Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 97032 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97032 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 485(@200wpm)___ 388(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
“I’d love to do that, Millie. The society should make sure it keeps Willow Lake history properly kept and displayed for future generations.” I was already sounding like the president of Willow Lake Historical Society.
“I am delighted to hear that. Your Aunt Effie would be proud of you and that you and Ian are a couple would greatly please his Uncle Max since he was such a dear friend of your aunt’s. I will check my calendar tomorrow when I get to work and call you to arrange a date, Pepper.”
“I look forward to your call.”
“Enjoy the beautiful spring day.” Millie returned to her husband to walk off with the couple he had been talking with.
“Dear friend,” Ian whispered, “if she only knew the truth. Not that I’d ever reveal what your aunt and my uncle meant to each other. They kept the secret for years and I’ll continue to do so. It looks like you have no choice now but to apply to be president of the Willow Lake Historical Society.”
“I didn’t say I was going to. I said my mom suggested it,” I clarified.
He chuckled. “That sounds like an anointing of the position to me.”
“I’m familiar with anointing,” Reverend Herbert said with a chuckle of his own as he approached us. “Maybe I can help.”
“Pep joined the Willow Lake Historical Society, and her mom suggested she apply to be president, following in her Aunt Effie’s footsteps,” Ian explained.
“I didn’t know your aunt. She was far before my time here, but I have heard wonderful things about her and her generosity to so many. Hard shoes to fill. But from what I hear many say, you are much like her, so your mother is correct in encouraging you to seek the position. The historical society needs someone who has a history with it. Not speaking ill of the dead but providing you with information that might help you in the position, Pepper. Melvin Waters complained to me several times about how he could not wait to retire and pursue his hobby in earnest. Nothing else seemed to matter to him.”
“What was his hobby?” Ian asked.
“Treasure hunting.”
“From what I’m hearing your mom is a shoo-in to win the mayor’s race. She’s revealed how badly Barrett messed up the town’s finances and how he gave contracts to friends, not to mention how he and his cronies had their streets and driveways cleared of snow before anyone in the town, even the police building,” Amy said as she watched my mom talk to people in the Star Diner the next day.
My mom, Amy, and I met regularly at the diner for breakfast. It gives us a chance to catch up on things.
My mom’s voice rang clear from a few booths away.
“We have planters donated from the Madison Garden Center. They will be situated along both sides of Main Street at an appropriate distance and will burst with seasonal flowers. Benches will sit beside a few of the planters for whoever needs a rest and store doors will be painted a variety of bright colors to attract attention. All that work will start next week. There is also a new store that will open soon, Sadie’s Bakery & Café. It will boast an outdoor seating area. Oh, and many have been asking about Bud’s Sporting Goods closing since Bud is retiring, his children having no interest in the store and having moved away. I spoke with Bud, and he tells me he is in negotiations with someone now and the fellow is looking to expand the size of the store.”
“Bud must be ancient by now,” Amy whispered. “I recall him being old when we were young.”
“Most everyone looks old when you’re young,” I reminded her.
“Sally, lunch is ready,” Lara called out as she placed our plates on the table.
“I meant to ask you, Mom,” I said when she joined us in the booth. “Do you know where Aunt Effie’s search for history on the Willow family took her in Ireland?”
“I believe she started with the name and went from there.”
“That’s what I did, but it was a dead end,” Amy said. “The only reference I found for Ignatius and Claire Willow was their boarding document.”
“I do recall Effie saying something similar. But the Willows proved to be a decent and generous couple. Whatever brought them here doesn’t really matter anymore. They built a town, helped people, left a legacy that will be long remembered. That’s what matters now.”
“But there is the question of the treasure or dowry or whatever,” I said. “That is an expensive diamond and pearl necklace Claire Willow is wearing in that portrait. How did she come by it?”
“Ignatius Willow adored his wife and was a hardworking man. Doesn’t it seem remotely possible that he wanted to lavish her with a gift?” my mom said, but then she always looked for the good in people.