Part of the Family

Part of the Family

Helene and Neville Merryweather were on their way home to Camden Corners. They had mentioned the possibility of adopting children from the villa but hadn't planned on bringing two young girls to their home this soon.

James, Melinda and Melissa were busy helping the housekeeper put fresh linens on the beds in the spare room and airing out and dusting the seldom used room.

“I think the girls will like this room Melinda,” Melissa said “It's a very cheerful. I like the flowered wallpaper in here. I wonder why I didn't chose it for my own?”

“Because you didn't want the sun to wake you up in the mornings. Won't it be fun to have two more sisters? I think James was hoping Father and Helene would bring home a boy. Not that he doesn't like being our big brother.”

“I wonder what they will be like. Helene said we would love the Marissa, she didn't say too much about Marvella.”

“Wouldn't it be terrible to not have any family at all? We will have to try very hard to make them both feel welcome.”

“I think I have beaten every last speck of dust out of this old rug,” James said as he hauled it into the room. It does look very nice in here. I'm glad you opened the curtains wide. I think our new sisters will like it.”

“I hope they like us too,” said Melissa. “Helene said this was just a visit so we could all get to know each other.”

“I think they'll like you just fine, squirt. I do worry about Melinda though. She can be such a problem child.”

“Oh stop it James.” Melinda spoke up. “You know we have brought nothing but sunshine into your dull and boring life. Now, help me move this bed just a little closer to the wall.”

James laughed. Melinda was right. He loved having sisters to tease. He was happy he sought out his birth father all those months ago. It was hard to believe they were all sharing the same house together now.

On the train, Helene was helping Marvella with her reading. She struggled over the larger words but for a girl who had not attended school regularly she did very well. Marvella liked it best when Helene read the story to her. Marissa was content to look at the pictures in her new book. Margaret read it three times to her and Neville read it two more. Marissa was able to recite the story without reading the words.

As the train pulled into the station in Camden Corners. Marvella was changing her mind. We should have stayed in the villa. I don't want another family. They won't like me. All negative thoughts were going through her mind. Marissa was on her knees looking out the window. “Is that them?” she squealed when she saw a tall young man with two younger girls? “Are they my new brother and sisters?”

Marissa was giggling with excitement. Marvella was practicing her best scowl. If they don't like me I won't like them either she thought to herself.

They all stepped off the train. Helene and Neville hugged their children and then introduced Marissa and Marvella.

“I like our new family, don't you Marvella?” Marissa said on the way to the Merryweather home.

“They are alright,” Marvella hid her face as best she could.

“Marvella, are you reading Little Women? That is my favorite book.” said Melissa “Nobody reads it out loud like Helene. You would think you were sitting right in the March living room.”

“That's what Marvella said, didn't you Marvella?” Marissa said hoping her sister would put a smile on her face.

“It's alright,” was all Marvella said.

They were finally home. The Merryweather girls showed the newcomers their room. They weren't surprised when Marissa jumped for joy when she saw her big bed. James had bought a stuffed animal for each of the girls and put them on their beds. Marissa hugged the animal and hugged everyone in the room. Marvella looked around and said nothing.

Helene said, “Let's go downstairs to see what we can find for lunch. Melissa would you stay here and help Marvella unpack her things. Marissa, you can help set the table.”

When Melissa and Marvella were alone, Marvella said, “How come you call your mother Helene?”

“Helene isn't my real mother. She and Father were married just a few months ago. Our real mother died last year.”

“Is James your real brother?”

“It's complicated. James is our half brother. You see Father and Helene knew each other a long time ago. They were in love but they couldn't be together because our grandfather didn't approve of Helene. James was born because Father and Helene loved each other so very much. Father didn't know about James until last year. Now we are all a big family and we all love each other.”

“Does Miss Helene love you and Melinda even though she isn't your real mother?”

“Oh yes, Helene loves us very much. Our real mother didn't pay too much attention to us but Helene does. She cares about what we think and how we feel. She knows when we are sad or unhappy and she holds our hand and lets us talk to her. Our mother never liked having us around. We still loved her but she didn't seem like she loved us back. Helene says people love differently and our mother did love us in her own special way.”

“My mother didn't like having Marissa and me around either. She didn't want Marissa to be born. I don't think she wanted me to be born either but she never said that.”

“I expect your mother did love you but in her own special way like Helene says.”

“Do you really think so Melissa?”

“Yes, I really think so. Shall we hang your clothes in the wardrobe and go down to see what's for lunch?”

Helene thought Marvella's step was just a little lighter. She had a feeling she and Melissa would get along well. They were close to the same age.

“After lunch we'll take a tour of the town. I think you ladies will like looking at all the pretty Christmas decorations in Pringles. We will go to the toy store and maybe stop for some candy at the candy shop. I'm sure we will meet a lot of the people who live here since it's such a beautiful fall day.”

“Maybe I could stop by the newspaper office and see if Ella is ready to leave for the day,” said James.

“Ella is James' sweetheart. She writes for the newspaper,” Melissa explained.

“May I be your sweetheart too James?” Marissa said

“You already are Marissa and I'm sure you will be Ella's sweetheart too.”

Marvella liked James. He was tall and handsome and seemed so very nice to his sisters. She liked the whole family but she didn't want to be hurt again so she hid that fact from them. She and Marissa did just fine without a family. They said we were here for a visit. That's like all the houses we stayed in after Mama died. They kept us for a little while and then they sent us on to somebody else.

Ella joined the group. Marvella could tell everybody liked her too. “I'm meeting Vicar Will and the boys at the lake. They are fishing now and I promised if they didn't smell too fishy, we would get ice cream. How about it, anyone want to join us at the drugstore?”

Butch and Billy entertained everyone with their fish tales. Marvella couldn't help but laugh just a little bit.

They walked along the beach after the ice cream. “Are Miss Helene and Mr. Neville adopting you and Marissa?” Billy said.

“No, we are just here for a visit. I'm sure they will send us back to the villa. I think they would like Marissa to stay with them because she is so cute and happy. I won't let them take her away from me though.”

“Why would they take her away from you? I'm sure they like you too. Before Ma and Pa adopted Butch and me, I was grouchy too. Being part of a family makes you feel happy inside and when that happens you will begin to smile just like me.” Billy showed off his teeth with a big smile.

“I didn't know you were adopted. Is Ella your sister and is Butch your brother?”

“Ella is my sister. Our mama died when I was just a baby. Ella didn't know where I was. Butch started to follow me around one day when I was in New York City and he keeps following me. He never had a mama until Mama Kate. Now we are all a family and we have a new baby sister. Her name is Hillary.”

“Do you like being adopted?”

“Are you kidding? It's the greatest thing ever. We even have a great grandma and great grandpa. There are a lot of kids around here that are adopted. You'll meet them all soon. I know you're scared the Merryweathers will send you away but I know they won't do that. Miss Helene works in the library. She helps me with my reading when I get stuck on something and she never makes me feel stupid. You are lucky she is going to be your new ma.”

“My new ma. I wish that could be true,” thought Marvella.

The day was passing swiftly. Marissa was so tired from all the activity she could barely make it through supper. Neville carried her to her new bed. She held onto her stuffed animal as though she was afraid to let it go.

Marvella climbed into her own bed. She had never slept on anything so soft and comfortable. She didn't remember a better day in all her thirteen years. She began to cry softly. She never cried before. At least ever that she could remember. The tears wouldn't stop. She heard the door open and Miss Helene sat down and put her hand on her back. “Go ahead and cry my darling girl, you have held the tears in long enough. Now you have a family to care for you and share your burdens. I hope you will stay here and join our family. We love you and your sister very much.”

Nobody had ever told Marvella that she was loved before. “Are you sure Miss Helene, are you sure you want me too and not just Marissa? I promise not to be grouchy, like Billy says.”

“You just promise to be yourself. If you feel grouchy then that's what you should be. Sometimes I feel grouchy too, but that doesn't mean those who love me make me go away.”

Marvella fell asleep with her own stuffed animal tucked inside her arm.

The sun beamed through the window the next morning waking Marissa up. “Marvella, get up, Miss Helene is making cinnamon muffins, I can smell them baking.”

Marvella and Marissa walked into the kitchen hand in hand. “Good morning ladies” said Helene. I thought the smell of these muffins might wake all the sleepy heads up. Sit down and have some oatmeal. Mrs. Turner added raisins to it as a special treat. Everyone else should be down shortly. We have things to talk about when they get here.”

Marvella's face fell. Was she dreaming last night when Miss Helene came into her room? Are they going to tell her she has to go back to the villa, but they want to keep Marissa with them? Marvella's chin started to quiver as everyone walked through the kitchen door.

“What's wrong Marvella? We were hoping you would be happy to stay here with us?” said Melinda.

“I wanted everyone to be here when we made it official. Neville, would you like to ask the girls a question?” said Helene

“Miss Marvella and Miss Marissa, Miss Helene and I wanted to give you some time to adjust to living here in Camden Corners with us before we asked you to become real members of the Merryweather family. We found that we love you both so much we can't wait another day. We would like to adopt you and be your mother, father, sister and brother. I also have a sister who you will meet today. Her name is Miss Millie and she will make a wonderful aunt to you. Would you honor us by becoming our daughters forever and always?”

“Marvella, we can stay here forever, did you hear that? We have a mama and papa. Why are you crying Marvella?”

“I'm crying because I can't keep the smile off my face you silly thing. I'm so happy.”

The only person in the room that wasn't crying was Marissa. Even Neville and James had to wipe a tear from their eye.

“I wonder if Oscar and Nettie decided about welcoming anyone into their home? I know Oscar was concerned about his age. Nettie thinks he's younger than most men half his age and I tend to agree with her. I expect they will be home later today. It has been quite an eventful week,” said Neville.

“Yes it has Neville, and a wonderful week discounting your near death experience. You must promise me you will never do anything so foolish again.”

“I promise dear. Now sit down and relax, you are a mother of five now. It's been a long wait to be together but I have never been happier.” Neville kissed her and heard some giggling. His son and four daughters were peeking in the window at them. All smiling, all happy and all together.

The Search

The Search

The incident with Billy, and Marzetta Le Claire's claims to be his mother, were long forgotten. Billy went on with his life in Camden Corners without a worry about his past. Will Duesenberry could not forget his fear when there was a possibility his son would be taken away from his family.

He knew his next step would be to find any information he could about the biological families of both Billy and Butch.

He and Oscar Crowley were discussing the matter when Neville Merryweather walked through the doors of the coffee shop in Merryweather's, the antique shop operated by his sister, Millie.

“Good morning gentlemen. I can see you are involved in a discussion and won't disturb you,” said Neville.

“Nonsense, please sit down Neville. In fact, I wouldn't mind your opinion on this matter since you have a son you didn't know existed until recently,” said Will.

Will explained the circumstance in which Billy and Butch came into their lives and the scam that Marzetta and Anton tried to pull off.

Neville listened intently as Will told him the whole story. He thought it was incredible that the two boys were able to fend for themselves all these years and that Billy had lived like that since he was seven years old.

“Kate and I haven't spoken to Butch yet about his memories. I think with a little prodding both boys will remember more as time goes by. At the present time we are concentrating on our new baby who will be arriving any day now. Oscar knows about waiting, he is waiting for two babies.”

“And I wish they would both hurry up. I'm not getting any younger,” Oscar added.

“I had dealings with some folks in Pittsburgh when I was still active in the agency. I do remember seeing the orphanage. I use to walk from the train station to my client's plant. The orphanage was on my way. On warm days when the children were out playing they would run up to the fence to greet me. It was as though they were craving any contact they could find outside of those high fences. I got in the habit of filling my pockets with peppermints and offering them to the children as I passed by. Don't think I haven't wondered about James growing up in a place like that. If it hadn't been for Chester Robinson, Helene might not have had a choice. I'm at loose ends now. I've all but given up the insurance agency. I was thinking of buying a house here so I have a place to bring a bride should the occasion arise.” Neville look a little embarrassed but his friends knew the circumstances and understood.

“Neville, I don't know why you aren't courting Helene now. It has been several months since Prudence died. No one would fault you for moving on with your life.”

“As much as I would like to be with Helene, I feel I owe it to my daughters to respect the memory of their mother. They argue with me about it all the time. Granted Prudence wasn't much of a mother to them but she was still their mother. I blame myself for her unhappiness. If I hadn't been such a coward years ago, Helene and I would have been celebrating our thirtieth wedding anniversary by now. Instead I let my father talk me out of marrying the only woman I ever loved. Money was so very important to me back then and look what it brought me. A marriage with a woman I never loved and who never loved me. On the plus side, I have two beautiful daughters who I adore.

“Back to what I was saying. I'm not doing anything productive these days and wouldn't mind a trip to Pittsburgh. I could inquire at the orphanage. Maybe they would be able to give me some information. I've always wondered what it would be like to be a private investigator. Maybe this could be a start of a whole new career for me.”

Oscar spoke up. “That's not such a bad idea. I'd go with you myself but Nettie would wring my neck if I left when my grandchildren are so close to arriving. Do you know Max Harcourt? He has done his share of investigating. I'll bet this would be something he'd like to be involved with.”

“Yes, I know Max. Not very well but he seems like a nice fellow. Maybe I'll stop by his place when I leave here.” said Neville. He was looking forward to the adventure and wanted to get started on the investigation right away.

“I'll go with you. I haven't seen Max in a while.” Oscar said wanting to be involved in this latest mystery.

“You fellows are the greatest. Thank you for your help. Maybe we will have some answers soon and then we can start worrying about Butch's family,” said Will.

Max welcomed the challenge Neville and Oscar presented to him. Sarah served the men coffee and was invited to sit with them and hear the plan.

“Max, I'll pack your bag,” said Sarah “I can tell by the look in your eyes that you are ready to board the train to Pittsburgh.”

“How soon can you be ready Neville?”

“As soon as I can get back to the boarding house and pack a bag myself. I'll meet you at the train station.”

“How do you know there will be a train going to Pittsburgh any time soon?” asked Oscar

“We have strategy to work out and there is plenty of room at the station to do that.” said Max.

Neville dropped by the library to let Helene know he would be out of town for a few days.

“Thank you Neville for letting me know. It's nice of you to think of me.”

“I'm always thinking of you,” replied Neville. He knew this adventure would help pass the time until he would be able take her in his arms. Maybe he was being foolish to wait. All his life he had been impulsive without regard for anyone or anything. Why did he have to choose now to be sensible?

Within the hour both Max and Neville arrived at the train station. The train to Pittsburgh was leaving in two hours. Plenty of time to devise a plan to get information from the folks at the orphanage.

The men walked in through the front doors of the orphanage. It was so dim they had a difficult time adjusting from the bright sunshine outside. Max used his charm on the receptionist and she was instantly smitten. It wasn't often a handsome gentleman greeted her with such a beautiful smile. She informed Miss Walker, the administrator of their arrival.

Miss Walker greeted the gentlemen without any hint of friendliness. Max knew his charm would be wasted on this woman and deferred to Neville. There was a small spark of interest when Neville spoke softly to the woman. He made the rookie mistake of mentioning that Billy had run away from her facility. She immediately shut down.

“No child has ever run away from this institution. I have no information for you gentlemen. Now if you will excuse me I trust you are capable of finding your way out.” Miss Walker turned on her heel and left the room in a huff.

“Me thinks thou doth protest too much” whispered Max.

As they were leaving, they almost bumped into the receptionist who had obviously been eavesdropping.

“Meet me at the coffee shop around the corner at 4:35. I have information for you.” she said as she opened the outside door for them.

“Sorry I messed that one up. I know now that I should never have told Miss Walker about Billy running away.”

“No harm done, she wasn't about to tell us anything anyway. I wonder what Miss Sanders has to say. She is a nervous little thing but she was adamant about meeting with us.”

“Maybe your charm worked too well, Max. I wouldn't be surprised if she was hoping you show up alone this afternoon.”

Max laughed. “I know my charm is irresistible but my guess is the lady really does have some information and doesn't want her boss knowing she is about to tell us what it is.”

Neville and Max arrived at the coffee shop at 4:25. They knew Miss Sanders was meeting them after work but didn't want to miss her if she arrived early. At exactly 4:35 Miss Sanders opened the door to the coffee shop. She walked past Max and Neville and whispered for them to follow her. They did as she asked and sat at the very last table in the shop.

“I'm sorry to be so secretive but if Miss Walker discovers what I am doing I will lose my job.

I remember a sweet young boy named Billy disappearing in the early morning hours of September 26^th 1899. I will never forget that date as long as I live. One of the older boys found an unlocked door in the basement. The janitor forgot to lock it after he emptied the trash the night before. Cal told some of the older boys that he was planning to escape the following day. Cal was almost 18 so would have been leaving soon anyway. Apparently Billy heard Cal talking about his plan and took it upon himself to follow him. That is the story we heard from several of the boys when neither Billy or Cal reported for breakfast that day.

“It was Miss Walker's duty to make sure all doors to the building were locked before she left for the day and the night shift took over. I followed Miss Walker to the basement after the boys were discovered missing and watched her lock the door and then take a crowbar and break it open. Miss Walker didn't know I saw her. I only followed her because I was worried about little Billy and was afraid something dreadful had happened to him. I hid in the basement until I was sure Miss Walker was back upstairs and in her office. Before long the sheriff arrived and was questioning Miss Walker. She told the sheriff she couldn't imagine what happened to the boys. She said security and safety were her top priority. The sheriff looked through the building and discovered the broken basement door. He told Miss Walker it was a case of runaways and he doubted they would ever be found. Miss Walker bid him farewell and went to her office with a very satisfied grin on her face.”

“Miss Sanders, do you think you would recognize Billy if you saw him today? He is 12 years old now.”

“I'm sure I would. Billy was one of my favorites. He was left at the front door when he was about 3 months old. I came to work that morning and discovered him there. He had a note pinned to his blanket that said his name was Billy. That was before Miss Walker came to work for the orphanage. Miss Tanner was the administrator. She left two years later to get married. Miss Tanner was a very special person. She was warm and friendly and all the children loved her. Miss Tanner let me care for Billy. I did my job during the day and spent time with him during my lunch break and after work. Billy was a happy little boy. He looked for me to come to see him every day. I loved that little baby.” A tear rolled down her cheek.

“Miss Sanders, if this talk is upsetting you too much, we can postpone it to another time.”

“No, I'll be fine. I need to tell you the whole story. After Miss Tanner left and Miss Walker took over, everything changed. She didn't allow me to see Billy anymore. She said I was too attached to him and I was spoiling him. When she left the building I would find an excuse to see him. When he got older I explained that I wasn't allowed to see him like I had when he was younger because Miss Walker didn't think it was right. He was just a little boy but he seemed to understand. Then that horrible day came and Billy was gone. The sheriff never did come back to tell us where he was. I have worried about him ever since.”

Neville patted the back of the girl's hand. He felt sorry for her and sorry for Billy. Maybe she would be able to identify Billy. He wondered if she would be willing to travel to Camden Corners with him and Max. Just then she continued on with her story.

“It was just a few months after Billy disappeared that his sister Ella came to the orphanage. She asked to speak with Miss Walker. Ella explained that her parents died of influenza when Billy was just a baby. Her mother's aunt Beatrice came to get Ella and Billy to take them home with her. It seems Beatrice's husband did not want a crying baby in his house disturbing his sleep. He insisted the boy be delivered to the orphanage that very night. The next morning Ella woke up and her aunt told her that her brother had died during the night. Ella was only 8 years old and had lost her entire family. Her aunt took care of her as she was growing up. Shortly after Ella turned 18, her aunt became very ill. On her deathbed she confessed to Ella that her brother didn't die and that she had taken him to the orphanage.

“That very day Ella came to the orphanage looking for her brother. Miss Walker asked her to step into her office. She closed the door but, of course I listened at the key hole. Miss Walker told Ella her brother had died when he was 6 months old.

“Poor Ella, she was beside herself. It was as though she lost her brother all over again. I stopped her before she left that day and asked her to meet me right here in this coffee shop. I told her about Billy and how he left with an older boy. I tried to assure her that Cal would take care of Billy although I wasn't sure I believed that myself. Ella and I have since become friends. I'm afraid to ask if you two know anything about what happened to dear Billy.”

Max told her that Billy had a memory of a train station that had a sign that read Pittsburgh. He explained that he and a younger friend had been adopted by a vicar and his wife and was very happy and secure in his life.

“Miss Sanders would you be willing to travel to Camden Corners to meet Billie, we would gladly pay your way.”

“Mr. Harcourt I do have some money of my own. I would be able to pay the fare but I would want Ella to come with me. Even if your Billy is not the same one I remember, I wouldn't feel right about not telling her about this.”

Neville spoke up. That would be fine. I know this is an imposition with your employment. If there is any way we can smooth it over with your boss we would be willing to speak with her.”

“No, I have an aunt who lives in Greensboro. Miss Walker knows she has been ill. I will tell her she has taken a turn for the worse and I need to have a few days off. I hope the Lord forgives me for this lie but I must see Billy if there is a chance he is that special little boy.”

Max and Neville waited for Miss Sander's return. Miss Walker wasn't happy that Charlotte would be leaving town for a few days but she did understand and wished her well.

They went directly to Ella Pritchard's home where Max and Neville told her of the possibility that her brother could be the boy known to them as Billy Deusenberry.

“I don't care how improbable it is that my brother is alive and well and living with a good family. I want to see the boy myself. If he is indeed my brother I want to assure you I have no intention of disrupting his life. I can be packed and ready to go in 20 minutes. Charlotte, I'm so glad you will be going too. I'll gladly pay for your ticket.”

“Do I look like a pauper? Everyone wants to buy my ticket. I can well afford the passage and it will be worth every penny if this young boy is truly our Billy.”

The group arrived at the train station separately to avoid any suspicion should Miss Walker happen by on her way home from work.

Miss Walker did indeed pass by the station and glanced in the window. She saw Charlotte Sanders sitting by herself on the bench. Behind Charlotte were the gentlemen who were inquiring about the child who escaped her care a number of years ago. Good, they are leaving Pittsburgh she thought to herself. There was another young lady who looked vaguely familiar. She was seated three rows back and studying her ticket. Miss Walker had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. Something does not seem quite right she thought but dismissed it. No one will ever find out that it was my fault those boys escaped. I can't afford any kind of investigation into my operation of the orphanage.

The train pulled into the station. Neville's carriage was just where he left it that morning. There was no way to alert Will and Kate about their arrival with the young ladies so they went directly to their house. Kate opened the door and welcomed them all into the parlor.

Ella and Charlotte could feel their hearts beating wildly when the front door opened and a young boy called out. “Miss Charlotte? Is that really you?”

Cassandra's New Baby

Cassandra's New Baby

“Will our new baby be here today, Mama?”

Cassandra Rossi has having a difficult time understanding why her baby was taking so long to be born. Unfortunately she heard her mama talking to Diana Taylor about her suspicions at the very first sign of her pregnancy. Over eight months was a long time for a little girl to wait for the birth of her brother or sister.

“I don't know Cassandra but I don't think it will be too much longer. Come sit down and eat your oatmeal, I put butter and cream on top for you.”

Lucinda's pregnancy had been so different this time around. She felt bigger and more uncomfortable. Maybe she had just forgotten since it had been close to seven years since her last experience. She looked at Cassandra and remembered when she was born. She remembered how nervous Paul was about holding his daughter. He was used to being around children because he grew up in an orphanage but he was never around the babies, especially when they were this tiny. Those were happy days. Lucinda thought they would go on forever. She still felt sadness when she thought of her life with Paul. It seemed so long ago that she was having a hard time picturing his face.

“You are lost in thought this morning.” came the booming voice of her husband, Nick.

“I guess I am. I was thinking back to when this little missy was born. Nice memories but sad too.”

Nick squeezed his wife's hand. He understood how Lucinda felt about her first husband, Paul. Nick didn't resent the fact that he was still a part of her life if only in memory. They had grown up together in the orphanage and had been best friends until his murder several years ago. He helped to keep Cassandra's memories of her Papa Paul alive too. Nick would be forever grateful to the man he never knew for bringing this amazing child into the world.

“Other than nostalgic, how are you feeling?”

“Like Wally Wallace's prize cow! I'm getting as impatient as Cassandra to hold this little squirt in my arms.”

Cassandra giggled. “You don't look like a cow, Mama.”

“Maybe we should get her a bale of hay and a cow bell,” laughed Nick.

“Quiet you two. It's bad enough to feel this way, I don't need your teasing me too.” Lucinda's laugh turned to a grimace.

“Are you alright?” Nick jumped out of his chair.

“I'm fine, I think I just had a labor pain.” with that another followed and then again and again.

“Cassandra, run down to Kenny's house and ask him to get Doc Julie. Darn it, we need better phone service in this town.”

“Watch your language Nick. You're going to be a papa very soon and I don't want you teaching our children words like that.”

“It could have been a lot worse,” said Nick

“I know and I might be using some choice ones myself before the day is out.” Lucinda said as she doubled over in pain.

Doc Julie arrived along with Caroline, within a half hour.

“Lucinda I don't think we have time to get you to the hospital. I do believe this little Rossi is about to arrive.”

“You and Josie Blackburn certainly don't waste any time delivering your babies,” said Caroline who had her own little one only two months before.

Nick took Cassandra by the hand and walked out into the yard. He didn't want her to be frightened for her mother if Lucinda let out a scream. His wife was a trooper though and suffered silently. As much as she would like to have yelped and used some of those colorful words she and Nick talked about, she didn't want to frighten Cassandra either. It wasn't long until Caroline walked out of the house and said come meet Daniel Nicola Rossi.

“It's a boy!” shouted Nick and Cassandra in unison as they ran into the house to meet the newest member of the family.

Daniel wasn't concerned with being silent.

Cassandra looked down at her little brother and said. “Doesn't he like us Mama? He is crying so hard.”

“I think he likes us just fine. Little babies cry. You did the same thing when you were born and you like us, don't you?”

“Yes Mama, I like you a lot. Hello Danny, I'm your sister and my name is Cassandra. I'm going to help Mama take care of you. She said I could fetch your diapers and help with your bath.”

Little Danny's crying stopped. “You have helped your mama already, Cassandra. Your brother must like the sound of your voice because he isn't crying anymore,” said Caroline.

The anticipation was high for the Independence Day parade. Lou Rossi would be marching in the parade and carrying the United States flag. He and Anna had become United States citizens and were celebrating the birthday of their new country.

Babies were in abundance at the parade. It was early enough in the day that it wasn't too hot for them. Anna Rossi was enjoying being a grandmother to Daniel. She was a frequent visitor to Nick and Lucinda's home. Lou had more fun with the older children although he enjoyed watching his wife with the littlest Rossi.

The day was a happy one with picnics in the afternoon and fireworks after dark. The talk was about the circus coming to town the following week. This was the first time the troupe would be setting up the big top in Camden Corners. Mayor Horton had been instrumental in their decision to stop in the village this year.

The circus train pulled into town on schedule. Practically the whole town came out to welcome them to Camden Corners.

Billy and Butch Duesenberry remembered seeing circuses setting up before. It was one of the rare times in their former lives that they enjoyed being on their own. Circus people were always friendly to them and never shooed them away. They were always allowed to watch the circus performances from behind the curtain.

“Pa, may Butch and I watch them set up the big tent after we finish our chores this morning?” said Billy who always remembered to ask permission before he and Butch set out for any adventure.

“If your beds are made and your clothes put away you may go just as soon as you help Grandma Alma with the dishes from breakfast.” said Will.

“Let the boys go, Will. I'll help Alma with the dishes.” said Melvin Tanner, Alma's new husband.

Billy and Butch finished their breakfast in record time. They kissed their mother and grandmother goodbye and were off down the street stopping by Kenny Bentley's on the way. Kenny was waiting for them on the porch and yelled goodbye to his family inside.

Billy and Butch had been adopted by Will and Kate Duesenberry the previous year. The boys were not related to each other but had been the only family either had ever known. Neither boy could remember their mothers or if they were ever part of a family. They had both been abandoned at some time in their young lives. They jumped off a train in Camden Corners after being caught stowing away. Will and Kate happened along just at that moment. Will was the vicar of the local church and a confirmed bachelor until he met Kate his housekeeper's granddaughter. They married, adopted Billy and Butch and were expecting a baby at the end of the month.

Kenny had never seen a circus before and was fascinated with the elephants. The elephant handler was always happy to show his visitors around. He found that boys usually wanted to help walk the animals and he was glad to share his workload.

Butch's favorite were the clowns. He sought them out and happened upon one clown who they called Chuckles. Chuckles loved the circus himself and loved to talk. Butch happened upon him as he was practicing his act. Chuckles was glad to have an audience and loved the sound of the boy's laughter as he performed his silly tricks. He showed Butch some of his magic tricks and even taught him one or two.

Butch was a chatterbox and today was no exception. He told Chuckles all about his and Billy's life before they came to Camden Corners and were adopted. Chuckles listened to every detail because he had been a homeless boy too. He told Butch how lucky he was to have found people to take him in and love him because Chuckles never did find a home until he joined the circus when he was 15 years old. As Butch and Chuckles talked, they didn't notice Anton Hamlin lurking in the background taking in every word that came out of Butch's mouth.

After saying goodbye to Chuckles, Butch went off to find Billy and Kenny. He knew Billy would be where the elephants were and walked to that area with Anton following discreetly behind him. Anton took one look at Billy and a plan was forming in his mind.

Anton Hamlin was a trapeze artist. He had been performing for 25 years and was not as quick and agile as he once was. He was a conniver who knew eventually one of his schemes would pay off and he would be able to retire in luxury. He was interested in Butch's history and knew there had to be money in there someplace. Once he saw Billy he knew he was about to strike it rich. He needed Marzetta to go along with his plan. She wanted the good life too and best of all, she wanted Anton.

“Marzetta, drop whatever it is you are doing. I want you to listen carefully. There is a young boy out there that could be your son. I want you to tell him you are his long lost mother. Tell him your precious baby was stolen from his crib when he was just a few months old. You have been looking for him all these years. He looks to be about 12 years old. See if you can figure out his age and give him a date he was born. From the story Butch told. The kid wouldn't have any idea when his birthday is.”

“Anton, how can I be his mother? I have never had a kid.”

“I know that, stupid. You are just going to tell him that you are his mother and then we will be able to get money out of his folks. They will want to keep him and will gladly pay us what we ask. Don't you see? It's a perfect plan.”

“Don't call me stupid Anton. I'm not stupid. I'm just as smart as you are.”

“Yeah, alright. You aren't stupid. Just do what I say.”

“But Anton. I can't be that kid's mother. I'm not a married lady.”

Anton was getting frustrated. He wanted to shake this idiot woman. He could taste the money this scheme would bring his way but he'd have to deal with Marzetta and it wasn't going to be easy.”

“I'll tell you what. If you can pull this off, I'll marry you.”

“Anton do you mean it? We can get married. I'll do anything you say.”

After going over the plan again and again with Marzetta, Anton thought she was convinced this kid was really her son. She wasn't too bright but she was a fairly decent actress and the kid was a dead ringer for her. He sent her on her way with his fingers crossed.

Marzetta leisurely strolled over to the elephant stall. She never did like those smelly, wrinkled things. They frightened her but she would just have to fight her fear. Anton was going to marry her and that was all she cared about.

She spotted him. Anton was right he looked like he could have been her son. What was the name Anton told her to call him? She couldn't remember. Oh well, she thought Philippe was a wonderful name. Yes, her son would be called Philippe.

Billy was still making friends with the baby elephant when he suddenly felt someone grab him and squeeze him tightly yelling “Phillipe! Phillipe! My long lost son. I have finally found you.”

Anton was cringing in the corner. She was laying it on a little too thick. She needed more practice.

“Billy! That lady looks just like you.” shouted Butch.