EC16Housewarming

Emily's Chronicles: Part 16 "Housewarming" (PG)
Written by Trish, Tammy, and Liddy
Disclaimer: The following is a work of fanfiction based up on the characters and places in the Emily of New Moon book by L.M. Montgomery and the tv series. No infringement upon the rights of the estate of L.M. Montomery, her heirs, or anyone connected with the television series is intended.


Another pleasant July day descended upon Prince Edward Island. The blue
sky overhead was barely discernable from the ocean on the horizon, summer
birds were singing in the trees, and the thick frangrance of the lush
flowers that surrounded the New Moon farm hung wonderfully heavy in the
air. The Murrays had spent most of the past two weeks preparing for the triple
wedding which would soon unite three couples who were very much in love. John and Sarah had returned home to Charlottetown shortly after Isabel and Francis had
been reunited, but left assuring everyone that nothing would keep them from the
wedding. The long awaited ceremony was to take place in a few days, and
there was still much to be done. However, today as the sun overhead reached
noon the family and it's soon-to-be new members had taken a break from the
hustle and bustle and had gathered in the yard infront of the house. Jimmy
and Eve had requested they join them for an outing, but had said nothing of
the purpose of this sojourn, or where they would be going. They had also
remained conspicously absent from the gathering.

Elizabeth fidgetted impatiently. She had a great deal of work to do, and
was not overly fond of interruptions. "Does anyone know what all of this is
about?" She asked looking around, at the equally confused faces surrounding
her.

"It seems we know about as much as you do, Elizabeth." Isabel smiled
leaning against Francis's arm which was wrapped across her shoulders.


"Well, I don't like all this secrecy." Malcolm declared. "It makes me
nervous."

"Oh, Uncle Malcolm." Emily smiled widely. "I think it's wonderfully
mysterious." She always let her imagination run away with her at times
like these and was picturing all kinds of possible outcomes for the day.

"Yeah." Ilse agreed with her best friend as she tried to kick a rock
across the yard barely missing hitting Perry in the shin. " Maybe it really
is a mystery."


"Oh, I do hope everything is alright." Laura said a bit worried as she
stood with her arm intertwined in Allen's.


Just then the clanging of a wagon brought the group's attention to the
end of the lane where Jimmy and Eve were just returning from somewhere.
Neither of them had said anything this morning to anyone about what they
were planning. They had simply left word to meet them at noon, taken the
dogs and some boxes, and had left early. Now they were returning,
hopefully to answer everyone's confusion. Eve's smile beamed as Jimmy pulled the
wagon up alongside the baffled family.


"You all are probably, no doubt wonderin' why Jimmy and I are sooo excited,
aren't ya'?" asked Eve.

"Well, we were wondering why you asked us all to be here." Elizabeth
confessed.

"We're excited, b'cause you're all invited to come to our new house for an
Open- Housewarmin'!" added Jimmy.


"Housewarming, New House?" Isabel asked intrigued.


"What have ya been up to Jimmy, my boy?" Malcolm asked, a playful smile
on his face. His nephew never ceased to amaze and delight him.

Everyone looked around at each other, puzzlement on their faces. No
one was quite sure yet what it was that Jimmy was talking about. Elizabeth
had had an inkling that he and Eve were up to something along those lines
but had no idea that whatever their project, it was so near completetion.
Perry stood trying not to make eye contact with anyone else. He had been
Jimmy's silent accomplice over these many months. Laura too, tried not to
make eye contact, because she helped Eve with the wallpapering and painting
of the upstairs rooms. It was Emily who broke the silence.

"Do you mean you finished the house you're building for Eve?" Emily cried,
mezmerized.

"Yes, Puss!" answered Jimmy. "Our house is finally finished!"

"Well, what's everybody waiting for?" asked Francis. "Let's all load up in
the two buggies and go visit Eve's and Jimmy's new house!? I don't know
know about the rest of you, but Isabel and I are dying to see it, aren't we
honey?"

" Oh Yes, of course." Isabel answered sweetly.

"Us too!" cried Emily and Ilse at the same time.

Unbeknowst to the rest of the Murrays, Burnleys, and Francis
Carpenter--acouple members of Eve's own intermediate Kinch Family were
already there at the new Murray home, her mother Judith and kid-brother,
Gussy Dan. They were looking forward to the return of their daughter and
big sister with her fiance's family's visit.

Perry quickly went to the barn to hitch up the Murray's buggy as Dr.
Burnley brought his around to the front of the house. He helped Laura into
the front seat, while Emily and Ilse excitedly hopped up into the back.
Jimmy and Eve waited patiently for everyone to get ready, nearly giddy with
anticipation at showing off their new house, and the visitors who waited
there. After a few minutes Perry brought the buggy and horse from the
barn. He handed the reigns to Francis and quickly jumped in the back of Jimmy's
wagon. Francis and Malcolm both helped a grateful Isabel into the back of
the buggy, and then Malcolm gave Elizabeth a hand up to sit beside his
daughter.

The men climbed into the front seat and took their place in the little
convoy that pulled out onto the lane that led from New Moon.
They drove along the road by the sea for a distance enjoying the breeze
and the excitement of the surprise. Emily and Ilse nearly stood in the back
of Dr. Burnley's buggy, craning their necks to try to catch the first view
of the house. Laura had to remind them to sit down several times for fear
they would fall right out onto the road.

Francis drove the Murray buggy with great care trying to avoid every bump
ever concious of the pregnant Isabel sitting in the back seat. At times he slowed to
near crawl looking back to check on her. Always she was fine, and gave him a
loving smile for his thoughtfulness. Elizabeth sat next to Isabel muttering
to herself about time running out, and listing all there still was to be
done at New Moon to prepare for the wedding. Isabel smiled understandingly at
her knowing that her cousin did have a good deal of work thrust upon her on
behalf of the other. Malcolm spent the ride laughing to himself over the
fact that Jimmy had actually pulled off a major surprise on the family.

In a while when the road seemed liked it would disappear into the ocean,
on the edge of New Moon land, the roof of a house came into view in the
distance, and behind it a barn. As the group drew closer the house
appeared to grow out of the land, the trees seeming to part to make room for it.
Finally the wagon and following buggies pulled into a tree-lined lane past
a small wooden sign that read Murray Collie Farm with a painted silouette of
a sable & white Collie above the name.

As they were nearing the end of the lane, they saw a white picket fence
with a trillis arching over the gate, surrounding a beautiful white two-story
house, with a full length front porch with a swing hanging from one of the
beams, and near it; four wicket chairs surround a matching round table. All
the windows have screens, and black painted shutters. Both front and back
doors also have screendoors attached. Looking up to the second floor, they
see two sets of windows facing their direction, indicating where the front
bedrooms are. They also see a circled driveway, Jimmy had constructed so
that visitors could circle their vehicles around his fenced-in house,
making it easy to head back out the lane.

As Jimmy pulls the buggy into the circled driveway, he pulls clear around
the house until he is facing back out the lane. As he does this, the
others follow, so that the buggy with Isabel aboard can stop directly infront of
the trillised gate.

The family lited from the buggies, and looked around them in awe. Jimmy
had not just contructed a house, he had built a beautiful home for himself
and his bride. It looked as if it had always been with the gracious trees
swaying overhead, and the ocean beckoning beyond there, though it was brand
new. Emily and Ilse could hardly contain their glee, and turned so many
circles trying to see everything that they got dizzy.

"It's a masterpiece, Jimmy." Allen congratulated him with a harty handshake
and slap on the back. He also politely shook a beaming Eve's hand
as Laura happily hugged them both.

Isabel and Francis also came up to Jimmy and Eve with happy handshakes
and hugs. They themselves had been discussing finding a place of their own
when things settled down, and knew how much this meant to Jimmy and Eve.

"Jimmy, my boy. You've done yourself proud." Malcolm said still overcome
with glee at his accomplishment. "Wouldn't you say so Elizabeth?" He asked
his niece who stood surveying every detail of the property.

Elizabeth walked quietly up to Jimmy. "This place is absolutely..."She
paused a moment trying to choose her words. "Magnificent." She smiled
proudly at Jimmy, and hugged him. "I guess this means you'll both be
leaving New Moon." She said quietly realizing how everything was changing. Laura
too would soon be gone, and she wondered how long Isabel would stay after the
baby was born.

"We'll still be around." Jimmy smiled. "Perry here'll take fine care of
the place for ya." He patted the young man on the back. Perry had been
standing beside truly happy for the couple.

"I guess you'll be taking over most of the responsibilites at New Moon,
Perry. " Elizabeth announced, suddenly noticing how grown up he was
becoming. She remembered when he came to New Moon, practically begging for
a job. He had grown beyond chore boy. He was part of the family.

"I won't let ya down Missus." He vowed smiling. Elizabeth knew he wouldn't.
Everyone began to walk slowly toward the porch finding new delightful
scenes to take their interest along the way. The porch was dripping with
brightly colored wisteria vines, and a long table had been layed with
lemonade, cookies, and sandwiched over a lovely lace table cloth. There
had even been a chair with thick cushions placed in an especially cool and
shady part of the porch for Isabel to rest. As the family approached the
inviting house, suddenly the door openned and two familiar faces stepped out onto
the porch. They were Eve's mother, Judith, and her little brother, Gussy Dan.

"Everyone!" Said Eve, as she was getting everyone's attention, "I would
like for you all to meet my mother, Judith Kinch, and my little brother, Gussy
Dan."

"Can't say if whether we've met before..." said a smiling Malcolm, as he's
extending his right hand them. "Glad t' meet ya', Mrs. Kinch...and ya' two,
lad."

"Oh, yes we've met, Mr. Murray." Judith reminded him. "Remember, it was
when you and your family were kind enough to take us in..."

"Oh yes, so it was." Malcolm interrupted her, not wishing to her to have to
recount the entire episode with the fire and her husband's murder infront
of everyone. "It is very nice to see you again." He said apologetically. He
did not mean to be rude by not remembering her, but he had been through alot
since first meeting her. He had not noticed before what a handsome woman
she was.

"Welcome back to Blair Water, Mrs. Kinch and Gussy Dan!" added Laura and
Allan.

"Same here," said Francis Carpenter. "Gussy Dan? I hope I'll see you in
school this fall, along with other children!?"

Isabel looked admiringly at her soon to be husband. He was being
confidently cocky as usual, he was already certain he would get his
teaching job back. It was one of the things she loved most about him. He had
fortunately been the one who had initiated their relationship, for which
she was glad knowing that she would never have had the courage to approach him.
She laughed to herself remembering the day he shown up in her classroom,
called outside for a chat, and stolen a kiss. Her heart had openned in that
moment, revived from years of solitude. She was also certain he get his
job back. After all, not only was he a brilliant instructor, she was the only
other person in town who could teach, and she was not going to be returning
to school in the fall. 'I will have other things to tend to.' She smiled to herself, laying her hand on her belly as the baby kicked. The wee one had lately become very active.

"Yeah!!!" said Emily and Ilse, at the same time. "We all could walk to
school with Teddy and Perry, there. It looks like we'll have to introduce
you to Teddy, won't we, Ilse?"

"Yeah!" agreed Ilse.

"Sure sounds like fun." answered Gussy Dan. "Since we'll all be cousins
soon, being in the same family and school, and havin' Mr. C for our
teacher.

WOW!!!"

"It seems as though the children have hit it off already." laughed Jimmy.


"I'm glad we returned to Blair Water." agreed Judith, as she too laughed
along with her future son-in-law. "Yes! I think I'm going to like it
here."

"Of course you will!" agreed, Elizabeth. "I'm going love having more
cousins in our family, and I hope we can become good friends."

Standing by listening to her future and present relatives' conversation,
Eve is literally beaming with happiness, seeing how much they all seem to get
along well with each other. A brilliant idea hit her, as she tapped her
glass with her fork. "Everybody listen!" after getting everyone's
attention, "Why don't we have our Triple Wedding here!?"

Elizabeth seemed delighted with idea but added. "Oh Eve, this is such a
beautiful place for the reception. We could have the wedding at New Moon,
and then everyone could come here for a grand gathering." She suggested.

"Of course, it would be alright, Elizabeth. Uh--We are on a first-name
basis, aren't we?" Eve asks, cautiously.

"Most definitely, dear." Elizabeth grinned putting her arm around the
younger lady. "After all we are going to be cousins in a few days."

Everyone looked around delighted with the plan. It would be a glorious
wedding day for the couples. The family was growing, and now there were
two beautiful homes for all it's members. As the family chattered excitedly
around them Francis took Isabel's arm and pulled her aside for a moment.
He whispered softly into her ear, "The next house will be our's. I
promise."

Isabel looked into his eyes delighted with his vow. "I would love that."
She smiled raising his palm to her lips and kissing it softly. He put his
arms around her and held her while the festivities continued around them.

Eve could hardly wait to show her new family around her new home, and
eagerly invited everyone in for a tour. She was so proud of the the work
she and Jimmy had put into the place. Looking around the room to all the
ladies present, she asked--"How would you all like to see the rest of our home!?"

"Can we?" Isle spoke up.

"That would be wonderful." Isabel said.

"Well, then." Eve laughed, happy that everyone was so please for she and
Jimmy. "Follow me." She turned and led everyone inside.

Inside the house was bright and airy, with light walls and large windows.
It stood in contrast to the old fashioned, dark rooms of New Moon.
Beautiful brand new furniture, shipped from the mainland sparkled in every
room. Floors of the best island pine looked like glass beneath their feet.
The kitchen was even filled with every modern convenience. Upstairs, it
seemed that every of the bedroom had a view of the ocean. Crisp linens and
quilts covered the beds ready for occupants. Emily and Ilse made Eve
promise to let them stay over. Laura eyed the wall paper she and Eve had hung with
satisfaction, and nuding her soon to be new cousin whispered. "I'm glad it
stayed up." The two shared a secret laugh. When they returned to the
parlor Eve looked around anxiuosly. "Well, what do you think?" She asked, her face
betraying her nervousness. It was unanimously decided by all that besides
New Moon, this was certainly the most beautiful and inviting house on the
island.

After showing everyone around, Eve had suggested that Jimmy take the men
over to show them the barn, while she and the ladies chatted in the parlor
for a while. The barn, every bit as big as the one at New Moon smelled
of new wood, and fresh staw. There was a chicken coup, and stables for
horses. Chief Joseph, Jimmy's gift from Eve upon her return to the island,
had taken residents in the largest one, and was beginning to fill every bit
of it as he grew into a mature horse.

"What in the Sam-hill is that strangely coloured-lookin' horse, Jimmy!?"
asked an astonished Malcolm.

"His name is, Chief Joseph, and he is an Appaloosa." answered Jimmy. "Eve
got him from the Nez Perces chief, Chief Red Cloud, out in Ida-ho. She
taught school on their reservation for a time, and when she got ready to
leave, that was their way of payin' her for her efforts."

"Really now, ma' lad?" replied Malcolm. "He is one fine lookin' animal,
if I say so ma'self! When you an' Eve get married, you should get busy an'
start showin' him 'round at county fairs an' horse shows. So ya' both can
start rackin' up customers ta come to yer farm ta breedin' their mares ta'
him. Betcha' he's bound ta sire many fine lookin' foals like himself."

After hearing those encouraging words of advice from his uncle, he promised
Malcolm that that's what he and Eve fully intend to do with Chief Joseph.
It pleased him to know that his "Queen of Romania" had brought him back a
truly prized specimen of the equine species, to help populate this part of
Canada with.

All the implements necessary to run a successful farm lined the walls,
shiny and ready for use. The kennels were attached to the barn, and already
housed Laddie and Princess, and their pups.

"Jimmy, ma lad." This is a fine place Malcolm proclaimed proudly.

"Thank ya." Jimmy said modestly.

"So you are planning to become a Collie breeder, are you?" Allen smiled.

"Hopin' to." Jimmy acknowledged.

"And a fine Scottish breed you've chosen." Malcolm boomed. "The dogs of
the old Scot kings. Used for centuries to guard stock and men." He smiled,
proud of the dog's heritage as well as his own. It meant a great deal to
Jimmy that the old man approved.

Malcolm walked over to the pen that houses the growing pups. "Well, then
how 'bout making yer first sale?" He looked at his future son-in-law. "I
think that comin' grandchild of mine should grow up with a fine animal
like... that one there." Malcolm said pointing to the strongest looking pup
which had come up to sit obediently at his feet.

"Uh, well..." Francis stammered. He had nothing against a child having a
dog, but he was fairly sure how Isabel would react. She was not overly keen
on animals in the house. "That would certainly be a...good idea... but perhaps
later when he or she is a little older. It will be awhile before the baby
will even know what a dog is. Isabel might not like the idea of a dog
around the baby." He tried to placate the old man.

"Nonsense, children and dogs, it's as old as the sea. I'll deal with
Isabel, you mark my words one look at that face and she will melt." Malcolm
said nuzzling the puppy's snout in his wrinkled old hand.

"If it's alright with Isabel and Francis, then I would be glad for you to
have the pick of the litter." Jimmy smiled.

The men returned to the porch just in time for the ladies to serve them a
bit of refreshment from the table that had been waiting ready on the porch.
Elizabeth and Judith were sitting at the table discussing plans for the
wedding. Isabel was relaxing in the wicker chair that had been placed in
the shade, and Laura was talking to her from her spot on the steps. Emily
and Ilse were busy tag in the yard. Smiles brightened as each of the three
soon to be brides saw her intended come into view.

Francis took his place on the arm of Isabel's chair. He smiled and kissed
her, but from his apprehensive expression she could tell he was troubled by
something.

"What is it?" She asked in a near whisper.

"Umm, uhh." He searched his mind for a way to start. "Malcolm has
something for you... for the baby." He said his mind relieved that Malcolm
would shoulder the blame if she was not pleased by his living gift

"Really." Isabel confirmed delighted. "Father, what is it?" She smiled at
him.

"Only something every child should have." Malcolm beamed pulling out the
little puppy he had been hiding behind his back.

"A dog???" Isabel questioned. She started to get angry, but reminded
herself that he thought he had found the most perfect thing in the world
for his grandchild. A more tactful approach would be best. "Really, father,
that is very kind of you, but don't you think the little one will be far too
young for him? I don't think that having an animal around a baby is a good
idea, and what of the mess in the house?" She protested.

"You can watch the baby until he or she is old enough, and as for the
mess, Perry could build him a dog house, couldn't ya?" He turned toward the
boy.

"I sure could sir." Perry volunteered. The look on Isabel's face told him
he spoke too soon.

"Father." Isabel protested again. "I really don't think..."

"I had dogs, my grandchild will have dogs." Malcolm declared. "Besides
how can you resist this face?" He held the pups muzzle close to Isabel's
face. The dog reached out and licked her cheek.

"Take him now, Isabel, and by the time your baby is born, the pup should be
at that Mr. In-Between age, to establish himself as a guard dog over your
wee one." Suggested Eve. "They're such an intelligent breed of dog, they
learn things quickly, and can be very easily house-brokened. Trust me! I
know this for a fact."

"Uh." She felt that her protests were in vane, her father was not one to
give up. Then she looked at the dog. His face pleading for attention and
love. His loving almond-shaped eyes seeming to talk to her. For some
reason she felt her resistance falter. Maybe it would not be such a bad idea for
her child to have a dog. Isabel marveled at the change in herself. Before
she found out she was pregnant she would have been battling mightily for her
own wishes, but now she only felt peaceful resignation.

"Alright." She blurted out before she changed her mind. "But he stays in
the barn until the baby's old enough." She ordered.

"Of course, lass." Malcolm smiled and kissed her forehead, as she laughed
still unsure of what had just happened. The family laughed and talked as
they passed the puppy around.

Malcolm looked proudly at his daughter, noticing the change in her too,
and in himself. "You'll no be sorry. This will be a find companion for the wee one." He
assured her. "Why, they are legends in the highlands. You've heard the
tales of their loyalty and protection." He reminded her. "The child
couldn't be safer than with one of these fine collies."

Isabel had heard the stories of these dogs preforming exceptional fetes
to protect their masters, but had never really believed them. Now as she
watched the puppy reveling in the attention of everyone, she could picture
her child spending countless happy days with the dog, and realized she had
made the right decision. She smiled at her father, it was strange to see
him so concerned about her after all these year, but it was also very very
nice.

As the pup was passed back to him, Malcolm held the little dog up to his face. "Now let's see." He said with a thoughful look in his eye. "This little pup will need a name befitting his regal heritage." He looked at the dog for a moment. "Ah, yes. Duke." He finally announces. "Jus' like the lords back in the old country." The old man was very pleased with himself. Isabel smiled up at Francis. They could both tell that Grandfather was going to spoil their child something awful, but neither of them minded.

The day wore sleepily on. It was nice to spend the day relaxing after
such hectic preparations as those that were happenning at New Moon,
everyone agreed. The sun trod across the deep blue sky casting changing shadows in
the front of the house where everyone had slipped easily into familiar
conversation. Noticing that the lemonade pitcher was terribly close to
empty Eve began to go into the house to make somemore when something at the
end of the lane caught her attention. A heavy set man was making his way
toward the house. She squinted for a moment trying to get a clearer view of the
unannounced visitor. He was still quite a distance from the house.
Suddenly a huge smile drew itself across her face, and she raced off the porch.
Running down the lane she threw her arms open wide and greeted the man with
a huge hug. She had written to him of her impending wedding, and hoped he
could manage to make it. Her friend had come to Blair Water.

Jimmy stood on the porch not understanding what was happenning. His Eve
had rushed to greet a man he had never seen before. Was this someone from
her time away from him. He began to worry. The expression on his face
proved his bafflement, as he made is way toward the pair now walking back
to the house. He met them halfway down the lane. The family watched as the Eve
introduced the stranger to Jimmy. They talked for a moment, and then a huge
smile also found its way across Jimmy's face, he pumped the man giant hand as if he
were priming a well. The three continued back toward the porch, this time
with Eve taking Jimmy's hand.

When they finally reached their wondering family it could clearly be seen
that this was a man used to a life that was not as gracious as most of
those on Prince Edward Island. He was a big man, in his late 50's and looked like he could some damage if need be. His round face was darkly tanned, and a bushy mustache
obscurred his upper lip. It was clear that his bulk came from hard won
muscle, he was used to hard work. The man appeared to have traveled far,
mostly by foot and his rumpled clothes were covered with more than one
layer of road dirt. Under the dirty hat which had seen better days his sandy
hair showed little evidence of having been bardered in some time. As he drew
closer, they could also see his blue eyes were dancing, and the gleeming
smile on his face. This man was a gentle giant.

"Everyone! I would like all you to meet the man who looked after me,
during my stay in the lower 48...the United States--Joe Samuels!" said an excited
Eve.

"Hi Mr. Samuels! Welcome to Blair Water, and thank you for taking care of
Eve for us!" smiled a grateful Judith. "I'm her mother."

"Thank you ma'am." Joe said removing his hat. "It was my pleasure. That
ain't no place for a lady by herself."

"Joe saved me from... a bunch of...ungentlemanly thugs. He kind of looked
out for me after that. " Eve smiled, patting him on the back. She felt
Jimmy hold her other arm a little tighter. She had told him all about how she
had met this man, and he hated that he had not been there to help her. He owed
Mr. Samuels an eternal debt for keeping Eve safe and helping her come back
to him.

"Oh, Eve. You poor thing." Laura gasped surprised at this story she had
never heard. "You certainly were fortunate to have a protector out there."

"Not necessarily, Laura." replied Eve. "I was more blessed then anything
else. Having the pleasure of teaching those beautiful Nez Perces children,
gave me the greatest reward of all, as well as making friends with these
beautiful peoples. No, a poor thing I'm not."

Isabel and Francis smiled at Eve. "We certainly know what you mean." They agreed, as they were both teachers themselves.

"It is exciting, impacting young lives." Isabel agreed.

"Especially when you fell like you've had some part in openning up the world to them." Francis agreed. He and his soon to be new wife, Isabel , smiled at the children scattered about.

"It sure is." Eve agreed, and then turning to Joe she motioned back to
Laura who was standing with Allen. "Joe, this is Laura Murray, and her fiance Dr.
Allen Burnley. She's Jimmy's cousin."

Joe extended his thick hand. He looked uncomfortable, as if he was
unsure what to do. It was obvious he was unused to polite company. "Miss
Murray, Dr. Burnley." He greeted.

"It's very nice to meet you." Allen acknowledged.

"We owe you a debt of gratitude for watching out for our Eve." Laura
smiled.

Joe returned her sentiment with an unsure smile his eyes cast on the
ground. No one had ever said they owed him anything before.

"Hi, I'm Ilse Burnley." Ilse spoke up moving in with hand outstretched.
Joe took her hand and shook it gladly, laughing at her cheekiness. He always
did have a soft spot for children.

"She's Dr. Burnley's daughter." Eve informed him.

"Yep, and this is my best friend Emily Starr." Ilse continued grabbing
Emily by the shoulders and drawing her over.

"Emily is Jimmy young cousin." Eve smiled.

Emily smiled widely happy to meet this new acquaintance. There was
something about him that she liked immediately. As a writer she was always
on the look for interesting people, and Joe Samuels was about as
interesting a person as she had met in a long time. Just his past, coming from the
American west, was exoctic and cried of adventure. For some strange reason
Emily had the feeling that Joe was going to be very important to all of
them.

"Hi!" Emily beamed. "What did you do out west?" She asked eager to know
all she could about this man.

Joe shook Emily's hand. "It a pleasure to meet you Miss Emily. Well, I
worked on the railroads. Layed most of the track from Denver ta Frisco." He
said happy for her interest. Joe was a good jugde of character, and he
could tell there was something special about this child.

Joe looked around. He had not meant to say too much about himself. Usually when he mentioned his old work, people either looked at him with distaste, or disgust. These people were different. They seemed fascinated. He could tell that the details of his past wereaccepted. They didn't lord over him like other fancy people had done.
They already treated him as a friend.

Eve led Joe over to the porch step where Perry and Gussy Dan were
watching with big smiles. "This young man is Perry Miller." She motioned
toward him. "He lives with the Murrays at New Moon."

Perry gratefully noted that Eve referred to him as a young man and not a
boy, and that she also not used the term chore boy. He was really beginning
to feel like one of the family. "It is real pleasure to meet ya, yes sir, a
real pleasure." Perry grinned shaking the big man's hand.

"You too, Perry." Joe smiled, he instantly liked this confident young
fellow.

"And this little skallawag is my brother, Gussy Dan." Eve laughed play
pinching the boy.

"Hi there!" Dan's smile enveloped his face.

"Oh, I've heard a lot about you." Joe smiled. "It's good to finally meet
you." He said shaking the boys hand.

Taking Joe by the arm and leading him onto the porch Eve walked over to
the chair in the shade. "This is Isabel Murray, her fiance Francis
Carpenter, and her father Malcolm Murray." She said motioning to each in
turn. Isabel began to stand to be properly introduced.

"Oh, no, ma'am, please don't get up. You stay right there." Joe pleaded
seeing Isabel's delicate condition.

"Thank you." Isabel said gratefully settling back, and reaching out her
hand. "It is very nice to meet you."

"You too, ma'am." Joe smiled, politely shaking her hand. Eve had said her
fiance, not her husband, referring to the man who sat beside Isabel being
so attentive. It was obvious that this was the father of her little one. It
was also obvious that the two were very much in love. Joe noted the
situation without judgement. He had been around enough to know that sometimes things
in life did not always happen as most people thought they should. These two
were happy and that was enough.

He greeted Francis and Malcolm in turn.

"How do you do." Francis smiled and shook the man's hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet ya, lad." Malcolm smiled as Joe ruffled Duke's
fur. Malcolm was still holding the pup.

"Come for the wedding? Ay?" Malcolm asked.

"Sure did." Joe smiled. "Eve wrote me, and I knew I just hadda git here.

Wouldn't miss it fer the world." He smiled at his friend, who beamed back
at him.

It was then that Eve turned Joe to face Elizabeth. "Joe, this is
Elizabeth Murray. She's also Jimmy's cousin."

Joe turned and felt as if his breath had been taken. He stood for a
moment unable to speak. He stared at Elizabeth certain she thougth him a
fool. She was a handsome woman, not beautiful, but there was something
almost regal about her. She was the kind of lady that commanded respect
wherever she went. The kind he had always marveled at. He could not take
her eyes from hers. He saw something there, something that was in him too,
but he could not figure out what it was. He could have stayed there face to
face with her forever.

It was Elizabeth who broke the silence. "Mr. Samuels." She said extending
her palm. "Welcome To Blair Water." He took her hand in his. He could tell
from the small callousses he felt that she was no stranger to hard work,
but she held her composure like a queen.

Elizabeth felt a strange rush when he took her hand. His big hand felt
like a piece of old wood, but it also felt warm and gentle. She saw how he
held hers tenderly, almost afraid he would crush it. It was then she looked
into his eyes. She had never seen eyes like his before. They were stone
gray, like the sea in winter, and held stories told as much by the lines
around them than the depth in them. She had never felt like this upon
meeting anyone. After a few short moments her pride got the better of her,
and her need for propriety, and she let her hand drop.

"Ma'am." Was all Joe said as he let her hand fall. Elizabeth struggled to
understand why she did not want him to let go.

The rest of the lazy afternoon was spent in happy relaxation as the sun
disappeared from the sky. The three soon to be we couples found their own
places around the porch and yard to whisper among themselves, the children
played along the shore beyond the house, and Malcolm and Judith slipped
into easy conversation at the table on the porch. Joe and Elizabeth politely
avoided each other, however they both realized how their eyes kept casting
themselves in the others direction. Later in the evening the ladies fixed a
light supper for everyone, and the festivities continued after sundown.

Jimmy announced he would be staying at the new house that evening, and
eagerly invited Joe to join him. Joe happily accepted, glad for a place to
hang his hat. It was dark when the rest of the family returned along the
road to New Moon. The kids, all tired out from the day's activities,
dragged themselves up the front steps. Ilse was spending the night with Emily, and
Gussy Dan would be staying in the barn with Perry. The two boys took the
new dog to get settled there. Eve showed Judith to her room which they would
share for now. Francis carried a fatigued, but happy, Isabel up to bed. He
stayed with her for a while after she fell asleep, and then reluctantly
went down to the place in the barn that had been made for his sleeping
quarters until he and Isabel were wed. Laura and Allen sat on the porch
talking late into the night, until he finally had to tear himself away from her to return home. Malcolm walked the beach for a while thinking of what the rest of his life might hold. It was Elizabeth who could not find sleep that night. She sat over a late night cup of tea in the kitchen pondering the events of the day and what they had all meant. She
realized there was something from today she would keep close always, the
memory of those eyes.