Chapter 17 – Unfortunate Mishap
Patrick is eating his lunch with Vincent when Robert and Allie come up to them. Robert asks, "Have you heard? Mister Bouchard is going to show another movie at the saloon this Friday."
Allie inquires, "Have you boys seen one?" They both nod their heads no. "Mister Bouchard showed the first one for your parent's anniversary, Patrick. The next few months after that, he showed a new one each month, and then he took a break."
Robert adds, "I heard he wants to start those up again." Elizabeth rings the cowbell, so all the kids pile into the schoolhouse. Patrick is distracted the rest of the school day, so as soon as school lets out, he dashes outside to find his parents waiting for him.
Patrick shouts, "Mama, Papa, Robert said there will be a movie in the saloon on Friday night. Can we go?"
"We might be able to go," answers Lee.
"Pretty please, Papa." He puffs his lower lip out and gives Lee the puppy dog eyes just like he learned from Rosemary.
Rosemary watches in amusement, adding her own, "Pretty please, Papa," along with batting her eyelashes.
Lee chuckles, "I guess we can go."
Patrick jumps up and down, shouting, "YES! Thank you, Papa."
"How can I say no to those faces?" inquires Lee. He messes with Patrick's hair and gives Rosemary a quick kiss on the lips.
Rosemary rubs Lee's chin with her thumb, whispering, "You are a good father."
"Can we go home and play catch with Vincent, Papa?"
"After working on your reading and writing, we can."
Patrick sadly says, "Yes, sir." The three of them walk home hand-in-hand.
"Patrick, we are so proud of you. You have come a long way with your reading, writing, and math in the last month," reveals Rosemary. Patrick smiles. "Missus Thornton says you have almost caught up." Lee and Rosemary swing him up and down, eliciting more giggles from Patrick. They get home where they have Patrick continue writing another paragraph of the funny story he has been making up. Patrick spends the next thirty minutes or so writing his next paragraph.
Patrick announces, "I am done. Are you ready to hear the next part of the story?" Lee and Rosemary both come over to the table and sit down with Patrick. "Okay, here it goes…" says Patrick.
The next aventur the boy took with his father was a ride on a motersikal. His Papa surprisd him with a ride just the two of them. They went riding in the woods and saw a bear. Next, they saw an owl high up in a tree. The owl goes "hoo-hoo-hoo."
Rosemary and Lee clap their hands. Rosemary offers, "Let me look it over for you." She reads it for spelling and punctuation mistakes. "This is good, Patrick. There are a few words you need to fix. She points to the word adventure. You spell it a…d…vent…u…r…e."
Patrick inquires, "Advent…u…r…e?"
"Good. Rosemary points to the word, motorcycle. You spell it mot…o…r…c…y…c…l…e."
"Mot…or…s…?" tries Patrick.
"Motor…c…"
"Motorc…y…c…l…e?"
"Yes, that's it. Good job. Okay, you just have one more. Rosemary points to the word, surprised. You spell it surpris…e…d."
"Surpris…e…d?"
"Perfect!"
"Can I go play with Vincent now?" asks Patrick.
Lee replies, "Yes, I will walk you over there."
Friday night comes around, and Lee, Rosemary, and Patrick are getting ready to go into town for the movie. Rosemary questions, "What is Lucas showing tonight?"
Lee responds, "The Rink with Charlie Chaplin."
"Did I ever tell you two, I met Charlie Chaplin in New York City? He wasn't sure what to do, so I suggested he go into comedy and now look at him. He's so successful and has been in so many movies."
Lee remarks, "Oh, is that so?"
"Mmmhmm," Rosemary replies with a smirk.
Lee tries to change the subject, inquiring, "Who is ready to go? I figured we can go in the car."
"Me, me, me!" exclaims Patrick.
Lee holds out his arm to Rosemary. She hesitates for a moment until she sees the grin on Lee's face. Rosemary takes his arm, wondering, "Are Elizabeth and little Jack going?"
"Yes, Laura is going to watch little Jack so Elizabeth can go with Nathan and Allie."
"Oh, good. I am glad Elizabeth, Nathan, and Allie are going together. Do they need a ride?" inquires Rosemary.
"No, they are already there, helping set the saloon up."
"Well, it is just the three of us then. Me and my two boys." Rosemary chuckles along with Lee and Patrick.
The majority of the town makes their way into the saloon, ready to watch the movie. Since this is the first one in a few months, there is a much bigger turnout than other movie nights. All the children, including Patrick, sit in the front row or on the floor. Patrick and Vincent decide to sit together on the floor with Robert and Allie. They are both so excited, they cannot sit still.
Patrick runs to Lee and Rosemary, inquiring, "Come sit with Vincent and me?"
Lee responds, "I don't think that is a good idea. We don't want to sit in front of the other kids. We are too tall. How about you can either go sit with Vincent or you can sit on my lap? Which do you prefer?" Rosemary laughs as Patrick jumps on Lee's lap. As the show begins, she scoots closer, wrapping her arm around Lee's.
After the show is over, Rosemary asks Patrick, "Did you like it?"
Patrick excitedly says, "I have never seen anything like that before. The roller skating looked so much fun. Can we go?"
"I don't know, bud. I have no idea if there is a rink anywhere around here. Maybe one day, we can all go to New York City and go roller skating at Madison Square Gardens," replies Rosemary.
Patrick yells, "New York City! Can we go, Mama?"
"I would love to take you there. Papa and I will have to talk about it some," responds Rosemary.
"Okay, Mama. I enjoyed the movie very much." Patrick giggles, "That Charlie guy is funny. Do you think Mister Bouchard will show another one next month?"
Lee answers, "Probably."
Patrick questions, "Can we get some ice cream before we go home?"
Lee and Rosemary simultaneously answer, "Yes."
One afternoon, Rosemary and Patrick are home alone. Lee had to go into the office to get some work done. Patrick is playing downstairs, while Rosemary is upstairs cleaning. She calls out for Patrick. He replies, "Yes, Mama. I am downstairs."
"Are you hungry? I can make you some lunch."
Patrick yells up, "Yes, ma'am. Can we have grilled cheese sandwiches?"
"I have a better idea. How about I make us some misto quentes?"
"What are misto quentes?"
"They are from Brazil. Diogo introduced us to them. They are basically grilled cheese sandwiches, but also with ham. Does that sound good?"
"Yes, ma'am," answers Patrick.
"Okay, I will be right down." Rosemary is walking down the stairs when suddenly Nanny runs right towards her. She tries to move out of the way, but she loses her balance on the second to last stair, falling the rest of the way down. She lands hard on her knee while slightly hitting her forehead on the bottom stair.
Patrick runs up to her, crying out, "Mama…Mama…wake up." Rosemary does not stir. Patrick runs to the phone, picks up the receiver, and presses down a couple of times on the switch hook.
Florence answers, "Hi, Rosemary. What can I do for you?"
Patrick nervously tells Florence, "My Mama fell on the stairs, and she is not awake."
Florence quickly relays, "I will send Doctor Carson and your Papa. Are you okay, Patrick?"
"Yes, ma'am. Please hurry and send someone."
"Right away, Patrick." Patrick runs over to Rosemary when she finally comes to.
Rosemary sees Patrick with tears running down his face. She sits up, feeling her forehead and asking, "What happened, Patrick?"
Patrick tearfully tells Rosemary, "You were coming down the stairs. Then Nanny comes flying down. You lose your balance and fall to the floor. You just laid there…I couldn't wake you up. So, I called Missus Blakely, and she said she would get Papa and Doctor Carson."
"Patrick, come here. Sit with me. I promise you. I am okay. Thank you for calling for help. You are a brave little boy." Rosemary holds him as he sobs into her chest. Lee runs inside shouting, "Rosie," followed by Carson. They both let out a breath when the first thing they see is Rosemary rocking Patrick back and forth on the floor.
Lee questions, "Is everything okay, Rosie?"
Rosemary feels her forehead again. "I think I am okay, Lee. Patrick said I fell off the stairs. I must have been knocked unconscious because I don't remember exactly what happened."
Carson sits next to her on the floor, inquiring, "Can I examine you?" Rosemary nods. He looks at her pupils. "Rosemary, can you follow this pen?" She follows him to the left and right and back. "Do you have a headache, feel dizzy, have blurred vision, or feel nauseous?"
"My head hurts, but I think it is because of the bump starting to form on my forehead. I don't feel dizzy or nauseous, and I can see perfectly fine."
"Okay, good, Rosemary. Let me see the bump." He examines the bump starting to form. "You will need to keep icing it until it comes back down. Is there anything else that hurts?"
"I don't think so, Carson. Can you please help me to the settee?" Lee and Carson get on each side of her, helping her stand up. She winces when she tries to put weight on her left knee. "Owe, owe…my knee."
Lee lovingly suggests, "Here, let me carry you to the settee. Patrick, move all that stuff off of there." He quickly does what he is told. Lee carries her to the settee and puts her down. He arranges the pillows to support her head, back, and knee.
Carson lifts up her skirts just above the knee, making sure it isn't broken. "The knee is okay, Rosemary. I think you twisted it pretty badly. You'll need to stay off of it for a few days. I'll drop by and check on you then. Lee, can I talk to you outside?" Lee nods.
Patrick inquires, "Can I sit with you, Mama?"
"Of course, be careful with my head and knee." Patrick crawls over Rosemary's lap, laying between the settee and her. She wraps her arm around him while he rests his head on her chest. She gently brushes his hair back while kissing him on the top of the head.
Lee and Carson step outside on the front porch with Nanny running out behind them. Carson mentions, "I want you to keep a close eye on her. She might have a concussion. Keep an eye out for more headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, vomiting, or feeling nauseous. If any of those things happen, please have someone find me. I know this will be hard, but try and keep her in bed for the next few days. I'll come to check on her then."
"Thanks, Carson. I really appreciate you coming out to check on her," remarks Lee.
"That is my job. Just let me know if anything gets worse. Oh, one last thing. Make sure Rosemary stays awake for the next four hours or so."
"Will do." Lee walks back inside, relieved to see his wife doing okay. He kisses her on the top of the head. "How are you doing, sweetheart?"
"I've been better, but I am okay. I'm actually really tired right now."
"I'm sorry, Rosie. You'll need to stay awake for the next four hours."
"What in the world? Why?" questions Rosemary.
Lee whispers, "Carson said to keep you awake. You might have a concussion." A concerned look crosses Rosemary's face.
She looks down at Patrick, kissing him on the forehead. "I love you more than all the stars in the sky, bud."
Patrick replies, "I love you to the moon and back."
Lee goes to the kitchen to grab some ice. He wraps it in a towel, bringing it to Rosemary and resting it on her head bump. He questions, "Can you hold it there?" She reaches up, putting her hand over Lees.
Rosemary meekly smiles, saying, "Thank you, sweetheart. Yes, I have it."
"I can make us some tea and coffee and food if anyone is hungry. Are you hungry, Patrick?"
Patrick replies, "Yes, sir. Mama was coming down to fix our lunch when she fell. She was going to make misto quentes."
"Do you remember those, Lee?" chimes in Rosemary.
"Oh, those sandwiches we had with Diogo and his brothers?"
Rosemary answers, "Yes."
"Misto quentes coming right up." Patrick continues to lay with Rosemary while Lee prepares the food. Lee questions, "Sweetheart, are you hungry?"
"No, I am okay."
"Come and get it, Patrick. One misto quente for you."
Rosemary insists he get up to eat, "Patrick, I will be fine. I need to ice my knee. You go eat your lunch."
Patrick reluctantly gets up, quietly saying, "Okay, Mama." Both Lee and Rosemary can tell Patrick is worried, so they try distracting him with something else.
Lee suggests to Patrick, "Do you want to go play at Vincent's house after lunch?"
Patrick thinks about it for a moment before responding, "I want to stay here with Mama."
Rosemary remarks, "Patrick, I am okay. I need to ice my knee and head, and then I will be right as rain. We can read some later."
Patrick smiles, finishing up his sandwich. He announces, "I'm ready to go, Papa!" Lee walks him over to Vincent's house, where he tells Vincent's mother about Rosemary. Of course, she is happy to oblige.
"Thank you, Missus Piraro."
"Josephine, please."
"Josephine. I will be back to pick him up in a few hours."
"We would be happy to have him for dinner."
"Oh, thank you so much."
Lee kneels down to Patrick, "I will be by to pick you up after supper. Have fun with Vincent and be a good boy."
"Yes, Papa."
Lee walks home, coming in the house only to see Rosemary trying to get up off the couch. He runs up to her, asking, "Where do you think you are going?"
"I can't sit still any longer. Can you help me get up?" asks Rosemary.
"Where do you want to go?"
"Anywhere, but here."
"I'll take you to the kitchen table. You should probably drink something," suggests Lee.
"Thanks, Lee. Can you bring me my sketchbook?" Lee helps her hobble over to the kitchen table where she sits down. Lee moves another chair over so she can prop her leg up on a pillow. He brings her a cup of tea and half a misto quente.
Lee mentions, "Here is your sketchbook. Please try to eat something. Then I think you should ice your head and knee some more." Rosemary gives Lee her best frown. She takes a few bites of the sandwich along with drinking some tea. Pushing the plate aside, Rosemary opens her sketchbook and tries sketching out a new design. She doesn't get very far when she puts her pencil down and feels her head. "Are you okay, sweetheart?"
"I am fine. I can't believe I fell down the stairs. Where is Nanny anyway?"
"She ran out when Carson and I went outside. I have not seen her since."
"Go check on her, Lee. Nanny has never done anything like that before," remarks Rosemary.
"Are you sure, sweetheart?"
"Of course. Our son loves her, so I do too."
Lee says, "Okay, I'll go out and look for her." He opens the back door when Nanny comes running in. "There she is," announces Lee. Rosemary calls her over, rubbing up and down her back. Nanny purrs and then runs upstairs. When Rosemary sits back up, she suddenly feels a little dizzy. "What's wrong?" questions Lee.
Rosemary innocently asks, "How do you know something is wrong?"
"I can see it in your face. Now, tell me. Are you feeling okay?"
"I felt dizzy for a few minutes, but I am fine now," replies Rosemary.
Lee's over-protectiveness comes out. "I think it is time for you to lay down. If it comes back, I am going to call Carson."
"Lee, I am fine, truly. It is probably me not eating or drinking much today. There is no need to get Carson involved again."
"I'll make that call when the time comes. In the meantime, do you think you can walk, or should I carry you? Do you want to go back to the settee or to our bed?"
Rosemary smirks, "I can walk…or hobble myself." She tries standing up and hopping towards the settee, but he stops her.
"I know you are capable of hobbling yourself, but let me help you."
Rosemary rolls her eyes, saying, "Well, okay." She puts her weight on Lee's shoulder, and they slowly hobble to the settee. Lee helps her position the pillows to where she is comfortable. He gets ice for her, placing some on her knee and giving her some to put on her head. Lee decides to wash some dishes when he looks over at Rosemary as she is pouting. She took the ice off, putting it on the coffee table.
"What's going on, sweetheart?"
"It's too cold, Lee. It hurts to keep it on more than a few minutes."
"I know it hurts, but you do want the bump to go away and your knee to feel better, right?" questions Lee. Rosemary frowns. "You need to keep the ice on there for ten minutes, okay?" He places the ice back on the knee and forces her to hold the ice up to her head. "Can I do anything for you while you wait?"
Rosemary softly replies, "No." She complies for the next ten minutes, quickly removing the ice the second she can. "How often do I have to do that?"
"Every two to three hours," answers Lee. Rosemary pouts. "Do you want some coffee or tea? I can make you some soup."
"Yes, tomato soup and tea, please. I know I can be a bit of a handful, so thanks for taking such good care of me."
Lee laughs, "I will always be around to take care of you." Rosemary chuckles.
Later that night, after picking up Patrick from Vincent's house, Lee helps Rosemary up to their room. Patrick and Lee dote on her as much as they can. Rosemary is continuously telling them to bring her this or that, plus they have to make sure she ices her injuries for the full ten minutes. He loves his wife to death, but she can be a bit much sometimes. Once she finally seems content, Patrick and Lee can sit down for a moment.
Patrick jumps in bed, sitting right next to Rosemary. He shyly asks, "Can I read you a story I have been working on?"
"I would love to hear your story. Can Papa hear it too?" Patrick smiles as Lee sits on the bed next to him. Patrick runs and gets it from his room.
He reads:
My name is Patrick. I used to be all alon before I came to live with two sisters. Soon I met Miss Rosemary and Mistr Lee. They were so much fun. Mistr Lee and Miss Rosemary had to leav, but they desided to adopt me.
I came to live with Mistr Lee and Miss Rosemary and they gave me so much love and attenshun. After they tuked me into bed each nite I would say an extra prayr to stay here furevr. I used to be scard I would have to go away. Mistr Lee and Miss Rosemary made me feel safe and loved. Soon my wurries went away.
One day, I got lost in the woods. Evrybody in the town helped find me. When I was alon, afrade, and sitting in the tree, I had a dream where my family told me it was okay to luv agin. I knew I luved Miss Rosemary and Mistr Lee. I wanted to call them Mama and Papa.
My Mama and Papa love me so much and take me on many aventurs. I hope I can grow up to be just like them. Be fun like Mama and kind like Papa. I hope sumday I can help other kids like me find their furevr familys. I want Mama and Papa to know I will always luv them to the moon and back.
Rosemary brings Patrick in close for a hug. "You are such a good storyteller. I think you should continue adding to this one." Patrick grins.
Lee adds, "I think this one is the best one yet." He looks over at Rosemary before saying, "I think it is bedtime for Mister Patrick."
"Awe, do I have to go to bed now?"
"Yes, sir. Now go get a book, so we can read you your bedtime story," responds Rosemary.
Patrick reluctantly says, "Yes, ma'am." He runs to his bedroom, picks out "At the Back of the North Wind," and runs back in, jumping in between Lee and Rosemary.
Rosemary says, "We've already read this book quite a few times."
"I know. I want to hear the part where Diamond is flying on the back of the North Wind, and he sees all the people below," remarks Patrick.
Rosemary giggles, "Okay, I can read that part. I'll read a few chapters, and then it is off to bed with you." She finishes reading and puts the book down. Patrick leans on Rosemary's arm, grabbing it, not wanting to move. "What is wrong, Patrick?"
Patrick softly recalls, "I was scared today of losing you. When I couldn't wake you up, I thought of my parents. They went to sleep and never woke up. I can't…lose you, Mama."
Rosemary hugs him tightly, "I am sorry I scared you. I will never ever leave you on purpose…always remember that."
"I know. I am sorry, it is my fault you fell."
"How is it your fault, Patrick," questions Rosemary.
"Nanny is my cat, and she made you fall."
"Patrick, what happened is not your fault. Cats are not predictable, and no one could have predicted she would come running right when I was going down the stairs."
Patrick hugs her back, saying, "I love you, Mama."
"I love you too, bud."
Lee chimes in, "We both love you so much, Patrick." He tickles him before asking, "Are you ready for bed, now? I'll tuck you in." Patrick nods giving Rosemary a kiss on the cheek.
Several weeks have passed, and it is getting closer to November. Rosemary's knee has finally healed completely. Patrick has been thriving in school and at home. Lee and Rosemary have been busy with work but also spend a lot of time as a family. One night, after tucking Patrick into bed, they decide to relax on the settee in front of the fire. Lee opens his arm for her to join him. She scoots in closer, resting her head on his chest. Lee mentions, "We haven't spent much alone time as a couple lately, have we?"
Rosemary responds, "No, we haven't. I think it is called being parents."
"Yes, of course. But I think we should still make an effort to spend some time alone together. Don't you think?"
"You won't get an argument from me. What do you have in mind?"
Lee responds, "What if Elizabeth watches Patrick for a few hours while you and I go on a dinner date at the café or the saloon?"
Rosemary lifts her head up, adding to what Lee suggested, "And we go for a nice romantic stroll around the lake and come back here for champagne, strawberries, and of course a dance or two."
"Two great minds think alike. Can you talk to Elizabeth, and I will start arranging for our special night?" Rosemary nods, resting her head back down on his chest.
Lee and Rosemary get ready for their date night. Rosemary takes her time, putting on one of the dresses she bought in New York City. She twists her hair up, fastening it with a gold barrette, leaving some loose curls around her face. Lee calls her name, "Rosie, are you ready? We are going to be late."
"I'll be right down." She touches up her make-up, puts her gold earrings on, grabs her coat, and walks downstairs. When Lee and Patrick see her, their mouths drop open.
Lee walks up to her, taking her hands. "Sweetheart, you are stunning, as always."
Rosemary grins, "You look quite handsome yourself, Lee."
Patrick runs up to her, giving her a hug, "You look so pretty, Mama!"
Lee bends down to Patrick's level, saying, "Okay, buddy. You behave for Missus Thornton. I think Allie will be there as well. Mama and I will be back in a few hours so we can put you to bed." Patrick nods. "Are you two ready to go?"
Rosemary responds, "I'm more than ready. Let's go." Lee and Rosemary walk Patrick over to Elizabeth's, knocking on the door. Allie and Elizabeth answer and let Patrick inside.
Elizabeth remarks, "You two have fun. Patrick, Allie, little Jack, Nathan, and I have big plans." Patrick giggles, giving Lee and Rosemary a goodbye hug. Lee escorts Rosemary to their car and opens the door for her.
"Where are we going?" questions Rosemary.
"I rented out the saloon, and Gustave is making our dinner for us. She smiles, taking his hand in hers. Lee drives them into town, parking in front of his office. He walks around to open the door for Rosemary, offering his arm. Rosemary gladly accepts, walking hand-in-hand to the saloon. Lee opens the door, and they step inside, where Lucas is there with two glasses filled with champagne. Lee and Rosemary thank him, each taking a glass and walking towards the table set for them.
Rosemary admires all the flowers and candles. She wonders, "Did you set all this up?"
"Yes, with a little bit of Elizabeth's help." Lucas directs them to go ahead and sit down. He will bring out the food shortly. Within a few minutes, Lucas brings out two plates of Coq au vin. "Thanks, Lucas. We really appreciate this."
"It is my pleasure. I'll bring out the dessert when you are ready." Lee and Rosemary nod. Lucas walks back to the kitchen, but before he leaves, he turns on the victrola. "Let Me Call you Sweetheart" begins to play.
Lee lifts his glass for a toast, "To the love of my life!" Rosemary clinks his glass with a smile.
"To the man, I fall more in love with every day." They each take a sip, gazing into each other's eyes.
Lee and Rosemary thoroughly enjoy this alone time together. They had not dressed up and gone out, just the two of them since before Patrick came to live with them. They finish up their Coq au vin, and Lucas brings out the Crème Brule for them to share. Lee asks, "Would you like to dance or go for a walk around the pond?"
"It is kind of cold, but I've been looking forward to walking with you. Reminiscent of our nights on the ship. Will you keep me warm?"
Lee sarcastically answers, "Do you really need to ask?" Rosemary laughs.
"I say, we finish up the Crème Brule, we leave the car here, and we walk home together."
"I like that very much. Let me go tell Lucas thank you, and we are done for the night." Lee and Rosemary walk arm-in-arm towards the pond. Both of them underestimated how cold it is at night these days. Rosemary starts shivering, so he wraps his arms tightly around her. "Do you want me to run and get the car?"
"No, I am fine, Lee. I like you holding me like this, anyway. Let's walk a little faster, though. Besides, we only have a little bit more time before we pick up Patrick." She pats his chest. "Do you think we can sneak into our house without them seeing us? I am not ready for this night to end."
"I sure hope so." They both pick up their speed and sneak in the backdoor, hoping no one sees them. Lee lights some candles and brings out the strawberries he promised her. They each eat a strawberry before Lee fires up the victrola. "I believe I owe you a dance, my lady." He holds his hand out, leading her to the center of the room. Lee brings her in as close as possible, and they begin to dance slowly to the music. They spend the next ten minutes dancing to a couple of songs, just gazing into each other eyes, getting lost in their own little world where time does not exist. Rosemary leans in for a passionate kiss. Lee returns the kiss with one of his own.