EC 19showers

Emily's Chronicles: Part 18: Light Showers
By Trish and Tammy

Disclaimer: The following is a work of fanfiction. Emily of New Moon was created by L.M. Montgomery and is the property of her, her estate, and her heirs, not me. No copyright infringement is intended and no profit was made.

The afternoon sunlight streamed through the open kitchen door at New
Moon. It had been a week since the triple wedding and everyone was still
filled with happy energy. This day Elizabeth, Laura, Eve, Judith, Emily,
and Ilse were devising a secret yet joyuous plan. Miss Murray, Mrs.
Burnley, and Mrs. Kinch along with Emily and Ilse were seated around the
kitchen table.

The two girls were working intently on some fancy pieces of paper, while
the adults supervised them carefully, except for Eve who was standing at the
porch door her gaze turned anxiously toward the yard.

"Is this good Aunt Elizabeth?" Emily looked up from her work.

Elizabeth took the paper from the girl and read the text written neatly
there. "You are cordially invited to a baby shower for Mrs. Isabel
Carpenter to be held at New Moon Farm, Blair Water, on Saturday next..."
Elizabeth smiled. "Yes dear, that's perfect. Now we need five more just like
it."

Then Ilse held up her work, and asked "How about mine, Aunt Elizabeth?"
Revelling in the wonderful sound of finally having an aunt to address.

Elizabeth bent her head back and resounded with joyous laughter. Then she
reached over and giving Ilse a big hug she said, ignoring some of the
smudges. "Your's is absolutely perfect as well, my dear." It was good to
haveanother beautiful child refer to her in that way.

Emily and Ilse grinned excitedly at each other as they each grabbed
another piece of paper and began working. Suddenly Eve turned around from her vantage point near the kitchen door and whispered urgently. "She's coming! Eve ran to join the others at the table, nearly tipping her chair over as she pulled it out and sat down in one
fluid motion. She folded her hands innocently in front of her on the table
and painted a nervous smile on her face.

Elizabeth, Laura, and the girls quickly gathered up the writing
instruments, the ink well, and extra paper. The ladies thrust the items
under the table and held them on their laps hoping the person making her
way slowly up the porch steps would not see them. Emily heard a footstep on
the old boards outside and saw one of the finished letters still on the
table. Ilse quickly grabbed it, looking around for a place to hide it. As Isabel
appeared at in the doorway, Ilse hurridly sat on it.

Eve, nearest to the door, and as she sees her cousin-in-law, says,
"Well-hello, Isabel! Is there anything you need, that I can get for you?"

Everyone seated around the table echoed the same question. "Yes Isabel, is
there anything you need?" They asked. Isabel wondered why they looked so
guilty, but decided not to press the issue.

"I..." She began, faltering as she noticed how intently everyone was
watching her. "Just came in to get my sun bonnet." Isabel said, her eyes
suveying the scene infront of her questioningly as she walked over to pegs
that lined the wall by the window.

Isabel looked around suspicously at the exaggerated faces of her relatives,
wondering what was going on. "Well..." She began her expression changing to
one of befuddled confusion. "Francis and I are going for a walk along the
beach. Allen said I should get more exercise." She announced smiling at
Laura. "We'll be back later."

"Oh, how nice." Elizabeth over acted. "Do be careful." She smiled.

"I will." Isabel assured everyone as she walked out the door, looking over
her shoulder at the family that still smiled at her very strangely.

The ladies smiled widely at Isabel as she returned back outside, still
unsure what they were up to. "That was close." Laura said.
"Yes. Let's get these done. Then Emily, you and Ilse can take them to the
general store to post them." The girls smiled at each other and finished
the last few invitations. They couldn't wait until next Saturday. Neither of
them had been to a baby shower before, and they were determined to have as
much fun as anyone, with the possible exception of the mother to be.


That night Jimmy and Eve lay in the large bed in their new bedroom. Eve was
recounting the events of day to her husband.

"Honey? Today, as Mum and I were walking home a different way," explained
Eve to her husband, as she had just got into bed and was pulling up the
covers on her side, "....and we saw this beautiful little cottage on New
Moon land, that was in a bit of disrepair, but it would make such a nice
home."

Jimmy chuckled, as he laid there in bed beside his wife, "Darlin', do you
want another home?"

"Well, no dear," replied Eve. "This one suits us just fine. I was only
wondering why that cute little house was going to waste, when some one
could easily buy it and fix it up? You know--some one like Isabel and
Francis?"

"Haaaa! I see where you're comin' from, darlin'." said Jimmy. "But first,
let me tell ya' about that little house."

"You mean, that that house has an interesting history behind it?" asked
Eve.

"Yes it does, " answered Jimmy. "Archibald Murray, Elizabeth's & Laura's
father, built that house for my parents...your in-laws. That was my
birthplace."

"Ooooh honey," Cooed Eve. As she scooted down in bed and snuggled up to
her husband, putting her right arm around him and laying her head on his
chest. "So that where you were conceived and saw your first light of day
in."

Putting his arms around his loving wife, a happy contented Jimmy replied,
"Yes dear." as he caressed her on her head, and kissing her on her
forehead.

The next morning dawned bright and sunny as Jimmy came downstairs to the
kitchen where Eve had already prepared a huge breakfast. Judith and Gussy
Dan were also sitting there at the kitchen table. What with the farmyard
chores yet to be done, but before Jimmy and Gussy Dan left to go do them,
Eve asked Jimmy, "Honey, when you're through with the chores, what do you
think of the idea of us taking a walk over for to your early childhood
home?"

"That sounds good to me, darlin'." replied Jimmy. From their bedtime
discussion, he knew exactly why his wife wanted sooo much to go and visit
his cottage.

"What's this about your childhood home, Jimmy?" asked Judith.

"You know, Mummy..." said Eve, "that poor little dilapidated cottage we
saw, on our way home. That cute little place was once Jimmy's boyhood
home."

"And Archibald Murray, the father of Elizabeth and Laura, built that place
for my parents to move into." added Jimmy. "Eve and I were discussing it
only last night, about it having repair possibilities, and as a future home
for Isabel and Francis to move in to."

"Really, Jimmy?" asks a very interested Judith. "Great idea, about your
plans for that cute little cottage! If it's alright with you two, I would
also like to help readying it for them to move in to. Do they know about
it yet?"

"Not yet, they don't." answered Eve and Jimmy, together. Then to Gussy
Dan, Jimmy asked, "Don't you think, li'le brother--it's about time that we
go and start doin' our chores?"

"Sure, Jimmy." replied Gussy Dan, as he quickly gulps down the last of the
milk in his glass. "When we're done, can I go over to Teddy Kent's?"

"Of course, son." said Judith. Glad that her son had found a friend to
chum around with.

Just before heading out the door, Jimmy plants a loving kiss on Eve's lips,
and hurries out the door to catch up with his kid brother-in-law.
Left inside, Eve and her mother, Judith, begin to clear off the table, and
prepare to wash and dry their breakfast dishes.

A short distance down the shoreline from New Moon Francis and Isabel
Carpenter strolled along the water's edge arm in arm, her head leaning
against his shoulder. They had begun these daily walks when Allen had told
his new cousin in law that she really must start getting more excercise for
her own good. Isabel had to admit that she was feeling better, she had more
energy, and she treasured the time alone with her husband. This morning
the sun, rising higher in the sky, and the breeze gave a dream like
appearance to the sand and waves as the couples walked together talking and dreaming.

For a moment they were the only two people in the world. They did not see
the other couple also strolling along the shore a good ways down the beach.
As the couples drew closer to each other, it was Francis who recognized
the other familiar-looking two people strolling along hand-in-hand first.
"Isn't that Jimmy and Eve?" He asked.

"Oh, yes it is." Isabel smiled, waving. She saw Eve excitedly returning her
greeting.

After a few more moments they were finally close enough for conversation.
The men greeted each other with firm handshakes, and the ladies hugged each
other.

"How, nice it is to see you this morning." Isabel smiled.

"Yes, I guess we're not the only one's who enjoy a good stroll along the
beach." Francis smiled.

"And vice-versa!!" replied Eve and Jimmy together. Then the Murrays look
at each other, trying to decide whom wants to go first, about their little
surprise...

"Uh...uh...we've got something we would like to talk to you two about."
Jimmy finally said. "It's...it's about...this cottage, that used to be my
boyhood home, that Uncle Archibald Murray built for my folks, to move
into."

"What Jimmy is trying to say," added Eve. "We would like for you two to
come and take a look at it with us. We really think that you two will
really like it."

"I've never seen a cottage around here." Isabel said amazed, standing with
Francis's arm around her. She'd been on the island for over a year, and had
no idea that there was another house on New Moon land.

"It's pretty well hidden." Jimmy agreed.

"We'd love to see it." Francis said looking at Isabel who was nodding her
head in agreement. Then his face turned a bit concerned. "Is it far?" He
asked laying his hand on top of Isabel's stomach, considering his wife's
condition.

"Oh no," replied Jimmy. "It isn't too far."

"Infact, Mum an' I passed it on our way home last evening," added Eve.
"It's not by the ocean, but back in this small grove of trees."

As they passed through the grove of the trees, Eve mentioned, they came to a
path that went through the woods a short distance. Then up a head, near
the end of the path, they saw the roof of a little two-story house. The
roof apparently contained most of the second floor since it was punched in
several places with large window dormers. Two chimneys sprung from the top of the
house, still in excellent condition, and it seemed that the shingles would
not need replacing, just a few missing ones here and there.

The four drew closer to the picket fence that surrounded the small
t-shaped house. The fence was now nearly completely overtaken in the
underbrush but that could be easily remedied. They found that the gate was
still in working order and Jimmy swung it open easily, not wanting to break
the hinges. There was little built up burm of soil beneath the gate which
Eve navigated by hopping over. Francis took Isabel's arm gently and helped
her step up into the yard, unsure how sturdy the incline was.

Although it was mostly overgrown with weeds and saplings the yard of the
tiny cottage held the promise of being quite picturesque. All it needed was a
good sprucing up and some flowers. An old piece of wood strung on two ropes
hung from one of the large oak trees at the side of the house. It had
obvioulsy been a favorite toy. Jimmy took a moment to stare at his old
swing.

One could tell that there had once been a narrow path leading to the porch
steps. The porch itself was surprisingly deep, and wrapped the front and
one side of the house. It appeared to be in good condition. A large window
decorated the very front of the first floor. It was still very much intact.
In fact all but one side window appeared to be unharmed. The door was
located at the end of the porch on the side, it also containing a large
window. Isabel could see the remnants of the same buttery cream-colored paint that
washed New Moon. Apparently Archibald Murray had used the same treatment
for his brother's house. She smiled to herself knowing that her father would
have done the same thing. The Murray's were nothing if not frugal.

"This is a beautiful house, Jimmy." Isabel smiled.

"We hoped you'd like it." Jimmy smiled back putting his arm around Eve.

The group continued their tour Jimmy and Eve taking the lead as they walked
along the old wooden boards to the front door. They wanted to make sure
that none would break under Isabel. Francis helped his wife along the old planks,
afraid of the same possibility. However, they proved as sturdy as if they
had just been put down.

They found the front door unlocked. There had been no reason to seal up
the place after Jimmy's parents had died. It was on New Moon land, and no
one would have dared trespass there while Archibald had been alive. Over the
years it had slowly been forgotten about. Except by Jimmy, who went there
from time to time to check on it. Eventually he also stopped returning. The
door openned directly into a vacant area that could be a dining room because
of its proximity to the kitchen which could be seen through an open doorway.

Jimmy stood just inside the doorway for a moment, his mind flooding with
memories. There had been times since his accident that he found it hard to
recall details he had just learned. However, he remembered everything from
before as clearly as if he were living it, his father's booming laugh, the
smell of his mother's hair, playing infront of the fireplace in the parlor,
even the way he had been.

"Honey?" asked Eve, as she lovingly put her arms around her husband. "Are
you alright?"

Seeing that Jimmy was finding it a bit difficult being in his boyhood home
after so long, Isabel and Francis waited politely outside on the porch to be
invited in.

He replied, "Yes darlin', I'm alright."

Jimmy was glad Eve was there. For all he had goen through in his life, he
finally had a true treasure that could never be taken away again. He turned
and smiled at his relatives waiting quitely outside. He did not want to ruin
this for them. It would be good to see a family living here again.

"Come on in, you two." He motioned. Francis led Isabel through the
doorway and into the house.

"Jimmy, we could leave, we don't want to intrude." Isabel offered.

"You ain't intrudin' here." He assured her.

They walked through the first floor amazed at what good shape everything
was in. The parlor looked as if it could be used now, and the kitchen even
still held it's old cooker stove which after inspection, Jimmy assured them
would still make a delicious meal. All it needed was a good cleaning. Even
the spot under the broken window which showed some signs of water damage
could be easily repaired with a few new floor boards. Isabel looked around,
falling in love with the place. She pulled her husband aside and whispered.

"We should build a house like this." She smiled at him.

"You will have a place just like this, I promise." Francis vowed to
Isabel kissing her forehead.

The stairway was located on the far wall of the dining room. They were an
open u-shaped design, different from the grand long expanse of the staircase
at New Moon. Just beyond the stairs was a small well-lit room with a beautiful view of
the yard.

"Wouldn't this make a wonderful study?" She whispered again to Francis.
"Just perfect for a writer." She smiled.

"And his muse." He smiled at her.

"Why don't we all go upstairs for a look?" suggested Eve.

"Are the stairs safe?" Isabel questioned.

"Well, let's find out." Jimmy said as he took off and jumped with his full
weight on each step all the way up. When he reached the top safely he
turned around and yelled. "Yep, as strong as the ones at New Moon." He smiled.
Everyone laughed and followed him up, walking this time.

Upstairs they found four suprisingly good sized bedrooms. They were all
well lit, and each had their own fireplace. Isabel smiled to herself.
'There's even a bedroom for father,'she thought. As Eve and Jimmy looked
around checking the structure, Isabel stopped at the room that contained a
windowseat overlooking what had once been Jimmy's mother's garden. She
walked quietly over and sat down, resting her head against the window frame.
'This room would make a wonderful nursery.' She thought to herself, wishing
that she and Francis already had their own home in which to welcome their
child.

Francis stood watching Isabel from the doorway. He knew exaclty what she was
thinking. He wished desperately that he could give her a house like this
now. Suddenly Jimmy walked over and clapped him on the shoulder.

"Well, I imagine there will be an exact copy of this place somewhere around
here when we can build our own house." Francis laughed. "Isabel loves the
place."

Jimmy looked serious as Eve came up to stand by his side. "Nope, you ain't
gonna do that." Jimmy said.

"What?" Francis asked and then realized that of course Jimmy wouldn't want
to be reminded of this place everytime he walked by.

"You ain't gonna build no other house..." Jimmy smiled at Eve taking her
hand. "...'Cause we want you and Isabel to have this house. If she likes it
so much, seems to me that right now, she should have whatever she wants."

"What?" Francis asked again, not sure he heard correctly. "But, there's no
way I can pay you for it right now." He reported looking a bit ashamed.

"You don't have to, it's a gift. For you and Isabel and your family." Jimmy
smiled.

"That is so kind of you." Francis said overwhelmed. "But Isabel would look
at it as charity."

"OK then, you got a dollar?" Jimmy asked giving Eve a sideways grin.

"Uh, yeah, why?" Francis asked confused.

"Let me see it." Jimmy could hardly contain a happy laugh, as his
cousin-in-law reached into his pocket and pulled out a crumpled bill and
held it up infront of him.

Jimmy took the dollar from Francis's hand. "Sold!" he announced. "Now,
you've paid me fair and square, you own this place. Besides this place needs
people in it. It's gonna be good to see a family living here again."

"And futhermore," added Eve. "We already do have volunteers waiting in the
wings, just itchin' to help us fix up your new home. Why, our mother, this
morning at breakfast, has offered even her assistance. Right, Jimmy?"

"Yes, she did," agreed Jimmy. "Then there are us. Right, honey?"

"Right." replied, Eve. "And we're certain we can find others too."

"I don't know what to say." Franics smiled.

"Just go tell your wife." Jimmy said motioning toward Isabel still
daydreaming in the window seat. He and Eve then walked down the stair and
out into the yard to allow the couple some privacy.

Francis walked over and put his hand against Isabel's cheek. She clasped
his hand gently in hers. "You really love this house, don't you my love?" He
asked already knowing the answer.

"Yes, I do." She smiled up at him. "And someday we'll have one just like
it." She said watching from the window as Jimmy and Eve made their way outside
to the old swing and her began to push her in it. Isabel knew that there was
no way she and Francis could afford a house right now. It would just have to be
a sweet dream for a while.

He sat down beside her on the windowseat, and took both of her hands in his.
"What if we didn't have to wait that long." He asked.

She smiled knowing that he would do anyting for her, but she could not ask
that of him right now. They had too many other things to think about. "I
don't mind waiting."

"You don't have to." Francis told her, grinning. "I just bought it from
Jimmy."

"You what?" Isabel was flabberghasted. "But... How?" She knew they were very
nearly broke. She laughed, not knowing what to think.

"The price was very reasonable." He smiled. "We can easily afford it,
although right now we haven't a dollar to our name." He laughed.

She suddenly understood. She knew exactly what Jimmy and Eve had done for
them. "I'm sure we'll make due somehow." She threw her arms around him and
kissed him.

He helped her stand and they held each other for a long moment. As they
turned to leave what would soon be their baby's nursery Isabel stopped to
soak up the feeling of their new home. She needed no words to tell Francis
how grateful she was. He knew. The two walked down the stairs and into the
yard to where Jimmy and Eve were still waiting. Isabel threw her arms around
both of them.

"Thank you." She said with tears in her eyes.

"Nobody deserves it more." Jimmy smiled at her.

"Absolutely!" agreed Eve.

That evening Isabel and Francis made the trip to the collie farm by
invitation of Jimmy and Eve. They would stay for a fabulous dinner prepared
by the lady of the house and do just a little business. Jimmy had wanted to
put everything in writing, including a receipt of sale so that there could
never be any problems about ownership of the cottage for his cousin and her
husband. After reliving his memories this afternoon, although happy as they
were, it had made him a little sad to think of his parents again. It did his
heart good to see how happy and hopeful Isabel and Francis were. He realized
that he and Eve shared the same feelings for their home and future. It
seemed that maybe, at last all the Murray's had found the happiness they so
deserved.

The next Saturday came too slowly for Emily and Ilse. They found it almost
painful trying to keep the shower a secret from Isabel. They were so
excited and could hardly refrain from talking about it. They would try to hold in
giggles when they saw her, but she still wondered what everyone was up to,
especially when Elizabeth took a large hamper of foodstuffs and other goods
over to Eve, and one to Laura at her new home. Even Francis had not been
told, so that he would not have to lie to Isabel.

That afternoon the guests began to arrive while Isabel was out walking with
her husband. Ever since they had acquired their new house most of their
walks had ended up there, and had taken longer than before. For that everyone was
glad. It allowed time for all the refreshments to be brought over from Eve's
and Laura's houses, the decorations to be put up which was mostly the job of
Emily and Ilse, and the gifts to be layed out. Jimmy even brought over the
finally finished Murray family cradle he had restored for her. He and Eve
had tied a huge yellow bow around it, and Eve and her mother had placed some
other niceties for the baby inside; a special baby mattress, blanket,
pillow, and adorned with a yellow ribbon w/large white lace.

Laura brought a handmade mobile that you can attach to either the cradle or crib, that dangles over the baby, keeping it entertained...in a box, wrapped with baby wrapping-paper, and tied-up with white ribbon.

By the time Isabel and Francis returned from their outing, all was ready.
As they walked toward the house Jimmy came out of the barn and called Francis
over. After a short hug, Isabel continued toward the house, and disappeared
inside the front door. Jimmy had been around New Moon quite a bit since
moving into his and Eve's new home, and so his presence did not raise any
suspicion. Inside the barn, however, stood Perry, Joe, Gussy Dan, Malcolm,
Allen, Teddy Kent, and to Francis's great surprise, his brother John.

"What's going on?" He smiled.

"The ladies are throwing a surprise baby shower for Isabel in the house."
Malcolm announced. Francis smiled knowing how much she would enjoy that.

"Yer comin' with us." Jimmy said. "Now's a good time to start fixin' up that
new home of yours."

"Yes." John smiled as he shook his brother's hand. "I've got to see this
place."

The man all grabbed crates full of supplies and tools and layed them on top
of a stack of two by fours in the wagon. Several gallons of paint, saw
horses, turpentine, and other things needed to repair a house had already
been loaded. Then they all climbed into the wagon and drove down the lane
toward the little cottage waiting to be brought back to it's former glory.

Isabel walked into the entrance at New Moon daydreaming about how the rug
that had layed in Malcolm's study back in Scotland would look perfect in her
parlor. She would see if her father would allow her to send for some
things. She did not know he had already done so. Laying her bonnet down on the
table she took a few steps into the New Moon parlor and was greeted by the
happy faces of all the ladies of her family. Emily and Ilse stood in the
doorway. Elizabeth, Laura, and Eve stood behind the davenport. Judith, Ruth
and Maud Dutton, and Great Aunts Nancy and Caroline Priest were there seated
around the room. Even Sarah was there, and she came up to give Isabel a big
hug.

"Surprise." The yelled happily.

"What on Earth?" Isabel laughed.

"It's a baby shower." Emily and Ilse announced proudly, taking Isabel by the
arm and leading her to a beautiful rocking chair that had been decorated
with pink and blue ribbons.

Ilse fingered the ribbons. "We don't know what it is yet, so we put both
colors on." She smiled.

"Very good idea." Isabel laughed patting the girl's cheek. She sat down
still amazed that everyone had managed to keep all of this secret.

"How long have you had this up your sleeves?" She asked Elizabeth, Laura,
and Eve.

"For quite some time!!!" They all echoed at the same time. "This
afternoon, is for you, and the celebration for when the wee one will finally
be born." Added Elizabeth.

As Isabel looked around the parlor she could see a huge stack of gifts on the table all wrapped in pretty paper and ribbons. Peering through the doorway the dining table had been layed out with a large cake, small finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, candies, and punch. The best china, silver, and linen napkins were even stacked buffett style on the end by the large tea caraffe. Crepe paper streamers had been hung from the chandelier. It looked like a grand celebration. "I don't know what to say." Isabel said laughing.

"You don't have to say anything." Emily laughed.

"Yeah, just open your presents." Ilse smiled anxious to see the surprises hidden in the fancy paper. Laura laughed and pulled Ilse back from grabbing a box and handing it to Isabel.

"All in due time." She smiled at her new daughter.

Elizabeth laughed. "Yes, first we all want to tell you how happy we are for you, and wish that your child's life, and your future be filled with happiness and love always." Everyone echoed their agreement.

"Thank you." Isabel said choking back tears.

"OK, now presents." Ilse beamed.

"No, now games!" Sarah laughed taking some items from the mantle over the fireplace. She passed a piece of paper and a pencil to everyone and asked them to write down a gender, a name, a number between 5 and 20, an occupations, and another number between 10 and 100. Everyone's paper was put in a dish and Isabel was to choose one. It was Emily's paper that was chosen, and Laura read it to the group embellishing a bit, finally stating what the list was for. "Ok Isabel, according to this you will have a boy, his name will be Teddy... I wonder where that came from." She laughed. " He will weigh 13 pounds." Everyone laughed hilarioulsy at that as Isabel made a face. "He will be a mountain climber, and you will have 65 grandchildren." The ladies laughed, and Emily was given a tiny box wrapped in yellow paper for her guesses having been chosen. Inside was a beautiful pair of combs for her hair.

As the afternoon went on and the refreshments were served, more shower games were played. Including one in which each lady was asked to cut a piece of string the size they judged to be the measure of Isabel's middle. It was Aunt Ruth who came the closest and she received a small crystal dish wrapped in light green paper.

Finally, to Ilse's great delight it was time to open presents. Isabel's eyes landed first on the beautiful cradle that Jimmy and restored for her, and the lovely items Eve and Judith had filled it with. She knew she would put them all to good use. She then opened Laura's mobile, her eyes were delighted as she spun the little images around. Emily and Ilse had embroidered several small blankets, and Aunt Ruth and Maud had brought her an assortment of tiny bonnets and booties. Elizabeth had sewn a small menagerie of stuffed animals to delight the baby.

"You didn't have to do that." Isabel smiled. "You've done so much already."

"It was my pleasure." Elizabeth assured her.

As the pile of gifts dwindled Isable noticed something she had not seen before. It had been hidden on the other side of the table. A lovely wooden highchair was wrapped in a large white bow. It was Sarah who spoke up.

"John and I thought you should have this." She said pulling the chair over for Isabel to inspect. "It is a Carpentar family heirloom. Francis and John both used it." Sarah smiled.

Isabel was overwhelmed. "It's beautiful, perfect. Thank you." She said hugging her sister-in-law. Then she looked at Laura. "As with the cradle, I will keep it until you need it." She smiled. She did not know that Sarah was hoping she would need it soon.

At the cottage the men were working hard to fix up the old place, and enjoying every minute of it. Jimmy was busy cutting boards to replace broken shingles, flooring, and the likes. Perry, Teddy, and Gussy Dan had been assigned the cleaning and painting of the outside of the house. While Malcolm and Allen worked on the inside. Joe was lifting and toting as usual, and Francis and John were working on repairing the kitchen cooker stove and water pump. By the time the sun began to set a great deal of work had been put into the little place. Although it still needed a great deal more, the house was beginning to take on the appearance of habitability. The men drove home laughing and singing, and discussing what still needed to be done. Malcolm knew that it would take at least a month, and probably more for the furniture he had sent for to arrive from his old home in Scotland. Everyone knew that the baby would probably still be born at New Moon, but would be able to move into it's home with it's mother and father not long after that.

That night the entire family sat around the dining table at New Moon. Laura, Allen, and Ilse had stayed for dinner, as had John and Sarah who would also stay the night rather than return to Charlottetown in the dark. Aunt Ruth and Maud had departed shortly after the shower, saying that sleeping in strange beds aggrivated Ruth's arthritis. Elizabeth watched the happy family chiming about the events of the day. Eveyone's eyes seemed to sparkle as they talked about the shower and the house mending. It was good to have such life at New Moon once more. She was glad to have the whole family together, at last under such happy circumstances. Suddenly she realized that Joe had finished his conversation with Jimmy and was looking straight at her. She looked up feeling awkward, embarrassed, and excited at the same time. This time she did not avert her eyes, she looked right at him and smiled widely. He returned her smile with a warm grin. She thought she could guess what he was thinking, and hoped he knew what was in her thoughts.

After the dishes had been put away, and most of the family had congregated in the parlor for a quiet evening, Elizabeth stepped out onto the porch. She could see the lights on in the barn where Joe had gone after dinner. It was his habit to retire to the old structure and leave the family to their talk. As she stood there for a moment Elizabeth felt a shiver run down her spine. The ocean was blowing a chilly wind in from the north, and there was a nip in the air. She knew that Joe did not have a warm enough blanket in the barn. She quietly slipped upstairs to the linen chest and grabbed a heavy wool cover. No one noticed her leave through the back door carrying the blanket clutched tightly to her as if it were protecting her from something. Something within her that she was afraid of.

Her knock at the small barn door was so uncharactistically timid and quiet that Joe barely heard it. She stood there shivering for a few moments before the door openned, and Joe's large frame was silhouetted against the lantern glow inside.

Joe stared at her unsure what to do. He wanted to grab her up and kiss her and never let her go, but that was out of the question. Instead he relied on his position to provide the answer. "Somethin" I can do fer ya, Missus?" He asked.

Hearing that title come from him cut through her. She hated when he called her that. She wanted to take him by the hand and beg him to call her Elizabeth, but she could not. Instead all she said was, " I brought you a warm blanket, it's going to get cold tonight." She could not take her eyes from his face.

"Thank ya." He whispered, his eyes equally fixed on her. He started to reach for the blanket as she handed it to him. Both not wanting to incroach too far upon the other missed their grip and the blanket tumbled to the barn floor. Joe bent down to reach for it, just as Elizabeth kneeled to retrieve it. Unknowingly they both touched the same spot on the musty old piece of fabric. Joe's hand resting on top of hers. Neither the lady Murray nor the old railroad hand made any attempt to pull back. They stood slowly, their hands still touching, and stared at each other for a long silent moment. Their minds were racing with all they wanted to say, but still they kept silent. Finally it was Daisy, Jimmy's cow who broke the silence as she kicked at her feed trough. Elizabeth slowly pulled her hand back and left Joe clasping the blanket, the place where her hand had been still warm to the touch.

"Well, goodnight then." She smiled nervously at him, and turned to leave.

"Missus," Joe stopped her. He looked at her hoping she would understand how much more meaning was in his thoughts than his next phrase would convey on the surface. "Thank you." Was all he said.

Elizabeth nodded barely able to breath, and quickly closed the door. She did not want him to see how much what just happened between them had affected her. She nearly ran back to the house, and was thankful to find no one in the kitchen as she leaned against the door out of breath. Her mind could only think of Joe out in the barn, and how much she wanted to be with him. Her eyes saw his instead of the dark boards of the New Moon interior. How could she have left him alone in the barn, but how could she have stayed. One thought echoed in her mind, and in her heart. 'Oh, how she loved him.'