Let It Snow

 

Let it Snow

Oscar was the first to wake up in the cabin that cold January day. The unusually warm weather was forgotten as he piled logs on the fire. One by one the men all came down the stairs wearing their warm woolen sweaters and trousers. They were happy their womenfolk had prepared for a change in the weather and thought to pack the heavier clothes. Alma warned Melvin that he might need some warm clothes and he was happy he listened to her.

Chris made one pot of coffee and was getting ready to pump more water for a second pot when the women all came down the cedar stairs bundled to their chins in blankets. The fire was starting to warm the downstairs much to the relief of Nettie who was beginning to wonder if it was such a good idea to plan this little excursion in the middle of January.

“Good morning ladies” called out Oscar “Good thing you brought as much food as you did. It looks like we may be here for another day or two.”

“Thank heaven for indoor plumbing” cried Nettie

Ethel was glad she thought of bringing fresh eggs and ham with her just in case they had to stay the night. She started cooking those while Priscilla and Alma prepared the biscuits. Nettie squeezed the oranges for juice and Anna shredded and fried the potatoes.

After the hardy breakfast everyone pitched in to clear the table and clean up the kitchen. The men ventured outside to clear the walk to and from the wood pile. The woman set up folding tables to put together a couple of jigsaw puzzles the former owners left behind.

“Ethel, tell the others the story of how you and Jonas got together.” said Nettie as the fellows were walking in carrying the logs.

“Don't start without us” Chis said “We want to hear it too.”

Once everyone was seated around the tables and turning puzzle pieces upright, Ethel began.

“My mother gave piano lessons to the neighborhood children. She loved playing and since her daughter was completely lacking in musical ability, she decided she would teach other children to play. I can remember the sound of the scales in my head. Thank goodness she only taught three days a week. I had seen Jonas at school of course, but he sat in the back of the room during school and was always playing ball or climbing trees with the other boys while the girls played hopscotch and jacks on the opposite side of the building.

On a Wednesday in May, Mama mentioned she was going to have a new student, his name was Jonas Fulbright and he was in my class. I groaned thinking how often Mama had the new students practice the scales. Since it was a nice spring day, I would just go outside and maybe finish my school work later that evening. Jonas knocked on the door and I answered it. He had a scowl on his face. He grumbled hello. Mama knew right away that piano lessons were not what this boy wanted. She was sure it was his mama's idea and not his. Further down the street I could hear the other boys taunting Jonas saying the piano was for girls. I found myself feeling sorry for this boy who so obviously wanted to be anywhere but in my family's parlor learning to play the piano. I marched down the street and in the harshest voice I could muster told the boys to be quiet. There were more famous men who played the piano than there were ladies. Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart were all I could think of at that moment. My disapproval fell on deaf ears and the boys just continued to make fun of Jonas until they heard the music coming from our parlor. We all walked toward the house and couldn't believe our ears. Jonas was playing America the Beautiful. I could hear mother asking where he had learned to play like that. He told her there was a piano at his grandmother's house and she showed him how to play but he couldn't learn the notes. He just liked to play the piano. He didn't want to learn how. Mama said he was playing by ear and that was a special talent but he would be able to play more music if he would learn to read the notes. It was always hard for anyone to say no to Mama and Jonas was no exception.

The boys didn't tease Jonas so much after that. In fact they use to hang around our parlor window on Wednesday afternoons waiting for Jonas to play a song or two. Jonas eventually did learn to read music but he still depends on his ears for most of his playing.

Except for those Wednesday afternoons Jonas pretty much ignored me. I was developing a crush on him and was rather impatient waiting for him to look in my direction. I remember Mama telling me that it sometimes took a little longer for boys to be attracted to young ladies. I also remember the day that Jonas finally took notice of a female. It was the day the mayor's niece rode into town in the fanciest carriage I had ever seen. Miss Hattie Mae Worthington stepped from that carriage with her red hair flowing. She looked like a princess. I glanced at Jonas and his chums and they were all staring at this beauty with their mouths hanging open. My daydreams of walking hand in hand with Jonas were shattered. I looked down at my scuffed shoes and my hand me down dress that even I had outgrown. I put my hand to my mousy brown pigtails and knew I looked as frumpy as I felt.”

Jonas chuckled “Yes, that Hattie Mae was a fine looking young lady. I don't think my mouth was hanging open though Ethel and if it was it was because of the fancy carriage she arrived in.” He winked at his cronies. “You have to realize, this was Greensboro in the 1840s. I was just a farm boy who spent most of his summer days milking cows and tending crops. We didn't have many visitors to Greensboro and none that looked like Miss Hattie Mae Worthington. Ethel tells you I ignored her that summer. That wasn't true. I thought she was a pretty little thing but I couldn't get myself to talk to her. I was much more comfortable playing the piano and she didn't know it but I hated those lessons every Wednesday and only agreed to sit through them because I knew Ethel would be sitting at the parlor window. Hattie Mae's grandpappy asked me to accompany her on the piano at a fancy dinner he was giving for some of the other mayors in the county. He arranged for his tailor to make me a suit as the one I wore to church on Sunday wasn't up to snuff as he put it. Ethel's mama taught me enough about reading notes that I was able to learn the songs with the sheet music Hattie Mae brought with her. I hadn't practiced with Hattie Mae until the afternoon of the dinner. I was in for quite the surprise. Hattie Mae's voice was like a wounded cat caught in a prickly pine tree. Even the mayor was holding his hands over his ears. Hattie Mae was a very beautiful young lady until her grandfather told her she couldn't sing at the dinner that evening. I had never seen a female with such strength. She started picking up glasses that had just been placed on the tables and throwing them against the wall. She was screaming at the top of her lungs until two of the mayor's aides carried her out of the room kicking and bellowing. The dinner went on as planned except I was the only musical accompaniment. It was my first and last public appearance. From that moment on I only played for pleasure.”

Alma said “We all know you eventually revealed your true feelings to each other because otherwise you wouldn't be here with us now. How did that all happen?”

Ethel spoke up, “Thanks to Nettie we finally were forced to open our hearts to each other. It was the first week of school. We were all sitting around the lunch table when Nettie asked Jonas if he had asked me to go to the harvest dance with him. I was so embarrassed I was tempted to hide under the table. Jonas looked dumfounded and finally said he didn't know if I would go with him if he did ask. Nettie said she was pretty sure I would. Come to think of it, I'm not sure he ever did ask me but we did go to the dance together. After that he came to the house after his chores every morning to walk me to school. I don't know when we got over being shy with each other but eventually we did.”

Nettie said “I wonder what ever happened to Hattie Mae? I don't remember ever seeing her again in Greensboro.”

Melvin spoke up. “I believe she married one of the professors at the university. I do remember going to a soiree given by this fellow and his wife Hattie Mae. She was the entertainment and your description of her singing was accurate. I remember Professor Danforth smiled through the performance. I later learned the man is hard of hearing and he'd turned his hearing device off. After that experience, anytime I received an invitation to any gathering at the Danforth residence, I always regretfully declined.”

“Now it's your turn Priscilla and Chris. Tell us the story of your meeting and marriage.”

Priscilla answered “There really isn't much to tell. Christopher was the only child of Nicholas and Belle Pringle and my folks were Noel and Eve Claus. As you can imagine by the sound of their names, our families loved Christmas and that love was passed down to us. I don't remember a time when I didn't love Chris. He was always so jolly no matter what was happening around him. We never thought twice about getting married it seemed the natural thing to do.”

“Priscilla is correct. There was never anyone else for me either. Our only regret is that we were never blessed with children of our own.”

Alma said “Oh you two are loved by all of the children of Camden Corners. I know they love visiting your Christmas shop even in the heat of the summer. Our boys, Butch and Billy cherish the ornaments you made for them this year, Priscilla. This was their first Christmas with a family and those ornaments made it even more special for them. I know Butch keeps his on the nightstand by his bed. I have seen Billy admiring his ornament when he thinks no one is looking.”

Nettie said “I know what you mean about not being blessed with children of your own. I was lucky enough to teach school for many years and my students were always very special to me. I loved it when they had grown and brought their own children into my classroom. Of course, there is Polly. Even though she had only been with us for a short time she quickly became a daughter to me.”

“How are Polly's brothers and sisters, have you heard Nettie? It was so good to see them sitting so proudly at Polly's wedding. The Prestons did a wonderful thing by making sure Polly's family was represented on such an important day for her.”

“Yes, they are doing very well living with Arthur and Gladys. Arthur has already begun building an addition to the house to allow for extra bedrooms for their expanded family. Oscar was there just the other day checking on Alice Cooper and the children. Alice is still insisting Marlin needs her to be near him. She never even asks about her children. I know she has been told they are not in the old house any longer but she doesn't seem to care. I'm afraid she will never be the same. Marlin was taken to the hospital last week. The doctors aren't sure what is wrong with him but he is a very sick man. I think the hospital has taken pity on Alice and she is allowed to sit with Marlin for a few hours a day. It's a rather tricky situation. Nobody wants to take the children away from Alice but she is incapable of caring for them now and they are living a normal life with the Prestons. While I was there, Danny Mackenzie was calling on Gretchen.”

The men ventured outside and thought the roads looked clear enough to travel. They thought it might be best to start for Camden Corners in case the weather took a turn for the worse.

Everything was packed up, the fire in the fire place was out and everything shut down until the next visit.

The Crowley's and their friends were sorry to see their visit to the cabin come to an end. Everyone had enjoyed their get together. There was a knock on the door. Oscar opened it and saw Greensboro's Sheriff Eb Daniels standing there.

“Eb, what are you doing in these parts?”

“I'm sorry Oscar. I'm doing my duty as sheriff of Greensboro. At times I really don't like this job and this is one of those times. Oscar Crowley, you are under arrest for the murder of Marlin Cooper.”

The Cabin on Cedar Lake

 

The Cabin on Cedar Lake

Sipping her tea on an unseasonably warm January day, Nettie Crowley was deep in thought. What an eventful year it had been. Oscar's two sons were married in a double ceremony to Nettie's dear friends, Emma Patterson and Lily Kramer. Her darling Polly was married just last week to Randy Burke. Nettie knew it was time Polly married and started her own life with her daughter, Faith and Randy but it was so quiet in the house now. Oscar was with his cronies making final plans for their trip to Cedar Lake.

Last September Nettie and Oscar purchased a large cabin. Cedar Lake was a beautiful spot and they thought it would be a wonderful place to have the whole family gather on weekends during the warm summer months. They planned to begin renovations in the spring. There was a large kitchen and sitting room downstairs with two bedrooms on the second floor. The bedrooms were large enough to separate into smaller rooms where there would be plenty of room for each family to have their own area.

Jonas Fulbright, Lou Rossi, Melvin Tanner, Chris Pringle and Oscar had made plans back in December to stay in the cabin overnight and do some ice fishing. They didn't plan on a change in the weather in January and Oscar was concerned it might just be too warm to safely fish on top of the ice.

Nettie scolded herself for her melancholy. She was grateful for the wonderful life she had in Camden Corners. It was time she got up and baked some cookies. That would shake her out of this self pitying mood. She was just about to add raisins and nut meats to the batter when Oscar dashed through the door.

“Nettie, pack your bags, we're all going to the cabin.”

“What on earth are you talking about Oscar? This is a men only trip. I can't be there alone with all of you men. What would I do when you were out on the ice? I'm certainly not going to sit on a cold stool in the middle of the frozen lake for heaven sake.”

“You aren't the only female who will be there. We have decided to bring the wives along in case the water isn't frozen enough for fishing.”

Nettie thought it was a foolish idea but if her friends wanted to go with the men she would join in too.

After some persuasion the men convinced the ladies that they would enjoy themselves. They all packed plenty of blankets and ingredients for their favorite dishes and gathered together in the Fulbright's covered wagon and were off for the hills and Cedar Lake.

Jonas drove the horses while Oscar sat next to him to give directions. Anna Rossi was happy to be doing something spontaneous with Lou. They never were able to venture too far from home when he was caring for his vineyard. Priscilla Pringle had been feeling blue since the holidays were over. They were already planning for next Christmas but it seemed so far away that this diversion was just what the doctor ordered. Ethel was happy to be with her friends and Alma Schrum was delighted to be spending time with Melvin Tanner. He had asked her to marry him and she accepted. Melvin lived in the Wharton Boarding house with his ward, Cody Hill. Cody was staying in the dorm at college but came home often to be with April Hawthorne. It was decided after the wedding Melvin and Cody would move into the home Alma had shared with her husband for over 30 years. The house had been a lonely place for Alma until Melvin came into her life. They both had a second chance at happiness.

Chris Pringle began singing I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy. It was a catchy tune and everyone joined in. They laughed and sang all the way to the cabin and felt 20 years younger than they did when they all climbed aboard the wagon that morning.

The cabin was fairly warm inside thanks to the sunlight streaming in through the window. The Crowley's first guests were impressed with the purchase. The women went directly to the kitchen to find everything they would need to prepare a big dinner for the hungry travelers. The men began building a fire in the massive fireplace. They were happy to find a generous supply of cut logs in the storage shed just outside the back door. Oscar bought the cabin from a gentleman who decided he was getting too old for winters in the north and moved with his wife to North Carolina where his daughter and her family lived. It was obvious the cabin had been meticulously taken care of through the years.

After a fine midday meal, the tired group sat on the large sofas around the blazing fire. After the long trip and experiencing full bellies, they were happy to relax in front of the fire.

Anna spoke up, “I know Melvin came to Camden Corners to be with Cody and met Alma but what brought you to Camden Corners, Nettie, Ethel and Jonas? I'm sure Greensboro wasn't happy to see any of you leave.”

Ethel explained that their daughter and her family live in Camden Corners. They decided to sell their farm and move closer to her.

Nettie spoke up, “I found that I missed my dear friend Ethel and when she suggested I pack my bags and move here I was on the very next train.” Looking at Oscar she said in a low voice “And I'm awfully glad I did.”

Noticing the fond expressions that were exchanged between Oscar and Nettie, Anna couldn't help but say “Was it love at first sight?”

“Now Anna” it was Lou who spoke up. “I know you enjoy a love story but it really isn't any of your business.”

“I'm not shy about talking about it” said Oscar who was still smiling at his wife. “In one day my life was transformed from a lonely old widower to the happiest man in the world. Miss Nettie Dawson walked into my office with her friends. One look and I was a goner. She was the loveliest, feistiest woman I had ever seen. She was like a mother bear protecting her cubs, Emma and Lily against the meanest man in Greensboro. I was smitten and I still am.”

“That's all it takes is one look” piped in the professor. “I was a blubbering idiot when I first laid eyes on Alma.”

“Are you sure it wasn't my oatmeal cookies that attracted you Melvin?”

“Well, that probably had something to do with it,” he chuckled.

Nettie's curiosity was piqued, “Anna, how did you and Lou meet back in Italy? Was it love at first sight for you too?”

Lou laughed “Hardly. She couldn't stand me and I didn't like her too much either.”

“It's true” said Anna “Our marriage had been arranged when we were less than two years old. My papa and Lou's papa were the best of friends. They owned adjoining property and both grew grapes and had their own wineries. They were thinking of future generations of grape growers and decided it would double their value if their children were married to each other. I was the youngest of six girls and Mamma became more frail after the birth of each one of us. The doctor told Papa not to expect any more children after I was born. He wanted a son and heir but he loved Mamma enough to follow the doctor's orders. Papa's biggest fear was that all of his daughters would marry feckless characters and the land would go to seed. My sisters all married very nice men but none of them wanted anything to do with the vineyard or land so my papa's fears weren't totally unjustified. Lou's papa knew how important a wife could be in a vintner's success and he didn't want some femme fatale getting her hooks into his son and distracting him from his work. Lou and I played together as children. I was told I had been promised to Lou and it seemed very normal to both of us. Then one day when I was walking down the road to school, a new boy in town walked by me. He was older than Lou and so handsome. It was the first taste of romantic feelings I'd ever experienced and I suddenly realized that I didn't have those feelings for my friend and intended Lou Rossi.

Lou joined in, “I was more interested in playing ball and getting into mischief with my pals than I was in Anna. The whole town knew of our papas' agreement and I was teased by my friends until I avoided Anna whenever possible. Eventually I discovered girls were a rather pleasant diversion but I never looked at Anna in that way. It finally occurred to our papas that Anna and I couldn't stand each other. They were disappointed but they did back down on the idea of uniting the families.”

Anna spoke up. “I think our Mammas influenced that decision. It was obvious to them that Lou and I could barely be in the same room together. The first time I ever heard Mamma raise her voice was when she told Papa “No child of mine will ever be traded for land and that is final.” It didn't take long before Lou was prancing around town with a different female on his arm every night of the week.”

“Anna, I never pranced around town and as much as I would like to think it's true, I can't remember being with a female every night of the week although I'm glad to see that little spark of jealousy after all these years. What about you and your beaus? Once the fellows learned of our broken engagement they were lined up at your door.”

“It wasn't much of a line. As I recall it was a very small town. I'll admit, I did have a few gentlemen callers. After the years of being promised, I was finally free to make my own choices. The trouble was, nobody measured up to Lou. After a couple of years of maturing, he had become a very handsome fellow. I would see him walking in the vineyard and my heart would skip a beat. This was the boy I played with as a child. I told him my deepest, darkest secrets and he told me his. He was my best friend and now he refused to look in my direction.”

Lou smiled and said “I was trying my best not to look at Anna. She had grown into a beauty. After a rather heavy rain, I was checking the vines for damage when I glanced over in the direction of her papa's land. Anna was on her knees inspecting the underside of the vines for damage. I noticed her scooping a handful of dirt and examining it like any other girl would examine fine jewelry. At that moment I realized I had been in love with Anna all along. Papa told me when I married I should look for a wife who would love the earth as much as I did and it was obvious Anna was that girl. Something came over me and I walked over to her, lifted her up and clumsily kissed her right there in the middle of the vineyard.”

Anna was giggling. “I still remember that kiss. I didn't know it was clumsy because it was the first time I'd ever been kissed in that way before. My knees grew weak and I thought I was going to swoon when suddenly I heard applause. Our Mammas, Papas, and all of my sisters were looking on as well as the farmhands. I could feel my face turning red and looked at Lou and he was as red as the grapes we were surrounded by.”

“My skills at kissing must have improved because Anna agreed to marry me a week later.”

“That is so romantic” said Nettie. “It's obvious the marriage has been a success. Look how happy you two are after all these years. Lou, I'm glad you came to your senses.”

Even the men had listened intently to Anna and Lou tell their story and no one thought to look outside. It seemed the mild weather had taken a turn. Snow was piled up against the door and the wind had started to howl.

Oscar said “I'm glad you ladies brought an assortment of blankets, I think we may have to settle in for the night.”

“Lucky we have two large bedrooms.” added Nettie. “One for the ladies and one for the gentlemen.”

After a light supper and a few hands of whist, the group was ready to settle down in the comfortable beds for the night.

It didn't take long for the men to begin snoring in one bedroom while the ladies were giggling and gossiping until they all dropped off to sleep as the snow continued to pile up outdoors.

Caroling in the Snow

 

Caroling in the Snow

Gordon Mackenzie was worried his wife, Fiona would have trouble getting through the snowdrifts on her way home from the pub. He hitched the horses to the sleigh and set out to meet her. Along the way he saw a young man walking against the wind.

“Hey there young fellow, would you like a lift?”

“Don't mind if I do, sir. I'm on my way to visit Doc McMillan, his office is just down the street but I seem to be fighting a losing battle trudging my way through these snowdrifts.”

“Climb on in, I'll just stop here at the pub for my wife. Here she comes now. It looks like she has some company.”

Grady moved over and looked up into the eyes of Elizabeth Lawrence. She looked familiar but he was always so distracted lately he couldn't place her and couldn't imagine that he knew anyone who lived in Camden Corners.

Introductions were made. Gordon drove slowly to Doc's office. Fiona noticed Audrey couldn't keep her eyes off of Grady Murphy and Grady couldn't seem to look away from Elizabeth who was watching the sky and wondering if she would ever be able to board the train to get back home to Buffalo.

“Dr. Murphy, we haven't met formally before but we have worked together at Buffalo General Hospital. Elizabeth and I are nurses there.”

“You must be here to visit the new hospital in town. We are very proud of our facility. Camden Corners has long needed a hospital of its own,” said Fiona. “It won't be completed until the spring at the earliest, are you all going to be working with Doc until then?”

Elizabeth chimed in, “No, Mrs. Mackenzie, we aren't here for work although it does seem like a lovely town. My friend, Audrey was jumping the gun a bit wondering what Camden Corners was like. As far as I know there is no need for our nursing skills just yet.”

Grady spoke up. “Miss Lawrence, I do recall seeing you at Buffalo General. I believe it was in the children's ward.”

“That is where I have been assigned Doctor. You may also remember Audrey. She has been there even longer than I have.”

“I don't think we have ever met before miss.” His eyes drifted back to Elizabeth who seemed to be oblivious to his attention.

They reached Doc's office and Gordon stopped the carriage to let Grady off. He thanked Gordon for the ride and smiled at Elizabeth as he fought the snow drifts up to the front door.

“Oh Elizabeth” sighed Audrey. “Did you see how he is being coy with me. He pretended he didn't know me. The silly man. He's going to play hard to get with me.”

Fiona and Gordon glanced at each other skeptically. It was obvious the good doctor only had eyes for Elizabeth.

Jack Mackenzie met them near the barn. He helped his father take care of the horses while his mother and her guests went into the house.

“You go ahead mother, I'll bring the suitcases in after I help Papa with the horses.” He glanced at the two visitors and liked what he saw.

Jack was the most serious of all the Mackenzie children. He was a talented artist and seemed to lose himself in his painting. He worked in New York for a couple of years and established himself as an artist there. He missed his home and family though and moved back much to the delight of Fiona and Gordon. He recently opened an art gallery in Camden Corners and invited other artists in the area to display their works. Jack was amazed at what young Tony Marino was able to capture with his camera and proudly displayed his creations also. His sister, Carrie helped him in the gallery and took pains framing each and every work of art. The gallery was a huge success and had an enviable reputation as far away as Connecticut. Even with his success Fiona worried that he had forgotten how to have fun. All through high school Jack never lacked for female companionship. He was a bit on the wild side back then. Although he never spoke of it, Fiona believed his heart had been broken while he was living in New York. She was happy to see the sparkle in his eyes when he saw the two pretty girls walk by him and into the house.

“I certainly hope he doesn't fall for Audrey. She seems to have eyes only for her young doctor friend.” she whispered to Gordon as they were getting out of the carriage.

“The young doctor has eyes only for Miss Elizabeth so maybe she will need Jack around to pick up the pieces.” Gordon said quietly. Gordon was as worried about their son as Fiona was.

Fiona showed the girls to Amanda's old room where they unpacked the few clothes they had brought with them and changed into some dry footwear.

“Jack is very nice looking, don't you think Elizabeth?”

“Audrey, you are suppose to be head over heels in love with Dr. Murphy. Why are you looking at Jack Mackenzie? Yes, I guess he's good looking, I'm still angry with you for dragging us all the way here for no reason at all.”

“What do you have waiting for you in Buffalo that's so important Elizabeth? Your father has moved to Pennsylvania with his new wife. Your brother is in New York City and you don't even have a cat to go home to.”

“I'm glad my father has found happiness with Janice and you know it. Why do you make me sound like a pathetic orphan? You know my father begged me to move to Pittsburgh with them and I'm always welcome at my brother's home.”

“I know but they have their own lives. You work all day and go home to an empty room in a boarding house at night. Wouldn't you like to have an adventure of your own?”

“Like a wild goose chase after your doctor friend?”

Fiona knocked on the door. “Come downstairs girls and meet the rest of the family. We will be having a quick supper and then piling into the carriage for some caroling. We won't let a little thing like a blizzard keep us from entertaining the neighbors with our glorious singing.”

Audrey thought it was a wonderful idea. Elizabeth wondered if it would be rude of her to stay here under that toasty looking quilt and read the novel she had begun on the train. She decided it would be and joined in with a smile on her face.

Jack liked Elizabeth right away. She had a sensible head on her shoulders especially compared to her friend Audrey. Audrey was pretty enough but she was silly and scatterbrained. The Mackenzie's stopped by the Burke house. They also had their own carriage and the two large families covered in blankets and quilts were on their way to the Blackburn house for a little liquid refreshment before venturing back out for their caroling.

Elizabeth was happy she decided to come along. She didn't remember ever having such a good time. She and Audrey were welcomed by everyone. Dr. Murphy came along with the McMillans and was appearing to be much more relaxed than he had been earlier in the day. Audrey was staring at him with longing in her eyes. Jack noticed the doctor was looking in her direction but could only see Elizabeth.

“I think our new doctor friend is trying to get your attention Elizabeth.”

“Oh no, he is interested in Audrey. She has set her sights on him and once Audrey makes up her mind to snag a gentleman, he doesn't have a chance.”

“That figures. She does seem to have her head in the clouds, doesn't she?”

“Jack, are you interested in Audrey?”

“No, of course not. I like a girl more down to earth.”

Lucinda walked by and mentioned that she would like to talk to Jack about art work for the hospital when he had some time.

“Go ahead, I've been monopolizing Jack's time long enough. I think I'll check on my friend Audrey.” Elizabeth walked Audrey's way and noticed a scowl on her face.

“Elizabeth, Grady keeps staring at you not me. I think he is attracted to you. After traveling all this way he doesn't even know I exist.”

“Don't be silly, Audrey. Every man in this room has noticed you. Jack Mackenzie can't stop talking about you. Why not go over there and make his evening.”

Audrey's eyes lit up. She looked over at Jack and her heart skipped a beat. He really is very nice looking. Grady Murphy was all but forgotten.

Fiona and Gordon smiled at each other. “If anyone can bring Jack out of his shell it's Audrey” said Fiona.

The young people all went out caroling in spite of the weather. Everyone else stayed behind to have a little more cider and eggnog. Reggie was happy to play host. After working outside all day he was very comfortable in the warm cottage.

The snow had let up and it was just falling lightly as the carolers made their way through the town. Mack and Maddie Mackenzie saw a noticeable difference in Jack. It seems Nurse Audrey was just what the doctor ordered.

“He's practically giggling.” Mack said to Maddie and Carrie.

“It's about time he got back to the living” Carrie said with a smile.

“I think our new physician and nurse will be playing doctor themselves before too long.” Maddie said with a chuckle as she glanced at Grady and Elizabeth. Mack was embarrassed but Carrie laughed.

Elizabeth found herself standing next to her friend Audrey and whispered in her ear. “Isn't Camden Corners a wonderful place? I'm so glad you brought me here.” Audrey just smiled.

The evening came to an end. Elizabeth and Grady bid each other a good evening with the promise of meeting the next day.

Grady slipped into his room with thoughts of Elizabeth as he readied himself for the big feather bed. It had been quite a day. Grady was nervous about his meeting with Doc but he needn't have been. Doc was a warm, kind man just like his mentor, Dr. Gilbert said he would be. Grady had met his share of egotistical physicians at Buffalo General. He knew he would feel comfortable in a small town setting and already he was sure Camden Corners would be the place for him. He had spoken briefly with Elizabeth about her plans for the future. She indicated she might be thinking of a change herself.

Within the next couple of days Audrey and Elizabeth both had promises of positions in the new hospital when it opened. In the meantime, Doc Julie hired them both to help out in the office.

“Dad, a nurse can do many of the things you, Tom and I have been doing for the patients and it will allow us more time to help them. Now that there are four doctors in the practice, we can't expect mother and April to do even more work than they do already. April will be leaving for nursing school before we know it and then it will only be mother.” Julie said

“Yes, and you would like them both to stay in Camden Corners. I may be getting on in years but I know when romance is blossoming. I can see our Dr. Murphy is smitten with Elizabeth Lawrence and your old friend Jack Mackenzie has found a new lease on life with the spunky Miss Audrey. I think it's a wonderful idea. Let's hire both of them.”

It was decided all three would return to Camden Corners shortly after the new year. It would give the hospital time to fill the soon to be vacant nursing positions. Elizabeth and Audrey also wanted to be there for the children who sadly had to spend their Christmas in the hospital. They, along with the other nurses and doctors always made the day very special for their little patients.

Shortly after the train pulled out of the station heading north, Jack Mackenzie was at the counter purchasing a ticket to Buffalo for the following weekend.

Summer's End

 

Summer's End

Reggie ran the entire mile to the cottage on the lake stopping only to buy a bouquet of daisies at the flower cart outside Nichols General Store. He knew Josie's favorite flowers were daisies. How did he know that, he wasn't sure. He knew her favorite color was yellow, her favorite season was spring, she loved children and wanted a dozen at least. He felt as though he had known her forever and it had only been a few months.

He had wasted so much time longing for Elena Malone. What a fool he had been. He hoped Josie would be home. He had so much to tell her. He loved her and he hoped she felt the same about him. It would serve him right if she didn't. He treated her like one of the fellows instead of the beautiful girl she was.

She opened the door and saw him standing there with a smile on his face and a beautiful bouquet of daisies in his hand. Those must be for Elena she thought to herself. Daisies are my favorite flower. Reggie must be on his way to see her and decided to stop by to tell me he's moving to New York City with her.

“Hi Reggie. How was your reunion with Elena?”

“My reunion? Oh, it was good. I came by to tell you that I am in love with the most beautiful girl in the world. I have loved her since the first day I laid eyes on her but I was too blinded by my foolish infatuation to realize it.”

Josie could no longer hide her tears. “I wish you a long and happy life with Elena but I'm busy now so I will just say goodbye”

She put her hand on the door to close it and Reggie pushed it open again.

“Long and happy life with Elena? What gave you that idea? I'm here because I finally realized it is you I love, you I want to be with for the rest of my life and I'm praying I might have a chance with you. You are the girl I want to wake up with every morning and go to sleep with every night. I want to call my crew over right now and start building bedroom additions on this cottage so that we can fill them with the dozen children we both would like to have someday. Now, will you invite me in so I can hold you and kiss you and ask you to be my wife?”

“But Reggie, you have loved Elena for so long, I do love you but I won't be anyone's second choice.”

“You aren't my second choice, I was with Elena this afternoon and I saw her for what she is, a selfish, spoiled beauty who doesn't know how to love anyone but herself. When I was looking at her all I could see was your face smiling back at me. It was then I knew I didn't want this superficial woman and I don't think I ever really did. She was a childhood crush and I have finally grown up.”

With tears streaming down her cheeks, Josie kicked the door closed with her foot and said “Let's see what kind of a kisser you are before I agree to marry you.”

It didn't take too long before the whole town was buzzing about Josie and Reggie. The two of them were incapable of hiding their feelings even if they tried. Josie was one of the town's favorites and now that Reggie wasn't pining away for unrequited love, he was becoming a favorite too. Doc and Mary McMillan were happy with their daughter's choice and even happier when Reggie informed them he and Josie planned to make their home in Camden Corners. Reggie loved the friendly little town almost as much as he loved Josie. Jamison Bentley was glad Reggie had come to his senses about Elena Malone. She and the theater troupe left shortly after their last performance the week before. No one would call the production a smashing success. It needed more work and Jamison suspected the producers might start by finding a new leading lady.

The Hightower house was completed and none too soon. The sisters were almost to full bloom. Because of their conditions, the girls accepted any help they were offered in preparing their new home. Emma Patterson and Lily Kramer practically furnished the entire house with treasures they had found in their hunts. They were able to fill every one of the eighteen rooms with beautiful heirloom furniture. The two nurseries, one in yellows in the left wing and one in pale greens in the right wing. Quilts were displayed throughout the house. Curtains and draperies were pulled back to allow the late summer sunshine in. Each window had its own unique view. Some overlooking the lake others the freshly planted vineyards. In the spring work would begin on the winery allowing it to be ready for the first grape picking next summer. The Hightowers were so grateful for all the help they had received and the interest everyone had taken in their new home they thought a summer picnic on Labor Day would be fitting. Most of the town arrived just after noon on that Monday. All the women brought along their favorite picnic specialty. The children had plenty of places to run and play. The young people took advantage of the nearby lake and set up makeshift rafts to escape the prying noses of their parents.

The food was all eaten, the dishes cleaned and put away and the ladies were all relaxing around the fire pit near the front porch. The men were having horseshoe tournaments one after the other with small wagers on the side. Nick Rossi had just made a ringer and was collecting his winnings from Reggie who was determined to get his money back in the next game.

Lucinda McCoy caught herself staring at Nick. His shoulders were so broad, almost as broad as his smile. She knew in her heart she had fallen in love with this wonderful man but couldn't get past the guilt of betraying her deceased husband Paul by giving into her feelings.

Josie whispered in her ear “I think it's time for a walk in the trees over there and I'm going to put an end to this game and drag my soon to be husband away from it and into the woods. Come with me, I know you'd like nothing better than being in the shadows with Nick”.

Lucinda's face turned red. She had been sipping a little too much of Caroline's blueberry brandy and it was going to her head. Caroline overheard Josie and encouraged Lucinda to do just that.

“I'll watch out for Cassandra. Paul would want you to find happiness again.”

Josie downed the remainder of her glass and walked over to Reggie.

“That's enough with the horseshoes, it's time for a walk in the woods.”

Reggie winked at Nick and off he went hand in hand with Josie. Nick asked Lucinda if she would like to take a walk by the lake. She thought that was safer than the woods and agreed. They walked without speaking for a little while and then without warning, Lucinda threw her arms around Nick's neck and kissed him firmly on the lips. He was so stunned he started losing his balance and Lucinda, being unsteady on her feet after a little too much brandy pulled him down the rest of the way. They landed in the water laughing and kissing and making up for lost time. When they finally arrived back with the group, all eyes were staring at them. Everyone was smiling including Cassandra who was hoping Nick would be her new daddy very soon.

Nettie Crowley asked what names had been chosen for the babies. Hyacinth said they wanted to keep flowers in the family as their mother did and if either one had a girl, she would be named after a flower.

Howard spoke up and said “If it's a girl, we are naming her Daffodil and call her Daffy for short.”

Everyone laughed except Hyacinth who shook her head at her husband.

“No, if it's a girl, she will be called Daisy Bloom Hightower and if it's a boy he will be Henry Shane Hightower.”

Dahlia spoke up. “Violet Bloom Hightower for a girl and Harry Shane Hightower for a boy.”

She had barely gotten the words out when she doubled over in pain.

“Sister,” cried Hyacinth “Is it time?” as she too, grabbed her round tummy.

The babies weren't due for another two weeks but it didn't look like they had been told when to arrive. Luckily there were three doctors available. Harold and Howard carried their wives into the house and to their bedrooms. The girls hadn't planned on giving birth at the same time and wanted to be there for each other so the men moved the two beds into the big living room and were then shooed away to wait outside with the other men.

Less than an hour later, Josie opened the window and shouted “Harold, you have a son.”

Five minutes passed “Howard you have a daughter and Harold you have a daughter too” then

“Howard, you have a son.”

Lily came running out of the house.

“Richard!”

“I know” cried Richard “Go get two more cradles.”

“This has been the perfect ending to a perfect Labor Day” said Caroline Bentley. She hadn't been a witness to the births, she and a few of the other women had watched over the children. Earlier she had been sitting next to Doc McMillan. Doc said those women didn't need him up there. Julie could handle it and he'd only get in the way. The womenfolk don't like stuffy old doctors around when babies are coming into the world.

“How are you feeling Caroline? You look a bit pale.” he asked his friend.

“Well Doc. To be honest I haven't been myself lately. A bit tired but I blame it on all the changes in my life these last few months.”

“Come into the office tomorrow morning. We'll run some tests and maybe get you some vitamins.”

Jamison overheard the conversation and didn't like it one bit. He had been worried about Caroline himself lately. She hadn't wanted him to hire a housekeeper but he was going to insist. After all, she wasn't a young girl anymore and she had two youngsters to keep track of. His sons were coming to Camden Corners tomorrow. It would be the first time they met Caroline. He was happy about that but worried if Caroline was sick how much of a burden it would be to have his sons added to the mix. Doc could see the worry on Jamison's face and patted his back telling him not to worry. He didn't think anything was really wrong with Caroline. He had his suspicions but thought it best to wait until he was sure.

All the guests were invited into the house to meet the new additions to the Hightower family. All four babies had the same faces.

“Is there such a thing as identical cousins?” asked April Hawthorne.

Caroline congratulated the happy couples and said how lucky they were to have two babies to care for. “It's so nice having a baby in the house.”

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.

The Miracle

 

The Miracle

Melvin Tanner was walking down Main Street enjoying the beautiful early summer weather. He strolled by St. Peter's Church where he came upon the vicar and a young man planting petunias in the flower bed in front of the church. He greeted the two and introduced himself. The planting was almost completed and Vicar Willard Duesenberry left his handyman to finish the job while he and Melvin entered the church office for a cup of Alma Shrum's tasty coffee.

Alma had been the church housekeeper and cook for as long as she could remember. She loved the vicar like a son and was very protective of him. She was thrilled that her granddaughter, Kate and the vicar were a couple although their courtship was going terribly slow. Alma brought out a pot of freshly brewed coffee and a plate of oatmeal cookies that she had just taken out of the oven. One bite into the warm cookie and Melvin's heart melted. It had been 25 years since Melvin's wife passed away. He had never even considered becoming involved with another woman until now.

The vicar was interested in how the professor happened to become Cody Hill's guardian. He believed in miracles and saw the professor's tale as proof that they are possible. Melvin checked his pocket watch and realized he had taken up well over an hour of the vicar's time.

“No bother at all, Professor. I have enjoyed our chat very much and I hope you will join me for dinner very soon. Mrs. Schrum is a superb cook as you can tell by my expanding waistline.”

Mrs. Schrum entered the room just then and poo pooed the idea that the vicar was fat.

“You are too skinny, vicar. You need to put some more meat on your bones.”

Melvin chuckled at Mrs. Schrum's gentle teasing. He would like to have asked if there was a Mr. Schrum but he couldn't think of a way to say it without seeming forward. Before he knew it he had blurted out, “Mrs. Schrum, I would like very much to get to know you better and wonder if I may have another of those wonderful cookies. Oatmeal are my favorite.”

Melvin's face turned red and he was mortified at what just came out of his mouth. The vicar had never known Alma Schrum to be speechless but she just stared at the professor with her mouth open.

“Alma, why don't you show the professor around the church grounds, the roses are beautiful now.”

Alma took hold of the professor's arm and guided him out the back door to the garden. She finally found her voice and the two talked so long it was almost dinnertime and she hadn't even begun preparations.

The vicar told Alma to take the night off. He was going to ask Kate to stop over after school and together they would be able to find something to sustain them for the evening.

“Professor, the Marino Trattoria has a wonderful menu in case you and Alma are hungry a little later.”

Kate found it incredible that her grandmother had a beau. She couldn't wait to write to her mother to give her the news. The letter could wait. Tonight she was going to cook up a storm to show Will she was almost as good at cooking as her grandmother.

The vicar was standing in the doorway smiling at this beautiful girl. He had a ring burning a hole in his pocket just waiting for the right time to pop the question. Maybe tonight would be the night. Every time he planned to ask Kate to be his wife, one of his parishioners knocked on the door in need of his help. The meal was wonderful. Every bit as good as Alma's. The mashed potatoes were heavenly and the gravy was sinful. Just the way Will liked it. As he was taking the last bite of his peach pie, there was a knock on the door.

Will was called away and Kate stayed behind to clean up the kitchen and said to the cat, “I'd better get use to these interruptions if I am to be a clergyman's wife. I just wish Will would give me that ring he has been carrying around with him all this time.”

Alma and Melvin had been inseparable since the day they met in the vicar's office. Melvin stopped by to escort her to the Founder's Day picnic. Excitement spread through the whole town. Other than Independence Day and Christmas, the Founder's Day Picnic was the biggest event in Camden Corners. Alma's picnic lunch consisted of fried chicken, potato salad, cucumbers and tomatoes from the garden and two pieces of chocolate cake with fudge frosting. She also carried along her entry for the pie bidding contest, a strawberry pie brimming over with strawberries picked just this morning. Melvin's mouth was watering. He loved sweets of any kind and Alma was very good at making his favorites. He wondered why it took him so long to find a companion and then realized he was just waiting for Alma to come into his life. Alma was proud walking arm in arm with Melvin. Her dear Harlan passed away just before Vicar Will became pastor of St. Peter's Church. Harlan was the head caretaker of the church and planted many of the trees that were towering over the grounds now. It never occurred to Alma that anyone would be taking Harlan's place in her life and in her heart. Somehow she knew he would approve of her choice in Melvin. Harlan had a sweet tooth too and Alma loved baking. The vicar was much too conscious of his waistline and never had seconds of Alma's delicious treats.

As promised, everyone was having a wonderful time at the picnic. Cody and April came in a close second in the three legged race. They were beaten by Joe and Diana as Iris watched them rolling over with laughter.

Oscar, Chris Pringle, Doc McMillan and Isaac Nichols strolled through the picnickers in their Barber Shop Quartet garb singing in beautiful harmony.

Croquet and horseshoe games were being played all over the park. Some of the older fellows found a nice big tree and set up their checkers game. Kate and the vicar organized relay races for every age group. Sounds of laughter could be heard throughout the park. April Hawthorne's blueberry pie turned out very nicely and Cody bid a whole day's pay on it.

The sky began to turn a little dark and everyone started packing up after a long and happy day. Iris, Timmy Hawthorne and some of the Burke and Mackenzie children were playing tag down by the lake. Nettie found Cody and asked him to run quickly to the lake to bring Iris to her mother. He started toward the lake and April followed along with him. Just as they approached Iris and the rest of the youngsters, the sky turned very dark.

Nettie, who was watching from the picnic area had a terrible sinking feeling. She remembered looking into the crystal ball a few days ago and it looked just like the dark sky above. Oscar felt it too and wrapped his arms around Nettie. Within the next few seconds a bolt of lightning shot through the sky to where Iris was standing and struck her. Nettie screamed as Iris fell to the ground. Cody ran to her and very calmly got down on his knees and pressed gently on her chest stopping and starting and covering her mouth with his began breathing air into her little lifeless body. Diana and Joe came running.

“What are you doing to my baby?” she yelled at Cody who was continuing with this strange procedure.

She and Joe both tried to reach their daughter but their legs seemed to be glued to the ground. Doc McMillan looked on in amazement. He didn't know what Cody was doing but he could see the little girl start to move and then cry out. Cody leaned back and Iris looked over at Diana.

“Mama went back home.” she said in a weak little voice.

“I'm right here, sweetheart.” said Diana as she took Iris in her arms.

“No, my other Mama. She said I would be alright and that I needed to stay here with my new Mama and Papa.”

Doc McMillan examined Iris immediately and determined that she was in excellent health. He suggested the Taylors take her home and bring her by his office in the morning. He was shaking Cody's hand and told the crowd that what Cody had done saved Iris' life. Everyone was congratulating Cody and calling him a hero.

He turned to April, “I'm not a hero. Something or someone made me do what I did and I'm not even sure what that was.”

Nettie and Oscar were both relieved that Iris was going to be fine. Nettie was still shaking at the sight of the lightning bolt hitting the little girl. Ethel and Jonas were visibly upset too.

“There was something about that crystal ball that predicted what just happened.” said Ethel.

“That is impossible, my dear” said her husband.

The vicar joined the foursome, he had overheard something about a crystal ball. Jonas explained that they had bought it at an estate sale.

“Something strange came over me and I had to bring that thing home. Jonas tried to tell me to leave it there, but I insisted and look at what happened.” Tears were welling in her eyes.

“Now dear, I'm just as much to blame. I could have been more forceful but the truth was, I didn't really want to stop you from buying it. There was something about that thing that seemed to take over.”

“I know what you mean, Jonas. That was how it affected me too.”

Nettie agreed with both of them. She told them about what she saw in the ball and how it made her feel. She was happy it dropped and broke. Oscar then told how it appeared to almost be alive when he disposed of it in the trash.

The vicar was listening intently. “You know I am in a business where miracles are promised. Do you think maybe the crystal ball was just warning all of you of that lightning bolt?”

“Nettie, I remember you telling Cody to hurry to get Iris. You didn't mention the other children and they were all together. Is it possible you knew something was going to happen to Iris even though your conscious mind didn't know what it was?”

Cody had joined the group by this time. “Cody, you said you didn't know what or why you were doing what you did to Iris but according to Doc McMillan, you saved the little girl's life. Diana and Joe both said they were going to stop you but they couldn't get their feet to move. Little Iris seems to think her mother was with her when she was unconscious. Maybe her mother was protecting her from what she knew was going to happen. We will never know, but don't fault yourselves because you were tempted by the crystal ball. We members of the clergy don't normally advocate anything resembling predictions of the future but in this case, I think we should make an exception.”

Everyone agreed that they would not talk about the crystal ball anymore or tell the other townspeople about the strange happenings around it.

The park cleared out just as the clouds disappeared and the moon shone brightly along with several stars including one that was twinkling especially bright that night. The friends all smiled at one another as they wiped away a tear from their eyes.

After Oscar and Nettie arrived home, Oscar looked in the trash and saw that the crystal ball had shattered into little pieces. The glass was as clear and bright as could be and had lost its menacing appearance. He called to Nettie pointing out what had happened to the three broken pieces. There was no darkness or bright light shining from the remains. It looked just like what it was, a broken glass ball with no magical powers.