Chapter One, Serenity's Homecoming
Jeanetta Lynn Parker
and the
Birth of a Nation
The Gift
Chapter 1
It was a crisp spring morning as Jeanetta Lynn heard the clanking of pans coming from the kitchen below. Snuggling deeper under her bedcovers she held a pillow tightly over her head. Finding it didn't stop the noise she allowed it to fall to the floor in despair.
"Jeanetta Lynn, are you up yet?" called her mother from the foot of the massive staircase. "If you still want a ride into town to meet Serenity, then you had best get moving. Father has some supplies to pick up, and he’ll be leaving right after breakfast. Also, Lucy needs you to collect eggs for breakfast. So please hurry for we need them now!"
"Yes, Mother," she replied while longing for more sleep. Stepping out of bed she headed for her wardrobe and yanked out a dress, and tossed it onto her bed. While dressing she noticed a picture torn out of a magazine on her vanity. It was of a beautiful lady. No less than one of New York’s societies. Her hair was just right, and not a blemish on her face. When dressed Jeanetta Lynn sat down, and while looking into the mirror she compared her own refection to that of the picture.
“If I style my hair like hers then maybe I could be beautiful,” she whispered to herself. Picking up her brush she ran it through her long brown curls to blend them together as shown in the photograph. Smoothing her hair down with one hand she parted it down the middle. But when she let go it sprang back up, and the part became a jangled mess. “Now it resembles the rippling of water when skipping rocks. I’ll never look like her,” she muttered. Giving up she brushed it back and tied it with a black ribbon. As she did a brass box with medieval symbols appeared before her. When she went to touch it, it disappeared. “What was that all about?” she asked herself while moving everything about and not finding it.
“Jeanetta Lynn, we need you down here at once,” called father.
That alone motivated her to finish up, and scramble down the staircase. After swinging herself around the newel post she slid to a stop just inside the kitchen. "Good morning father, mother, and Lucy. You said you needed eggs?"
"Yes," said Lucy, a free black woman, who was skillfully swinging a pan of hot biscuits out of the oven and onto the counter. "If you can take your jolly self out to the hen coop, I'd be oblige'en to have a dozen or so."
Grabbing an apron from off the back of a chair, Jeanetta Lynn slid it over her head, and tied the sashes. "I'll have them here in a jiffy," she said as she went down the steps, and hurried toward the chicken coop. With Serenity visiting their Auntie for an entire week Jeanetta Lynn longed to hear all about it.
When rounding a corner, Jeanetta Lynn remembered to be cautious of a rooster aptly named Crazy Bill. He’s a small black and tan banty, with a flattened, red cockscomb, and had recently wandered into their yard. His disposition was aggressive and as sour as lemons. He caused trouble for anyone with the misfortune of coming near. Just the thought of him caused her to become chilled with fear. Opening the shed door she got out a pail of grain and basket for the eggs, and then closed it tightly behind her. Looking about and not seeing the rooster, she carefully ventured toward the coop and went in, leaving the pail of grain sitting just outside. She proceeded to collect the eggs, and it didn't take long before her basket was nearly overflowing. "Look at all these eggs," Jeanetta Lynn praised the clucking hens. "You've really earned your grain for today!"
Exchanging the filled egg basket for the pail of grain, Jeanetta Lynn tossed handfuls out to the waiting hens. She enjoyed watching them scramble in every direction trying to grab the most. They settled down peacefully as soon the bucket was empty, and started pecking at the stray specks lying about. Stepping out she locked the coop door, and picked up the basket of eggs. After dropping off the empty grain bucket she headed for the house. "One, two, three, four," she counted aloud. "There has to be almost two dozen in here!"
Without warning, Jeanetta Lynn felt a sharp stabbing pain in her left leg. The shock caused her to toss the basket high into the air while glancing down to see Crazy Bill attacking with vengeance. Frantically she kicked at him as she leaped up for the basket suspended in midair, and coming down only a few feet away from the rooster. As he advanced she was able to get in a few good blows. One sent him flying into the air and landing several feet away. He rose up unfazed, ruffled his feathers and headed in for another try. Putting down the eggs, she looked about for something to defend herself with. Seeing an old broom leaning against the shed, she snatched it up, and kept it between her and the rooster's advances. With a swoop of the broom, she sent him head over cockspurs into the air with a loud squawking, and landing about five-feet from where she was standing. Unlike before he staggered around in a daze knocking into fences, walls, and machinery trying to regain control. Seeing her chance she ran toward him screaming, "I'll teach you to attack me!" Grabbing him by the neck she plunged him deep into a watering troff. "One, two, three," she counted slowly. On the count of five she brought him out, and flung him to the ground. "Get out of here, and go back to where you came from!" she screeched, stomping her feet as he wobbled away around the corner.
By now the kitchen screen door flew open, and out rushed Jeanetta Lynn’s father and mother, closely followed by Lucy. "What in the world is going on out here?" mother called out hysterically. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?” While turning her daughter around she insisted on a detailed report.
"I'm fine, Mother. It's that crazy rooster!" Jeanetta Lynn exclaimed angrily, "I remembered to watch for him on my way to the coop. But then forgot all about him on the return."
“That does it,” said Father, holding his daughter close. “I should have gotten rid of him long ago. We’ll do that on our way to town.”
Father excused himself and took off to capture the rooster; while Lucy held open the screen door for the others to pass through. Mother went about her business, as Jeanetta Lynn stayed behind with Lucy. “We might as well call Crazy Bill a Rebel. His feathers have some gray in them, and he’s as tricky as they are,” Jeanetta Lynn grumbled.
“Are you still complaining about the past wars again?” asked Lucy. “And now you’re going to tack it onto that ol’ rooster. Child, when are you going to realize what a wonderful country we have, and how blessed you are that it is as it is?”
Shrugging her shoulders, Jeanetta Lynn replied, “I just think it’s all crazy. What good did breaking away from England or even the Civil War do for us? We would have had this land regardless.”
Trying to control her anger and frustration, Lucy replied, “Ever since I’ve come to work here all you do is grumble over nearly everything pertaining to our government. Jeanetta Lynn, look here, you are free, free to do whatever you please. Am I not right?”
“Yes, but that had nothing to do with the wars, not even this one. So what good came from them? It doesn’t matter to me,” snapped Jeanetta Lynn.
“It mattered to me, and to those like me, and should to you, too!” said Lucy, wiping her hands on her apron.
Hearing the conversation from the parlor Mrs. Parker, a true flower of the south, was most interested in what her daughter was going to say next. Walking into the dining room she quietly sat down.
“Wars and the government is what keep us from progressing in life,” insisted Jeanetta Lynn. “Look at my father; he wanted nothing to do with the Civil War so he hired another to take his place so he could stay home.”
“Jeanetta Lynn!” shouted Mother. “Where did you ever come up with such thoughts?”
“Well, isn’t it true?” asked Jeanetta Lynn from within the kitchen. “Father stayed home while the others went out and fought.”
“It is not true!” demanded Mother, “You come in here right now, and sit yourself down! I’m shocked that you would ever believe this of him.”
Taking a seat at the table Jeanetta Lynn stared at a vase of flowers across the room, making sure not to make eye contact with her mother.
“I was born, and raised in Virginia, this makes me a Rebel,” said Mother. “Your father was born here in Pennsylvania, and his family leaned toward the north. When seeing that our families would be fighting against each other, and with your Uncles Ernest, Frank and Don fighting for the south, I begged your father not to go. I didn’t want to think of him shooting at my brothers. Your father fretted about it for days. His own brother Bob was going to be fighting for the north so he too wanted to enlist. But knowing how I felt he sought a way out that would satisfy us both. There would be a soldier in the northern army to replace him, and then he wouldn’t be shooting at my brothers. It cost him plenty for this replacement, but knowing I would be able to sleep at night he was willing to do this. When he got word that Bob was killed it almost broke your dear father apart. He felt that if he had enlisted then he may have been able to protect him. So don’t you ever call your father a coward! If you do I’ll wash your mouth out with so much soap that you’ll be blowing bubbles for the next week! You think you know everything, but you don’t!” Wiping away her tears she continued, “Maybe one day you’ll be as wise as you think you are already.”
“But what was the harm if we had stayed with England?” asked Jeanetta Lynn.
“You’re impossible,” whispered Mother.
Once father had the rooster securely tied into a burlap bag, and placed in the buggy he came inside. When looking about he could see that all wasn’t well with his family. “Dear, what’s going on?”
“It’s our daughter, she’s at it again,” said Mother.
“Not the Revolution and Civil War thing again? Jeanetta Lynn, what is it that gets into you at times? Please believe me when I tell you that if it weren’t for these wars our government would be very different. Having freedom wasn’t fought for the rich alone, but for all Americans.” he said.
“How do you know,” insisted Jeanetta Lynn, “being you weren’t there.”
It was like death it's self had cast a spell into the room as it grew uncomfortably quiet.
“I may not have fought in these wars, but I’ve read enough books regarding the history of the Revolutionary war to know what it was all about. And I’m well aware of this recent one from firsthand experience,” Father replied sternly. “Jeanetta Lynn, you feel that all governments are corrupt and cause wars but this is not true. Governments are formed for the good of the people. And it’s up to them to vote into office those who will protect their freedoms. The Revolution was fought so we could govern ourselves without an outside power lording over us. The breaking away from England was the best decision for our new country. This past war, our Civil War, ended up giving freedom to those who never had it, and should have been given it a long time ago. And when it comes to me not taking part, I stayed out for the sake of the family, and for no other reason. It still bothers me that I wasn’t there for your Uncle Bob, and I have to live with this for the rest of my life. With you bringing up the subject as often as you do only causes me more pain.”
Jeanetta Lynn stood there unable to speak, not able to come up with a flippant reply to what she had heard, nor a desire to do so. Time seemed to stand still as she struggled with what to say next. “Father, I never knew you felt this way. Mother tried to tell me why you stayed behind but I didn’t want to believe her. I had thought it was because you didn’t want any part of the war. But that wasn’t the case was it. Father, I miss Uncle Bob, too. Will you please forgive me? I promise I won’t bring it up again.”
Mr. Parker was seeing his daughter in a new light, for she had never before apologized for her actions. Was she growing up and finally acting responsible? Or was this just a new phase in her life that would come to an end all too soon? Motioning for her to come near he wrapped his arms about her. “Thank you Jeanetta Lynn, I appreciate this. One day, my dearest, you will know for yourself that what I’ve told you is true. I hope I’m still alive when this happens.”
Unlike the everyday conversations of the past, heaviness filled the air as they ate breakfast. Jeanetta Lynn’s mind was still sorting out what her father had said as she quickly emptied her plate and excused herself from the table. She hastened to get her carpetbag for spending the night, while father brought around the buggy. Minutes later their lives seemed to return to normal when she stepped in and saw the grain sack at her feet. “Is that Crazy Bill?” she asked.
“Sure is,” he replied.
About halfway to town father pulled their mare, Misty, to a halt and climbed down. Standing next to the buggy he lifted out the grain sack, and carried it to an area lush with green foliage. It was surrounded by tall trees, and there was even a brook running through it. Taking out his knife he cut the cords keeping the sack closed, and then allowed Crazy Bill to stagger out into the sunlight. The bird seemed stunned by the brightness, then he tried to crow. Nothing came out. After tottering about for a few minutes, he seemed better. Feeling confident that the rooster would be just fine, father headed back to the buggy. But unbeknownst to him Crazy Bill was heading right for his leg with all the fury that could be packed into such a small body. With spurs bared Crazy Bill viciously attacked with rage tearing through father’s Sunday trousers. Kicking wildly at the psychotic rooster, he leaped into the buggy. Grabbing the reins he slapped them hard on Misty's back causing her to take off at a full run, and not slowing down until reaching town. "Whoa Misty," he called out while gently pulling on the reins, "settle down girl, we’re okay now."
Nostrils flared red, and breathing hard, Misty was dripping with sweat when she came to a full stop. Those standing about rushed over to see if there was an emergency. Hurrying out of father’s store was Jake, his hired storekeeper. “Mr. Parker, what happened to you?” he asked as father stepped down from the buggy.
Pulling up a section of his trousers that was flapping about, he replied, “I decided to not kill a rogue rooster but turned him lose in a beautiful grove, and this is how he repaid me,” Handing the reins over to Jake he stepped toward the door. “I’ll change in to a new pair of trousers before heading out. Jeanetta Lynn, you can take a look about for I’ve added some new candies I think you’ll be interested in.”
Stepping inside she spotted the candies displayed in their big round glass decanters, and headed for them. There was the usual: lollipops, horehounds, licorice sticks, and candy balls. However, there toward the end of the row was a new one. She carefully lifted the lid removing a long, pink candy stick.
"What type is this one?" she asked Jake.
"I'm unsure being it's a new one. Does it taste good?" He asked.
"It tastes like strawberries and cream, and is really good. You should give one a try,"
she suggested.
"I'm not all that interested in eating candies, Miss Parker. I’ll go on what you’ve told me if anyone should ask," Jake replied.
Soon Mr. Parker returned looking very much like the gentleman he is. “Jeanetta Lynn isn’t that Serenity’s stage coming in?” he asked, pointing toward the window.
"Yes it is, Father,” she said while removing another candy stick for Serenity. “Do you want me to tell Uncle Erwin you’d like to see him?”
“If he comes soon I’d very much like to visit. I also want to make sure that it’s still okay for you to spend the night,” said Father while reading over an inventory list.
“Okay, I’ll be sure to tell him,” she said just before darting out the door.
Serenity spotted her immediately as the stage came to a stop. A box was placed under the opened coach door for the passengers to step onto as they headed for the hotel. The girls were soon embracing as the stage driver tipped his hat, and walked past.
"Here, I brought this for you," said Jeanetta Lynn, holding out the pink candy stick.
"It's a new item father put in the store. I think you'll like it since it tastes like your
favorite."
"Thank you, I've missed such confections," said Serenity as she savored the first lick. "Auntie thinks candies are for children, and we’re much too grown up for such confections. But little does she know,” she chuckled. “Oh yes, before I forget, she gave us a gift to share. It's in my trunk so we'll have to wait until we get to my bedroom to see what it is. Her instructions were that we must be together when it's opened."
"I wonder why she'd say that?" questioned Jeanetta Lynn.
"I don’t know, only she did," responded Serenity.
Remembering the brass box from early this morning, Jeanetta Lynn asked, “Did anything strange happen while you were there? Like seeing something, and then it wasn’t there?”
“Vanishing, how can that happen?” replied Serenity. “Nothing like that took place while I was there.”
“I guess you’re right. Only that several times we’ve found her in our front parlor, or at the doorstep without a word letting anyone know of her arrival. We wouldn’t even know how she got there, for there wouldn’t be a buggy, or even a horse,” said Jeanetta Lynn. “And no matter what the subject is of history she speaks of it as if she has lived during that time. So I figured if she can appear out of nowhere, then maybe things can vanish like that as well. That’s why I was asking.”
“Oh, I see,” said Serenity. “We’ve also wondered about these things. But so far nothing has vanished. Has it with you?”
Not wanting to seem crazy, she replied, “No, I was just making conversation.” Quickly changing the subject she continued, “While you were riding in that nice stage coach, this morning I was having a battle with Crazy Bill. This time I got even with him by holding him under water until I counted to five.”
“You did?” Serenity said in surprise. “We should have done that long ago.”
“Also we won’t have to worry about being attacked again by him,” said Jeanetta Lynn. “Father captured the rooster, and released him in a lush area far from our home. I feel he should have killed that bird. When father was returning to the buggy Crazy Bill attacked him. We barely got out of there alive!”
“Poor Uncle William,” said Serenity. “Is he okay?”
“Yes. Though I’m sure if he ever sees that rooster again it won’t be alive for very long,” laughed Jeanetta Lynn.
Up the street came a black buggy driven by Serenity's father, Erwin Stewart. He’s married to Jeanetta Lynn's Aunt Lydia, and the best uncle a girl could ever ask for. As he stepped down from the buggy he eyed the pile of luggage, “ Jeanetta Lynn, I’m glad to see your carpetbag sitting with Serenity’s. This means you’re ready to come back home with us. This is good.” When looking across the street he added, “I see your father’s buggy, where is he?”
“He’s in the store tending to some things,” she replied. “You can visit for awhile as we put our things into the buggy.”
“That I’ll do,” he chuckled, tying the reins to the post. “I’ll be back out in a few minutes. I’m sure you two have much to talk about so I won’t get in your way.”
“This is the carpetbag that has the gift in it,” said Serenity as they both hoisted it into the buggy.
“Besides the gift what else do you have in it to make it weight so much?” asked Jeanetta Lynn.
“Would you believe I took it there empty? When Auntie and I went to town she bought all kinds of things for me to bring back home. But the most important is the gift. It’s been on my mind all the way here. If it had been inside the coach with me I may not have been able to resist the temptation.”
“Then I’m glad that it wasn’t,” chuckled Jeanetta Lynn. “I want to be as surprised as you when we open it.”
Mr. Parker and Erwin Stewart walked out onto the sidewalk laughing. “I’ll be delighted if Lydia and I get a minute of sleep tonight. I’m sure these two will be talking all night long,” said Erwin. “Don’t bother picking her up in the morning. We’ll be driving out to your home so we can get caught up on what’s happening.”
“Sounds good to me,” said Mr. Parker, as he gave his daughter a kiss on the cheek. “You mind your aunt and uncle,” he counseled.
“They’ll do just fine,” assured Erwin. “So until tomorrow, and be sure to tell Virginia hello for Lydia and me.”
“I’ll do that,” said Mr. Parker, as the buggy moved along.
The girls laughed and talked during the trip to Serenity’s home. Once there they ran toward the steps, and disappeared into the house. While Erwin carried the luggage up to his daughter’s bedroom, they headed to the kitchen for a few cookies and milk to take with them. When coming around the corner they almost collided into Erwin, causing the milk to slosh about. "Whoa, where are you two going?" he asked, seeing their excitement.
"Papa, Auntie gave us a gift with instructions that we must be together when opening it," said Serenity. Pulling Jeanetta Lynn close behind her they headed up the stairs.
"Did she tell you this, or do you two just want it that way?" he asked.
"She was most insistent that we both be together. And I assured her that we would be," answered Serenity.
"I'm sure you'll have fun opening it. Did she give you any clues to what it might be?" he asked.
"No, Papa, she said nothing."
"Being it's from Auntie, it most definitely will be a surprise," he laughed, slowly shaking his head while walked into the kitchen.
"We will, and thank you, Papa," Serenity called back.
Racing the rest of the way they vanished into Serenity's bedroom, and closed the door tightly behind them. Sitting on her bed was the carpet bag containing the gift. “Hurry and get it out,” coaxed Jeanetta Lynn.
“It’s right here on top,” replied Serenity, reaching in to remove the gift. Pushing the carpetbag to the side she placed it in the middle of her bed. Wrapped simply enough in brown paper, and tied tightly with twine, there was nothing to indicate what could be hidden within.
"She didn’t give you any clues?" asked Jeanetta Lynn, in disbelief. Picking it up she slowly turning it over in her hands.
"Only that we must be together," Serenity responded.
Shaking it gently at first, and then vigorously, Jeanetta Lynn tried to get a feel for what it might be.
"Don't do that," warned Serenity, "It might be breakable."
"I doubt that," she said, placing it back down onto the bed. "Which of us will be doing the honors?"
"How about if you do the twine, and I'll remove the wrapping?" suggested Serenity.
With this Jeanetta Lynn untied the twine, and pulled it from under the package leaving the paper completely intact.
Serenity cautiously took the paper with both hands, and pulled in opposite directions revealing the contents of the gift. There, before them lay a beautiful brass box with the finest of embellishments. It was so exquisite that it must have been owned by royalty, or at least a person of considerable wealth. The lid was embossed with depictions of a knight on horseback fighting a winged dragon. There was also a castle with trees in the background. The hinges and latch were very ornate. The sides consisted of designs topped with a single row of diamond shapes, and completed with rope edging on top and bottom. There were other interesting details as seen in centuries of long ago. Yes, this was truly the most breath taking gift they had ever received.
"Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?" asked Jeanetta Lynn as she turned it from side to side. A sudden chill hit when remembering her earlier experience. “I’ve seen this brass box before.”
"How could you? Even I hadn’t seen it until now," whispered Serenity, her eyes still transfixed upon it.
"When I said something about vanishing," reminded Jeanetta Lynn, “I wasn’t just making conversation. This very box was on my dressing table this morning. When I reached for it it vanished.”
“Jeanetta Lynn, you’re scaring me,” said Serenity. “It’s a box, and nothing more.”
"Okay, don’t believe me, but I know what I saw,” said Jeanetta Lynn.
“Sometimes stress will do things to a person’s mind. Crazy Bill attacked you, and that’s enough to stress out anyone into imagining things,” said Serenity.
“I saw the brass box BEFORE going for the eggs, and not after,” explained Jeanetta Lynn.
“My sweet cousin, it’s only a box,” assured Serenity. “So knowing this, I wonder what could be inside.”
“It could contain a magical spell to turn us both into toads, or worse yet, we'll wake up tomorrow with warts on our noses," laughed Jeanetta Lynn.
"You know I don't believe in such things," chided Serenity.
Jeanetta Lynn studied the box before reaching for it, positive that it was the same one from this morning. Unable to wait any longer Serenity kidded her with, "What year are you planning to open it in?"
Snapped back to reality, Jeanetta Lynn answered, "Oh, yes . . . right now." Reaching over, she raised the lid and found that it was totally empty. "I guess the box is the gift. We can both keep our treasures in it, such as notes or even jewelry, if we ever receive any.”
"One week it can be here, and the next at your home. It can go back and forth between us," suggested Serenity.
"Since it's already here you can be the first. Though I can hardly wait to show it to my parents," said Jeanetta Lynn.
"I know mine would also like to see it," said Serenity as she headed for the door. But before reaching it Jeanetta Lynn took hold of her arm. Turning around she saw the room was flooded in a bluish-green glow that radiated from the brass box. Soon the roar of rushing wind and water surrounded them as the glow became even brighter.
Startled, both girls jumped backwards hitting the wall while almost colliding. Flattening themselves against the wall they feared something horrible might happen at any minute if they should move.
"Shut it! Please shut it now," whimpered Serenity.
Reaching forward, without venturing too far from the wall, Jeanetta Lynn slammed the lid shut. Returning back against the wall they watched as the room slowly returned to normal.
"What was that?" blurted Serenity.
"I don’t know. I told you it vanished from my home this morning, but you didn’t believe me," uttered Jeanetta Lynn. "We need to talk with Auntie, and hopefully she'll tell us what's going on."
"I agree," said Serenity, still leery of the box.
It seemed like an hour before they left the wall for a closer look at the box. "It is for real for this time we both saw it. The glow, and heard the noise it was making, so it's no dream!" explained Jeanetta Lynn.
A gentle warm breeze drifted through the open bedroom window causing the curtains to softly sway. Once again the room took on a normal tone. It was Jeanetta Lynn who slowly wrapped it back up in the original wrappings, and secured it tightly with the twine.
“I’m so glad that you’re spending the night, for I wouldn’t want to be alone in my bedroom with it,” said Serenity, still very shaken.
"Me too,” said Jeanetta Lynn. “Okay, where can we put it until tomorrow morning? We can't let it stay on your bed all night, not unless we’re going to sleep on the floor.”
"I guess we could put it inside my washing stand" said Serenity, pointing to a small brown cabinet. “I'll put the wash bowl and pitcher on top so you can place the box inside. Then at least I won’t be able to see it."
"Yes, that'll work out well," said Jeanetta Lynn, doing as she had suggested, and then closing the small door. "There, it's safe and so are we," she whispered.
Not wanting to stay in the bedroom any longer than need be they went outside to enjoy the sunshine until called in for supper. Coming to the shade of a large oak tree Serenity leaned up against it as Jeanetta Lynn lay in the cool grass resting her head in her hands. Both girls watched butterflies flitter from flower to flower as the bees buzzed about, and the birds chirped and sang their songs. These soft background noises helped them to relax, better coping with what was taking place.
"You know that we need to ask Auntie about the box don’t you? And since you just returned from Auntie's, it won't be easy to convince your parents of such a quick return," said Jeanetta Lynn, now pulling up a handful of grass, and allowing it to slowly trickle through her fingers into the breeze.
"You may well be right. I'm unsure how to go about asking without them wanting to know why," Serenity said thoughtfully.
"Tell them that I'm going to visit her, and you want to tag along," said Jeanetta Lynn. "You do want to come with me, don't you?"
"Of course I do, silly. I'm not about to let you go without me. I want to know about it as much as you do,” Serenity giggled.
"Then how are you going to persuade them in letting you go?" Jeanetta Lynn asked, this time tossing the grass high into the air, and watching it fall.
"I'm unsure, but, I'm thinking about it," she replied.
"Well, it had best be soon because here comes your Papa," said Jeanetta Lynn, looking over at her Uncle Erwin.
"Your mother asked me to come and get you both for supper. She said the dumplings are fluffy and plump," he told them happily.
"Serenity, wasn't there something you wanted to ask your Papa?" prodded Jeanetta Lynn.
"What is it?" he asked as they walked along.
"Jeanetta Lynn is going to ask her parents if she can drive to Auntie's for a visit, to thank her for the gift. Papa, may I please join her?" she pleaded.
"You've hardly unpacked, and now you want to return? Surely your mother would want to voice her thoughts before I say anything. When we’re at the table, we can discuss it," he answered as he put his arms around them both, and pulling them close to him. “I’ll give it some thought before I bring it up in conversation.”
Walking silently they climbed the steps and went into the kitchen. Supper was on the table and the aroma filled the house causing Jeanetta Lynn to become very hungry. "Oh my, that does smell good!" she said taking a seat at the table.
"Thank you, and there's plenty to go around," assured Aunt Lydia.
"Lydia dear, Serenity has something to ask," said Papa, looking over at her.
"Not until after grace," she reminded him, while folding her arms and bowing her head.
After grace Jeanetta Lynn noticed that her uncle was looking suspiciously at them, which caused her to become uneasy. Did he know about the brass box? Had he seen the glow from under the door, or possibly heard the noise it was making?
Aunt Lydia looked at Erwin, and asked, "Now, what was it that you were saying?"
“Our daughter has something to ask of you,” he replied.
Looking directly at Serenity, “What is it?” she asked.
"May I please ride with Jeanetta Lynn as she goes to visit Auntie?" she said quickly, as if doing it fast would be received in a better light.
"Erwin, did you know about this?" she asked, turning toward him. "And what do you think of it?"
"They told me just before coming into the house. I said we would talk it over before deciding whether she can or not," Erwin said, bringing a forkful of potatoes up to his mouth.
"Why so soon?" Lydia asked in bewilderment. “It makes no sense to turn around and go back.”
"We wish to thank her for the gift," said Serenity.
"What gift?" Lydia inquired, “And couldn’t you have thanked her before returning home?”
"She couldn’t because Auntie sent it for the both of us. After opening it we decided that we wanted to ask her about it, and to thank her as well," explained Jeanetta Lynn.
Turning toward Erwin, she asked, "Should she be returning so soon?"
"I feel if Jeanetta Lynn’s going then Serenity should join her. There are still soldiers out there with chips on the shoulder on how the war turned out. And being together they will be much safer."
“Soldiers? We’re going to place them in harm’s way with angry soldiers?” gasped Lydia, looking wide-eyed at her husband then at the girls, and back.
“Do you girls feel confident enough to face such perils?” Erwin asked, looking deeply into their eyes.
Looking at each other before answering, Jeanetta Lynn said, “We’ll ask Heavenly Father to protect us. Then we’ll know what to do when the time comes.”
Lydia couldn’t question Jeanetta Lynn’s faith, and she knew what her niece was saying was right; however this still didn’t put her fears at rest. “What would you do if a soldier should venture up to your buggy?” she asked.
“I presume I would ask him what he wanted,” Jeanetta Lynn said very slowly.
“That may not be a wise choice,” Lydia replied.
“How can they know unless they are confronted with it?” Erwin responded. “Even I couldn’t tell you what I would do.”
“You’re right, for even I couldn’t answer this myself,” she said hopelessly. “Erwin, I just pray that we won’t regret this decision. There was a time when ladies were able to travel alone without fear, but not now.”
"You're right, but since then we’ve suffered a war, and things are not the same. They may never be so again, but this doesn’t mean we must live in fear,” Erwin said, trying to comfort her. "If they leave early in the morning, they'll arrive while it's still light," he explained. Looking down at his empty plate and reaching over to refill it with more meat and gravy before continuing. "And on their return, if they depart in the early hours, they'll arrive here before evening. That way we won't have to worry about them nor will your sister Virginia or even William."
"You truly feel this way?" Lydia questioned. Not waiting for a reply, she slowly turned toward Serenity saying, "I guess you can go with our blessings."
"Papa, can we be excused so we can start packing right away?" asked Serenity, hoping they would agree.
"You do need to have your things ready in case your Uncle William says Jeanetta Lynn can go," he said to her. Then turning to Jeanetta Lynn he added, "Hopefully they will, and tomorrow you both will be on your way.”
When realizing how badly they both wanted to start their packing he said, "Off with you both, and be sure to pack enough for your full visit." Then turning to Jeanetta Lynn he asked, “Is there another carpetbag to be had at your home? Your Auntie won’t allow you in her home with the one you brought with you,” he chuckled.
“Why wouldn’t she,” she asked.
“Have you smelt it? It’s so musty that I can smell it all the way down here,” he said.
“I have one other, but it’s not any better than this one, Uncle Erwin,” said Jeanetta Lynn.
“We’ll see what your parents have, maybe they can assist you,” replied Erwin.
As the girls flew out of the kitchen Erwin helped himself to a third serving saying, "Youth, they're always in a hurry, and never stop to enjoy the finer things in life, like your cooking," he said to Lydia.
Lydia only smiled as she watched him enjoying his meal.
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