The Hospital Dedicaton

The Village of Camden Corners

The Hospital Dedication

After many months of planning, designing and building the Camden Corner's Hospital, the town is preparing for the dedication ceremony.

Lucinda Rossi, who was remembered in Shane Howard's will with more money than she could possibly spend in her lifetime, saw the need for the hospital when young Kenny Bentley suffered from an attack of appendicitis. The Bentleys and Doctor Tom Campbell were able to get him to the Greensboro Hospital before the appendix ruptured but his condition could have had a disastrous outcome.

“Lucinda, I am so proud of the generosity you have shown to our small town,” said her new husband, Nick.

“This is my town now too Nick. I still shudder to think what could have happened to Kenny if Joe Taylor and Cody Hill hadn't been able to move him to the Greensboro hospital in the fire wagon in time. You know I never wanted that money for myself. Actually, it is Cassandra's money, I just didn't want her to have the burden of growing up wealthy. Don't you think she will thank me for that someday?” laughed Lucinda.

“Yes, she will because she is as loving and generous as her mother.” Nick said as he kissed the back of his wife's neck while helping her to fasten the clasp on the string of pearls she was wearing.

Lucinda McCoy and her daughter Cassandra were living in poverty in an apartment in New York City. Their next door neighbor was Shane Howard. Shane was a recluse and secret millionaire many times over. His nephews, Harold and Howard Hightower were summoned to the reading of his will after his death. They were astonished to learn of their uncle's wealth and along with Lucinda were left vast amounts of money. The Hightowers invested in land for grapes, a winery and a house for their growing families. The twin brothers were married to twin sisters and both couples had a set of twins. It was discovered after Shane's death that Lucinda's murdered husband was in fact Shane's grandson. Lucinda and Paul grew up in the same orphanage, became good friends and eventually fell in love.

The Hightower brothers, wanting to get Lucinda and Cassandra out of an unsafe environment, encouraged Lucinda to move to Camden Corners where she met and married Nick Rossi. Nick oversees the vineyard where the first grape plants are beginning to grow.

In the house two doors away, Jamison Bentley is admiring his wife, Caroline. She is expecting their child any day know. The pregnancy had been a total surprise to Jamison and Caroline. Caroline didn't think it was possible for a woman her age to conceive a child. Her daughter, Grace had given birth to Caroline's first grandchild just three months ago.

Caroline lost her parents at a young age. She found herself alone at the age of 16. Her father's best friend, George Watson, married her and provided her with a home. He died when their daughter, Grace was just a young girl. Jamison Bentley, an architect came to town to supervise the building of the opera house. They met by chance and fell in love. Caroline felt she was betraying George's memory and denied her feelings. Although Jamison and Caroline never forgot their love for one another, Jamison eventually married another and became the father of two sons. He was a widower living in Greensboro. Caroline confided in Lucinda about her brief encounter with Jamison. When the Hightowers were looking to secure the services of an architect, Lucinda suggested Jamison Bentley.

It wasn't long before Jamison and Caroline rekindled their love affair. They were married and the adoptive parents of orphans, Kenny and Becky who turned up in Camden Corners after they learned they would be sent to separate orphanages.

“Caroline, you are positively glowing this evening.” said Jamison as he stood admiring his wife. Becky was helping her pick out the earrings she would be wearing.

“It must be that I'm bursting with happiness and pride. Jamison, I am so happy the hospital will be opening tomorrow. I think this little one is going to be arriving very soon and I suspect he or she will be the first baby to be born in the new Camden Corners hospital. It is such a beautiful facility, Jamison. I have always known you were a master of design but you really have been outdoing yourself lately.”

“Must be because I am so happy with you and our little squirts.” He reached out and tickled a giggling Becky.

Jamison's sons were waiting downstairs with Kenny. Kenny was showing them his latest designs for the treehouse he and Jamison were going to build this summer.

“Remember when Dad had us designing our own playhouse Alex? I think we have one more architect in the family.”

Kenny still had to pinch himself when he heard the word family and knew he and Becky were a part of a happy one.

“Let me take a look Kenny, by Jove I think you have it.” Alex teased him. “You know this really is very good Kenny. You must be a natural unlike your brother Todd here who designed his first treehouse without a door. It was a beautiful place, we just couldn't get inside,” Alex laughed.

Kenny started laughing too. He had heard that tale before. He knew Jamison had caught the mistake before the treehouse was built but it made a good story.

Alex and Todd were happy their father had found love again after the untimely death of their mother. They loved Caroline and their young brother and sister. They had many happy times with Caroline's daughter Grace, her husband Ted and their new baby, Freddy. Alex and Todd had taken over Jamison's firm in Greensboro and continued to live there but were frequent guests in their father's home.

Grace, Ted and little Freddy arrived. The family planned to attend the ceremonies together. The completion of the hospital was a major accomplishment for a town the size of Camden Corners and everyone within miles would be turning out for the dedication.

Reggie Blackburn was panicking. He had one necktie to his name and couldn't find it anywhere in the cottage he shared with his wife, Josie.

“Why are you so nervous Reggie? You have been on pins and needles all day,” said Josie as she handed him his tie.

“I guess I am a little uneasy. I have visions of the building collapsing just when they cut the ribbon this afternoon. Thanks to Leo Carlisle we were behind schedule for several months. I can't believe the hospital is finally ready to open for business.”

“Mr. Carlisle is spending many years behind bars for his many crimes. His punishment came too late for Al Blanchard but at least he won't be able to hurt anyone else.” said Josie.

“When I think of that man grabbing you and putting a gun to your head it makes me want to wring the weasel's neck.”

Josie's bout of morning sickness while Carlisle had hold of her shocked him into dropping his gun and being restrained by several of the members of Reggie's crew.

“The baby and I are just fine and you will see our little hero or heroine in just a couple of months. I can't say I enjoyed having morning sickness but it really did save me that day. That mean, nasty man couldn't handle a little bit of vomit covering his mean, nasty face.” Josie chuckled.

“A little bit, if I recall you had devoured three eggs and a half pound of bacon that morning. That wasn't even counting the biscuits and gravy and I think you had a couple of blueberry pancakes to top it off.”

“Mama always cooked as though Julie and I were growing boys. Back at the beginning of this pregnancy, I couldn't get enough to eat but never was able to hold it down. That's enough of that kind of talk. We will both lose our appetite for all the wonderful goodies that will be available after the dedication today. Rosa says Eduardo and Anna have been cooking up a storm for three days. The Mackenzies and Burkes closed their kitchen yesterday after lunch to start preparing for today's party. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.”

It was another lovely spring day and the dedication was held outside on the massive lawn in front of the hospital. There was standing room only as Mayor Horton introduced the parties responsible for the beautiful new facility. Speeches were held to a minimum which was a relief to Caroline Bentley as she was holding Grace's hand and remembered the day almost 30 years ago that she experienced her very first labor pain.

Becky noticed Caroline grimacing in pain and remembered her other mother looking that way before they took her away and she never saw her again. Becky began to cry. Her little friend Iris stood by her side and held her hand.

“Your mama is going to be alright. It's time for your baby to be born that's all. My mama looked just like that before Joey was born. I was scared too but Mama told me it would hurt for a little while but after that we would have our baby. She was right. When she was holding baby Joey she was smiling and it didn't hurt anymore.”

Diana overheard her daughter's reassuring words and felt her usual pride in this wonderful little girl who came into their lives. She looked into the heavens and thanked Mavis Short once again for this most precious gift.

Dr. Julie looked over in Caroline's direction and said to her husband “The hospital isn't due to open until tomorrow but I think we may be welcoming our first patient shortly.”

Mayor Horton was informed of this new development and quickly asked the audience to form a line for a tour of the hospital ending with refreshments being served on the back lawn. Doc McMillan whispered in his ear. The mayor nodded and announced the emergency room would not be included in the tour today.

After giving Becky a hug and telling her everything was going to be fine, Caroline was escorted into the emergency room with Jamison following closely behind.

One hour later, Jamison stepped out from behind closed doors. He was beaming as he announced the birth of the newest Bentley. “It's a girl!”

One by one, each member of the Bentley family walked into Caroline's room as she was holding her baby and smiling.

“Oh Mama, Iris told me you would be smiling and it wouldn't hurt anymore.” said a tearful Becky as she gazed at her new baby sister.

“Iris was right darling. Any pain I did have was worth going through to have this little girl in my arms. Everyone, I would like to introduce you to Lucinda Rose Bentley. She is named after our dear friend Lucinda Rossi without whom Jamison and I would never have found each other again. We will call her Lucy for short if that is agreeable with our friends and family.”

Everyone approved wholeheartedly of the name. Lucinda was deeply touched and kissed the cheek of her good friend Caroline.

Tony Marino was waiting with his camera to take a picture of the first baby born in the newly dedicated Shane Howard Memorial Hospital.

A Growing Town

 

A Growing Town

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Dr. Murphy?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Worthy Cause

 

A Worthy Cause

It had only been three days since Lucinda McCoy and Nick Rossi had parted ways. Nick didn't need his sister, Rosa, telling him what an utter fool he had been to ruin everything with the only woman he had ever loved. He had been a jealous fool and there was no reason for it. One of the vineyard workers had spoken improperly to Lucinda and Nick didn't like her reaction or more appropriately her lack of reaction. When he thought of the way he had blown up at her because of that and because he had just found out she inherited millions from Shane Howard instead of the few dollars he envisioned he couldn't stop kicking himself. He missed her terribly and missed Cassandra too. They had become an inseparable threesome and now he was alone in his thoughts.

Rosa poured her brother a cup of coffee. “Nick, go see her, I'm sure she is feeling as lonely as you are. I know Lucinda loves you. For goodness sake, the whole town knows you love each other. If you don't do something about this, I'm going to ask Sheriff Mendenhall to lock you two up in adjoining cells and have you duke it out. Now don't be so stubborn. You are the one who created this mess now go fix it.”

Nick knew when his sister got this way she meant business and he wouldn't be surprised if she did call the sheriff. Maybe he would just take a leisurely stroll by the Bentley house. He hadn't seen Jamison in a while. Maybe he would check on the plans he was drawing up for the vineyard. After all, he was investing his money in the project.

Caroline glanced out the window and saw Nick walking hesitantly by the front porch. It's about time she thought to herself. Lucinda wasn't showing any outward signs of misery but Caroline knew the girl well enough to know that she was suffering since her breakup with Nick.

Nick couldn't get himself to go knock on the front door. He was so ashamed of the way he acted. Instead he went to the side door where Jamison's office was. Jamison was happy to see his friend and welcomed the interruption. He had been busy sketching the winery and was running into some logistical difficulties. Nick was able to suggest alternatives and solved the problems.

Caroline knocked on the door with a pot of freshly brewed coffee.

“Good Morning Nick. So nice to see you. It's a lovely day Maybe you would like to have your coffee in the garden gentlemen and enjoy the Indian summer weather.”

Jamison thought his wife was a bit obvious but Nick agreed immediately and took the tray from Caroline and placed it on the small table in the gazebo. He glanced up and saw Lucinda standing on the far end of the garden admiring the mums that were in full bloom this time of year. She turned around and couldn't hide the smile on her face. She had never been so happy to see anyone in her life. She knew she loved this man and he loved her. They both walked toward each other, Nick held out his arms and Lucinda fell into them. Between kisses Nick kept telling her how sorry he was about his foolish behavior. Lucinda knew she couldn't stay angry at him and decided not to even try. Caroline and Jamison were sitting at the table in the gazebo both smiling broadly.

Lucinda and Nick joined them just before Cassandra and Becky came running out of the house.

“Mama, Mama Kenny is crying” shouted Becky. “He said his tummy hurts” Caroline excused herself and went into the house to see to her son.

“Must have eaten too much ice cream yesterday.” Jamison said.

Within a few moments, Carolyn called from the window “Kenny is very sick, I think we should get Doc right away.” Nick took off on foot and ran into Tom Campbell.

Tom is Doc McMillan's son-in-law. He is married to Doctor Julie. Years ago Doc treated Tom's dying mother and saved her life. From that moment on Tom knew he wanted to be a doctor. He and Julie fell in love long before they knew it themselves and have been working side by side ever since. Tom rushed to examine Kenny. He suspected Kenny was having an appendix attack and knew time was of the essence getting him to the hospital in Greensboro before the appendix ruptured.

“The best way to get Kenny to Greensboro is in the fire truck.” Nick took off on foot again to the fire station. Cody Hill was sweeping the front walk when he saw Nick running toward him.

Cody had been working at the fire station, learning the ropes since shortly after his arrival in Camden Corners. Instinct told Cody something was not right. He shouted for Joe Taylor that there was trouble. Joe came running. Nick was almost out of breath after the two mile run to the fire station. He did manage to explain the situation. Joe and Cody hooked up 6 horses to the truck and threw some mattresses on the floor of the truck in rapid fire precision. Nick hopped in the back and off they rode to the ailing boy. Tom had given Kenny some medicine that would help with the pain. Tom and Jamison gently carried Kenny down the stairs and into the truck just as it arrived. Caroline, Jamison and Tom rode in the back of the truck with Kenny anticipating the 2 hour ride to Greensboro.

Several of the townspeople had gathered wondering what all the commotion was. April Hawthorne was on her way to school. She worked part time for the doctors trying to get experience for her future nursing career. Tom asked April to let Julie know he was on his way to Greensboro. April didn't stop to think how handsome Cody looked sitting in the driver's seat of the fire truck. She was hurrying on her way to the McMillan house to deliver the message to Doctor Julie.

Lucinda did her best to calm Becky who was remembering her mother being hauled away and never coming back home. She was afraid for Kenny. Lucinda couldn't promise the boy would be alright since she knew his condition was serious.

Doctor Julie arrived to see if she could help with Becky. She was aware of Becky's inability to speak after the death of her mother. Her father, in a drunken stupor had put that fear into her head because he wanted to end her little girl chatter. Becky was clinging to Lucinda. Julie told her Kenny would have the best of care from Doctor Tom on his way to Greensboro.

“Why can't he stay here?” she cried.

“Kenny needs to be in a hospital where the doctors have everything they need to make him well again” Julie told her.

“Why can't Kenny go to a hospital here? I want to see him.” Lucinda looked at Nick and they both knew just what Shane Howard's money would be used for. She couldn't think about it now but as soon as this crisis was over she would get the ball rolling to start building Camden Corners' own hospital.

The medicine Tom had given Kenny made the pain more bearable he was drifting in and out of sleep. The long trip to Greensboro in the back of the fire truck was uncomfortable for Caroline in her condition but she hadn't noticed. All she could think of was the first time she saw Kenny and Becky staring at her from behind the hydrangea bush just a few months ago. Caroline loved these two little orphan children the moment she laid eyes on them. She knew Becky would be worried about her brother. The poor little girl had finally seemed to be adjusting to her new life and now this.

They finally reached the hospital. Kenny was transported to the operating room where Tom performed surgery to remove his appendix. What seemed to the Bentleys to be an eternity later, Tom appeared and told them little Kenny would be just fine. They had made it in time, there was no rupture. Kenny would be sleeping for the next several hours.

Jamison immediately sent a wire to Camden Corners saying Kenny was recovering and would be back home in two weeks. When Lucinda read the wire to Becky, she was somewhat relieved but wanted to see her brother. Even though hospitals didn't allow young children to visit, Nick and Lucinda piled the two girls into the Hightower's carriage and set out for Greensboro the very next morning.

Kenny finally woke up shortly before noon. He didn't like the fact that he would be staying in the hospital for two weeks but he wasn't feeling well enough to argue. His main concern was his little sister. Caroline was holding his hand and assuring him that Becky was being well taken care of when the door opened and Lucinda walked in the room holding Becky's hand. Nick had used his charm on the young charge nurse as the two slipped by her. Becky thought her brother still looked pretty sick but better than the last time she saw him. Lucinda promised if they didn't stay for more than a minute that they would be able to come back again. Becky didn't argue, she waved to Kenny and blew him a kiss and out the door they went. Nick was still charming the nurse as Lucinda and Becky walked passed her unnoticed.

“I didn't realize you were such a charmer Mr. Rossi” Lucinda said sarcastically.

“Hey, anything for a good cause” Nick liked the little hint of jealousy he saw in Lucinda's eyes.

The two weeks passed quickly and Kenny was back home again. The emergency was just a memory now but Lucinda knew the outcome could have been quite different. Camden Corners needed a hospital and she was going to do everything she could to make it happen quickly. She would set up a meeting to discuss it but now she had a wedding to go to. Her friends, Emma and Lily were being married in a double ceremony to the Crowley Brothers.

Nettie Crowley and Ethel Fulbright could hardly catch their breath. Emma and Lily were standing before them. Emma in her grandmother's wedding gown and Lily in Ethel's. Emma could almost feel her grandmother's presence in the room. They both wore rose buds from Nettie's garden in their hair. Jonas Fulbright was giving both girls away and Oscar Crowley was acting as best man for both of his sons.

Jonas knocked on the door of the small room of the chapel where the wedding was taking place. Each girl took the old man's arm. Jonas thought the buttons would pop off of his morning suit he had such pride in these two lovely ladies.

Oscar was waiting at the end of the aisle with his two handsome sons. He had waited for this day for so long and it was finally here. He loved Emma and Lily as he would his own daughters. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Nettie, her eyes glistening with tears. What a lucky man he was. He had found two wonderful women to share each phase of his life with and now his sons and daughters-in-law would be presenting him with beautiful grandchildren.

The wedding was followed by a reception at the home of Nettie and Oscar Crowley. The guests were dancing, eating and drinking champagne. Nick and Lucinda were dancing with Cassandra in Nick's arms.

“I'd like to ask you two ladies a question” Nick said with a quivering voice.

His fist was clenched and he opened it where Lucinda and Cassandra saw two beautiful rings, one a diamond and the other an amethyst. He slipped the rings on their fingers, as he said

“Will you marry me?”

Cassandra answered first as she wrapped her arms tightly around Nick's neck “Yes, we will!” she shouted. A little more skeptically she whispered “we will won't we Mama?” Lucinda saw the happiness on her daughter's face and knew Paul would definitely approve of her answer when she said, “yes Cassandra, I think we will.” Rosa and Eduardo were dancing by and she heard every word.

“Eduardo, we better order more sacks of flour. I have a wedding cake to make.”

Daphne's Plan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yes! Life is good.