New Beginnings: Life Changes

ch. 43

Valentine's Day: Fun and Surprises

Feeling himself being shaken by the shoulder, Joseph opens his eyes. Seeing two nightshirt-clad boys by the bed he asks "Why do you two keep coming up here? It has been happening every night for over a week! I told you not to come up here anymore. You have a room of your own!"

"Joseph, please? We can't sleep. Emerson is keeping me awake."

"George, you just have to get used to her noise. She cries when she needs something. That is what babies do. You were a fussy baby too. It took our Mama months to get you used to sleep during the night. You wanted to sleep all day and be awake at night. Go back to bed."

"It isn't just her crying. There's something else." George answers.

"Take your something else and go down to your room! Both of you!" Joseph tells him groggily.

"Please Joseph? I can not sleep either. You can hear her through the wall. Pa was in the kitchen rattling pots too. I heard him talking and humming to that baby. I wish he would tell her to hush!" Ben complains.

"Well, I wish you would hush!" Rob declares from the doorway. "Are you three having a midnight party?"

"It seems these two are having adjustment trouble. They haven't learned to sleep through the night yet!" Joseph answers motioning to the younger boys.

"Joseph, that is not true. It's not me and George, WE know how to sleep through the night but Emerson Rose doesn't. She won't stop crying at night. Can I sleep with you, Rob?" Ben begs.

"Go crawl in but if you kick me in your sleep, I will make you leave! No kicking!"

"Yes, Rob. No kicking. Thanks!"

Looking from Rob to George, Joseph sighs. Giving in, he lifts the sheet and two quilts as he informs his youngest brother "Climb in before you shiver through the floor. You keep your cold feet off of me though!"

"I will! I promise! Thank you, Joseph!"

"This has to stop, George. You can't keep this up. Neither of us gets enough sleep."

Not getting a reply, Joseph rolls over to check his brother only to find him already asleep."

Boston

Riding in the horse-drawn carriage to the restaurant, Claire says "We'll have a different Valentine's Day celebration than we used to have. Here we are all dressed up in fine clothes riding in this elegant black carriage. Three years ago we were meeting in a barn to dance."

"Yes, back then we were children being held to curfew and parental restrictions. Do you miss that life or do you prefer the city, Claire?"

"You know I enjoy being in the city but I do miss my family. I haven't seen anyone from home in going on six months. I feel changed, however. I feel so different than I was when I arrived here with Rob."

"The city makes you grow up. There are so many decisions and just everyday experiences, it does change you, I agree. I feel much older now than when I lived with Mitch. It has only been nine months but it seems years."

"You look so much older too. Mitch would not recognize you!"

"Sooo, how about we plan a trip back to Paradise in the spring to see if he does?" Alex asks, smiling at her shocked expression. "I know you want to see the baby and everyone. It is hard to imagine your Pa holding a baby. He always seems tough."

"You just don't know him well enough, Alex. Pa has a softer side. He can be very tender when he needs to be. I do have two and a half weeks vacation from training then. We have a vacation for the Easter season. Let's try to plan a trip. I could probably arrange my coursework to be completed early. We need several days to travel and time to spend there. Can we do this?"

"We will work it out. Tonight, let's enjoy our meal. I want you to relax and have fun. You spend so much time on courses and caring for others, you do not have fun. After we eat, I'm taking you ice skating. There is a place not far from the restaurant, a pond."

"Ice skating? How will we do that if we have no skates and it is night? Besides, I have only been ice skating twice. I am not good at it."

"I think this is one of the few times I have ever heard you doubt yourself! Do not fret, I have everything taken care of for both of us. Here's the restaurant, let's go in. I made a reservation so we won't be waiting."

Being seated at the white cloth covered round table set with dinnerware for two, Claire accepts a menu from the waiter.

"Alex! These meals are expensive! Five dollars for seafood! Six dollars for a steak meal!"

"Read what comes with each meal though. Fresh baked white rolls, soup, two side servings, and a drink. The only thing not included is dessert."

"Yes but I still think we are ..." What she is about to say is cut off by the waiter approaching with a single red rose.

"This is for you Miss. May I place it in the vase?" He asks, motioning to the center of the table.

"Please do. Also, we are ready with our selections." Alex answers, ignoring Claire's narrowed-eyed look.

"I will have clam chowder, and lobster with butter sauce. Coffee to drink, black with a pitcher of cream and bowl of sugar. "

"Very good selections sir! We serve Maine lobsters. What for the lady, sir?" The man asks, ignoring Claire.

"She will order for herself," Alex replies watching the waiter look temporarily surprised.

"Very good! And your order, Miss?"

"I would like the cream of potato soup, the blue crab dish, and a cup of tea. Would you please add a little milk and sugar to my cup, plus bring cut lemons with the tea?"

"Yes, Miss. Your request will be fulfilled. My name is Frederick. Ask for me if you need assistance."

"Thank you. What are the side servings today?"

"Today we are serving boiled potatoes with cheese on top and baked asparagus flavored by creamy butter sauce. You will enjoy them, Miss. I will return with your drinks and soup. Our soup comes with New England common crackers. Our dessert tonight is Boston cream pie or frosted white cake."

"Thank you, Frederick," Alex says dismissively

After the waiter has left, Claire asks. "Do you know that young man, Frederick?"

"No, why do you ask?"

"The way you spoke to him caused me to believe you did not like him. I thought perhaps you two knew each other."

"He is trying to woo you. He brought you a rose!"

"Oh, Alex! Look around you. Do you not see every lady or girl has a red rose? It must be a Valentine's Day custom. Be nice to the young guy. You are in the same business."

"As you wish, my lady."

When the soup arrives, Claire notices the crackers are puffed instead of flat as all crackers she has seen.

Asked about them, Alex explains they are meant to be eaten split in half and buttered or crumbled up on top of the soup. He also warns these crackers are going to cause her mouth to be dry.

After the meal, the couple enjoys another carriage ride to the skating pond.

Admiring the way the area is arranged, Claire remarks "The use of the metal lanterns all around the edges is ingenious! I couldn't see how they would light the pond enough to skate. The glow on the ice looks romantic, don't you agree?"

"It lights the skating pond very nicely. We will go borrow some skates for you. I have my own. I brought them out here yesterday and arranged for us to come tonight. They only allow three couples an hour. There is only one other couple here. This is a family owned pond but they open it for Valentine's Day for skaters every year. They even rent skates. Be advised the skates are not fitted as well as a pair of shoes. They are good enough to use though. Are you ready?"

"I'm ready. You have to promise to hold me and not skate off leaving me alone."

"I won't leave your side, I promise."

Paradise:

"Come here, young man!" Delphie orders from her rocking chair near the fireplace. "Emerson and I want to see you. Turn to the side, alright now let me see your left side, now turn your back to me."

The two boys playing with tin soldiers on the hearth, swap an amused glance at their brother spinning back and forth.

"You can face me now. This shirt won't do. Go upstairs and change. Put on your newest white church shirt."

Exasperated, Joseph answers a little louder and more forceful than intended.

"Mama! You already had me change my shoes! Boots would've been just fine as it IS a barn dance! This shirt looks good enough!"

"Joseph! You do as you are told! You have been taught better than to raise your voice and use that tone with adults! Do we need to have a private talk out in the barn?" Ethan asks firmly from his chair.

"No Sir, we do not. I apologize Mama."

"Thank you, son. Now please go upstairs and do as I asked." Delphie replies, rocking the baby.

Mentally grumbling about being mistreated, parents not respecting his age, bossiness of new mothers, not being in control of his own clothes... Joseph opens his bedroom door. There on his bed is a lumpy package wrapped in brown paper. Untying the string and removing the paper, he finds a new store bought white shirt. The collar and cuffs are sewn on and stiff with fresh starch. The shirt itself is crisp with a freshly ironed feel to it. Trying it on, he finds the sleeves fit better than his other good shirts. The cuffs end at his hand instead of being an inch or two short.

Smiling now, he walks back downstairs no longer as irritated with bossy parents.

Once again examining the handsome brown eyed, brown haired young man before her, Delphie remarks "Yes, I knew it would fit perfectly. You look very distinguished, Joseph. Go on now. Sarah is expecting her escort."

"Enjoy your evening, son. Remember to be a gentleman tonight. I want you home, inside the house by nine o' clock. Agreed?" Ethan asks keeping eye contact with the boy.

"Yessir. I will. Thank you for the brand new shirt, Mama. I usually get shirts from Rob that you tailor for me."

"You are welcome. Enjoy your time out tonight."

In town, Chris is finishing getting ready to go to the dance. Watching from his bed, the twins admire his new look.

"Papa, I really like your new haircut and no more hair on your face. Your hair looks better when it is not hanging over the shirt collar in the back. The beard always tickled my face when you kissed me goodnight." Alyssa informs him.

"I liked the beard though. Why did you shave it off, Pa?" Aaron asks.

"Savannah asked what I look like clean shaven. I decided to show a more sophisticated look. Now, are you two ready to entertain the younger children? Nathaniel and Charlotte? We won't be far away if you need anything. The dance is at the firebarn, remember?"

"We remember. I like having the little kids come over. Charlotte is easy to play with. She likes everything. Nathaniel is the opposite though." Alyssa answers.

"Pa, do you really like Miss. Savannah a lot? I like her and so does Alyssa." Aaron asks using the name the adults agreed was a polite informal address.

"I do like her and enjoy being with her, son. Why the question?" Chris asks, sensing something more is being asked.

"I wanted to be sure. I have something to show you." Aaron replies before leaving the room. Coming back a few minutes later, he gives Chris a piece of newspaper before returning to sit by his sister.

Looking down at the clipping in his hand, Chris reads an advertisement for "Women willing to travel west, helpmates, brides, and more!"

"Is there something you want to tell me, Aaron? Have you decided you need a wife or helpmate? I have to say, you are quite young for deciding such a thing. You haven't even celebrated your thirteenth birthday and you want to move out with a wife?"

"I don't need a wife but you do! Pa, we want a Mama. All our friends have mothers. Caleb got a new mama by living with Miss. Brandenburg, his aunt, then he got a new Pa when she married Mr. Matthew. Ben and George got new parents by being adopted by Uncle Ethan and then got a new mama when he married Aunt Delphie. We want a new Mama too. We want Miss. Savannah! She answered my letter and came! No one else did. When are you going to marry her to give us a mother? She got here three weeks ago!" Aaron asks, speaking very quickly to get it all said.

"She answered your letter? You wrote the letter? What were you thinking?! How could you!" Chris's voice going from shocked to stern.

"I knocked but no one answered. We just came on in."

Turning at the sound of her voice, Chris says "Savannah!" Then seeing her expression he adds "You heard?"

"I did. It seems he already told you what he was thinking, his reasons for doing it. Now I have the answer to why our arrival seemed a complete surprise to you. If you wish to get out of the contract, I will agree. It was not you who pledged, it was a young boy. We do not have to marry. The contract is invalid."

"NOOO! YOU CAN'T! YOU DO HAVE TO MARRY!" Aaron shouts jumping to his feet and fleeing the room.

"AARON, GET BACK HERE!"

"Chris, shouting at him isn't going to help anything. I would like to continue our evening. Perhaps you can discuss this with him later."

"Yes, you're right. Let's go to the dance. Let me just tell him we're leaving."

Opening the door to Aaron's room, Chris finds the boy face down on his bed.

"We are leaving for the dance now. Be my good boy and help Alyssa with the little ones. It is going to be alright, son. We will talk later. Please answer."

"Yes, Pa. I will help."

After greeting the two younger children, Chris tells Nathaniel, "I want to hear you have behaved like the young gentleman I know you are, tonight. No tantrums and you have been here enough to not be afraid to use the necessary. Your Mama expects good behavior and I support her. Charlotte, you help Alyssa look after both of the boys for me. If they misbehave you tell me and I will take care of them." Chris says with a smile and side wink for the young boy beside him.

"Yes sir, Papa. I will make them be good!" Having turned away, Charlotte misses the surprised look that crosses the adults' faces at her calling Chris 'Papa'.

As Joseph walks with Sarah to the hotel dining room, he admires her dress. Not wanting to make the mistake from the last dress up date when he had to be prodded by Rob to talk, he praises her clothes.

"I like your dress, Sarah. The white bodice and red patterned skirt are very nice. Claire had a white blouse with those pleats where the buttons are, a few years ago. She said it was difficult to iron."

"Thank you, Joseph. You have a good memory to remember her blouse. This looks like the one you remember because it is her blouse. She gave me several pieces before she went east. I love this blouse. Mama helped me tailor it to fit and I sewed the skirt. The red calico fabric is good for the Valentine's dance and early spring too. I even convinced Mama to let me shorten it to two inches above the shoetops. Mama tried to convince me to wear my blue wool dress tonight because of the cold. I managed to get to wear my choice by promising to wear this coat. I wish I had a pretty coat. This ugly black one is ruining my outfit."

"We're here, let's go in and see what the menu might be. I am hungry."

Settling themselves at a small table, Joseph sees his brother and Amelia cross the room to sit at a table by the side window.

"Thank you," Joseph tells the young woman who places glasses of water and a basket with slices of fresh bread on the table.

"You are velcome. I vill be right back with ve fried chicken meal."

"It looks as if we are getting fried chicken. I thought we would get to choose our meal." Joseph remarks.

"I love fried chicken if I don't have to prepare the meat. Where do you think the waitress is from with the accent, Joseph?" Sarah says softly.

"I don't know. I was hoping for steak tonight. I get chicken at home."

Enjoying her dinner, Sarah tries to get the unusually quiet boy across from her to talk.

"How is baby Emerson? She sure is a pretty baby! Even her name is pretty. It sounds like a fairy's name not a plain name like Sarah."

"Sarah is a great name. The baby is cute but she wakes us up every night. George and Ben keep coming into my room to sleep but rolling is more what they really do! The baby squalls every single night several times between ten and three o'clock in the morning. She is not crying during the day very often. Pa says she is still learning about day and night. Mama feeds her at night but only Pa can get her back to sleep. He walks her around the house humming and she finally gets quiet. It takes at least an hour to calm her down each time. I can hear her all the way up in the attic. She is so little but can be so loud!"

"The twins cried at night too. It took what seemed like months for them to stop."

"I hope she figures out how to sleep at night faster than that so my brothers will stay down in their room. I need my sleep. You heard how I got reprimanded for not listening in class, again today. I can't keep my attention on listening because I am fighting not to stretch out on the floor and sleep!"

Giggling at the thought of Joseph asleep on the classroom floor, Sarah replies "Mr. Davis would not be pleased if you did that!"

"He's already displeased. He told me after school if I had to be 'reprimanded for inattention' one more time this month, he was sending a note home! That would end our getting to be together for some time! Pa is old fashioned in his thinking what with his demands about school."

"Let's skip dessert here. The Ladies Aid women are going to have tea, lemonade, teacakes, and cookies at the dance." Sarah requests as they finish eating.

"That will be fine with me. I saw dessert was some kind of custard. I'll be happy to skip that."

Realizing she was feeling discouraged by not knowing the dances, Rob leads Amelia towards the refreshments.

"Let's take a break and get a drink." He tells her.

"Hello, Rob, Amelia. You look flushed, dear. Could I offer you some lemonade or tea? We don't have hot tea but cold with ice from the ice house would be good too,"

"Yes, thank you. I would like some ice and tea." Amelia answers.

"Excellent. And for you, Rob?"

"I would like ice in lemonade, Mrs. Pennyson."

"What would your choice of sweet be? These are white cakes with sugar and then we have either lemon snaps or snickerdoodles. Help yourselves while I get your drinks."

"What would you like, Amelia?"

"The cakes look so inviting but so do the cookies."

"I'll get one of each and we'll share." Rob decides.

"We have these newfangled cups made of paper tonight. We won't need to wash them so just put them in that barrel by the door when you are through." Mrs. Pennyson says handing them their drinks.

"Yes ma'am, thank you," Amelia replies having taken both cups as Rob has the desserts.

"Let's take this outside. I need some less stuffy air." Rob tells her.

Finished with the treats and drinks, Amelia remarks "Your brother and Sarah make a cute couple. Joseph is acting very possessive of his girl. Have you seen his face when someone takes Sarah during the swap partners' dances? He looks ready to refuse to give her up!"

"I haven't been watching him. I have been enjoying being with you! Would you like to take a walk down to the gazebo with me? It isn't that cold with our coats. If you wish to, we can come back to the dance."

"Look at this, Rob! Someone has left a blanket here. We can wrap our legs." Amelia tells him as they arrive at the town square.

"This must be very pretty in the springtime. Those are rosebushes all around the front. The moon tonight is positioned just right! It gives off enough light so I can see them."

"Yes, it sure does. It is pretty here in the spring and summer as well. There are blooms until the nights turn cold. Often on into early September. This is a perfect place for a wedding. My Pa and Mama were married here. Would you like to be married somewhere like here or do you long for a church wedding when you marry?"

"I can just picture flowers blooming all around this beauty. I think having an outside wedding among the roses sounds heavenly."

"I think it does as well," Rob replies as he slides off the wooden bench to drop to one knee. Taking the astonished young woman's hand, he asks

"Amelia Josephine, will you do me the honor of becoming my soulmate, helpmate, and life partner as my wife? I have never felt the feelings I have had since we met. These past few months as we got to know each other face to face, they have only grown stronger. I have told you my vision for the future. Will you join me, please? Will you accept my offer of marriage?"

"Oh, Rob! What a lovely speech. My eyes are watering! I have enjoyed getting to know you as well. You and your family saved me and gave me a chance to have a new beginning."

"Amelia, my knee is getting cold. Is your answer yes or am I to be forever heartbroken and die a lonely old geezer?"

Laughing at his expression plus words, Amelia answers "My reply is yes, of course, I will marry you! I love you! Now get off the ground!"

Standing and taking a glance around for observers, Rob leans down and kisses her on the cheek.

"I love you as well. Would late April be too soon for a wedding?" Rob asks.

"I think the end of April would be enough time to sew a dress and make plans," Amelia answers gripping his hand tightly.

Back at the dance, Joseph is not having the same good fortune as his older brother. Having become irritated with the other young men who keep taking Sarah away during the dancing, he grabs her by the hand.

"Come ON! We are going to have drinks and dessert now!" Joseph announces as he pulls Sarah towards the refreshment table.

"What are you so upset about? I can practically see anger coming from you!" She asks.

"Nothing! Walk with me!"

"My! Someone is awfully bossy! I don't like it when you are acting like this, Joseph!"

At the refreshment table, Joseph grabs a paper cup of tea for Sarah. He grips it so roughly as he tries to give it to her, it tears and spills down the front of her white blouse.

"My blouse! Joseph, just look at this! Tea won't wash out! You ruined my blouse! You have been irritable and no fun all evening! This is an awful Valentine's Day! I am going home!"

"You should stay. You haven't danced with all the boys here yet, just most of them! You missed a few." Joseph replies angrily.

Too upset to respond to his hurtful words, Sarah rushes away but not before Joseph sees the tears ready to fall.

Having been standing nearby getting refreshments for Savannah and himself, Chris overhears the young couple.

After Sarah has left he walks over to Joseph to reprimand quietly "That was shameful behavior, young man! You hurt Sarah with your accusation. This is a group dance, Joseph, just as they all are. Have you not seen everyone sharing partners? Go apologize to Sarah. You were out of bounds!"

Clamping his back teeth together to keep from answering back, Joseph turns and leaves the barn. Feeling thirsty but not wanting to be confronted by Chris or anyone else inside, he settles for getting dipperfuls from the water barrel.

Needing privacy to think, he moves to stand by the barn in the darkness. This is where Rob finds him half an hour later.

"Why are you here, Rob? To tell me how horrible I am?" Joseph asks when his brother appears.

Smelling whiskey on the boy's breath, Rob steps up right in front of him. "Joseph, have you been drinking tonight? You smell like whiskey! I came because it is time to start walking home. I wanted to walk with you. Tell me the truth, were you drinking tonight? Did someone give you whiskey?"

"I had water from the water barrel and that is all. I would've liked to try some whiskey if I could find it. I could forget today ever happened. Sarah is angry. I got scolded by Chris, Pa treated me like a child, Mama bossing me, Mr. Davis threatening to get me in trouble with Pa. Did I tell you Sarah ran home upset? Now uncle Matt will be crawling my butt too!"

"Speaking of butts, yours is going to catch fire at home if you go in with your breath smelling this way! Let's go get coffee. I want to taste that water from the barrel first though."

Having confirmed it was whiskey in the water, Rob walks back to his brother. "Come on, let's get a cup of coffee or two in you. You can tell me why Sarah ran home upset."

Later that evening, having successfully helped his younger brother, Rob is alone with his parents.

"What went on with Joseph tonight? I know you have been managing him in some way. I know you both very well so now is the time to talk, Rob." Ethan asks.

"Joseph had a bad night. The jealousy bug struck him. He got upset with so many boys dancing with Sarah. I explained to him that is how these dances work. Everyone changes partners. He was also the victim of someone's not so funny prank. Someone poured whiskey into the water barrel outside the firebarn. He had several dipperfuls."

"You aren't trying to cover for him, are you? Did someone bring a drink and he experimented?"

"No sir. He didn't. Chris was there at the dance and he told me what happened with Sarah. They did not leave until they quarreled. He saw Joseph drink from the barrel and stand by the barn wall where I found him. I tasted the water from the barrel, it was more whiskey than water. You couldn't smell it when you lifted the wooden lid. Joseph would not have known."

"Alright. I will talk with him tomorrow and see that he apologizes to Sarah. I do not know why he has been so difficult to get along with lately. I aim to discuss that as well."

"Well, Rob? You have made me wait long enough, young fellow! What was Amelia's answer?" Delphie asks, changing the topic of discussion.

"I took your advice and we went to the gazebo. It worked its magic and she said she would accept being my wife. We decided to get married at the gazebo in late April! I hope Claire and Alex will come."

"Well, congratulations! We are adding another daughter, Ethan!" Delphie exclaims as Rob waits for his father's reaction.