“Is that everything?” asks Emma as she closes a lid on a tub of books from the shelf in the den.
“I think so. I didn’t realize that over the years had collected so many wonderful books. I forgotten about some of them and now they are like treasures to be re-read and consumed again” delighted states Mr. Woodhouse at finding so many of his favorite stories among the dust of the shelves “I’m so glad that I can take them with me to the Silver Crest.”
“Well I think your new apartment is nearly wall to wall bookshelves, dad” sighs Emma dreading carrying them any further than the front door but grateful that Knightly is coming down for the week-end to help her father move into his new place.
“Did you know Jennings is moving into the apartment down the hallway at the end of the month? Mrs. Dashing has also reserved a place for when she retires. I didn’t realize that I would have so many friends there too” exclaims Mr. Woodhouse in a tone of excitement and pleasure.
“Would you like some coffee? I’m making some” asks Emma walking towards the kitchen.
“Yes, that would be nice. I’m about done here and a break seems like a good thing to do.”
“I’ll bring it in when it is ready” offers Emma grateful that this transition has gone much more smoothly than she expected.
The door bell rings and loudly echoes in the other room. “Emma, someone is at the door!” hollers Mr. Woodhouse heading towards the den where he hopes to relax for a few minutes to watch his favorite show.
Believing that it is Knightly whom she has been waiting to arrive with the moving truck, Emma opens the door to find Harriet standing in a cowboy hat, fitted red checkered shirt, jeans and some high fashion western boots. “Hi Harriet! It’s so good to see you!” exclaims Emma excited that her friend has finally come to see her “Come on in. I’ve tried to reach you but evidently you’ve been busy lately.”
As she walks into the doorway entrance, Harriet humbly smiles “A lot of things have been happening lately. I got your wedding invitation this morning. I wanted to come and talk to you.”
“OK. We can sit in the kitchen if you would like. I’m making some coffee. Would you like some?” asks Emma not sure what Harriet wants to talk about but ecstatic that at least she wants to talk to her again. It has been a long couple of months.
While sitting down, Harriet suddenly feels how much that she has missed Emma’s friendship chatting in the kitchen as they have many times before. “When I thought of who I wanted to tell, the first person that came to my mind was you. I know that we haven’t been getting along lately but you are my best friend. I don’t know of anyone who I would want to share this with more.”
“Really? You’re my best friend too! What is it you want to tell me?” eagerly asks Emma feeling Harriet’s anticipation and nervousness.
“Robert asked me to marry him” before Emma can interrupt Harriet continues “I know you don’t exactly like him but we get along really well. I love him and he loves me too.”
“Before you say anything else, it’s not that I don’t like Robert. I think that I just liked the idea of being the one to set you up with someone and kind-of being in control of things. Even though I went about it in the wrong way, I didn’t mean to be like that. I’m so sorry that I hurt you. Robert is a good guy and fits with you really well” frankly apologizes Emma.
“I’m so relieved to think that you like him too and think that we are a good couple together! I’ve never enjoyed being around anyone so much!” replies Harriet “We have a great time together and see things in so many similar ways.”
“So when do you think you’ll be getting married?” curiously asks Emma.
“Not until I finish school and have a teaching job lined up. Robert wants to save some money so we have a bit of a cushion when we get married and have a place of our own” Harriet continues proud of Robert’s accomplishments “He’s been given another promotion and is doing really well!”
“It sounds like a wonderful plan, Harriet! I’m so excited for you! But I do want to ask you something” offers Emma.
“What is it?” asks Harriet not sure what Emma might say next especially in regards to Robert.
“Would you be my maid-of-honor? I haven’t asked anyone else yet because I was hoping that somehow before then we would be talking like we use to” explains Emma as takes another sip of coffee waiting for a response.
“I would love too as long as you promise to be my M.O.H. as well!” shrieks Harriet “We’ve got so much to get working on. I can hardly wait!”
Emma hears the front door open, “Emma? Where are you? I brought a friend in with me who was hiding out in his car in the driveway.”
Harriet eyes widen and she blushes “That’s Robert! I told him he could come in but Robert said he would prefer to wait until I sent a signal that it was okay to come on in. Since we’ve been talking, I forgot he was still in the car. It’s been over an hour. Hopefully he didn’t mind. . . .”
Robert grabs his hat and takes it off nervously holding in the palms of his hands when he sees Emma enter the living room. “I hope it is all right that I came in with Knightly.”
“Oh, of course . . . it’s really good to see you again Robert. I hear things are going very well for you and Harriet. You are welcome to come over any time and as much as you want to. I’m so happy for both of you!” warmly greets Emma.
“Thanks!” Robert is shocked by Emma’s friendliness and excitement over recent developments.
Knightly is pleased with Emma’s openness towards Robert and Harriet’s engagement. He’s been friends with Robert for quite awhile now and knows that he is a wonderful match for Harriet. Knightly is very happy for both of his good friends.
“What are all the tubs for?” asks Harriet looking around the room.
“Dad is moving into the Silver Crest” offers Knightly “and we’re helping him to move to his new place this week-end.”
“Jennings and Mrs. Dashing are too! They are all going to have such a good time together. I’m sure Alice will be over there all the time too. It’s going to be a great place for him” suggests Harriet continuing “Robert and I have been visiting once a week with the residents. He brings his guitar and I sing. Usually it goes pretty well at least they seem to enjoy it. I enjoy talking with everybody and playing some card games. I’ve become fairly good at Skip-Bo and Phase 10. They have so many great stories and they are a lot of fun too”.
“Has anyone heard from Jane or Grant lately?” asks Robert feeling a little out of touch with everything happening at Crestwood lately due to being busy at the Devon outpost “I haven’t met the new Lieutenant Collins or Colonels Deburgh. Have you met the new corps officers or him yet?”
There are a few shared and private glances between each other. No one really wants to comment.
“You’ll have a chance to meet them soon, I’m sure” responds Emma after feeling everyone else’s reluctance to say anything “They are inviting each member over to their home, basically letting them know of their expectations for the year. It’s been quite interesting. Rather than say anymore, I’ll let you find out for yourself.”
Avoiding the subject, Knightly shares “Jane and Grant went back home for awhile to tell the news to their extended families. They will be back in a couple of weeks. They are planning on getting married during Christmas time at Netherfield so everyone will be getting together again in just a few more months. It will be good to see some of our old friends again at the wedding. We can ride down together, if you are interested in going with Emma and me.”
“Sounds like a plan to me!” smiles Robert looking forward to the trip already.
“Hey Robert, can you grab that tub? If we all help I think it will only take an hour or two and Emma’s dad will be all moved in. We can all go out to dinner afterwards and I’ll treat!” asks Knightly taking a heavy tub of books in his hands.
“I think Tex-Mex at the ‘Rio Grande’ sounds pretty good to me!” suggests Robert following behind Emma and Harriet each carrying a few things out to the moving truck as a new phase of life begins.
