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.”

Second Chances

 

 

Hidden Assets

Nick Rossi was busy working the vineyards. It would be several years before the Hightower Vineyards would be producing the quality of grapes necessary for the truly exceptional wines he envisioned. The same wines as his father's vineyards in Tuscany were known for. Nick had saved some money and was being well paid by the Hightower brothers for his work in their vineyards. The brothers had inherited millions from their uncle who had been a recluse for most of his life. He knew Lucinda McCoy was also a beneficiary of Mr. Howard's estate. He assumed she had received a pittance because her daughter, Cassandra was the great granddaughter of Shane Howard. He was happy for her since Lucinda and her late husband had struggled to make ends meet since the day they left the orphanage where they both grew up.

Nick had fallen in love with Lucinda and her daughter. He was holding onto the ring his father sent with him when he came to America several years before. The ring belonged to his father's beloved Aunt Nicoletta and as the second born son, it was given to Nick for his future bride. He had no doubts that Lucinda was the woman for him but he wanted to be able to provide for her financially so she would never have to worry about money or the lack of it again.

Nick had been investing in the vineyard since its inception. The project wouldn't make a profit for a few years and the expenses were enormous. Work had begun on the winery. The Hightowers spared no expense in the building but the the brothers had enough money to cover any costs and still come out ahead. Nick's knowledge of the business was invaluable and he oversaw every detail.

Lucinda was working at the vineyard too. She acted as bookkeeper and general office manager. Cassandra had started school and since they lived in Caroline Watson Bentley's boarding house where her new husband, Jamison had hired both a maid and housekeeper, there wasn't enough to keep Lucinda busy. Not only that, she enjoyed being so close to Nick all day. She loved watching him work in the fields. He loved the work and it showed. Lucinda knew he would be popping the question any day now and was getting anxious to start their life together. She thought it was high time Cassandra had a houseful of brothers and sisters. One of the reasons she still lived in the boarding house was because of Kenny and Becky Bentley, the newly adopted children of Caroline and Jamison.

Lucinda had been shocked when she was notified that Mr. Shane Howard had remembered her in his will. She and Cassandra were millionaires. It didn't seem possible that less than a year ago she and her precious daughter had been living in poverty in New York City. Lucinda turned over her finances to Leland Harvey, the local banker. He kept close tabs on the investments he made for her and her money kept growing. Mr. Harvey encouraged her to spend more on herself but all her life she had been frugal and found it very difficult to change.

It was a rather warm fall day and Lucinda had made pitchers of lemonade that she carried out to the fields for the workers. One of those workers, Marco French added whiskey to his canteen and it was starting to show. He flirted openly with Lucinda. Lucinda brushed off his advances but Nick didn't like it one bit. Marco lifted weights when he wasn't working and it showed in his oversized muscles. The men all helped themselves to the lemonade and Lucinda left to go back to the office.

“That sure is one fine looking woman” Marco said rather loudly.

The other men tried to quiet him but to no avail.

“Not only is she a knock out, she's loaded too.”

Nick walked over to Marco and in no uncertain terms told him to shut his mouth.

“Hey I didn't see a ring on that little filly's finger so I'd say she was up for grabs. Who knows what she did for that old man, Shane Howard to get put in his will. He left her millions and I wouldn't mind taking some of that dough along with her.”

The other men knew that Nick was ready to strike a blow to Marco and they also knew Marco was capable of killing a man with his fists. They all grabbed Marco and forced him away from Nick.

“I don't need this hick town anyway” shouted Marco as he mounted his horse and rode towards the village.

Nick was furious. He didn't like anyone talking about a woman that way and especially Lucinda. Harold Hightower came over to see what all the commotion was about. Harold knew Marco French was a troublemaker. He would have Lucinda make out a final check with an additional bonus check. Harold was certain Marco would be at O'Sullivan's Pub and would deliver them personally to him. The bonus would be given only if Marco agreed to leave town and not return.

Nick was trying to calm down. He didn't realize how protective he felt toward Lucinda. He would gladly have faced the beating he would surely have received from Marco had they fought.

“Harold, what's this about Lucinda being a millionaire? I know Marco was just shooting his mouth off but why would he say a thing like that?”

“It's true Nick. My Uncle Shane was a strange man. He never acknowledged that Cassandra was his grandson's daughter. In fact he never acknowledged his grandson or even his son. Lucinda is worth a fortune although she hasn't spent much on herself or Cassandra.”

Nick was shocked and knew he had to confront Lucinda right away. She was busy cleaning up the pitchers from the lemonade when she saw Nick walk through the door. She knew something was wrong the minute she looked into his eyes.

“Why didn't you tell me you were rich?” he said frowning at her. Before she could answer he said “You know I can't marry you now. I would never be able to give you what you couldn't buy for yourself. Why weren't you honest with me Lucinda? Never a mention of the millions of dollars you have in your bank account. If there is one thing I can't abide, it's dishonesty. What other lies have you told me?”

Without waiting for an answer, Nick turned on his heel and walked out leaving Lucinda with her mouth open in disbelief.

Harold saw Nick stomping out of the office and knew there was trouble. He quickly ran to Lucinda. She was shaking and seemed to be in shock. He helped her close up the office and took her to the main house where he knew Dahlia and Hyacinth would be able to comfort her. He didn't understand Nick but would catch up with him and find out what transpired between the two of them. He had his suspicion that Nick was overreacting to the fact that Lucinda hadn't shared her financial circumstances with him.

Leaving Lucinda in the sisters capable hands, he left the house to find Nick and try to calm him down. Lucinda was still in shock.

“He accused me of being dishonest. The subject of the money never came up and you know I don't think of that money as being mine. I have been waiting for a good use for it and planned all along to give it away. I have never seen Nick like that and I'm not sure I ever want to see him again.”

Hyacinth wanted to wring Nick's neck.

“How could he do this to our dear Lucinda? I hope Harold finds him and gives him a good talking to.”

Nick climbed on his horse and rode to town. He was tempted to go to O'Sullivan's Pub but knew he didn't need to be imbibing when he was angry. He was sorry that he had spoken so harshly to Lucinda but how could she have kept quiet about having all that money. Rosa was surprised to see her brother in the middle of the day. It was just after the lunch crowd left and it was the quiet time of day for her before the early evening diners started arriving.

“What in the world is wrong with you Nicola? You look like you are ready for a fight.”

Nick told her about Lucinda and her money.

Rosa replied “How could you not have known about the inheritance? Everyone in town knew that. Lucinda doesn't talk about it because she doesn't think she is deserving of the money but it's a known fact. You are a darned fool if you have accused her of being dishonest. Oh Nicola, how could you?”

“Maybe I did overreact but the fact remains that I cannot and will not marry someone who isn't completely honest with me.”

Rosa knew her brother and knew there was more to his anger than Lucinda's money.

“What else happened today Nicola?”

Nick couldn't keep anything from his sister. “One of the workers was openly flirting with Lucinda and she did nothing to stop him. I couldn't help thinking of Marietta, she acted the same way when anyone flirted with her and and look what happened to our relationship.”

“Nicola, that was so long ago and there is no comparison between Marietta Keene and Lucinda McCoy. Do you remember that Lucinda spent most of her childhood in an orphanage? She told me once that the only way to avoid being bullied was to ignore the bullies. I'm sure that is what she was doing with that degenerate today. Have you ever seen her flirt or carry on with anyone before? Nicola, what has gotten into you. I haven't seen you act like this since you were 16 years old and had your heart broken by that insipid creature, Marietta Keene. I hope you haven't ruined the best thing that has ever happened to you. Now, go find Lucinda and beg her forgiveness before it's too late.”

Nick gave his sister a hug. She was right. He had been a real jerk. He only hoped Lucinda would be in a forgiving mood. He made his way back to the vineyard and passed Harold on his way to O'Sullivan's Pub to settle the account with Marco French.

“I don't know if she will see you Nick but I hope you can straighten out this mess.”

Nick gingerly knocked on the Hightower's front door. Hyacinth showed him in. He could tell Lucinda had been crying but was doing her best to hide it.

“Can we talk Lucinda?”

“I don't know what there is to say Nick, you said enough this afternoon.”

“I don't know why I spoke to you that way. I was frustrated because I want to be able to build a big beautiful house for you and Cassandra and I simply don't have the money to do it. Just when I was feeling like a failure, Marco started making remarks. I guess I thought you should slap his face or something and you had no reaction at all. I was jealous. Marco is a good looking man, the type any woman would be able to fall for and then he said that about you having so much money. I didn't believe it but Harold confirmed it and everything blew up in my head. I know that isn't any excuse for the way I spoke to you but I hope you will forgive me.”

Lucinda was quiet for a moment and then she said “Nick, I understand that sometimes frustration can be overwhelming. I have felt it too. When Cassandra and I lived in New York and I didn't know where I would get the money to put food on the table or whether her tiny feet would grow out of her only pair of shoes. I don't think you have ever missed a hearty meal or limped because your shoes were too small. I'm not judging you Nick, but I don't understand why you lashed out at me. I never tried to hide the fact that Mr. Howard left us money. It's money I don't feel deserving of. I don't want Cassandra growing up thinking that money is the only important thing in the world. I don't need a big sprawling house. I'm perfectly happy in one room of Carolyn Bentley's home although I know we can't live there forever. As far as Marco French goes, I couldn't tell you what that man looked like let alone whether he was good looking or not. I knew he was saying inappropriate things to me but I didn't find it important enough to respond to. Nick, I think we shouldn't see each other, at least for a while. It will give you time to think about your true feelings. Maybe your blowing up today was a sign that you are not ready to start a life with me and Cassandra. Now, if you will excuse me, school will be letting out soon and I must leave to meet Cassandra.”

She thanked Hyacinth for her hospitality and was out the door before Nick could think of any response at all. Hyacinth and Dahlia didn't hide the fact that they had been standing in the doorway listening to everything that was said.

Nick looked at them sheepishly “You ladies don't have to tell me what a heel I am, I'm well aware of it.”

He, too, was out the door.

“Don't worry about those two Hyacinth, this is just a little bump in the road. I think we should start planning a wedding”

The sisters giggled as they walked up the stairs to the nursery where four babies were not so quietly awaiting their arrival.

The Rightful Owner

 

The Rightful Owner

Angus Keefe was determined to retrieve his family's silver chalice. After receiving information from the conductor on the train from New York City to his home in St. Louis, he was returning to the small town of Camden Corners where the conductor believed the ruffian had jumped from the train with Angus' satchel and chalice still in his grubby little hand.

The passenger car was empty and since there was no one around to be bothered by the music Angus took out his clarinet and started playing. Angus was a music teacher. He loved music and could play any instrument but his favorite was the clarinet. He had dreamed of performing on stage in all the great music halls in the world. The truth was, he just wasn't good enough but he loved music and it soothed him.

He had just turned 27 that spring. He would like to settle down and marry his sweetheart, Abigail Wentworth but she told him she couldn't marry him until he got over his obsession with the Mount Keefe silver chalice. For as long as he could remember, his father and grandfather spoke of the chalice as though it were a living, breathing thing. On his deathbed, his father made Angus promise he would make the journey to Ireland, find the chalice and return it to the Keefe family where it belonged. Angus was fulfilling that promise until he foolishly sipped a bit too much port and allowed that urchin to steal the heirloom right from under his nose.

Emma and Lily were busy making plans for their double wedding ceremony and hadn't thought too much about the silver chalice Emma stumbled over in the sand. Emma ran into Sheriff Mendenhall on her way to Tempting Treats Bakery to pick up some confections to serve with tea at the antique shop and mentioned her find to him.

“I haven't had the time to do the research on the cup, but I do believe it may be very old and valuable to someone.” she told the sheriff.

“Couldn't be too important to anyone if it was just dumped in the sand but I'll nose around to see if I can locate it's owner.”

The sheriff had heard about the upcoming marriages of the Crowley boys. He knew old Oscar would be beaming. Those boys were his pride and joy and it was obvious to everyone in town that they had found their perfect mates.

“Goin' to be a lot of celebrating in the next couple of weeks.” The sheriff winked at Emma.

She knew he was a tough old bird but he did have a soft spot for romance.

The sheriff noticed a stranger over by the train station.

“Can I help you find your way mister?” he asked a nervous looking Angus. Angus noticed the gentleman walking toward him and was almost blinded by the bright shiny sheriff's badge he wore on his chest.

“No thank you sir. I'm headed to the boarding house down the road, but thank you just the same.”

The sheriff noted the stranger's odd behavior and made a mental note to check on the fellow while he was in town.

After Angus checked into the boarding house, he clutched his clarinet and began to walk around town to see what he could find. It was a quiet and comfortable town. He could picture himself sitting under that big old maple tree with its colors beginning to turn with Abigail at his side. He was beginning to wonder if he had done the right thing by taking the chalice from Father O'Connor's hands in the middle of communion. Maybe the guilt was what made him drink too much port on the train. He wasn't a violent man and wasn't even much of a drinker. He had to be honest with himself, having that chalice didn't give him the satisfaction he thought it would. In fact, he was wishing he had never gone to Ireland and never taken the chalice in the first place. All he wanted was to go back to St. Louis and marry Abigail. He knew what he had to do. He had to find the chalice and return it to the church where it was meant to be. Angus always thought best when he was playing one of his beloved instruments and began playing his clarinet.

Billy and Butch were going from shop to shop in Camden Corners. Kate and Will were outfitting each boy in their very own clothes. It was the first time either boy had ever had shirts and pants that didn't belong to someone else first. Their last stop was Floyd's Barber Shop where Butch went first.

“What handsome boys they are” Kate whispered to Will who was thinking the same thing.

When Butch was done he asked Kate if he could go out and walk around the park.

“Don't go too far dear, we don't want to lose you.”

Butch's heart skipped a beat. Nobody had ever cared where he went or whether they would ever see him again before.

Butch walked across the street to the park and heard the most wonderful sound. He had heard music before, there was always some kind of music coming out of the taverns on the streets of New York but this was different. He walked over to the man playing. It was quite some time before Angus noticed he had an audience.

“Hello, young man” he said “Do you play the clarinet?”

“No, sir” replied Butch “I don't know how but I sure do like to hear you play. How do you know how to do that.”

“It takes a lot of practice but here, you try it.”

Angus gave the boy some basic instructions. He had never seen anyone pick up on it so quickly and he'd taught many students.

“I think you are a natural son. Would your parents mind if I bought you a clarinet of your own? I saw one in the window over there in that antique shop that I think would be good for you to practice with.”

Strangers never frightened Butch because he had lived on the streets for as long as he could remember and everyone was a stranger. He followed Angus to the antique shop.

Lily thought it was odd that this man was buying young Butch an instrument, but Butch seemed to be comfortable with him. She had seen the family enter the barber shop a little while ago and thought it best if she went to find Will and make sure it was alright with him. Emma was standing close by and had the same fear as her friend. Emma knew what Lily was thinking and said “Lily dear, let me take over this sale, you don't want to be late for your appointment with Floyd”. Lily rushed out the door. Angus was paying for the clarinet when he happened to glance up on the shelf above Emma's head and saw the chalice. He knew in an instant that it was the Mount Keefe Chalice. He said in a much harsher manner than he intended “Where did you get that chalice?”

Emma with a bit of fear in her voice said she had found it in the sand on the beach.

“It isn't for sale sir, until we do some searching for it's rightful owner.”

“I'm its rightful owner” Angus said excitedly “It was stolen from me while I was sleeping on the train to St. Louis. The thief was just a young kid who was chased off the train in Camden Corners.”

Butch's eyes were as big as saucers as he realized who this man was and that he was thief he was talking about. He bolted from the shop and ran smack into Will who still had the barber's towel wrapped around his neck.

“Who are you and what do you want with my son?” Will shouted.

Butch was crying as Kate came around Will to hold him tightly. Between sobs, Butch told them he had taken the man's satchel. He thought maybe he had food in there but it was just a dumb old cup. He would have given it back but the conductor came after them and he forgot to let go of the satchel until he jumped off the train. He said he was sorry and he would go back to New York but please keep Billy with them. He's not a bad boy like I am.

Kate, Emma and Lily were all in tears as they heard Butch's plea for his friend.

Will said “Butch, stealing is never the right thing to do but we are your family now and families stick together.”

“But you haven't adopted me yet and you don't have to” he whimpered.

“Son, adoption is only a matter of signing some papers our hearts have already adopted you and Billy. We love you and you will be our son forever.”

Angus could not imagine what transpired over just the last few days to make this little ragamuffin a part of such a loving family. He would like to know the story but first he had to make it clear that he meant Butch no harm. He could tell Will was a reasonable man but he was protecting his child from a stranger whose intentions he wasn't sure of.

Angus explained that he was a music teacher and he suspected Butch had a natural musical talent that should be tapped. He had noticed the clarinet in the window earlier and thought it would be a good place to start. He then called Butch over because he wanted to clear the air with him regarding the chalice. He told the story of his promise to his father on his deathbed, his obsession with getting the chalice and the wrong he had done in stealing it. He realized the obsession that was passed down from generation to generation would have to stop with him. He thanked Butch for making him see what a real family is and he was going to sail back to Ireland to return the chalice to the church.

Will realized Angus was a good and decent man who never intended to hurt Butch. He and Kate invited him to supper that evening.

After the meal, they all gathered in the parlor. Kate played the piano, Will strummed his guitar, Angus helped the quick learning Butch with his clarinet and Billy sang his heart out even though it was just a little off key. Alma looked on through the kitchen doorway. Her heart burst with joy at the sight of this little family before her.

Angus wrote often to Butch and he and his wife, Abigail visited Camden Corners once a year after they were married. Each year they brought another little Keefe with them until they had 8 children in all. Angus returned the chalice to Father O'Connor and St. Patrick's Church. Father refused to press charges against Angus. He thought putting an end to the chalice obsession was the best solution. He also thought the chalice should be on display rather than being used for communion. Besides, the bishop made sure he had a more modern chalice to use and it was much lighter and easier to handle than the old one. Angus and Abigail visited St. Patrick's on their 25^th wedding anniversary and there in the vestibule was the chalice on its pedestal with the inscription:

MOUNT KEEFE SILVER CHALICE

Donated by: Liam Shamus Keefe 1590

Donated by: Angus Liam Keefe 1896

The Silver Chalice

 

The Silver Chalice

Will, Kate, Alma and Melvin were enjoying one of the few remaining summer nights on the porch of the vicarage. It had been an eventful day. Will and Kate had become engaged and were going to be married this coming Saturday. Two orphaned boys were sleeping soundly in the bedroom upstairs. Will was sure it was the first real bed they'd ever slept in.

Kate spoke aloud “I can't help but wonder if somewhere the boys' mothers aren't frantically looking for their children.”

Melvin spoke up “From what little Billy said tonight, I don't believe anyone is looking for them. I am under the impression that the boys are from New York City. New York is a fascinating and exciting city but the poverty is overwhelming. The wealthy have a tendency to believe that if someone can't take care of themselves they deserve the life they live. There are more children like Butch and Billy than we can imagine. Some whose parents have died from industrial accidents, illnesses or the bottle. Some who simply have too many children at home and abandon the older ones because there isn't enough food to feed them all. Many of these children's mothers are mere children themselves. Butch and Billy are both intelligent boys. Most of these youngsters are not as well spoken as either of them. I would guess it is Billy who is the observer and recognizes the proper way of speaking and conducting himself. I believe, in spite of his questionable beginning, he has the promise of a brighter future. Of course, that would be more easily attained if he were to be adopted by the two of you.”

Kate's heart was breaking for all the lost children. She knew she couldn't solve all of their troubles but she was determined to make a difference with the two boys upstairs. She and Will walked to the bedroom and watched them sleeping soundly. Kate pulled the covers up over Butch. She knew Billy considered himself too old for tucking in but she gently patted his head. She thought she saw him smile and hoped he was having a nice dream. A tear rolled down her cheek as Will gave her a hug. He knew he had found his very own angel and she would soon be his wife.

While Butch and Billy were sleeping peacefully, Angus Keefe was frantically searching the passenger car he had been riding in since he left New York City. The train pulled into the station in St. Louis an hour ago. Angus couldn't believe he had lost the chalice. His chalice. After years of hearing about the Mount Keefe Silver Chalice he was finally bringing it to its rightful home. His home, Angus Liam Keefe, direct descendent of Liam Shamus Keefe. The chalice was given to Liam by the artist in the late sixteenth century. His brother, Cain persuaded Liam to donate it to St. Patrick's Church in Dublin and there it had been all these years. Angus firmly believed the chalice should be his and traveled to Dublin several months ago. He spotted the chalice and at just the right moment, grabbed it out of the Father O'Connor's hands as he was celebrating holy communion. He ran from the church to his rented room, placed the chalice in the satchel he carried with him and was on the boat headed for New York before nightfall.

When the ship arrived in New York, he boarded the train for his home in St. Louis. Everything had gone so smoothly he was celebrating his success with a bit of port. The satchel was strapped to his arm but he found it difficult to eat his meal without the use of his right hand. He removed the strap intending to place it back on his wrist after dinner but was so enjoying his port, he fell asleep with the satchel unsecured.

“I've been robbed” Angus shouted.

Early the next morning Alma was in the kitchen stirring pancake batter. Ham and bacon were frying on the stove. The vicar, still sleepy from a late night, wondered how Alma did what she did. She wasn't a young woman anymore and here she was bright eyed and busy as a bee.

“Good morning Will. Did you sleep well? Kate was up with the birds this morning, she has gone to the telegraph office to wire her parents about the wedding. I hope you aren't disappointed that it won't be a big, glamorous affair?”

“As long as your granddaughter becomes my wife, I don't care what kind of wedding it is. I just hope it isn't a disappointment to Kate.”

With that Kate entered the kitchen. “I would think the mother of two would have more things on her mind than a big fancy wedding. I just want to marry my sons' father.”

They all laughed including Oscar Crowley who Kate happened to run into on her way home.

“I've told Oscar all about the boys and he wants to talk with them. He thinks, if the boys agree, there shouldn't be a problem adopting them. He knows the judge who would hear our case and thinks it would go smoothly. Oh Will, I hope you haven't changed your mind. I have already spoken to Nettie and she has offered to tutor the boys so they will be able to attend school in just a few months.”

“You have been busy this morning, haven't you? No, I haven't changed my mind. In fact, I haven't thought of anything else all night. Now, let's go wake up our sons so we can all sit down to this wonderful meal Great Grandmother Alma has prepared.”

Upstairs, two boys were waking up

“Hey Butch, what did you do with that satchel you swiped from that guy on the train?”

“Golly Billy, I forgot about that. I think I dropped it when we jumped off the train. It was just some dumb old cup anyway. I thought it was the man's lunch and I was really hungry. Billy, I think I smell bacon.”

Will tapped on the door telling the boys it was time to get up and come down for breakfast. They arrived in the dining room and saw Oscar Crowley. He greeted them in a deep voice. For an instant Billy was afraid Will really did call the sheriff on them but he saw the smile on the old gentleman's face and sat down folding his hands and bowing his head waiting for grace to be said. After breakfast, Oscar, Will and Kate called the boys into the parlor. Oscar wanted to know how they would feel about staying with Will for the next few days and Kate after the ceremony on Saturday.

“On Monday morning we will go to visit with a judge to see about Will and Kate being your new mother and father. Do you think you would like that?”

Butch was beaming. “You would be our ma and pa? Billy, did you hear that? It's even better than what you asked God for.”

Billy, didn't say a word for a few seconds. He glanced around the room and then said “You know what Pa? You were right about God, you can't see Him but you know He is there.” Everybody hugged and cried and laughed.

Oscar was beaming as he entered the Antique Shop.

“Sometimes things just work out as they should” he told Nettie.

Nettie was beaming herself. “Richard and Robert stopped by this morning. They asked us to join them and Emma and Lily tonight at the Trattoria for an early supper. The girls have been giggling all morning. I hope it's what I think it is and they have announcements to make.”

“It's about time” grumbled Oscar. “If I dragged my feet with their mother as they are doing, they never would have been born.”

Everyone was right on time that evening. Rosa had a bottle of champagne waiting for them as they sat at the table. Richard began the conversation by saying they would like Oscar and Nettie's help in planning a double wedding ceremony for them. After congratulations, handshakes and hugs, Lily said they thought a Christmas wedding would be nice.

“Christmas!” cried Oscar. “That's three months away. Haven't you kept me waiting for grandchildren long enough and you want to wait another three months?”

Nettie put her hand over his trying to calm him down.

Emma thought for a moment and then said “Would the first day of autumn suit you any better Father?”

“Now, here's a girl who makes sense. I'd rather the wedding were tomorrow but I suppose I can wait one more week.”

Everyone laughed at Oscar's impatience but they all agreed the sooner they were married the happier they would be.

After dinner, Oscar and Nettie excused themselves. They thought they'd head home to check on Polly and Faith. It was only a matter of time before Polly and Faith started a new life with Randy Burke. That was what Nettie wanted for the girl who had become like a daughter to her but she would miss them terribly.

The young people decided to take a walk along the beach before heading home. Richard and Robert were reminiscing about their dad while they were growing up. Although he was an extremely busy attorney and the only one within 50 miles back then, he always found time to be with his family. Both boys looked up to him and were very happy when some of Oscar's old clients compared them to father.

“The least we can do for the old man is give him a houseful of grandchildren.” Robert said with a twinkle in his eye.

“I'm all for that” replied Lily, her eyes flashing back at him.

Richard noted that Emma looked a little sad. “What's wrong, dear? You aren't having second thoughts about marrying me are you?”

“Don't be silly Richard. I can't wait to marry you. It's just that I don't have any family anymore. I was thinking of how happy my grandfather would have been to have a great grandchild.”

Lily spoke up. “Emma, there are so many people in Camden Corners who think of you as family. Nettie would be so hurt if she heard you talk that way. You know she thinks of both of us as daughters.”

Emma shook her head in agreement and was a little ashamed to be sounding so selfish. Richard squeezed her hand. At that moment, she began to fall. Richard grabbed her arm to catch her. She had stumbled on something half buried in the sand. She picked it up.

“This looks like a silver chalice and by the feel of it, I suspect it's quite old. There is some kind of writing on the bottom but it's too dark to make it out. Let's take it back to the shop, I'm curious as to what it says.”

When they entered the shop and turned on the light Emma realized the writing was in Latin.

“Nice to have an attorney around when you need one. Let's see how much of your Latin you remember.”

Richard read the words COK.ME.FIERI.FECIT.ANNO.DOMINI. 1590. Together the Crowleys translated the words into English COK had me made in the year of the Lord 1590.

Emma and Lily knew they had found a very valuable work of art. It would be a busy day tomorrow what with planning a wedding in just a couple of weeks and researching this silver chalice that they stumbled upon.

Still ranting and raving over his missing satchel, Angus was close to strangling the conductor if he didn't tell him who could have stolen his property. The conductor did remember chasing two boys off the train and he may have seen a satchel flying through the air when they jumped. Finally he remembered it was just as they were coming into Camden Corners. He warned the Camden Corners station master, Lionel Cotton that the boys might try hopping on the next train and to keep an eye out for them.

Angus was at the ticket counter within minutes. He would track down those ruffians if it was the last thing he did. After all his hard work getting the chalice back to its rightful owner, he was not about to lose it now.

The Village of Camden Corners

All new stories in the continue tales of the folks of Camden Corners.  On sale now at createspace.com and amazon.com

$7.99 plus shipping.  Also available on Nook for $5.99

Follow the loves and lives of the friends and residents of Camden Corners at the turn of the 20th Century.  Love is always in the air or just around the corner.  

The Village of Camden Corners: A Collection of Short Stories
Authored by Jane O'Brien
List Price: $7.99

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.

Summer's End

 

Summer's End

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Howard, you have a son.”

Lily came running out of the house.

“Richard!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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