the folks in town and their many visitors from other villages in the area and even as far away as Chicago and New York City.

Chris was a jolly old guy with his white beard and round belly. Priscilla was a bit round herself. She always wore a bright red apron with red and white striped candy filling the pockets.

Whenever anyone opened the door of the Snowflake Christmas Shop, they would hear the sound of jingle bells and smell the aroma of fresh baked gingerbread and sugar cookies. The Pringles knew how to keep the Christmas spirit going all year long.

They were never blessed with children of their own but they loved all the children in town and the children all loved them. They had a dog who answered to the name of Rudy. Rudy was a big old loveable dog who seemed happiest when he was laying in front of the cozy fireplace in the vestibule of the shop. Children would stop by on their way home from school just to pet Rudy and accept one of his sloppy kisses. Mrs. Pringle made sure each child in town had a special Christmas ornament to display on their Christmas tree each year. She molded and painted each and every ornament and made sure to personalize it with the child's name.

It was one warm summer day when she was relaxing on the shore of Lake Camden that she happened to see a small silk pouch wash ashore. Curiosity overcame her and she finally opened the pouch. There were a number of the most beautiful stones she had ever seen. Some looked like diamonds they were so sparkly and bright. Others were a deep red, some dark green and a few a golden yellow and even some very pale blue. Priscilla looked around and didn't see a soul. She took the sack back to the apartment above the store where she and Chris lived.

Chris suggested she put an ad in the local paper looking for the rightful owner. When no one answered the ad, they stopped in to see Sheriff Mendenhall. The Sheriff thought the stones were very pretty but couldn't imagine they would be of any value and assured them they would not be committing any crime if they just kept them.

Priscilla had not begun her annual ornament making chore and thought the stones would be a fine addition to the children's ornaments this year. She made reindeer with lovely aqua blue eyes, Snowmen with emerald green eyes, Santas with ruby red noses, train engines with topaz yellow smoke billowing from their stacks and angels with sparkling diamonds in their hair. She wrote a child's name on every ornament holding out several for the many babies who were expected to arrive in Camden Corners before Christmas that year. Priscilla would never want to leave even the tiniest of them without an ornament.

Chris was walking Rudy down by the dock near Flanagan's fish market on a quiet Sunday afternoon. He spotted a stranger looking into the water near the shore.

“Hello my good fellow.” Isn't this the finest looking lake you have ever seen. We townsfolk are very proud of our pristine waters here in Camden Corners . Are you looking to do some fishing here?”

The gentlemen barely looked up and mumbled something about just looking for something he may have dropped in the water. Chris offered to help him look for the object but the man declined and walked quickly away.

Ebeneezer Finch climbed on his horse. He was in big trouble. All he did was stop off at that pub called O'Sullivan's to wet his whistle a few weeks ago. He was really thirsty and it was such a hot day it wasn't his fault that he may have had one too many and dropped part of his loot from that jewelry store heist in Greensboro. Why had it taken his boss, Ronald Crump so long to discover part of the haul was missing? He remembered taking those jewels out of his satchel and admiring them as he was walking toward the lake. After all it was a very hot day and who could blame Eb for taking a little dip in the lake. Maybe he did fall asleep on the shore but he was very tired from the long ride. Just thinking about that nice cold draft he had at the pub made him thirsty. He should be looking for the gems but he was awfully thirsty and Eb needed a break from his search. That first cold beer went down so easily he found himself ordering a second, then third and after that he lost track.

Beverly Sills

Camden Corners' Ladies auxiliary is having their monthly meeting in the basement of Trinity Church. Martha Horton has called the meeting to order.

“Before the reading of the minutes, Mary Agnes Brubaker has some exciting news for us. Mary Agnes , the chair recognizes you”

“Madam Chairman” the excited Miss Brubaker began. “My cousin, Elmer T. Brubaker of New York City, New York has been able to obtain the services of Miss Beverly Sills, the world renown opera singer to perform in our very own Camden Corners Opera House. Miss Sills will only be available on Tuesday of next week. I am to let him know our decision by this evening.”

The room was filled with enthusiastic chatter.

“What a coup this is for Camden Corners.” exclaimed Hattie May Carlisle. The auxiliary voted unanimously in favor of having the famous opera singer entertain the good folks of Camden Corners .

They had just enough money in their bank account to cover the $24 for Miss Sills' concert and Elmer T. Brubaker's fee. Martha Horton offered rooms in her boarding house at no cost to Miss Sills and her entourage.

Diana Taylor, who had been sitting quietly, raised her hand to speak. “I'm no expert on the subject, however that seems like a very small amount of money for a performance by someone of Miss Sills stature.”

Diana's words went unheeded and talk began of how to get the word out. Evelyn Keys, the principle of Camden Elementary School suggested the students make handbills to be distributed through the village and all of the surrounding towns. All of the shops in the village would place posters in their windows. This concert was going to be a huge success. The meeting was adjourned early because the ladies had so much to do if everything was to go off without a hitch the following Tuesday.

Mary Agnes was grinning from ear to ear as she made her way to the post office to send a telegram to her dear cousin, Elmer T. On her way down the street, a black cat crossed her path but she was so busy patting herself on the back she didn't notice.

Within hours, the whole town was busy preparing for the celebration of the arrival of Miss Beverly Sills. The High School Band was practicing in full dress uniform just to make sure their performance welcoming the special guest was flawless.

Mayor Horton had his best suit cleaned and polished the key to the city himself. He had written a short 40 minute speech and was practicing in front of his secretary as she was dozing off.

The Vicar rode his bicycle from town to town delivering handbills as soon as the children colored in the last “S” on Miss Sills' name.

Finally the day of the concert was here. Miss Sills' train was due to arrive at any moment. The children had been let out of school early and all the shop owners had closed their stores for the day. The band started playing. Everyone was waving a handkerchief in the air. The train pulled in and the doors opened. Several passengers disembarked and the crowd waited in anticipation. Finally the conductor stepped off the train and said there were no more passengers inside.

“Miss Sills must have taken an earlier train” a disappointed Mary Agnes exclaimed. The crowd broke up and went home to dress and prepare for the concert.

In the meantime, a buxom blond was checking into Mrs. Horton's boarding house for the night. Someone very special must be visiting Camden Corners by the looks of the reception they are getting, she thought to herself.

The concert was set to begin at 7:30. Elmer T peeked from behind the curtain.

“What a glorious crowd tonight. I wonder if I mentioned to Mary Agnes that my cut of the ticket sales would be 20%? I wonder why that orchestra is warming up. Beverly usually doesn't have such a fine accompaniment.”

Martha Horton stepped center stage to introduced the special guest for the evening. Elmer T had given her an introduction script. Martha welcomed everyone to the Camden Corners Opera House. “On behalf of the Camden Corners Ladies' Auxiliary, I now present Miss Beverly MILLS??? world famous VAUDEVILLIAN star. With that, Elmer T wheeled out a baby grand piano with Miss Beverly Mills perched on top.

Martha felt her knees go weak. In the audience Mary Agnes fainted into the lap of her escort, Milton Harvey. Mothers covered the eyes of their children. Gasps could be heard all around the room.

Beverly belted out Bill Bailey Won't You Please Come Home.

The children were trying to peek through their mother's fingers at the fancy lady on stage. The single men were whistling and carrying on while the married men were trying to hide their pleasure from their wives.

Diana and her good friend Maddie were giggling along with Emma and Lily. Even Nettie was getting a kick out of the spectacle.

Beverly realized there must have been a misunderstanding. She promptly buttoned a couple of buttons on her blouse, told Elmer T to cut the piano music, spoke to the orchestra leader and began singing family friendly songs in a beautiful, soft voice. She wasn't Beverly Sills by any means but she was a fine entertainer.

Martha's knees started feeling stronger, Mary Agnes came out of her stupor, mother's took their hands away from their children's eyes and everyone sat back and enjoyed the show.

Introducing Camden Corners Volume Five

The stories of Camden Corners and the loves and lives of its residents continues in Volume Five of the series. As Always, you will meet new folks, be reacquainted with old friends, watch as mysteries unfold, a murder is committed, an arrest is made, a young man finds his birth father and the town continues to grow. The promise of happy endings remain for the good people of Camden Corners

The month is January and the winter doldrums have set in with some of the senior ladies of Camden Corners. A winter getaway is planned at the newly purchased cabin on Cedar Lake. As the snow begins to fall on the remote cabin, the friends are reminiscing about their youth and how they met the loves of their lives. The trip down memory lane ends abruptly when there is a knock on the door and Oscar Crowley is arrested for murder and hauled away in handcuffs.

Young love is put to the test when Daphne Saint Marie swoops into town hoping to recapture the heart of Jack Mackenzie. How can Audry Lynch ever compete with such sophistication? 

With the hospital nearing completion, there is a new doctor and his family in town. When tomboy, Jennie Burke, lays eyes on the doctor's son she is transformed into a feminine beauty for the Valentine dance but still keeps the qualities that makes the boys want her on their team. 

Clay Springer feels he has been duped by Lucina Rossi until he discovers his first instincts were correct, she is a very remarkable young woman. 

A new member is welcomed into Caroline Bentley's ever growing family making the mother to be a grandmother. 

Elizabeth Lawrence and Grady Murphy are married with an unexpected guest in attendance. Dr. Ellingsworth Murphy has set his sites on another rich old woman. He almost kills her with his charm but Grady is there to save the day. 

Millicent Merryweather Stout doesn't want to face the fact that she can't afford the upkeep on the mansion she calls home. Nettie Crowley is there with a suggestion that transforms Millicent into a new person with a purpose in life and real friends. The arrival of her nephew James changes her life and her brothers even more. 

These and other stories may be found on the pages of Camden Corners Volume Five.

Girl~Part 2

Two hours later, Sheriff Mendenhall came upon Paw's buckboard which had flipped over on a curve throwing Paw out and killing him on impact.

Girl woke up and saw that Paw and the buckboard were gone. She gave the loveable puppy a hug and started walking down the street.

She walked by Warm Hearth Bakery and there was a plate of the most wonderful looking treats on a plate. She knew she shouldn't steal but she was so hungry and those round things looked so good and smelled so wonderful. She took one off the plate and gingerly walked away.

She walked a little further down the street and came upon Nichol's Market. Outside of the market she saw apples. There was an apple tree behind her home but they didn't smell as good as these. She helped herself to an apple.

She didn't feel so hungry anymore and wanted to visit with her new spotted friend again so she walked back to the big red building. The dalmatian saw her coming and came up to her licking her hand. Iris followed the dog into the building and saw she had her own pallet and was offering to share with her.

They sat together for a little while when someone called “Come here Girl”.

Both the dog and Girl went running.

“Well, who have we here?” said Joe.

“My name is Girl, my Paw is taking us to find gold”

Joe asked where her Paw was and Girl told him she came over to say hello to the dog and Paw wasn't there anymore. Joe was just getting off duty at the fire station and was meeting Diana at the bakery.

He took hold of Girl's hand and walked the short distance to the bakery. Diana was just coming out of the store to pick up the empty plate the children had their snacks on. Girl's eyes were wide as she saw the empty plate.

“I didn't take all of them” she said. “I only took one and I'm sorry I stole it.” Her little chin was quivering and Diana and Joe fell in love with this angel who called herself Girl.

Diana closed the shop and insisted they take the child home, clean her up and feed her a good meal before they visited the sheriff.

Under all the grime and dirt was a beautiful little face with curly auburn hair. She was way too thin but Diana knew she would be able change that in no time. Diana had some clothes she kept for the times her nieces visited and was able to find a pretty dress that fit the little girl perfectly.

Girl looked in the mirror and smiled. She thought she looked fancy like the people she saw on the streets of Camden Corners.

Girl had never had a meal as wonderful as the one Diana prepared that evening. They even had more treats called brownies. Her tummy felt happy and so did her heart. She didn't want to think about riding in the buckboard again so she just didn't think about it.

Joe suggested it might be best if he went to talk to the sheriff alone while Diana stayed at home with Girl

“Diana” Joe whispered on his way out the door We can't just call her Girl, the child must have a name.”

An hour later, Joe came home with Sheriff Mendenhall who was carrying a package of books he had found on the buckboard. Girl was excited to see her books and looked around gingerly for Paw since he didn't know she had them. They told Girl what had happened to her Paw.

She didn't cry, she didn't feel sad like she did when her grandmother didn't wake up. She climb up on Diana's lap and asked her if she could look at her books.

Sheriff Mendenhall was usually a pretty tough fellow but he could feel his eyes begin to sting. He thought it would be a great thing if the child could stay with the Taylor's for the night.

Tomorrow they would investigate to see if there were any next of kin. He hoped there weren't. Diana opened the first book. A well worn piece of paper slipped out of the book.

In a very weak handwriting it said “I love you my Iris”. From that moment on, Iris had a name and she knew that her mother's spirit lived on in her. The next morning Diana felt a little queasy but she thought it was the excitement of the day before. It didn't take long before the courts determined Iris was without blood relatives and the adoption of Iris Taylor took place.

By the time the family of three was official, they were well on their way to becoming a family of four and Iris was about to become a big sister.

Girl~Part 1

Joe and Diana Taylor had been married almost 5 years. They had not been blessed with children and were beginning to wonder if they would ever have the big family they both wanted. Joe was a fireman and Diana owned Warm Hearth Bakery in the village of Camden Corners They had known each other since they started kindergarten together at Camden Elementary School. Doc McMillan told them there was no need to worry that they would most definitely have their family one day. In the meantime, they had full and busy lives. Diana loved when the school children walked home each afternoon and set out a plate of cookies for them. Each child looked forward to passing by the bakery and choosing a delicious treat from the plate.

In the hills far above Camden Corners lived Earl Short and his daughter Iris. Iris had just turned 5 years old but nobody had remembered the date of her birth.

Her mother Mavis was a bright young girl who found a package filled with books. They had accidentally dropped from a traveling salesman's wagon as he was making his way across the bumpy road near the shack she called home. Mavis hid the books and every chance she got she would pour over them until she taught herself to read. She lived in the world of Little Women and Jane Eyre and read them over and over again.

When Mavis turned 14, Maw told her it was time to marry and Earl Short had chosen her to be his wife and bear his children. Mavis knew she didn't have a choice and accepted her fate.

Mavis was calm during a very difficult labor and finally delivered a beautiful little girl she named Iris. Maw placed the baby in her arms and Mavis whispered a prayer that her daughter would be safe and grow up surrounded by love.

Earl arrived from tending his still just in time to see his wife close her eyes for the last time. He was furious that she hadn't given him a son and walked out of the shack without a backward glance at his daughter.

Maw did the best she could with the girl. Iris' name was never spoken. She was only referred to as “Girl”. Paw rarely spoke to her at all and when he did he was issuing an order. Girl had taken after her mother in so many ways. She looked just like her and always was able to see the good in everyone and everything.

One day Maw started feeling poorly. She had always known about the books that Mavis kept hidden and showed Girl the hiding place. She wanted so much more for her granddaughter than she or her mother had in life. Maw prayed Girl would find her way out of this place and discover whatever world there is beyond the hills. Maw passed away in her sleep several days later.

Earl was smoking his stogie next to his still one late autumn afternoon when a spark hit the still and it exploded and burned to the ground. He decided this was a sign to pack up his few belongings and leave the hills for the first time in his life. He'd heard talk of gold in the west and decided that was what he would do.

He would have to take Girl with him but she was getting old enough that she could start earning her keep. Early in the morning the pair started down the long road headed west. Girl was uncomfortable sitting in the back of the buckboard but she didn't complain.

After several hours they came upon the village of Camden Corners. Girl was enchanted. She had never seen anything like this before. Everything was so bright and clean unlike the drab and dusty cabin. The people were all talking and smiling at one another and looked so fancy. She looked down at her grimy little hands and hid them in her pockets. Paw got out of the buckboard and walked into a building called a P-U-B. Iris didn't know what a pub was but she knew better than to follow Paw. She looked across the street and saw a big white dog with black spots laying in the sun. She waited for Paw to return to the buckboard but he was gone an awfully long time. She couldn't help herself she just had to get out and pet the spotted dog. Iris sat down beside the puppy, she felt so warm to Iris's cold little body she cuddled up to her and fell asleep.

Paw didn't notice that Girl wasn't in the buckboard when he drove off down the street and out of town.

Open For Business~Part 3

Nettie saw Oscar walk through the door and her heart skipped a beat. Oscar lost his beloved wife several years before and had not so much as glanced at another woman in all that time. There was something about Miss Nettie that the old gentleman found endearing. He felt like a schoolboy himself as he ordered a cup of tea with just a sliver of banana cake. He invited Miss Nettie to join him at the table.

He asked her what had brought her to Camden Corners and she explained that she had been a schoolmarm until she retired last year. She missed the children and having her very dear friend, Ethel move away was all she needed to make a change in her life. As a young girl she had loved Randolph Evans but three days before their wedding, he had been killed in a fire after heroically saving the lives of three small children and their mother. Her life had been full with so many students through the years. All of the children had loved Miss Nettie and she loved them as if they were her own. She'd had several suitors but none of them had measured up to Randolph. Until now that is.

Oscar talked about his wife, Louise and what a happy life they had together. They had two active sons who followed in their father's footsteps and studied law. Robert and Richard were both unmarried and Oscar thought it was about time they settled down. Emma and Lily came to mind. What a pair of fine young ladies. Although he didn't need it, he may ask for both his sons assistance in girl's legal matter.

Nettie and Oscar sat and talked for well over an hour. Neither was aware of the time until the sun started to set. Oscar wondered if Miss Nettie would be willing to join him for dinner at the Marino Trattoria. She, of course was delighted and happily accepted the invitation. They had a lovely dinner and Mama Rosa who could spot a romance blossoming made sure they didn't lack for wine or delicious food. She asked her son Eduardo to take a break from his kitchen duties to play a tune on his violin for the couple. Eduardo was a very romantic fellow himself and enjoyed watching the couple as they gazed into each others eyes.

The following morning, the whole town of Camden Corners was abuzz with talk of the December romance between Oscar and Nettie.

Oscar visited the courthouse and secured a copy of the deed Harvey's lawyer had filed. It was poorly written and it wouldn't be terribly difficult to disprove it's authenticity but it would take time to straighten the matter out and Oscar was hoping to spare the girls that frustration. They had worked so hard and sacrificed so much to make a success of their shop. He would just have to get Robert and Richard involved. They both happened to be in the office when Oscar returned from the county courthouse. He spoke with them together explaining the situation. Richard left the office chuckling.

“That sly old fox, he obviously has something other than our legal expertise in mind for the Misses Patterson and Kramer”.

“And I'm sure you will set the young ladies straight” replied his brother.

Robert was due in court shortly but Richard had some free time and decided to pay a visit to The Looking Back Antique Shop. He was still amused at his father's obvious ploy as he entered the shop. Emma was busy clearing off a shelf at the back of the store. He spotted Jonas and laughingly told him he was here to check out the merchandise to see if they measured up to his usual standards. His father was pushing him and Robert to find wenches and start producing grandchildren. Suddenly a beautiful red haired girl popped her head up over the counter. She was scowling and her face was getting redder by the minute. Richard's face was as bright red as Lily's. He didn't know what made him say something so crass. He was about to apologize and beg forgiveness when a satin pillow came sailing through the air aimed directly for his head. Emma heard the commotion and came running to the front of the store. Lily was about to pick up a vase that was displayed on the counter when Emma caught her hand and rescued the vase and Richard's handsome face. Jonas was speechless. He had never heard a gentleman speak about a woman like that. At least not in her presence.

Nettie and Ethel had been visiting with Maddie and Diana at one of the tea room tables. They told them that the rude young man was Richard Crowley. He sometimes puts his foot in his mouth but he is really quite a nice and genteel fellow. They explained that his father, Oscar was intent on getting his boys married off and that must have prompted him to speak in such a way. Emma's always cool head prevailed. She was able to calm Lily down somewhat and asked Richard if she could help him. Richard explained who he was and that he meant no disrespect towards either of the girls. He had a long complicated morning and his father was acting like a father and it had rubbed him the wrong way but that was no reason for him to have spoken as he did. Lily was enjoying his discomfort and decided to play the shrew for just a little bit longer. She couldn't help but notice that Richard had the most beautiful blue eyes she had ever seen. His shoulders were so broad, his teeth were so white, his nose was a perfect shape and his raven hair was full and thick. She didn't think she had ever seen a more handsome man.

Emma escorted Richard into the small office partly because she knew he would be talking about their legal trouble and partly to keep Lily away from the poor fellow for his own safety. She knew Lily would calm down but thought it best to give her a little longer to compose herself. Emma told Richard all that had transpired. His father had filled him in but he listened intently to Emma tell her side of the story once again. Like his father, Richard asked if Amos had written a Will or had put anything in writing before he became so ill. To Emma's knowledge, he hadn't. She knew Elmer Mayhew was an attorney and a good friend of Amos' but he had passed away 3 years ago. He had been semi-retired and Emma didn't know what had happened to all his files. He had never married and she didn't believe he had any living relatives. She called Jonas into the office and he couldn't give Richard any more information than that.

Richard was about to leave when he saw the beautiful girl he had insulted standing by the counter. He went over to her to apologize. She picked up the vase again and he began to duck. Lily couldn't help herself, she started giggling. She told Richard she had never been referred to as a wench before but thought it sounded rather endearing coming from Oscar Crowley's son but she wouldn't recommend he use that term in her presence again. Richard couldn't help but notice that Lily not only had a beautiful face her figure was lovely although he didn't dare lower his eyes for fear of what she may do.

He said his goodbyes and turned to leave the shop when he realized suddenly that he had fallen in love for the first time in his life with the feisty redhead behind the counter.

He turned on his heel and said “I don't suppose you would be willing to go to lunch with an ill mannered lout like me?”

Lily wrapped her cape around her shoulders picked up her handbag and met him at the door. “Ill mannered you might be sir but a lout? Never!”

Emma knew her dear friend would never be the same. Nettie and Ethel, relieved that their young friend was in good hands bid goodbye to Maddie and Diana and went to the store room to carry a small crate to the front of the store. They expected to open it to find more beautiful Tiffany lamps but instead it held two identical mahogany boxes. They lifted one then the other out of the crate. They were both locked.

Check back tomorrow for more surprises unfolding in the Camden Corners Looking Back Antique Shop.  This and all of my Camden Corner Short Story Series are available on smashwords.com; Kindle and Nook.

Open For Business~Part 2

“We need a lawyer and we need one quickly” Emma said.

Susanna, who happened to be in the shop when Harvey and Caspar walked in had already thought of that and had called Crowley law firm.

Mr. Oscar Crowley was a widower who owned the firm along with his very handsome sons, Robert and Richard. The elder Mr. Crowley was retired but lonely living in a big house by himself. He would find himself at loose ends and wander into the law office just to help out his boys. His office was always open to him and the boys enjoyed having their father around to help out with some of their more difficult clients. Oscar had a way about him that always calmed down the most frazzled and frustrated good folks of Camden Corners.

Susanna explained the situation to Mary, the firm’s receptionist. Mary told Susanna to come right over and bring everyone with her. Mr. Oscar was in his office and would see them right away. Mary knew this was the sort of case Mr. Oscar would enjoy taking on. She knew from experience that Mr. Harvey Wilson didn’t stand a chance against any one of the Crowley men.

The worried group walked into the law firm and Oscar stepped out of his office to greet them and introduce himself to everyone. Pausing for a moment when he looked into the tearful eyes of Miss Nettie Dawson. He invited them into his office as Mary was bringing in some extra chairs. Oscar knew they were upset and in his usual fashion was able to calm everyone’s fears. He had dealt with Caspar Dewitt on a few occasions and knew him to be less than honest in his dealings and his choice of clientele. Oscar looked over the cease and desist letter and told them to feel free to open their doors again. He knew Caspar was using a scare tactic not necessarily a legal one.

Emma explained the situation and the threat made by Mr. Wilson that the contents of Amos' store would be destroyed at her expense if it was not removed. Emma was chastising herself for not getting a copy of the so called deed Mr. Wilson had shown her. Because of grief over losing her beloved grandfather and the shock of Mr. Wilson taking over the store, she wasn't thinking clearly.

Mr. Crowley was understanding of Emma's predicament and seething over the way she had been taken advantage of. He knew old Amos and knew what an honorable man he was. He assured her he would be securing a copy of the deed from the county court house and would get to the bottom of the matter. Emma and Lily were not in a financial position to pay for the services of an attorney. Their little shop was just beginning to turn a profit and they had spent that profit on the new their new purchases. Nettie spoke up saying she had a little money of her own and it would be her pleasure to pay the legal expenses to keep that snake, Harvey Wilson, out of their lives. Mr. Crowley had Mary draw up a retainer agreement with the amount of one half dollar as the retainer fee. He smiled at Miss Nettie and she blushed like a school girl finding herself wondering if there was a Mrs. Oscar Crowley in the picture.

It was too late in the afternoon for Oscar to make it to the county seat to check the deed to Amos' land but he thought he would check on precedents in one of his old heavy law books. Taking the book off the shelf, he happened to remember that he hadn't had a cup of tea this afternoon and wouldn't that hit the spot right about now? Lugging his oversized law book with him he donned his overcoat and top hat and walked around the corner to visit the Looking Back Antique Shop and the lovely Miss Nettie Dawson.

Nettie saw Oscar walk through the door and her heart skipped a beat. Oscar lost his beloved wife several years before and had not so much as glanced at another woman in all that time. There was something about Miss Nettie that the old gentleman found endearing. He felt like a schoolboy himself as he ordered a cup of tea with just a sliver of banana cake. He invited Miss Nettie to join him at the table.

He asked her what had brought her to Camden Corners and she explained that she had been a schoolmarm until she retired last year. She missed the children and having her very dear friend, Ethel move away was all she needed to make a change in her life. As a young girl she had loved Randolph Evans but three days before their wedding, he had been killed in a fire after heroically saving the lives of three small children and their mother. Her life had been full with so many students through the years. All of the children had loved Miss Nettie and she loved them as if they were her own. She'd had several suitors but none of them had measured up to Randolph. Until now that is.

Oscar talked about his wife, Louise and what a happy life they had together. They had two active sons who followed in their father's footsteps and studied law. Robert and Richard were both unmarried and Oscar thought it was about time they settled down. Emma and Lily came to mind. What a pair of fine young ladies. Although he didn't need it, he may ask for both his sons assistance in girl's legal matter.