"Well, that should be all for today. I hope that everyone remembers Uncle Tom's Cabin should be read by Monday and we'll go over the projects for history tomorrow. Class dismissed," Jo announced, closing her books. The students hurried to put things away and dash from the room. "Oh, Nat, Dan? Can I see you for a moment?"
The two boys looked worriedly at one another before stepping towards the front of the room. "Ah, sure, Mrs. Jo," Nat replied.
"Somethin' wrong?" Dan asked, leaning into the desk. "We do somethin'?"
"Oh, no! Nothing like that," Jo paused, considering her words. "Umm… you know those old boards in the barn?" The boys nodded. "Well, I was hoping the two of you could help me with something." She began to nervously fiddle with the books on her desk. "You see… I have to give Nick something for our wedding… like a wedding gift, of sorts. And I wanted to build it instead of making it a purchase. Since both of you are more apt at woodworking than I am, well…" She trailed off.
"What did you wanna make?" Dan asked, smiling as colour ran through his teacher's cheeks.
"I was thinking of something like… well, perhaps a chair?" Jo could no longer look at her two students, the belief of foolish judgment filling her mind. "It wouldn't have to be too elaborate. Just sturdy."
Nat glanced at Dan, considering the proposal. "Uh, sure. We could do that," he encouraged, bringing a smile to Jo's face. "If we all worked on it, I'm sure we'd be done in no time."
"You wouldn't have to do much… just help me with the structure and well… basically show me how to build one." Jo resigned to the fact that she was helpless in the situation.
"We'd be happy to help ya," Dan concluded as Nat nodded. "But why a chair, Mrs. Jo?"
She rolled her eyes. "It's a little silly but I was thinking that it could go at the kitchen table… something that could be his very own."
Nat smiled gently. "Just like Mr. Fritz had?"
"Exactly." Jo relaxed, relieved at the boys' understanding.
Dan looked around the room. "So, when do ya wanna start?"
"As soon as possible. Perhaps this afternoon?" The boys agreed with the situation. "And we should probably work in an out of the way place. Keep it a surprise."
"Maybe the root cellar?" Nat suggested. "Asia's the only one who goes in there."
"That's perfect! Thank you boys." Jo's eyes filled with gratitude.
"Of course," Dan assured, "Anything for you, Mrs. Jo."
XXXXX
Jo rushed through the house and into the kitchen, clutching an old book to her chest. Dressed in her work clothes, she raced past Asia and to the cellar door. "You haven't seen him around, have you?" Jo asked, her hand gripping the handle.
"Said he had to go to town. Might be gone for awhile," Asia replied, her smile all knowing.
"Thank goodness. We won't be seen this way." Jo's stature relaxed and she lingered for a few moments.
"Where are the boys?" Asia inquired, stirring the pot of soup she was preparing for dinner.
"Out in the barn, gathering pieces. I hope we won't be in your way."
"'Course not. I think I can manage to work around ya." She patted her friend on the arm, trying to settle her nerves.
"Look what I found!" Jo remembered, placing the book onto the counter. "It was mixed in with some of Fritz's old novels. But I can't imagine what he would be doing with a carpentry book."
Asia began flipping through the pages. "I can." Jo's surprise could not be hidden. "Remember? He wanted to build a cradle for Rob. The book was shipped in from Boston but he gave up soon after he started."
Jo's eyes sparkled at the memory. "Oh, yes! That's right. I believe Silas finished it for him." She sighed. "Fritz was never very good at things like that."
The back door flung open and Dan and Nat crept in carrying a couple of large planks. "We were really careful, Mrs. Jo. I don't think anyone saw us," Nat puffed, shifting the wood from one arm to the other.
"I already got the tools and put 'em down there." Dan motioned towards the cellar door.
"Wonderful. Let's get started!" Jo opened the door for the boys and smiled at Asia. "Let us know if there happens to be any curious ears about. We'll try to be as quiet as possible."
"Don't worry, I will." Asia let Jo through. "I'll call ya for dinner."
XXXXX
"Isn't it just beautiful, Nan?" Bess Laurence asked as she twirled herself around in one of the new blue pinafores her mother had bought for the young girls. "The material is exquisite. It makes me feel as though I'm the one to be married."
"Doncha think it's a bit much? It's just Mrs. Jo's wedding, after all," Nan retorted, grimacing as her dress lay across the bed.
"Nonsense. Mother wants Aunt Jo to have a proper wedding. And you cannot have a proper wedding without the appropriate attire."
"But I hate wearing all of these frills and lace." Nan slumped down onto a nearby chair, frustrated with the high-society politics her roommate possessed. "It's just not me, Bess."
"It will be for one day, Nan. Besides, it's fun to dress up." Bess spun around again. "Weddings are incredibly romantic. A couple bonded together for life, endowed to one another all because of love." She sighed deeply. "I simply can't wait until I become wed. It will be marvelous."
"But you can get married without all the fuss. And you would love one another, no matter what type of wedding." Nan smiled as she noted the contemplation in Bess.
"Well, yes." Bess was hesitant. "But what fun it is to make all of the plans and preparations." She began to gain steam again. "And then there are the gifts! Guests shower the couple with presents." Her eyes grew wide with excitement and realization. "A shower!"
"What?" Nan looked to her friend, confused by the sentimental talk.
"We should have a bridal shower for Aunt Jo! It would be wonderful. We could play games and Asia could furnish the affair with food."
"Wait a second. Don't people normally have showers for women to give them stuff for their own home? Mrs. Jo already has a house and all of the things she needs."
"Don't be silly. It's not just about the gifts. Women, like us, need to come together before we get married. Besides, this is the first time Nick will be married. The men will put on something for him. We must do the same."
"Do the boys realize this?"
"Don't worry. Father will take care of everything for them. However, we can do this ourselves."
Nan moaned but realized the futility in fighting with her. "Fine, Bess. I will do this for Mrs. Jo. And only for her." She shook her head. "What do we have to do?"
Bess grinned, her eyes twinkling with delight. "I've already got most of it planned…"
