A Hearth in Candlewood (33 page)

Emma’s dilemma intensified through the tearful reunion that began once they arrived back at Hill House, where Aunt Frances’s entire family had gathered with those from Hill House for the joyous occasion. Through dinner, as they all told and retold the details of the plan as it had unfolded and evolved into a new plan that had included Zachary Breckenwith, Emma’s heart grew heavier.

When dessert was finished and the table cleared, Aunt Frances rose from her chair and glanced around the table.

Emma battled tears of joy and sadness. The moment had finally arrived for Aunt Frances to announce her decision, and the time to say farewell was near.

‘‘I love you all,’’ Aunt Frances began. ‘‘Every one of you is a blessing to me, which makes it impossible for me to choose between you. I think I’d like to go home to spend a few days with Andrew and Nora first, then do the same with James and Sarah so I can enjoy being a grandmother again.’’

She paused and looked directly at Emma. ‘‘After that, I was hoping I’d be welcome here at Hill House until the season ends in November so I can spend time with my new family here. I’ll spend the winter with James and Andrew, but I’d like to come back to Hill House each spring for the season again. If you’ll have me, Emma dear.’’

Stunned, all Emma could do was nod. Her heart was beating so fast she thought it would burst. Her throat tightened with emotion, but her tears fell freely now. Her spirit trembled with His very goodness, His wisdom, and His love for them all, and she looked forward now to the time when His plan for her would unfold, according to His will.

E
PILOGUE

T
HE BARE TREES AND CHILLIER WINDS
of early November forecast the annual closing of the Candlewood Canal in a matter of weeks and the end of the hectic tourist season.

From where Emma stood on the patio with a warm cape wrapped around her, she looked beyond the freshly painted gazebo to the new pen she had had built for the chickens in front of the mulberry trees. Inside the pen, near the hen house, the renegade chicken—now named Faith—remained dominant, controlling the flock Emma had discovered at the trash pit. Faith reigned by acting like the rooster Emma refused to get out of concern her guests might object to waking early to the crowing.

The very air that whipped at her cape and cooled her cheeks promised that winter would soon come and life at Hill House would change dramatically, especially as she waited for the owner of Hill House to arrive. The flock of chickens she was watching now would be moved closer to the house. The number of guests would dwindle to the precious few who would be forced by necessity to brave the elements and travel by coach. Aunt Frances would be returning home to live with her sons until spring, and Reverend Glenn and Butter would have to save their walks down to the gazebo until the arrival of fairer weather.

She slid her hand into the pocket of her cape and fingered her keepsakes until she felt the smooth piece of silk she had cut from the riding skirt Aunt Frances had made for her, and smiled.

There was so much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to this winter, as well. With fewer guests, there would be more time to sit and read or sit in front of a fire on the patio, perhaps with Zachary Breckenwith. After his aunt Elizabeth decided to move to Bounty to live with a cousin, he had purchased her home, and his decision to make Candlewood his home permanently was yet another development in their evolving relationship.

Emma would also have more time to spend with Mother Garrett and Reverend Glenn, as well as with Liesel and Ditty, who were already planning the samplers they would make using the fancier stitches Aunt Frances had been teaching them. Come spring, her children and grandchildren would come home for her birthday in April, making it a special day indeed.

The amazing gifts that surrounded her filled her with a deep sense of awe. Although her future here at Hill House remained uncertain, she was now content to let Him lead her to even greater wonders in the days ahead and trusted that there would be a hearth in Candlewood to call her own.

Emma bowed her head and her heart to the One who filled every day of her life with love and hope, the One who offered her so many opportunities to renew her faith in Him each and every day, and to the One who would reveal His will for her, all in His time, if only she held tight to her faith.

A
UTHOR’S
N
OTE

T
HE OPENING OF THE
E
RIE
C
ANAL
in 1825 triggered an exciting era of canal building that quickly spread throughout our young nation, especially in New York State. Inland waterways carried settlers west, linked rural areas to eastern markets, and created incredible commercial wealth for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

In their heyday, the canals virtually transformed small towns like the fictional Candlewood and changed the everyday rhythms of life for the people who lived there. Opportunities seemed boundless until after the Civil War, when the railroad emerged as a more cost-effective form of transportation.

Although the New York Canal System, which included the Erie Canal, continued to operate, many lateral canals were ultimately abandoned and fell into disrepair. Today, however, the packet boats, freight barges, and drivers urging mules along the canals’ towpaths have been replaced by pleasure boats, cyclists, hikers, and fishermen, who are enjoying the canals as recreation centers that reflect the glories of our historical past.

For more information on canals throughout the country and for opportunities to enjoy some of the outdoor adventures they offer, please visit an informative Web site,
www.canals.com/northam.htm
,
or the official Web site of the New York Canal System,
www.canals.state.ny.us/
.

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Kim Vogel Sawyer’s new novel is reminiscent of the storytelling of Janette Oke and the charm of the characters created by Beverly Lewis.

After losing her family to illness, Summer Steadman suddenly finds herself in a small and very close Mennonite community on the Kansas prairie. With her own will to live nearly gone and the suspicious locals unwilling to help an outsider, will they overcome their reluctance and suspicions to help each other?

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shows the triumph of faith and love over fear.

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