A Little Piece of Home
Chapter One
Jeremy leaned against the rail of the schooner, Excalibur, and watched the lights of San Francisco recede as the ship headed toward the open sea. There is a point when the city lights become indistinguishable from the stars in the sky, and Jeremy liked the sense of harmony it gave him when that happened. There was fog rolling in which only added to the mood he was in.
The schooner had left earlier than its originally planned departure. A storm rolling in had made it advisable to head out to sea where the ship would be safer. Fortunately, the Excalibur was not a passenger ship and the captain had been able to order the crew aboard for the earlier departure. Jeremy Bolt had arranged earlier to get a berth aboard the ship as one of its destinations was Seattle, where it would be picking up lumber for a contract and dropping off merchandise for the general store. Jeremy and his brothers had dealt with the captain of the Excalibur before, and Captain Schenk was more than happy to offer the youngest owner of Bolt Brothers' Logging a berth on board his ship.
The early departure from San Francisco was the only unsuccessful part of his trip, thought Jeremy. His business deal completed, Jeremy had hoped to spend the last day shopping for Christmas presents for his brothers and his new wife. Finding presents for Jason and Joshua were easy enough, they'd all but given him a shopping list of the things that they wanted. But Candy was harder. She'd told him that all she needed was to have him home in time for Christmas. He searched through San Francisco's shops, but instead of enjoying looking for something to give his wife, it became a frustrating experience as he rejected one item after another.
At least I found these pictures, he thought to himself. That afternoon, he'd wandered into some shops near the docks. These stores specialized in selling the odd stuff that was either sold or given them by the crew of ships. Quite often their merchandise consisted of cheap trinkets picked up by sailors at their exotic ports of call.
Jeremy had gone into one such shop on impulse. The store had been crowded and he started browsing through a box of stereo-opticon photos. There was a group of cards tied together that Jeremy looked through when he'd recognized the first scene as being a picture of New Bedford. As he glanced through them, he thought how much Candy, Molly and Christopher would enjoy seeing scenes from home. While Jeremy didn't recognize the where all of the pictures had been shot, writing on the back of each card confirmed that they had all come from the New Bedford area.
"How much?" he asked when the shopkeeper came over to help him.
"One dollar," replied the shopkeeper, quadrupling the price he'd hoped to get for them.
"I'll take them," responded Jeremy.
Jeremy's thoughts were interrupted when the cabin door opened behind him.
"Evening, sir! Not a welcome night to be out here."
Jeremy nodded but continued to stare eastward toward the coastline. The dampness of the fog was making the evening air chilly.
"Charley's the name," persisted the sailor, thrusting a hand out toward Jeremy, who had no alternative but to shake hands with the man.
"Jeremy Bolt."
Charley was a young man about Jeremy's age. He was a little taller than Jeremy and wore a heavy cable-knit sweater over faded blue pants. His auburn-colored hair framed his face, with whiskers that were redder than the hair on top of his head. A pair of blue eyes sparkled mischieviously at him.
"Pleased to meet you," Charley responded. His voice had an Eastern accent, thought Jeremy. "Some of the boys are playing a game of cards. Would you care to join us?"
Jeremy wasn't very good at cards, but he did have a few dollars left in his pocket. Right now a game of cards in a warm room sounded like a good idea. Charley was friendly enough, so Jeremy agreed.
"I think that one's just perfect. Don't you, Frannie?" Biddie asked her friend.
"Don't you think it's too tall?"
"Oh, I don't know. What do you think, Joshua?"
Joshua Bolt had been patiently driving Biddie and Frannie around Bridal Veil Mountain all morning looking for the perfect Christmas tree for the brides' dormitory. He knew his opinion didn't really matter to the women, but if it would help speed things up, he was willing to be agreeable.
"I think that tree is fine. We can trim it down if it's too big."
Biddie looked at the tree more appraisingly as she tried to picture it decorated. "Can we get a better look at it? Can you let us out of the wagon?"
Joshua shrugged and handed the reins over to Corky. He jumped off the wagon and helped Biddie and Frannie down so they could take a better look at the tree.
"I don't get it, Josh. Why are they so eager to have a tree in their dorm on Christmas, when they don't want anything to do with them the rest of the year?"
Joshua gave a hearty laugh. "I don't know, Corky. But you know that Jason wants them to be able to celebrate Christmas the way they are used to. And if if means putting a tree in the dorm..., well, at least we've got enough of those."
***
Molly peered down the stairs and as soon as she saw Candy leave through the front door, she ran over to Christopher's room. She opened the door and looked in. Sure enough, he was still sleeping. Molly sat on his bed and shook him until he was awake.
"Christopher, we need to talk."
"Ah, Molly, can't it wait?"
"No, silly - it can't wait. We have to decide what we are getting Candy and Jeremy for Christmas."
Christopher sat up in bed and wiped the sleep out of his eyes.
"Do we have to do it now? I'm still sleepy."
"Yes, we do. Candy's not here right now. How much money do you have?"
"I don't know." Christopher swung his feet out of bed, forcing Molly to get up. "Let me check..."
***
Later that day, Candy walked into the kitchen to check on the dinner she was preparing. Molly and Christopher sat at the kitchen table whispering. She cast an amused glance in their direction. They had kept to themselves most of the day. Candy caught them watching her several times earlier, but when they noticed she saw them they would quickly look away and giggle.
She picked up the red checkered dishcloth and wrapped it around the handle of the cook-stove oven. The roast she prepared for supper was done; she removed it from the oven and sat it on top of the stove. Everything smelled delicious she had to admit to herself.
"Molly, can you set the table, please?" asked Candy.
"Sure, Candy," answered her fair haired little sister.
Molly walked over to the cupboard and reached for the blue willow china plates from which they usually ate. Candy stopped her.
"Not those, Molly-o, use the nice china."
Molly looked confused at her older sister. She glanced over at Christopher too. Christopher shrugged his shoulders and mouthed silently, "Got me?"
"Candy, why are we using the good plates for everyday supper?" asked Molly.
"Because, today is a special day," Candy answered, sounding a little sad.
Suddenly remembering, Molly nodded and went to the china hutch and removed the good china—enough place settings for the three of them and Jason and Joshua, too.
"I'll get it!" Christopher yelled excited after hearing the knocking at the door.
"Well, hello there!" Jason mussed Christopher's hair as he and Joshua walked inside. "Where's your sister?"
"In the kitchen, cookin'" explained the youngest Pruitt.
Jason and Joshua Bolt walked into the warm kitchen and greeted their sister-in-law. They each gave her a peck on the cheek. She had invited them over to supper and they had gladly accepted. It was true she was an excellent cook, but more than any thing else, they had promised Jeremy to watch over Candy and her younger brother and sister while he was away.
"Have a seat, supper's ready," Candy instructed her family.
"Sure looks and smells good, Candy, " commented Joshua as he took a seat beside Jason.
"Why, thank you, Mister Bolt," she giggled and sat down beside Molly and Christopher.
"Candy?" Christopher spoke up, "can I ask the blessing please? Jeremy said I'm the man of the house while's he's away."
Candy, Jason and Joshua looked at each other and smiled.
"Yes, Christopher, you are right, that's exactly what Jeremy said-go ahead and offer thanks then," said Candy.
Christopher laced his finger together and placed them on the table. He looked around at everyone else to ensure they had done the same. Satisfied that all sitting around the table where duly prepared to offer thanks, he began to pray.
"Dear Lord," Christopher spoke quietly, "thank you for this food, and may it make us big and strong. Thank you for letting Candy be a good cook, too. Oh, and Lord, Candy misses Jeremy somethin' awful, so please bring him home soon...Amen."
"That's not all Christopher," Candy gently reminded.
Christopher thought for a moment, but he didn't understand what Candy meant. Molly leaned over next to him and whispered in his ear.
"Oh yeah!" he exclaimed, eyes wide. "Lord, please bless our big brother, wherever he is...'cause today is his birthday...Amen."
"Amen," they all said and finished the prayer. Christopher looked to Candy to see if he had done a good enough job offering thanks. He smiled at her and noticed the tears that glistened in her eyes.
"Thank you, Christopher. I'll make sure and tell Jeremy when he gets home what a fine job you did." Candy leaned over and kissed her small brother on the top of his head. She looked up at her two brothers-in-law and smiled proudly.
"Yes, you certainly did a fine job, Christopher," added Jason.
Joshua nodded in affirmation as well and then said, "Let's eat, I'm starved!"
"Me too!" laughed Molly.
Jeremy followed Charley into the small room below deck. There were three men seated at the table waiting to begin the game. One of the men, a small mousy fellow continued shuffling the cards nervously. The other two were rather large burly individuals one of whom was smoking a foul smelling cigar. Jeremy wrinkled his nose a moment, trying to get used to the odor. Charley began the introductions, starting with the two larger men, "Jeremy, this is Yancy, Sam and Wade." Jeremy shook hands all around , then placing a few folded bills on the table in front of him he sat down. He started to put the picture cards in his shirt pocket, but when they wouldn't fit, he laid them on the table. No one seemed to pay attention.
"Five card stud ok with you, boy?" The mousy little man asked.
Jeremy cringed, he hated being called boy, "Please, call me Jeremy. Five card stud is fine."
"Ante up." Wade said. All the men tossed a coin into the center of the table.
Jeremy picked up his cards and looked at his hand. Two sevens, and nothing else matching in his hand. Inwardly he knew this was not going to be a good night for cards. "Call." He said pushing a couple of coins into the pot.
Charley began to make idle conversation, "Yancy tells me you and your brothers own a mountain in Seattle."
"We have a logging operation there." Jeremy drew three cards and still only had the pair of sevens. He lost the hand to Wade who smiled as he raked the money over in front of him.
"What are these?" Charley asked, picking up Jeremy's picture cards.
"Please." Jeremy said reaching for them, "They're for my wife."
Charley pulled them out of Jeremy's reach, "These are of New Bedford."
Jeremy stopped to look at him, "You, You've been there?"
"Born and raised." He replied, continuing to shuffle through the pictures.
"My wife is from there. Maybe you know her?"
"Doubtful, I left a long time ago."
"How long?"
"Ten years." He replied.
"Oh." Jeremy said as the next hand was dealt and their thoughts turned back to cards.
***
"A brandy, Lottie. Private stock." Aaron said when he reached the bar.
Lottie Hatfield poured the drink, "Good evening, Aaron."
"Good evening Lottie." He said less than enthusiastically. He took his drink and sat down at a nearby table. "You don't seem to be too busy tonight."
Lottie came around the bar and surveyed the room. There were several loggers at various tables, and even a card game going on in the corner. She smiled, "If you mean Jason. He and Josh are having dinner at Candy's tonight."
"Lottie. Did I ask about Jason? No, so let's not bring Bolt into this."
"Very well, Aaron. By the way, I still need someone to play Santa Claus for the children at the Christmas party."
Aaron smiled, nearly laughing. "Lottie. You don't think I would...."
"Of course not, Aaron. Who would believe you as Santa Claus?"
"I could do it though." He said defensively. Aaron Stemple was never one to back down from a challenge.
"I don't know, Aaron."
"How hard could it be? A few ho, ho, ho's, pass out gifts. Yes, I could do that."
"Wonderful Aaron. I'll drop the Santa suit by your house tomorrow."
"That's fine." He took a sip of the brandy and wondered how he had been manipulated into this. Lottie was a clever woman, he thought.
***
"Full house." Jeremy said with a grin as he spread the three queens and two fours out on the table.
"Beats mine." The other men said, somewhat in unison as they, too, spread their cards on the table.
Jeremy began to collect his winnings from the center of the table, "Well, gentlemen, looks like my luck may be ch-changing."
"One hand, Jeremy." Sam said with a chuckle, "Does not mean that your luck has changed."
Jeremy smiled, "We'll just have to see about that. Whose deal?"
"Yours boy." Wade said, irritated. He didn't like losing.
Jeremy ignored the little man's animosity and began to shuffle the cards in his hands. Charley once again picked up the picture cards. "Do you have family there?" Jeremy asked dealing cards to each player.
"Parents died a few years ago. It was nearly a year before I got word. I have two brothers and two sisters, but last I heard my sister came west. Then I don't even know what happened to my little brother and sister after my parents died." He said, then added "Call."
"Call." Jeremy said looking at his cards. He had two kings, but didn't want to press his luck. "Have you tried to f-find them?"
"That's why I signed on here. The Excaliber does a lot of business up and down the coast. I'm hoping one day," he paused, "Maybe I'll find them some day."
"Oh my!" Biddie exclaimed with a giggle, "Guess it is a little too tall."
Corky and Joshua both looked up. The top of the tree was was bent over against the ceiling of the room. The both sighed and and began pulling the tree outdoors where they could trim it.
Joshua held the tree while Corky took the saw to the base. This Christmas tree had become a battleground between Corky and Biddie. It was all Joshua could do to keep from laughing aloud as he watched Corky work the little tree as if it were a mighty fir, throwing the full weight of his shoulder into each cut.
"Stupidest thing I ever heard of! Cuttin' down a perfectly good tree, just ta drag it inside and hang a bunch of geegaws all over it. Ain't it just like a female!" Corky was saying the same thing to himself he'd been saying to Biddie all day. But since Candy and Jeremy's wedding, Biddie had become the unofficial leader of the brides. She was determined, in her usual way, to make this Christmas tree the loveliest the brides had seen since they left New Bedford. And whenever Biddie decided she needed something done, it was usually poor Corky who ended up doing it.
The two dragged the tree back inside as Biddie directed them. "There! It clears!" said Corky, looking at the top of the tree. But Biddie was surveying the base!
"Oh, my, but just look, Corky! You've cut all the bottom off, and now the branches touch the floor! Where in heavens will I be able to put that present you're getting me!" Biddie tried her best to seem coy, but it was lost on poor Corky, who stood staring at her blankly. She rolled her eyes at him. "Corky, go cut the bottom limbs off."
Corky looked to Joshua to intervene, but Joshua wasn't even trying to hide his laughter any longer. "You heard her, Corky. Cut the limbs off!" And the two men dragged the tree back outside.
***
When Joshua left right after supper to help Corky and Biddie with the tree, Jason stayed behind to help Candy. Not that she needed it, he thought. He'd watched her bustle about the cabin all evening, first with dinner, then putting Molly and Christopher to bed. Now, as he helped her clean up from the meal, he remembered another evening with the two of them. The night right after the brides first came to Seattle, and the two of them had been stranded in his parents old cabin, along with Clancey's navigator, Dimitri. He'd had some doubts about her that night, whether she, or any of the brides, really understood what it would take to make a life for themselves out here. The sacrifices they'd have to make, the loneliness they'd have to feel. But even that night Candy had changed his mind, and ever since, he had to admit a begrudging respect for the young woman who was now his sister-in-law. He was constantly being surprised by her, and this night proved just another example.
Candy washed the dishes, and Jason dried. He took advantage of the silence between them. "Candy, why is it I never heard you speak about your brother before?"
Candy was slow to answer. "Well, it's been a long time since he left New Bedford. In some ways it seems like a lifetime ago. Molly and Christopher never even knew him, but he and I were very close."
"Why did he leave?"
"Oh, the sea. I guess it's hard for a boy to grow up in a whaling town and not have dreams of going to sea. My parents were against it, though. They'd seen too many other boys go off and never come home. And I didn't want him to leave either."
"Well, that's understandable, Candy, if the two of you were close."
"That's just it, Jason. We were close, so close that when he told me what he planned to do, I got angry with him. I was selfish. We fought the night before he left. I didn't even see him off the next day. I didn't realize I wouldn't be seeing him again. Oh, Jason, if I could just..."
Jason knew by the way Candy's voice was rising that tears would not be far behind. He set down the plate, took hold of her shoulders and turned her to face him. With his forefinger he pulled her chin up, forcing her to look at him. "Now, Candy," he said in his most calming voice, "there's no use in thinking that way. If you were as close as you say, why, I'm sure your brother knows what was really in your heart."
Candy put her fingers to her temples and gave her auburn head a quick shake. "Oh, Jason, I know you're right. It's just that I wish I could tell him..."
"Tell him what, Candy?"
Candy leveled her gaze at Jason. "Tell him that I understand now. I used to wonder why anybody would want to leave New Bedford. Now look at me! Clear across the country. An adventure of my own. A whole new life. How could I have not wanted the same for him?"
Jason chuckled. "I know a little something about being overly protective when it comes to brothers."
Candy laughed too. "Yes, I guess you do."
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