A Fresh Start for Nathaniel

 

A Fresh Start for Nathaniel

Amanda woke up feeling a bit sore from her ordeal with Nathaniel the day before. In her mind she was reliving the afternoon and could still feel Nathaniel's gun being pressed into her ribs. She couldn't imagine what had attracted her to Nathaniel in the first place although she knew she was under the impression that Luigi was involved with someone else. She had loved him since they were children and her dreams were shattered the day she saw him with a beautiful blond. Luigi was merely opening the door for his friend and neighbor's wife.

Amanda promised Sheriff Mendenhall that she would be at the jailhouse first thing this morning to give her statement regarding the happenings yesterday. She wasn't looking forward to seeing Nathaniel again. She wanted to put the incident out of her mind and concentrate on Luigi and his confession of love for her.

“Amanda dear,” her mother called as she tapped on her door. “There is a gentleman here to see you. He says his name is Nathaniel Lancaster and he's Nathaniel's grandfather.”

“I'll be down as soon as I can Mama.”

Amanda jumped out of bed and splashed water on her face to wake herself up. She had never met Nathaniel's grandfather. She had heard of him, of course. He was a very powerful man in New York. She had heard the stories of how he had built a fortune from practically nothing and had influence throughout the state. Whenever Nathaniel spoke of his grandfather he actually trembled. Amanda wasn't intimidated easily. She dressed quickly and walked down the stairs to greet her visitor.

The older gentleman took her hand and apologized for the ordeal his grandson had put her through. Unable to locate Nathaniel's parents, Sheriff Mendenhall had notified the elder Mr. Lancaster of his grandson's troubles.

“Miss Mackenzie, I realize my grandson put you in an enormous amount of danger with his antics yesterday. I'm not making excuses for him but I'd like you to know the difficult life he has lead. I am what they call a self made man. My father was a preacher in a small town similar to Camden Corners. My mother gave birth to twelve children. I was the oldest of the clan. There was love in my house but not much money. I found myself being envious of the folks who lived on the other side of the tracks and at a young age decided I would do anything to become rich. I won't go into the details of how I started out making money but suffice it to say, I'm not terribly proud of the way I did it. I married a woman I did not love only because her father was wealthy. She gave birth to my only child, Nathaniel's father. I didn't have time for Nathaniel, Jr. I was too busy making more money than I would ever be able to spend. His mother had always been a very spoiled woman who craved any luxury money could buy and she raised our son to be the same way. He married a woman just like his mother and Nathaniel was their only child.

I have had little to do with my son or grandson since little Nate was a toddler. For the first few years of our estrangement, I'm ashamed to say I didn't notice they were not in my life. Nathaniel only came to see me when he was in need of money. Being indifferent had become my way of life I made sure the family had all the money they needed to live their empty shallow lives.

The sheriff contacted my office last evening when he could not locate Nathaniel's parents. My first inclination was to send money to you in the form of a bribe. I am a very influential man and if I want information in the wee hours of the morning I don't have any trouble hiring people to find that information.

“Miss Mackenzie, you and your family and even your hometown have turned out to be a breath of fresh air. My grandson was very fortunate to have you in his life and was stupid enough to let you slip away. I'm going to ask you to drop the charges against him. I'm afraid his father is a lost cause but I do believe I can make a difference in young Nate's life. I'd like to believe it's never too late to change and I'd like the opportunity to transform myself into a grandfather worthy of the title.”

Amanda sat back in her chair. She understood why this man had made millions. He certainly was a genius when it came to the power of persuasion. She knew Nathaniel hadn't intentionally put her in danger. He wasn't an evil person, just a misguided one. She had met his parents and knew them to be cold and unfeeling. She began to feel sorry for Nathaniel. Maybe his grandfather could make him a different person.

“Mr. Lancaster, I do hope you are being sincere with me. I will consider what you have told me and let you know my decision. First, I shall have my breakfast and then visit Nathaniel in the jailhouse. Won't you please share breakfast with my family this morning? My mother is a wonderful cook and I do believe I smell her blueberry muffins baking in the oven.”

Nathaniel, Sr. hadn't had a blueberry muffin since he was a lad and found himself accepting the invitation. As he was sitting at the table of this happy and loving family, he was discovering his investigators were worth the money he was paying them. He also found himself wondering if maybe there was hope for the relationship between his grandson and this lovely young girl. His question was answered when there was a knock on the door and he was introduced to Luigi Rossi. There was no mistaking the look of love on the faces of Amanda and Luigi as they greeted each other.

The younger Nathaniel was awakening with a terrible headache. Slowly the memory of yesterday was coming back to him. He had behaved poorly in his life but yesterday takes the cake. He was so ashamed. He realized he was sitting in a jail cell and would be there for many years to come. He had held a gun on Amanda and kidnapped her. He could have killed her. He deserved everything that was about to happen to him. Just then he looked up and saw Amanda on the other side of the bars.

“Good morning Nathaniel.”

“Amanda, I am so sorry. Are you alright, I hope I didn't hurt you. I'm so sorry.”

“No, I'm not hurt. How is your head this morning?”

“Not good but it's keeping me from remembering what a darn fool I made of myself.”

“I can't disagree with that. Nathaniel, your grandfather came to see me. He would like me to drop the charges against you. How do you feel about that?”

“My grandfather is here? I haven't seen him in years. I can't believe that old man wants you to drop the charges. He must be worried about his flesh and blood ending up in jail. Amanda, you have every right to press charges against me. I put your life in danger and I deserve to be punished for that. If anything had happened to you I would never have forgiven myself. Tell the old goat to go back to his mansion and forget about me. I will plead guilty and any publicity will be short lived.”

“Nathaniel, your grandfather seems to think he can make a difference in your life. He has been estranged from your family for many years. I can't imagine what it was like for you growing up without family around. There were times when I was a young girl when I fantasized about being an only child. There were always so many of us and we were usually surrounded by Burkes too. I think that is the reason I escaped to New York City. It's a long story Nathaniel but I have to admit I took advantage of you. I loved a boy for as long as I could remember but thought he was lost to me. That was just before you came into my life and I convinced myself I wanted the life you could give me. I did not treat you kindly and I'm sorry about that. What you did yesterday was wrong. I know you are aware of that and I'm sure the whiskey had as much to do with it as anything. You haven't asked for my opinion but you know I will give it to you anyway. I think you should give your grandfather a chance. Unless he has me completely fooled, I do believe he is being sincere. I could see the love in his eyes as he spoke of you. I will not be pressing charges against you. I will tell Sheriff Mendenhall that it was all a misunderstanding because I believe you have learned a lesson. Shall I ask your grandfather to step in while I go to speak with the sheriff?”

Nathaniel and his grandfather embraced as the older gentleman entered the cell.

“Grandfather, I made a spectacle of myself and endangered someone who didn't deserve that treatment. I am sorry for the embarrassment I caused you.”

“I can't disagree with you son. What you did was foolish. You are not the only one to blame for your behavior though. It started many years ago with me and my indifference to your father and then you. I had the foolish idea that money was the only way to happiness but looking back I realize I haven't been a happy man since before I started gazing across the railroad tracks when I was 12 years old. I would like you to indulge an old man and come to live with me and help run my business.”

Sheriff Mendenhall rounded the corner.

“You are free to go young man. I hope you realize how fortunate you are to have a friend like Amanda Mackenzie. You could have been locked up for a number of years.”

The two Lancasters walked out of the jailhouse into the fresh crisp autumn afternoon. Amanda and Luigi were waiting on the steps. The men shook hands and Amanda hugged them.

“I want to hear from you. I have a good feeling that you have begun a relationship that will bring happiness to you both.”

“Thank you for the second chance Amanda.” said Nathaniel. “I won't make a mess of it, I promise.”

“And I'll see to it that he doesn't” The senior Nathaniel replied with a wink.

Through the years Amanda did hear from both gentleman. Nathaniel started in the mail room of Lancaster Industries the very next morning. He was determined to make his grandfather proud and he did. He worked in almost every department in the company getting to know people from all walks of life. He met Betty Turner in the purchasing department and fell truly in love for the first time in his life. Betty reminded Grandfather of Amanda and he thoroughly approved. Betty and Nate, as he was known after that fateful day, made Nathaniel a great grandfather five times over and named their oldest daughter Amanda. There was never a lack of attention for the children in the Lancaster household. Nate's mother and father tolerated his new life but couldn't imagine why a son of theirs would want to work for a living. Nate never allowed his work to interfere with his family life. It was difficult for his grandfather to learn to relax and enjoy his great grandchildren but he did get the hang of it and they all loved him.

Luigi and Amanda announced their intentions to marry before Thanksgiving. Luigi would be returning to Wilmington but hoped it wouldn't be long before he would be back in Camden Corners permanently. Everyone was happy about the upcoming marriage and that Luigi and Amanda would be living in Camden Corners.

Mr. Weston was pleased that his favorite employee had found happiness with his longtime sweetheart. He knew Luigi was lonely for his family and his home. For some time he intended to open a branch of his camera business in another location and the small community of Camden Corners would do just fine. He purchased a parcel of land just east of Camden Corners and construction began on the new facility. Luigi and Amanda were married one week before Thanksgiving. With the Rossi, Mackenzie and Burke clans all together plus practically everyone in town attending, there was standing room only in the small chapel of the hills.

Uncle Shane's Surprise

 

Uncle Shane's Surprise

In the small drawing room of the apartment above The Bloom Quilt Shop, Dahlia and Hyacinth Bloom Hightower were each bubbling over with excitement, they both had strong suspicions that they were expecting. It seemed reasonable that the identical twins would have babies at the same time since they did everything together. Dahlia and Hyacinth had only one falling out in all their days.

The sister's lives revolved around quilts and quilting. If they weren't running their quilt shop or teaching quilting, they were quilting anything from blankets and jackets right down to tea cozies and sachets. They hadn't much time left for themselves and although they were well thought of and admired, the townspeople often referred to them as dowdy spinsters.

That ended the day Mr. Harold Hightower, filling in for Mr. Hennessy with his wagon full of dry goods, stopped by the quilt shop that also served as the residence of the Sisters Bloom. Dahlia took an instant shine to the handsome young Mr. Hightower and with the help of Diana Taylor, a little make up, a pretty hairdo and stylish clothing she borrowed from Diana, she had turned into a swan. Hyacinth was appalled that her sister was flaunting herself and the girls didn't speak for several days. Mr. Hightower, again filling in for his friend, stopped by the quilt shop and this time he did notice Dahlia and was instantly smitten. Hyacinth finally acquiesced and asked Dahlia to help transform her into a beauty too. The twins new found pride in the way they looked on the outside gave them each a boost of self confidence and they were no longer referred to as dowdy spinsters. Harold just happened to have a twin brother himself and it wasn't long before the Bloom twins and the Hightower twins were a family.

The previous year had been the best either of the girls could remember. Howard Hightower adored his new bride, Hyacinth, and she was beside herself with love for her husband. Howard and Harold had been doing odd jobs around town but hadn't found anything they liked. They struck up a friendship with Nicola Rossi.

Nicola or Nick as he preferred being called was Rosa Rossi Marino's brother. In Italy, the Rossi family owned and operated a large vineyard. Nick had been the only Rossi boy who had taken an interest in growing and producing wine. He loved the feel of dirt between his fingers, the aroma of the growing grapes and especially the process of fermentation. Papa Rossi wanted his son to have the best education possible and sent him to live with his sister so that he could enroll in college as his brother Luigi did several years before. Nick was a smart young man but had little interest in book learning. He loved being in the open air and working the fields. The closest he came to farming was the small garden behind the Marino Trattoria where he planted vegetables and herbs his sister and brother-in-law used in their cooking. He also planted and cared for grapevines that were growing over trellis on either side of the restaurant. Howard and Harold were examining the grapes and Nick explained these were wine grapes. Not especially good for snacking. He commented that the soil in Camden Corners was almost perfect for some varieties of wine grapes. Harold and Howard who had never even considered wine coming from anything but a bottle were impressed with Nick's knowledge and wondered how they would go about acquiring some land and going into the wine business. They laughed at themselves knowing they would never be able to afford such a thing.

Two days later, both Harold and Howard received registered letters from a law firm in New York City. They had been requested to attend the reading of the Last Will and Testament of Mr. Shane Howard. The brothers had received word a month before that their Uncle Shane had passed away. Uncle Shane was a recluse, if that was possible, in the big city of New York. When their mother was alive she would dress the boys in their Sunday best, pile them on the train to make the long journey to visit their Uncle. He was kind to the boys but he never acted especially happy to see them. As the years went by, they visited Uncle Shane a couple of times a year.

Harold laughed at the thought that the man who lived in a one room flat and appeared to own nothing but a moth eaten sofa and a rickety old table would have wasted the paper it would take to write a will. Howard, who was christened Howard Shane Hightower after his uncle was skeptical too. After talking it over with their wives, they all decided the men would make the trip to New York City. They were sure their uncle had left them a remembrance he had saved from his beloved sister and their dear mother.

The law firm of Brown, Hammer, Brown and Pike sent word a representative of the firm would be meeting the brothers at the train station and escorting them to the law office where the will was to be read. The men were surprised when none other than Seymour L. Brown, Sr. and his assistant were waiting for them at the station.

Upon arriving at the impressive law office, they were ushered into a huge conference room, seated in the front row and were offered beverages of their choice and plates of hors d'oeuvers.

Harold whispered in his brother's ear, “You better close your mouth, you look like the country bumpkin you are.”

Howard noticed his brother's eyes were as big as saucers and commented, “That makes two of us.”

Mr. Brown proceeded with the reading. If Harold's mouth was open before, it was cavernous now. It seems Uncle Shane was a poor man only because he never spent any of his money. He had holdings in numerous companies, land in several states and bank accounts in amounts the Hightower brothers had never imagined. The last statement was directly to Harold and Howard.

To my only remaining relatives, Howard Hightower and Harold Hightower, I leave the land I purchased on the advice of my good friend, Mr. Herbert Hennessy. The land is located on the west side of the small village of Camden Corners. Herbert drove his dry goods wagon by that land once a week for 32 years and felt it would be a good investment. The only condition is that they use the land wisely. I also leave them a sum of money that will be disclosed only to them. I hope this money will bring happiness to them and their wives.

On a personal note, I know you boys thought your old uncle was a crackpot but you always treated me with respect and yes, I believe you loved me. After your sainted mother died you continued to come to visit me. I have visited you too.

I watched as you both graduated with honors from the University. As a favor to me the director allowed me to sit in the orchestra pit. I saw you marry the lovely Bloom sisters in a double ceremony. I was disguised as a florist on that day. I have passed through Camden Corners many times. It is a charming town with good people who think the world of the two of you.

I never revealed who I was although I think Oscar Crowley may have been suspicious but he never let on. You may ask why I didn't come forward. Remember, I'm an eccentric old man. I'm set in my ways and have been since I was 18 years old. I have never taken pleasure in spending money, only making it. Now that I am at the end of my journey I realize what a mistake that has been.

I do have one request. The Widow McCoy who lives in the flat next to mine has been extremely kind to me. Her husband was shot and killed on his way home from work two years ago. Mrs. McCoy is raising their young daughter by herself while taking in laundry and cleaning apartments in the building. She was always so kind and took a special interest in this old man. I would like you to invite Mrs. McCoy and her daughter, Cassandra to move to Camden Corners. It may be inappropriate of me to leave her money directly and therefore I am asking that you help them to relocate out of the dangerous apartment they are living in now. Seymour has the address and will be sure you have safe passage. He has already delivered my personal note to Mrs. McCoy and has requested that she be packed and ready to go. I trust you both will follow my directions.

God be with you and your families. Signed: Shane Howard

Howard and Harold were in a state of shock. The money left to them was well into the millions. Mr. Brown arranged for most of the money to be put into a trust for them and their families. They were still in a state of shock when they arrived at the apartment of the Widow McCoy. Lucinda McCoy slowly opened the door after the brothers announced who they were. Even though she was very thin and pale, she was a very pretty woman. The little girl, Cassandra came running from the small alcove that was the kitchen. She was grinning from ear to ear.

“Mama said we might move to the country. I want to see cows and pigs. Are you going to take us there?”

Cassandra was looking at Harold and then glanced behind him at Howard and couldn't believe her eyes. Two men who looked just like each other. Lucinda asked the brothers to sit down on the clean but rather worn sofa.

Lucinda said, “Cassandra was in the room when Mr. Brown stopped by with the letter from Mr. Howard. Mr. Brown was the one who mentioned moving to the country and Cassandra hasn't stopped talking about it since. Mr. Brown assured me that Mr. Howard was an honest man and he was doing what he thought best for my daughter. I just don't know. As tempting as it is, I can't just pack up and leave.”

With that there were sounds of commotion and a gun shot out the window. Cassandra didn't even flinch. Harold asked if that happened often.

“Yes. Cassandra doesn't remember when her father was killed from one of those bullets but I do. It makes me shudder whenever I hear it and I hear it often.”

Harold came up with a solution. “Why don't you come back to Camden Corners with us for a visit. Mrs. Watson has a lovely home with very nice rooms to let. We will prepay the rent on this apartment and you can stay in Camden Corners as long as you would like. If you decide to move back to the city you will have a place to come home to.”

Howard knew his brother would never let them move back into this place but he knew Lucinda wouldn't just pack up and leave permanently.

Cassandra was jumping up and down. “Can we Mama? can we go with Mr. Howard and Mr. Harold, please?”

Lucinda couldn't resist her precious daughter's request. “Yes, we will have ourselves a little vacation. Let's pack up all the things we want to take with us. When were you planning to leave Mr. Hightower?”

“We will be leaving by train in the morning but why don't my brother and I help you pack up and you can stay in the hotel we are staying in tonight. It will be much more convenient for getting to the train station in the morning.”

Lucinda was about to decline the offer of a hotel room when gunshots rang out again. She quickly packed their few clothes and some mementos, Cassandra had her doll and a necklace her papa had given her with a little pink heart. She only wore it for special occasions and this was a special occasion so she put it around her neck and Harold helped her with the clasp. He thought to himself how nice it would be to have a little girl to care for.

Back home, Dahlia and Hyacinth were just leaving Doctor Julie McMillan's office where she had confirmed what they both knew. They were both in the family way. They walked cheerfully to the train station.

“Wait until the boys find out our news, they will be so excited” said Dahlia.

Hyacinth piped in “I wonder what Uncle Shane left them. I certainly hope it isn't that dirty old spittoon he had in his living quarters. The poor old man had nothing worthwhile to leave the boys.”

The train pulled into the station Howard and Harold were smiling at their wives as they walked with a pretty young woman and a little girl. Both looked like they were scared to death.

Cassandra saw the twin sisters and started giggling “Does everybody in Camden Corners look like somebody else?”

The sisters laughed as they were being introduced to Cassandra and her mother. Their husbands were full of chatter about the money and land that was left to them. The baby news would have to wait. Dahlia and Hyacinth didn't think their husband's hearts would be able to take another shock just yet.