Part of the Family

Part of the Family

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Is James your real brother?”

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

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

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

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

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

“Do you really think so Melissa?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Do you like being adopted?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unexpected Company

Unexpected Company

The morning after the Labor Day celebration, Jamison went with Caroline to see Doc. He examined her and called them both into his office. Jamison was on the edge of his seat. Doc told him to relax. What he had to say was going to come as a shock to him and he didn't want him having a heart attack before Caroline gave birth to his child. The two faces looking back at him were white.

“That can't be Doc. I'm too old to have babies. I'm going to be a grandmother in just a few months.”

“That's it! Jamison said sternly “You will have a housekeeper, a maid and a butler if it will assure that you are healthy.”

By the time they left Doc's office the news was just beginning to sink in. The shock was wearing off and suddenly the two of them were dancing down the street.

“Jamison, do you have any idea how often I dreamed of having your baby? I didn't think it would be possible and here I am, expecting our own child. The family will be all together tonight and we will tell them the news. Becky and Cassandra will be excited about a baby. You saw how they were mesmerized by the Hightower cousins.”

Lucinda knew something was going on with her friends. It was natural they would be excited about Jamison's boys, Todd and Alex coming for a visit but there was something else that was making them giggle and smile at each other while they were preparing for the big celebration tonight. Lucinda knew Caroline would tell her in time but she was still very curious.

The boys arrived shortly before 4 o'clock. Jamison picked them up from the train station and brought them back to the now busy household. The boys gave Caroline big hugs and thanked her for putting that smile on their dad's face. Jamison announced that Caroline was expecting a baby and everyone started hugging and kissing. Cassandra wanted to know when she and Becky could play with the baby. Kenny said he hoped it was a boy because they already had enough girls in the family. He liked having two big brothers though so if it was another girl it would be OK with him. Grace couldn't hold back the tears. She was so excited that she and her mother would be having babies the same age.

Lucinda was crying too just thinking about Caroline and Jamison's love story. Nick put his arm around Lucinda and hoped the day would come when they would have an announcement to make too. The ring he bought this morning was in his pocket. Lucinda said she loved him and he wasn't going to waste any more time.

Caroline looked around the room at all these wonderful faces and marveled at how her life had changed in such a short time. She had Lucinda to thank because without her intervention Jamison wouldn't have come to Camden Corners and she wouldn't be happier than she had ever been in her life. The tears were streaming down her cheeks too as she looked around at her home brimming with people and love. Caroline felt a tug on her sleeve. She looked down and saw Becky staring up at her.

“Mama” Becky said quietly. “Cassandra said I wouldn't die if I told you I love you”

Caroline only thought she couldn't be happier. These were the first words she had ever heard her new daughter speak.

“No Becky, you won't die.”

The tears were flowing as everyone rushed to Becky to listen to her sweet little voice. Cassandra was smiling in the background. She was getting tired of doing all the talking for both of them. Soon after, the girls went out to swing on the swings Jamison had hung from the oak tree in the back yard. Through the window, Caroline and Jamison could hear the two little voices singing happy tunes as they were swinging through the air.

Vicar Will and Kate were strolling leisurely passed the busy Bentley home. Will was the first to hear the little girls singing. He stopped to marvel at Becky singing her heart out. Kate's eyes filled with tears. She had worried about Becky since the first day Caroline brought her to school. Kate tried her best to coax the little girl into speaking. Kenny had told her how their father in his grief over the death of their mother let Becky believe she would be the next one to die if she continued speaking. Kate suspected Becky had been a chatterbox and her father was trying to quiet her as he drank himself into an early grave. Kate marveled at Becky's singing voice.

“Will, she sounds like an angel. Now is not the time to call attention to her singing ability but I will mention it to Principal Key.”

Will wasn't paying too much attention to Kate. He had something else on his mind. He was determined tonight would be the night he asked Kate to be his wife. He bought the ring two months ago and never had the opportunity or the nerve to slip it on her finger. Even now he was afraid she would turn him down. He didn't want to face the heartbreak he knew he would suffer. As they strolled toward the beach, Kate was having her own thoughts. She had known for quite some time that Will purchased an engagement ring. She understood that he was shy with women and he was a busy man but this was getting ridiculous. Kate knew he loved her and she loved him. They weren't getting any younger and Kate wanted children. If he didn't propose tonight she would do the unthinkable and propose to him. What a scandal that would cause. She chuckled to herself as Will nervously walked beside her.

Without warning, a tree branch fell from a sycamore tree along the path barely missing the couple. Will gasped and wrapped his arms around Kate protecting her from the other branches that might be ready to fall. Will kept his arms around Kate. He looked up to the heavens and Kate heard him whisper

“Alright, I'll do it.”

His eyes wide, he looked at her lovely face gasping for breath he said

“Kate, will ah you ah be my ah wife?”

She replied “Yes, Will, I would be most happy to be your wife.”

He slipped the ring on her finger, took her in his arms and kissed her until she was the one gasping for breath. Will's shyness disappeared he was back to his old confident self and he told Kate how he had been afraid she would turn him.

“For a man of faith, you didn't have much faith in me Willard Duesenberry!”

He led her to a bench by the railroad tracks.

“How much time do you need to plan the wedding?” he asked.

“How about Saturday morning?” she replied. “I will wire my family tomorrow morning and I'm sure they will be on the next train. Grandmother has been preparing for this day since I was 12 years old. I noticed she had her old wedding gown unpacked and was sprucing it up just the other day. I have always wanted to wear the gown she and my mother were both married in.”

Will was surprised and happy to find that Kate didn't want to wait before they were husband and wife. He was dreaming of the life they would share together when the 6:29 from Harrisburg was slowing down as it approached the train station. Kate and Will were stunned when they saw what appeared to be two young boys jump from between the cars. The conductor was shaking his fist as they struggled to stand up and run. Will was too quick for the boys and he stopped them in their tracks.

“Well, well, what have we here? A couple of hardened criminals stowing away on the train?”

Kate rushed over to the boys afraid they had been hurt.

“What a foolish thing to do!” she scolded them. “You both could have been seriously hurt or even killed jumping from the train like that.”

The older boy looked defiantly at Kate.

“Mind your own business lady.”

Will was ready to pop him on the head for speaking so disrespectfully to his intended but he controlled himself and continued to hold the two by their collars.

“What are your names and why were you on that train? Did you run away from home? Your parents will be worried about you.”

“My name is Billy and this is my friend Butch. We always ride the train but this is the first time that stupid conductor caught us. We don't have parents and we don't need them. We're old enough to take care of ourselves.”

Kate had never heard such a thing. Everyone had parents. Maybe not the best parents but parents just the same.

“How old are you Billy?”

“I'm 18 and old enough to be on my own and so is Butch.”

“You look more like 12” Will replied.

“We're small for our age. Now let us go or I'll have you arrested.”

“I don't think you really want to call the sheriff now do you? He might wonder why the conductor chased you off the train.”

Kate spoke up “Listen boys, why don't you come to Will's house with us. My grandmother is there and she was cooking up a storm when we left an hour ago. She has two chickens in the oven, potatoes and corn and a big pumpkin pie for dessert. You can clean up and have supper with us before anybody calls the sheriff.”

Butch, who hadn't said anything until that moment piped in. “Come on Billy. Lets go eat. I'm hungry.”

Billy's mouth was watering at the mention of such a tempting meal. “Okay, but we leave right after we eat.”

The foursome walked towards the church and Will's house. The boys had forgotten about the small satchel Billy lost beside the tracks as he was jumping off the train.

Alma Schrum was happy to have extra mouths to feed but insisted these two ragamuffins clean themselves up before sitting down at her table. Alma filled the tub and told them they had better use a lot of soap because if they had a speck of dirt on them she would be in to scrub them down herself. Melvin Tanner, who was a frequent guest at the Duesenberry household, chuckled as he watched the boys scramble to the waiting tub and close the curtain tightly.

Meanwhile, the vicar deposited their filthy clothes in a pile outside the back door and rode his bicycle to the Burke home to borrow some clothes in the boys sizes. Between the Burkes and Mackenzies, every size of children's clothing was available. He brought home everything from outerwear to underwear and even nice warm pajamas. He had the feeling these would be the first clean clothes those two young boys had ever worn.

With all the commotion going on, Alma hadn't noticed the sparkling ring on Kate's finger. Kate nonchalantly held her hand out while setting the table. Alma almost dropped the bowl of freshly mashed potatoes as she hugged her granddaughter tightly. She had known Will's intentions for quite some time and was almost ready to get down on one knee herself if he didn't pop the question. Will came through the door and she wrapped her ample arms around him welcoming him to the family. Her eyes were filled with happy tears as the boys entered the dining room shiny clean from head to toe with their hair slicked back and wearing fresh, clean clothes. Alma was impressed that even the dirt under their fingernails was gone. Will was sure they had scrapped off a couple of layers of skin. Everyone sat around the big table and two little hands stretched out to grab a piece of chicken.

“Whoa boys, in this house we thank God for His many blessings.” Will said as he folded his hands in front of him and bowed his head.

The boys followed his lead and Billy wondered who this God person was and where was He? He'd just have to wonder about that later because now it was time to eat and he didn't think he could wait another minute.

Melvin was reminded of the first time he and Cody shared a meal. He watched as the boys ate until they could eat no more. They didn't know where their next meal would be coming from and they weren't about to stop while they still had room in their bellies for another bite.

While the women were cleaning up after dinner, the men and boys took a seat in the parlor. Will picked up his old family bible and started reading aloud from it. “In the beginning....” Billy's eyes were as wide as saucers as he heard the words Will was reading. Accustomed to reading these passages to a young audience, Will added his own twists to the scripture to make it more easily understood. Butch was attentive but Billy seemed to hang on every word. He was very curious about God and couldn't understand how He could be all around him and Billy couldn't see Him. Will knew he wouldn't be able to teach Billy what faith was, he would have to discover it by himself.

The boys were getting very sleepy and Will and Melvin helped them upstairs with Kate and Alma following to tuck them in. Neither boy had any recollection of being in such a soft comfortable bed or of having anyone cover them up with fresh smelling quilts and give them little hugs as they told them to sleep well. As they lay there in the darkness, Butch sleepily said “Billy, I like it here, don't you?”

“Yeah Butch, I like it here too.” Billy was thinking about God. If He could create heaven and earth, maybe talking Will and Kate into letting them stay here one more day wouldn't be too hard a task for Him.

Meanwhile in the parlor, Will was asking Kate how she felt about a ready made family. Kate was thinking the same thing.

“Will, we can't let those boys go back to roaming the streets. Let's talk to the Crowleys first thing tomorrow. We have to find a way to keep them here with us.”

Alma was beaming, she was going to be a great grandmother. Melvin squeezed her hand as he thought of what fun it would be to take the boys fishing just like he had done with Cody and his own son so many times.

Girl

Joe and Diana Taylor had been married almost 5 years. They had not been blessed with children and were beginning to wonder if they would ever have the big family they both wanted. Joe was a fireman and Diana owned Warm Hearth Bakery in the village of Camden Corners They had known each other since they started kindergarten together at Camden Grammar School. Doc McMillan told them there was no need to worry that they would most definitely have their family one day. In the meantime, they had full and busy lives. Diana loved when the school children walked home each afternoon and set out a plate of cookies for them. Each child looked forward to passing by the bakery and choosing a delicious treat from the plate.

In the hills far above Camden Corners lived Earl Short and his daughter Iris. Iris had just turned 5 years old but nobody remembered the date of her birth.

Her mother Mavis was a bright young girl who found a package filled with books. They had accidentally dropped from a traveling salesman's wagon as he was making his way across the bumpy road near the shack she called home. Mavis hid the books and every chance she got she would pour over them until she taught herself to read. She lived in the world of Little Women and Jane Eyre and read them over and over again.

When Mavis turned 14, Maw told her it was time to marry and Earl Short had chosen her to be his wife and bear his children. Mavis knew she didn't have a choice and accepted her fate.

Mavis was calm during a very difficult labor and finally delivered a beautiful little girl she named Iris. Maw placed the baby in her arms and Mavis whispered a prayer that her daughter would be safe and grow up surrounded by love.

Earl arrived from tending his still just in time to see his wife close her eyes for the last time. He was furious that she hadn't given him a son and walked out of the shack without a backward glance at his daughter.

Maw did the best she could with the girl. Iris' name was never spoken. She was only referred to as “Girl”. Paw rarely spoke to her at all and when he did he was issuing an order. Girl had taken after her mother in so many ways. She looked just like her and always was able to see the good in everyone and everything.

One day Maw started feeling poorly. She had always known about the books that Mavis kept hidden and showed Girl the hiding place. She wanted so much more for her granddaughter than she or her daughter had in life. Maw prayed Girl would find her way out of this place and discover whatever world there is beyond the hills. Maw passed away in her sleep several days later.

Earl was smoking his stogie next to his still one late autumn afternoon when a spark hit the still and it exploded and burned to the ground. He decided this was a sign to pack up his few belongings and leave the hills for the first time in his life. He'd heard talk of gold in the west and decided that was what he would do.

He would have to take Girl with him but she was getting old enough that she could start earning her keep. Early in the morning the pair started down the long road headed west. Girl was uncomfortable sitting in the back of the buckboard but she didn't complain.

After several hours they came upon the village of Camden Corners. Girl was enchanted. She had never seen anything like this before. Everything was so bright and clean unlike the drab and dusty cabin. The people were all talking and smiling at one another and looked so fancy. She looked down at her grimy little hands and hid them in her pockets. Paw got out of the buckboard and walked into a building called a P-U-B. Iris didn't know what a pub was but she knew better than to follow Paw. She looked across the street and saw a big white dog with black spots laying in the sun. She waited for Paw to return to the buckboard but he was gone an awfully long time. She couldn't help herself she just had to get out and pet the spotted dog. Iris sat down beside the puppy, she felt so warm to Iris's cold little body she cuddled up to her and fell asleep.

Paw didn't notice that Girl wasn't in the buckboard when he drove off down the street and out of town.

Two hours later, Sheriff Mendenhall came upon Paw's buckboard which had flipped over on a curve throwing Paw out and killing him on impact.

Girl woke up and saw that Paw and the buckboard were gone. She gave the loveable puppy a hug and started walking down the street.

She walked by Warm Hearth Bakery and there was a plate of the most wonderful looking treats on a plate. She knew she shouldn't steal but she was so hungry and those round things looked so good and smelled so wonderful. She took one off the plate and gingerly walked away.

She walked a little further down the street and came upon Nichol's General Store. Outside of the market she saw apples. There was an apple tree behind her home but they didn't smell as good as these. She helped herself to an apple.

She didn't feel so hungry anymore and wanted to visit with her new spotted friend again so she walked back to the big red building. The dalmatian saw her coming and came up to her licking her hand. Iris followed the dog into the building and saw she had her own pallet and was offering to share with her.

They sat together for a little while when someone called “Come here Girl”.

Both the dog and Girl went running.

“Well, who have we here?” said Joe.

“My name is Girl, my Paw is taking us to find gold”

Joe asked where her Paw was and Girl told him she came over to say hello to the dog and Paw wasn't there anymore. Joe was just getting off duty at the fire station and was meeting Diana at the bakery.

He took hold of Girl's hand and walked the short distance to the bakery. Diana was just coming out of the store to pick up the empty plate the children had their snacks on. Girl's eyes were wide as she saw the empty plate.

“I didn't take all of them” she said. “I only took one and I'm sorry I stole it.” Her little chin was quivering and Diana and Joe fell in love with this angel who called herself Girl.

Diana closed the shop and insisted they take the child home, clean her up and feed her a good meal before they visited the sheriff.

Under all the grime and dirt was a beautiful little face with curly auburn hair. She was way too thin but Diana knew she would be able change that in no time. Diana had some clothes she kept for the times her nieces visited and was able to find a pretty dress that fit the little girl perfectly.

Girl looked in the mirror and smiled. She thought she looked fancy like the people she saw on the streets of Camden Corners.

Girl had never had a meal as wonderful as the one Diana prepared that evening. Her tummy felt happy and so did her heart. She didn't want to think about riding in the buckboard again so she just didn't think about it.

Joe suggested it might be best if he went to talk to the sheriff alone while Diana stayed at home with Girl

“Diana,” Joe whispered on his way out the door, “We can't just call her Girl, the child must have a name.”

An hour later, Joe came home with Sheriff Mendenhall who was carrying a package of books he had found on the buckboard. Girl was excited to see her books and looked around gingerly for Paw since he didn't know she had them. They told Girl what had happened to her Paw.

She didn't cry, she didn't feel sad like she did when her grandmother didn't wake up. She climb up on Diana's lap and asked her if she could look at her books.

Sheriff Mendenhall was usually a pretty tough fellow but he could feel his eyes begin to sting. He thought it would be a great thing if the child could stay with the Taylor's for the night.

Tomorrow they would investigate to see if there were any next of kin. He hoped there weren't. Diana opened the first book. A well worn piece of paper slipped out of the book.

In a very weak handwriting it said “I love you my Iris.” From that moment on, Iris had a name and she knew that her mother's spirit lived on in her. The next morning Diana felt a little queasy but she thought it was the excitement of the day before. It didn't take long before the courts determined Iris was without blood relatives and the adoption of Iris Taylor took place.

By the time the family of three was official, they were well on their way to becoming a family of four and Iris was about to become a big sister.

The Second Time Around ~ Part 1

 

Nettie Dawson made her way through the snow to the Hilltop Chapel. Nettie loved the peace she felt when she entered the quaint little chapel with it's beautiful stained glass windows. She could almost hear the angels singing as she sat in the pew near the altar.

Nettie was happy she had made the decision to follow her dear friend Ethel Fulbright to Camden Corners. She had made many friends in the short time she had been here and had lost her heart to Mr. Oscar Crowley. Nettie never married after the tragic death of her fiance just days before their wedding was to take place. Oscar lost his wife a few years ago and neither imagined they would ever find love again in their twilight years but here they were, two senior citizens acting like lovestruck teenagers. Nettie hadn't had this much fun in over 30 years.

Nettie was deep in thought and prayer when she became aware of muffled crying near the back of the chapel. She walked towards the sound and found a young girl holding a baby close to her heart with tears running down her cheeks. The girl looked up and Nettie recognized her as one of her former students from Greensboro, Polly Cooper. Polly was one of her better students who showed an interest in becoming a teacher. Nettie wrapped her arms around the young girl and waited patiently while Polly cried herself out.

“Miss Nettie” she exclaimed. “I have made a terrible mess of my life and my Pa has disowned me. I had just enough money for the train ride to Camden Corners and I knew you had moved here. Oh, Miss Nettie, I have no where else to go”.

Nettie's heart broke for the girl. She knew Marlin Cooper well and knew he was a very strict man who ruled his household with an iron first. Nettie liked almost everyone she ever met but she didn't hold Mr. Cooper in high regard at all. Nettie guided Polly and her precious baby out the door and towards her home where she made tea and placed homemade cinnamon muffins on a plate.

It was obvious Polly hadn't eaten in awhile as she gobbled up two of the large muffins. Nettie made a pallet for baby Faith who was soundly sleeping. Polly began her story.

A fellow named James Philpot found his way into Greensboro. He was a handsome young man who won the heart of Polly at first sight. Polly was enrolled in Normal School and studying to be a teacher as she had always planned. James knew right away that Polly was his for the taking but she would be the type who would insist on marriage before she would give into his many charms. The Coopers had a farm on the outskirts of town and owned acres of land near the river. James was a swindler who thought he would be able to ingratiate himself into the family. Mr. Cooper was not to be fooled though and refused to allow Polly to associate with this scoundrel. Polly could not understand why Pa couldn't see how charming and delightful James was. James suggested they go to a Justice of the Peace in a neighboring town. They would be married and Mr. Cooper wouldn't have any choice but to accept James into the family. Polly's head was telling her not to do this but her heart won out and she went off to become Mrs. James Philpot. James had no intention of actually marrying this country bumpkin.

He arranged for his cousin to pose as a Justice of the Peace and perform the bogus ceremony. It didn't take Polly long to discover James' true colors but by the time she did, she was expecting a baby. Her father would not welcome James into the family and told Polly she was no longer his daughter. When James discovered there would be no dowry or land given to him, he fled Greensboro with only a note telling Polly to find a way to get rid of the brat and informed her they were never legally married.

Polly's heart was broken but more than that she didn't know what she was going to do. Her Aunt Bertha was willing to put her up in her boarding house until the baby was born and sent off to an orphanage in Pennsylvania. Polly was expected to earn her keep by cleaning and cooking. She didn't complain, just tried to stay out of Aunt Bertha's way. Polly cried herself to sleep at night thinking of her baby. She had grown to love the unborn child and was determined to find a way to keep it.

One evening in October, Polly began to feel pains and knew her child was about to be born. Polly had never felt such agony in her life and kept praying that her baby would make it through the birth. She heard a voice telling her to have faith. Polly who had been present at her younger brothers and sisters births had some experience with babies being born. Pa refused to pay a doctor to attend to his wife and Polly was the only help she had. She knew it was truly a miracle when her baby girl was born healthy.

Just before dawn that morning while Aunt Bertha was still sleeping, Polly bundled up her newborn daughter, took her money out of it's hiding place and walked away from Aunt Bertha's house and the prospect of giving her daughter away. Polly and Faith were well on their way to Camden Corners before Aunt Bertha discovered Polly was gone. She was glad to be rid of that ungrateful little tart. Aunt Bertha never knew Polly had given birth that evening or that her great niece had come into the world. When she told her brother about Polly's departure, the only thing he said was “good riddance”.

Nettie was appalled that Polly was treated so shabbily. She immediately opened her home to the young mother and her sweet little baby. Polly assured Nettie she would not overstay her welcome and would be on her way very soon. Nettie wouldn't hear any talk of her leaving. She was already planning a baby shower for the new arrival and couldn't wait to show off the little girl. Nettie felt like a first time grandmother and enjoyed the feeling very much.

Oscar arrived for afternoon tea at that very moment. He was captivated with Faith and was looking forward to the day when she would have a cousin or two to play with. Oscar loved his two sons but wouldn't it be fun to have a frilly little girl to make a fuss over.

Polly felt truly loved for the first time in her life. She knew she had made the right decision when she remembered hearing Miss Nettie had moved to Camden Corners.