Chapter 19

Feast spread itself across Counter and Living Room's Table alike. Ham warmed in Crock Pot. Potatoes and Green Beans sat in Table's center. Cherry Pie waited on Far Counter. Finest Plates and Glasses sat around said table. White Candles burned Welcome's beacon to the guests.

Truly a special gathering it was…

Peter savored Ham, Mustard and Sweet's degrees across his tongue. Camera had taken pictures of Special Feast and Original Cabin around them. Admiration for specially-crafted meal lifted his spirits. "Sorry if I'm pushing. I know you like your privacy."

Surprise raised Angie's eyebrow. "Why are you pushing, Peter? I mean you did ask first. A room like this is living history. Your article is all about that." She drank from Lemonade's Tart and Sweet. "It's part of what makes this house so special."

"It is unfortunate that only three of the original cabins remain. Alas!" Brother Tony glanced around at the house. "Peter, it is for us to demonstrate that history is more than just dusty facts, names and dates in books. It is all around us."

"Well spoken, Reverend." Stacy complimented. "The Duboises and Blackwells did splendid work in maintaining this house. You have living history here since the 1750s. Did you ever think of conducting tours?"

"That would be rad, Dad." Gwen smiled as Mashed Potatoes danced across her tongue. "Mmm! I so want the recipes! This is divine! Mmmm-MMM!" Napkin dabbed at her mouth.

"Glad you enjoy it. Sure. I'll give them to you. Pie's Dr. Dubois' special." Dubois squeezed his wife's hand. "You always did make the best cherry pies. Wouldn't you say, Brother Tony?"

"Angela's pies are superb without a doubt. She and her mother won blue ribbons at the County and State Fairs for them. Fresh Ingredients, Time, Care and Love make them special." Brother Tony drank from Coffee's mug. "I'd say the same for your ham, David."

"Gram's recipe for turkey glaze adapted for ham." Dubois shrugged it off. "But the best traditions are handed down and maintained." He looked around. "We could make this a museum. Still, as corny as it sounds, it likes being lived in."

"I just don't like people walking through my home. I know that's selfish. Daddy would be upset at that. Mama would scoot them out of the kitchen." Angela leaned back in her chair. "The folks in Cherry Plain will take over any time we wanted to move. It's special though."

"You all are our friends. That's different." Dubois hugged Angie's shoulders. "We're sharing our home with you. Strangers would be looking for things. They'd be trying to take bricks and pieces of wood for souvenirs. I know the Captain's lab is an important historical place. You know I can't have a group going through there. Last thing we need is for someone to touch something and it blows up." We can't chance that."

"I understand." Peter took a draught of milk. "I wouldn't want someone routing through my dark room either."

"Still! Just think! That is where your ancestor devised his weapons for the Revolution." Stacy countered. "Weren't you talking about the Battle of Trenton?"

"I did. We still have need of it though." Tired Sigh escaped Dubois' lips. "Maybe I can come up with a wall and a locked door?" Dubois made a mental note to himself. "I get what you're saying, Captain Stacy. I really do as a historian myself. Still, as with my childhood home, there are historic sites that should be left well enough alone." He glanced over at May and Gwen. Head shook ever so slightly wanting to change the subject.

"I will agree." Nyoki made a face. "That is one place you do not go if you are wise." She caught Dubois' cue. "Perhaps you will get up to Edinboro this week?"

"Edinboro? Where is that? Good Heavens! Peter, is it dangerous?" Protective Instinct flared in Aunt May's heart. She'd caught Danger's reference in Host's last statement. She didn't want Peter near anything remotely hazardous or harmful.

"Not hardly, Mrs. Parker." Angie took a bite of mashed potatoes. Then, she pressed on. "It's a small village just northwest of Cherry Plain. It's about five miles from the Fair's northern fence. They have a small general store, gas station, a diner, post office and a church. Nice National Park there. It's also a place Peter and Gwen might want to look at for their article."

"Well, I suppose." Aunt May rubbed her finger across her mouth. "You two be careful. You understand me? I don't want Peter taking any dangerous pictures, Mr. Dubois."

"In Edinsboro?" Skepticism raised Dubois' Eyebrow. "We all mind our manners. I've already called ahead for permission from the landowner. Harvey Keller is a nice guy. He's going to let us look at the Underground Railroad stop on his land. We're going for pie and coffee at their diner." Deep Breath exhaled from him. "Sorry, Angie, but…."

"He wants an apple pie too." Angie rolled her eyes. "We'll have to make a trip to Baumann's. Sure. Harvey's always loved Momma's and my pies.

"Never underestimate the power of your pies, Princess." Dubois kissed the back of her hand.

Angie blushed. Amor warmed her insides. Rosy Pink colored her cheeks. "Nor your poems, you Turkey."

"Can I help if Mrs. Colavitto wanted me to send a poem along with her for you all?" Dubois drank a draught of Cider from his glass. "I guess everyone liked it?"

"You give good instruction. I remember our breakfast in Amherst. You give good images." Nyoki ate a bite from the ham. "Much like Parker San's photos. I will be at your workshop." She allowed Peter a slight nod.

"I'll have my best stuff ready, Professor Tuishiama. You mentioned images. Well, each photo is an image." Peter turned to Dubois. "How is the poem an image."

"It depends on the type of poem, Peter." Dubois pondered the concept. "Each poem represents imagery. Each stanza is its own image. When Nyoki composes her haiku, that's one image. When I break out a poem, the work is a string of images. Each stanza represents the image. The poem is a series of such images."

"Really?" Surprise elicited a nod from Peter. "I never thought of it like that before."

"Maybe Miss Kell had the right idea yesterday, Peter? We do have that elective class. Maybe a course in literature or poetry? We could have a few folks with us?" Gwen's eyes evoked Hurt/Sad Puppy Look.

"I was thinking of a journalism class. I'd like to do that too. Can't hurt to have a different experience." Peter shrugged. Concession seemed to open up Possibilities' paths.

"Very good, Peter! I'm sure you will do very well! Just work hard as you always do." Pride beamed on Aunt May's face.

"You know I got your back." Gwen rubbed his shoulder.

"Just take your time. Handle each image just as you would each shot with your camera. Take. Your. Time." Dubois finished with his meal.

Peter nodded. Elective seemed better than it had on the previous day…a whole lot better….