Let Me Call You Sweetheart Chapter 1, Page 6
The days were getting cooler and the sun was setting earlier. Geese were flying in a 'v' on their way south. The squirrels were gathering up their nuts and as Rosemary and Dee found out the hard way, the deer were in mating season. Hunters were looking for a wild turkey, a goose flying close by, or a deer grazing in the meadow. It was time for gathering food for the winter. Trees were downed and cut up for logs for the fireplace. Windows and doors were checked for drafts from leaks, and warm clothing was being taken out of chests for washing. A few older ladies would meet to knit sweaters, socks, and make quilts. The sewing circle was also busy making corduroy trousers for their children and warm flannel pajamas and nightgowns.
Clare had been having back pain lately as her body was growing and the baby was kicking. The sewing circle were also busy sewing for her baby and making curtains for the nursery with a matching pillow for the rocking chair. Clare didn't know what they were up to and was really happy when they surprised her with a baby shower.
They were all meeting at Billee's for lunch, but Clare didn't know it was her shower. "Ladies, how nice of you all!" as she looked around and saw the group of older ladies who had knitted a few outfits and made a lovely quilt for the nursery of pink, blue, yellow, and light green material. It matched the curtains and rocking chair pillow that Faith, Fiona, and Molly of the sewing circle made. Elizabeth had bought some little children's books from baby to toddler age and Dee had picked out a teddy bear. Emily made the shower cake, Minnie made tea sandwiches, Rosemary brought a fruit salad, and Flo provided the punch. A few games were played and the ladies of Hope Valley were laughing and enjoying time together.
Dee had hoped Emily would come with her, and told Elizabeth, "I wish Emily had come with me, but she said she was tired. I don't think she's doing too much baking as she stops to nap every day, so I'm thinking it's something else."
"I've never met her Dee. I see her at church, but she leaves right away, so I think she's shy." Elizabeth suggested.
"Well she certainly isn't the Emily I grew up with. She was never this housebound. I worry about her. Nathan thinks it's because of her German accent. With the war just ending, there is some anti-German sentiment and she's afraid that because she is new here, people might be suspicious of her."
"I don't think that should be a problem, Ned Yost is German and nothing has ever been said about him." Elizabeth tried to reassure Dee.
"That is different, he doesn't have an accent and he's been in Hope Valley for a long time. My parents were neighbors of the Grants. My father has an accent too and my parents will be here for the wedding, but I don't think he is worried." Dee said. "I just don't know how to help her relax and meet others here."
"Why don't we ask some of the older ladies here to ask her to join them the next time they get together. Does she sew?" Elizabeth asked.
"She crochets." Dee told her. "That's a great idea. Thank you Elizabeth!"
Elizabeth went over to the older ladies and shared with them the concern of Emily being alone and uncomfortable. They felt sorry for Emily and agreed that it was imperative that they made a concerted effort to get to know her and invite her to join them at their next gathering. Regina offered to stop by Emily's in a few days.
The ladies gathered Clare's gifts and helped her take them home.
Rosemary got Dee's attention and told her that her dress was taken in and she could stop by anytime to try it on and make sure it fit. "The owner of the shop, Dottie, went to Union City to open another dress shop, but she is coming here with jewelry, hats, gloves, and handbags to offer for sale. You'll have a beautiful selection to choose from Dee" Rosemary shared her delight.
"Wonderful, I'm so excited Rosemary. I have to not only pick up my dress for the engagement dinner party, but I have to pick out a wedding dress!" Dee was excited. "How can I get a dress?"
"Gosh Dee, we would have to order one very soon. Unless you want it sewed here," Rosemary informed her.
"All right then, I'll get back right away to you." Dee answered.
On her way out, Nathan caught up with her from behind and nearly scared her, until she felt his warm hands around her waist and listened to the whisper in her ear of him telling her how much he loved her!
"Nathan, you nearly had me fall back against you." she told him with a big grin.
"Now that would be my best catch yet! Where are you going now?" he asked.
"I want to talk to Molly about singing for our wedding. It would be good to give her some time to practice before the wedding. I have a few ideas of songs I'd like to check with her and see which ones she likes too." Dee informed him.
Just as they were walking together to find Molly, the stagecoach came into town.
A few people were waiting to get on, but one lady came off. She was in a lovely dark green dress and a matching hat that laid tilted to one side over her upswept hair. As she stepped down, Dee admired how attractively she was dressed. The coach driver helped her with her bags and then left for his next destination.
"Oh I know who that is." Nathan said. "It's been awhile, since I've seen Dottie."
"Rosemary told me she was coming." Dee answered him.
