Faithful, ch. 24

I'm really having a hard time keeping to a schedule during the summer and my daughter off from school. The days seem to melt together. Here is the next chapter.

Hannah glared at the letters Mr. Gerrit Coughlin had given her. Her hands trembled as she picked them up. She had nothing to fear from them. They meant nothing. But something inside her told her they could change her life...if she let them. But she wasn’t about to let that happen. Her world had already been shaken with the news of Duncan’s betrayal being related to the very people whom she disliked. Why hadn’t he told her? Why hadn’t Mother told her?

The last thing she wanted to do was read more lies of Duncan and the Coughlins’. Alice’s laughter crossed the room as she showed Anna Isabelle the millinery sample book.

She pulled the letters tight to herself. She couldn’t read them here. The mine would give her the strength she needed to fulfill her promise and get this over with.

She wrapped her shawl tightly around her shoulders and put the letters in a crocheted bag. Then she gathered up her two bundles for the Wilsons and headed for the door.

“After I’m done here, I’ll finish the lace on....”

Hannah barely heard Alice as she spoke. “I have to go out.”

“It looks like it could rain.”Alice motioned toward the window with the darkening sky on the other side.

“I’ll be fine.” She walked out the door. She had an important visit to make.

She had made two dresses for Sophie’s doll; one out of some left over peach satin, the other a red gingham to match the dress she made for Sophie. She also had made Sophie a blue calico dress to match the one she hoped Iona would accept for herself. A customer had ordered it then changed her mind. But Hannah thought it would fit her.

Without too much protesting from Iona, Hannah left the doll and dresses with Iona and Sophie. Iona offered to pay her but Hannah refused. Iona didn’t have the money to spare. And Hannah would not take money that could put food on the table for the Wilson children.

Hannah headed up to the mine, the one place that always gave her strength.

Cascades Galley

In September my next book comes out, Cascades. It is a historical compilation of Uncertain Alliance, The Captain's Wife, and Reckless Rogue. Each of these is set in a different Washington State town; Seattle, Port Townsend, and Cashmere.

I have been working on the galley for this books for a week or so, so this post won't be very long. I'm just taking a short break between loads of laundry and reviewing the galley to pop in and say hi.

I haven't read these stories in over a year and am finding that I'm really enjoying visiting with these characters. I am liking them all over again, feeling for my heroines and falling in love with the heroes.

I can't wait to see what they choose for the cover. Washington State is so beautiful.

Back to work. :-)

Faithful, ch. 23

“Let me ask you a question. What do you find so appealing about Miss Hannah McConnell, besides her beauty?” his mother asked from the chaise.

“Everything. I think I’ve always been in love with her - or at least a vague image of her - and finally met her. I feel like I’ve known’ her for years and still every time I see her it’s like the first time.”

“That’s how it was with Irene and Sam.” She paused. “I’ll tell you what you see in Hannah. The very things Irene saw in Sam, a strong backbone and a sharp mind. And she has Irene’s grace and spiritedness.” His mother sighed. “I always wondered if you would ever find a good woman and settle down. You have fallen hard but with the one woman who won’t have you. You always did like a challenge.”

His mouth hitched up on one side. Was it the challenge that drew him? Or the reward if successful?

Later, Gerrit walked inside Hannah’s dressmaker shop. She glared at him and went to the back room, returning a moment later with a wrapped parcel. “I was going to have Alice deliver this when she came back.” She tossed it at him.

My shirt. He nearly dropped the letters he brought catching it.

“We have no further business.”

“Oh, but I do have further business with you.” If he could just make her understand the truth . . .. “I have debated with myself about giving you these personal letters. I prayed and believe the Lord would have me give them to you.”

“I’m not interested in your letters.”

He set the bundles on the table she used to cut fabric. “These are correspondence between Uncle Duncan and my father regarding the Majestic Resort.”

“I said I’m not interested.”

“There are a few from your father and mother.”

Hannah jerked her head up. He had surprised her but then she lowered a veil of indifference. “I’m not interested.” She turned and walked toward her living quarters. He stopped her in the hall, trapping her between his arms with his hands against the wall. A little Coughlin control, but that was tough; she had to know the truth. “Promise me you will read those letters.”

She pushed on his arm but he wouldn’t relent. She ducked to go under but he slid his hand down the wall.

“I’ll stand here until you do.”

The bell over the door jingled. “I have a customer.”

He could wait her out.

She shoved his arm and appeared to be putting all one hundred or so pounds into it. Then she looked up with a sly resigned hitch to her mouth.

He didn’t like what he saw in her eyes and wouldn’t let her make a false pledge. “All you have to do is promise, because I know a McConnell’s word is good.”

She gritted her teeth and glared at him.

“Let me make it easy for you. Promise or I’ll kiss you.”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

He most definitely would. He felt an obligation to fix this misunderstanding before he left town. “I’ll count to five. One.”

“How dare you!”

“Two.”

She stomped her foot on the top of his boot.

He clenched his jaw, trying not to show the pain her heel caused. “Three.”

She pushed on his arm. “You’re going to loose me a customer.”

“Four.” He could see in her eyes that she knew she was trapped. Either way, he won. He lowered his voice to a whisper. “Fi-”

“I promise, I promise, I promise.”

Neither moved or breathed. The bell over the door rang again.

“You promise what?”

“You know good and well what.” She pushed and swatted at his arm.

“I want to hear you say it.”

She huffed. “I promise to read the insidious letters, but they won’t make one bit of difference. May I go now?”

“I’m disappointed. I would have liked to kiss you.” He turned and walked away. “Good day, ma’am.” He tipped his head to the customer. He tipped his head to Alice who must have come in on the second bell. “Good to see you again.” Then he walked out, leaving part of himself behind.

It was all in the Lord’s hands now. He could do nothing more to make her see the truth. It was time to head back east and forget all about Miss Hannah McConnell. If that were even possible.

Faithful, ch. 22

"Last week was really crazy with getting ready for a big Father's Day event at our church, a car & motorcycle show with a silent auction and ATV raffle. So this chapter is a little late. I hope you enjoy."

At the sight of Hannah returning, relief settled on Gerrit like a warm blanket in the winter. When Holace had stormed out, he wasn’t sure if he should follow him or not. “I didn’t want to leave your shop open with no one to attend it.”

“I’m here now.” She swung off her shawl and set it aside.

Her words were a dismissal, but he wasn’t ready to leave just yet. “He shouldn’t have spoken to you that way.”

“It’s none of your business.” She perched her fists on her hips.

“But he--”

“It’s all taken care of. Good-day, Mr. Coughlin!”

He clenched his teeth. “I was only trying to help.”

“I never asked for your help.”

His hands clenched. “You are the most obstinate, opinionated woman-”

Hannah held her head high. “Many women hold very strong opinions about a lot of things but choose not to say anything.”

“So why don’t you?”

Hannah set her jaw and thinned her lips then walked toward the door.

He caught her by the arm and turned her around. “No words of wisdom?”

“Let go of me!”

“Not until you answer my question.”

She jerked her arm but his grip held. “What question?”

“Why don’t you keep your opinions to yourself like other ladies?” He really didn’t care if she held her tongue. He didn’t have to guess what she was thinking that way. And he wanted to keep her talking to him.

“I didn’t realize that was a question. I thought it was the polite Coughlin way to tell me to be silent.”

“I would never do that.”

“Isn’t that what Coughlins do,” she glanced at her arm in his grasp, “control people?”

He released her. “No, we don’t. And I’ll have you know that my parents weren’t trying to take away the Wilsons’ home or anyone else’s home. They were trying to fulfill a promise they made to your mother to help those less fortunate. They will build better housing for the people who live down on the river whether you like it or not. Just because you protested didn’t mean my father backed down, he has made all the plans. He was trying to include you in it. Once they are built you will see for yourself that my parents aren’t the evil overlords you have made them out to be.”

“Good day, Mr. Coughlin.” She yanked the door open and held it.

He growled. She was the most infuriating woman he had ever met . . . and the most intriguing. “Can’t we at least talk about this?”

“You have nothing to say that I want to hear.”

“I think I do.”

“I don’t want to hear another lie from you. Now, please leave.”

“Very well, I’ll show you.” Gerrit swiftly cupped her face in his hands and kissed her.

Hannah shoved him away and drew back her hand. The smack was loud but the sting to his cheek was greater. He thought to surprise her and didn’t expect her to react so fast. The slap didn’t hurt nearly as much as the menacing look in her eyes.

“Get out!”

Should he play stubborn too? Nothing came to mind, so he turned toward the door. He stopped at the threshold, hoping it wouldn’t be the last time he crossed it. He needed guidance from the Lord and his parents’ counsel.

Renaissance Festival

We have a great Renaissance Festival in our area. We go every year. We wouldn't miss it. This past weekend was opening weekend. We had a great time and took one of my son’s friends with us who never knew the festival was there. He had a great time.

If you've never been to a Renaissance Festival, you are missing out. It allows you to step back in time. Food, entertainment, and harassment.

The food is great. We always have a turkey leg. They are delicious. There is also frozen flavored ice on a half of an orange, funnel cakes, baklava, corn on the cob, beef kabob, turkey sausage, shaved ice, smoothies, and much more.

There are shows going on all over the festival all the time. There’s a magician, acrobats, jugglers, ventriloquist, hypnotist, comedians, musicians, storytellers, and much more. We have our favorite shows and usually find a new one or two each year. Last year Cast in Bronze was there. He plays Carillon Bells and is fantastic. If you go to the link below and wait for it to load, you can hear him play. Or go to Cast in Bronze Web site.

There are dozens of little shops. There is pottery, glass blowing, swords, period clothing, jewelry, leather journals, crowns, wings, stained glass, artists, hair braiding, and so much more.

The festival hires actors to roam the park or to stand around and harass you. They are great. They call out to you as you walk by and some times they might start walking with you. They are always in costume and in character with old world speak. One of the ticket taker girls at the gate was calling out my son and his friend (they are both 20) to come over to her. My son and his friend were far to shy for that. Their eyes got big and they stayed with us as we entered. It’s always fun. Especially when your son turns red at a pretty girl calling to him.

Of course, King Henry is there every year with his full court of ladies.

I look forward to going a couple more time this summer .

For more information on my local festival go to http://www.coloradorenaissance.com/
You can also Google Renaissance Festival to see if you can find one in your area.

Have fun!

Faithful, ch. 21

Hannah grabbed her shawl and the key to her shop. She needed to find Alice. When Alice told her that Holace had finally proposed, she’d lashed out at her this morning. Alice had left upset, and Hannah needed to apologize.

Last night, Hannah had tossed and turned. Her bed looked like a cat and dog fight. Then this morning she couldn’t stomach any food and had only a cup of tea which she didn’t finish. Alice hadn’t deserved the tongue lashing she had given her on the uselessness of men. There was only one man in particular that she found utterly impossible. She swung on her shawl and headed for the door.

Before she got halfway across the shop, Holace Bourne stormed in like a rabid grizzly bear. He jabbed one thick finger in the air. “Never thought you would let your bitterness hurt some one you claim to care about.”

“Holace, I kno-”

“Alice is weeping all over the place and threatening to call off the wedding!”

Oh no! Her temper had certainly gotten the better of her.

“You had no right to come between us.” Holace’s face was red and his voice loud. “Just because you’re unhappy doesn’t mean you have to make everyone around you miserable!” He took a breath to continue.

He was correct, and she would fix it.

Another male voice spoke, equally as angry. “You can’t speak to her that way!”

Holace swung around to face Mr. Coughlin.

She glared at Gerrit. “What are you doing here?”

Gerrit stepped between her and Holace. “I think you owe Miss McConnell an apology.”

“I would sooner kiss a hog!”

“I could arrange that!”

Hannah took a deep breath and exhaled. Would it do any good to talk to these two while they’re locking horns? She turned and walked out, hoping they wouldn’t get into a fight and ruin her shop. She walked straight to Alice’s house.

Alice sat on a lawn swing Holace had made for her. Hannah sat in the seat opposite her. Alice sniffled. “Alice, I’m so sorry for upsetting you. I’m just ill-tempered today. Will you forgive me for my abominable behavior?”

Alice nodded.

“Now, what’s this about you calling off the wedding?”

“The things you said kind of made sense.” Alice dabbed her eyes with a wadded up handkerchief.

“No they didn’t.”

“I’m not sure if I should get married.”

“Of course you should. You love Holace, don’t you?”

“Yes, I think so - or at least I thought I did.”

“Holace is a good man and will treat you well.” Both women turned and saw Holace, hat in hand, standing in the yard a few feet away.

Hannah stood. “I’ll see you in the shop tomorrow, and we can start designing your wedding dress.”

Alice bobbed her head and gave her an appreciative smile.

As Hannah passed Holace, she said, “I didn’t mean to cause all this trouble.”

Holace gave her a tentative smile. “Thank you.”

Hannah nodded and returned his smile, then left them alone. At least that was one thing she could fix. Other problems in her life weren’t so easy.

History & Air-Conditioning

I used to hate history. In school it was dry and boring. You would say the word history and everyone would grunt or groan as if in pain.

But now I find history fascinating. I’m not sure why. Little known stories about real people or inventions. Our history classes told us about some inventions like the cotton gin, penicillin, and the automobile. But what about all those everyday items we use that we don’t even think twice about.

I found a fascinating book call Origin of Everyday Things by Johnny Acton, Tania Adams, & Matt Packer.

Did you know that air-conditioning dates back to ancient times? People in hot environment have always sought out ways to cool their environment. The Babylonians splashed water on the outside of the dwellings to draw heat from the inside as it evaporated. Egyptians would moisten mats/veils and hang them so the warm breeze would cool as it went through them.

British scientist Michael Faraday (1791-1867) discovered air could be cooled by compressing ammonia. American physician John Gorrie (1803-1855) used tubs of ice to blow cool air over his patients during an outbreak of yellow fever. In 1902 Willis Haviland Carrier (1876-1950) built the first modern air-conditioner for a printing plant to keep the paper dry so it could be aligned correctly.

So due to these ingenious people, we can stay cool and dry on hot summer days or when traveling in our cars.