Chapter Seventy Nine

Hi, Dad, it’s me, Camilla.”

“Just one word is all it takes to recognize your voice, Camilla. There is only one voice sweeter and that is your mother’s.”

“Mom would like that, that’s for sure.”

“So what is on your beautiful mind, Camilla?”

“Well, I gave you a clue when I added, “that’s for sure.” Do you remember who likes that phrase more than anyone I know?”

“It does sound familiar…”

“Do you remember Eddy’s wife’s sister, Matilda?”

“Yeah, that’s right. Seems to me she did say that a lot. I do sometimes, too. It’s good when wanting to emphasize something.

“So, what does this have to do with Matilda?”

“Well, first let me tell you about the call I received from Mom last night. She really misses us, especially you, I might add. But you already know that. She wants to come home for Christmas so bad but is afraid to leave James. He is in such poor health and feels that he needs her there. Now, she asked me to do something for her. She didn’t say I shouldn’t tell you, so I feel free to let you know…”

Henry didn’t like the sound of that for some reason. “What is it, Camilla?”

“She wants me to go to her house and pick up her wedding ring. The one she got from James…”

Oh, no, what next…?

“Dad, are you okay?”

“Yes …why does she want the ring? What for?” Henry was eager to know.

“She didn’t say and I didn’t think it was any of my concern to ask her. I just thought I would let you know. I will need a key to get into her house. I know you have one and so does Mable next door—”.

“I can pick it up this afternoon and send it home with Jeremy… where did she say it was?”

“In her jewelry box in the bedroom. She said that I would recognize the ring right away.”

“Yes, I’m sure it must be quite something…”

“Are you sure you want to do this? I can easily slip by there after school.”

“No, that’s fine… it will help me to accept whatever is going on… and there was something else you wanted to tell me about that had to do with Matilda calling. What was that all about?”

“Well, here is where this all gets very interesting. Apparently James wants to fly all of us to his estate for Christmas as a surprise for Jenny. He knows how much Jenny misses you, and will all the more at Christmas, and so he wants our family and his to spend that special time of the year together.”

“My good Lord…”

“Now, you just said another phrase that Matilda says a lot, too. I suppose it’s when something awesome is about to happen or has happened,” Camilla said, trying to make light of it all.

Henry smiled, “That’s about the size of it, Camilla. That is really something. I don’t know what to say… and first thing that comes to mind is that we will never get a flight. Christmas is less than three weeks away.”

“That’s no problem, Dad. Matilda said James would send his private jet to pick us up and a limousine would be waiting at the airport to take us to the Manor… and I know what you are going to say… ‘my good Lord!’ Right?”

Henry chuckled, what else could he do or say? It almost was hilarious. James inviting the man who was waiting for him to die so that he could take his wife. Henry shook his head and softly muttered in the phone, “That’s quite a change for that man… to even think of doing something like that.”

“Well, what do you think? I ran it by Jeremy and he’s all for it. He’s looking forward to some royal treatment. When he said that, I told him it will be a let down from the royal treatment I give to him all the time!”

Henry chuckled again. “Well, let me run it by the kids… what about Father Engelmann? He always spends Christmas with us.”

“She especially said to be sure and bring the holy priest along. Matilda loves Father Engelmann. Why she went on and on how the Holy Spirit works in that man and attributed Mom’s coming back to his prayers and that powerful kiss you and Mom shared that morning.”

“Well, if everyone else is game, I’m all for it, too. I would love to see Jenny, even if it’s under such extraordinary circumstances!”

Henry unlocked the door and entered Jenny’s home. It was kind of eerie coming in after giving back the home to Jenny. He no longer felt that freedom, but rather hesitant and cautious what he looked at and touched. He was here to get Jenny’s wedding ring and leave and yet, like before, everything spoke to him in such a powerful way.

He smelled the lilac fragrance right off along with her presence. It was so strong now. Perhaps it was because he knew for certain that it was Jenny who resided here and not some unknown Marjorie who kept him guessing for months. His quick survey of the room told him the home was exactly as he found it when he first purchased it. Nothing had changed and why should it? It was perfect in every way. It had the touch of someone who cares for every plant and piece of furniture as if it had the owner’s personality indelibly stamped on it.

He recalled that last day he had come in and was guided by Julean to the round table that housed Jenny’s diary. Henry wondered if it was hidden there and if she had written any personal thoughts in the back section. Perhaps it would reveal where her heart was at…

He walked by it, dismissing the temptation, and made his way into the kitchen. He gazed outside at the yard all covered with snow. The Angel of Thanksgiving’s basket held flowers but only soft contours of their shape was revealed by the snow that lay on top. He wondered if the flowers underneath were fresh and alive? He would never forget that miracle… nor all the ones that followed.

If only Jenny were here. He desired to hold her. The smell of her presence made him ache inside. He had better get the ring and leave. Too many memories, too many scents, everywhere he looked he saw Jenny.

The door to her bedroom was partially open. He switched on the light and there it was; the jewelry box immediately to his right on the dresser. He turned on the lamp on the dresser nearest the white, leather covered box. A key was sticking out of the lock. He turned it and the latch sprang open. He lifted the top and it swung back and locked into place. None of the many sections in the top layer resembled anything like a ring; mainly earrings, necklaces, pins and one or two coins that represented some commemoration.

He pulled out the second drawer and it was filled with mainly necklaces and two silver bracelets. He fished through the necklaces to make certain he didn’t miss the ring. There was one bottom drawer; he hoped it would be there. If not, perhaps there was another box in the closet near where her mother’s chest was on the top shelf.

The third and bottom drawer didn’t open right away. It was stuck shut, perhaps from lack of use. He gave it a sharp tug and it pulled free. As soon as more of the interior was revealed, the light caught the huge diamond. It sparkled like something he had never seen before. He felt nervous to touch it. It had a sacredness about it. It represented the love a man had for a woman. A woman that he loved deeply, too. It carried a vow to love that man though, not him and that thought stung his heart.

He picked up the ring and brought it close to the light of the lamp. He squinted to see if there was an inscription inside the gold band. There was. He crouched closer and brought it still nearer the source of light: May, 8, 1965.

He and Julean married September 9, 1962. Almost three years before Jenny and James. The thought of Julean brought him back to the reality of the moment. He looked at the wedding band Julean had given to him. They had uttered the same vows or similar ones that James and Jenny did. That’s some commitment two people make to one another. To love, honour and cherish in good times and in bad until death do they part.

Unbidden tears surfaced in Henry’s eyes. “Dear Jesus, please don’t allow my mind to harbour thoughts of James’ death. Heal him as you did Jenny. Restore his body whole and give him life.”

Henry pulled one dresser drawer open and then another and found what he was looking for; two small square boxes. One had a brooch in it and the other was empty. He kissed Jenny’s ring and placed it into the box, covered it with a cotton pad, closed it and put it into his jacket pocket. He raised his left hand, looked at his wedding band and kissed it as well for a long moment. He knew what his dear sweet Julean would do if she were in the same position as Jenny.

“Yes,” he softly whispered, “yes, Julean, this is the right thing to do.” Henry now knew in his heart what Jenny would do should James live. She was preparing the way… not only for James, but for him as well.