“One of the reservations for next weekend is a rather intriguing fellow,” said Louise as she refilled her glass with tea.

  “You mean someone besides Justin?” asked Jane wryly.

  Louise frowned, but she ignored Jane and continued, “Do either of you ever read Clive Fagler in the Philadelphia Inquirer?”

  “Sure. I read his column all the time.” Jane bent down to pick up Wendell, situating him comfortably in her lap. “I like his writing. He’s very witty.”

  “I’ve read the column a few times myself,” said Alice.

  “I thought you might be interested to know that he’ll be staying here from Wednesday through Memorial Day weekend.”

  “Really?” Jane brightened as she stroked Wendell’s furry coat. “That should be fun.”

  “Yes. He said that he’s looking forward to a restful break from the city.”

  “He’ll find it here.” Alice waved her hand toward the quiet street. “I haven’t seen a car go by since church.”

  Louise cleared her throat. “However, it occurs to me that there is a minor problem, or at least the potential for one.”

  “What?” asked Alice as she reached for a cookie.

  “Mr. Fagler is a bachelor.”

  Jane let out a groan. “Belle.”

  “And Aunt Ethel,” said Louise.

  “What do we do?” asked Jane.

  “I don’t want either of them to terrorize the poor man.”

  “Oh, Louise,” said Alice in a good-natured tone. “All you need to do is warn Auntie, and I’m sure she’ll respect your wishes. And you know, Belle never terrorizes anyone. She’s really very sweet.”

  “You know what the Bible says about too much honey,” said Louise.

  “That it can make you sick,” Jane finished for her.

  “Perhaps if you mentioned our new guest a little ahead of time. Tell Belle that Clive Fagler is coming,” suggested Alice. “Simply be up front with her and tell her that Clive is a bachelor, but that he expects to have a restful vacation in Acorn Hill.”

  “I suppose you’re right. Honesty really is the best policy,” agreed Louise. “And I do think Belle is a good person. I just feel she is carried away with her unfortunate dream.”

  “And Aunt Ethel encourages her,” said Jane.

  “Auntie is simply caught up in the idea of a wedding,” said Alice. “You know how she can be, and she felt she missed out on some of the fun while she was cooped up with her rash. Give her a few days, and I’m sure she’ll come to her senses.”

  “Still, I wish we could put a stop to this nonsense.” Louise picked up her knitting bag and adjusted her glasses. “I can’t tell you how glad I’ll be after the first Saturday of June is finally past.”

  “I was even feeling sorry for our pastor after the service this morning,” said Jane. “It seemed that Aunt Ethel and Belle had the poor man cornered.”

  “Well, if you had been closer, you might have observed that our pastor handled the whole thing quite nicely.” Louise’s knitting needles began to click together, making a rhythmic sound. “I couldn’t help but overhear.”

  “What?” demanded Jane eagerly. “What did he say?”

  “He told Belle that he wished her well. And that, while he respected her wedding dream and that it may very well have come from God, he knew for a fact that he was not meant to be a part in it.”

  “Except to perform the wedding,” added Alice with a smile. “He did promise her he would do that when the time came. Very nicely, I might add.”

  “It seemed to settle it for her,” said Louise. Then she shook her head. “But I noticed Wilhelm observing from a distance, pretending to visit with Clara Horn, but keeping his eyes on Belle the whole time. I do believe he was jealous.”

  “Really?” Jane chuckled. “Perhaps Wilhelm is interested after all.”

  “Belle is a charming young woman,” said Alice. “Don’t you think she’ll make a wonderful wife?”

  Neither Louise nor Jane responded.

  “Anyway,” said Louise. “Belle and Wilhelm and Lloyd and Auntie seem to have plans for the evening. After Belle and Aunt Ethel do some things in Potterston, they will meet up with the men to see a matinee, followed by dinner.”

  “Wouldn’t it be wonderful for Wilhelm if Belle really was the woman for him?” asked Alice.

  “Despite the age difference?” questioned Louise.

  “Age shouldn’t matter,” said Alice. “Not if they’re truly in love.”

  “And Wilhelm’s mother?” ventured Jane.

  “I’m sure she’d be happy for Wilhelm.”

  Louise cleared her throat in a way that suggested she did not agree. And Jane looked dubious.

  By Tuesday morning, Belle seemed to have a serious case of the wedding blues. It seemed that Wilhelm was officially off her list. He had made it clear to Belle that, while he found her charming and fun, he had no interest in settling down. Not only that, but Craig Tracy had been forced to take Ethel aside yesterday. He quickly told Jane the whole story when he stopped by to drop off some annuals for her garden Monday afternoon.

  “I didn’t like being so hard on your aunt,” he’d explained, glancing over his shoulder to make sure that neither Belle nor Ethel were about. “But she just kept pestering me.”

  “She is persistent.”

  “I’ll say. I knew as soon as they entered my shop that I was in for trouble. Naturally, they acted as if they’d come to discuss floral arrangements for this farce of a wedding. But it was obvious something else was going on. So I invited Ethel to come into the back, supposedly to see something I was working on for you and the inn. But in the privacy of the back room, I told her in no uncertain terms that I am not to be considered as a matrimonial candidate. And if they really wanted me to do their flowers, I’d be happy to. But that’s where it would end.”

  Jane had commended him on being so straightforward, then thanked him for the flat of multicolored petunias. He explained that he’d started far more of them than he needed and was surprised when they fared so well in the greenhouse during their extended winter. “Hardy little things.”

  “Well, they’ll really perk up the beds along the front walk. Now, what do I owe you?”

  “Just a couple hours of your time this week.”

  “Doing what?”

  “I volunteered to get the planters in front of Town Hall spruced up in time for the Memorial Day celebration. I’m going with a patriotic color scheme. I thought I might be able to talk you into helping out.”

  Of course, she agreed, and he promised to pick her up Thursday morning. “That’s the soonest I can get to it.” Just then they both noticed Belle strolling their way, probably on her way to Ethel’s, and Craig excused himself, making a quick exit. As he left, Jane felt sorry for him. It was a sad day when a good friend like Craig Tracy felt the need to escape the sanctuary of Jane’s garden.

  But this morning, a day later, she now felt sorry for Belle. Her expression was pitifully sad, and she just didn’t look herself. She was wearing a wrinkled white blouse, warm-up pants, and pink fuzzy house slippers. In addition, she had come down to breakfast without a speck of makeup. The poor thing was obviously downhearted.

  “More coffee?” Jane offered after Louise excused herself from the table. Alice had already left for work.

  “I suppose.” Belle sighed. “Might as well drown my sorrows.”

  “Do you have plans today?” she asked.

  “Your aunt said she’d come by around ten for me.”

  “To do wedding things?” ventured Jane.

  “I suppose, although I’m beginning to wonder what the point is. Maybe I should just give up, go home, call it a day.”

  Jane sat down across from Belle, and using her kindest voice asked, “Do you think it’s possible that your dream might have been wrong, Belle?”

  She sighed again, more deeply this time.

  “I know that God can give people dreams,” continued Jane gently. “But sometimes a dream is just a dream, not something you should base a life decision on.”

  Belle looked at Jane with misty blue eyes. “But it seemed so real. Just as real as you and me sitting here talking right now. And I had such a sense of peace and hope when I woke up. I really do believe it was from God.”

  As much as Jane wanted to tell Belle to give up and move on, somehow she just couldn’t. “Then, if you really believe that, Belle, you should probably keep pursuing it.” Even as Jane said this, she wished she hadn’t.

  “I do believe it, Jane. I really do.”

  “I don’t understand it,” admitted Jane. “To be honest, I think it sounds pretty crazy. But if you truly believe it—”

  “I do!” exclaimed Belle with what seemed fresh conviction. “And I’m going to see this thing through to the end, no matter which way it goes.” She smiled. “Thank you, Jane. Thank you for encouraging me. And when I do get married, I really would like you to be in my wedding party.”

  Jane controlled herself from rolling her eyes. Then, realizing that a wedding was highly unlikely, she simply nodded. “Thank you, Belle. That’s very sweet of you.”

  Belle stood suddenly. “Well, I better get moving. I need to fix up if I’m going to be running around town with Ethel today.”

  “Have a good day,” said Jane.

  “Thank you,” Belle beamed at her. “Thanks to you, I think I will.”

  The irony was that Jane now felt as if she’d switched emotions with Belle. Encouraging Belle to pursue what seemed a hopeless dream left Jane feeling blue. Still, Jane knew that the circumstance wasn’t her fault. She’d only been trying to cheer Belle. Besides, there weren’t that many bachelors left in Acorn Hill. Jane looked at the calendar. Less than two weeks until Belle’s big day. Really, it seemed utterly hopeless, not to mention ridiculous. Of course, looking at the calendar also reminded her that Justin was scheduled to arrive in just four days. If only he would change his mind. And yet, she supposed she was getting a little bit curious too. What was it that was bringing him to Acorn Hill? And if, as her family and friends suggested, he was coming to ask her to come back to him, how would she handle the situation?

  She sat down with a cup of coffee and pondered the idea. What would she say? She had been hurt and disappointed when the marriage ended. She had still loved Justin and wasn’t ready to give up. Having been raised in a Christian home with a minister for a father, she had entered into her marriage thinking it was a lifetime commitment. Certainly, she had rebelled against many things in regard to her traditional upbringing, but some values, like the sanctity of marriage, stayed with her. She had assumed that Justin felt the same. Consequently, she felt blindsided by his blithe announcement that their life together was over. At first, she thought he was kidding. But he was not. Then she suggested they get counseling, and he said it was too late. He told her that what they once had together was finished. He said that what was broken could never be fixed. And he suggested that much of it was her fault. That had hurt.

  Certainly, she noticed that their fights were becoming more numerous and more emotional. But usually they fought about silly things, things that were mostly related to the fact that she’d been offered the prestigious position as head chef at the Blue Fish Grille. Justin, still working at a less impressive restaurant, was just plain jealous. It was food that brought them together, and it seemed ironic that food would ultimately drive them apart. But competition within a marriage, Jane discovered, could be toxic.

  Early in their relationship, they had enjoyed what seemed like harmless rivalry. Fellow workers at the restaurant they both worked for seemed to enjoy it too. In fact, their colleagues even encouraged it. The bantering and teasing seemed benign at first. Jane assumed that a little friendly competition made them both better chefs. But in the end, Jane was the one to receive the higher praise in the restaurant world. She was the one who ended up being reviewed in the newspapers. And Justin was the one who ended up being jealous and then underhanded, as he claimed that the recipes Jane was praised for were really his own.

  But perhaps Kenneth was right. Perhaps Justin had grown up. Jane knew that she’d matured some since coming back home. What if they both had changed significantly? What if there really was a chance … for a second chance?

  Chapter Sixteen

  The beautiful weather continued into the week. Jane’s garden seemed to be growing quickly now, as if the flowers knew that they’d been stunted by the previous weather and were doing all they could to make up for it. Jane stood looking out over her plants, knowing that, thanks to the blue sky and sunshine and warm temperature, she should be feeling happy. But, in fact, she felt as if a dark, brooding cloud were overshadowing her. It was Wednesday afternoon, and all she could think about was the dismal countdown leading to Justin’s arrival. In two days her ex would be checking into the inn and wanting to speak to her. It was more than she could bear to think about.

  “Yoo-hoo, Jane?” called Ethel as she approached. She had on a stylish suit in a periwinkle blue.

  Jane waved. “Hi, Auntie. You look very pretty. Is that a new suit?”

  Ethel did a little turnaround to show off her outfit. “As a matter of fact, it is. I found it while shopping in Potterston with Belle. Actually, she picked it out.”

  “Well, it looks lovely.”

  “Thank you. Belle really does have fine fashion sense and such an eye for color. Don’t you think?”

  Jane nodded. “That certainly is a lovely color on you, Auntie.”

  “Anyway, Jane, I just wanted to tell you that I think you’re wonderful for the way you encouraged our Belle the other day. She told me how she’d been feeling so downhearted about Wilhelm and Craig and even Rev. Thompson, as if she’d used up all her Acorn Hill resources, which is just plain silly. But whatever it was you said to her really lifted her spirits. I thank you for that.”

  “I only told her that if she really believed in her dream, she shouldn’t give up.” Jane frowned. “I hope that wasn’t bad advice.”

  “Of course not.”

  “Is anything new developing?”

  Ethel immediately launched into their new hit list, all men that Jane could not imagine someone like Belle being happily married to. Still, she kept her thoughts to herself.

  “And,” continued Ethel, “I’m taking Belle to see about a house today.”

  “A house?”

  “Yes.” She rubbed her hands together with excitement. “Lloyd was talking to Richard Watson yesterday, and it seems that Richard has just listed the McCullough house. Lloyd thinks Belle could get a really good deal on it.”

  “That cute little bungalow on Oak Street?”

  “That’s the one.”

  “What does Belle think of this idea?”

  “She doesn’t even know yet. I’m on my way to tell her.”

  “Does she really want to buy a house before she knows if she’s actually going—”

  “Oh, ye of little faith,” Ethel interrupted. “And here I thought you were behind Belle.”

  Jane held up her hands. “Sorry, Auntie, but it still seems far-fetched to me.”

  “You’ll see,” said Ethel, marching toward the house.

  “I’m sure I will,” muttered Jane. She was afraid that what she was going to see would be disappointing and humiliating for poor Belle. And the idea of her buying real estate in Acorn Hill was too much. Someone really should put a stop to it. She even considered talking to Kenneth. He was a good man to give counsel. But Kenneth, like most of the other bachelors in town, was trying to keep a safe distance from Belle.

  Jane watched as Belle’s bright pink car, with the top down, drove toward town. Ethel and Belle both had scarves tied around their heads, movie-star style, and both wore sunglasses. They looked quite glamorous, really, especially for Acorn Hill. Jane knew that her aunt had been thoroughly enjoying Belle and her car these past few days. They made quite a pair. Jane felt certain that a stranger might take them for mother and daughter, and she was sure that Ethel would enjoy the mistake. Really, Jane thought, I should be glad for Auntie. Ethel was certainly making the most of the new friendship. Also, it took her aunt’s focus off Jane. Today, despite Jane’s wearing her overalls and Crocs, Ethel had barely seemed to notice. Perhaps having Belle as a permanent resident in town wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

  “Jane,” called Louise from the back porch.

  “Yes?”

  “Can you mind the fort for me for an hour or so?”

  Jane set down her hoe and went over to see her sister. “Sure. What’s up?”

  “Viola just called, and she sounded a little depressed. I thought I might go over to the bookstore and have a cup of tea with her. Tea and sympathy.” Louise held up the cordless phone. “I’ll just put this here by the back door so you can hear it if it rings. Then you can stay outside and continue in your garden.”

  “Thanks.”

  Louise hooked her handbag over her arm and came down the steps toward Jane. “It’s such a lovely day.”

  “Yes. The flowers seem to be enjoying it.”

  “What a change from last week.”

  Jane adjusted her straw hat. “So, why is Viola feeling down?”

  “It’s Gatsby.”

  Jane tried to recall which one of Viola’s many cats was Gatsby. “Is that the black-and-white?”

  “Yes. He’s quite heavy and he’s been having some health problems. He’s at the veterinary clinic now for observation. She’s worried it might be something serious.”

  Jane nodded. “Well, tell her I’ll be thinking of her … and Gatsby.”

  “Thank you.”

  “And take your time, Louise. I don’t have anyplace to go this afternoon.”

  Louise nodded. “Perhaps I’ll stop by the Good Apple and pick up something to have with our tea. That might cheer Viola up.”

  “I’m sure she’ll appreciate that and your company.”

  Then Louise waved and headed off toward town.

  Jane had just picked up her hoe when the phone began to ring. She dropped the hoe, peeled off her gloves and hurried over to answer it. But just as she was pressing the on button, she had a dreadful feeling that it could be Justin.