Murder in Greensboro

Murder in Greensboro

Everyone gasped when Sheriff Daniels stood at the door of the Clear Lake cabin and announced Oscar Crowley was under arrest for the murder of Marlin Cooper.

“I'm going with you,” cried Nettie

“Sorry ma'am. This is official business and you will not be allowed to ride with Mr. Crowley. You may follow us to the police station and wait to see him until after we complete our investigation.”

“Nettie, darling. Go back home with Jonas. Tell Richard and Robert what is happening and have one of them meet me in Greensboro. There has been a huge misunderstanding. I want you to go home and wait for me. I'm sure I will be there before dinner tonight. Jonas please take Nettie back to Camden Corners.”

Off the sheriff went with his prisoner in tow. Nettie and her friends were watching in disbelief as Oscar was hauled away like a common criminal.

Jonas said “Let's get back to Camden Corners right away. The best way we can help Oscar is to let his sons know what is going on.”

The ride back to town was a somber one. Not anything like the trip to the cabin just the previous morning when they were laughing and singing. Nettie couldn't understand why that sheriff would even consider her Oscar could do such a thing.

They finally arrived in Camden Corners and went directly to the law office. Robert was standing at the doorway.

“We know father was arrested. Richard is already on his way there. I was waiting for Nettie to return. We knew she would want to go with me to Greensboro. Polly is at your place, Nettie. She is packing an overnight bag for you. Emma is taking care of Faith for a few days. Polly will be joining us also.

“Of course she will. In my state of mind I have only been thinking of Oscar. I haven't even considered the fact that Polly's father is dead. I'm sure she has mixed feelings about him but he was her father. Robert, why on earth would they think Oscar of all people would have anything to do with a murder? It's absurd.”

“I don't know what led them to Father. The sheriff showed up at your house early this morning he handed the housekeeper a search warrant. She didn't know what to do and rushed to our house very distraught. The sheriff found a bloody knife tucked in the seat of Father's carriage. Robert and I are sure someone planted it there when Father was in Greensboro the other day. Unfortunately, he was spotted at the hospital talking with Mrs. Cooper. He didn't mention going into the room to see Marlin and I can't imagine that he did. The sheriff referred to an anonymous tip. Nothing adds up here. We know Oscar Crowley is incapable of murder. We will get to the bottom of this Nettie, I promise you.”

Polly was anxious to arrive in Greensboro. The trip seemed to take longer than usual and the snow packed roads didn't help. Nettie held her hand trying to calm her but Nettie was upset herself.

“Paw was a mean husband and horrible father Nettie, but he was my father. I can't help but wonder what in his life made him the way he was. I have a hard time believing a man can be born evil. I won't be shedding a tear for him but I am concerned about Mama. I know she has all but abandoned the children and now with Paw gone I don't know how she will cope with the loss. The Prestons have been a godsend to our family. I can't imagine what would have happened to the children without money to buy food or clothing. I feel so guilty about living in such a happy home with you and Oscar while my siblings were suffering so.”

“Polly, don't be so harsh toward yourself. You were told not to come home or to try to see the children. There was nothing you could do for them. Gladys Preston told me your little sister, Ginny has started calling her mama. The other children are all happy and healthy. We will make sure your mama is taken care of. She may need some rest you know. There is a small home just outside of Greensboro that helps people who are distraught. Oscar visited the home when he was in Greensboro the other day. He was very impressed with the caregivers there. I know he'd planned to discuss it with you. It may be where your mama needs to be for a while.”

When they arrived in Greensboro, Polly went directly to the Preston house. The children were happy to see their big sister again. They were adjusting well to the news of Paw's death but were worried about their mother. Gladys told her Alice was still sitting in the waiting room of the hospital. She didn't seem to understand that her husband was dead. The nurses were willing to let her stay until Polly arrived in town but something had to be done soon. Polly was the oldest and therefore had the authority to have her mother placed in the home Oscar had been to a few days ago. Arthur accompanied Polly and Gretchen to the hospital. Their mother was still sitting on the sofa in the waiting room.

“Mama” Polly said tearfully, “It's Polly.”

There was no response. The frail woman was staring into space. Polly and Gretchen agreed that she would not be able to go back to the family home. Alice was taken out of the hospital and escorted to the rehabilitation home as both girls held each other and cried for their mama.

Polly left her sister and Arthur promising to return to the Preston house in time for supper. She needed to be with Nettie as she waited to hear word of Oscar.

Richard finally came out of the interrogation room. “There isn't much to tell. Father is doing well. He is more worried about you Nettie than he is about his situation. He will mostly likely be staying the night in a jail cell. I think the district attorney has a vendetta against Father because of a case he tried here a few years ago. He made a fool of him and he is still carrying a grudge.”

Robert spoke up, “They aren't going to let you see Father tonight. He insists we register you and Polly at the hotel on Main Street for the night. We will escort you to the Preston house where you are expected for supper and Arthur will make sure you arrive safely at the hotel later this evening. Richard and I have a bit of investigating to do. We will meet you at the hotel and fill you in on what we find.”

Reluctantly, Nettie agreed to the plan. She didn't want Oscar worrying about her so she did as he asked.

The children were relieved their mama was going to be well taken care of. Polly spoke privately with the older children. Their house would have to be sold to pay for their mother's room and care. Oscar Crowley had set up a trust fund for Alice but Polly refused to allow him to shoulder the expense of caring for her mother. The children were all in agreement. The house had been filled with nothing but unpleasant memories for several years. They were happy they would be able to stay with the Prestons.

Oscar told his sons everything he could remember about his time in Greensboro. His first stop was to the Preston house. He was assured the children were happy living with Gladys and Arthur. One by one the children all arrived home from school. They had all put on weight since Polly's wedding just a couple of weeks ago. It was obvious they were being well taken care of. While Oscar was there Danny Mackenzie came calling for Gretchen. It was unmistakable the boy was smitten and Gretchen couldn't keep the smile off her face. Oscar was happy for her. She couldn't ask for a nicer family to be a part of. Gladys said she was was worried about Alice. She had been to see her just yesterday. The woman just sits in the waiting room until the nurse tells her it's time to visit with Marlin. She doesn't seem to be aware of her surroundings. Gladys mentioned the home in town. I would much rather see her in a place like that rather than an asylum. I have spoken with the director and she said they have had people like Alice and with time they have been able to come back to the living. Oscar's next stop was to the hospital. He sat with Alice for a while but she didn't respond to him. There were many people in and out of the area but he did remember seeing a disheveled looking gentlemen entering Marlin's room. The man didn't stay for long and had his head turned but Oscar recalled seeing that face somewhere before. He'd left his carriage in front of the hospital. He remembered the valet telling him a gentleman was getting very close to his carriage and he approached the man and asked if he could help him. He told him no, he was just admiring the carriage. When he described him, Oscar thought it sounded very much like the fellow he had seen coming out of Marlin's room. He left to tour the home that had been recommended for Alice and spoke with the director and caregivers. He met Cody Hill who had just finished his classes at the university for an early supper and then left for home.

The sheriff was much more cooperative than the district attorney. He told the Crowleys a messenger had dropped off an envelope with a torn piece of paper in it with the words. Oscar Crowley is a killer. Look in his carriage. We had to investigate because it was a known fact that your father was in the hospital just before Marlin Cooper was found stabbed to death. Sheriff Daniels thought the whole thing seemed fishy but the DA insisted we go after Oscar.

The Crowleys examined the paper and determined it had probably come from butcher paper that was used to cover tables in some of the less than desirable watering holes. They knew Marlin had frequented Shaky's Bar and headed there to see if they could find any evidence of the torn paper.

The lights were dim in the dingy little bar. The Crowley brothers realized they were out of place in their natty suits and overcoats. All heads turned when the two men walked through the doors.

“What can I get ya?” the bartender grumbled.

“A couple of beers and a little information” Richard said “Our old man is in jail accused of murdering Marlin Cooper. Anybody in here know anything about that?”

A squirrely little man started toward the back door. Robert went after him and caught him by the collar of his frayed jacket.

“Come on pal. Let me buy you a drink. Come sit down with my brother and me. We want to ask you a few questions.”

“Hey, stop disturbing the customers. If your father did off Marlin Cooper he should be given a medal. Benjy, tell these blokes to leave you alone.”

Benjy felt his knees go weak. A drink sounded awfully good and with these guys buyin' he was gonna get himself a double shot of the best bourbon in the joint.

“Don't know nothin' about no murder but I'll take that drink.”

After Benjy downed the drink in one swallow Richard said “Tasted pretty good huh Benjy? How would you like another?”

Benjy nodded his head and thought he must have died and gone to heaven.

“We'll get you another one Benjy as soon as you tell us what you know about Marlin Cooper and how he died.”

Benjy thought for a minute. It really wasn't his fault Marlin was dead. It was self defense after all. His mouth was watering for another shot, this time he'd order a triple.

“I'll tell ya what happened. Marlin is a pal of mine. We were in the pokey together. They said I was a vagrant just because I was sleepin' in the alley. I'm no vagrant. I have a home. I was just too tired to walk there that night. Marlin was madder than a pistol when he was in that jail cell. He said he was goin' to go to some little town down the road and wring the neck of somebody named Polly. Then he said he'd do the same thing to Oscar Crowley. I remembered a fellow named Oscar Crowley. He was a friend of Judge Martin. I like the judge. He always put two bits in my hat when I was just sitting and resting by the court house. I used to see him with Oscar Crowley too. I knew Mr. Crowley because of the time I had a really awful belly ache. Mr. Crowley stopped when he saw me and asked if he could help. Everybody else just passed me by. Mr. Crowley took me to the hospital and they fixed me up good. This pretty little nurse told me Mr. Crowley paid the doctor to help me feel better. Now I'm feelin' kinda low 'cause of what I did. He didn't deserve to be blamed for Marlin bein' dead.

When I got outta the pokey a few days later I went to see Marlin. I thought he was my friend but boy was I wrong there. He gave me a knife that he had swiped from somewhere. It wasn't a very big knife so I guess he could hide it pretty easy. He said the nurse told him Oscar Crowley was out in the visitor's room with his wife. He said he was tired of the woman 'cause she was always cryin' about somethin'. He told me to go out there and stick the knife into his wife's heart and then yell that Mr. Crowley killed her. Oh yeah I was suppose to hide the knife in the sofa. I told Marlin I ain't never killed nobody before and I didn't want to do it. He started yellin' at me and called me all kinds a names and then he started laughin' at me sayin' I was a yellow bellied coward. I just wanted him to stop. My paw always called me a coward just before he took his belt to me. I had that knife in my hand and before I knew what was happening, I had shoved that knife deep into Marlin Cooper's belly. I'll never forget the look on his face when he realized I wasn't a coward after all.

I walked out of the hospital and saw a swell lookin' carriage there. The doorman asked what I was doin' near Mr. Crowley's carriage. It was like I wasn't good enough to stand by a fancy carriage. When he turned his head I stuck the knife in between the seats. When I got here to Shaky's, I started wonderin' if maybe somebody saw me in Marlin's room. That was when I wrote that note about Mr. Crowley bein' a murderer.”

Robert brought the anticipated shot of bourbon to Benjy. “It's a triple, just like you wanted Benjy.” It would be the last drop of bourbon Benjy would enjoy for a long, long time.

After telling the sheriff his story, Oscar was released immediately. On his way out of the jail, he told Benjy he would arrange to have one of his friends represent him. Oscar knew what kind of a man Marlin Cooper could be and that he was capable of angering someone to the point of murder. He knew he would be sentenced to a prison term but a good defense lawyer should be able to shorten the term. He also was hopeful Benjy would be able to get some help with his drinking problem. He really wasn't a bad guy.

Arthur Preston walked Nettie and Polly through the doors of the hotel. They looked up to see Oscar waiting for them with his arms wide open.

Polly listened silently as Oscar repeated Benjy's confession to the murder of her father, Marlin Cooper. Tears were streaming down her cheeks at the thought of her father's intent to kill her mother. She knew he was an evil man but this was too much even for him.

“I can't believe Paw would go so far as to have my mama killed.”

Oscar put his arm around her. “Polly dear, it's true your paw was not a kind man by any stretch of the imagination but from what the doctors told Robert and Richard he was also a very sick man. There was nothing that could be done for him to make him well. The medicine he was given to relieve the pain most likely affected his reasoning. Since he considered me the enemy and heard that I was with your mama he thought of her as the enemy too.”

Polly cried in Nettie's arms. She cried for her father who she hoped had found the peace in death that he never had in life. She cried for her mother who lost her spirit but with the help she would be getting had a chance to find it again. She cried for her siblings who lost one set of parents but had a chance for a full and happy life thanks to the Prestons. She then thought of her new husband Randy and her precious Faith and the love she felt from these two wonderful people who sat beside her. The tears stopped and she was able to smile again.

The next morning after a brief stop at the Preston household to say goodbye to the children, the group headed towards Camden Corners. It would be so good to be home.

Oscar's incarceration had been the talk of the town and everyone was relieved when he arrived back home

Josie Blackburn's editorial was a demand for the firing of the district attorney. She talked about the vendetta he had against Oscar and how he'd forced the sheriff to arrest an innocent man. Anyone who knew Oscar Crowley knew he would never commit murder and even if he did he wouldn't be dumb enough to hide the murder weapon in his own carriage. Arthur Preston reprinted Josie's editorial in the Greensboro News and the following week it was announced that the mayor had appointed a new district attorney.

Let it Snow

Let it Snow

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

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

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

“Thank heaven for indoor plumbing” cried Nettie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Cabin on Cedar Lake

The Cabin on Cedar Lake

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It Was a Very Good Year

It was a Very Good Year

Polly Cooper was giddy with excitement, tomorrow she would be Mrs. Randolph Burke. She picked up Faith and held her tight. She tried not to think about what could have happened if her father had sent Faith to an orphanage as he planned. Polly gave birth to Faith and escaped her Aunt's house coming directly to Camden Corners where her life had been transformed thanks to Nettie Crowley and Randy Burke.

Faith was a happy toddler who gave kisses and hugs to everyone she knew. They would miss living with Nettie and Oscar. Polly was studying to be a teacher. Randy thought she would make an excellent teacher and encouraged her to continue her studies after they were married. She planned to do that but her first priority was going to be wife and mother. She knew she would never be like her mama who was browbeaten by her husband. Nettie told her not to be too judgmental towards her mother. She didn't know the background of her relationship with Polly's father but Nettie knew first hand what a nasty man Marlin Cooper could be. She didn't know Alice well but she suspected she may have been intimidated into marrying the man.

Polly chased away those unhappy thoughts and danced around the room with the giggling little girl. “We're getting married tomorrow Faith.”

Nettie knocked on the door. “Sounds like there are two happy ladies in here” she said.

“Oh Nettie, I am so happy I have to pinch myself but we are going to miss you so.”

Nettie's eyes filled up. “You will be living close by and I'm grateful for that but it won't be the same. This is the way it should be though and I couldn't be happier for my two girls. Randy Burke was made to order for you and you for him.”

Polly hugged Nettie who was like a mother to her. “Guess we'd better get going Faith. We have to get to the church to decorate for our wedding reception.” she turned to Nettie “I think half the town will be there this morning. The Burkes have a big family and wherever there's a Burke there is always a Mackenzie close by.”

Nettie offered to watch over Faith while Polly went to the church to arrange the decorations. She was surprised when she arrived there and most of the work was done. It looked beautiful with all the shimmering lights and silver and gold decorations.

“Polly dear, I hope you don't mind that we did all this” said her soon to be mother-in-law, Nadine. We didn't mean to take over but we started and there are so many of us before we knew it we were done.”

“Mind? I love it.” Polly hugged her and went around the room embracing everyone in the room. She was going to like her new family very much. Being the oldest in her family it was Polly who had to do all the planning for any occasion. Her mother was always too busy or too tired to even hang a streamer on the door when it was one of the children's birthdays. Polly had to chase those feelings away. As much as she would like to have her brothers and sisters at the wedding it wasn't going to happen and she had to stop thinking about it.

Randy Burke was becoming an expert with the printing press. He and Josie were able to put out the Chronicle three times a week now. Josie was a natural journalist. She was able to make the ordinary seem unusual and the unusual seem extraordinary. She was up on all the the current events and made sure her readers were well informed. She was able to voice her opinion in her editorials without infuriating anyone. The size of the paper was expanding into two pages thanks to all the advertisement. The businesses around town were anxious to have their ads in the paper and business in Camden Corners was booming.

Arthur Preston of the Greensboro News would drop by occasionally to see if Randy needed any help. Randy had been a quick study and was almost as adept at running the machine as Arthur was. Arthur enjoyed visiting the Chronicle office. Today he was listening to Randy talk about his upcoming wedding. Arthur remembered Polly from Greensboro. She was a lovely young woman which was hard to believe considering the family who raised her. The last he heard Marlin Cooper was in jail for assaulting the bartender at a sleazy tavern just outside of town. Mrs. Cooper spent her days waiting to see her husband and leaving her children to fend for themselves. The children all went to school and were always clean although their clothes were ill fitting and tattered. Arthur's wife suspected the other children at school teased them and it was the older children that made sure the younger ones were clean. There wasn't much they could do about their torn clothing but it was always clean too. Arthur innocently asked if the Coopers would be at the wedding. Kenny told him of the estrangement.

Arthur returned to Greensboro. He and his wife Gladys thought they should do something to rectify the situation. They knew Polly well enough to know she would want to have some of her family at her wedding. Arthur knew the two oldest boys as they delivered papers for the News. Gladys knew all the children as she volunteered in the school cafeteria three days a week. They had a plan. With Mrs. Cooper gone most of the day she wouldn't have to know about their plans until after they had everything in motion.

That very afternoon, Arthur and Gladys rode to the house in the country that the Cooper family called home. The oldest girl, Gretchen opened the door.

“Hello Gretchen, Mr. Preston and I have come to let you know that your sister Polly is getting married tomorrow. Would you and your brothers and sisters like to go to the wedding with us. I'm sure it would make Polly very happy if you were there for her.”

Gretchen's eyes were like saucers. “Polly is getting married? Papa said she was soiled and nobody would ever marry her.”

“Your Papa was mistaken” Gladys said with a shudder “Polly is marrying a wonderful young man named Randy Burke. He loves your sister and little Faith very much and they love him too. Would you like to go to the wedding?”

“Papa says we can never see Polly again.” By then the other children were also standing at the doorway.

Ginny, the youngest girl called out. “I want to see Polly get married. Can we Gretchen, please?”

The other children joined in.

“Papa isn't here, he doesn't have to know.”

“Yes, let's go Gretchen. We haven't seen Polly in ever so long.”

“I want to see Polly's baby.”

Gretchen knew she was making a mistake but she missed her sister too and was about to say they could go but then looked down at her torn dress.

“We can't go in these clothes. It would embarrass Polly if we showed up in these old torn dresses and shirts. Ginny doesn't even have a pair of shoes that don't have holes in the bottom from being worn by each of us girls. Thanks Mrs. Preston but we won't be able to go”

“Nonsense. If it's only clothes and shoes we can fix that this afternoon. What time does your mama come home today?” Gladys was having to think fast because she knew Mrs. Cooper would never let the children go to the wedding.

“Mama won't be home until Papa gets out of jail on Tuesday. She said he wanted her to stay at the jailhouse with him.”

“Why?” Gladys found herself asking.

“Because he loves her so much he wants her to be near him even though he can't see her.”

Gladys couldn't understand where the woman's head was but now was not the time to figure it out. These children looked hungry and cold. She knew it would be a little crowded at their house tonight but she insisted they come home with her. She had a big pot of soup on the stove that should fill them up and then they were all going to go shopping. She knew Arthur would be in agreement without even asking.

The big day was finally here. New Year's Eve. Polly and Randy would start the new year as husband and wife. Polly wasn't nervous as she slipped into the beautiful pale yellow dress she would wear as she repeated her vows with the only man she had ever truly loved. Randy couldn't understand why she couldn't wear white like other brides but he liked the color yellow better anyway. Faith's little dress was made of the same pale yellow material as her mother's. Nettie, Emma, Lily and Ethel were all there to help her. For something old Nettie gave her a pendant to wear around her neck. Nettie's mother had worn the pendant on her own wedding day and Nettie also wore it the day she married Oscar. Emma gave her a blue hankie to carry. Lily let her borrow her small bible and Ethel placed a new hair clip in her hair.

All of Polly's friends had made her feel like a member of a family again. She was so grateful to them for making her almost forget her real family in Greensboro.

Randy was peeking into the crowd of people from the side of the altar when he saw Arthur and Gladys Preston being escorted down the aisle followed by several well dressed children. Randy knew right away who the children were. The tallest girl looked exactly like his soon to be wife. The children were all decked out in lovely new clothes and shoes. The littlest with a big bow in her hair. Everyone was sitting quietly when the organ music started and the procession of lovely bridesmaids started down the aisle.

Randy couldn't take his eyes off his beautiful bride. She was walking with Oscar Crowley and was smiling at him as she walked toward him. Just before she reached the altar she heard a little voice say “Hello Polly”

She turned around and saw her brothers and sisters sitting in the front pew and looking so beautiful and handsome. She went over to them and hugged each and every one.

“It's so good to see you but I think I'd better not keep these folks waiting any longer. They came here to see a wedding.

Vicar Will pronounced the couple husband and wife and introduced Mr. & Mrs. Randy Burke to the guests.

The new Mrs. Burke spent the next 30 minutes introducing her Greensboro family to her Camden Corners family. She was grateful to Gladys and Arthur Preston for what they had done for the children. She knew her father had not provided them with the clothes they were wearing.

Arthur and Gladys spoke briefly with Oscar about the circumstances they found the youngsters in. They wondered if there was a legal way they could take custody of the children. Oscar thought it was quite possible that Mrs. Cooper's mental state might be in question. He promised he would look into the matter.

The Cooper children had the most wonderful time at the reception. They were able to play with the other children there. Something they were never allowed to do at home. They all loved their little niece and their new brother-in-law. Ginny thought he was very handsome. Gretchen caught the eye of Danny Mackenzie. He asked if he could take her to a movie next week. She reluctantly turned him down. She knew her father would never let her go out with a boy. He told all his daughters that only evil comes from boys. “Just look at your sister,” he would say. Gretchen supposed he was talking about Faith but how could that dear little girl be evil. She was beginning to wonder if maybe her father might be the evil one.

The party was in full swing. Even the youngest were still awake waiting to see the new year in. All the older men synchronized their pocket watches and everyone started counting down

FIVE-FOUR-THREE-TWO-ONE

HAPPY NEW YEAR.

There was much optimism in the crowd that evening. Polly and Randy's lives together were just beginning. It wouldn't surprise anyone if by this time next year Faith had a little sister or brother.

Life was never going to be the same in the Cooper house outside of Greensboro. Gretchen changed her mind and accepted Danny Mackenzie's invitation to the movies and she didn't care whether her paw liked it or not.

Arthur Preston was already planning to give up his study to make it into a bedroom for the Cooper boys.

Oscar Crowley was discussing the custody of the Cooper children with his sons.

Several of ladies who were expecting babies were gathered in one little corner of the room discussing layettes and nursery colors. Julie Campbell joined them with a smile on her face. Her sister Josie was thrilled at the prospect of having a little niece or nephew.

Reggie and his father were giving their opinion of the wine that was being served at the reception until Lucinda and Anna interrupted them for a dance.

Nettie was holding a sleeping Faith as she looked around the room and wondered what lay ahead for the folks of Camden Corners in the new year. It would be a year filled with anticipation. The winery should be open for business soon and the first grapes will be ready for harvesting in the fall. The hospital will be up and running bringing many newcomers to Camden Corners. The Weston Camera Company is schedule to begin operation soon. What new surprises lay in store for her adopted little town? She hoped the good would outweigh the bad, the smiles would be plentiful and the frowns infrequent. She loved watching the happy expressions on the Cooper children's faces and knew their future was going to be brighter because they had won the hearts of the good folks of Camden Corners. Nettie looked up and saw Oscar smiling at her.

“Yes my dear, it's going to be another very good year.”

Christmas Magic

Christmas Magic

It was the week of Christmas and the town of Camden Corners was a bustle of activity. The sun had come out a few days after the early December blizzard and the snowdrifts were disappearing each day although there was a fresh coating of snow covering the ground.

School was out for the holiday and the children were taking full advantage of the snow. Billy and Butch Duesenberry were looking forward to their first Christmas in Camden Corners. They had always been aware of the holiday. People were always a bit more generous at that time of year and the boys had found panhandling to be very profitable in December. They were very happy they didn't have to rely on strangers' generosity anymore. Kate and Will were delighted their home was filled with laughter and activity that the two growing boys provided. Will believed he was the luckiest man in the world. Kate was everything he had ever dreamed of. In less than a year's time he was a married man with two sons and a baby on the way. He had to pinch himself every once in a while to make sure it was true.

Will was looking forward to the annual Christmas pageant. The Ladies Auxiliary had always taken charge of the event in the past with Will's blessing. It was an event everyone in town looked forward to every year. The tradition had gone on for so many years that some of the early Marys and Josephs were watching their grandchildren in those roles now.

This evening is their last rehearsal before the Christmas Eve presentation. Cassandra Rossi is Mary this year. Kenny Bentley is playing Joseph. Becky Bentley is a singing angel. This is a variation of the usual performance because Becky's sweet voice is so heavenly. Will's son, Butch also is playing a solo on his clarinet. He is a natural with a musical instrument.

Iris Taylor is one of the wise men. She had been practicing the word frankincense all morning. She thought it would be easier if she had been the wiseman carrying the gift of gold to the baby Jesus but she accepted her part and her lines without complaint. Iris was rehearsing while her new baby sister was watching from her cradle. Little Jennie Taylor had been born in September. She will be playing the part of the baby Jesus in the pageant. Joey was running around being a boy but Iris didn't seem to mind.

Diana and Joe Taylor were watching their children from the doorway. The day Iris came into town less than two years ago changed their lives completely. They had been married for five years and were afraid they were not going to ever have a baby. Shortly after they became parents to Iris, little Joey was on the way and before too long Diana discovered she was expecting another and Jennie was the result. Diana and Joe had so much to be grateful for this year.

Kenny Bentley wasn't sure he liked the idea of wearing a beard in the pageant tomorrow night.

“This thing itches. Couldn't we pretend Joseph went to the barber shop that day?”

Caroline Bentley laughed. “Have you ever seen a barber's pole in a picture of the desert Kenny?”

Caroline was reflecting on the previous year too. She was all by herself in this big house just a few months ago when her daughter, Grace married her long time beau, Ted Evans. Shortly after Lucinda and Cassandra came to live in the boarding house she was reunited with Jamison Bentley. Caroline and Jamison knew they were meant to be together and planned a future. Suddenly, two young orphans were in their lives and they became a family. The surprises weren't over when soon after their marriage, Caroline discovered she was expecting a baby. She didn't believe it was possible since her daughter, Grace was making her a grandmother for the first time.

“Grandmother's don't have babies,” she insisted to Doc McMillan.

Once the shock wore off, she and Jamison were delighted at the prospect of a new baby of their own.

Lucinda and Cassandra moved out of the boarding house after Lucinda's marriage to Nick Rossi but the house was still full especially when Jamison's two sons came for a visit.

Caroline knew Kenny would be wearing the beard whether it itched or not. He was a pleasant child who had faced more tragedy than any young boy should have to. His mother died after a long illness and his father eventually drank himself to death after he lost his wife. Kenny took full responsibility for his young sister, Becky. Becky was mute because of fear her father had instilled in her. After a few months of living around people who loved and cared for her she came out of her shell and began speaking again. That was when it was discovered that she had such a lovely singing voice.

Caroline didn't think she could ever be happier than she was right now and then felt Jamison's strong arms wrapped around her waist.

Cassandra Rossi picked up the necklace her papa, Paul McCoy, had given her shortly before he was gunned down on the streets of New York City. Cassandra was only 2 years old when her papa was taken away so suddenly. She was having a hard time remembering him. Her life had changed dramatically in the last year. As it turned out, Mr. Howard who lived next door to Cassandra's mama and her in New York was her great grandfather. He left her mama a lot of money when he died. She and Mama moved here to Camden Corners and met her new papa, Nick Rossi. Cassandra loved Papa Nick with all her heart but cherished the necklace with the pink heart. She only wore it for special occasions but she liked to put it around her neck. She wanted Papa Paul to know she loved him and would never forget him and the necklace had become a symbol of that love to her.

“Cassandra” her mother called from the stairwell. “Kenny and Becky are here for you. They want you to come with them to the park to build a snowman.”

Cassandra, forgetting she was wearing her necklace, raced down the stairs to get her coat and boots on and took off with her friends where they met other children in the park.

After an hour or so of being out in the cold, Cassandra and her friends were back inside the house sipping hot chocolate and nibbling Christmas cookies.

Lucinda noticed her daughter had a chain around her neck. “Cassandra where did you get that chain, is it from your necklace?”

Cassandra put her hands to her throat. She felt for the pink heart and it wasn't there.

“Oh Mama, I forgot I had my necklace on and the heart is gone” she couldn't hold the tears back. The only remembrance of her papa was the necklace and now she had lost it.

Nick had just arrived home and said he would help her look for it. The children put their coats and boots back on and they all went out the door to the park.

Nick and Lucinda knew it would be like finding a needle in a haystack. The snow had been falling since the children had come in from the cold. The heart would most likely be covered with snow by now. They searched until the children were almost stiff with the cold. Lucinda took them home but Nick kept looking until the daylight disappeared. Nick knew how much that necklace meant to Cassandra. He knew losing the heart was like losing her father all over again. He came back home and told Cassandra they would look for it every day and when spring came and all the snow disappeared they would surely find it. Nick knew the chances of finding it were slim but he couldn't let his daughter know that.

Nick spent the better part of the following morning in the park looking for the heart. Lucinda and Cassandra looked with him. It was too cold for a little girl to be out for too long at one time. It was Christmas Eve and Cassandra had to get ready to go to the church for the Christmas Eve service and pageant.

All the children did a wonderful job with their performances. Becky Bentley sang her little heart out. Nick noticed Cassandra touching her neck a time or two. She had planned to wear her precious necklace under her costume while playing her part as Mary that evening.

After the ceremony ended, the parishioners gathered in the basement meeting room for coffee and sweet treats provided by the Ladies Auxiliary.

Everyone wished their friends and neighbors a Merry Christmas and bid good evening as they all went to their homes. The children were anticipating the arrival of Santa Claus and wanted to be sure they were in bed and asleep so that he wouldn't pass them by.

Butch and Billy were a little old to be waiting for Santa but this was the first time in their young lives that they were part of the celebration and joined in and enjoyed the fantasy.

Caroline and Jamison encouraged Kenny and Becky to talk about their mama and Papa. Caroline knew the children loved their new parents but wanted to keep the few memories they had of their birth parents alive. They would always miss their mama and even with his faults, their papa too but they were so happy in Camden Corners with Caroline and Jamison and knew their mama would be happy for them too.

Iris' life was filled with love and laughter. Her little brother and sister adored her and she felt the same way about them. She also loved her Mama Mavis' friend, Cody. He was very special to her. Not only because he knew her mama but he saved her life at the Founder's Day picnic last summer. Iris rarely thought about her father, Earl Short anymore. She felt as though she had lived with Joe and Diana Taylor forever. She liked it that way and she knew she was loved.

Cassandra walked home with her parents. She decided she wasn't going to be sad anymore because of losing the heart. Papa Nick told her she would always have her Papa Paul in her own heart. His love could never be lost. She was deep in thought about how much she loved Papa Nick when she heard him shout.

“Cassandra, look!”

She glanced at the snow pile where Nick was standing and saw a sparkle that made her want to cover her eyes. She walked over to it and and saw her pink heart resting on top of the snow. Her heart had been there all along. Or had it? Through her excitement, Cassandra thought she heard the sound of jingle bells as she reached down and touched her pink heart. She looked up at Nick who was beaming and her own heart felt like it was going to pop out of her chest. Cassandra knew she was a very lucky girl to have two papas who loved her.

After they got home Cassandra said her prayers, mama and papa tucked her into bed.

“Merry Christmas, Cassandra,” said her mother

“Merry Christmas, Mama and Papa.”

They left the room arm in arm as Cassandra closed her eyes.

“Merry Christmas Papa, thank you for my pink heart and thank you for my Papa Nick.”

Caroling in the Snow

Caroling in the Snow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Jack, are you interested in Audrey?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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