aNew Beginnings: Life Changes
ch. 51
Welcome Back
"Claire, why did you cut your hair short? It used to be over your shoulders when it wasn't braided and now it barely even touches them." George asks, snuggled next to her on the newly cushioned bench.
"I found it was too hot in the clinic with my hair put up. The braids were just too heavy. This style lets me still pull it back and is much cooler."
"Why did you start wearing these strange looking clothes? Your top is very tight and all those buttons all the way down the front must take forever to button. That thing you said was a bustle on your skirt must make it hard to sit. All that wadded up part right where you sit down." Ben asks.
Successfully stifling the giggle that wanted to escape at her younger brother's look of disdain, Claire answers "This style of clothing is what young women wear back East. I am sitting comfortably. The bustle is not in my way."
"Well, I don't like these clothes. You don't look right!" Ben declares.
"Ben, mind your manners. Claire can choose her clothes without needing your approval." Ethan scolds firmly.
"Claire? Did you travel on the train alone?" Joseph asks as his chastised brother sulks.
"No, Alex came with me. He is staying at Mitch's house but will come out to visit tomorrow. My turn to ask a question, where is Rob?"
"He stays in town most of the time. He has been working on his property and is nearly finished assembling the house he bought. I believe he is now sleeping in the house to keep working by lantern light." Ethan replies.
"I really want to meet Amelia. His descriptions of her, on the telephone, and in letters has me longing to meet her. I feel as if so much has changed in Paradise while I have been away."
"There have been many changes and new additions to our town. We'll plan a party for Saturday and invite a few people for you to meet." Delphie tells her. "You haven't met Chris's new wife, Savannah, or his new children. Rob and Amelia will have to come. He will just have to stop working on the house for once. We'll have Alex bring Mitch as that man rarely visits. Matthew and Linnea will want to come with their children. Did I tell you their twins are starting to try to walk already? Gabriel was first to begin by holding on to things in the room and Lucas began last week, a week later. They are only nine months old but have taken some steps!"
"That is early. Ben walked early too. He was crawling by six months, pulling up and taking steps by holding on to furniture at eight months. He let go and walked across our bedroom one night when he was ten months. He hasn't slowed down since then." Claire says gently nudging the boy beside her.
"What about me? Did I do it early too?" George asks from her left side.
"No, you were a little spoiled and wanted everyone to carry you." Joseph answers. "You had Mama, me, and Claire holding you almost all the time. All you had to do was give a squawk and one of us would pick you up. Papa finally had to tell Mama you would not be able to try to walk unless your feet touched the floor. She told us not to pick you up and she didn't give in to you either. It worked because three days later you were following Ben around. You were sixteen months old by then."
"You made me sound as if I were a chicken what with saying I squawked!" George says, affronted.
"Awww, did I ruffle your feathers?" Joseph teases, using his favorite phrase.
Before George can retort, Delphie says "Time to get ready for bed, boys. You three have school tomorrow."
"But Mama! Claire just came. I need to stay home with her. I can stay up late to talk."
"Do as you're told, George. You are all going to school. Claire will be here all summer." Ethan tells his youngest son.
"I wasn't talking to you! I was taking to Mama!" George answers before realizing he was going to speak.
The look on his Pa's face has him quickly apologizing.
"I am sorry for being rude. I really did not mean to say that at all. Please, Pa, I didn't! It just came out." George says, biting his lower lip worriedly.
"You best make sure something like this doesn't 'just come out' again, young man! If you speak to anyone in the tone and manner I just heard, you will regret it! Is this understood?"
"Yes, Sir! It is understood."
"Good! Now, you do as you were told, go get ready for bed."
Hugging his sister, George tells her "I am so happy you came back! We missed you so much! A lot has changed since you left. Tomorrow you can see Pepper, Ginger, and Shadow plus you can meet our new animals. We have new chickens, horses, kittens, and..." Receiving a strong stinging swat on the seat of his pants and hearing his Pa's order of "BED! NOW!" he leaves his sentence unfinished by rushing out of the room.
At breakfast, George brings up the subject of staying home from school again as his Pa is not in sight.
Greeting his mother and baby sister with hugs and "Good morning", he helps set the platters of bacon, ham, and buttered bread on the table. "Mama, can't I please stay home with Claire today? Please? Missing one day won't matter. Please, Mama?"
"What was your Pa's answer last night, George? You know better than to question after being told, no. My answer is still the same. Claire will be here all summer." Delphie replies turning from where she is boiling oats for oatmeal.
"But, I need to stay home! I can miss just one day! You're all just not being fair!" George retorts stomping his foot in frustration.
Having come downstairs just in time to hear Delphie's scolding and witness George's reaction, Joseph takes his little brother by the shoulders to the kitchen corner and pushes him into it. "Stay put and do not move! You move before I say and you will feel a wooden spoon on your bottom! You know better than to continue arguing and to behave so disrespectfully! Lucky for you, Pa left early or your bottom would be on fire already!"
"You are not my boss! Go soak your big head in the rain barrel and leave me alone, Joseph!" George snaps back, having turned away from the wall.
"Do I have permission to whack him, Mama?"
"No Joseph, you and Ben go do morning chores while I finish breakfast. I will handle this."
Letting her youngest son calm down facing the wall until the oatmeal is finished, Delphie then calls him to her.
"Alright, George. Let's talk. Come with me to my room."
"Are you going to spank me?" George asks fighting threatening tears.
"No, I just want to talk. Why are you upset? You love going to school. I don't understand. Help me understand."
"I haven't seen Claire since September. I want to be with her now as she may leave again."
Reaching out to pull the child into her arms, Delphie rocks his upper body.
"You have had so many people leave you haven't you? You can believe us when we tell you your big sister is not going to leave any time soon. She meant it when she said she would be here all summer. You will have so much time to spend with your Claire. I promise! I will not let her leave us. If she and Alex try to run off, the whole family and Mitch will chase them down, tie them up, and make them come back to us!"
Giggling now at his mental picture of everyone running after a train, George relaxes.
"Do you feel better now? Are you ready to entertain Emerson while I cook the eggs?"
"Yes, Mama, and I am sorry for causing trouble."
"Thank you, Joseph deserves an apology as well. You will do the barn chores by yourself this afternoon since your brothers are doing yours now."
"Yes ma'am"
Later, on their way to school, George has Ben walking with him but keeping a distance from Joseph.
"What happened with you and Joseph?"
"He was being bossy and made me stand in the corner. He threatened to spank me with the spoon! Mama wouldn't let him!"
"You were arguing with Mama about staying home with Claire, again, right? I heard part of it."
"Yeah but I just really want to be with her."
"She was not at breakfast so she might not even be at home today. You can be with her after school. Take my advice and do not argue anymore. You best pray Mama or Joseph doesn't tell Pa or you might get a trip to the barn! You said he was cross last night. He'll be even more so if he learns that you argued with Mama!"
Having completed their homework and evening chores, both younger boys give Claire a tour of the ranch.
After being introduced to several new black and white speckled hens and then Pepper who greeted her, Claire laughingly says "I lived here when we got Pepper, remember? He is my dog too. Let's go meet those new horses you told me about on the telephone."
"This is my horse, Lucy. Do you still say you don't mind if I name her after our first mother?"
"I still don't mind, George. It is a beautiful name for a beautiful horse. Mama is proud, I just know."
"This is Kelly, my horse, Claire. I named her after our grandmother in Ireland. Her name was Kelly Finnigan."
"That is a lovely name, Ben. I'm sure she would be proud as well."
"Oh, good! The kittens are awake!" George exclaims having led the way to the very back stall.
"Shadow turned out to be a Ma, Claire. She has four kittens. I don't know how a gray cat can have an orange-striped kitten. I can understand the gray, the white one, and the gray striped one as she is gray with white paws. How did she have an orange one though?" Ben comments.
"Yes, the orange one looks like Ginger, only shrunken," George adds.
"Well boys, it could be that is your answer. Shadow and Ginger could be married and these are their babies."
"Your sister has a good answer, boys. It is time to wash up and help with supper. Go do that now, please." Ethan says from behind the three.
Walking back to the house with his eldest daughter, Ethan asks "What is your thinking on John Taylor?"
"He looks better according to what you and Dr. Amy both said he was when you found him. I thought I saw his eyes actually focus on me when I was speaking to him. Has he done that before?"
"Not as far as I know. All of the boys, myself, and Amy have been spending time with him. We talk and talk but he has never shown he hears us. Perhaps you are the good luck charm we've needed."
Gathered around the fireplace in the front room, the family listens as Alex and Claire describe Boston.
"Boys, you would be amazed at the harbor. There are ships as long as six or even eight large wagons. There are ships from different countries bringing goods. There is a fish market right there where you can purchase fresh fish. There are vendors with bicycle or horse-drawn carts all along the harbor front as well. Hot, thick, salty pretzels covered in warm butter are a treat. A pretzel is bread dough twisted and fried crispy covered in salt. Claire likes them best. I prefer the hot baked beans in maple syrup and brown sugar. Those are served in a large paper cone."
"Is everything served hot or warm?" Amelia asks from her spot on the floor next to Rob.
"No, there are vendors in the summer who sell ice cream and flavored ice treats. In restaurants, there are drinks served cold with ice as well as traditional hot drinks. Most homes have iceboxes just as restaurants do." Alex answers.
"There are ice wagons which brings blocks of ice to homes. The iceman comes every day just like the milkman." Claire contributes.
"How can a man give milk? Does he have a wagon with cows and he milks them at your house?" Ben asks after thinking over what he heard.
"Why would someone put ice in a box? How do people get ice to not melt in the box?" George asks.
"The milk is delivered in glass bottles, Ben. The dairy has the cows or they buy milk from farmers. The milk is bottled and delivered to homes. There is even chocolate flavored milk to buy. At Alex's home, we had six large milk bottles delivered every morning. The milkman comes by and leaves the bottles on the side porch. Each night, the empty bottles were placed there for him to retrieve.
George, the ice does melt, but slowly. Iceboxes are specially designed cabinets used to keep the milk and other things cold. It is about the height of from your feet to your waist and made of wood but lined with sheets of tin. The block of ice would be as tall as your neck to the top of your head and square. The ice block sits in the top part and then there are two shelves to put food and milk on under it. The cold air and dripping cold water keeps everything chilled. There are holes in the center and bottom of the cabinet for water to drain out. The drip pan under the cabinet catches the water from the melted ice. Emptying the drip pan is one of the children's daily chores." Claire explains to the interested boys.
"I remember bringing the ice block inside several mornings when I stayed at Alex's parents' home last Fall. The icebox keeps things very cold. I plan to buy one for Amelia and my home when we move in. Now that the town has an ice house, we can get ice for it." Rob comments.
"When do you plan to move in?" Alex asks from sitting by Claire.
"We need furniture first. Beds, chairs, tables, a stove, those things. Maybe in a couple of weeks." Rob answers.
"Yes, two beds for each of you to have one. Amelia will stay in one room, you in another. Isn't that the plan, Rob?" Ethan asks.
"Yes, sir we will stay in separate bedrooms until the wedding at the end of this month. Today is May first that means I have a month to finish the inside and get necessary furniture. I bought some on the trip to Denver. It is supposed to be ready to be picked up soon. I have to go back and see to it that everything is loaded on the train when I get a telephone call telling it is ready. There was one piece that had to be made before I can get it."
"You were right to postpone the wedding. I know, Amelia, you were eager to be married in April but May has beautiful flowers we can gather as well. This time will move quickly." Delphie remarks having seen a wistful look pass over the young woman's face.
"Well, I for one, am happy you waited. We planned to be here two weeks ago but couldn't get away. Now we can be here for the wedding." Claire tells her new friend.
"Ben, George, Joseph, bedtime. We have to be up early tomorrow to prepare for the party. With our friends coming, you want to be rested. Say goodnight and off to bed." Ethan directs.
"Thank you for giving me your bed tonight, Joseph. I could have gone back to town." Alex says after the round of goodnights are finished.
"You're welcome. I don't mind sleeping in Ben and George's room tonight. You and Rob stay in the upper bedroom close to Claire's room."
Nearly asleep, Joseph hears George whisper next to his bed.
"Joseph? Are you awake?"
"No, go away!" Joseph whispers back.
"You can't be asleep if you are talking. I just wanted to say thanks for not telling Pa about this morning."
"You're welcome George, now go get in bed with Ben before he comes in here. He or Mama always checks on us before they sleep."
Later, in their own room, Ethan says, "Perhaps I should have had Joseph stay up in the attic tonight. Claire, Amelia, Rob, and Alex are all alone up there together. Should I go check on them?"
"The younger boys?" Delphie asks, deliberately misunderstanding.
"No, the older boys. They have no chaperone. The younger boys are asleep. I expected they would be awake and talking but all are sound asleep. The excitement today must have tired them out."
"Ethan, love, you worry too much. You have to accept the truth. Rob and Claire are no longer children. They are both betrothed now. Claire has been living with Alex for seven months. Rob and Amelia have also had ample opportunities for what you seem to be worrying about. You raised respectful young adults who are abiding by our wishes. You can relax and believe they will not consummate their relationship until the wedding night."
"You are right, I worry too much. It is difficult to realize they are not needing my parenting any longer. I have an idea! Let's pretend it is our wedding night. Emerson is also asleep." Ethan says leaning over to give his now smiling wife a kiss.
"I believe they will always need their parents but just for advice. I will pretend with you as long as you make sure the door is latched. We don't want any young boys appearing."
"Good point, I will latch the door now," Ethan replies, leaving the comfort of the warm, soft, bed.
"Alex? What did you say this dessert is called?" George asks watching as Alex melts chocolate bars he broke into pieces.
"It is called Boston Cream Pie."
"I understand the cream part since you just made the cream filling. What I don't understand is how is it a pie when you don't have pie crust? You made two cake layers not a pie so why do you name it pie?" Ben asks as he helps his Mama by cutting out cookies with a tin cup. She is sprinkling them with a cinnamon sugar mixture and placing them on long sheets of tin to bake.
"Ben, Alex is busy. Perhaps save these questions of yours for another time." Delphie admonishes quietly.
"I don't mind, Delphie. Ben asks a good question. I'm used to questions. My younger brother and sister ask unending questions" Alex replies with a smile.
"I did not name it, Ben. It is referred to as pie because years ago when chefs first began baking these, pies and cakes were cooked in the same pan. What we call a pie pan, now. The original Boston Cream Pie was created in Boston by a French chef. What is a chef, guys?"
"Someone like you. A guy who likes to cook fancy, good tasting things!" George answers.
"Well, I am not a chef, but thank you. You are right, a male specially trained cook is a chef. Now, the first chef put a liquor called rum over his creation and put pieces of nuts called almonds around the sides. In many restaurants, the dessert is served that way now."
"What about the chocolate, though? How is it put inside? You already made the cake part without the chocolate." Ben asks.
"It is poured over the top. I put the cream in the middle of the layers and pour the chocolate on top a few minutes before serving. You will like this dessert, Ben."
"Ben likes ALL desserts, Alex," George tells him, causing laughter.
"Well, on that, it is time to wash and dress for our company. You boys put on clean shirts with your dungarees. I laid your newest gingham shirts on your beds. Do comb your hair, Ben. You're going to have a bird make her nest in your hair if you don't remember to comb it!" Delphie teases.
"Yes, Mama," Ben answers, with a grin.
"Mama, do we have to let Nathaniel follow us and play with him? He is such a pain. Aaron says he is."
"Ben, Nathaniel will be our company. What is the rule for company?"
"We must be kind, considerate, and use our best manners."
"Yes, now if you do not let Nathaniel play with you are you being kind or considerate?"
"No, Mama" Ben answers with a sigh.
"Then you have your answer. You will let Nathaniel and Charlotte be with you and include them despite what others may do. You are their host. They are your guests. Go wash, comb your hair, and dress to be a host, please."
After the younger boys have left the kitchen, Alex says "You have learned how to get Ben's cooperation. That is not always easy. You are a good mother."
"Why thank you, Alex. That is a nice compliment. You are good with the boys as well. You have patience some older than you do not."
"I like children and enjoy their curiosity. Someday I want little boys just like yours."
Arriving home in time to wash and change for guests, Ethan shares his news with the family.
"This morning, John Taylor opened his eyes and met mine when I spoke to him. He was able to blink once for 'yes' and twice for 'no' when Amy asked a few questions. He hasn't spoken yet, but he is awake and somewhat aware of people being around him."
"That is very good news, Pa. Has he moved at all?" Claire asks.
"Not much. He did slightly press my hand as I held his. I was talking to him as he looked at me. As I said 'Welcome back my friend' I felt just a little pressure in my hand as if he was trying to grip it."
"That is a good sign. He is coming back to us but it might be slow." Caire replies.
"Pa? I hear a wagon coming." George announces.
Walking out, Ethan sees it is Matthew and Linnea arriving with Sarah, Caleb, and the twin babies.
"Welcome! We've set chairs and hay bales out here for our gathering. I'm afraid we don't have enough space inside for all of us."
"We don't mind visiting outside. The weather is perfect, not cold or wet." Matt replies helping the ladies down before reaching for the twins.
"Rob and Joseph have set up a safe play space for the little ones right over here near everyone," Ethan tells Linnea.
"This will be perfect, Ethan. Putting the hay bales in a square this way keeps them from crawling away. I brought a quilt to spread on the ground and their favorite rag ball."
Coming out to greet her uncle and his family, Claire exclaims "My goodness, the twins have grown so much! So have you Caleb. Are you keeping yourself and your brothers out of trouble?"
"Most of the time, Claire. Pa? May I go play?" Caleb asks as Ben and George join the group.
"Don't go off just yet, Caleb. Stay and enjoy something to eat in just a little while. We have cookies, cake, and pie inside." Claire tells him.
"Caleb, Alex made a special treat for all of us. It is a cake and a pie at the same time!" Ben tells his cousin after greeting the family.
"You're teasing me. There is no dessert called cake pie."
"You'll see I am right soon enough. Look, here comes Aaron and Alyssa's wagon."