Lost Love

Lost Love

Neville Merryweather sat in the chair by the window of the guest room of the house he grew up in. He had just finished reading the letter written to him by Helene Simpson Robinson, the mother of the son he never knew he had. How things would have been different if only she had told him the truth so many years ago. He had to admit, twenty years ago he wouldn't have defied his father. Neville was a weak man. He always had been and he was always afraid if he went against his father's wishes he would be stripped of all fringe benefits that came with being a Merryweather. As much as it pained him, he was grateful to Chester Robinson for raising James as his own. James would never carry the Merryweather name. It was a false family name to begin with. Neville would be the last of the Merryweathers and that was just as well. Neville reread Helene's letter.

Dear Neville,

I know this unexpected visit from our son will be a shock to you. I am sorry for the pain you are going through as you realize I kept the truth from you all these years. Believe me when I tell you that I have regretted that decision every day of my life.

Please be assured, Chester Robinson was the best father a boy could hope for. Chester loved James with all his heart and was committed to him from the beginning.

Neville, I don't know if I can ever make you understand why I kept this secret from you. What we did was a mistake. I loved you very much and I know you loved me but we were very different people. You needed a wife and mother to your children who would be by your side in the social situations that were always so important to you. I was not that woman. I was not born to that life and I'm not sure I would have been able to learn all the social graces that came naturally to you and your friends.

The announcement of your nuptials appeared in the newspaper just about the time I discovered I was in the family way. Even though I returned all your letters unopened, I was still heartbroken to learn of the marriage. Chester Robinson, a very dear friend of mine was the only person who knew of my dilemma. He offered to marry me and claim our child as his own.

Neville, I was in such a state. I wasn't sure what I was going to do. I didn't love Chester but didn't feel I had any choice. I felt I was being punished for my sinful behavior and I would have to pay the consequences.

As it turned out, Chester and I were married that very afternoon. Mama and Papa had always liked Chester and welcomed him into the family immediately. James was born 8 months later. He was a very tiny baby and everyone just assumed he had come early.

In time, I learned to love Chester. He was a kind and caring husband and adored James. As James grew older, Chester talked about telling him the truth about his parentage. I was against it from the start. Chester had been the only father James had ever known and I wanted to keep it that way for everyone's sake. I knew if James found out about you he would want to find you and my shameful secret would be revealed. Chester didn't concur but agreed to keep the secret.

Around this time a year ago, Chester fell ill. In time, he realized he was never going to get better. He had never betrayed me in all of our years together but in his deteriorating state, he told James the truth about you. I tried to convince James that it was the delirium that made Chester say those words but he didn't believe me. Your son had suspected something was amiss when he realized he looked nothing like the man he thought was his father.

After Chester's death, I begged James not to pursue the matter. He agreed but it kept eating away at him. He had a need to meet his birth father. I should have written to you to warn you but I was afraid of causing unrest in your home. I remembered you had come from Camden Corners and I assumed your sister still lived there. Again, I wasn't certain how well James would be received. I do hope you will treat him well. I can assure you he is not looking for any monetary benefits. He simply wants to meet his father. Sincerely, Helene Simpson Robinson

Neville read the letter over and over again. He knew Helene was right. She never would have been happy living in his world. It had taken him years to realize he wasn't happy living in that world himself. The best time of his life was the few months he and Helene were together when he attended school in Plattsburg.

Neville knew what he had to do. After a short rest and a filling meal, he announced he would be leaving that afternoon for home.

“I want to get this out in the open and I need to start by telling Prudence that James is my son and I want very much to be part of his life. That is if you feel the same way James.”

“Yes, Mr. Merryweather, err Neville. I would very much like to get to know you better. I don't wish to cause you or your family any distress though.”

“Prudence lives in constant distress” Millicent said quietly.

Neville glared at her but was in agreement.

“I'm not going to be dishonest with you son, Prudence will not be happy about this situation but she will have to accept it. I do think your sisters will be pleased to know they have a brother. The next train leaves in 20 minutes. I will return as soon as I can. Millicent, I hope you will keep my room open for me. I would like to spend some time with James upon my return.”

When Neville arrived home he entered the parlor where Prudence was sipping a glass of sherry. Neville was hoping the sherry would have a calming effect on her when he told her his news. Prudence accepted the news better than Neville anticipated. She excused herself to go to her room and that was when she dissolved into a heap on the floor. Prudence Wingate Merryweather was dead drunk.

Neville wasn't sure Prudence had even heard his confession. He carried her to her room and deposited her on her bed where her personal maid took over.

Melinda, the younger Merryweather daughter came bouncing in through the front door.

“Hello Papa, we thought you were on a business trip.”

“I came home sooner than expected. Is your sister with you? I have something I'd like to speak to you both about.”

“Melissa and Michael are smooching under the sycamore tree. Those two are revolting. Always kissing and hugging. I'm never going to get engaged if that is what you have to do.”

Neville laughed. “I think you will change your mind about that one of these days.”

Melissa walked in the door. “Hello Father, what's wrong? You look so serious.”

“I have something to tell you both, it's good news but it will be a surprise to you. I hope you think it's a good surprise because I'd like you to be happy about it.”

The girls listened intently as Neville explained the situation and how they had a brother they didn't know about all these years. Melissa thought it was the most romantic story she had ever heard. She cried for her father and his lost love. Melinda didn't quite understand how her father had a baby with another lady but she was happy she now had a big brother. They wanted to pack that very minute and leave for Camden Corners on the next train.

Neville told the maid to inform Mrs. Merryweather that the three of them were leaving to visit his sister for a few days. In Prudence's current state, he didn't think she would object.

Melissa asked if Michael could go along with them. After all, he would be part of the family soon. Neville agreed and the foursome boarded the train two hours later.

James was amazed that his father had been to Greensboro and back and brought his sisters with him. They were such pretty girls. It was difficult for him to keep his emotions under control. How nice it would have been to have watched these two young girls grow up. He and Michael Cassidy were instant friends. The girls both hugged him and welcomed them into their family. Millicent and Neville stood with their arms around each other watching the young people become acquainted.

“How did Prudence take the news?” Millicent whispered.

“I'm not really sure she even knows. My high society wife was as drunk as a skunk when I told her about James.”

“Oh my, Prudence always manages to surprise me.” laughed Millicent.

The sun was beginning to set as Neville relaxed in the parlor watching his three children talking and laughing as though they had known each other all their lives. He still was in a disbelief that this fine young man was his son. He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything in the world but he had longed for a son to complete the family. Prudence wouldn't hear of it. She cursed him both times she found herself in the family way and refused to even consider having another child. If it meant they would never again share a bed, so be it.

Addie had gone all out with the evening meal. She was thrilled to have two hungry young men to cook for. Millicent and her nieces helped set the table. Millicent had never learned to set a table or do any of the mundane chores before. She found she was enjoying giving a helping hand and was even known to wash a dish or two.

When the men were called to the table, James walked into the dining room smiling broadly, he picked up his wine glass.

“I'd like to make a toast to Aunt Millie for her hospitality and arranging for me to meet my family.”

The group stared at James with their mouths open wide when he referred to his aunt as Millie. They then glanced in Millicent's direction.

“Thank you James dear. No one has ever called me Millie before. I like it. It sounds so much friendlier than Millicent. Don't you think Addie? Yes, I would like to be called Millie from now on.”

From that moment on Millicent Merryweather Stout was known simply as Millie Stout. Her new name suited her well because she was no longer the rich lady who lived in a mansion on a hill. She was everyone's friend and neighbor.

“Oh Aunt Millie” said Melinda as the two were saying goodnight. “I don't want this day to ever end. It has been so wonderful meeting our brother. Father says we have to leave tomorrow morning. I wish we could just move to Camden Corners but mother would never leave all her snooty friends.”

“I know dear but you have a life in Greensboro too. I know you love Michael's family. They would miss you both if you moved out of town. I'm hoping James will stay on for a while and it is a short train ride from Greensboro.”

The next morning the visitors returned to Greensboro with a promise of a return the following weekend. They would bring their skis and take advantage of the late winter snowfall in the hills of Camden Corners.

“Are you sure Aunt Millie? You have been so kind to me I don't want to burden you and Addie.”

“Don't be silly my boy. It has been a pleasure having a young person around this old house. You are welcome to stay as long as you wish. Now, you and Cody go off and meet April and her friend and have a good time.”

Cody Hill was waiting for James. Word had gotten around town that there was a new fellow in town, like any newcomer he wouldn't be a stranger for long.

Back in Albany, Helene Robinson was holding the telegram that arrived an hour ago. James was going to be staying in Camden Corners for a while. He wanted to get to know his new family better. Helene was happy he hadn't been rejected but suddenly felt very alone and lonely.

The Journal

 

The Journal

On the way home from Virginia, Reggie was very quiet. Josie didn't notice because she was lost in her own thoughts. She had felt a little queasy when she woke up this morning and the horse back ride to the train station hadn't helped. She knew Reggie was worried about the lumber order and how the inferior lumber had shown up at the job site in Camden Corners. Josie excused herself to visit the ladies room where she promptly lost the wonderful breakfast Effie Dalton had prepared before they left Dalton's Mountain. She rinsed her mouth out as best she could.

“Are you feeling alright Miss?” Josie heard someone say.

“I'm going to be fine” replied Josie “I must have picked up a virus on my visit to Virginia. Thank you for asking.”

“Oh dear, I have seen the signs before and I think you may have something a little more than a virus. Are you sure you aren't expecting?”

“Expecting? Certainly not, we have only been married for a few weeks. It's much too soon to be experiencing morning sickness.”

“I have five children and had morning sickness for the full nine months with each and every one of them. It does happen. If I were a betting woman, I would guess you will be feeling better by this afternoon. In the meantime, I have some soda crackers that might do the trick. I make sure I don't leave home without a fresh supply.”

She winked at Josie as she handed her several crackers. It was then Josie noticed the woman definitely had an expanding waistline.

“Thank you for the crackers and good luck with number six.”

“They tell me it's going to be number six and seven this time.” The stranger grinned widely and was out the door.

By the time Josie returned to her seat she had nibbled on three of the saltines and was feeling much better. She wondered if she should mention her conversation with the woman in the ladies room and decided against it. Reggie was so preoccupied she wanted his full attention before she talked of the possibility of a new baby.

Ernie Black was anxious for Reggie's return. He didn't have a clue as to what happened to the order that was suppose to go to Zeke Dalton for the lumber. He went over it in his mind. He had taken the order with him to the post office and remembered having a conversation with Jackson Parker, the postmaster. Somewhere between his office and the post office the order had been changed and had been sent to an outfit just over the border that had a reputation for cheap, shoddy workmanship. Did he stop somewhere along the way? He tried but couldn't remember.

The train pulled into the station and Ernie was there to meet it. Josie told Reggie to go along, she would walk over to the McMillan house and say hello to her mother. She would find a way home and see him later. She wanted talk to her mother about her suspicions.

Dusty Blanchard was working on the tracks on the north side of the train depot. It was one of the jobs the crew had been reassigned to while they waited for the Dalton lumber to arrive. He noticed Reggie as he and his wife stepped off the train and were greeted by Ernie Black. Dusty swore they were looking directly at him but maybe it was simply his imagination due to his guilty conscience.

Dusty's life had taken a dramatic turn eighteen months ago. He had just graduated from Greensboro High and had taken a job with the construction company his pa worked with. He was proud to be working with Al Blanchard. Al was respected by the entire crew and the owners of the company alike. Seemingly overnight, Al's attitude began to change. He was curt with the crew and with Dusty. He walked around with a scowl on his face most of the day. Even his ma noticed the change in Al. Two months later Al fell to his death from the third floor of the new bank building being constructed on Main.

Dusty stayed on with the crew but the job was never the same. He had a hard time believing his father would have ever been so careless as to slip on the scaffolding as it appeared that he did. Al Blanchard always stressed the importance of safety. Dusty's ma retreated into herself after her husband's death.

After a few months, Leo Carlisle knocked on Connie Blanchard's front door. Leo was a charmer and Connie was charmed. He claimed to have come by to offer his condolences for her loss.

As he walked into the parlor, he looked around the room and said “What a lovely home you have Mrs. Blanchard. May I call you Connie? Al spoke of you so often I feel as though I know you.”

Connie was surprised that this gentleman was such a close friend to Al since she had never heard his name before.

“Would you care for a cup of tea Mr. Carlisle?”

“Connie dear, please call me Leo. Yes, I would love to have some tea. Don't bother with the sugar, there is enough sweetness in the room already.”

Connie giggled. Al never said things like that to her. She felt like a school girl and after months of mourning, it felt good to be able to laugh again.

It didn't take Leo long to ingratiate himself into the Blanchard home. Dusty didn't find him nearly as charming as his mother did. He remembered seeing him around the job site. He knew he wasn't part of the crew but he would appear at various times. Dusty remembered seeing him behind the counter of a coffee and doughnut stand he'd set up by the side of the road near the site where the workers would take their morning breaks.

Leo had taken up going to church with Connie and Dusty. One Sunday, on the way back to the Blanchard home, Leo suggested they go through Al's clothes and give them to the poor.

“The Al I knew was generous to a fault and I know he would want his things to go to a good cause.”

Connie hadn't been able to face that task but with dear Leo at her side she thought she was ready. Dusty wasn't sure he wanted Leo going through his pa's things and made sure he got to his dresser before Leo did.

Dusty opened the top drawer. He knew right away that it wasn't going to be easy to sort through all these things of his pa's. He found the pen knife he'd had since he was a boy. A pair of cuff links he remembered seeing pa wear every Sunday. A journal filled with entries in Pa's handwriting. Dusty had to blink away some tears and put the journal in his pocket to read when he was by himself.

Just then Leo came up behind him. He hadn't seen Dusty put the journal into his pocket but he started rummaging through the drawer himself. Dusty picked up some papers that looked like receipts. Leo grabbed them out of his hand and without saying a word stuffed them in his pocket and continued searching through the drawer. After he was satisfied he had seen everything in the drawer, he shut it abruptly and went on to the next. Dusty found another receipt tucked between two handkerchiefs. Something was not right. He saw his father's name on the bottom but it didn't look anything like his signature.

Suddenly Leo grabbed the receipt out of his hand.

“Unless you want the same fate for your mother as was your fathers, you will forget you saw this.”

Dusty looked into Leo's eyes and saw pure evil. He knew at that moment that his father's death was not accidental and he knew who was responsible for it.

The days went on and Leo became more and more important in Connie's life. One day he mentioned at the dinner table that there was a big construction project beginning in Camden Corners.

“Dusty wouldn't it be a good idea for you to sign on to the crew there. I would be sure your mother remained safe here in Greensboro if you were to do that.”

Dusty knew a threat when he heard it. He didn't want to leave his mother in the hands of Leo Carlisle but he also knew he had no choice.

As Dusty was packing his bag, he came across his father's journal. He had blanked it out of his mind. He dropped it in his bag. At the train station he gave his mother a big hug. She cried as he boarded the train and Leo whispered, “I'll be in touch.” Dusty was still shaking as the train pulled away from the station.

Dusty opened the journal and began reading his father's entries. Al's concern showed through on the first few pages of the journal. He had been aware that the materials they received for the project were not up to the usual standards of any of the companies the outfit had always dealt with. Al mentioned finding receipts with his name in the signature line but not signed by him. According to the journal, Al hadn't mentioned his suspicions to any of the crew. He had started his own investigation and was close to finding the answer. He went on to mention Leo Carlisle. Leo appeared on the job site one morning. He told Al he was in the insurance business and was inquiring about the project. Al informed him the job's insurance needs were covered and his services weren't required. He mentioned the look of pure evil in the man's eyes as he said, “We'll see about that.”

Al wired each and every company where original material orders had been placed. No recent orders had been received by any one of them. The same procedure was followed every time an order was placed. After writing the order and checking it for errors, he would give the paperwork to one of the crew members to take to the post office to be mailed to the supply company. He did remember asking Emmett Larson to take the order for steel girders. He called Emmett into his office and asked him to remember everything he could about the time between when he was given the envelope and when he delivered it to the post office. Emmett couldn't remember anything unusual but after a few minutes, he did recall something that was hardly worth mentioning. On his way across the street, a fellow bumped into him almost knocking him over. He dropped the envelope and the man picked it up and handed it back to him.

“Do you remember what the fellow looked like?”

“Yes sir. I have seen him around here before. He has been selling doughnuts from a stand across the street. Some of the fellows go there every morning during break. It is almost break time now and I think he might be out there sir.”

Al followed Emmett out the door and across to the coffee stand. He wasn't too surprised to see Leo Carlisle grinning at him.

“Good morning Mr. Blanchard. How nice to see you at my little coffee stand this morning.”

“Insurance business not going too well these days Leo?”

“On the contrary sir, on the contrary.” Leo's maniacal laugh sent chills down Al's spine.

Al spoke with several other workers who had delivered orders. In each instance they recalled a similar experience getting the envelope to the post office and each one of them remembered someone who looked like Leo Carlisle was involved.

The last entry in the journal was dated the day before Al died. He was going to report his suspicions to the sheriff first thing in the morning.

The Farmhand

 

Just a few days before the official start of autumn, the handsome stranger arrived in Camden Corners on the 10:40. He didn't really pick Camden Corners, it picked him since his funds were limited and he didn't want to spend what little money he had on a ticket that would take him any farther west.

As he hopped off the train, he wondered what he had gotten himself into. This was really a small town. The first thing he had to do was choose a name for himself. He didn't want anyone to know his identity. Charlie had a friendly ring to it. The fellow he met on the train told him he was traveling to Brentwood. Charlie Brent. That would be his new name. Sounds like an honest type guy.

Charlie spotted O'Sullivan's Pub and made that his first stop. Mack Mackenzie introduced himself to the stranger.

“Will you be settling down in Camden Corners or just passing through?” he asked.

Charlie liked this friendly bartender immediately.

“Looking for work for a few months and then I'll be on my way” replied Charlie. “Know anybody who is hiring”

Not that he had any skills, but it was worth a try.

“I heard, just this morning that Grandpa Wally Wallace is looking for someone to help him clear some land. You might want to pay him a visit. His house is just over the river and through the woods.”

Grandpa Wally wasn't Mack's grandfather. Everyone in town called him Grandpa Wally and his wife was Grandma Bess. Charlie finished his corned beef sandwich and draft. He thanked Mack and was on his way to cross the bridge and find his way through the woods to Grandpa's house.

Mack's mother, Fiona was setting tables getting ready for the lunch crowd when she overheard Mack and the stranger's conversation.

“Maybe you shouldn't have told that fellow where Grandpa Wally lives, Mack. You don't know anything about him. He seemed a little hesitant when he gave you his name, like it was something he had just thought up.”

“Oh, Ma, he had an honest face. He's from New York City and I don't mean from the seedy part of town. He has class.”

“Did he tell you this son?”

“No, I just know it from living there for a while. I'm sure it will be OK.”

Fiona could see the flicker of doubt in her son's eye and wasn't surprised when he called his father in to help with the lunch crowd. Mack decided to take a little walk to Grandpa Wally's just to make sure Charlie found his way without a hitch.

Wally and Bess were delighted to meet this charming stranger. Wally was getting up in years and the farm was taking more and more out of him. Wally knew there had to be more to Charlie than he was telling but he had a good feeling about him. Duke, his old bloodhound, took a liking to him too and Wally had faith in Duke's judgment.

Charlie was a muscular fellow but it was apparent he had never done much physical labor. He was soft but that wouldn't last too long with the work he would be doing in the fields. The two shook hands and Charlie was ready to go to work right then and there. At that moment, Mack appeared saying he wanted to make sure Charlie didn't have any trouble finding Grandpa Wally's farm. Charlie saw through the excuse but was touched that Mack was concerned enough about the old man to leave the pub during such a busy time of day just to make sure everything was as it should be.

Camden Corners might be a hick town but he was beginning to like it very much. Grandma Bess was happy Wally would have some much needed help and was busy washing blankets for the bunk in the barn. Charlie wouldn't have to worry about sleeping arrangements and he could already smell a ham baking in the oven. Yes, he was going to like Camden Corners that was for sure. By the end of the first day Charlie was so sore he could barely move his legs enough to climb into the comfortable bunk. Wally chuckled at the way Charlie tried to hide his pain. He was curious about the boy but knew he wasn't going to learn his story until Charlie was ready to tell it.

Charlie had been working for almost three days when he noticed Grandma Bess had company as the men walked toward the house for lunch. Grandma Bess introduced Charlie to their granddaughter, Betsy. Betsy was a beauty with fiery red hair and the greenest eyes Charlie had ever seen. Wally and Bess smiled broadly as the two youngsters nodded hello.

Betsy worried about her grandparents. They worked way too hard and now she wondered if maybe they trusted too much. Who was this good looking stranger? He didn't look like a farmhand to her. More like a man of the world. She asked Charlie how long he was planning to be in town but Wally stopped her questioning.

“Leave the young fellow alone, Betsy. He's been working up an appetite all morning and he doesn't need you prying into his business.”

Betsy, would let it go for now but she was not going to let Charlie off the hook that easily. Look at those hands, they were a little scratched up and sunburned but they certainly hadn't had a lifetime of hard work like any farmhand she had ever seen.

Charlie was enjoying every meal he had with Wally and Bess. Bess made the most wonderful tasting dishes. Charlie was afraid he was eating them out of house and home but Bess kept piling food on his plate. They laughed and joked and all had a good time.

Betsy was certainly a beauty. Charlie knew he shouldn't be interested in her but he was in spite of himself. Betsy, still curious about Charlie found him to be a fascinating conversationalist and very easy on the eyes. Yes, there was more to this fellow than he was letting on and she would get to the bottom of it. Charlie mentioned meeting Mack Mackenzie.

Betsy stopped by the pub on her way home to find out what Mack knew about the stranger who seemed to be an important part of her grandparent's life now. Mack told Betsy he was sure Charlie was from an upscale part of New York City. He was a bit leery of him too and worried about Wally and Bess. Betsy's next stop was the library where she searched the New York papers for the last few months. Betsy's heart sank when she saw a picture of Charlie and a very sophisticated beauty. The caption read:

Mr. & Mrs. Charleton Granholm Wentworth, III announce the engagement of their son, Charleton Granholm Wentworth, IV to Miss Phoebe Evandale Samuelson, daughter of the Honorable Herbert Jamison Samuelson and Mrs Carolyn Clement Samuelson of Washington, D.C.

Charlie wasn't smiling in the picture. He looked stiff and totally miserable. Miss Phoebe looked as though she was whiffing a very unpleasant odor. Betsy chuckled to herself when she wondered if Miss Phoebe's nose filled with water when it rained since it was pointed so far upward toward the sky.

Betsy was sorry she went snooping. She didn't like to think of Charlie being with that horrible snob. She had to admit to herself that she was jealous of this girl. Before Betsy left the library she confided in her friend Sarah Harcourt.

Sarah had heard the Wallaces had a stranger working for them and decided it was high time she and Max introduced themselves to the newcomer. Max was an author and could size people up in a hurry. He also had many contacts in New York and Washington and maybe he could find out some information about this mysterious stranger who looked just like the rich, spoiled New Yorker whose photo was in the newspaper.

Betsy and Sarah made plans to meet when school let out that day and Annie Mackenzie could take over Sarah's duties in the library for the afternoon. They stopped by Sarah's home on the way to the farm and Max joined their little adventure. Max loved a mystery and was working on a new one of his own.

Grandma Bess was delighted to see Betsy again and gave Sarah and Max big hugs. Nobody could fool the old woman, she knew exactly why they were here.

“Did you find any information at the library Betsy?” she asked with a sly smile on her face.

“Grandma, how did you know I went to the library” said Betsy as her face began turning a pretty shade of red.

“I know my granddaughter and you weren't going to let the Charlie matter go. Besides, if you hadn't found something in the New York papers, you and Sarah wouldn't be here now and you certainly wouldn't have torn Max away from his writing just for a friendly visit.”

Max laughed. He loved this old woman. Her body might be giving out a bit each year but her mind was as sharp as it had ever been. He never knew anyone who could pull the wool over her eyes or Wally's for that matter. He wasn't worried about the stranger because he trusted their instincts but he was curious and was determined to see if Charlie was really Mr. Charleton Granholm Wentworth, IV. Max had met Chip Wentworth as he was called. He didn't know him well but did remember talking to him at a gathering one time. He was very interested in Max's writing and wondered how he had gotten started in the business.

The foursome walked out into the backyard. They could see Wally and Charlie in the distance. They were using a two man saw on one of the dying birch trees out by the woods. Suddenly a gust of wind came up. Bess saw the tree start to sway and yelled Wally's name. Charlie heard her at that moment and pushed Wally down on the ground shielding his body with his own. Max and the girls ran as fast as they could to the pair. Bess was on her knees in prayer. Wally had the wind knocked out of him but was able to stand up and wave to Bess. Charlie was trapped under the tree and lay unconscious.

The four of them were able to lift the tree off Charlie but didn't dare move him. Betsy sat with him while Sarah walked Wally back to the house and Max ran to get one of Wally's horses to ride into town for the doctor. Doc Tom grabbed his medical bag and rode back to the farm with Max while Doc McMillan gathered the back brace and readied his buckboard for the trip. Doc Julie stayed behind to tend to a waiting room full of patients.

Doc Tom could tell right away that the stranger was seriously injured. He didn't appear to have any broken bones but there was deep gash on his forehead and no signs of consciousness. Doc did his best to patch up the head wound while he waited for his father-in-law to arrive with the back brace and buckboard. They knew it was dangerous to move the patient but they needed to get him away from the woods. The three men very carefully lifted Charlie and slowly carried him into the farmhouse where Grandma Bess had just placed fresh sheets and blankets on the bed just across from the kitchen. The doctors knew Charlie's condition was serious. They told his anxious friends that he may come out of the coma within a day or two or he could remain unconscious indefinitely.

Max couldn't be certain but he did believe Charlie Brent was same fellow he knew as Chip Wentworth. They shared their information with Wally and Bess. Wally was not pleased that Sarah went snooping into Charlie's personal business but even he had to agree it would be best to contact Charlie's parents.

Max rode into town that evening and sent a telegram to Mr. Wentworth. Betsy stayed by Charlie's bedside for the next three days. Wally and Bess watched over him hoping and praying he would open his eyes.

The 10:40 pulled into the train station on schedule. Mr. and Mrs. Charleton Granholm Wentworth, III exited the train with Miss Phoebe trailing behind.

“Why did that little twit have to come along?” Charleton grumbled to his wife.

Phoebe was covering her nose and mouth as though she was afraid to breathe in the fumes of fresh air. Max met them at the station and gave them a ride to the farmhouse to visit their son.

Charleton entered the small bedroom and was shocked to see the condition of his son. To his surprise, his eyes filled and his hand shook as he touched his son's cheek. He remembered that horrible day when the two quarreled. He had said some terrible things to Chip. He told him he was ashamed to call him his son. A son he had trained to take over in the financial world and all the boy wanted to do was write stories and live in a fantasy world. What kind of a man was that? Chip was furious with his father because he had announced his son's engagement to that driveling half-wit Phoebe Samuelson. Marry the girl? He couldn't stand to be in the same room with her. Her father was extremely influential and Charlton wanted the connection. He couldn't understand why his son wouldn't jump at the chance. He didn't have to love her, just have a couple of children with her and then he could bed whomever he wanted for the rest of his days. Chip turned on his heel and walked out the door. That was the last Charlton had seen his son until this moment when he looked to be on death's door.

Phoebe burst into the room and swooned as Max caught her before she hit the ground. She cried uncontrollably until Bess guided her out of the room and sat her on the sofa telling her to get a hold of herself. The tears stopped immediately once her audience had disappeared.

Charleton looked around and saw so many kind faces of those who cared about his son. Doc McMillan explained the situation to him. His first instinct was to call in every specialist in New York and Washington but he sensed that everything was being done for his son right here in the small town of Camden Corners.

Charlie's mother, Daphne, was sitting quietly next to her son's bedside. She was observing the young girl named Betsy. Her instincts told her Betsy's feelings were stronger than a simple friendship with her son. She knew he would never marry Phoebe and she didn't blame him. Unlike his father, Chip was not a shallow man. Charleton had married Daphne so many years ago, not because he loved her but because her father was an influential man. Daphne wasn't unhappy with the arrangement but she wanted more than a marriage of convenience for her son.

Charleton could take Miss Phoebe no longer and arranged for her transportation to the train station and sent her on her way. This was the least he could do for his son. He didn't want that insipid girl's face to be the first thing Chip saw when he woke up. Charlie was aware of voices in the background. His head was very sore and it was difficult to open his eyes but he wanted to know what all the commotion was about. He slowly opened his eyes and looked into the smiling face of Betsy Wallace. Doc McMillan was also smiling and hovering over him welcoming him back from his long rest. He suddenly remembered the tree falling down on Wally. He called Wally's name and when he saw the old man who's cheeks were wet with tears, he knew everything would be alright. It didn't take long before Charlie was feeling as good as new. His head was healing nicely and he was thankful for the new friends he had in Camden Corners.

Charlie and his father had a long talk. Charleton came to the realization with the help of Daphne that his son was his own man. Writing was a noble profession. Just look at William Shakespeare. Charlton also realized that Daphne was a pretty special woman and maybe his marriage meant more to him than just convenience. Charlton and Daphne bid goodbye to the good folks of Camden Corners with the promise of a return trip very soon. How about a Thanksgiving wedding Charleton shouted as he hopped on the train. Charlie and Betsy just smiled as Charlie squeezed Betsy's hand.