Emerald Green (Book 2)

Chapter Three

Chapter Three

Moving Day and Monday Morning Errands

When John and Charlie arrived at Clara's apartment, the women had crates packed with John's belongings. The men made several trips up and down the steep outdoor staircase carrying the boxes back to John and Isabel's apartment.

"I hate these stairs," said Charlie.

He and John inspected the rickety stairs that led to the apartment.

"They are definitely in need of repair," said John. "Have you ever considered moving to the hotel until you build your house?"

"I have thought about it," said Charlie. "But where would we keep all of Clara's furniture?"

"Is there room to store anything at the livery?" asked John.

"There might be," said Charlie. "It would involve cleaning out an area for storage."

"The livery could use a good cleaning," suggested John.

"I'll look into it," said Charlie.

They climbed the stairs to retrieve the last trunk, which was a trunk that belonged to John's parents. Isabel and Clara were sorting through the items in the chest. Clara had kept some of John's clothes when he was a boy.

"I can't believe you were ever this small," said Isabel as she held up a pair of small pants.

"What do you mean?" asked John. "I was always big for my age."

"And you grew like a weed," said Clara. "I had a hard time keeping him in pants that were long enough."

John knelt and looked in the trunk. He recognized one of his mother's dresses. He lifted the material to his nose, and faintly smelled his mother's perfume. Underneath the dress was his mother's jewelry box. He lifted it out and opened the box.

"This belongs to you," said John as he gave it to Isabel. "I am sure my mother would have wanted you to have it."

"Are you sure?" asked Isabel as she looked at John and then at Clara.

"Why, of course," said Clara. "Agnes would have wanted John's wife to have her jewelry."

"Thank you," said Isabel as she held the jewelry box close to her heart.

"I could use some coffee," said Charlie. "I'm tired of all those trips up and down that damn staircase."

Clara laughed, walked over to the small kitchen area, and set out cups and saucers. She poured everyone a cup of coffee and offered them a plate of cookies. They sat in the apartment at the small dining table to enjoy the warm beverage and home-baked goodness.

Charlie told the women about their army buddies arriving in town.

"I need to gather my stuff from the livery," said Charlie. "How about if I invite them to the hotel for supper?"

"That sounds like fun," said Clara.

"Do you need any more help?" asked Isabel.

"No, you go along back to your apartment, and I will see you both at the hotel this evening for supper," said Clara.

John and Charlie carried the large trunk back to the Webster's apartment, and then Charlie left John and Isabel alone to unpack. Charlie walked to the livery to gather his few belongings from the bunkhouse.

John and Isabel spent the rest of the day unpacking the crates. Isabel used the wooden boxes to store most of his clothing, and she hung up his dress clothes on the few hangers she had.