Blessings From A Tree

1

The latch of the wrought iron gate clanked noisily as it was lifted when the tall slender man entered the Macrae family cemetery, passing the graves of his firstborn son, Patrick, stillborn so many years ago and little Andrew who would have been twenty-six years of age had he survived the terrible accident that had left Thomas crippled. Making his way under the bough of the dead sycamore tree to the newest grave Michael Macrae removed the faded Irish cap, revealing gray hair and sad sunken eyes.

Tis a warm day, my lass, he said aloud. "Thomas and his family have arrived this morning. Of course ye know this. He came to see you earlier. Meaghan is doing well, considering. The loss has taken its toll on the lass, though. She looks tired and so very unhappy. Little Michael is growing tall and lanky. The youngin’ has the devil in his eyes, just like Benjie used to.

Benjie’s been working mighty hard lately, he continued sitting down heavily on a wooden stool his youngest son, Benjamin, had brought out a few months ago. "He’s really carrying more than his weight.

Once I get back to me oldself...I miss ye lass, he sighed wringing the tweed cap.

"The wedding is coming along just fine. Alice will make a good wife for our Charles. I know ye din’ like the lass’ family. Never quite understood tha’. But they are in love and I pray it will be a blessed marriage, like ours.

"The violets Jenny planted around the fence are lovely.

"Today’s her last day of the school year. I’ve heard wonderful things about her. Most everybody in town says she been the best teacher they’ve had in years. I hope it goes well for her, but me ol’ bones are no’ so sure.

She doesn’t know Thomas is home. He’s going into town to fetch her later...

The bright Tennessee sun shone through the freshly washed windows of the Dover schoolhouse where a young woman sat at the front desk browsing the pages of a brown leather book. Her long dark brown hair was loosely plaited down her back and the muslin smock worn over a white cotton blouse and black flannel skirt was smeared with dirty smudges.

Scanning the pages of the anthology a phrase caught her eye and she read silently;

...I give you my hand!

I give you my love more precious than money,

I give you myself before preaching or law;

Will you give me yourself? Will you come travel with me?

Shall we stick by each other as long as we live?

Jenny Macrae read the words once more before whispering to herself, I wonder if this is how Charles and Alice feel about each other.

Suddenly she was startled out of her reverie at hearing footsteps on the wooden stairs and glancing up saw her sister, Rebecca, coming through the doorway.

A striking woman, slightly built like her older sister, but taller, with long blue-black hair and green eyes surrounded with thick lashes. She wore a calico blouse with a matching hoop skirt and the green ribbon of her straw hat was tied prettily into a big bow under her chin.

Behind her walked in a tall buxom young woman wearing a light blue cotton blouse and dark blue hoop skirt. Blond tresses framed the pretty face as Mary Louise, or ML, her preferred name, untied the ribbon of her straw hat and removed it.

Well hey there! What brings you two here? Jenny greeted them closing the book.

Thought you could use some help cleaning the room, Rebecca said looking around, but it looks like we got here too late.

Really? Jenny asked giving them a doubtful look. In those clothes?

The little schoolhouse was spotless as all the books were neatly placed in the bookcase at the front, the slate boards cleaned and stacked on top. The floor had been swept and mopped and the desks scrubbed and arranged in short rows.

Actually, I think we got here just in time, Mary Louise drawled picking up a book then sitting on the chair next to Jenny’s desk. I, personally, spent too much time in this room as it was and hated most every minute of it.

If I remember correctly, you seemed to have had fun, especially with new teachers like Mr. Mallory, Rebecca quipped with a smile.

The blond woman replied, That man had no sense of humor whatsoever.

Are you serious? Rebecca interrupted. "He never knew when you were going to attack.

Poor man, I thought he was going to die of heart failure on his first day. ML put a garter snake in each of the desk drawers.

It was our last year of school, Mary Louise said in mock defense, and I wanted to have some fun. Besides, he looked like the outdoor type and I figured he’d appreciate the gesture.

And that was just the first day, Rebecca explained to Jenny. Practically every week there was something and not once did he suspect ML. She was always so innocent looking and he, of course, thought it was one of the boys. It wasn’t until he caught her putting a pile of cow manure in the outhouse that he finally caught on.

Jenny laughed as Mary Louise said with disbelief, Made me clean the privy the rest of the year. Ma and Pa said I deserved it.

You did, Rebecca replied adamantly. Of course by then there were only a few weeks of school left.

I wonder what happened to Mr. Mallory? Mary Louise mused.

Went into another profession I would imagine!

So, what does bring ya’ll here? Jenny asked taking the book from Mary Louise.

The two young women glanced at each other and blushed before Rebecca answered, I knew you’d be going to the store later to get the mail and I need some sugar and flour for the cake so we thought we’d go with you.

Jenny looked at the two suspiciously then asked Mary Louise, Why aren’t you working? Surely Mrs. Wilson needs help with some of the gowns for the wedding. A couple of days ago you said there was still hemming to be done.

She grinned wickedly at Jenny then explained, "Mrs. Wilson gave me the rest of the day off. It seems the bride-to-be has put on a little extra weight lately with all the engagement parties her family and friends have been giving and she can’t button up that French-made gown. She and her mama came into the shop first thing this morning, all in tears, begging Mrs. Wilson to fix it. I was in the back room working on Mrs. Thompson’s hem. They didn’t know I was there. Mrs. Wilson came back and told me to take the rest of the day off and rushed me out.

Since I had nothing else to do I went to your house to help Rebecca finish her gown which looks stunning on her and no matter how fancy that Paris gown is, Alice won’t be able to hold a candle to our Reb. All eyes will be on her, she said proudly of her friend while Rebecca blushed prettily.

Jenny replied without jealously or malice, All eyes are always on our Rebecca.

Rebecca smiled then took the kerchief in Jenny’s pocket and wiped a smudge off her sister’s cheek.

So that still doesn’t explain why ya’ll are here, Jenny repeated patiently.

Once again the two young women reddened.

This afternoon while we were at your house, Mary Louise confessed, Charles told us that Wade Denton would be coming into town to get supplies so we just thought we’d come to...um...to browse a little.

With the hope of getting a glimpse of Wade, and maybe finding out when Robert would arrive? Jenny asked.

Never hurts to look, unless, of course, you’re the schoolmarm, Mary Louise snickered.

Jenny rolled her eyes.

What’s this? Rebecca questioned picking up the leather bound book Jenny had been skimming through, Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass.

A thank you gift from the twin’s mother, Jenny smiled. She was pleased that the twins finally learned to read and write. She said she’d seen me admiring it in the Wynn’s window.

The whole town has seen you admiring it, Mary Louise said under her breath.

What a lovely gift. Mama loved Whitman, Rebecca said as she opened the book. Whenever Thomas wrote home he would copy down a Whitman poem just for her.

Is that what Charles read at your mama’s funeral? asked Mary Louise and immediately was mortified at the question knowing her friend was still heartbroken at the loss.

After a brief silence the younger sister said quietly, Yes. It was in the letter Thomas sent home just before she died. We all thought it would be appropriate to have it read since Thomas and his family couldn’t make it back.

Mary Louise placed her arm around her friend and apologized for being insensitive.

Well, Jenny said clearing her throat, I need to go over to the store and let Mr. Wynn know the classroom is cleaned. He’ll want to inspect it, no doubt.

And at that moment heavy footsteps came bounding up the stairs and the women turned to see Mr. Wynn, a town elder, owner of one of the town’s general store and head of the school board walk into the classroom.

Afternoon, Miss Macrae, he said looking around the schoolhouse. It wasn’t too busy at the store, just a soldier getting supplies so I came to check the schoolroom.

Mary Louise grabbed Rebecca by the arm and said, See ya’ll later, Jenny. Rebecca needs flour and sugar.

Jenny watched with amusement as they hurried out.

Mighty fine job you’ve done here, Miss Macrae, Mr. Wynn said walking around the schoolroom.

And I don’t just mean the clean-up you’ve done on this room, though it looks a sight better now than it did when you started last fall.

I...The board and I... he stopped for a moment to get his thoughts straight. "You did wonders in this class, Miss Macrae. I really didn’t think you would be able to handle some of these students, but you did. Getting the twins to come to school let alone teach them to read and write was short of a miracle. Personally thought they’d just spend another year acting the class clowns and causing trouble. Their mama stopped by the store the other day to tell me how pleased she was. She hasn’t been the only one, either. Other members of the school board have had parents complimenting you all year long.

Why, even Mrs. Wynn praised you with teaching Lily her numbers. That girl will be running the store by herself with all you’ve taught her, he chuckled at the idea of his small female child managing his store.

Anyway, here’s your final pay. You did just fine, Miss Macrae, and the board is pleased. We thank you for your service.

Thank you, Mr. Wynn, Jenny said quickly as he turned to leave, but may I ask about next school year?

He stopped and replied, What about next year?

Will I...will my services still be needed for next year?

He answered rather harshly, No, ma’am, they are not needed. We...the school board, advertised at the beginning of the year in Atlanta and Charleston and have hired a Mr. James Boyt who hails from Atlanta and comes to us highly recommended.

May I ask why you advertised for a teacher? she said trying to sound calm and confident. Just a moment ago you told me how pleased the board and town were with my efforts. Besides, as we both know, the town saves money by having me teach. If you have a man teaching you’d have to pay him more, as well as provide him room and board.

You’re right about that, Miss Macrae, Mr. Wynn said grinning shrewdly. "We have saved money.

But let’s be frank, sooner or later you’re going to... at this the man stammered, find a husband. And you know the school boards’ policy. The town’s teacher cannot be courting, engaged or married.

Mr. Wynn, I haven’t...

Miss Macrae, please do not argue with me, he said firmly holding up a hand. "The board and I feel that Mr. Boyt will do quite satisfactory.

Thank you for all you have done this year. We are appreciative of what you have accomplished. Now, please excuse me but I’ve a store to run.

Stopping at the door he added, Before you leave town, please stop by the store. There’s a letter for you. It’s from Clarksville.

And with that he was gone.

Jenny, a warm tear streaming down her cheek, stood staring at the empty doorway. Then sinking onto the chair she searched the pockets of her smock to find the handkerchief. After some time she placed her book in a cloth bag and left knowing she would never return to the schoolhouse.

Walking across the street to the general store Jenny was oblivious to everything around her including two men in front of the town bank watching her. Both men were tall though the older man, dressed in a light gray wool suit and using a cane, resembled Jenny and the other Macrae siblings. When the young woman entered the general store they shook hands then parted.

The second man, dressed in a military uniform, walked to a handsome chestnut tied to a post, glanced back at the store then replaced his wool hat on his curly brown head, mounted the horse and rode out of town.

Rays of sunlight filtered through the large front window of the narrow store where Jenny took no notice of laughter coming from the back corner. Walking to the counter where Mrs. Wynn, a small wiry woman, wrote down inventory in a large book she spied the letter next to the ledger.

Mrs. Wynn gazed up just as the man with the cane entered the store.

Mrs. Wynn, Jenny said softly.

Miss Macrae, Mrs. Wynn held out the letter, this came earlier today.

Taking the envelope Jenny frowned as anger and frustration filled her at the sight of Eugene’s handwriting.

Miss Macrae? a small voice asked behind the counter.

Six-year-old Lily Wynn said quietly, Pa said you weren’t going to be teaching school next year. I’m not supposed to say anything but I think you’re a wonderful teacher and if I were on the school board I would demand that you stay our teacher for forever.

You know what, Lily? Jenny replied leaning close to the girl who shook her head. It wouldn’t surprise me if one day you’re running the school board.

The little girl smiled at the compliment.

Then Mrs. Wynn spoke. She’s right, Miss Macrae. You have been one of the best teachers this town has seen in a long time. I am sorry for Lily’s sake and all your students that the board has hired someone else for next year. You will be sorely missed.

Thank you, Mrs. Wynn. Thank you, too, Lily.

Turning to leave she found Rebecca at her side, concern in her beautiful green eyes.

I’m okay, she said softly putting the letter from Eugene in her pocket. I’d like to go straight home. Stay here with ML. I’ll take the flour and sugar home for you.

Jenny placed the items in the cloth bag and anxious to be alone hurried toward the exit where the door was blocked by a man watching her. She could not tell who was standing in her way as the sun shining through the front window blinded her. Squinting, she suddenly recognized the cane.

Thomas?

Looks like a mighty heavy bag you’ve got there, little lady. Need a ride somewhere? he answered back with a grin.

Thomas!

She ran into his outstretched arms and hugged him tightly.

Oh, Thomas, I have missed you so much.

He hugged her to him. I’ve missed you, too, Jenny darlin’.

Letting go they smiled broadly at each other then linking his arm they walked out of the store as laughter from Rebecca’s friend could once again be heard and they headed to the wagon in front of the bank.

When did you get home?

Earlier this morning.

How are Meaghan and Michael?

Tired, but happy to finally be here. Michael has been so excited he hasn’t been able to sleep and was sick the first day on the train. Meaghan thinks he was just too excited and nervous, Thomas said as Jenny put her bag in the back of the wagon then got into the front seat while Thomas unhitched the horse and joined his sister placing his cane on the baseboard.

The wagon was steered out of town toward the lowering sun and instinctively Jenny glanced up at the church steeple as the gig passed below and she gave a mental sigh of relief as there was no candle in the window under the church’s clock.

Thomas noted the time, checked it against his pocket-watch and when the wagon reached the edge of town he asked, What happened, Jenny?

Jenny took a deep breath, clasped her hands and attempting to keep her voice steady answered, "Mr. Wynn told me how pleased the board and town were with the school year, how some of the parents praised the job I did but when I asked about continuing next year he told me the school board already hired a ‘Mr. James Boyt who hails from Atlanta’.

I guess it would have been too much to expect them to keep me on. I know a lot of small towns don’t like to hire female teachers. I reckon people feel that men are more qualified but I did a good job, Thomas, Jenny said trying unsuccessfully to keep the bitterness out of her voice. Why, the twins have had two male teachers before me, and I was the only one to get them to read and write.

Jenny recalled the task of getting the Carver twins interested in learning to read and write. Her first week of school she had watched the two boys having a pretend sword fight in the school yard before the start of class one morning so the following week she started telling the class fantastic tales about pirates, dragons and knights, noticing how attentive the twins were during these times.

Then one morning, before all the other students had arrived at the schoolhouse, the twins were in the yard pretending to be on a quest for a dragon tooth so she called them into the room and showed them a beautifully illustrated book of fairy tales. They immediately asked her to read a story and afterward told them they could have the book if they learned to read and write over the course of the school year. Last month the proud eleven-year-old twins were given the book.

I have lived here all my life, except for college, but everybody in Dover knows that all I’ve ever wanted to do was be a teacher. And Thomas, I’m a good teacher.

The tears began to roll down her face again and while reaching for her hankie, Thomas hugged her. She took out the letter from Eugene and said with frustration, Mr. Wynn must have thought it was a good thing they found someone for next year. He probably thinks Eugene has proposed to me.

They were passing by a cow pasture where a few heifers stood in a shallow muddy pond while others laid under a huge willow in the middle of the field.

Would the letter be a marriage proposal? her brother asked with curiosity.

Eugene wouldn’t ask a second time, she spoke without thinking then quickly grimaced while Thomas stared at her with surprise.

She glanced at Thomas then answered his unvoiced question. "He asked late last summer, right before he moved to Clarksville. I had just inquired about the job in town and was waiting for Mr. Wynn’s answer.

"Honestly, Thomas, I never in a million years expected him to ask me to marry him. Never. I was so taken aback when he proposed.

I was also madder than a bee in a bonnet. I couldn’t believe he didn’t understand how much I wanted to teach and how important this opportunity was.

Looking down at her clasped hands Jenny said softly, I know I hurt him.

The siblings continued home in silence passing another homestead with cows grazing in pastures on either side of the road and up ahead short corn plants grew in the field that their youngest brother, Benjamin, had planted last month.

Making their way toward the two-story farmhouse Jenny touched Thomas’ sleeve to get his attention and said, Please don’t tell anyone about Eugene’s proposal. I’d rather no one know.

He considered her request then after a few seconds said, I’ll keep your secret, Jenny, although nobody would be surprised to find out. Meaghan and I have often wondered if Eugene would ask.

Jenny looked at him curiously before Thomas turned the wagon into the long drive and a small boy pushed the front screen door of the farmhouse open and waved. Then Jenny heard her nephew call out as they got closer, Mommy, Mommy, Daddy’s back. Someone’s with him.

As the wagon approached Jenny observed the little boy with much interest for she had met her nephew when he was only two-years-old and now at the age of five she saw that he had the Macrae family’s lanky stature, but his mother’s light red wavy hair.

The door opened again and Meaghan, who the family had first met six years ago after marrying Thomas, came out to the porch to stand next to her son, Michael, named after Pa.

Benjie, hearing the child yelling to his mother, came out of the shed next to the oak tree and walked to the porch just as Thomas reached the house. The seventeen-year-old, the youngest of the Macrae children, held out his hand to take the ropes.

Thanks, Benjie, Thomas said grabbing his cane then carefully climbed down from the wagon before his son ran to him.

Wanna come and help me brush down the ol’ mare? Benjie asked the boy.

Can I, Daddy?

How about saying ‘hello’ to your Aunt Jenny first, Thomas said as Jenny came around the wagon carrying the cloth bag.

Pa came out of the house, walked over to where Meaghan stood at the rail then looked up and saw clouds coming in from the west.

Hi, I’m Michael Macrae, the five-year-old said formally holding out his hand.

It’s nice to meet you again, Michael Macrae. I’m your father’s sister, Jenny Macrae, she replied shaking his small hand.

You’re the teacher, aren’t you?

I was the teacher, she answered before glimpsing up at her father who saw the anguish in her face.

Come on Mikey, this ol’ horse needs a brushing down, Benjie said as he squeezed his sister’s hand in comfort, then took the small hand the boy offered.

Can I Mom?

Meaghan nodded her head. You mind your Uncle Benjie, understand?

Yes’m, the brown eye boy said as Benjie held out the reins so Michael could walk the old horse to the shed while Pa came down the front stairs and held his daughter for a moment.

I’m okay, Pa. Just disappointed.

What happened?

The board already hired someone for next fall. I inquired of Mr. Wynn about continuing next year and he told me they had advertised at the beginning of the year. It appears they’re concerned I’ll get married and leave them high and dry. I wish they had told me this earlier so I could have looked for another position elsewhere. It really is too late to be sending letters of inquiries for the fall.

You can always find a job as a tutor, Jenny. Surely there are plenty of families..., Thomas started.

Or how about the Gettysburg Academy, Jenny? Meaghan suggested. Thomas could write you a letter of introduction to Mrs. Eyster, she runs the school.

"Thanks, but to be truthful, I really don’t want to think about it for a while. I’m just going to take it easy for the next couple of weeks then I’ll try to figure out what to do.

Right now, though, I need to wash up before starting supper. I’m a mess, she said looking down at her smudged smock.

Walking up to Meaghan she noted the sorrow in her sister-in-law’s eyes and soon the two women embraced but Jenny was afraid to hold her too tight for fear Meaghan would break. She appeared to be so fragile.

I’ll just be a few minutes, Jenny said after letting go.

She entered the cool house, walked up the narrow staircase and in the privacy of her own bedroom allowed the tears to flow freely. Jenny searched for the handkerchief from her smock and found the letter from Eugene along with it. She went over to her bed and sat down heavily to read.

May 2, 1860

My Dearest Jenny,

I hope this letter finds you and your family doing well.

I am writing to tell you of my wonderful news.

I know this will come as a shock, but I have found myself in love with a wonderful and lovely young woman. I was smitten with her charm when first introduced to Miss Temperance last fall. We share many interests; music, dancing and the theatre. She comes from a prominent Clarksville family, her father being a judge.

Although we have known each other for a short time, I know in my heart she is the woman I want as my wife. I proposed and she has consented. We are to marry at the end of the summer.

You will be able to meet her at your brother’s wedding as I am bringing Miss Temperance home to introduce to my family.

I know you will find her as delightful as I do.

I look forward to seeing you soon.

Love,

Eugene

Jenny read the letter twice with disbelief and was just beginning to read it a third time when there was a soft knock at the door.

Jenny? Meaghan said opening the door. You okay?

Yes, I am.

Hesitantly her sister-in-law asked, May I come in?

Certainly, Jenny said making room for her on the edge of the bed.

Meaghan sat down beside the younger woman seeing the letter in Jenny’s hand.

It’s from Eugene. He wrote to tell me he’s getting married at the end of the summer. Maybe I should go back into town and show the letter to Mr. Wynn. Not that it would really matter.

I’m sorry, Jenny, I know how much you love to teach. You could always come to Gettysburg and tutor Michael, she suggested with a glint in her forlorn eyes. We couldn’t pay much, but we’d feed you.

Jenny smiled and soon they heard Benjie and Michael come into the house below.

I’d better get washed up. It’s getting late and I’m certain I’m not the only one who’s hungry.

I’ll get supper started while you wash up.

Why don’t you rest, Meaghan?

I’ve been sitting on a train for days. All I’ve done is rest. I need to feel useful, she said with a little exasperation.

Jenny came down the stairs just as the sun was setting behind large dark clouds and Rebecca returned home.

Did you find out when Robert arrives?

Wade wasn’t certain, Rebecca responded entering the cavernous kitchen where Meaghan was at the sink pumping water into a large pot and on the wooden counter was a pile of peeled potatoes and canned jars. Cooling in the middle of the oak table were two large roasted chickens and three loaves of bread made earlier in the day.

Thomas, sitting at the long table reading the local newspaper and sipping coffee, asked, Any word on your soldier’s return?

Rebecca shook her head and walked to the sink to help her sister-in-law while Jenny picked up a mason jar and asked, What’s this?

Meaghan turned around then answered, "Canned peaches, Michael’s favorite food.

There’s a peach orchard just outside of town and we canned a couple of bushels last year.

We had to promise Michael we’d bring some along, Thomas remarked. It’s practically the only thing he’ll eat. That and bread.

Bread we have plenty of and can always make more, Rebecca said looking at the peaches with interest. How many jars did you bring?

A dozen or so. Why?

I was just thinking how the peaches would make a delicious filling for the cake.

Especially if they’d been sitting in brandy, a familiar drawl was heard at the door where Charles stood with a roguish twinkle in his blue eyes.

Charles, a handsome man sporting a thin mustache and long immaculately trimmed sideburns, looked exceptionally dapper dressed in a light gray wool suit with a white shirt and narrow tie accentuating his tall frame.

Not a bad idea, Thomas said. Can’t imagine Pa has any brandy in the house, though.

Probably not, Charles agreed watching Rebecca’s reaction with humor. But I could get a bottle from Wade. I’m certain he would be more than happy to contribute to the celebration. Would you like me ask him, Reb?

Charles, Rebecca mused out loud, don’t you think Alice’s Ma would be a bit sore if the cake was spiked? All her family will be there. Why I can just imagine the look of horror on Mrs. Denton’s face.

She frowned slightly, then a smile curled her lips thinking of the reaction the bride and her mother would have to a brandy laced cake. She saw Jenny and Meaghan smiling, knowing what she was thinking.

I don’t think so, she chuckled, I don’t want to risk the Denton’s being upset with you or your family.

Charles shrugged, It was just a thought.

A wise move, Rebecca, Thomas said, Unfortunate, but wise.

Are you staying for supper, Charles? Jenny asked reaching up to the pine shelf over the sink and taking down pots.

"No. The last of Alice’s relatives arrived today from Savannah. The old mansion is busting at the seams with Burditt’s and Denton’s.

Did you and ML see Wade in town this afternoon, Reb? Does he know when Robert is coming in?

No. Wade suspects he’ll be home soon, though.

"Hope so. I wouldn’t want him to miss the celebration.

I’ll be bringing Alice over tomorrow afternoon for a visit, he said. The noise in the house is making her crazy, though for some reason she wasn’t around much of the day.

Rebecca and Jenny glanced at one another then Rebecca continued slicing bread while Jenny helped Meaghan with the potatoes and canned vegetables.

Well I need to head back to the mansion. We’ll see ya’ll tomorrow, won’t we? Charles asked his older brother.

Certainly, Thomas replied getting up from the table and leaving the kitchen with Charles while Jenny got matches to light lanterns and candles in the family room and Rebecca and Meaghan set the table. Rebecca, with much mirth, explained to her sister-in-law where Alice had been most of the day and why.

2

The following morning Jenny entered the kitchen as a soft rain fell and the rumble of thunder was heard in the distance. Pouring herself a mug of coffee she asked Rebecca, who sat at the table reading the paper, where everyone was.

Pa and Benjie are in the chicken coop. Seems a fox got in last night and we lost a hen and some eggs. They found tracks in the yard.

Is he going to set a trap? Jenny said covering a yawn.

Not just yet. There are too many people coming and going and he’s worried Michael might become curious and get hurt. They’re trying to figure what to do in the meantime.

Where’s Thomas?

Michael wanted to see the family plot. Meaghan said they all needed some fresh air even if it was raining so Thomas took them for a walk along the river, Rebecca answered.

So what needs to be done first? Jenny asked wrapping her cool fingers around the warm coffee mug.

Bread. We have absolutely none left, Rebecca laughed. Thomas wasn’t kidding about Michael eating nothing but bread and peaches. He didn’t even go for the applesauce this morning.

We’ll just make extra bread. He can have a loaf or two to himself, Jenny responded getting flour from the pantry.

And I can start the cake while the dough is rising. Maybe I shouldn’t use the peaches, she said thoughtfully.

The peach filling would make a nice touch, Reb. We’re just going to have to find something else for the little guy to eat.

Before long the sisters were busy preparing bread and when Meaghan and Michael came through the back door Rebecca was stirring the batter of one of the wedding cakes.

It feels good in here. It’s so raw today, Meaghan said to the sisters while helping Michael remove his wet slicker.

It smells good, too, Michael commented eagerly going over to Rebecca who was pouring the batter into pans. She handed the boy the wooden spoon to lick and he watched her place the pans on the heated trivets inside the black iron stove.

Is that for the picnic? he asked.

No, the wedding. Can I use some of your peaches for the filling, Michael?

Sure.

There’s a fresh pot of coffee, Rebecca said indicating the pot on the table. Help yourself.

Meaghan took a mug from the cupboard then after taking a quick look outside grabbed two more and sat down as Pa and Thomas entered.

Pa, taking off his rain gear and hanging it on a hook asked, Fresh coffee?

Rebecca nodded before he noticed the mugs on the table near Meaghan.

How is it, Michael? Thomas asked the boy.

Yummy.

After he licked the last bit of batter from the spoon Rebecca handed him the bowl and Michael proceeded to scrape the sides with his little finger, licking the sweet vanilla cake batter.

Anybody home? they heard Charles calling from the front room.

Pa grabbed his cup of coffee, walked to the door to the family room then turned and said, Reb, darlin’, would you start another pot of coffee? Also put on some water for tea, please.

Thomas grabbed his cane and walked to his son who was licking the last of the batter off his sticky fingers. Finish up Michael, you need to be scrubbed before meeting the bride.

Meaghan handed her husband a wet rag as Rebecca started grinding coffee beans and Jenny walked into the large family room where Alice, a young woman of eighteen, was pushing down her silk hoop skirt as she daintily sat on the couch.

Hello, Charles. Afternoon, Miss Alice, Jenny said. It certainly has turned chilly again, hasn’t it?

The rain was coming down hard and could be heard hitting against the side windows as Pa put more wood in the fireplace and Charles handed his betrothed a shawl.

"Rebecca is heating some water up for your tea, Alice. It shouldn’t be too long.

Charles told us all your kin have arrived from Savannah, Jenny said sitting in a small rocker next to the couch as Thomas and his family entered the room.

Yes, the mansion is busting at the seams, Alice answered