Beginning

January 1993

It had been a long drive back from Virginia and Trixie and Jim were tired when they reached Sleepyside. Along the way, they had dropped off Mart in Baltimore, and Honey and Dan in New York City. Trixie had no desire to spend the remainder of her time off in the city.

“I hope Moms has something good to eat waiting,” said Trixie, as they turned into Glen Road, its shoulder buried in deep, fresh snow. “I want to just eat and sleep, in that order.”

“It’s sure been a long week,” Jim agreed. “I’m glad we did it, though.”

Trixie was silent for several moments, seemingly deep in thought. “Do you think it will last?”

“What?” Jim asked, not following her train of thought. “You mean the agreement?”

“Yes,” Trixie confirmed. “How many years do you think we’ll actually meet?”

Jim considered. “Well, I hope until there’s no-one left to meet,” he smiled. “Or at least until we’re all too old to travel.”

“It’ll be a lot of work,” Trixie mused. “I never thought we’d have so much trouble staying friends.”

“Everything worthwhile takes work,” Jim replied. “And I definitely think the Bob-Whites are worth it.”

“Oh, so do I,” Trixie quickly agreed. “It’s just that we seem to be going in such different directions.”

“That’s only natural,” said Jim. “After all, we all have different talents and goals.”

“But do we have what it takes to stay close?” Trixie persisted. “I don’t want to lose that again.”

“Only time will tell,” said Jim, philosophically. He turned the car into the Belden’s driveway and slowly approached the house. “Here you are, safely home.” He smiled at her warmly.

In response, Trixie sighed. “I’m kind of sorry it’s over,” she said. “Even with all the fighting.” There was a tap on the window, which made her jump. “Moms!” she cried, rolling down the window. “Is something wrong?”

“Hello, Trixie; Jim,” Helen Belden said. “I’ve been looking out for you.”

“Is something wrong, Mrs. Belden?” Jim asked politely, concern written clearly on his face.

“No,” she replied, slowly. “Not exactly. I’ve had a call from Celia. She needs to see you right away about some damage from last night’s storm.” She touched her daughter’s arm. “I thought you might like to go with him.”

“Thanks, Moms,” Trixie said, with a smile. “You’re the best.”

A few minutes later they were at the gates to Rose Cottage, which Jim had inherited a few years previously. Tom and Celia and their children lived there now. Just inside the gates the driveway was blocked by an enormous fallen evergreen.

“I guess that’s why she wanted to see me right away,” Jim said, with a groan. “I hope there’s nothing worse inside.”

The pair got out of the car and made their way up to the house on foot. Jim was greatly relieved to see that practically everything else looked normal. He tapped on the front door, which was soon opened by Celia. A wave of sound hit them. Celia obviously had her hands full with two boisterous children cooped up inside the small house.

“Jim!” she said, her voice filled with relief. “I’m so glad you’re here.” She waved both of them inside. “We’re so sorry to put this on you the instant you’re back, but we really need to be able to get the car out.”

“I understand,” Jim replied, with a smile, as she took their coats. “I’ll get someone out as soon as I can. Is that the only problem?”

Celia nodded. “There is one other thing I wanted to talk to you about.” She motioned for both of them to sit. “Tom and I have been talking, and we’re thinking of leaving the cottage.” She patted her expanding waistline. “When the baby arrives it’ll be a little too crowded here.”

“I’ll be sorry to see you go,” he replied. His eyes travelled over to Trixie, who now had almost-two year old Jenna in her lap, along with a battered copy of ‘Green Eggs and Ham’. “Do you know yet when you’ll be moving?”

Alex, who would be five in a few days, tore past at a run. “Slow down please, Alex,” Celia said, in a very firm voice. She added to Jim, “Are you sure you’re not sorry? Your house will be a lot safer without us!” She sighed heavily. “We’ve really loved living here and I don’t know where we’re going to go yet, so I guess it’ll be a few months.”

“When exactly is the baby due?” Trixie asked.

“Early May,” Celia replied. “So, we’re hoping to be moved before then.”

“Take your time,” Jim replied. “And anything I can do to help, let me know.”

Early the following morning, Jim and Trixie met at the stables for a ride. They both missed the horses when they were away from home and took every opportunity to ride whenever they were in Sleepyside. Before long they were out in the depths of the game preserve, their horses’ hooves leaving crisp marks in the snow.

“I love the way the world smells this early in the morning,” said Trixie, taking a deep breath. “It almost makes it worthwhile being awake.”

“You make it sound as if it’s four o’clock in the morning or something,” Jim laughed. “The sun rises pretty late at this time of year.”

They reached the top of a ridge and Trixie pulled Susie to a halt in a patch of dappled sunlight. The path here faced almost directly east and Trixie could see the rising sun peeking through the treetops of the next hill. The whole world seemed to consist of the deep green of the evergreens, pure white of the snow and the pale blue sky.

Susie blew out a cloud of steamy breath and Trixie suddenly remembered what she was doing. “Let’s get back to the stables,” she said. “It’s too cold to stay out long this morning.”

Jim nodded his agreement. “I’ve got to be at Rose Cottage in less than an hour to meet the contractor, anyway,” he said, looking at his watch.

They made their way slowly down the steep slope, riding in single file since the narrow, winding paths in this part of the preserve were heavily treed.

“I really miss this when we’re away,” Jim said, suddenly. “I don’t think I’m really meant to live in the city.”

Trixie turned in the saddle to look back at him and smiled. “Me neither,” she agreed. “That’s probably the best thing about changing my career goals. If we’d opened the agency we’d probably have to live in the city ’cause Sleepyside would never have enough mysteries to keep us busy.”

Jim laughed. “It seems to have had enough so far,” he joked.

The path abruptly opened up into an open field and, without much urging, Jupiter broke into a canter. The two raced across the field towards home.

Later that morning, Jim trudged up the slope towards Rose Cottage. He whistled softly as he walked, and hoped that he would soon meet up with his girlfriend, who had spent the morning there. Celia had asked that he tell her as soon as the driveway was clear. As arranged, he went around to the back door and stepped into the kitchen.

“Is Celia around?” he asked Trixie, who was seated at the kitchen table, poring over some old papers. Her face and clothes were streaked with dust and her hair adorned with cobwebs. “They’re just about finished down there now.”

She pointed towards the living room without looking up. “In there,” she said, distractedly.

“What have you got there, Cinderella?” Jim asked, pulling a cobweb from a stray curl.

“Clues,” she replied. “Now all I have to do is put them together.”

Jim picked up one of the ‘clues,’ smiling at her preoccupation. “Well, I’ll leave you to them for the moment,” he said indulgently, knowing that she had just begun an investigation. “But you’d better be ready to go in a few minutes, ’cause I’m just about to leave.”

A few minutes later he returned to find her in the same position. “Time to go,” he said, cheerfully. She looked up at him blankly as he gently gathered the papers together. “Home?” he prompted. “You remember?”

Trixie swatted at him in mock annoyance and followed silently back to the car. When they got there her attention was drawn to what Jim had put in the back seat. She wiped at the window, trying to get a better look at the large round object.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Jim asked, seeing her interest. “It was so big, it didn’t fit on the truck in one piece. That was one of the off-cuts.”

“Is that part of the tree?” Trixie asked, suddenly understanding what she was looking at.

He nodded. “It was a Douglas fir,” he added. “That’s the only reason I could get someone so quickly after the storm. There’s a man on the other side of town who wanted it, since it was in pretty good condition, considering.” He opened the door and hefted out what turned out to be a thin slice of wood. “Just look at those rings.”

Trixie pulled off her glove and ran her finger over the slightly rough surface created by the chainsaw. Even in this condition, the growth rings stood out beautifully. Like the growth chart which used to be on my bedroom door, she thought, remembering. Each year marked by a line.

One: Transition

The topic of Rose Cottage came up in conversation once again the following afternoon. Comfortably seated in the Belden living room, Jim and Trixie spent a quiet few hours talking and eating.

“Do they know where they’re moving yet?” asked Trixie, when Jim mentioned the Delanoys.

“Dad told me he’s thinking of doing up a house he owns,” said Jim, taking a sip of hot coffee. “A vacant farmhouse on Old Telegraph Road.”

“I didn’t know your father had property on Old Telegraph Road,” she replied.

“Neither did I,” replied Jim. He set down his coffee cup and moved a little closer. “Do you know the place?”

“I think so,” Trixie replied. She paused to take a bite of cinnamon donut. “A bit like Crabapple Farm? All the windows boarded over?”

“That’ll be it,” he answered. “Tom and Celia haven’t made a decision on it, yet, but if they do decide to take it he’ll have it ready before the baby’s born.”

“So, what are you going to do with the cottage?” Trixie asked. She moved her hand towards Jim’s donut, only to have it slapped.

“I’ll have to think about that,” Jim mused, holding his food well out of her reach. “I’d still like to live in it someday. Maybe if I get the job at St. Leonard’s I could move there right after I finish studying.”

“How’s the application going?” Trixie asked him. Jim had recently seen a job advertisement for a case worker to assist troubled young men for the charity St. Leonard’s Mission. He had been putting a lot of work into the application as the job seemed ideal for him, especially since their office was located in Sleepyside.

“I think I’ll be ready to send it off tomorrow,” he told her.

“Great,” said Trixie. “Then I can have you to myself, again.”

“You wish,” laughed Jim.

All too soon, it was time for Trixie and Jim to return to New York City. It was with mixed feelings that Trixie packed up to return to college. On the one hand, she loved her studies and looked forward to going back to them. On the other hand, this was potentially her last semester living in the same place as Jim and she wanted the time to go as slowly as possible.

“Oh, Moms,” she sighed on her last afternoon at home. “I don’t think I want this semester to start.”

Her mother smiled. “Just wait until you get there. You’ll be happy enough then.”

“I know,” Trixie replied, morosely. “I just don’t want things to change again. I like how they are now.”

“Everything changes,” said her mother. “You’ve changed. I’ve changed. It’s natural for things to change.”

“I know,” Trixie repeated, even more morosely. “Sometimes I just wish it wasn’t.”

Over the next few weeks things began to move faster. Tom and Celia decided to move to Mr. Wheeler’s house and soon preparations were in full swing. Jim was once again faced with decisions on what to do with the little house.

“I’m going back to Sleepyside for the weekend,” he said one day, a few weeks into the new semester. “Tom and Celia are moving during the week and I promised I’d be back to tidy up a few loose ends. Want to come, too?”

“Love to,” said Trixie. Once settled in, her natural vibrancy had reasserted itself. “I want to see Celia again; encourage her to have that baby on a good day.”

“And what day did you have in mind?” Jim asked, with a smile.

“Oh, no day in particular,” Trixie replied, airily. “Except maybe the birthday of someone else around that time.”

“Anyone I know?” Jim asked, casually.

“Let’s see,” said Trixie, pretending to think. “Do you know anyone with a birthday at the beginning of May?”

“Nah,” said Jim.

His girlfriend’s carefully blank look was broken by an instant of shock, but she recovered quickly. “Pity,” she said, with an impish grin. “You won’t get to play a birthday game of… nude Twister, for instance.”

“N-nude Twister?” he spluttered, eyes almost jumping out of his head. “You’ve got to be kidding, Trixie. I mean, you said you want to wait, and we promised, and-” He turned a bright red, as she burst into laughter.

“Oh, I think you misunderstood me,” she said, with an angelic smile. “I wasn’t going to be playing. I just thought I’d like to watch.”

“That’s not a nice joke, Trixie.”

“Neither was yours,” she replied, giving him a quick kiss. “So, maybe you’ll learn your lesson.”

“Nah,” he said, in just the same tone as before.

That weekend was very busy with Jim very much occupied at Rose Cottage. Trixie volunteered her services as well, and spent much of the weekend looking after Alex and Jenna while their parents packed and cleaned. Late on Saturday afternoon Trixie noticed that Celia was looking exhausted.

“Sit down for a while,” she told her. “You look like you could do with a rest.”

Five-year-old Alex had other ideas. “No, Mommy,” he said. “We haven’t seen you at all for ages. Can’t you play with us?”

Celia sank into a nearby chair and shut her eyes. “Sorry, sweetie,” she said. “I’m a little too tired at the moment.”

Jenna, with a two-year-old’s talent for manipulation, simply climbed into her mother’s lap and made herself comfortable. Minutes later, both mother and daughter were asleep.

“Come on, Alex,” Trixie whispered. “We’ll let them sleep and I’ll play that game with you now.”

When Tom and Jim entered a quarter of an hour later, Trixie was patiently helping Alex count out his move on the game.

“What have you two done with Jenna?” Tom asked, casually.

“Shh!” said Trixie, pointing in Celia’s direction. “I’ve done good work here. Don’t wake them up.”

Tom laughed quietly. “How about if I take over from here?” he suggested. “Thanks for all your help, Trixie. You, too, Jim.”

“Not a problem,” Jim replied. “Happy to help.”

“And I’ve hardly done anything,” said Trixie. “At least let me put the food in the oven to reheat.” To the Delanoys’ delight, Trixie and Jim had arrived that morning with one of Mrs. Belden’s casseroles.

“Already done,” Tom replied. “And be sure to tell your mother how much we appreciate it.”

The next day, Trixie looked after the children again while Jim helped Tom move some of their belongings to the new house. By the time that Trixie and Jim were ready to leave for the city, most of the task was done.

A few weeks later, when Jim heard that he would have an interview for the job at St. Leonard’s, Trixie decided that she simply had to miss classes that day to accompany him. Jim was less than impressed with the idea, but appreciated her company all the same.

The morning of the interview, they both rose early to be in Sleepyside in plenty of time. When they arrived, Trixie went to Crabapple Farm while Jim went straight to the Manor House to prepare. Shortly before it was time for Jim to leave, Trixie made her way up the hill to see how he was doing.

Trixie tapped gently on the door to Jim’s room at the Manor House. At his response, she opened it and entered.

“You look nice,” she commented.

“Nice?” he asked, nervously. “I’m trying to look - uh - professional and competent.”

“You do,” she told him. “And trustworthy, honest, attractive…”

“You’re not helping,” he replied. “I’m having enough trouble keeping my mind on what I have to say…”

“You’ll be fine,” she assured. “Once you’re in there, you’ll know what to say. Then once you’re back-”

“Let’s not talk about that,” said Jim. “In fact, it’s time for me to go. Wish me luck.”

“You don’t need luck,” she told him. “You’re absolutely perfect for this job. They’d be mad not to take you.”

Jim smiled. “Thanks, Trixie,” he said. “I needed that.”

“Just be sure to come straight back to the farm when you’re finished,” she directed.

After a seemingly interminable wait, Jim arrived at Crabapple Farm. His handsome face betrayed nothing of the previous hour and Trixie was forced to wait until he was close enough to actually talk to.

“So, how was it?” she asked impatiently at the first opportunity. “Do you think you nailed it?”

Jim smiled. “I’m happy with how it went,” he hedged. “We’ll have to wait and see if I did well enough.”

Trixie looped her arms around his neck and kissed him gently. “I’m sure you did,” she said. “This is your job. I just know it.”

Around the same time, the pressure from Trixie’s current case began to wear on her. As events became more and more serious, her worry and distress were more evident to Jim and he could see her stress levels rapidly rising.

“Let me help you,” he said one evening as they were curled up alone in Jim’s apartment in New York. “Let me give you a massage.”

“Would you?” Trixie asked. “That would be wonderful.”

They both dropped down onto the floor and Trixie stretched out flat. Jim knelt beside her and began to run his hands up and down her back. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something,” he said quietly, as she began to make small contented noises.

“Mmm?” she replied.

“You know a lot about my family now, don’t you, since you’ve been researching my family tree.”

“Mmm,” she repeated.

There was a long pause. “You don’t think I’m tempting fate, do you?”

Trixie pushed up off the floor, turning to face him. “What do you mean?”

Jim looked rather sheepish. “It’s just…” He ran a hand through his hair, looking nervous and rather embarrassed. “There’s been so much tragedy. Do you think I could possibly have a ‘happily ever after?’”

Her face softened into a smile. “Of course you could,” she said, her voice firm and yet gentle. “Now, where were we?” She lay back down, preparatory to him continuing the massage. “Of course, if you’re around me you won’t ever get away from mysteries.”

He laughed softly and began to rub her back again. “Well, that’s fine with me,” he said. “In fact, I think I might have done one or two things in the past to foster your association with mysteries.”

“Like when you were at college and you sent me Valentine’s roses without putting your name on them?”

His hands stopped. “How-”

She giggled happily. “I’m the detective, remember?”

“I’ll have to keep that in mind,” he replied, dryly. His hands slid lower than before and with much less force.

“Keep your mind on the job,” said Trixie, reaching behind herself to push them back up. “My butt doesn’t need a massage.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Positive.”

When his hands continued to sit lightly on her lower back, she turned over to look at him. Her curls spread out across the carpet and she looked up into troubled eyes.

“What’s the matter, Jim?”

His eyes ran down her body to his own hands, now resting on her waist, and he shrugged. “Just thinking,” he said.

“About?”

“About how it’s almost time for you to go home.” One hand gently stroked up and down by an inch or two. “Otherwise…”

“You don’t want to tempt fate on that ‘happily ever after,’” she suggested, with a wry smile.

“Sometimes,” he replied, “I think I need all the help I can get.”

A few days later, Jim, Trixie, Honey and Dan gathered in Jim’s apartment for the evening. These nights were becoming more and more common among the five former Bob-Whites living in the city. On this occasion, Di was unable to be with them.

“You two up for a double date Saturday?” Honey asked. “We could go see a show.”

Trixie hesitated. “I don’t know,” she said finally. “Wouldn’t Di feel terribly left out?”

“Didn’t you know?” Honey replied. “She’s going out to California for the weekend to see Lennox. He’s got a little down time on the movie - something about an accident on set.”

“Did you just say ‘California for the weekend?’” asked Trixie. “That is just so wrong on so many levels.”

Honey laughed. “So, are you up for it?”

Trixie looked at Jim, who nodded. “Okay.”

When Trixie and Jim arrived at Honey and Dan’s apartment on Saturday, they discovered that the plans had changed.

“I’m really sorry about this,” Honey said. “I was supposed to book the restaurant and buy the tickets…”

Dan continued for her, “But she’s been writing again and completely forgot.”

“Sorry,” Honey said, sincerely. “I even forgot that it wasn’t done,” she added, indicating the elegant dress she was wearing.

“It doesn’t matter,” Jim soothed, seeing her distress. “Why don’t we go see a movie, instead. Does anyone have a preference?”

Someone suggested Cliffhanger, which met with approval, so it was soon decided that they would find somewhere to eat and then go on to a late session. Minutes later, they were on their way to their favourite restaurant.

“I’m kind of glad we came here instead of somewhere fancy,” Trixie said when they had settled at their table. “Though it would’ve been better if I was wearing something different.”

“I like this dress,” said Jim, giving her an appreciative look. “I’m glad we didn’t know.”

“Can we forget about it?” Honey asked with a laugh. “I feel bad enough already without having to feel guilty about what Trixie’s wearing.”

“Oh, woe,” said Trixie. “Now I feel guilty for making Honey feel more guilty.”

Jim smiled at her fondly and shook his head. “Let’s change the subject,” he suggested. “What are your plans for after graduation, Dan?”

“Work,” the other man replied simply. “No more study for me. I’m looking for something in New York as a programmer.”

“He’s had a couple of interviews already,” Honey added, looking at Dan with admiration. “Didn’t you have an interview recently, Jim?”

“I had one in Sleepyside,” he replied. “That’s the one you mean, isn’t it?”

Dan looked surprised. “There are jobs in Sleepyside? In your field?”

“If I’m lucky,” Jim replied.

“No luck required,” Trixie said, brimming with confidence. “You’re absolutely perfect for that job.”

Before long, their meals were finished and they made their way to see the movie. Trixie, Jim and Dan thoroughly enjoyed the movie. Honey, who was not fond of action movies, had not the slightest idea of what they were talking about since she had apparently not taken in anything beyond the opening sequence.

“I had an idea,” she said in her own defence. “I was thinking about it.”

Dan pretended to groan. “Does anyone want to adopt me?” he joked. “I’ll be all alone for weeks now.”

“I think you’ll live,” Jim said, patting him firmly on the back. “And, I think it’s time to call it a night. Thanks, both of you. I’ve had a great time.”

“Me, too,” Trixie added.

The group parted, with Honey adding another round of apologies for her mistake.

As she lay in bed that night, Trixie thought about the evening the four had spent together and how it had ended. Jim had escorted her home, while the other two had returned to their own apartment. Her evening had ended with a chaste kiss and a fond look. Her best friend was most likely sharing a bed with Dan right now.

Even after all this time, Trixie felt a chill whenever she thought of Honey living with Dan. It seemed so… grown up! At times like this, alone, in the dark, she sometimes wondered what it would be like to live with Jim. Would they sometimes fight, as she knew the other couple did? Would it be worth it? What would it be like to have that strange mix of freedom and intimacy?

She cast her mind back over the last few months. More than a few times lately, she had noticed Jim looking at her in a way that could not be described as ‘fond.’ For a few minutes, she indulged in the thought of what those looks could mean; what it would be like to be sharing a bed with him right now; what it would be like to… let nature take its course. She felt her face grow red. Perhaps she wasn’t quite ready for that, yet.

Unbidden, another thought intruded on her happy fantasy: what would her family say, if she just moved in with Jim? It was fine for Honey to do it - after all, she still had a decent amount of teenage rebellion to work through. Trixie was just too close to her family to deal with the sort of criticism her friend had received.

By association of ideas, her thoughts turned to Brian’s long-ago confessions and the fears they had awoken in her. The memory of that sharp, unwelcome feeling had held her back for a long time, now. The years had dulled the terror to a mild sense of apprehension, but if she tried to imagine herself telling Jim that sort of news, her mind rebelled.

I think it’s time for reality to take a flying leap, she decided, with a heavy sigh. What I need right now is pleasure without consequences. Turning onto her side, she let her imagination take her into the comfort of Jim’s arms and she drifted off to sleep.

Another few weeks passed before Jim knew the result of his interview. He was expecting Trixie for their regular study session when he picked up his mail and noticed a reply amongst the other articles.

“It’s mad out there this evening,” she said on arrival, dumping her various belongings all over his living area. “How was your day?”

“I got a letter from St. Leonard’s,” said Jim. Trixie couldn’t tell from his demeanour whether the news was good or bad.

“Well?” she asked, with obvious impatience.

“I haven’t opened it yet,” he said. The importance he had put on this letter was clear on his face.

“Would you like me to?” Trixie offered, gently. Jim nodded.

“‘Dear Mr Frayne,’” she read aloud. “‘I am pleased to offer you the position of Case Worker for our Juvenile Aid Division, located in our Sleepyside Office.’ Oh, Jim, that’s wonderful!”

Jim smiled. “Looks like I’ll be moving to Rose Cottage,” he said. “I’ll miss being close to you,” he added, softly.

Trixie’s smile faded a little. “I didn’t think of that,” she said, finally. “But it’s not too far away, and I can always go home for weekends and see you.” She blinked back a tear. “But it seems like forever till I’ll be finished studying. Two and a half years apart.”

He pulled her into a hug. “But it’s what you want to do,” he said, firmly. “I don’t want to stand between you and your dreams. You’ve worked hard to get in the position you are now.” His face clearly showed his pride. “You’ll be graduating a semester early, then you’ll be starting grad school and you won’t have time to miss me.”

She smiled up at him. “That’s right,” she said. “We’ll look on the bright side of things.”

“And we do still have a few weeks together,” Jim agreed. “Let’s make the most of them.”

When Trixie’s twenty-first birthday arrived, all the Bob-Whites were invited to Crabapple Farm to celebrate. Her birthday that year was on a Saturday and everyone had put time aside for it, even Mart. Before most of the guests had arrived, Trixie was helping to arrange everything when the phone rang.

“I’ll get it!” Trixie called to whomever may be listening.

After a few minutes conversation, Trixie was eager to share the news. The nearest person at that point was her boyfriend.

“Jim!” she cried, setting the phone down. “You’ll never guess what’s happened.”

“Then maybe you should tell me,” he suggested, with a smile.

“Celia had the baby on my birthday!” she told him. “A little girl. They’ve called her Rachel something and she was, oh, I think, about seven pounds.”

“I hope you’ve got the right details written down,” Jim laughed. “Certain other people will kill you if you can’t tell them more than that!”

Late that evening, Trixie found herself being cornered by Mart. The party was almost over and few people other than the Bob-Whites were still there.

“There’s something I need to talk to you about,” he said nervously, avoiding her eyes. “You know how you suggested that I take some time off study?” She nodded encouragingly. “I - uh, I’ve decided to do some travelling.”

“That sounds like a good idea. Where are you thinking of going?” she asked.

“You’re not going to like this,” he said, moving further away. “No one’s going to like it.”

“So, are you going to tell me?” Trixie asked, almost ready to explode with curiosity. “Or do I have to track you through South America or something?”

Mart smiled. “I’m going to Australia,” he said. “In about three weeks’ time. And I’m going to travel around for the rest of the year, maybe a little longer.”

Trixie drew in a breath. “I’ll miss you,” she said, softly. “But you need to do this for you, don’t you?”

“Yes,” he replied. “Otherwise I wouldn’t be doing it.”

Weeks later, when Jim sat his last exam, Trixie waited outside to meet him. Six long years of study lay behind him and he was looking forward to a long break from it. He had worked hard and Trixie felt absolutely confident that he would do well.

Finally the door opened and he strode out, head held high. As he approached, Trixie searched his face for an indication of how he felt and her eyes filled with happy tears.

Moments later, they were together. Jim grabbed her around the waist and spun her around.

“I’m finished!” he yelled. “Trixie, I’ve done it.”

That night, Jim took Trixie to the best restaurant he could find and they spent the evening on good food, fine wine and dancing. Trixie felt as if she could dance all night, so long as it was Jim she was dancing with.

“I’m going to miss you,” she sighed against his shoulder as it grew late. “I hate to think we’ll be so far away from each other.”

“It’s not that far,” he reassured. “We can still spend weekends together.”

“Sure you don’t want to do some more study?” Trixie teased gently, running her fingers along the edge of his lapel.

“Positive,” said Jim decisively. “I’m done with study. Well, for a few years at least.”

Trixie snuggled against Jim’s broad chest and caressed the side of his face. “I could stay like this all night,” she purred.

Jim laughed softly. “You’d better not,” he told her. “There’s plenty of work to do in the morning - packing and cleaning, not to mention submitting my application to graduate.” He sighed. “I guess we’d better be getting home.”

“Let me come back to your place,” she suggested. “We could get an early start.”

Pulling back, Jim considered her clothing. “Wearing that? I don’t think so.” He ran his hand over the silky black material which covered her back.

“We could work something out,” she persisted. “Please don’t make this end now.”

“I’m not so sure that’s a good idea.” His brow creased as he looked down at her. “It’s not like you’ve ever stayed over before, and I’m not sure I like the idea of our starting now.”

Her lips curved into a gentle smile and she pulled him closer. “What’s not to like? I want to spend every spare minute with you, while we’ve got the chance. And I promise to be a good girl. Besides, I brought my toothbrush.”

“Okay,” he agreed, laughing softly. “We’ll work something out. But you’d better be a good girl, or I won’t be responsible for the consequences!”

“Always,” she said, with sparkling eyes.

The next few days were chaotic. After six years in the same apartment, Jim had accumulated rather more belongings than he had realised. He and Trixie made several trips back and forth between the apartment and the cottage.

“Trixie, have you seen the box of things from the bathroom?” he asked while they were unpacking at Rose Cottage late one afternoon.

“I don’t think we brought it,” she replied, her voice muffled by the large pile of items she was carrying.

Trixie did not hear his immediate response, but assumed that it was less than polite. “I can’t believe I left that behind,” he said. “I didn’t want to go back again tonight and I don’t think there’s anyone home at the Manor House this weekend.”

“Come home with me,” suggested Trixie. “Moms is sure to have a spare toothbrush and you could always sleep in the nude.”

“Trixie,” he chided, “don’t say things like that.”

“You mean I should just think about them?” she asked. “Okay, I’ll think about you - nude, at Crabapple Farm.”

“Enough!” cried Jim. “I have sanity to preserve, you know!”

“Do you?” she asked, trying to keep a straight face. “How inconvenient.”

Mrs. Belden was more than happy to offer Jim a bed for the night. His sanity was kept safe as well, since it was only bathroom items which were forgotten and not sleepwear. He gratefully settled into the guest room that evening, tired from his day’s work.

“What are your plans for today, Jim?” Mrs Belden asked him over breakfast the next morning.

He took a moment to swallow his mouthful of delicious blueberry pancake. “Well, I’m almost finished in the apartment,” he said. “I was thinking that I’d go back today and bring back the last load. Then all that’s left is the cleaning.”

“Are you going with him, Trixie?”

“Do you want me for something, Moms?” she asked.

“Actually, yes. I have an appointment this morning and I’m expecting a delivery. I was wondering if you could stay here and accept it.”

“Just so long as you don’t want me to go to the dentist for you,” Trixie said, with a smile. “Jim, if you leave me the keys, I’ll go over to Rose Cottage when I’m finished here.”

A few hours later, Trixie sat at the kitchen table and ate her lunch. The delivery had still not arrived and her mother had called to say that she had been delayed. Trixie was bored with the inactivity and longed for something interesting to happen. Even as she was thinking it, the telephone rang, making her jump.

Answering it, she heard an unfamiliar voice on the other end. “I’m looking for a-- Beatrix Belden,” the woman said.

“Speaking,” said Trixie, slightly puzzled. She did not, as a rule, give out this number unless it was very important for her to be contacted.

“I’m calling on behalf of Sir Winslow Fitzgerald,” she said and Trixie silently gasped. She had been interviewed for summer work with the well-known archaeologist but had not even dared to hope that she would get it. “He has a position available on his team and would like to offer it to you.”

“Thank you!” said Trixie, almost speechless with joy. “When do I start?”

A few minutes later, she sat back at the table, this time smiling happily. Summer now held wonderful opportunities. She would start working in her dream job the same day that Jim started in his.

Jim shifted the last of the boxes off the old work bench, smiling with satisfaction. Who would have known that the messy barn had concealed such a good work area? It was exactly what he needed. The old hand tools were well-worn, but seemed to be in good working order. From what he had read, it would be well within his capabilities to bring them up to standard.

Taking up the dustpan and brush, he swept off the surface of the bench and began to arrange things to his satisfaction. A place for everything, and everything in its place. It seemed that it had once been the case here; chisels, planes, rules, levels: all fitted into the racks and shelves within easy reach. Each tool found its home, with few gaps left when they were all placed. Jim nodded in satisfaction.

He returned to the car for the one item he had brought with him. The disc of wood had leant against his bedroom wall in the city, reminding him of home and of all the things he could once again do when he moved back.

He placed it gently on the work bench, promising himself that he would spend some time on it soon. A shaft of light came in through a nearby window and he was once again awed by the beauty of it. Soon, he decided. I’ll work on it as soon as I’m settled in.

Two: Developments

The night before they began their new jobs, Trixie called Jim from the dig site to see how he was doing and to give him her contact number. She was staying in a small town a few hours north of Sleepyside and was extremely excited about the whole situation.

“You will call me as soon as you get home,” she asked as the conversation drew to a close. “I want to hear all about your first day and tell you all about mine.”

“I’ll call,” he agreed.

“Promise?” Trixie prompted.

“Promise,” he replied.

The hours between that call and the one she expected the following night flew for Trixie. Everything was new and exciting, especially the people she would be working with. She found that she did not mind the long hours out in the sun or the hard work that was being done. At the end of the day she was dirty and tired, but very satisfied.

Ever true to his word, Jim called Trixie as soon as he got home from his first day at work.

“I’ve had the most wonderful day. How was yours?” she asked him, breathlessly. “Do you think you’ll like it there?”

“I’m exhausted,” he sighed. “Not that I did very much - just filled in forms and met dozens of people; that sort of thing.”

“And the work?” she prompted. “Do you think you’ll like it?”

“From what I heard today,” he replied, “I think it’ll suit me just fine.”

“That’s great,” said Trixie, already distracted. “I’ve had the best time here. I’ve met so many people who’ve been doing this for years and I’ve learned so much already. And I must have used a gallon of sunscreen, but I still got burnt,” she added, ruefully.

Jim laughed and settled down to hear a description of everything she had done that day.

Over the next few weeks, Trixie and Jim were both very busy and found very little time to speak on the telephone, let alone be together. Finally, Jim decided that if he was going to see Trixie at all, he would have to go to see her. She was just too eager to be part of the team to leave for even one day. He drove up one weekend, finding somewhere to stay not far from her own accommodation.

He checked into his room and unpacked his bag before deciding to set out on foot in search of her. It did not take long. A few minutes walk took him to the address she had given him. He turned the corner and caught sight of her, sitting on a bench which faced towards the road. A moment later he had her in his arms, spinning around.

Trixie was over the moon to see him. “I’ve missed you so much,” she said, her voice muffled as she clung to him. “Let’s not ever be apart again.”

Jim laughed. “I’m only here for the weekend,” he said. “Besides,” he teased, “you’re the one who wouldn’t come to see me.”

As he bent to kiss her, there was the sound of someone clearing their throat and he stopped in mid-action. Trixie half-turned, suddenly self-conscious, and stepped away from him. A man, perhaps in his mid-thirties, stood watching them. “Jim,” she said. “This is one of my colleagues, Thornton Huntley. Thorn, this is my boyfriend, Jim Frayne.”

The older man nodded but did not smile. “Pleased to meet you,” he said, in polite tones. “If you’ll excuse me…”

As soon as he had gone, Trixie took Jim by the hand and led him off in the direction from which he had come. “I wish he hadn’t seen that,” she muttered, seemingly to herself. “It’ll probably just make things worse.”

Jim let himself be dragged along, utterly confused by the turn of events. “Where are we going, by the way?” he asked, finally.

“Away,” she replied in a whisper. “Anywhere, just away from Thorn.”

Gently Jim guided her back towards his room and soon the door was safely shut behind them. “Now, would you mind explaining all that?” he asked, good-humouredly. “Or do I have to guess?”

Trixie giggled. “It’s just me and my big mouth, again,” she said, sitting down at the tiny dining table. “Every time I see Thorn, I put my foot in it.” She counted on her fingers. “Right after I met him, I noticed that he wears a wedding ring, so I asked him about his wife.”

“That sounds fairly innocuous,” Jim said, confused.

“It would be, except that she died not too long ago,” she said, with a grimace. “Then, there was the time I was telling someone about the time we went to Mead’s Mountain.”

“Let me guess,” said Jim, catching on. “She died in a skiing accident?”

Trixie nodded. “After that, I’ve managed to trigger some sort of painful memory for him practically every time we meet.” She sighed deeply. “He’s just so sensitive, I can’t seem to help it.”

Jim drew her to himself and kissed her frown away. “It’s not your fault,” he said, softly. “Sometimes it just hurts to see other people being happy.” He smoothed the curls away from her face. “Just do your best. That’s all that anyone can expect.”

She nodded once again, snuggling comfortably against his chest. “Other than that, everything’s been just fine here,” she said. She ran her hand up and down his back, happy to just be near him again. “Did I tell you that I missed you?”

“You can tell me, again,” he said, with a smile. “I’ve missed you, too.”

She let out a deep sigh. “I miss the others, as well,” she said. “It wasn’t until I saw you that I realised how much I miss my friends. Family, too.” For a moment, her thoughts drifted to Mart, somewhere on the other side of the world.

Jim smiled. “You could come home every now and again,” he suggested. “You don’t have to spend all of your time up here.”

She ducked her head. “You know what I mean.”

He nodded his agreement. “Do you want to invite everyone to Rose Cottage sometime?”

“You mean for a sleep over?” she asked, gaining enthusiasm. He nodded and she continued, “That would be great! I’ll try and pin everyone down for a date.”

Days later, when she was asked to return to New York on an errand for Sir Winslow, Trixie saw the perfect opportunity to begin planning. She put through a call to Honey and arranged to meet her in what she knew would be free time. Fortunately, Honey’s schedule was a little lighter than usual at the time and the two were able to get together at the time Trixie suggested.

“I love this place,” said Honey as she settled into the deep upholstered chair in the dimly lit cafe. “It’s like stepping back in time or something.”

Trixie seated herself opposite and fidgeted with the sugar bowl as they waited for their coffees and cakes. After a few moments she returned it to the middle of the table with a firm clunk.

“I need to apologise to you,” she began, “for neglecting our friendship so much lately.”

“No,” objected Honey. “You haven’t done anything of the kind. It’s my deadlines that make everything screwy. Let’s just leave it at that. We’re both busy. It can’t be helped.”

“Okay,” Trixie reluctantly agreed. “If you’re sure.”

“Positive,” said Honey, brightly. “Now, tell me all about your new job.”

Trixie was only too glad to comply.

Some time later, the conversation turned to other matters. Trixie related Jim’s idea of having a sleep-over in his house.

“That’s a great idea,” Honey said, enthusiastically. “Do you think we could get everyone together again? All the Bob-Whites, I mean. Except Mart, of course.” Neither of the girls knew exactly where Mart was at the moment. He had not written or called for some weeks. As far as either of them knew, he would not be back for at least six months.

“We could try,” Trixie replied, a little dubious. “Are you free anytime soon?”

“I’ll have to check my schedule,” Honey replied, her enthusiasm slightly dampened. “And Dan’s pretty busy right now with his new job. How about if I pick out a few dates with Dan and Di and you pick some with Jim and Brian; then we’ll compare notes.”

This sounded like a plan to Trixie so she agreed to do just that.

As it turned out, Jim’s sleep over became Honey’s twenty-first birthday party. She absolutely refused to have the gala event her parents wanted to hold at the country club and in the end they were relieved that she agreed to have anything at all. After the fiasco which had been her sweet sixteen, Honey never wanted to set foot in the country club, again.

Jim readily agreed to have any number of guests his parents suggested and Honey’s simple get-together soon turned into a gathering almost too large for the little house. As the party wound down, the Bob-Whites and Brian’s girlfriend discreetly moved upstairs to give the last few guests the hint that it really was time for them to leave.

“Finally,” sighed Honey, dropping into a chair. “You can all go back down now. They’re finally all gone.”

“Everyone?” asked Diana. “I thought I could still hear voices.”

“The kitchen’s still full,” said Jim, who had just arrived. “There’s still mountains of washing up, but they won’t let me in there to help.”

“Well, this is where the real party starts,” said Honey. “Let’s get moving, gang.”

“Count me out,” Jim replied. “I’m beat.”

Honey simply grabbed her brother by the arm and led him to the door. With varying levels of enthusiasm, they were followed by Trixie, Dan, Brian, Ginnie and Di, in that order.

Diana was even more reluctant than Jim. She had arrived with Lennox and been deserted by him in a carefully stage-managed exit. At times like these, she deeply regretted ever thinking about dating an actor.

“So, what are we doing now?” Trixie asked as they went down the stairs. “Twenty questions, anyone?”

Honey laughed. “I have a better idea, though it is another game.”

“So long as you don’t want us to play Spin the Bottle,” Dan quipped.

“I don’t think that would work with this group,” Jim put in.

When they reached the living room, Honey directed Jim and Dan in a slight rearrangement of the furniture then produced her game.

“Twister!” said Brian and Dan together, the former’s voice full of dismay and the latter’s full of delight.

“No way!” said Trixie, with a laugh and a glance at Jim. “There’s too many of us.”

“I’ll spin the pointer,” Diana said, in a small voice.

“Thanks, Di,” said Honey. “I thought when I planned it that Lennox would still be here and that we’d play two games so that everyone gets a turn with their respective boyfriend or girlfriend.”

“We can still play two games,” said Dan. “Two of us can play twice.”

“You can count-,” Brian began, before Ginnie clapped a hand over his mouth.

“Okay, then Honey, Dan, Brian and Ginnie are on first,” Trixie said, noting her brother’s discomfort. “Jim and I will play the next game.”

Trixie selected a CD and turned up the music as the game was set up. Soon even Brian was enjoying himself, helped along by Ginnie’s strategic moves. Fairly soon, she and Brian were completely tangled together.

“Ginnie,” Di called. “Left hand on red.”

Brian gulped. For Ginnie to move her hand there she would have to pass it between his left arm and her own left leg. Slowly, Ginnie executed the move. She put her weight onto the other three limbs and lifted her hand off the mat. Then she eased her hand into the small space.

If she had stayed closer to the mat she might have made it. As it was, her hand brushed Brian’s shirt and the two fell in a tangled mess.

“What did you do that for, Brian?” she demanded, laughing. “I was going really well.”

“You tickled me,” he replied. “I couldn’t help it.”

“Just get off the mat,” Dan requested. “This hurts, you know.”

A minute later, Honey and Dan had fallen as well and the second game began. As joint winners, they were given a second turn. This time, Honey and Dan fell very quickly.

“I think we’ll just call them ‘Twister Champions,’” Di said after Trixie and Jim had been given numerous spins. “They’re never going to fall.”

As soon as she said it, Jim sneezed and fell.

“The grand champion,” said Honey, pulling Trixie to her feet and handing her a chocolate bar. “Next, the limbo!”

Dan groaned. “I’ll hold the stick,” he said. “I’ll be out first round, anyway.”

“You just wait,” said his girlfriend. “Trix and I will hold it first, then when all of you have had a turn we’ll swap with someone.”

Trixie put on some appropriate limbo music and they began. For the first two rounds everyone went under easily.

“It’s too high,” Di protested. “I could practically walk under it that first time.”

In the third round, Brian touched the bar and in the fourth Trixie and Jim did. Dan and Ginnie could not go under the fifth round and Honey fell backwards during the sixth. Diana went under easily every time.

“Limbo Queen!” Honey pronounced.

“Thank you, loyal subjects,” Di joked, giving a royal wave. “Can we sit down now, Honey? I’m beat.”

Miss Trask came out of the kitchen at that point and informed Jim that the clean-up was complete and that everyone was going home.

“Thanks, Miss Trask,” Honey called to her across the room. The others echoed her.

“Try to get some sleep,” she suggested, smiling.

The door closed behind her and the group settled down to talk and laugh.

It was nearing dawn when the group began to get quiet. They had settled on the back porch in the various chairs that Jim had placed there and had been talking like the old friends they were.

“I could do with a swim,” said Honey, suddenly. “Let’s go skinny dipping.”

“Great idea,” said Ginnie. “But where’s the pool?”

“I think she means in the lake,” Dan explained.

“I don’t think that’s really appropriate,” said Brian, rather harshly. He looked very tired.

“Loosen up,” Ginnie said to him quietly. She gave his leg a soothing rub. “We’re all adults here. Unless I’m very much mistaken, we’ve all seen naked members of the opposite sex before.”

“My sister-” Brian began.

“How many brothers do you have, Trixie?” Ginnie interrupted.

“Three.”

“How many of them have you seen naked?”

“All three.” Trixie grinned, sensing where this was going.

“But not recently,” Brian objected.

“Except last night when you decided to have a shower with the door open,” his sister added, saucily. “Besides, I have no intention of skinny dipping. I have a swimsuit in the boathouse.”

“And there should be a spare one for you, Ginnie,” said Honey. “The spoil sports win.”

Soon, the whole group was headed for the lake. Trixie and Honey encouraged a rather reluctant Diana, who was feeling rather left out among the three couples. When they arrived it was decided that the four women would change inside the boathouse while the three men changed outside.

“Here you go,” Honey said, handing Dan a bundle of men’s swimwear and shutting the door. “Now, what is there for us?”

“Trixie, is your new bikini down here?” Di asked, smiling. It was dim inside the building and she had to wait until her friend spoke to see if her jab had hit home.

“No, it’s not,” said Trixie, while at the same time Honey said, “Here it is.”

Honey added, “There’s enough bikinis here for all of us, if that’s all right with you, Ginnie.”

Ginnie happily agreed and soon Trixie was changing into the new bikini, all the while predicting dire consequences when Brian saw it. “You’ll have to calm him down,” she told Ginnie. “I bear no responsibility for what he’s going to do.”

“How about if I go out first and distract him,” Ginnie suggested. “Then, if Trixie gets into the water he won’t get a chance to be mad.” This plan agreed to, Ginnie yelled, “We’re coming out.”

The whole manoeuvre worked perfectly. Brian was sufficiently distracted by Ginnie, wearing a particularly revealing bikini, to not even notice the other three women behind her. By the time he turned from her, Trixie was safely in the lake.

“Is that new?” Jim asked softly, coming up behind her. He put an arm around her waist and gently caressed the bare skin he found there.

Trixie shivered. “Yes,” she replied, barely above a whisper. “Do you like it?”

“I’ll have to have a better look when you get out of the water,” he replied. “You got in so fast I couldn’t see it.”

She began to mutter darkly about her brother and overprotectiveness.

“We’ll just wait until he’s not watching,” Jim suggested. He led her out into deep water, leaving the others to splash in the shallows. “In the meantime, let’s put a little space between us and them.”

The water was cool and the day was yet to heat up. Trixie shivered slightly. “Race you,” she said suddenly and swam quickly away. Soon they were out in the middle of the lake. By the time they stopped, puffing hard, the sun had risen high enough that the sky, which had been tinged with pink, was now a pale blue.

“Come into this cove,” Jim suggested, pointing. A stream ran gently down into the lake just there, its final fall making a soft splashing sound as the waters met. Jim pulled himself halfway out of the lake and reclined on the rocks where the stream could splash him.

Trixie joined him a moment later and sat close, sharing his body heat. “It’s beautiful here,” she said a little while later. “I don’t think I’ve ever been in this cove before. At least, not in summer.”

“Beautiful,” Jim repeated, but he wasn’t looking at their surroundings. His eyes were fixed on Trixie. “Really, beautiful.”

She blushed and tried to put her curls in some sort of order. “The cove, Jim,” she said firmly. “Not me.”

His eyes strayed downwards, taking in the new bikini and the droplets of water which glistened on her body in the early morning light. “No,” he said slowly, a smile lighting up his face. “I’d say, especially you. Coves I can see anytime. But this,” he took another appreciative look, “this is something special.” Pulling her close, he began to kiss her.

They started slowly, enjoying the feel of warm, damp flesh; the taste of lake water on each other’s lips; his fingers tangled in wet hair. The kisses deepened, and Jim drew her closer, one hand at her waist, drawing that bare patch of skin up against his body.

Her hands slid over his back, revelling in the feel of him. She could feel the strength of his body; those broad shoulders, bending over her, dominating her much smaller frame. Muscular arms held her, hands beginning to roam over her body. She could feel the evidence of his arousal, pressing urgently against her. More than ever before, Trixie wanted these sensations to continue.

And suddenly, the world shifted and she found herself on top of Jim.

“My knees got sore,” he said, puffing slightly, and smiled up at her. “And, it’s your turn to be in charge.”

It took her a moment to find her equilibrium. She trailed her fingers up and down his chest and looked down at him, wondering at the power she felt and the expression in his eyes. His words echoed through her mind: It’s your turn to be in charge. She needed to decide what she wanted to do. Slowly, a smile formed on her face. The decision was made.

A week had passed since the party. Jim stood in the workshop which he had cleared out in the barn and looked around with growing satisfaction. The old hand tools which had been here were now supplemented by modern power tools, the first major purchase from earnings of his new job.

The blades of the old tools were sharpened; wooden handles were oiled. To one side, he had set up a basic rack to hold timber and other supplies. The area was ready for him to work in.

The piece of wood he had salvaged from the tree was nicely seasoned now. He had practiced using the new power sander until he was sure of what he was doing, as evidenced by the assortment of timber in the rack. Now we’ll see what it really looks like, he thought as he readied himself to begin.

He adjusted safety glasses and earmuffs, checked over his sander and turned it on. It whined as he applied it to the wood; sawdust flew, obscuring his progress. Steadily, he worked his way across the entire piece. The engine wound down and he set the machine aside. Beautiful, he thought, as he dusted it off. The rings show up beautifully.

Three: Turmoil

Trixie had been sitting in the library for hours now. Summer was over, along with her summer job, and the seemingly endless stream of research had begun again. The table around her was strewn with open books and pages of notes, but her mind had abandoned them. She simply stared off into the distance and aimlessly doodled on her notebook, completely lost in thought.

“Why aren’t you studying?” said a stern male voice from behind her, making her jump. “Don’t you have better things to do than scribble on bits of paper?”

“Dan!” she said, breathlessly. “Don’t scare me like that!”

“Sorry,” he said, looking anything but. He dropped into the chair beside her. “I’ve got something I want to ask you.”

Trixie was intrigued. Dan’s questions tended to be very interesting. “Go on,” she prompted, a little impatient. Then, “Hey! Aren’t you supposed to be at work?”

He frowned. “Do you even know what time it is?”

She looked at her watch, giggled and apologised. “Okay, then, what did you want to ask me?”

For several long moments, Dan said nothing. “What do you know about the time that Honey was away?” he asked, eventually.

She stared at him, surprised. “Nothing. She won’t tell me anything.” Trixie had long been curious about Honey’s absence during that first year she had been at college, but had come to the conclusion that her friend did not want anyone to know.

Dan swore softly. “That’s what I was afraid of,” he said. “Does Jim know anything?” He sounded less than hopeful.

“I don’t think so,” Trixie said, slowly. “Why do you want to know?”

It seemed that Dan would not answer, but eventually he said, “She got a phone call yesterday. From someone I didn’t know - a man.”

“One of her class-mates?” Trixie suggested. “A relative?”

Dan’s jaw tensed and he suddenly looked so big and angry that Trixie felt a moment of fear. It was quickly replaced by a feeling almost like déjà vu. In that instant, Dan greatly resembled a very angry Regan.

“He was looking for his wife,” Dan said, not noticing Trixie’s expression.

Trixie gasped. “His wife?”

“He seemed to think that he’d found her.”

Behind Dan’s obvious anger, Trixie could sense some other emotions. In a split second, she knew what she had to do.

“Let’s get out of here,” she said, gathering her belongings and grabbing his arm.

Dan let himself be led off and minutes later the door to Trixie’s room was closed behind them. As she busied herself tidying and putting things away he stood by, looking distinctly uncomfortable.

“Is this such a good idea?” he asked, speaking for the first time since leaving the library. His anger had dissipated and he now somehow looked small and lost.

“Where else am I going to take you?” Trixie asked, reasonably. “You need to talk privately. This is the most private place I’ve got. We couldn’t exactly go to your place.”

He nodded absently and settled himself on her desk. Trixie leant her pillow against the wall and sat cross-legged on her bed against it.

“Tell me again about the phone call,” she said. “Everything this time.”

Dan looked at the floor and began to speak. “I picked up the phone last night, about eight. There was a man on the other end. He said he wanted to speak to Madeleine Parker.”

“What was his voice like?” she interrupted. “What other sounds could you hear?”

“It was quiet where he was,” Dan said, his eyes shut. “I could hear a sort of background noise, though. Kind of like static but it sort of came and went.”

“And his voice?” Trixie prompted softly.

“Well, he sounded kind of ordinary.”

“Young? Old?”

“About the same age as us?” Dan suggested. He hit the desk in frustration, making the books on one side jump. “I don’t know, Trixie. I only spoke to him for a minute.”

“What happened next? He asked for Madeleine Parker…”

“I said there was no-one by that name there, but he insisted that she was there and that she was his wife and he had a right to talk to her. Honey came up beside me and asked, ‘What name?’ so I told her and she snatched the phone from me.”

“And then?” Trixie prompted.

“And then she sent me out of the room,” Dan said, his voice flat. “She talked with him for half an hour and then she came and told me it was nothing.”

“She won’t tell you what it’s about?”

Dan shook his head. “Can you find out for me?”

“I’ll have to think about it,” Trixie replied. “I’m not sure if I should.”

After Dan had left, Trixie thought deeply about the problem. How could she help Dan without jeopardising her friendship with Honey? There didn’t seem to be an answer. Finally she decided that she needed some advice. I’ll call Jim, she decided, feeling better already. He’ll know what to do.

Minutes later, she was comforted to hear his voice and was soon pouring out her troubles. “There’s something I’d like your advice on.”

“Go ahead,” Jim replied.

“Dan wants me to find something out for him that Honey doesn’t want him to know. Do you think I should do it?”

There was a long silence from the other end of the line. “How do you get into these situations, Trixie?” he asked, eventually. “No, I don’t think you should do it, but…”

“I know,” said Trixie softly. “It’s something important to Dan and I don’t want to hurt him any more than he already has been, but I can’t betray Honey either.”

“How about you tell me the whole story?”

When she had related the entire episode, Jim let out a low whistle. “Poor Dan,” he said. “Leave it with me for a few days and I’ll see what I can do.”

“Okay,” said Trixie, rather reluctantly.

The next that Trixie heard of the matter was the following evening when she received a mysterious phone call from Dan.

“Trix?” he whispered. “Whatever it was that you did, it was exactly right. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome,” she replied, just as the line went dead. Immediately, she put through a call to Jim to find out what had happened. “What did you do?” she demanded, without any sort of greeting.

There was a long silence then Jim said, “Hello, Trixie. How was your day?”

“Jim!” she cried, exasperated. “Just tell me what happened with Honey first. Please?”

“Let’s just say that the matter is settled and leave it at that,” he said.

Nothing that Trixie said would sway him from that course.

Over the next few weeks Trixie found herself spending more and more time in Sleepyside. She was finding it very difficult to concentrate on her studies and soon she was struggling to keep her marks up. Subjects which had previously held enormous interest now faded into the background as she spent more time thinking about - and missing - Jim.

“Earth to Trixie,” she suddenly heard one day in the library. “Anyone home?” The owner of the voice cheekily tapped her on the forehead. Trixie turned to see her former room-mate, Antonia.

“Sorry,” she said, sheepishly. “I guess I zoned out for a minute there.” She indicated a seat next to her. “So, what’s new?”

Antonia suddenly grinned. “This,” she said, pushing her left hand into Trixie’s face. “Zach asked me to marry him.” The hand moved back far enough for Trixie to focus on the enormous diamond which sparkled there. “I said ‘yes’,” she added, unnecessarily.

Trixie forced a happy smile onto her face and uttered all of the customary congratulations. Inside, she felt almost sick with envy. It would be more than two years before she would be living in the same place as Jim again, maybe longer.

Her friend seemed to sense that all was not well. “How are things with you and Jim?” she asked, somewhat more gently.

“He’s living in Sleepyside and I’m stuck here,” Trixie said, letting her glum mood show. “I miss him so much, but I’ve still got so much more study to do.”

“Don’t you graduate soon?”

“Then there’s grad school,” Trixie replied, looking almost as if she could cry. “I don’t know if I can stand it!”

Antonia looked thoughtful. “Maybe you should skip it and just go get a job,” she suggested.

“This is my dream,” Trixie said, rather horrified. “I couldn’t just-” She paused, and when she continued her voice was less forceful. “I can’t give up now.”

“Then you’d better brush up on your love letter writing techniques,” the other girl suggested.

Trixie’s sense of desperation grew over the coming weeks. She felt that her time with Jim was so precious that she spent every possible moment she could at Rose Cottage, or out with him. To the dismay of her family, this meant that whenever she was staying at Crabapple Farm she was barely there for any of the waking hours. She was on her way out the door once again when her mother stopped her.

“Trixie,” said her mother, in a serious voice, “I’d like to talk to you about something.”

“Yes,” said Trixie, trying hard to curb her impatience. Her foot tapped the floor a little and it took a conscious effort to stop it.

“It seems to me that you’re spending rather a lot of time at Jim’s place,” Moms began.

“What of it?” Trixie asked, on the defensive immediately.

“Other people would like to see you, you know,” Moms told her.

A hot response was on the tip of Trixie’s tongue but she caught it just in time. “I need to spend time with him,” she said, as calmly as she could manage. “It’s hard for us, living like this. I thought you’d understand that, Moms.”

“I do understand,” her mother told her. “I also understand that you can’t continue like this. It’s not healthy.”

“What do you mean, ‘not healthy?’” she asked, gravely.

“Trixie, when relationships become too exclusive,” Moms said slowly, “when they’re at the expense of family ties and other friendships, there’s a danger that they’ll become self-destructive.”

Trixie nodded slowly. “I’ll think about what you’ve said, Moms.”

By the time Trixie arrived at Rose Cottage she had decided that her mother was probably right. Jim watched the way her fingers moved back and forth over the hem of her shirt, noticing that she did not seem to want to meet his eyes.

“Is something the matter?” he asked gently, hoping that the fear he felt was not apparent. “Something you want to say to me?”

Trixie started. “What’s that?” she said, looking rather like a deer caught in the headlights.

“You seem kind of distracted,” he replied. He pushed his hands deep into his pockets to disguise their slight shaking.

For a long moment she said nothing, her eyes downcast. “Can we go for a walk?” she asked, finally. “I do have something to say to you.”

Her eyes were averted from him and she missed the look that crossed his face and the way his shoulders stiffened as she spoke. She led the way along the well-worn path from the back of the house, not speaking until she reached the orchard.

“I think this would be a good spot for our talk,” she said. “I want us to sit under the apple tree.”

The orchard had changed vastly since they first saw it. The trees were neatly pruned, their trunks freed from the weeds which had threatened them and several dead ones had been replaced. At the very end was the ancient apple tree, still bearing fruit despite its decrepit appearance. Trixie settled underneath it on the wooden bench placed there to remind them of its past.

“Do you remember the day we put this here?” she asked, suddenly.

Jim, who was still standing, jumped slightly at the apparent change of subject. “Yes,” he said, warily.

“Do you remember what I said?” she asked.

Jim searched her face, looking for a clue as to where this was going. “You said that we should remember their story and learn from it.” Silently, he went through the story of the long-ago tragedy, trying to find what she wanted to say to him.

“I said something else, too,” she said, in little more than a whisper. “I said that I wouldn’t let what other people thought influence me the way it influenced Agatha.”

“I didn’t think you had,” he replied, still puzzled. “You never have.”

“Well, I’m thinking of starting now,” Trixie told him, turning to look straight at him. “Moms thinks we’re getting too-” she searched for the right word “-insular, I suppose.”

Jim seemed to consider her words carefully, his body relaxing from the tension which had been holding him in its grip. “What do you intend to do about it?” he asked, after a pause.

“For starters, I think I need to spend more time with Honey,” she said. “I’ve barely seen her in weeks.”

For the first time since the conversation started, Jim smiled. “I’m not surprised,” he said. “Between your studies, your coming here every weekend and her busy lifestyle-”

“That’s just what I mean,” Trixie interrupted. “I can’t cope with this much longer. I can’t live in the city while you’re here. It messes with everything and most of all with my friendships.”

Jim considered carefully. “I don’t want to leave Sleepyside,” he said, softly. “I like living here, in this house.”

“I don’t want you to leave here,” she quickly agreed. “I think I’m going to change my plans.”

“Don’t be too hasty,” Jim replied, gently stroking her hand. “I’m sure we can work something out together.”

A fine layer of dust had covered the work area in the barn. Jim picked up a rag and smoothed it over the surface of the disc of wood which lay there, once again revealing the beauty of its rings: gold tinged with red. He had not set foot in here for weeks now, unsure of what to do with it next.

Even now, he was uncertain. He dusted and tidied the area, putting off the work which he had come here to do. Before long, however, the place was neat and tidy. The task at hand needed to be faced.

I need to decide exactly what to do with it, he told himself, feeling more than a little annoyed. It was time that this project was finished. He ran his hand over the wood, marvelling at its smoothness. Decide what to do and move forward.

He frowned at the wood. It was beautiful but, since it was end-grain, not particularly useful. Whatever he used it for, its primary purpose would be a decorative one. What does it mean to me? he wondered. Beauty. Something organic. A part of this place. A symbol of growth. After a moment, inspiration hit and he set to work.

Four: Changes

The telephone was persistently ringing as Jim stepped up to the front door of Rose Cottage one afternoon. He had counted twelve rings already by the time he crossed to it, and was firmly convinced that the caller would have hung up before he could pick it up.

“Hello,” he said, expecting to hear a dial tone.

“Jim! You’re finally home!” Trixie cried, her voice full of excitement. “You’ll never guess what’s happened.” He smiled indulgently and waited. Trixie needed little encouragement in that mood. “Sir Winslow called. He’s offering me a job as his personal assistant. I can start as soon as I graduate. And I could live in Sleepyside.”

“That’s great,” her boyfriend agreed, rather less enthusiastically. “But what about your studies?”

There was a short silence. “That’s the catch,” she said, rather reluctantly. “I’d have to put them on hold for a year or two.” She hurried on before he could express his disapproval. “But it’s a great opportunity. I could learn so much from him and it would be of benefit later when I go back and finish.”

Jim’s shoulders sagged in defeat. He suspected that if Trixie took this job she probably would not go back and finish her studies, but nothing he could say or do would change that. “Are you sure about this, Trix? I mean, it sounds great, and I’d love for us both to live in Sleepyside, but is this really what you want?”

“Of course, it is,” she said, and he could just imagine the impatient bounce that probably accompanied her words. “I know it’s not what I planned, but wouldn’t it be nice for us to live close together again? To see each other any night of the week that we wanted?”

Thinking of the strain that their relationship had suffered since he moved to Rose Cottage, Jim fervently agreed. On the other hand, he couldn’t help thinking that her career would suffer for that luxury. Trixie was quick to counter the idea, however.

“It won’t,” she said; “I promise, it won’t. I wouldn’t even consider it if I thought that. This job could help me, in the long run.”

“Well, don’t rush into a decision,” he said, trying to keep his tone even. “Think about it for a while before you give him your answer.”

There was an excited giggle from the other end of the line. “Thanks, Jim,” she said. “I’ll do that.”

Trixie was very busy the following weekend and only spent the Saturday in Sleepyside. On Sunday morning she found herself rushing off to Honey’s place. Honey had called her, only saying “there’s something you’ve got to see.” She puffed slightly as she stood at the door, impatiently waiting for it to be opened. Footsteps sounded on the other side and the door flew open.

“Trix!” Honey squealed in delight. “Come in.” She grabbed her friend by the arm and dragged her inside.

“What’s going on?” Trixie demanded, searching for clues. Her eyes fastened on the newspaper in Honey’s hand and a quizzical expression settled on her face.

“Look at this,” demanded Honey, her face clearly showing her excitement.

Trixie took the paper from her and inspected the Best Seller List which Honey had indicated. “First? Oh, Honey that’s wonderful,” her friend cried, giving her a big hug. “I’m so happy for you.” While most of Honey’s previous novels had reached the best seller list, this was the first time that the novel had gone right to the top.

“You’ve got to come out with me and celebrate,” Honey said, almost bouncing with excitement. “Jim, as well.”

“We’d love to,” Trixie cried, hugging her again. “Let’s call him right now.”

Honey nodded. “Don’t tell him why, though,” she said. “Just that he’s got to come out tonight.”

With an excited smile, Trixie picked up the telephone and dialled Jim’s number. She greeted him quickly, then launched into the invitation. “Please, Jim,” she concluded. “You just have to come out with us tonight.”

At the other end of the line was a deep sigh. “Why do I have to?” he asked, but apparently did not expect an answer. “Okay, Trixie. If it’s so important, I’ll come.”

That evening, Honey, Dan, Jim and Trixie really painted the town red. Honey was in such high spirits that it was difficult for the others to keep up. She flitted from one night spot to the next, hardly waiting to let the others catch their breath. Finally, the four returned to Honey and Dan’s apartment. Jim sank down onto the sofa, grateful for the chance to rest.

“I think I must be getting old,” he joked, sagging against the cushions. “I’m ready to crash.”

Honey giggled and tried to prop him up a bit. “Poor boy,” she said, rather unsympathetically. “Next time I have something to celebrate I might have to leave you at home.”

Jim smiled. “Thanks a lot, sis,” he said. “Seriously, though, I’m really happy for you. You’ve worked hard for this and I’m glad it’s working out.”

Suddenly, Honey’s eyes filled with tears. “Thank you,” she whispered. A moment later she glanced at the clock and gasped. “Oh, Jim, I’m so sorry! I’d better let you get some sleep.”

“Otherwise I’ll never get to work in the morning,” he finished with a smile. “Good night, and congratulations.”

That weekend back in Sleepyside, Trixie made a special effort for some time alone with Jim. She knew that he was unhappy with her idea of postponing her further studies and felt that she should gain his approval before she actually put the plan into motion. Her opportunity came on the Saturday evening after dinner, while they were curled up together in the living room at Rose Cottage.

“Can we talk?” she asked softly, after a comfortable silence had stretched out. “About the job offer?”

Jim nodded against her shoulder. “I think we should,” he said. “You know I don’t want you to take it, don’t you?”

She sighed softly. “I know.” She ran a hand soothingly down his arm. “But I want us to be closer together and this is the best way I can think of.” She sighed again. “I’m not giving up on my dreams, you know. I’m just taking a different path to achieve them.”

He was silent for a long moment. “I’m just afraid that you won’t go back,” he said, softly. “You’ll find other things to do and there’ll never be a right time again. You have so much more potential than to be someone’s secretary.”

Trixie laughed and slapped him playfully. “Personal Assistant,” she corrected. “And the way he described it, I’d be more of a research assistant than anything.” She settled back into his arms. “Anyway, it’s just until he’s finished the book he’s writing. Then I’d go back and finish my studies.”

“You’ve made up your mind, haven’t you?” Jim said, with a sigh. “There’s no point in me trying to talk you out of it now, is there?”

She considered for a moment. “I’m not sure,” she said. “I think I’m going to take it, but…”

“I’ll support you, whichever choice you make,” Jim said in a quiet but firm voice. “Always.”

Some days later, Trixie turned on the television and was greeted with a sight that caused her to blink: Diana Lynch on Lennox de More’s arm at the premiere of his movie. Without taking her eyes off the screen, she picked up the telephone and dialled a familiar number.

“Honey,” she said when her friend answered. “You’ll never guess who I just saw on TV.”

“Sergeant Molinson,” guessed Honey.

“No!” Trixie laughed.

“I know! Your favourite person: Mr Lytell,” Honey tried again.

“Honey!” Trixie gasped. “Just let me tell you, okay?”

“Fine,” said Honey, mock-serious. “Just tell me then.”

“Di,” said Trixie.

“What?” asked Honey. “Oh, you mean with Lennox. Wasn’t his movie opening sometime soon?”

“I think so,” said Trixie, who had not cared enough to bother remembering. “But, why would they want to put Lennox on TV? It’s bad enough that they gave him a role in the movie.”

Honey giggled. “He is very attractive.”

“If you ignore his personality.”

“Trixie!” Honey took a deep breath and changed the subject. “So, what was Di wearing?”

“A dress?” There was a silence at the other end of the line. “A black dress. With a plunging neckline right down to her belly button. And a slit in the skirt practically to her arm pit.” Trixie giggled. “If you want a better description than that, you’d better ask someone else.”

It was a cold, clear morning at Rose Cottage. Jim was just about to leave for work when the telephone rang. He set down his briefcase and answered it, surprised to hear Trixie’s voice. “I’ve taken the job,” she said, in a strangely neutral tone. “I’m coming back to Sleepyside in a couple of weeks.”

At once, he was overwhelmed with mixed emotions and he paused for a moment, searching for the right thing to say. He was quite sure that he’d made his position clear to her: despite the short-term pain, staying in the city was the right thing for her future career. This trade-off was not something that he wanted on his conscience, especially if his suspicions were realised and she never went back to college.

“I thought that’s what you would decide,” he said finally, in a resigned voice. “But, I’m glad we’ll be living close together, again. I’ve been missing you so much, lately.”

There was an almost-silent sigh of relief from Trixie’s end of the line. He could hear the smile in her voice when she continued. “That’s right, Jim. Focus on that part and the rest will be easy.”

Christmas that year was a quieter affair than usual. Mart was on the other side of the world, experiencing a summer festive season. Trixie had never noticed exactly how much of the noise was caused by her almost-twin. The difference almost made her want to cry. On top of that, she really wanted to spend the day with Jim but he had gone to a relative’s house for the day.

“Stop moping, Trixie,” her brother Bob said, at least four times during the day. “You’re making everyone depressed.”

“Sorry,” she would say, forcing a smile and joining in some conversation or activity. Within a few minutes she would be silently sitting alone again and the whole situation would repeat. If only Jim was here, she would think. He would make everything better. The rest of the family left her alone, knowing that there was little they could do to cheer her.

Early in the evening her spirits lifted considerably when Jim and Honey dropped in for a short visit. Everyone gathered around the fire to talk and exchange gifts. Trixie curled comfortably against Jim, sighing with satisfaction. We belong together, she thought, gently stroking his thigh. We couldn’t live apart for two more years. I’ve made the right choice, I just know it.

Jim shivered slightly as he set down his supplies on the work bench in the barn. Almost a year since the tree fell, he thought, running his hand over the smooth surface. It’ll be more than a year by the time I’ve found the right place for it. He set to work, anxious not to be out in the cold for too long. The heater he had set up only took the edge off the cold, but could never make it really warm in here.

He laid an old bedspread, folded several times, onto the bench to protect the finished surface and turned the piece face downwards. The reverse side was still rough; there had been no need to smooth it. Jim frowned in concentration as he tried to figure out where to attach the fittings he had bought. He took a thick pencil in one hand and, gently lifting the piece to see which way was up, marked the top.

Soon, he had marked the positions and double checked them. He opened the small plastic packets and laid everything ready. He chose the right size drill bit and fitted it to the drill. A short time later, the job was done and he had tried it in a temporary position in the barn.

It’s not quite right, he decided, as he stood back to contemplate his work. I’ll need to think about how to make it better. He wrapped it carefully in the old bedspread, turned off the heater and returned to the house.

Five: Completion

Trixie was oblivious to the ominous-looking sky above her as she drove down Glen Road towards Rose Cottage. Her spirits were high as she gathered the items she had brought and entered by the kitchen door. Her first week of work was now over and she intended to spend some time alone with her boyfriend. In the back of her mind, another weight was lifting: her brother, Mart, would soon be home for a visit.

Jim greeted her with a kiss. “Brr,” he said, “your lips are cold.”

“It is a little chilly out,” she conceded.

“Well, it’s nice and warm in,” he told her. “I’ve got a good fire going in the living room.”

The two made their way to the living room and settled in front of the fire. The rug was soft, and Jim had left a few pillows there in readiness.

“Mmm,” said Trixie, “this is nice. Come closer.”

She began to kiss him, all the while pressing close. Soon, she began drawing his hands up under her sweater so that he encountered bare skin. Her own hands roamed his body. As their kisses deepened, she lay down, pulling him with her. His lips moved to her neck, pulling back only to lift the sweater over her head.

“Mmm,” she repeated, running her fingers through his hair. “I like that.”

His arms tightened around her, pressing his face against her chest, before rolling her onto the top. After a long moment, Trixie began to slide down until she was face to face with Jim once again. Her left hand caressed his face, even as her right hand travelled lower. She felt the muscles tense as her fingers moved over them; first his chest, then his stomach. Still, she moved lower, until Jim let out a low groan.

“Uh-uh-uh,” he told her, capturing the hand and moving it back to his chest. “You made me promise.”

“I was young and foolish,” she countered. “I’ve changed my mind.”

“A promise is a promise,” Jim disagreed. “You should have thought of this before you made me give my word.”

“At least we could negotiate,” Trixie purred, running her hand towards the place it had previously been. She kissed him, slowly. “Please?”

“Okay,” Jim agreed, and kissed her in return.

It was some time later that Trixie looked at her watch.

“Oh, I’d better be going,” she exclaimed. “I meant to be home by now.”

She quickly gathered her belongings and dressed for the weather. On reaching the kitchen door, however, she stopped short. Outside, the yard was covered in a thick blanket of fresh snow and more was falling fast. She couldn’t even see the wall at the other side of the garden, even though the floodlights were turned on.

“On second thoughts,” she said as a strong gust of wind rattled the door, “I think I’ll stay here. I hope the phone lines are still okay so I can call Moms.”

By morning, the snow had stopped and the sun shone brightly on a world covered in brilliant white. The air was cold and sharp as Trixie walked home, having been unable to get her car down the long drive. Her legs were getting sore by the time she got there and she knew the muscles would ache tomorrow.

“Morning Moms,” Trixie called brightly, as she entered the kitchen.

“Good morning, Trixie,” her mother answered, looking up. Something in Mrs. Belden’s face made Trixie want to squirm but she pushed the feeling down. “Have you eaten?”

She shook her head and took a seat at the table. As she ate, she thought about the events of the last few weeks and a slow smile crossed her face. Everything’s coming together now, she thought to herself with satisfaction.

Over the next few weeks, Trixie suddenly found herself very busy. Sir Winslow had a burst of inspiration and had her working long hours of overtime, sometimes at odd times of the day and night. She began to feel tired and run-down. For a while she wondered if she was starting to come down with something.

Worse still, Jim was kept very busy planning a party for his parents’ twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. They had spent the actual day - some weeks ago now - in Paris, but Honey had wanted them to have an event with family and friends. She was too busy to arrange it herself and had drafted her brother into it, instead.

In the midst of this, Mart arrived back in the States. It was a quiet reunion. Only Trixie and her mother managed to get to the airport to meet him. He came through customs, looking the same and yet somehow different. Moments later, he was enveloped in a group hug.

“It’s good to see you,” he said, his voice rather muffled, “but can you let me breathe?”

His sister giggled. “Do we have to?” she said, but let go nonetheless. “You don’t know how good it is to see you back here.” She stepped back and looked at him critically. “You are staying, aren’t you?”

“Until it’s time to go back to college,” he said. “I don’t know, yet, what will happen after I graduate.”

“It’s enough,” Trixie whispered. “I’m glad you’re back.”

The night of the party arrived. Aside from a few brief telephone conversations, Trixie had not seen or heard from Jim all week. I’ll have to see if I can pull him aside, she decided firmly, as she walked up to the door of the country club half an hour before the party was due to start. We really need to talk.

She saw Honey, looking less than comfortable, across the room and went to greet her. “Good to be back here, isn’t it?” she said playfully, as she approached.

Honey groaned softly and pulled a face. “I told Jim not to have it here,” she whispered, “but did he listen?”

Trixie giggled. “But it’s lovely,” she said, indicating her surroundings. “They’ve done a wonderful job of the renovations, don’t you think?” She could barely contain her laughter at her friend’s discomfort. In a whisper she added, “Besides, it’s only one night.”

Jim joined them at that moment, wrapping his arms around her from behind. “Evening, Cinderella,” he said lightly. “Nice dress.”

“My fairy godmother chose it for me,” she answered and Honey curtsied with a gracious nod.

“Speaking of which,” she said, “I have more fairy godmotherly duties to perform.” With a smile, she left them alone.

Trixie turned in Jim’s arms to face him and rested her face against his chest. “I’ve missed you,” she said, her voice rather muffled. “And we really need to talk.”

“I missed you too,” he replied and sighed deeply. “I’ve got to go upstate tomorrow. Maybe we can talk when I get back.”

His girlfriend cursed softly. “How long will you be gone this time?”

“A week.” He tightened his arms around her. “I’ll call every night.”

“If I’m actually home to get your calls,” she muttered, gloomily. “No. I’ve got to talk to you tonight. In private.”

Jim looked around himself helplessly. Guests would start arriving any minute now. By the time they had all left it would be very late and he intended to leave early in the morning. “I can’t,” he said, finally.

Quick tears came to Trixie’s eyes. “I can’t go on like this,” she whispered. “We need more time alone.”

“I know,” he replied. “But it’s not that simple.” He smoothed a stray curl away from her face. “When I get back, we’ll talk. I promise.” He loosed his grip on her as the first guests entered the room.

“Okay,” she replied, her frustration evident. “But you’d better hurry back.”

Helen Belden looked up from her baking to find her daughter watching her. Since Jim had come back from his business trip a few days previously, she had hardly seen Trixie. Helen wondered briefly what she was doing here now. Perhaps she had something to tell her. “What are your plans for the weekend, Trixie?” she asked, while generously dusting her rolling pin with flour.

Trixie jumped. “What? Oh, sorry, Moms. My mind was somewhere else.” She walked casually across the kitchen until she was next to her mother. “Moms, are you and Daddy free on Saturday night? And Bob?”

Helen concentrated on rolling out the pastry for the pie she was making. “Yes, I think so,” she said. “What did you want us to do?”

“Jim asked me to invite you to Rose Cottage for dinner,” Trixie replied. “Just a casual get-together with a few other people. Can you come?”

Her mother looked up and smiled. “Tell Jim that we’d love to,” she said. She was puzzled by Trixie’s silent sigh of relief, but it soon escaped her mind.

Later that evening Trixie was getting ready for bed when she heard the telephone ring. Her days often started very early, and she had been feeling very tired lately, so she decided to let someone else get it. A few moments later she heard her name called and resigned herself to having to talk to someone.

“Hello,” she said, rather wearily. She heard the kitchen extension click off.

“What’s going on, Trixie?” Honey demanded, without so much as a greeting. “Why does Jim want us all there on Saturday?”

Her friend silently sighed. “Why don’t you ask him?” she said, feigning cheerfulness. “He’s the one who invited you.”

“I did,” said Honey shortly. “And he hemmed and hawed so much that I’m sure there’s something up and now you’re doing it, so I’m doubly sure.”

Despite her tiredness, Trixie laughed. “Sorry, Honey,” she said. “You’ll just have to wait until then.”

The following morning at breakfast Trixie received another telephone call, this one from Mart. He had heard from Jim the previous evening and needed to weigh up his curiosity over what was happening against his reluctance to travel home so close to the beginning of the semester. “So, should I make the effort to come home this weekend?” he asked. “I’ve got plenty of study to do.”

Trixie hesitated. “I’d like it if you did,” she said, finally, “but I’d understand if you didn’t.”

Her brother laughed softly. “Does that mean you won’t tell me what this is all about?”

She joined his laughter. “What what’s all about?”

“In that case,” he replied, “I expect to be told right away if I don’t actually make it home.”

“Deal,” Trixie quickly answered. “And that’s all I’m saying.”

Trixie was very relieved when Saturday night finally came. She didn’t think she could stand for another person to try to get the secret out of her. She happily helped with the final preparations at Rose Cottage and before she knew it the little house was filled with family and close friends. They had been very fortunate, since the only invitation which had been declined was Mart’s.

“Everyone’s here,” Jim said to her softly. “Come out now and we’ll get the announcement over with.”

She smiled in response, slipping into his arms. “You don’t sound very enthusiastic,” she said. “Are you sure this is what you want?”

He pulled her close. “Positive.” He paused for a moment. “I’m just not sure what everyone else is going to think.”

Trixie took his hand and began to lead him towards the waiting guests. “That’s their problem,” she said. “Let’s get this show on the road.”

A few moments later they stood in front of the assembled crowd, faced with many expectant looks. “I’m glad you could all come,” Jim said, his voice raised. “Trixie and I have something to tell you all and we couldn’t decide who to tell first, so we thought you could all hear together.”

“Well, what’s keeping you then?” demanded Honey, when he paused. Her eyes darted to Trixie’s face and back to Jim’s.

“Patience,” he counselled, with a laugh. He took a deep breath before continuing. “We’re getting married.”

This announcement was, of course, met with a complete uproar. Everyone wanted to congratulate the couple at once or express their surprise at the news. Honey threw a triumphant “I knew it,” at Dan beside her, while Brian’s face froze in utter shock.

“But wait,” said Trixie loudly, over the noise. “There’s more.”

“Go on,” urged Honey. “Don’t keep us in suspense.”

“We’ve also set a date,” said Trixie. “The ninth of April.”

“Next year?” asked her mother. “That will give us plenty of time-”

“No,” corrected Trixie. “This year.”

“But Trixie,” wailed Moms, quickly calculating, “that’s only seven weeks away.”

Once again the room was filled with noise. Mrs. Wheeler’s voice rose above the rest, demanding an explanation for what she, apparently, viewed as an extraordinary announcement. Honey and Diana crowded close to Trixie, spilling out ideas for the wedding and both talking at once.

Jim waited for everyone to calm down a little before continuing. “We just want a simple wedding,” he said, when he thought it was quiet enough to be heard. “We don’t see any reason to wait. Now, if you would all like to move into the dining room, I think it might be time to eat.”

The rest of the evening passed in a blur for Trixie. Various people had made their opinions clear to her and her mind reeled with these impressions. Finally, she and Jim were alone. They sank down onto the sofa together, thankful that the evening was over.

“I think Moms is very upset,” Trixie said, sliding down until her face was pressed against Jim’s chest. “And, as for your mother…”

Jim wrapped his arms around her comfortingly. “I’m sure they’ll get over it,” he said. “Before you know it, they’ll be plotting together to arrange an elaborate wedding for us.”

Trixie put her hand over her eyes and groaned. “That’s all I need!”

A light drizzle was falling when Jim awoke the morning after the party. Just the day to spend in my workshop, he thought to himself, as he got out of bed. I’ll go down there right after breakfast.

The small area was dusty from disuse and a little untidy when he got there and Jim felt a deep satisfaction in putting it in order. Soon, everything was in its place and the area was once again clean and tidy. He looked around for something to work on and his eyes fell on the round of timber he had salvaged so many months before. I guess I could finish that off, he decided.

He wasn’t sure why it was still sitting there, unfinished. There was so little left to do to it that it would only take a few minutes. Maybe I just wasn’t ready for it to see the light of day yet, he thought to himself.

A few minutes later he had declared himself satisfied, lifted the piece and carried it into the rain. It was a short walk back to the house and he had to heft it up a few times along the way, the moisture making it slippery. He reached the back porch and set it down. Weeks ago now, he had put a hook up in the end wall of the back porch, ready to hang the piece. He checked it now, to make sure it was quite sturdy.

I’ll just polish it a little before I hang it, he decided, taking out a cloth. The beads of moisture were soon gone, leaving a glossy finish. The reddish growth rings stood out plainly behind the simple scene that Jim had painted on it: the house which he had come to love, surrounded by the beautiful gardens that Diana had set out. One day soon, Trixie would live with him here. He sighed with contentment. My home, my love, my life.

The End

End note: St Leonard’s Mission is a wholely fictional entity. In case anyone is interested, it’s named after the St Leonard’s Day celebrations in the first series of Blackadder.

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