LET ME CALL YOU SWEETHEART Chapter 1, Page 1
Hope Valley's Thanksgiving was a wonderful time. Rosemary led a skit with the children that blended well with Pastor Joseph leading all of the town in thanking God for their many blessings. Then Dee and the children came up on the stage and sang the national songs they had been practicing, "Oh Canada" and "The Maple Leaf Forever." The three ladies oversaw the plans and the turkeys were roasted out on the pit and turned out delicious and moist, there were plenty of side dishes to choose from and Emily's Oktoberfest warm German potato salad, Kummelweck rolls, and buttery Bavarian soft pretzels were a big hit.
After dinner, Nathan, Bill, and Allie got out their guitars and led everyone in a sing-a-long, "Hail, Hail, the Gangs All Here", "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows," "By the Light of the Silvery Moon" and more. Everyone went home happy and satisfied.
Dee finally received word from Superintendent Landis, that he was not willing to pay a stipend to Lillian to help with piano lessons at the orphanage at this time. He wanted to have proof first that there were enough students to justify this expense. This was disappointing and when Rosemary got word she stopped at the school and offered to help. "What can I do to help?"
"Rosemary, that's so sweet of you, but I really don't know how you can. It's a distance to go and you are too busy already." Dee replied.
"Nonsense," Rosemary remarked. "I have an idea. I can drive Lee's car faster than you taking a stagecoach to Brookfield, so why don't I drive you up there and see what I can help with!"
"Do you know how to read music?" Dee asked.
"Dee, my dear, I am humbled to share with you that I was an actress in New York. No doubt you've heard of Rosemary LeVeaux – well, that is me!"
Dee didn't know what to say, she actually never heard of Rosemary LeVeaux, but she certainly wouldn't let her know that. "Oh Rosemary, that's you, how incredulous, but did you sing or play music?"
"Don't be silly, of course, I did. It's been a little while now, mind you, but I certainly can keep a tune," and with that she bellowed out some song that Dee hadn't heard of but noted that it sounded just lovely.
"That's so nice!" Dee complimented Rosemary. "So, if you sing, you must know how to read music too."
"Yes, indeed, I even wrote a few songs. Lucky you just heard part of one." Rosemary continued, "so you see, I can certainly be a help to you. Don't you worry about paying me, the Superintendent couldn't afford me anyways."
"This sounds like a great help. What I am paid for a stagecoach ride, I can give you for the gasoline. Does that help?" Dee asked.
"Yes, of course." Rosemary clinched the deal.
"Rosemary, I'll let the Superintendent know before we go. I'll have to call him as I teach there this Friday and it's already Tuesday. "Thank you! You are so sweet."
In Emily's world everything was going very well. She talked with Minnie and after the Thanksgiving dinner, she started to bake from home her famous German sweets. The orders were coming in at a steady rate. She could bake in the morning and it was just enough that she could still take a nap every afternoon before she started dinner. A few times they had visitors for dinner too. Nathan would bring Bill from time to time Allie would ask Karen, and Dee would bring Faith. There was always an extra plate ready for someone. No one turned down a chance to have dinner cooked by Emily.
What started out as a simple dinner celebration, quickly turned into a party. So, it was decided that the engagement dinner party celebration was planned for a Saturday the end of the month as Dee was home that weekend and not going to go to Brookfield to teach. This gave Sam time to prepare the special dinner and Dee to invite her sister and family.
Rosemary was busy getting all the details taken care of with Sam. The menu of steak, twice-baked potatoes, salad, carrots, rolls, cheesecake, petit fours, and champagne was agreed upon. Sam was happy about Bill building the fire pit as it was going to be used again for the steaks. Sam wanted to have paper streamers and balloons, but Rosemary suggested they not use streamers and only a few balloons as she wanted subtle but classy decor. She also chose the music to play and of course included, "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" for Dee and Nathan to dance to. The best sterling silver serving dishes and special china would be used, as well as linen napkins with the little hearts intertwined together, a bouquet of roses at the table, and a candelabra. She had hired help for Sam to serve and clean with Robert and Anna. Billee's would be closed just for their private party. This would be a grand time under these two in charge. Nathan and Dee still needed to pick a date for their wedding. This was too important not to get right.
"Whatever makes you happy Dee." Nathan smiled.
"Is yesterday too soon?" Dee asked.
