Casting Call

The Village of Camden Corners

Casting Call

Shane Howard Memorial Hospital was up and running. Much to Reggie Blackburn's relief, the building hadn't collapsed down around Mayor Horton during the dedication.

As much as Caroline Bentley was enjoying the special treatment she and her newborn were receiving as the hospital's first patients, she wanted very much to return to her home and her family. Little Lucy was only three days old. Because the hospital hadn't officially opened when Lucy decided to make her appearance, Becky was able to see for herself that her mother was going to be just fine. Three days later the rules were in place and young children were not allowed to visit.

Doctor Julie understood Caroline's anxiety and approved her early dismissal only after she received a promise of complete bed rest for the next week. Jamison was in the room listening to every word and Caroline knew she would be forced to follow doctor's orders.

Becky was happy to see her mother and was torn between sitting with her and watching the nurse Jamison hired to care for her little sister. Becky loved to sing and serenaded her mother and Lucy. Caroline couldn't remember when she was so relaxed. She felt guilty not caring for Lucy herself but Jamison threatened he would carry her back to the hospital if she dared get out of bed.

The week of confinement passed quickly and Caroline took over much of the baby's care. She was glad, however, to leave some of the chores to the nurse. Having a baby at this stage of her life was a little more tiring than she thought it would be.

Memorial Hospital was much busier than any of the doctors anticipated. Word spread about the new facility and doctors were referring their patients from small towns and villages in every direction.

Doc McMillan was acting as administrator of Memorial. He wasn't happy about the position but he knew it was only temporary.

“We need to make every effort to recruit physicians and nurses to the hospital. Does anyone know how Reggie is coming along with the houses he's building on Elm Street? We can't ask folks to move here to work if they don't have a place to live when they get here.”

“Doc,” Jamison spoke up, “Reggie has three houses completed and is in the process of finishing three more. Our problem is financing at this point. We have to sell these places before we can start building new ones.”

“How much do you need, Jamison?” said Lucinda. “Mr. Harvey keeps investing Mr. Howard's money and it keeps growing. I could probably make arrangements to purchase some of the homes. Let's get together with Mr. Harvey and try to work something out.”

“I like that solution, thank you Lucinda. Clayton, do you know of any of your associates in New York who would be a good fit for Camden Corners?”

“I may have a few suggestions, let me feel them out and see if there is any interest in relocating.” said Clayton Springer.

“Grady, how about you? Anybody you know of who would like nothing better than to live in our friendly town?”

“I'll think about it, boss. I do know of one surgeon who showed some interest when I told him I would be practicing here. I'll try calling him this afternoon. I'm glad we finally have telephone service here. It is limited but better than nothing.”

“What we need immediately is an administrator. I am just a country doctor. I know nothing about running a hospital. It all seems overwhelming now but I'm sure it will work out. In the meantime, let's get back to our patients.”

Jamison walked out of the room with Lucinda.

“Lucinda, you know you don't have to donate all of the money Shane Howard left to you and Cassandra. You and Nick could take a honeymoon, visit New York and see the shows, do things you never were able to afford when you lived there.”

“Jamison, I don't have any desire to do those things. I love my life just the way it is. Besides, Nick would never be happy if he knew I was spending money on things he can't afford just now. Let's go have a talk with Mr. Harvey.”

They walked to the bank and were surprised that Mr. Harvey had taken the day off.

“I've never known Mr. Harvey to miss a day at the bank. I think I even saw him sitting in his office on Christmas day last year. I hope he's not ill.”

His secretary smiled and said “He's not ill unless you consider a heart condition an illness. I believe after all these years as a bachelor, our dear Mr. Harvey has taken a shine to Millicent Merryweather Stout. He and Mrs. Stout had an engagement today. I'll let him know you were here to see him. Would you like me to arrange a time tomorrow? It looks like he is free at 11:00 in the morning.”

“That will be fine, I'm happy Mr. Harvey is finding an interest outside these walls. He works much too hard.” Lucinda smiled. “Don't you just love it when two people find each other, Jamison?”

Jamison laughed. “I can tell that made your day. You are such a romantic. I'm glad you are, if it weren't for you I'd still be living all by myself in Greensboro. Instead I have a growing family and couldn't be happier.”

They parted ways and Lucinda went to visit Emma and Lily. Sarah Harcourt was in the shop and talking excitedly about Hannah's Treasure. She and her husband, Max discovered a hundred year old mystery involving Hannah Lane and her husband. Sarah felt a connection to her ancestor, Hannah. She was compelled to write her life story and unbeknownst to her, Max had arranged to have it published. It was a story of love and hardship, a very sad tale of people who were trusting to the wrong person. One of the Save the Library projects was to put on a play and invite all folks from the surrounding area to attend with the proceeds going to help pay off the bank loan needed to keep the library under Camden Corners control.

“Hi ladies, I see you have been working on your script Sarah, how's it coming?” Asked Lucinda.

“I finished it last night with the help of my dear Max. I think it's going to be a good play. I've made several changes to make it a bit more uplifting. The true story of a husband and wife being murdered and their children left at the door of an orphanage just doesn't cry out happy ending.”

“I've read your book several times and always dissolve in tears.”

“I know,” added Emma, “Richard can't understand why I continue to read it when it makes me so sad.”

“Men just don't understand.” said Lily.

“I was hoping someone would be willing to read the play and tell me what you think. Don't worry, Sylvia still has a big part in the story. I love the idea of Beverly Mills as Sylvia. That was Emma's suggestion,” she said to Lucinda.

“Oh good, I never did see Beverly perform because I wasn't living here at the time but I understand it was quite a shock when she appeared on stage.”

Lily spoke up. “I hope she isn't still working with that slimy Elmer Brubaker. I think he took most of the profit from the show she put on. I know we didn't collect nearly as much money as we should have.”

Nettie walked out from the back room. “Did I hear you talking about Beverly Mills? I felt so sorry for her when she came to town and we all were expecting the famous opera singer. I wrote down her address to write her a thank you note and we have been corresponding ever since. She really is a very sweet lady. She did part ways with Elmer and has cleaned up her act quite a bit.”

Sarah said, “Do you think she would be offended if we asked her to play the part of Sylvia Reynolds in Hannah's Treasure?”

“I think she would love it. I'm going to go to Oscar's office right now to use the telephone to call her in New York. I have her phone number in my address book. Beverly comments in every letter about how much she enjoyed visiting our town. I'll invite her to stay with Oscar and me. I don't know how much she charges for her appearances but I'm sure we can work something out.”

The girls knew the play would be wonderful. Sarah was a gifted author and with Max helping her out it was guaranteed to be good. Lily began reading the first few pages, as she finished she handed them to Lily and then to Lucinda. Sarah walked to her family's home to visit with her mother. She was nervous watching everyone read her play. Marian was happy to see her daughter looking so well. Her first grandchild would be coming into the world very soon. Marian remembered the reservations she had about Max Harcourt. She thought he was much too sophisticated for her sheltered daughter. She was glad Max had proven her wrong. The two young people were perfect for each other. After a while Sarah walked back to the antique shop.

All three of her friends were dabbing their eyes with their hankies. That's a good sign, thought Sarah. There is a bittersweet part near the end of the story.

Lily finished the last page. She stood up and hurried to wrap her arms around Sarah “What a beautiful story Sarah. I loved the new ending and I think Hannah would be happy with it too.”

As each of the ladies finished the story they wiped their eyes and hugged Sarah. With everyone talking at once they didn't hear Max enter the shop. He knew Sarah had a hit with the play. His concern was that the local actors wouldn't do it justice.

“Looks like everyone likes your play Sarah.”

“Oh Max, isn't it wonderful? Lily and Emma just told me Richard and Robert were willing to play the Lane brothers. I spoke with Betsy Wallace earlier. She would love portraying Hannah and she was sure Charlie would jump at the chance to play the sinister Clarence Reynolds. Nettie is calling Beverly Mills as we speak. You weren't here when she came to Camden Corners a while back. She will make a perfect Sylvia Reynolds. Max, I'm so excited. This is really shaping up and I have a good feeling that we will raise a lot of money for the library.”

Max still had his doubts about the cast but Sarah's enthusiasm was catching. He had been around theatrical productions through the years, even tried his hand at directing a time or two. Sarah was thrilled when he agreed to direct. She hesitated to ask Luke Shannon since he would be working on the talent show in a few months.

We have so many talented people in town, I'm sure we won't have any trouble getting help with the sets. Nettie opened the door. “Beverly can't wait to get here. She will be on the first train out of New York in the morning. She wants to get started right away and is looking forward to playing a tart. I also stopped by the newspaper office. Josie Blackburn said they would be delighted to print up scripts, signs, programs and anything else we may need.”

Max was flabbergasted that everything was falling into place in just one afternoon. “Never underestimate the power of the women of Camden Corners. When you ladies set your mind to getting a job done, there is no stopping you.”

As he'd promised, Leland Harvey opened the door to his home to Emma and Lily.

“Hello ladies, please come in. Miss Millie is already here and waiting in the parlor.”

Emma and Lily walked into the house and knew immediately that this house was a goldmine of treasures. They greeted Millie and she poured them a cup of tea from the fresh pot the housekeeper had just brought into the room.

“Ladies have a look around, there is nothing I have any attachment to so if you think you see something of value, please feel free to take it with you. Mother was a collector of everything. I think Mrs. Rollins, my housekeeper, would be happy to see this place emptied out. She never complains but I know it takes her a full morning to dust the items in the parlor alone.”

Lily spoke up. “Mr. Harvey, you have so many beautiful and valuable pieces. Emma and I can't just take them. Maybe we could arrange to sell them on consignment for you if you are willing.”

“Lily dear. I have worked all my life and nothing in here has given me the pleasure that spending an evening with Miss Millie and her family did recently. If you feel better about selling them on consignment, I would be willing to accept that and donate the profits to the library.”

Just looking at Millie and Mr. Harvey glancing at each other, Emma wondered if Mr. Harvey was planning a move sometime in the near future. A move into the Merryweather household would be her guess.

“Mr. Harvey,” Emma said, “we will be delighted to sell your mother's collection. We'll arrange to have Jonas pick everything up at your convenience.”

“Please ladies, call me Leland. Mr. Harvey is the banker and I plan to be spending less and less time at the bank.”

Emma didn't think she had ever seen a broader smile than the one that was on Millie's face as he spoke.

Daphne's Plan

 

Daphne's Plan

The box lunches didn't compare to the chicken pot pies that were being offered at O'Sullivan's Pub this evening but Jack didn't notice. He was irritated that he was on his way to New York City to retrieve the artwork Daphne Saint Marie had stolen from him earlier in the day. Audrey was sitting by his side. She tried to calm him down but he was furious.

“We will go directly to the police station when we arrive in the city. Jimmy O'Rourke is on the force. He and I were roommates. He's a good man. Come to think of it he warned me about Daphne. I should have listened to him back then.”

“Don't be so hard on yourself, Jack. We all make foolish mistakes at one time in our lives. Remember we would never have met if I hadn't followed Grady Murphy to Camden Corners because of my silly crush on him.”

“That's true and because of you, Elizabeth and Grady are now together. I can't say I like the thought of you mooning over another man but if it brought you to Camden Corners and me, I'm glad of it.”

The train pulled into the station. Jack had lived in New York long enough to know his way around. Audrey was mesmerized. She had never seen so many people and buildings in her life. She was caught up in the excitement and began to wish she and Jack weren't on a mission to recover artwork. Audrey knew the Hightowers had a motor car and she had seen quite a few in Buffalo but it was amazing how many automobiles and horse drawn carriages were together on the streets. Jack felt more comfortable in a carriage and that is what they rode to the police station.

The officer on the front desk called Jimmy to the reception area.

“Jack Mackenzie, I can't believe it's you” Jack and Jimmy had kept in touch but this was the first time they'd seen each other since the day Jack packed up and left New York vowing never to return.

The men embraced and Jack introduced Audrey to his old friend. Jimmy was glad to see Jack had moved on.

“Am I ever happy to meet you Audrey. I can tell just by looking at my friend Jack that you have brought out the best in him. I'm off duty in just a few minutes. Come home with me. Eileen will be thrilled to see you again.”

Jimmy lived in the neighborhood so they walked to the brownstone and surprised Eileen who was balancing a baby on her hip.

“Jack, what a wonderful surprise. Come in, please.”

Audrey and Eileen hit it off immediately. Jack told Jimmy about the stolen artwork and Daphne's visit.

“Eileen can tell you about Daphne and the scandal after her husband died. She gets all her information from the gossip columns.”

“Yes, and Jimmy loves to hear all the gossip. Daphne's husband died about a year ago. He left most of his money to charity and only an art studio to Daphne. She tried to fight the will but she didn't have enough money for a lawyer and nobody would take her case because the will was ironclad. It came out that her name was really Doris Schultz. She is from a small town in Kansas where she lived on a dairy farm. She changed her name and latched onto Grover Fulton. Daphne was one of Grover's five wives. He divorced them as soon as he felt they were past their prime. Daphne was young and naïve when she and Grover married. She didn't realize she was signing away all rights to his money.”

“I say she got what she deserved” said Jimmy.

“Well now Daphne or Doris has my property and I want it back.”

“Let's go,” said Audrey. “I don't feel quite so intimidated by her now that I know her name is Doris Schultz instead of Daphne Saint Marie”

Daphne was putting the last painting on the wall when the studio door opened and in walked Jack, that insipid girl from Camden Corners and a uniformed police officer. This was not in the plan thought Daphne.

“Darling, I thought you would be following me to New York. Haven't you missed the city, my love? I know what is best for you and having your wonderful work displayed in my studio is so much better than that silly little town of yours.”

“Hi Doris, nice to see you again” said Audrey.

Daphne was surprised her true identity had been discovered by this child. Her whole demeanor changed in that moment.

“Look honey, you may have your hooks in Jack now but I know what a man likes in a woman and you can never compete with me. Now you and the officer can be on your way. Jack and I have unfinished business.”

“You are right Daphne, we have unfinished business. My entire business is in your studio without my permission. Officer O'Rourke is here to help me retrieve it. I would suggest you move your carcass out of the way while we pack everything up. By the way, don't call my fiancee honey again.”

Daphne shrugged her shoulders. “Artists like you are a dime a dozen. My studio will be filled with expensive art in no time. Now get this junk out of my sight.” She stormed off into the back room wondering how she was going to pay the light bill next month. Maybe it was time she found another occupation. She had a few good years left in her. There are plenty of older gentlemen who are in need of companionship.

Jack, Audrey and Jimmy wrapped each piece of art carefully and carried it one by one to Jimmy's waiting carriage. With that problem taken care of, Jimmy was anxious to celebrate a visit by his old friend with a night on the town. Eileen dropped the baby off with her mother. It had been a while since she and Jimmy had taken in all the sights of Manhattan. She had always liked Jack and was happy to know his relationship with Doris Schultz was finally over. Audrey was the perfect match for her husband's good friend.

Audrey was delighted with the hustle and bustle of New York. They stayed on for a couple of days and there was still plenty to see but they did have to get back to reality.

Jimmy and Eileen saw them off at the train station promising to return for another visit very soon. Audrey was looking out the window when she noticed a tall regal looking woman walking arm in arm with an older gentleman at least five inches shorter than she was. He had a stogie dangling from his mouth and sparkling diamond rings on his fingers.

“Looks like Daphne Saint Marie is back in action” she said to Jack who simply shook his head.

Everyone in Camden Corners was happy to see the travelers return with all of the art work intact. Carrie helped hang the paintings in their places.

Audrey stopped at the medical offices to thank everyone for being understanding about her leaving.

“It hasn't been that busy” Elizabeth told her friend.

“Are you feeling alright Elizabeth? You look a little pale”

“Oh I'll be fine. I haven't been sleeping well the last few nights. I think I just missed my roommate.”

As the day wore on, Audrey worried about Elizabeth. She wasn't herself. Grady was busy treating one of the Burke boys who had been enjoying a toboggan ride with his friends until his steering went bad and they landed smack into a pine tree. There weren't any broken bones but Grady was making sure none of the boys had head injuries. He noticed Elizabeth was a little quiet but didn't think anything was wrong until Audrey came rushing into the room.

“Elizabeth just fainted. I helped her to the examining room and she is awake but she is burning with fever.”

Grady ran into the room. He could tell just by glancing that she was a very sick young woman. Doctor Tom took over the care of the toboggan riders as Grady wrapped Elizabeth in as many blankets as he could find and drove her in his carriage to the Mackenzie house where he put her to bed. Audrey went with them. Grady insisted Audrey wear a mask while she cared for Elizabeth. Grady knew Elizabeth's illness was extremely serious. He had seen an outbreak of influenza during his residency in Buffalo. He erased from his mind the young woman who died from the disease while under his care. He knew the best place for Elizabeth to be was in the hospital but he didn't think she would survive the long trip to Greensboro. Doc McMillan agreed. The new Camden Corners hospital couldn't be completed soon enough. After swallowing medication, Elizabeth was able to sleep. Grady and Audrey stayed by her side. The bedroom was closed off to the rest of the family. Audrey and Grady took turns sleeping on Audrey's bed. Jack made sure food and drinks were brought into the bedroom for the caregivers. Their carefree days in New York were just a distant memory. Jack knew if anything happened to Elizabeth, Audrey would be devastated.

Everyone in town was anxious for Elizabeth. She had only been a resident of Camden Corners for a short while but she, Grady and Audrey were well loved already.

Vicar Will opened the church for a special service offering prayers for Elizabeth and also for the containment of the flu virus. Everyone was taking extra precautions to wash their hands often and see one of the Docs if they experienced any symptoms at all.

After looking through the log, Mary McMillan saw that a young man who was passing through town had been to see Grady. He was suffering from a cough and fever. Grady had treated and released him. His nurse was Elizabeth. Grady was beside himself with guilt that he didn't recognize the symptoms as influenza. If only he had treated Elizabeth earlier she wouldn't be suffering as she was.

“Grady, you can't know everything there is to know about medicine just because you have an M.D. after your name. Even we seasoned physicians miss clues. Medicine is very complicated. It wasn't obvious this young man was as sick as he was.” said Doc trying to comfort him.

“Why did Elizabeth have to be the one to come down with this disease? Why couldn't it have been me?”

“We never know why some people are more susceptible to contracting an illness. Her isolation has helped to curtail the spread of the disease through town and that was your doing. How is Audrey? Is she showing any symptoms?”

“No, I'm checking her carefully because I know she won't let on if she is feeling poorly because she is set on seeing Elizabeth through this.”

Four days later Elizabeth opened her eyes. “Am I late for work? What are you doing in my bedroom Grady?”

He and Audrey laughed and cried. Everything was going to be alright. Audrey thought about that day just last week when Daphne Saint Marie entered Jack's gallery. How silly she had been to be envious of that superficial woman. This was what life was all about. Living in a town like Camden Corners where people cared about their neighbors. Where families grew and loved and riches were not the ultimate goal. Where two friends could be happy and planning futures with two handsome men. Valentine's Day wasn't too far off. We'd better start making plans. I wonder how Dr. and the soon to be Mrs. Murphy feel about a double wedding. She looked toward the bed and saw a sparkling diamond on Elizabeth's left hand.

Yes! Life is good.

A New Home for Cassandra

 

A New Home For Cassandra

Dahlia and Hyacinth are happy to welcome Lucinda McCoy and her adorable daughter, Cassandra to Camden Corners. The sisters, once again thinking identical thoughts, insist the two come to their home for a cup of cocoa and some freshly baked cookies. The twins ask Cassandra if she would like to visit the Quilt Shop downstairs while her mother and Mr. Howard and Mr. Harold discuss business. Cassandra has never seen so many soft warm blankets as she looks around the Quilt Shop. Dahlia and Hyacinth ask her to pick one out that she would like to keep for her very own and to pick one she thinks her mother would like. Cassandra has a very difficult time deciding but she chooses a pink one with bunnies on it for herself and a lavender one with white roses for her mother. Meanwhile, Howard and Harold reassure Lucinda that she is doing the right thing by accepting Uncle Shane's money. Lucinda insists that she will keep track of the money that they give her and pay back every penny if it takes until she is 93 years old. It is decided that they will visit the Crowley brothers in the morning to set up a trust fund.

Cassandra bounces into the room with her new quilt wrapped around her. Lucinda tries to tell the sisters that they can't accept these beautiful quilts but to no avail. She loves the quilts and hugs her new friends. Dahlia can feel her ribs when she hugs back and insists they take cookies with them to Mrs. Watson's.

Mrs. Watson welcomes the McCoys with open arms. She has the perfect room for this lovely young woman and her darling little girl. Cassandra's eyes are as big as saucers when she sees two canopy beds covered with fluffy down comforters and soft pillows. She puts her new quilt on one of the beds before her mother has a chance to even enter the room. Harold deposits their little traveling bag on the bench by the window and bids them farewell for the evening. Mrs. Watson says she will let them get settled and be back to see what they may need in a little while. Howard tells Mrs. Watson what he knows of their situation and the way they were living.

Cassandra happily splashes in the bathtub next to their room, brushes her teeth, puts her thin little nightgown on and climbs into the big bed holding her doll and pulling her new quilt up to her chin.

“Mommy, I like Camden Corners. I hope we can stay here forever.” with that her little eyes close and she falls sound to sleep.

There is a soft knock on the door as Mrs. Watson arrives carrying a tea pot and two cups. She thought Cassandra might be asleep and wanted to get to know Lucinda better. They talk as they sipped their tea. Lucinda tells her she doesn't know how she is going to repay the kindnesses. Mrs. Watson assures her that she would find a way to help someone else out some day and that she had already befriended old Shane Howard and was being paid back for her own kindness.

The Hightowers walked back home still unable to believe all that had happened in just a couple of days. They worried that Lucinda McCoy's pride would get in the way of her finding a life in Camden Corners.

“We will just have to make sure that doesn't happen.” said Harold.

“We'll have the girls check around to see if anyone needs help in their shops. She is so good with Cassandra it's too bad we don't have any children for her to look after while Dahlia and Hyacinth are tending the shop.”

“It will be nice to be home again, brother. Do you realize this is the longest we have been away from our wives since the day we said I do?”

They arrived home to big hugs and kisses for what they were doing for their new friend and her daughter.

“We have something we would like to discuss with you.” said Hyacinth.

“We have decided that since we do everything together, we should tell you our news together”

In unison, the sisters excitedly announced “We are going to have a baby.”

Lucinda slept through the night without the sounds of the city disturbing the quiet. She dreamed of a lovely meadow and Cassandra running through the grass chasing butterflies. She woke up well rested and really hungry. It must have been the smell of bacon wafting through the house. She would have to get dressed quickly to help Mrs. Watson with the cooking. She had to start paying her way. Cassandra was busy showing her doll all the lovely things in the room.

“Don't you just love it here Dolly?” She then put her little fingers on Dolly's forehead making the doll nod in agreement.

“See, Mama, Dolly likes it here too.”

“Let's get you dressed and we will go downstairs to help Mrs. Watson in anything we can. Cassandra, I know you like it here. I hope we will be able to stay too.”

Harold was ecstatic with the news that he would be a father soon. He was unable to sleep all night and woke to the sound of the door knocker. He didn't want anyone else to be disturbed and rushed to the door to find a special delivery letter secured to the door. The letter was from the law firm of Brown, Hammer, Brown and Pike.

This letter is to inform you that we have discovered new information concerning your deceased uncle Mr. Shane Howard.

Your uncle secured the services of a private detective to investigate his deceased son and any possible descendents he may have had. There is a record of your uncle marrying a Miss Maria May Alcott on December 13^th, 1832 at St. Cecelia's Cathedral in Baron's Point, New York. Maria died giving birth to Roland P. Howard the following year. According to Mr. Shane's journals, found under a loose floorboard in his apartment, Shane fell into a deep depression when his wife died and would not acknowledge his young son. The boy grew up in the care of servants who did their best to care and love the lad. Roland was given every financial advantage but never the love of his father which was the only thing he really wanted. The private detective completed his investigation after your uncle's death. He delivered his report to our office. You will find the complete report in a separate envelope accompanying this letter.

The summary of the report is as follows: Roland met a young girl named Marguerite Blake. Marguerite was the only child of Harrison Blake of Oklahoma. Harrison was the owner of the largest cattle ranch in the state. Although he loved his daughter, it was a crushing blow to him when he discovered she would be his only child. He only came to this conclusion after his 6^th marriage and no other children had been born.

Marguerite had been provided with anything her heart desired and she desired Roland P. Howard. Harrison agreed to the marriage only if Roland would legally change his last name to Blake so that any children would bear the proud name of Blake. Roland agreed since the name Howard had never been especially important to him. They were married in the spring and Marguerite gave birth to their son naming him Peter. Two months after Peter's birth, the couple boarded a ship bound for London, England. The ship ran into trouble in the choppy waters and several people jumped overboard hoping to be the first ones to reach the rescue boats. Roland panicked and was one of the first to jump overboard to his death. A distraught Marguerite followed him into the water leaving her sleeping baby on board.

In the confusion that followed, the baby was mistaken for the child of a young peasant girl who suffered a head injury and died without regaining consciousness. The ship returned to the New York dock and all the passengers were transferred to another ship to complete their journey.

The baby was deposited in the closest orphanage. Mr. Blake was informed that his daughter and son-in-law were missing and presumed dead in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Upon hearing the news, Harrison Blake suffered a massive heart attack and died the following morning. The authorities attempted to locate the next of kin of Mr. Roland Blake but to no avail. A couple of the servants wondered about the little baby but it wasn't their place to question the happenings of the household and they never voiced their concerns. The extensive report goes on to say that while in the orphanage, Peter Blake was given the name Paul McCoy.

When he was 7 years old, a girl his age came to live at the home. She was a sad eyed little girl as she had lost her parents and had no one to take her in. Her name was Lucinda and Paul took her under his wing. They were the best of friends until their teen years when they fell in love. On Paul's 18^th birthday he left the orphanage vowing to work as hard as he could to save money for the couple to marry. Paul kept to his word. He worked two jobs during the week and was able to find another for the weekend. Three months later when Lucinda reached the age of 18 she joined him and they were married by a Justice of the Peace.

They lived frugally but happily for the next 5 years. Paul loved his wife with all his heart and was beside himself with joy when his beautiful little girl was born. When she was only two years old he was fatally shot on the way home from his job leaving a devastated Lucinda to care for their daughter alone.

The detective believes Mr. Howard had his suspicions about Cassandra being his great granddaughter although he took his reasons to the grave. I leave you gentlemen to do what you will with this information. The firm of Brown, Hammer, Brown and Pike was retained by your Uncle and has no obligation to inform Mrs. McCoy of this discovery.

The brothers were fascinated by this story. They had no idea their Uncle had been involved with a woman let alone married one and had a child. They had been wanted and loved by both their parents and it was hard to believe a brother of their dear mother would be so callous as to abandon his only son through all of his life. They, of course, would give the report to Lucinda. She had a right to know about her daughter's family. Knowing this information might also make it more palatable for her to accept Uncle Shane's money.

Lucinda is astonished and sadden while reading the report. She wonders aloud what made Shane Howard suspect that his grandson was the same man Lucinda had loved and married. Dahlia and Hyacinth looked at each other.

“Are you thinking what I am, sister?”

Dahlia nodded and both women went directly to the cupboard in the hallway and brought out a box they had covered in quilted material and labeled Hightower Family Mementos. The gentlemen had brought the box with them when they moved into the apartment above the quilt shop. Dahlia held up a photo that she remembered seeing when they first went through the contents. The photo was the spitting image of little Cassandra right down to the dimple in her chin. A note on the back read Louisa May Howard – age 5. The question of why Shane Howard began his investigation was answered.

Everyone hugged each other and welcomed Lucinda into the family. Lucinda was thrilled that she and Cassandra would be part of a loving family. Soon Cassandra would have two new cousins to play with.

The brothers had a map of the land left to them. It was decided the whole family would ride to the area and see exactly what they were dealing with. Their new property extended far beyond what they had imagined. There was a small stream running alongside and trees swaying in the breezes at the back. It was a beautiful spot that would be perfect for a vineyard.

Harold had mentioned that possibility to Howard and they both agreed to ask Nick for his advice. At that moment, Nick came riding up on horseback. Dahlia and Hyacinth thought they detected a little sparkle in Nick and Lucinda's eyes as they were introduced. Nick picked Cassandra up so she could pet the horse. She giggled as he whinnied. Nick surveyed the land and checked the soil. He agreed with the brothers that this would be a perfect spot to grow grapes. Everyone agreed that this would be a wonderful use for the land. Nick was hired on the spot to oversee the project. As soon as they were able they would set up a meeting with Richard Crowley and see about getting permits and licenses.

Nick told them winter was the best time to start grape plants and they had a lot of work to do preparing the land before that. Dahlia and Hyacinth were gazing over the land and imagining what their new home would look like. It had been decided earlier that with the babies coming, the apartment would be much too small for all of them. It never occurred to them to build separate houses. The Hightowers and Blooms would always be a package deal.