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Emily's Chronicles: Part 24 "Malcolm's Surprise" (PG)
By Trish and Tammy

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.


The warmth of Indian Summer had settled in across Prince Edward Island, and
found it's way through the open window of the small bedroom at New Moon that
Isabel and Francis now shared with their two tiny infants. The babies had
awakened early, but Isabel and Francis had been up even earlier, just to
watch them sleep. They had within the span of two weeks begun this habit of
spending the early mornings together as a family. They had found it nearly
the only time when they could be along together what with the whole family
eager to visit and help with the twins. Of course they didn't mind
everone's excitement and care, but it was nice to spend a few moments together before
the day's rush would begin.

Today the couple sat on their bed, Isabel feeding Byron who had awakened
fussy but who had settled at his mother's touch, and Francis holding Lucy
who was clinging to the last remanents of her sleep.

Isabel sighed as she looked at her little family. "I wish the furniture
would arrive from Scotland, so we can all have our own little home. I haven't even
seen the cottage in months."

"I'm sure it's still there." Francis smiled at her. He had been checking in
at their future home regulary, but lately had much more important things to
tend to.

"I'm just eager." Isabel laughed at her impatience.

"I know. So am I." Her husband smiled reaching over to touch her face. "I'm
sure it won't be much longer."

"That's alright. I have everything I need right here," Isabel said
reconsidering, and kissed her husband.

They spent their time together quietly in love, dreaming of a full future
and happy days. With both babies fed, bathed, and dressed they made their way to
bedroom door. Isabel had promised that she and the children would see
Francis off to work everyday, and she had kept her word. They would do so for many
years in the future. As they openned the door they noticed a small envelope
laying of the floor in the hallway. Francis bent down, and picked up the
curious note. He showed it to Isabel whose arms were full with the twins.
Their names were on it.

"That's father's handwriting." Isabel looked curiously at Francis.
He opened the sealed letter and they read together...

' Come to your cottage at four o'clock this afternoon, bring the babies. You
will be pleasantly surprised.' There was no signature. Isabel and Francis'
quizical looks grew even more confused after reading the cryptic message.

"What on Earth is he up to." Isabel murmured.

"Well." Francis said. "Whatever it is we'll find out at four o'clock."
_______________


Elizabeth stumbled over to the washstand rubbing her tired eyes. One of the
babies had filled the house with cranky sobs earlier that morning disturbing
everyone from their slumber. She was not angry at the intrustion, instead she
thought how she would miss it when they were gone. Surely the furniture that
Isabel was waiting for must be well on it's way. She was certain her cousin
and her family would moving to their new home soon. Even though they would
be just down the road she would be sorry to see them leave.

Rubbing a few splashes of water on her face she looked into the mirror,
displeased with the image that greated her. "You'd better go to the general
store for some face cream today, Elizabeth." She grimaced to herself.
"You're beginning to look your age."

She finished her morning routine, and walked toward her door. Emily would be
down for breakfast soon, and she was running late already. Near the door she
noticed a small envelope which had been slid across the floor. Openning it
in confusion she read...

'Come to the cottage at four o'clock this afternoon. You will be pleasantly
surprised.'

Elizabeth looked a little disgusted as she slid the note into her pocket.
"Doesn't this family ever get enough of notes?" She muttered to herself as
she entered the hallway. 'I thought I spoke to Emily about these little
secrets.' She thought. She didn't notice that Malcolm's door was open, and
he was nowhere in sight.
_______________________


"What is the meaning of this young lady?" Elizabeth confronted a groggy
Emily before she could even step into the kitchen. Elizabeth held the letter
up to her nose.

"I don't know, Aunt Elizabeth." Emily said confused. "I got one too."

"You did?" Elizabeth asked confounded.

Before Emily could answer Perry and Joe walked through the door. "The
strangest thing just happened out in the barn." Perry laughed, as Joe held
up an identical envelope.

"You too?" Elizabeth and Emily asked.
___________________________________


Laura and Allen were spending a few moments together during the morning
hours themselves. Ilse had not yet come down for breakfast, and the first
of Allen's patients would not be there for several minutes. He walked over to
her and wrapped his arms around her tiny waist as she was filling a pitcher
to water the few pots of Mums she had stationed around the back porch. She
thrilled with laughter. Lately she had felt as giddy as a school girl. The
funny thing was she couldn't remember giggly the way she did now when she
was a school girl.

"Let me help you with that." He said.

"I'd never refuse an offer from a handsome gentleman." She laughed.
Together they walked to the back door and upon openning it found a small
envelope laying on the porch floor.

"What is this?" Allen wondered, retrieving the mysterious note. As he
opened it, they read it together...

'Come to the cottage at four o'clock this afternoon. You will be pleasantly
surprised.'

"That's Uncle Malcolm's handwriting." Laura reported.

"Looks like the ole' fellow has something up his sleeve." Her husband laughed.

"I wonder if Isabel knows about this?" Laura said.

"I wonder if it's about Isabel?" Allen smiled.

They both laughed as they agreed they just had to go to see what the mystery
was.
___________________________


As Eve, still in her nightgown and bathrobe, and Jimmy descend the steps,
they smell the coffee Judith has already made for her family. Reaching the
bottom step, they see Gussy Dan sitting at the table studying his McGuffey
Reader Speller. Princess and Laddie lying down in the corner by the window.
On the table, they see a letter with their names on it. Picking up the
letter, Jimmy recognizes Malcolm's handwriting, opens it and reads outloud its
contents--" 'Come to the cottage at four o'clock this afternnon. You will
be pleasantly surprised.' "

"Gussy Dan?" asked Eve, "When did Malcolm leave this note?"

"I don't know, Eve," he replied, "I found it on the table when I came down
earlier. Aren't you wondering where Mum is?"

Eve and Jimmy looked first at each other, and then back to their brother,
"You mean to tell us that she's gone too!?"

Gussy Dan nodding his head.

"OK, little brother, where is she?" asks Eve.

"She must've left much earlier this morning," remarked Gussy Dan. "Because
she was gone before I come down stairs."

"Could be," suggests Jimmy. "That she's with Malcolm. They have,
afterall, took a strong liking to each other."

Pouring cups of coffee for her husband and for herself, and as Eve sets
Jimmy's before him adds, "Of course, that's where she's at....with
Malcolm, at the Carpenter Cottage."

"Now that we've settled Mum's true whereabouts," agrees Jimmy, as he puts on
his jacket and lovingly kisses his wife on her cheek, "I think that I had
better go out and feed the animals, and turn Chief Joseph out into the
pasture. Come on Princess and Laddie!!! You two have to come with me, so
you won't be under foot when Eve fixes breakfast for Gussy Dan. Honey, you
don't have to fix either one of us the "E" word. OK!?! I'll see you two
in a little while. I know I'll be pretty hungry!"

Laughing at her husband's last remark, Eve replies--"I won't, but they are
needed in hot cakes. Breakfast will be ready by the time you return,
darling." Then to her brother she asks, "How does hot cakes sound to you,
little brother?"

"They sound good to me, sis." laughs Gussy Dan, too, as he gets up to help
his now pregnant sister with the preparing for their breakfast. "By the
time Jimmy comes back, I'll be gettin' ready to leave for school."
_______________________________


Emily spent the major part of the day fidgetting nervously waiting for
school day to be over. The hours seemed interminable. Each time she looked at the
large clock with the word Regulator emblazoned across it's pendulum window
that hung on the wall, it's hands seemed to be stuck. Even lunch and recess
passed with unusual lethargy. She was not the only one having trouble
keeping her mind in the present. Ilse had read the strange letter her
parents had received, and had arrived at school with a thousand of questions for
Emily who could only profess to being as much in the dark as she. Gussy Dan and
Perry also ambushed her the first thing, sure that she of all people would
hold the answer to the mystery. However, Emily could offer them no answers
either. Whatever Malcolm was up to, he had kept his secret hidden well.

'This doesn't make any sense.' Emily thought to herself, blocking out the
day's math lesson as the afternoon wore on. 'Uncle Malcolm usually tells me
everything. I hope everything is alright, and why would he want everyone to
meet at the cottage. This is so strange.'

"Maybe he's going back to Scotland." Ilse offered leaning across the aisle.

"What? Oh, no I hadn't thought of that. Maybe since Cousin Isabel is married
now, and the babies are safe and healthy, he thinks he's not needed." Emily
gasped.

"Maybe he thinks he'd be intruding at the cottage. It is their home, after
all." Ilse nodded knowingly at Isabel's husband who stood in front of the
class more interested in what the evening could hold than anything in his
books that day. "You know," Ilse continued. "Four's company, five's a
crowd."

"Oh, Ilse how horrible. He feels like he's not needed." Emily moaned. "We
have to make him stay." She turned her worried face out of the window and
tried to think of anything that would make her uncle stay, already certain
he was planning to leave.

Finally the school day was at an end. Francis, Emily, Ilse, Perry, and Gussy
Dan stood impatiently at the door watching the other students empty out of
the school house. Even a confused Teddy reluctantly left Emily standing in
the doorway. She had promised to tell him everything, but did not feel like
divulging too much family information was a good idea, even as she thought
to herself that he may someday be family. He had made her promise to let him
walk her home the next day. Whatever was going to happen this afternoon he
wanted to make sure she was alright, and he wanted to be there for her.

"Well I suppose your children will be heading straight over to the cottage."
Francis smiled at them.

"Yeah, we are." They all answered.

"We'll be right over, as soon as everyone is ready." Francis assured them.
He was sure that Isabel would already have the twins bundled up and would be
waiting for his arrival. He was also sure that she had worried about her
father most of the day and would be relieved to find out what the big secret
was, whatever it was. He did not, however, like the idea of dragging the
babies, and Isabel for that matter, all over the countryside in the chilly
Autumn air which was growing colder everyday. He was certain, though, that
Malcolm would be foresightful enough to at least have a warm fire built in
the fireplace. This afternoon would certainly prove to be full of
surprises.
____________________________________


Francis was right, Isabel nearly knocked him over as he came through the
door. Already in her coat her arms were filled with two overstuffed bundled
that surely held the babies somewhere within the blankets and coats.
"Come on, let's go!" Isabel urged giving her husband an unusually quick
kiss. "Father will be waiting. Oh, I hope he's not mad."

"Calm down. We'll be right on time." Francis said to Isabel relieving her of
the bundle in her left arm. Fishing through the frills and covers he found
that it held his son. " Are you sure the babies will be warm enough?" He
said hiding a smile.

"What?" Isabel faced questioned him for a moment, and then dissolved in
laughter. "Oh, I guess I did go a little overboard on the wrapping, didn't
I?" She smiled. "They've just never been out in such chilly weather. Even the
brunch was on the warm side. I just don't want anything to happen to them."

"Of course not, Darling." He reassured her, kissing her gloved hand. "You
did exactly what any new mother would have done. I'm glad you did, it is getting
colder out there." He continued to marvel everyday at the skills that seemed
to be ingrained in her when it came to caring for the babies. He still
considered himselff clumsy and awkward with them. She however, seemed to
automatically know everything.

"Well we'd better get going, everyone else is already gone." Isabel said
ushering Francis out of the door.

"Ok, Ok. I'm going." He laughed, and she playfully nudged his arm.

Joe had already harnessed a horse and buggy for the family, and had left it
tied infront on the house. Elizabeth had layed two small baskets perfect for
the twins on the front seat inbetween where their parents would sit.

"Oh, what could father be up to." Isabel wondered aloud as she and Francis
climbed into the buggy and layed the babies in their makeshift cradles. Her
old aprehension was returning to her where her father was concerned, and
Francis could tell her nerves were a bit frazzled. He wanted to comfort her,
even if he was not quite sure himself.

"Your father loves you, and the babies." He said. "You two have grown so much
closer over the past months. Whatever it is I'm sure he's thinking of your
best interests." He smiled and kissed his wife's cheek.

"What would I do without you?" Isabel asked looking into his eyes.

"For one thing, you'd never learn how to bundle up a baby." He laughed.

She too forgot her nerves and threw her head back in laughter. Whatever the
afternoon held, she could face it. She could face anyting with such a
wonderful man by her side, finally.
________________________


Already dressed and ready to go, Eve, was wrote a last minute note to Gussy
Dan, if he was coming home before heading out to the Carpenter Cottage, she
told him to go ahead and come on over. Since they lived closer to the
cottage than their other family members, she and Jimmy very easily walked
over. The brisk walk did themselves good, what with their two dogs;
Princess and Laddie up ahead of them.

As they approached the all too familiar property, they could hear excited
familiar voices....voices of the children; Elizabeth, Joe, Laura, Allen,
Judith,and Malcolm.

"Hey, everyone!" exclaimed Emily. "Here come Cousins Eve and Jimmy!"

Then they all looked in the direction of their Murray cousins approaching
them, with Emily running to them with her arms held wide open to them, "Hi
there, Eve and Jimmy!" as she hugged them both.

With Ilse following close behind Emily to also hug her cousins, she
asks--"How's the new mother doing?"

"Yeah," agrees Emily, "How are ya' doing, Eve?"

"Why girls," laughs Eve, "I'm doing just fine."

"Do ya' feel anything yet?" asks Ilse.

"No, not just yet." replies Eve, "But when I do, you girls will be one of
the first to know...that I promise."

With that, as Jimmy is chuckling to himself, he adds--"But I'll be the first
to know. Right, honey!?!"

Gazing lovingly at her husband, she lovingly takes his left arm and rests
her chin on his left shoulder, replying in a coo, "You know you will,
darlin'." As they all then start walking towards the cottage, with Emily
and Ilse sandwiching Eve and Jimmy between them.

Just then, everyone hears another buggy approaching.....
_________________


As they approached the gate of their little cottage in the woods Isabel and
Francis were amazed to find not only the beaming faces of the entire family
to greet them, but also those of John and Sarah who stood behind Malcolm as
he came over to the buggy to secure the horse.

Isabel looked around in disbelief. Although it was only late afternoon it
was clear that a soft light glowed from all the windows of the cottage. A
porch swing that Isabel recognized from John and Sarah's house hung full of
children on the porch Duke sitting at their feet, and a huge yellow ribbon
had been tied between the railings that formed the entrance to the
structure.

"Father, what have you done?" Isabel laughed, a little in shock.

"Only what I could, lass." Malcolm grinned. "I had help with the rest." He
said smiling at Judith as he tied the horse to the hitcing post.

Malcolm then came quickly over and helped his daughter out of the wagon, as
Francis gently handed each of the babies to her, eager to show off his new
family to his brother and sister-in-law. Sarah wasted no time in greeting
the additions to the Carpenter family.

"Oh, let me see them!" She gushed rushing over to Isabel who proudly held
them up for their aunt and uncle to see. "Oh, the precious little things."
Sarah decreed, holding their tiny hands. The babies did not protest these
new strangers' attentions.

"Who's who?" John laughed,playing with their fingers.

"This is Lucy..." Isabel said proudly nodding to the little bundle in her
right arm who was now squeezing John's thumb with all the strength expected
of a Murray. "... and this is Byron." She cooed over the baby yawning in her
left arm, as Francis came around the buggy to join her, his brother
immediately embraced him warmly.

"This is quite a little family you've got here." John smiled.

"Well, Isabel did all the work." Francis laughed at his wife.

"Oh, stop." Isabel blushed.

"Truly, dear. How are you?" Sarah asked Isabel with concern. "We were so
frightened when we got Francis's letter a few months ago about...your
complications."

"I've never been better, or happier." Isabel smiled at her husband, who had
put his arms around her.

"You look fabulous." Sarah reported truly amazed that Isabel was even up and
about so soon.

"I still look pregnant." Isabel laughed, staring down at the maternity smock
she was still forced to wear, having not yet regained her figure after only
two weeks.

"I don't mean that. I mean you look healthy, and happy, and content." Sarah
laughed.

"I am." Isabel smiled down at her twins, and then up at her husband.

Malcolm who had been proudly standing by interrupted, eager to share the
rest of his surprise. "Well, come on, are ya gonna stand here yammerin' all
night, or are ya gonna get my grandchildren inside where it's warm?" He smiled. He
could see that Isabel had wrapped the little ones more than sufficiently and
they were in more danger of sweltering than freezing.

Malcolm motioned Isabel and Francis to go first as he, John, and Sarah
followed. They were greeted by the others as they made their way to the
porch. Once there they found themselves stopped by the ribbon that blocked
the entrance. Eve and Laura stepped forward, as if planned, and motioned
for Isabel let them hold the babies for a moment. She reluctantly gave them
over to her cousins for safe keeping. It was then that Malcolm spoke up,
"Everyone!! It is fitting that today this family begin their live in their new home
surrounded by the loved ones who helped them get to where they are now."

He turned to Isabel and his eyes began to fill with tears. "It is my hope
that you and the ones you love know only happiness here. That darkness and
despair stay far from this door, and that you all live in joy and love for
the rest of you lives." He wrapped his arms around and held her for a few
moment, finally kissing her cheek as he let go. Although she was overcome by
the words her father spoke to her, Isabel was still confused as to what all
of this meant. Malcolm then took Francis's hand and shaking it said. "You
have been given a great responsibility. I know you will always love them and
protect them."

"I certainly will, with my life." His son-in-law vowed.

Malcolm then took Isabel and Francis by the hands and wrapped their fingers
around a pair of scissors, guiding them to the ribbon as the family looked
on. "Now, open up your new house so we can all go inside." With huge smiles
the couple cut the ribbon dedicating their home. Laughter and cheers rang
through the air.

The family followed the couple to the front door of their new home. Francis
held Isabel close to him, her arms full as Laura and Eve had placed the
twins safely back in their mother's arms. Reaching the door they turned back
as if to ask if it was alright. "Go on." Everyone urged, happily impatient.

The door knob turned and Isabel was the first to step inside. Her eyes grew
big, and an amazed gasp escaped her throat as she realized that the little
house had already been filled with all of the furniture Malcolm had sent for
from Scotland. These were the things that had graced their home in the old
country, her mother's things, now her's. Each piece had been lovingly
placed around the house in exactly the way she would have done.
"Now we can change things around, if it doesn't suite." Malcolm said. He
helped Isabel off with her coat as she handed the babies to their father.

Isabel looked at him in disbelief at how well he truly knew her. "Oh,no."
She began to cry. "It's all perfect."

The huge dining table she had played under as a child owned the room, and
would be a wonderful place to share happy times with ever increasing family.
The matching china cabinet was stocked with familiar heirlooms. "Mother's
china..." She whispered as she walked over to look inside. "I was never
allowed to touch it when I was a girl." She laughed to herself. "Oh, the
clock!" She announced referring the grandfather clock that was stationed beside the
stairway. "I used to hide my toys in there."

"I remember." Malcolm laughed.

On the sideboard stood an elegant cranberry glass punch bowl with matching
glasses which Isabel didn't recognize. "This is beautiful. Where did it come
from?" She asked.

"That was my mother's" Francis said.

They both looked amazed at John who simply gave them a wink. "Well the name
of the mailbox does say Carpenter, after all." He said.

Isabel took her husband by the elbow and together they walked through the
wonderland of their house filled with treasures from both their families, as
everyone watched happily. The twins had once again made the rounds of
family members and had wound up in Sarah's eager arms as she followed their parents
on the tour of the cottage. The parlor was layed with a heavy oriental rug
which had decorated Malcolm's library in Scotland. An old but well kept
davenport in rich plum velvet kept company with a chair of tapestry, and a
leather ottoman. The twin's bassinettes had already been positioned by the
warm fire. Someone must have made a quick trip to New Moon just after they
had left. In the study was a small sofa which had been in Isabel's mother's
sitting room, and a soft chair which she always used to fall asleep in
staring out over the overgrown wild heaths of Scotland. Books lined the
walls and a small writing desk stood under the windows. "I know someone who
will put that to good use." Isabel grinned at Francis, who squeezed her
close.

Upstairs the nursery was already ladened with the toys and linens Elizabeth
had given Isabel for the babies. Even their cradles were already there, as
was Isabel's rocking chair, and the dresser from her bedroom in Scotland.
"When did you all find the time to move all of the babies' things from New
Moon. We just left?" She asked.

"You'd be surprised what this many people can pull off." Allen laughed.
The room right across the hall was to be Isabel's and Francis's bedroom.
Isabel's own bed sat against the wall, covered in a quilt she had made with
her mother and grandmother. The dresser from the guestroom, which was larger
than her old one, stood by the window, and her washing stand next to it. On
the opposite wall was a sight that brought a flood of memory to Isabel's
mind.

"Mother's dressing table." She said, looking at Malcolm.

"Aye." He whispered. "I remember a beautiful young girl whose mother used to
brush her hair infront of that mirror. Your mother was beautiful, too and
you look just like her."

"Oh Father." Isabel said trying in vain to hold back tears. It was one of
the few times he had ever admitted to having any fond memories of Isabel, from
her youth. The mention of her mother made it all the sweeter. She knew it
was only for her benefit, and that truthfully her beauty was the only reason
Malcolm had married her mother, but the fact that he cared enough to say it,
touched her heart.

Down the hall a softly decorated guestroom stood ready to become one of the
twins' bedrooms when they got a little older. Across from that was Malcolm's
room. The old man was glad he would finally be sleeping in his own bed,
which looked more suited to an old world hunting lodge than to a tiny P.E.
Island Cottage. Upon seeing the oversized carved wood giant Jimmy immediately became fearful that it would eventually fall through the floor, but Malcolm assured him
that nothing of that kind would happen.

"Mmmm, what is that delicious smell?" Ilse asked. "It's coming from the
kitchen?"

Judith looked exaggeratedly innocent as she answered. "I don't know, let's
all go see."

Upon reaching the kitchen the heavenly smell of roast beef and apple pie
mixed together making everyone's stomach's growl. A full dinner simmered on
the stove, the pantry had been stocked full of food, and all of the
utensils, and and even the butcherblock cutting table from Isabel's mother's kitchen had
found found their way across the ocean.

"So Mother," remarked Eve. "This is what you've been up to all day."

Laughing at her daughter's remark, Judith replied, "Yes dear, now you know."

Malcolm laughed, and patted Eve's mother's hand. "Judith has been a God
send. She halped me hire some men to move the furniture, and Isabel dear--
you have her to thank for the decoration." He smiled.

As Malcolm lavished praise upon Judith no one noticed the way Eve and Jimmy
smiled at each other. Leaning over, Eve whispered in her husband's ear. "So,
he calls her Judith now, does he?" They smiled together each seeing the
growing friendship between his uncle and her mother.

Isabel could hardly speak. "This is all so perfect. I couldn't have done
better myself." Isabel said giving Judith a hug. "I can't thank you enough."

"It was my pleasure dear. I hope you don't mind me starting dinner for your
first night home. I thought you might want to be the first to use your
kitchen." She looked apologetically at Isabel.

'My kitchen, not mother's, not Elizabeth's, mine.' Isabel thought to
herself, smiling. This was truly her home, for her family. "Oh, not at all, how kind
of you."

"Do you need any help?" Isabel asked, she had fed the babies just before
coming to the cottage and would have some time until they were hungry again,
she felt the least she could do after everything the others had done for her
was to set the table or carry in the food.

"Oh, no." Judith wouldn't hear of Isabel lifting a finger. "All you have to
do is settle into you new home and take care of your babies." The older woman
smiled. "Now you just go sit down and let us do all the work."

"I for one would be happy to help." Elizabeth said rolling up her sleeves.
"Emily, Ilse you can set the table, and be careful, this is Isabel's good
china." She smiled at her cousin.

"What can I do?" Laura asked. She was feeling a little light headed. Certain
is was hunger, she was eager for dinner to be served.

"Yes, me too. Is there anything you need me to do?" Sarah volunteered,
handing the twins back to Isabel who greeted them with kisses and nuzzles.

"See," Judith said to Isabel smiling. "It looks like I'll have plenty of
help, you just go on now. We'll call you when we're ready." Judith laughed.

"Alright." Isabel laughed, and nudged Eve gently. "Come on, let's go into
the study, and bring your husband. It's time for his first lesson." She walked
off into the little room on the other side of the stairs, Francis following
her.

Jimmy had been standing close enough to Eve to hear what Isabel had said. It
was obvious the two of them had been planning something. "What's going on?"
He asked Eve, a little nervous."

"You'll find out." Eve smiled as she took Jimmy by the arm and led him into
the tiny study. The rest of the men, include Perry and Gussy Dan, had
retired to the parlor to discuss with Malcolm the finer points of moving one's
possessions half way around the world.
_______________


Jimmy and Eve entered the warm little study as a soft darkness was spreading
in through the windows. The fire and lamps cast a glistening glow throughout
the room which, it was clear would become the hub of family activities.
Isabel was seated in the sofa in front of the fireplace with Lucy cradled
safely in her arms. Eve marveled at the adoring unconditional love on Isabel's face
as she looked at her daughter. Francis stood over Isabel, a sleeping Byron
lying safely in his protective arms.

Isabel motioned for them come over and for Jimmy to sit beside her. Eve
smiled broadly and happily complied. The couple found their place on the
small sofa, Jimmy's face still full of confusion. He could tell this was an
important moment. Perhaps Isabel and Francis had some advice for them on new
parenthood, a situation in which he and Eve would find themselves in just a
few months.

"Alright, James Murray." Isabel smiled a little secretively. "This is your
first lesson?" Her eyes flashed over at Eve, who could barely contain loving
laughter, as she hung on Jimmy's shoulder.

"Lesson?" Jimmy croaked. Just what were they intending to teach him?

"Yes." Isabel confirmed. "How to hold a baby."

"Oh, no." Jimmy protested. "I better not. I'll drop her, or..."

"It really isn't as difficult as it seems." Francis laughed.

"Truly Jimmy." Isabel smiled pointing at Francis. "You should seen how stiff
he was the first time he held the children. Now he's an old pro."

"Yeah, but they're his." Jimmy said growing more nervous. "If I hurt them
I'd never forgive myself."

"You're not going to hurt them." Isabel tried to calm him. "They're tougher
than they look. Beside, you'd better get used to it. You'll have your own to
hold in a few months." She smiled at Eve.

"Here, hold out your arms." Isabel ordered, and began to move Lucy over to
him.

Eve gently helped her husband position his arms so that the little girl
would fit easily into them. "There you go, honey. Are you ready for your first
baby-holding lesson?"

Isabel lightly lifted her daughter over to her cousin, who sat barely
breathing. "Now, here we go. Watch her neck, support her head." She said as she
laid the baby softly in Jimmy's arms.

Jimmy's face was shear terror. He had never in his life held a baby before.
The little girl snuggled into the crook of his elbow, comfortable and
content, yawning and cooing a bit. Eve could not help but stroke her soft
little head, and play with her hands.

"See?" Her father reassured. "She likes you."

Jimmy smiled nervously up at him, afraid to move. Then he realized that in a
few months he would be holding his own child, his and Eve's. At that
thought he felt himself relax a little. It was true the baby was not distressed in
the least. It was almost as if she knew he was family. Still, Jimmy was glad
Isabel was nearby just incase Lucy needed her.

"Hi there little lady." Jimmy smiled down at the child, suddenly finding his
voice and his breath. "You sure are a beauty." He said as Isabel looked on
happily proud of her daughter.

"Yes, thank goodness she got her mother's looks." Francis joked.

"Darling." Isabel laughed and playfully hit his knee. "That is your nose,
afterall."

"Well, those are your beautiful eyes." Francis said reaching for Isabel's
hand, he brought it up to his lips and kissed it.

Eve and Jimmy looked at each other laughter on their faces. It was obvious
how proud their cousins were of their new babies, and how much they loved
each other.

It was then to his surprise that Lucy reached up and touched his face. She
squirmed a little, and made a baby noise. Also to him amazement it didn't
send him into a fit of terror, or make him want to run from the room like he
had feared only moments before. In fact he couldn't keep himself from
laughing. Yes, he could actually do this. He looked over at Eve who watched
him with joy and anticipation in her eyes. Each knew what the other was
thinking. Their child was already there in the room, and soon they would be
holding their baby like this.

As Eve observes this delightful scene taking place infront of her very eyes,
her mind begins to wonder...wondering what it's going to be like seeing her
husband actually holding their wee Baby Murray in his arms, several months
from now. Seeing him cuddling and cooing to their baby. Just then, a huge
smile forms on her face, as she imagines to herself....'Yep, he's liable to
spoil it.', she giggles to herself....

It was then that Judith peeped into the study. The scene that met her eyes
delighted her immensely. "In training already, are you Jimmy?" She laughed.

"I guess so." He smiled, not wanting to talk to loudly for fear of waking
both babies.

"It looks like you'll do just fine." She grinned.

"I agree." Eve said proudly, snuggly closer to Jimmy.

"Well, I hate to break this up, all of you." Judith apologized, "but dinner
is ready."

Jimmy gently handed Lucy back to Isabel, who wrapped her daughter adoringly
in her arms. She stood to accompany Francis into their dining room. Even
though Byron had been safe and sound in his father's arms while Jimmy had
practiced the finer points of baby holding with Lucy, Isabel's motherly
instincts couldn't help her from checking him quickly. She pulled back the
blanket in which he was wrapped, and checked to see if he was warm enough.

Francis put his free arm around Isabel and kissed her temple. "You are
amazing." He whispered in her ear as they walked toward the door in each
other's arms. Each day he saw what a truly remarkable woman she
was. Even he had felt a little unsure as Jimmy had held Lucy. He tried to
tell himself he was just being an overprotective father. Isabel however,
had freely allowed her inexerienced cousin to hold their newborn daughter,
calmly confindent that everything would be fine, and she has been right.

Isabel laid her head against his chest and sighed. "You bring out the best
in me." She smiled content.

Jimmy and Eve sat quietly on the sofa for a few more moments as the family
began to congregate around the table in the other room.

"Honey," said Eve. "You getting used to holding Baby Lucy, is only just the
beginning of things to come for you...I mean--us. I just know that you're
going to feel twice as close to our own little wee one - whether it be a boy
or girl."

"I think you're right, my darling Queen of Romania," replied Jimmy. "As I
was holding Baby Lucy, I tried to imagine what it's goin' to be like holding
our own little precious baby." said he, as he looked ever sooo tenderly at
his beloved wife.

As they hugged and kissed each other, together they said to each other, "I
love you sooo much."
________________________


The table in the dining room sparkled like a collection of jewels. Isabel's
finest china, crystal, and silver bedecked the damask tablecloth. The food
that Judith and the others had thoughtfully prepared looked and smelled
delicious as everyone began to take their places. Jimmy and Eve were the
last to rejoin the festivities. They also noted how Judith and Malcolm
seemed to to lag behind everyone.

"I'm starving." Ilse proclaimed racing to take her seat at the table. Before
she could even sit, Laura caught her arm.

"Ilse Burnley." She chastized her. "Remember your manners. We'll let Isabel
and Francis take their seats first. This is their home after all."

"Oh, I'm sorry." Ilse said looking a little embarrassed.

"That's quite alright dear." Isabel smiled. "Really we won't be this formal
around here all the time, but thank you Laura." She said.

Joe and Perry had brought the twins' bassinettes in from the parlor and set
them beside the chair that was meant for Isabel. They knew that even though
the babies would be within earshot in the other room, if she could not see
them Isabel would not be satisfied. She and Francis layed their children,
who were now wide awake from all the commotion, into their little beds, and
taking each other's hand moved toward the table. Francis held the chair for
Isabel as she demurely sat. She hoped no one could tell how her heart was
racing. She smiled widely at her husband as he took his place next to her at
the head of the table. Malcolm was the next to sit, commanding respect as
taking his place at the other end of the table. Finally the rest of the
family happily joined them.

John and Sarah sat across from Isabel and Francis, gleefully catching up on
all the news and stories the new parents had to tell them. Earlier in the
afternoon, having the chance to speak privately with them Sarah and John had
happily accepted the offering of becoming the twin's godparents, and were
honored. Tonight at the table Jimmy and Eve sat laughing with Elizabeth and
Joe, as the children traded stories of their own. Judith and Malcolm were
deep in their own conversation. Laura was unusually quiet as she sat beside
a concerned Allen. He noted that she did not look particularly well, but
could tell that she was trying to hide whatever it was so as not to ruin the
housewarming. He promised himself he would be sure to take special care of
her when they got home.

When everyone had finished, the dishes lay empty, the conversation unceasing
Malcolm quietly stood and addressed the family....

"Everyone." He began tapping his knife slightly against his water glass to
draw attention to himself. "Several months ago I received a letter whilst I
was in Scotland." He gave Isabel a knowing smile. She blushed a little,
understanding. "You can all imagine my surprise upon openning it to discover
that I was soon to be a grandfather. I must say that shock was too light a
word." Everyone laughed a little, but could see the seriousness behind the
old man's eyes as he continued.

"In my great concern for my daughter I wasted no time in returning to New
Moon." Malcolm said. "Upon my arrival not only did I find her indeed very
much in the family way..." Isabel blushed even more and laughed a little,
remembering, as her father continued, "...but also happily reunited with her
true love. The man who has made her happier than I have ever known her to
be." He hid the pain in his voice at the knowledge that much of her
unhappiness had been his doing, as he moved around the table to where Isabel
and Francis sat with their twins, his grandchildren.

"Now our family has been blessed with these two fine wee ones entering our
midst." He said peering lovingly into the babies' tiny faces. He then turned
around and put on hand on Isabel's shoulder, and the other on that of her
husband. "Their parents love them more than anything, and will undoubtedly
see them want for nothing. I too would like to see that they are always
cared for."

Malcolm looked at Isabel unsure how to begin. "My dear, I have sold the
house in Scotland." He reported.

For a moment Isabel felt a little twinge of regret. She would never see the
home she grew up in again. Then she realized that she had never intended to
see it again. This was her home now, the one she had always wanted. She was
about to voice her approval when her father began to speak again, pulling
two identical envelopes from his jacket pocket. He handed one to Isabel and one
to Francis.

"I've put profits from the sale of our ancestral home in the old country
into trust funds for the twins, to be used for their educations." Malcolm said.

Isabel and Francis openned the letters and read them together. Inside were
bank statements marked First Bank of Canada, Charlottetown, Prince Edward
Island. They held back gasps when they saw the amount that had
been deposited. The truth was they had discussed the children's futures.
Francis's salary was barely enough to support Isabel and the babies, let
alone plan for the future.

"I don't know what to say." Francis said, standing to shake his
father-in-laws hand. He realized what a gift they had just been given.

"You don't have to say anything. Just make certain that these children have
a chance to do all the wonderful things I know they will do." Malcolm smiled
at the man he once hated.

"They will." His son-in-law vowed.

Isabel sat shocked. She had never expected such a generous gift for her
little ones. Their futures were now secure. They would never have to worry
about school, or money or anything. "Oh, father." was all she could say. Her
eyes filled with tears as she arose and embraced the old man who was trying
desperately not to cry himself. "They will never have to worry..."

"About a thing." He laughed, hugging her. "Just as it should be for your
children." He kissed her on the cheek as he let her go, and she moved to
embrace her husband. Isabel could not stop her tears as Francis helped her
pick up the twins and sit back down. She knew that her children would always
be safe.

Malcolm remained standing. He smiled at the others seated around the table,
he wished he could surprise them all with a special gift for the way they
had always been so kind to him. He knew that Ilse would be taken care of, for
her father and Laura were not in want of money. Gussy Dan and Jimmy and Eve's
future child would benefit from the profits of the collie farm. Even
Elizabeth would always have New Moon to see her through. There two very special
people whose futures were very much in doubt, and who even now wondered
if their dreams would ever come to pass. It was with great love that he
spoke.

"I also sold some property holdings of mine in other areas of Britain."
Malcolm announced, pulling two more envelopes from his pockets. "Emily,
Perry. I also wanted to help you." He handed them each one of the parcels.
Upon openning the gift the two young adults each found a check in an amount
which would more than cover high school and college for them both.

"Oh, Uncle Malcolm." Emily beamed jumping up and throwing her arms around
him. "Now I know I really am going to be a writer."

"Aye, Lass. The whole world will know your name some day." Malcolm said
proudly holding the girl close to him.

"Well, I'll be da..." Perry said, catching himself in time, to the laughter
of everyone. "Who'd a ever thought it, Perry Miller from Stove Pipe town
getting a present like this." He stuck out his hand and thanked Malcolm with
all his heart. "What do ya say to somebody who gives ya yer future?" He
grinned self consciously.

"You say you won't forget us when your Prime Minister." Malcolm grinned.

"I could never fergit any of ya. You've all been like family to me." Perry
said, sniffing hard.

It was Elizabeth who answered. "Perry Miller, you couldn't be more family to
us if your name was actually Murray. You know you're one of us. We all love
you, and New Moon will always be your home too."

" 'Cept you won't need it when you're in the Prime Minister's mansion."
Jimmy smiled.

"Oh, yes I will. Jimmy, Yes I will." Perry smiled.

The evening went on happily. The Murray's, all of them, gathered around each
other in warmth and love. Happy faces, and stories abounded, as everyone
dreamed their own dreams which always brought them home. Late into the
evening when everyone was ready to go, and leave Francis and Isabel to their
first night in their new home. It was Malcolm who made his way to the door
first Isabel stood confused as Malcolm threw his coat around his shoulders.

"Father." She said. "Where are you going. Your room is ready upstairs."

Malcolm smiled at his daugher, and kissed her cheek. "Not tonight, my lass.
This is your time, in your home, with your family. I want you to enjoy it.
I'll be along tomorrow." He smiled as he walked out the door. He would head back to New Moon with Elizabeth, Perry, and Joe for one more night.

With happy hugs and laughter the Murray's scattered off to their directions
in the night, leaving the happy couple along at last in their home, with
their children.
--------------------------

That night the first true chill of Autumn had blown into Blair Water from
off the ocean, and was waiting to show itself as the first frost in the morning.
The velvet blackness was quiet and still except for the scratching sound of
crinkled leaves across the ground or against a door. The little cottage in
the woods, that had once sat lonely and long abandoned now stood warm and
inviting. A thin ribbon of smoke curled up toward the bright stars in the
night sky which seemed to watch protectively over the house now filled with
the treasures and hopes of a family. The tiny cottage had seemed to come
alive overnight, as if all the years it had spent alone was only a time of
quiet waiting, an invisible anticipation of things to come. It was as it's
new owners, finding a new life that had been too long waited upon, and
nearly lost forever.

Inside a peaceful solitude had decsended throughtout the darkened rooms,
that even in the middle of the night still appeared to be ready for happy
laughter. Fires glowed in the fireplaces, a young dog having already
claimed his spot infront of the one in a small room just beyond the staircase. The
rocking beats of a grandfather clock seemed in time with the heartbeats of
the babies who slept beside their parents bed, their mother still not ready
to be distanced from them even by only a hallway. Down the hall a warm room
with a sturdy bed stood ready to greet an old man whose life had made him
feel every one of his years, but whose newfound closeness with his family
was bringing energy and vigor back into his tired old soul. In the largest
bedroom, a man and a woman had layed awake whispering of the deep love they
shared until the wee hours of the morning. They layed, each of their heart's
beating in time with that of the other, finally knowing what it meant to
love and be loved, to be alive. The two spent the night wrapped in each other's
arms, certain of bliss.