River's Song - The Inn at Shining Waters Series (14 page)

"Perhaps because there have always been real dangers at night,"Anna said. "There still are in some places today. Even on the river there are cougars, bears, bobcats—they all feed at night—and you don't really want to come up on one unawares."

"That's true enough. But I suppose I was wondering more about the metaphor in general. Darkness can symbolize ignorance, a lack of enlightenment, and sometimes we are most afraid of what we don't know—what we can't see or hear or understand unsettles us. In the darkest hours of our ignorance, our imaginations and fears can run amok. Whereas, we don't usually feel the same way in the clarity of daytime—or when we're fully aware of what's going on. Does that make any sense?"

"Sure. It's like how I'm rather worried about what my property will look like when we get back. Because I honestly don't know what is entailed in getting the electricity and telephones set up. It's like I'm in the dark; therefore, I'm probably imagining the worst." At least she hoped that would be the case.

"Yes, that's a good example. But also, consider something more serious like racism, which I believe is the consequence of ignorance—and for some people the differences they see in others is a lot like darkness; they don't understand it so they are frightened. Right now there are white people in the Deep South who are uninformed and ignorant. They don't understand African Americans, or Negroes as they call them, so they become fearful. They imagine the worst about their darkskinned neighbors—and it leads them to do the worst."

"Just like with white men and Indians,"Anna said sadly." Unfortunately. Fear and misunderstanding are bred in the absence of enlightenment."

"So those people, the ones who live in ignorance of their fellow man, are not unlike the cave monster,"Anna mused." If they choose to live in darkness they set themselves up to become destructive."

Hazel nodded eagerly. "You are quite right, dear. It makes me wonder if there's a hidden meaning in the cave monster story. You see, I think these stories have truths in them on various levels. They are not merely fables to entertain listeners by the campfire, but they might contain the wisdom of the ages—if we really listened."

The cab of the pickup grew quiet now, except for the rattling noises as the truck bumped along the rutted road. Anna looked out at the trees and thick foliage, wondering what area of her own life was in darkness—what was it that made her most fearful? Of course, it was probably her fear of poverty. Beaten into her by her mother-in-law over the past twenty years, Anna couldn't begin to count how many times Eunice had warned her that without Eunice's money and provision, Anna and Lauren would've been destitute and homeless.

Suddenly, as if a light had gone on, Anna realized that Eunice had been the cave monster in her life. Eunice had used the darkness (in this case, Anna's ignorance) to frighten and control her daughter-in-law and, in essence, devour her soul, which was far worse than destroying her flesh and bones. Eunice was Anna's cave monster! She considered telling this to Hazel, except that Hazel seemed to be in deep reflection herself. Besides, Anna realized, she needed to deal with her own cave monster. But how was she to do that? What would Old Otter tell her? Spear the sun and hide it until Eunice came out? Or perhaps she was being too literal.

Anna felt that if she continued to grow strong and independent and capable to provide for herself, she would reach the place where she never needed to depend on or be fearful of Eunice again. Perhaps Anna was already at that place but simply didn't realize it. Anyway, it was food for thought. And it made for a good story. Perhaps one day Anna would have a notebook full of her own stories to tell. Although she wasn't sure who she would tell them to . . . or who would want to listen.

To Anna's huge relief, her property didn't look a bit like a war zone when they got home. She could see tire tracks through the meadow and there were a few dirt piles, but all in all, not much had changed. In fact, as they got out of the pickup, she wondered if any of the improvements had actually been completed. Of course, she had mixed feelings about this. On one hand, she'd be relieved to keep everything just as it had been. On the other hand, she had been looking forward to a real telephone conversation with her daughter.

Clark, with what appeared to be a tool belt around his waist, came over to greet them. "How was the beach?" He frowned at the back of the truck now. "Don't tell me you ladies found all that on the beach?"

Hazel laughed. "Aren't we good beachcombers?"

"No,"Anna assured him. "Those are things for my inn." He nodded with a curious expression. "I see."

"And you're just in time to help unload them," Hazel told him as she removed a grocery bag from the cab.

"Were the men able to put in the electricity and telephone?"Anna asked as she reached for the other bag.

"Your phone is hooked up. The electrical work is done, but I still need to finish some things up before we actually power up the house."

"Really?"Anna looked around in surprise. "Where are the electric lines and wires and things?"

"You mean you
wanted
to see wires and lines?" Clark opened the tailgate of his pickup.

"Well . . . not really, but I assumed that was the price one paid for modernizations."

He chuckled. "Not when I'm the contractor. I had the power company bring out a trencher." He pointed to where a narrow trail of dirt went along one side of the meadow. She hadn't even noticed it before. "That's where all your electrical wires and telephone lines are: underground."

Anna's face broke into a huge smile. "Oh, that's perfect! Thank you for thinking of that, Clark."

He grinned. "You didn't think I'd let anyone spoil this beautiful place you have here, did you?"

"Your mother assured me there was no reason to worry." She sighed. "But I just didn't have any idea how you'd do it. I am so relieved!"

"And I'm starving." He pulled one of the nightstands out of the truck. "If I unload this is there any chance I can get something to eat?"

"Dinner will be ready in about twenty—make that thirty minutes—but if you're really hungry come on up and I'll find something to—"

"Thirty minutes is perfect." He nodded to the back of the pickup. "Where does all this go anyway?"

"Just put it down there for now." She pointed to the space she'd just cleared out. "Thank you!" Then she hurried on up the stairs and began to unload the groceries. Hoping Clark would stay for dinner tonight, she'd gotten some nice rib-eye steaks and a few other things.

"Need any help?" Hazel asked as she emerged from the bathroom.

"No, I think I've got it covered. Clark is staying for dinner— and it sounds like he's ravenous. It'll take me about thirty minutes to get it on the table."

"And you really don't need help?"

Anna tossed her a confident smile. "I'm fine, Hazel. Trust me, I'm used to this. Sometimes my mother-in-law would plan a dinner party for eight and only give me a couple hours' worth of notice. Thirty minutes for three people is a piece of cake— just don't expect cake."

Hazel laughed. "Then, if you don't mind, I'll just sit here and put my feet up."

"Make yourself at home."

Anna was actually thankful to work in the kitchen alone. Having no distractions was always the fastest way for her to get things done. She used to try to put Lauren to work, hoping she'd learn how to cook a little, but Lauren usually dragged her heels and as a result everything ended up taking longer. Now if Babette was here, it would be different. Babette knew her way around a kitchen and usually she was telling Anna what to do. But when it came to the basics, Anna had it down.

While the steaks were broiling, she boiled potatoes for mashing, finished making a chopped lettuce and tomato and cucumber salad, heated some canned green beans, and put bread and butter on the table. She opened a jar of bread-andbutter pickles and put them in a pretty dish. Then she opened a can of peaches, arranged the yellow halves on a lettuce-lined plate, filled their centers with dollops of cottage cheese, and topped them with maraschino cherries. Nothing fancy, for sure, but at least it was quick.

She was just putting the heated platter of steaks on the table when Clark came in. "Boy, does something smell good in here. I washed up in the sink downstairs, but do you want me to take off my boots, they're a little—"

"No, no," she told him. "My father never took off his boots. These wood floors sweep up easily. And everything is ready."

"Wake up, Mom," he nudged Hazel. "Time to eat."

"Oh, my!" She sat up with wide eyes. "Wasn't that fast!" She walked over and looked at the table. "My, my, Anna, but you are a wonder!"

Anna laughed as they sat down. "Everything happens fast when you're asleep."

As before, Clark offered to say a blessing and as soon as he said "Amen"Anna handed the steak plate to him. "The big one is for you."

"That's massive," he said as he forked it and lowered it to his plate, "but I have a feeling I'll have no trouble making it disappear."

Hazel and Clark visited, talking about their day, the time spent at the beach, and what they'd accomplished. And for a moment, Anna just sat there, listening and soaking it in—it felt almost like being a part of a family again. So much so that she actually got a lump in her throat and had to chew her bite of steak for a long time just to be sure she could swallow it.

As they all finished up, Anna apologized for not having made dessert. "This morning I had planned to make a chocolate cake, but our unexpected outing derailed that idea."

"As delicious as that sounds, I couldn't have eaten another bite anyway." He smiled at her. "That was one of the best meals I've ever eaten, Anna."

"Seriously?" She found this hard to believe. "Thank you. But, really, it wasn't anything fancy."

"Poor Clark," Hazel said, "he's been living on bachelor food for a long time."

"I'll admit my cooking isn't the greatest," he told them, "but I eat in some pretty good restaurants too. And when I say this was one of the best meals I've had, I mean it."

Anna chuckled. "Well, you have to admit you said you were starving. Even a bad meal can taste good if you're hungry enough."

He shook his head. "No, Anna, I mean it. This was great. You're an excellent cook."

Hazel laughed. "I have to concur with him, Anna. And I've eaten enough of your cooking to know what I'm talking about."

Now Anna was embarrassed, feeling as if she'd been fishing for compliments, although that wasn't the case. Anyway, she thanked them and stood, beginning to clear the table. "Would anyone like coffee?"

They all agreed that coffee sounded good. "How about if I serve it outside," she offered. "We'll take another chair down and we can sit on the porch and enjoy the balmy evening."

So while Clark carried a chair down, Anna made coffee and, even though everyone claimed to be full, she remembered there were still a few lemon cookies left from what Babette had brought by a few days ago. So she put these on the tray as well, and then carried it all down to the porch where Clark and Hazel were already sitting.

"What a lovely ending to a lovely day," Hazel said happily." Can you believe we had two gorgeous sunsets in a row, Anna?"

"Speaking of sunset,"Anna said suddenly, "what are your plans, Clark? Did you get a room in town?"

"Not yet, but I plan to."

"But aren't you worried about driving your truck back in the dark tonight? That road seems challenging enough in the daylight. I can't imagine navigating it at night."

"Cave monster?" Clark sounded confused.

"And what if the cave monster comes out?" Hazel asked dramatically.

"It's a story,"Anna explained. "But, really, I wouldn't like to think of you out on that road in the dark. You're welcome to stay here if you like. There's plenty of room."

"I suppose you could have the cabin," Hazel suggested. "You might be more comfortable there. And I could stay with Anna in the house."

"Oh, I don't want to put you out of your cozy cabin, Mom."

Anna knew that they were all uncomfortable with the idea of him spending the night in her house with her. The truth was, Anna was probably the most uncomfortable. But if she really planned to run an inn, she would have to get over it. She decided to just be open about it. "I do want this place to be an inn someday," she began carefully, "but I suppose I'm a bit uneasy about, well, having men—even nice ones such as yourself—staying in the house with me." She looked to Hazel for help. "Is that a bit silly on my part?"

"I can understand your concerns," Hazel told her. "Especially if you had strangers here. This is an isolated place, Anna. You'll need to keep that in mind."

"But I did want to set up some beds and things down here." Anna pointed to the room behind them. "I obviously don't have it all ready yet, but I might be able to get it set up for you, Clark, if you don't mind roughing it a bit."

He laughed. "I was actually thinking about just camping out under the stars tonight."

"Wouldn't you rather have a comfortable bed?"

He shrugged. "I suppose that would be nice."

"Why don't you help Anna set things up in there," Hazel suggested. "That way you won't have to sleep on the ground or drive all the way back to town."

"Sounds good to me, if Anna is OK with it."

"That'd be great. You can help me bring a mattress down from upstairs,"Anna said suddenly. "There are new ones coming, but that one up there is perfectly fine. It was from the spare bed in my old bedroom and it rarely got used."

Suddenly, they were all up and moving. "You should turn in, Mom," Clark told her. "I can tell you're tired and you've had a long day."

"That's right,"Anna agreed. "We can handle this. We'll have a makeshift room set up for Clark in no time."

"I am feeling a little worn out." Hazel rubbed her back as she stood. "And I must admit I'm relieved not to give up my little cabin. I'm getting quite comfortable in there, Anna. I might just take up permanent residence here if you don't watch out."

"That would be perfectly fine with me." Anna assured her.

While Clark walked his mother to her cabin, Anna went in and turned on the overhead light in the room where Clark had unloaded today's purchases. It was such a big space, she wished there was a way to make it more cozy. She moved some things around, pushing the two red chairs over by the old woodstove, laying out the carpet, which actually looked rather homey. Then she dragged the headboard to one of the beds, setting it near one of the windows at the front of the room. That might work. She slid one of the bedside tables over next to it and even set a lamp on it, although there was no outlet to plug it into there. But it did make it look a bit less like an empty storeroom.

"Looks like you've made a good start," Clark told her as he came in and looked around.

"Just playing house," she told him. "And feel free to put up the bed wherever you like."

"I like it right there." He pointed to the window. "I can even have fresh air if I want."

"Someday I'd like to redo this whole space." She waved her hands. "But not for a while, I'm afraid." She smiled at him, then suggested they move the mattress down and finish setting up. They went upstairs and he followed her into what had once been her room. Since returning to the river, she'd been sleeping in her parents' old room since she liked the light in there and how its window looked out over the river. She pointed to the only mattress remaining in the room. "That would be the one."

Before she could remove the bedding, Clark picked up the whole works, cradling it in his arms. "Then I'll just be on my way."

"Don't you want me to put on some fresh sheets and things?"

He laughed. "I don't care. Unless there's something special about these things and you want them left up here."

"No, of course not."

"Then I think I'll just take my bed and wish you good night."

Anna felt unsure now, as if she wasn't being a very good hostess. "You don't need any help?"

"No. I'll just put that bed frame together and put this mattress on it, and I'll be asleep before you know it."

"Would you mind turning off the generator down there?" she asked. "When you're done with the light, that is."

"No problem."

But as she was cleaning up in the kitchen, she realized that he would have no source of light whatsoever once the generator was off. What if he got up in the middle of the night and stumbled over some of the things piled up down there? So she grabbed one of the kerosene lamps and some matches and shoved a flashlight in her jacket pocket, hurried down, knocking quietly on the door. She explained her concerns about his lack of light and he opened the door to show her that the bed frame was already assembled. "It looks nice and solid too."

She smiled. "Oh, good, I'd hate to think of it collapsing on you in the middle of the night."

He laughed. "So would I." Now he lifted up the mattress and slightly disheveled bedding and put it onto the wooden frame. "There. That should be just fine."

"If it's too cool down here, feel free to make a fire," she told him.

"Thanks, but it feels just about perfect."

She just looked at him for a long moment. "Are you always so agreeable?"

He seemed to consider this. "Nope." He shook his head. "I can be downright cantankerous sometimes."

She tilted her head to one side. "I'm not sure I believe you."

"It's true. If one of my subcontractors doesn't deliver the level of workmanship I expect, I can get quite disagreeable."

"Well, that's understandable. You want a job done right."

"I appreciate quality." His face lit up with a smile. "And what I said about dinner tonight was absolutely true, Anna. That was quality."

"Well, thank you." She felt her cheeks warming again. "And thank you for ensuring the quality of work around here today." She clapped her hands together. "And that reminds me— I have a phone now. I could even call my daughter." She glanced at her watch. "And it's not even too late—for her anyway." And hopefully Eunice would've gone to bed by now; she often did.