The Woman of His Dreams

 

The Village of Camden Corners

The Woman of His Dreams

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nettie noticed the exchange between the two.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leland Harvey was in his office at 11:03.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Yes, I did.”

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

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

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

A Growing Town

 

A Growing Town

After seeing Marlin Cooper board the train the next morning, Sheriff Mendenhall stopped by the Crowley home to assure Polly that he thought she'd seen the last of her father. Marlin was full of chatter that morning but he never once mentioned Polly.

“Unfortunately, I have seen my share of drunkards and they usually simmer down when they know they have been beaten at their own game of intimidation.”

“I'm just sorry one of my kin acted in such a loathsome way,” said Polly.

Nettie put her arm around the girl she considered a daughter. “You have nothing to apologize for my dear girl. I knew when you were my prize student several years ago that you were special. Your family, for whatever reason, has decided their place is in Greensboro with your father. You have given them every opportunity to escape that environment. They know our door is always open.”

“Thank you Nettie, I don't know what I would do without you. Now, we have a wedding to plan and I would love your help. Thank you too, Sheriff. I'm glad to hear my father has left town. I hope you will be able to join us on New Year's Eve. Randy and I are going to be married that day so we can begin 1904 as a family.”

The sheriff nodded at the two women as he donned his hat and walked back to his office with a much lighter step. He was always happy when trouble was averted and everything ended happily.

There was another knock on the door. Nettie opened it to see her new friend, Anna Rossi standing there.

“I hope you don't mind my stopping by like this Nettie, I was taking a walk when I saw the sheriff leave and wanted to make sure everything was alright here.”

“Everything is just fine Anna. The sheriff was just following up on an incident that turned out to be nothing after all. Come in please, you can help Polly and me do some wedding planning.”

“Polly dear, I'm so happy to hear you are finally planning a wedding. That Burke boy is a real catch if you ask me. My Rosa thinks the world of the Burkes. Don't tell her I told you this but she has a Burke girl all picked out for her Eddie. I think she is working her way down the entire family.”

The women all laughed. Nettie and Polly knew Rosa well and didn't doubt for a minute that it was true.

“I'll do what I can to help with the matchmaking when I'm a Burke too.”

Polly excused herself to check on Faith who was in the kitchen watching Trudy bake sugar cookies.

Nettie knew Lou Rossi was having a hard time adjusting to his retirement. He had given up his family's vineyard in Tuscany to move across the ocean. He lost his best friend and fellow vintner in Tuscany and the pleasure he once took in his vineyards was there no more. Out of all his six children, only Nick ever showed any interest in the wine business and he had lived in America for too long to ever go back to Italy.

“Luigi and Nicola have been working together. I mean Lou and Nick. I can't get use to saying these Americanized names. Anyway, I think the sparkle is coming back into Lou's eyes. He can't wait to get out of bed in the morning and go to the vineyard to check on the plantings. I just hope he doesn't get in Nick's way. Nick has been doing everything on his own for so long I wonder how he is handling his father's constant presence.”

“I wouldn't worry about Nick, Anna. He is a very good man. I often heard him quote his father when he talked about growing grapes here in our area. I'm sure Nick and Lou will get along just fine. Everyone is anxious for the winery to be completed. We are really coming up in the world here in Camden Corners. Before long we will be as big as Greensboro. I do hope we can keep the friendly atmosphere. There isn't one person in town I don't know and I like it that way.”

Nick and Lou were hovering over the grape plantings when the wind started to pick up.

“Let's go inside the winery. The shipment of oak barrels came in yesterday. I'd like you to look them over for any flaws.”

Nick put his arm around his father and the two Rossis walked through the doors of the winery. The workers were finishing up the wine cellar where the barrels would be placed waiting for the harvest the following September. Lou was impressed with the workmanship. In Tuscany the same barrels had been in service since he was a boy. His father and grandfather had insisted that their wine had an aged flavor thanks to their reuse. Lou never put that to the test but was interested to see if these new barrels would make a difference.

Lou was very proud of his son. He hadn't lived in Tuscany or around a winery in many years but he had absorbed much more than Lou realized when he did live there. He knew his son would make a fine vintner and was pleased to be with him every step of the way.

Nick was happy his father was there to give him moral support. He spent many sleepless nights wondering if he was proceeding correctly. The Hightower brothers had invested an enormous amount of money into this project. They had wanted to go first class with the winery building and Jamison Bentley came through for them. The building itself was going to be lavish. It would have a wine tasting room that would fit two hundred people at one time, a lounge area and a panoramic porch that was large enough for another hundred. The second floor is the ballroom with a platform big enough to hold a full orchestra. On the third and fourth floor there would be suites where out of town guests would be accommodated for the night or as long as they wished to visit Camden Corners. The success of the winery and all of its amenities rested on the success or failure of the grapes growing out in the field. Anna didn't have to worry about Lou being a pest to his son, Nick thought he was a godsend.

“Hello gentlemen” Reggie Blackburn called out as he and Jamison Bentley walked through the doors. “As you can see we've had to slow down on the winery for the time being. The crew is working full time at the hospital site completing the exterior before the weather delays us any further. Leo Carlisle and his shenanigans set us back on our timetable a couple of months and we are just catching up.”

“Lou, have you heard about Josie's heroics the day Leo was caught?” The men all laughed but they knew it had been a serious matter when Leo Carlisle held Josie at gunpoint. Josie was struck with a bout of morning sickness and couldn't hold it back any longer when she regurgitated into the face of her captor causing him to drop his weapon.

“Jamison, your design here in the winery is impressive. It's bound to be a landmark in Camden Corners,” said Lou.

“To be honest Lou, it didn't start out this way. The Hightowers had their own ideas and had me add more and more on until this was the result. I do think it will be a fine looking building when the work is completed. The setting is lovely too, the vineyards look wonderful now. Just imagine how grand they will look when they reach maturity. The proximately to the lake and all the space beyond will just add to the beauty.”

“I was looking at that land son. Don't you think that should be cultivated for plantings.”

“Now that you are here Papa, I think that's a possibility. I didn't want to bite off more than I could chew for the first year.”

“We'd better get over to the hospital site. I think the crew is ready to finish up the roof today and start installing the windows. If the weather will hold off just a few more days I think we will be alright. We'll see you later at the lake house, I hope. The ladies have plans for all of us to go out caroling tonight. I told Josie I'd rather just hang around the wassail bowl but she gave me one of those looks.”

Lucinda was waiting at the hospital site when the men arrived. She was pleased that everything seemed to be going smoothly. Reggie was surprised at how much progress had been made since he left earlier that morning.

“Did you get your whip to the crew this morning Lucinda?”

“I didn't need to, the drop in temperature is speeding them up. They want to get inside the building. You just missed Doc McMillan. He stopped by to see how things were going. He seemed pleased that eventually we will be able to make additions to the building. Doc has heard from several of his colleagues who may be interested in joining the staff here. That means more work for the two of you with the housing needs that will be arising. It won't be long before we are open for business and we need to think of recruiting. Doc is expecting a young doctor this afternoon. He is coming in from Buffalo. He just completed his residency there and is looking for a place to begin his practice. Doc said he would bring him along to the caroling party tonight.”

“Hey, the more the merrier. Hope he likes to sing. It will help drown me out. I can't believe I let Josie talk me into this thing.”

Doc was waiting at the station just as the train was arriving. A good looking young man stepped off the train.

“Dr. Murphy?”

“Yes sir, and you must be Doctor McMillan. It is a pleasure to meet you sir and I do thank you for this opportunity. Please call me Grady.”

“Good to meet you, Grady. Everybody calls me Doc. I probably wouldn't answer if anyone used my given name anyway. I have arranged for a room in the Wharton House. I think you will find it comfortable. I'll walk you there and introduce you to Mrs. Wharton. We will pass the medical office on the way and you can stop by after you are settled in.”

Doc and Grady didn't notice the two young ladies following him off the train.

“Audrey Lynch, you didn't tell me you were chasing after Dr. Murphy. I should have known there wasn't any job waiting for us here. I can't believe I fell for your deception again. I have a mind to wait in the station until the next train leaves for Buffalo in the morning.”

“Elizabeth, don't be such an old crosspatch. This is an adventure. Maybe there isn't a job waiting for us today but they will be opening a hospital next year and they will need nurses. You and I can get a feel of the town and decide if we want to move to Camden Corners.”

“You mean if you haven't gotten over your silly crush on Dr. Grady Murphy by then. You know he doesn't have any interest in you. For heaven sake Audrey, the man doesn't even know you are alive.”

“He will Elizabeth. He'll know me very well. I'm starving, let's see what they have at O'Sullivan's Pub over there. We can inquire about a place to stay for the night.”

“Alright, I'm hungry myself but I'm not staying here overnight and that's settled. As soon as we eat, we will make arrangements to go back to Buffalo.”

“Oh look, it's snowing. It would be pretty except that wind is blowing so fiercely.”

The girls walked into the pub where Fiona was just clearing off the last of the lunch crowd tables.

“Hello young ladies, Please have a seat. I'll fetch a menu for you. Looks like you have arrived in town just ahead of the big storm that's headed our way.”

“Thank you ma'am, we are from Buffalo and have seen our share of storms. I'm sure we will be able to handle it.”

Audrey and Elizabeth both had the pub's specialty, corned beef sandwiches. They even had a piece of Fiona's pumpkin pie. The pie was delicious and reminded Elizabeth of her granny.

“Do you know of a boarding house in town Mrs. Mackenzie?” Audrey inquired as Elizabeth frowned at her. Maybe staying overnight wasn't such a bad idea. Elizabeth was tired and the weather looked pretty nasty out the window.

“Mrs. Wharton's but she was in here earlier and said she was booked solid for the whole week.”

She thought of the Watson House but since Caroline and Jamison married and adopted Kenny and Becky plus Jamison's two boys visiting often, they didn't have the room anymore.

“I'll tell you what girls. Why don't you come home with me. We have a house brimming with children of all ages but you will have your own bedroom and you should be comfortable for the night. Just looking out the window I don't think the train will be going anywhere very soon.”

Reggie's True Love

 

Reggie's True Love

Hyacinth and Dahlia couldn't have been more pleased with the design Jamison Bentley prepared for their new home. It was just exactly what they had envisioned. Their husbands were busy working along side Nick Rossi and the crew preparing the earth for the vines to be planted and left the house design and building to their wives. The foundation was being laid as the girls looked on. The Hightower brothers insisted that no corners be cut in anything they did and those instructions were being followed. Reggie Blackburn was a perfectionist himself and as head contractor, he was watching over the crew like a hawk.

Reggie was very polite and respectful to the sisters but they suspected something in his life had made him terribly sad. Reggie came highly recommended by Jamison and the girls trusted him enough to hire the man sight unseen. Jamison stopped by the site a couple of times a day. He was always smiling and the girls suspected his happiness was the result of his marriage to Caroline Watson.

Dahlia knew she was prying but decided to ask Jamison what was troubling Reggie. Jamison had known Reggie since he was born. He had grown up with Jamison's two boys. Reggie had fallen for a young lady by the name of Elena Malone. Jamison had never seen a young boy so devoted to a member of the opposite sex. His boys were more interested in teasing the girls in town than carrying their books home from school. Elena was a very pretty young girl and as she grew she became a real beauty. Jamison thought she was a rather spoiled and selfish little girl who was even more so as she grew older. Reggie was a popular fellow through his high school years. The boys liked him and most of the girls had a crush on him but he only had eyes for Elena. Reggie worked his way though college and asked Elena to be his wife. She accepted his proposal and a big wedding was planned for the second Saturday in September.

Reggie's friends all tried to dissuade him from marrying Elena so quickly.

“Reggie, you have been going to school non stop for years. Give yourself some time to enjoy your carefree days before settling down”

What they really meant was give yourself some time to get over Elena. Reggie wouldn't hear of it. He was going to marry Elena and that was final. Just three days before the wedding, Elena was sipping a soda at the drugstore when a handsome young fellow entered the store. He was drawn to the beauty sitting at the counter and came to sit next to her. He flashed a big bright smile at the girl and told her she was pretty enough to be on Broadway and he should know because his boss was none other than Nelson Grant, the famous producer. It didn't take Elena much time at all to rush home and pack her clothes and join this young man at the train station. She planned to send a telegram to Reggie when she arrived in New York but somehow never got around to it. Reggie was devastated. The soda jerk at the ice cream counter heard every word that transpired between the stranger and Elena and repeated it to Reggie. Reggie just knew Elena would be returning to him after she realized everything she ever wanted was right here in Gilford.

Jamison realized it had been close to a year since Reggie was jilted.

“That young man should be getting over his crush on that ungrateful girl by now.” he said to Dahlia.

Dahlia and Hyacinth felt sad for Reggie. There were plenty of nice girls in Camden Corners but if he was still pining away for this Elena person, he probably wouldn't be interested in any of them.

Just as Jamison was leaving, Josie McMillan drove up in Doc's buckboard. She waved to Nick and the Hightowers as they were doing their last check of the plots before they began planting the first of the grapevines. Josie was Julie McMillan's sister. She wasn't married and had just purchased a small cottage by the lake. Like Julie, who became a doctor in spite of the fact that there were very few female doctors, Josie ventured out on her own. Most girls her age who were not married lived with their parents in the houses they grew up in. Josie was not like other girls. Thanks to a mother and father who had raised their daughters to be their own person and not what society told them they should be. Josie knew construction had begun on the new house and was anxious to see how they were coming along. She loved her little cottage but it needed some repair and she was determined to learn all she could about construction and make the repairs herself if at all possible.

She couldn't help but notice the tall good looking fellow who seemed to be in control of the project. The twins gave Julie a hug and she commented on how much their tummies had grown since she saw them just a couple of weeks ago. She was introduced to Reggie and he was quite impressed with the fact that she was interested in the construction business. He offered to let her observe and possibly lend a hand.

“Keep in mind though, I don't allow any shoddy workmanship on my jobs.”

“Keep in mind” Josie replied “I don't allow any shoddy workmanship on my jobs either”.

He apologized immediately for his insensitive remark and decided it would be nice to have a female on the job to keep him in line. Besides, she wasn't that bad to look at.

After what seemed an eternity, the day the first planting of the grape plants had arrived. The precious cuttings Nick's father had sent from Italy had also arrived. Nick had received cuttings from various established vineyards in the state and as far away as California. He had treated them with tender loving care and gingerly handed a cutting to each of the Hightowers as well as to Lucinda and even little Cassandra. They each lovingly planted their cuttings as the Marino family, all of Reggie's crew and half the town looked on and cheered. Nick had hired some of the best workers he could find and the planting began in earnest. Harold and Howard worked alongside the men as well as Lucinda who was able to keep up with the best of the them. Dahlia and Hyacinth wanted to help but their husbands insisted they stay off their feet as much as possible. Everyone couldn't help but notice the Bloom sisters had really begun to blossom out.

The planting was finally done. There wasn't much to do in the vineyards except wait and watch until spring when the vines began to grow. Nick lent a hand to Reggie and the Hightower house was coming along nicely. Josie was learning more than she had anticipated and after working all day would return home to her little cottage and put in another full day of work. One Saturday afternoon Reggie let the crew leave early. They had been working non stop for many weeks. By the looks of the growing Hightower wives, the sooner the house was livable the better.

Reggie asked Josie how her place was coming and she admitted she had run into a snag or two but she was working out the problems. Reggie offered to accompany her home to look over her work and possibly offer some suggestions. Josie was grateful for the assistance and happily accepted the offer. Reggie was impressed with the work Josie had done. The cottage suited her perfectly. Reggie felt right at home in this little house by the lake. They sat on the back porch watching the water and talking like old friends. Before long the sun was going down and although the days were beginning to shorten, they realized it was getting late and they hadn't had any dinner. Josie insisted Reggie stay while she heated up the stew she had made that morning. They sipped wine and ate the stew with a loaf of bread her mother had baked and delivered earlier. Josie finally had to admit what she had been denying these last couple of months, she had fallen in love with Reggie Blackburn.

The next morning during services at St. Peter's Church, Vicar Will announced that the ladies auxiliary was auctioning off tickets to the play Saturday night at the Opera House.

“The name of the play is The Taming of the Shrew starring one of our neighbors from Gilford, Elena Malone. This play will be performed on Broadway soon. It says here Miss Malone is a rising Broadway star.” Jamison Bentley's ears perked up. Elena Malone, was the name of the girl who left Reggie at the altar. I wonder if he knows she will be in town.

He turned to Carolyn and whispered “She will be able to play the part of the shrew without even acting”.

Carolyn chuckled. Jamison had told her Reggie's sad story. Just at that moment, Reggie was walking down main street and noticed a playbill in the window of Nichol's General Store. Taming of the Shrew starring Elena Malone.

The theater's production company arrived in Camden Corners the following Tuesday. Josie had heard the story of Reggie and his broken heart and felt the need to torture herself by getting a look at the love of his life. She and a few of the ladies in town were a part of the welcoming committee for the troupe as they disembarked the train.

Miss Elena Malone paused on the top step and glanced through the crowd. She had heard Reggie was in Camden Corners and was sure he would be at the station to greet her. Josie looked up and held back a gasp. She had never seen a lovelier looking woman in her life. With her long dark hair and flashing blue eyes, she was a true beauty.

Reggie had forced himself to stay away from the train station. He wanted to see Elena when she wasn't surrounded by other people. The pain of her leaving was still in his heart. He planned to plead his case to her. He would never interfere with her desire for stardom and his love for her was strong enough for the two of them. He went about his business and looked around for Josie. He missed her when she wasn't there. She was a good kid and his men thought the world of her. She had a cute way of smiling at him when she finished a project he had given her. He would miss her when he moved to New York with Elena. He would miss Camden Corners too as the little town and its people had begun to grow on him. Just a touch of sadness came over him but that was ridiculous, in less than an hour he would be seeing his true love again and they would be together forever. Maybe, Vicar Will would be able to marry them this afternoon.

The troupe was staying at the Ritz and had taken over the entire hotel. Reggie announced his arrival exactly one hour later. The hotel clerk rang Elena's suite.

“Have him come up, Jasper, and direct him to the sitting room.” ordered Elena. “He should have been at the station to greet me so he can just sit and wait.”

Reggie sat on a very uncomfortable Louis XV upholstered chair which was not designed for anyone over 4 feet tall.

Jasper poked his head around the corner. “Miss Malone is powdering her nose and will be with you shortly Mr. Bluebeard.”

“It's Blackburn” Reggie called out as the little man disappeared around the corner again. Reggie could hear Elena's voice inside the other room. She was issuing orders left and right. One of the hotel maids who Reggie recognized from town ran out of the room in tears.

“I've been fired because there was a feather on the floor but that feather came from Miss Malone's boa. The room was sparkling clean when she arrived.”

Reggie assured the girl that he would talk to Miss Malone and she wouldn't lose her job. Next came the busboy shaking his head. His face was red as a beet.

“Miss Malone didn't like the way I opened her trunk. She is telling the hotel to withhold my pay for the day.”

Reggie could hear commotion going on inside the other room. Every few minutes another person would exit either crying or grumbling about Miss Elena Malone. She must be tired from her trip, I'm sure after she rests, she will be fine again.

Thirty minutes later, Jasper appeared again “Miss Malone will see you now.”

He ushered him into the room. There she was, the love of his life, sitting at the mirror. She glanced in his direction and turned around. If possible, she was more beautiful than he'd remembered. She stood and walked toward him.

“Reggie, darling, so good to see you. Fetch me my robe dear boy.”

Reggie looked around. All he saw was a flimsy gown with feathers all around the neck.

“Is this a robe?”

“Don't be a fool, Reggie. Of course it is.”

Elena grabbed the robe out of his hands in disgust. “Whatever brought you to this dingy little town, Reggie? You must have been more distraught over my leaving than I ever imagined.”

Reggie couldn't believe his ears. Was this shrew really the girl he had been pining away for? He looked into her eyes and saw nothing but coldness. Suddenly he had a vision of another face. A smiling face with sparkling eyes. A cute little laugh and bouncing blond hair. What a fool he had been.

“Elena, it has been good to see you again. Good luck with the play.”

He was out the door and running down the street as Elena looked out her window watching him vanish out of sight.

“He'll be back” she whispered to Jasper.

Somehow Jasper didn't think so.

Best Laid Plans

 

Isaac Nichols was approaching 70. He had worked hard all his life. At the age of 20, he married his childhood sweetheart, Maude Jenkins and that same year, thanks to Maude's dowry, opened Nichols' Corner Market. For almost 50 years Nichols had been providing the residents of Camden Corners with the finest produce, dairy products, meats, poultry and advice thanks to Isaac and Maude.

The years were happy ones. The Nichols loved their market and took pride in their establishment. Lately though, Isaac noticed his back became sore by the end of the day and Maude didn't have that twinkle in her eye that used to make his heart sing. If only they had been blessed with children, it would be time to pass the torch to the next generation. Isaac's brother Ivan moved to Greensboro many years before. Ivan's son, Oliver just graduated that spring. Isaac and Maude attended his graduation and were so very proud of their nephew. Maude remarked that if they'd had a son she would have wanted him to be just like Oliver. Isaac thought it was worth a try to persuade Oliver to take over the store until they were able to find a buyer for it. Isaac knew he would never sell to just anyone and maybe, just maybe, Oliver would become the new proprietor of Nichols.

Isaac and Maude had never had a vacation. The market was only closed on Sundays and holidays. Isaac liked to stay close by in case any of the townsfolk needed a loaf of bread or a bottle of milk during the evening or on Sunday afternoon. If Oliver was willing to take over the store within the next few weeks he could be there to guide him and after a reasonable time he would surprise Maude with a trip to New York City. Maude always wanted to visit New York and loved to listen to Maddie Mackenzie regale her with tales of her time in the big city with all the Broadway shows and beautiful shops. Yes, he would send Oliver a wire today inviting him to come for a visit.

Oliver loved his Uncle Isaac but could see right through his invitation. Maybe he would help the old folks for a little while but he wasn't in the market for a job, especially one that would keep him tied down for the rest of his life. No, Oliver had plans. He was going to do some traveling. He had made up his mind that he would go to California where the winters were warm and people grew oranges on trees in their back yards. He packed a few of his belongings and was on the next train to Camden Corners. The sooner he got started at the market, the sooner Uncle Isaac would find a buyer and Oliver would be off to California. He didn't bother to pack a winter coat or hat or gloves. He wouldn't need them come December because he would be basking in the sunshine and enjoying a fresh picked orange or maybe a little wine made with California grapes.

“Yes, life was going to be good.”

Cassie Lambert was toiling in the kitchen of the small house on Fern Street where she and her three younger brothers had been born. Three years earlier Cassie and the boys had lost their parents in a tragic accident. Cassie had just turned 18 and the last words she heard her mother utter were to take care of the boys. Cassie promised she would and kept that promise. After some failed attempts at cooking and with the help of the ladies of Camden Corners she had become an excellent cook. The boys were all well fed and content even though each of the children missed their Mama and Papa every day of their young lives. Cassie never complained that she had given up her dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Before the accident, Cassie had applied and been accepted for an internship at the House of Clarice in New York City.

Cassie was determined her three teenaged brothers would grow into fine men that both Mama and Papa would be proud of. She worked with them every night on their school work, made sure they were clean and presentable every day and loved them all very much. Cassie's devotion paid off, Raymond, Eddy and Fredrick were three of the nicest young men in Camden Corners.

Cassie was willing to wait until her brothers were settled in their lives and then she would find a way to fulfill her dream. Her ultimate goal was to go to Paris, France and join one of the famous fashion houses there. She never even considered the possibility of marrying and having children. She did love taking care of her brothers but she wanted to explore the world and experience life away from Camden Corners. Cassie did enjoy designing and creating children's clothes. With all of the children of various sizes in Camden Corners, she was kept busy with her sewing. Maude Nichols loved Cassie's work and offered to give her some space in the market to display her clothing. The Nichols were very fond of Cassie and admired how she had taken charge after the Lamberts passed away. Cassie never charged very much for the beautiful outfits she sold but it was enough to build a savings for her someday trip to Paris.

Oliver arrived in Camden Corners and Isaac began showing him all the ins and outs of running a general store. Isaac noticed Oliver seemed to be a natural for taking over for him. He had no idea Oliver was counting the days until he would be boarding the train for his trip out west.

Cassie stopped in the shop with an armload of children's outfits. Isaac introduced her to Oliver. They both felt an attraction to the other but neither wanted any kind of a relationship so they ignored those feelings. Oliver thought it was strange that there would be a section in the store to display children's clothing. He didn't voice his doubts since someone else would be taking over proprietorship of the market and it would be their problem.

No sooner had Cassie placed her latest creations on the display table when three women walked in the store and started oohing and aahing over them. Oliver couldn't believe they purchased several outfits each and were tempted to buy more but felt they should leave something for the other women. Oliver knew nothing about fashion and especially children's fashion but upon looking over the tiny outfits, he knew they were beautifully made. He was impressed with Cassie's skill. She blushed at his praise. Isaac and Maude smiled at each other. Those two young people were a perfect match for each other. It would just take some time for them to discover it themselves.

Oliver was in his second month in Camden Corners. He was happy to be able to help Uncle Isaac out but he was anxious to start his adventure. He sat at Isaac's kitchen table and told him he would be leaving soon.

Isaac was afraid this day would come and had to accept the fact that Oliver wouldn't be taking over Nichols Market. He did have a backup plan. He knew the Lambert boys were very responsible and Cassie had often helped them in the store as payment for displaying her goods. He wondered if the Lamberts would be agreeable to running the store while he and Maude were away. After the vacation, he would begin looking for someone to take over permanently.

The Lamberts were more than willing to work in the store. The extra money would be a big help with their college savings fund.

Cassie was delighted that the Nichols would be taking a vacation and was excited that Maude would finally see New York City. Cassie wished she could go along with them, but her day would come and maybe sooner than she'd planned with all the boys working in the store.

Just as the leaves were beginning to turn in early autumn, Isaac and Maude boarded the train for New York City. Cassie designed several outfits for Maude and surprised her with them on the day Isaac told her where she was going. The twinkle was back in her eyes and Isaac was as proud to be with her as he was that day 50 years ago when she was his new bride.

Oliver didn't want to admit it but he was touched by Cassie's generosity. He wondered silently if she would be willing to consider a move to California one day.

A few days later, Oliver was on the train headed west. He had planned for this day for as long as he could remember but he wasn't filled with happy anticipation. He and Cassie had spent more time together than he realized and he was missing her smiling face.

California was even more beautiful than Oliver imagined. He found a small room to rent just outside of Los Angeles. The room was clean and the neighborhood was quiet but there weren't any oranges growing in the backyard. There wasn't even a backyard. He was miles away from any vineyards and the only wine he found to sip was at the local tavern where it was dark and gloomy. He thought of O'Sullivan's in Camden Corners where he could always find someone to talk to and the light was always bright even on a cloudy day.

Oliver found that his college degree wasn't doing him much good without experience anyplace except his uncle's store. He was used to being able to walk anywhere in town but Los Angeles was much bigger and everything was much farther away. He was offered a job at Sherman's Market just a block from where he lived and thought he'd accept it until he found something else. Oliver's attempts to have friendly conversations with customers went nowhere. He missed the friendly people in Camden Corners and he found himself missing Cassie more than he thought possible. He had to admit that he had made a big mistake in coming to California. He was just a small town fellow at heart. It didn't take long before he was on the train headed east to Camden Corners.

Cassie was deep in conversation with Diana Taylor when she looked up and saw Oliver walking through the door. Her eyes lit up and she smiled so broadly she thought her cheeks would crack. Oliver held his breath. He had forgotten how lovely Cassie was. Diana greeted Oliver and left the store anxious to spread the word that Oliver was home again and by the smile on his and Cassie's faces, it looked like he was home to stay.

Oliver could no longer keep his feelings to himself. He loved Cassie and wanted to spend the rest of his life with her right here in Camden Corners. He drew her into his arms and from that moment on Cassie and Oliver knew they would always be together.

Two smiling faces peeked around the corner. Isaac had the papers all ready for Oliver to sign. He and Maude had a lovely time in New York but they were home to stay now. They purchased a small cabin by the lake and pictured many happy weekends with Oliver, Cassie, the Lambert boys and a bunch of grandnieces and nephews that would surely come along.

Cassie still held on to her dream of Paris but life had taken a different turn and she found she enjoyed being her own designer. They were married before the last autumn leaf fell off the maple tree in the front yard of the Lambert home.

Oliver had a Christmas surprise for Cassie. A trip to Paris, France in the spring where they would celebrate their belated honeymoon. Cassie had a surprise of her own. Paris would have to wait at least 18 years. There was much to celebrate that Christmas for the Nichols and Lamberts. Isaac built a cradle for the new baby and Maude lovingly made a little quilt. The Lambert boys were already planning to teach their little niece or nephew how to fish.

Oliver's parents visited from Greensboro and loved Cassie and her brothers as much as Oliver did. The snow was falling in Camden Corners. Oliver and Cassie stepped outside to watch the flakes spill from the sky. Oliver loved the feel of winter with his arms around his wife and couldn't remember why he thought he would be happy living in a place without snow.