The Flames Of Love

Daniel is in hot water, and the Valentine Window display takes shape.

The Historical Society approved the iron fence that Brenda "needed" in order to keep children, and dogs wandering through her property. Farleigh liked the idea of having it just low enough to accentuate the property, and just high enough to discourage trespassers. There were design specifications, and a fencing representative would visit the property within a few days. The price would be high, no doubt, but Brenda planned to leave part of the fence movable in case she also got approval on her caboose idea. Once on the property, the fence could be completed, and accentuate "the wonderful caboose."

Daniel phoned the shop while Farleigh was at Dumm's Corner buying a light lunch to bring back and share with Brenda. Caitlin, it seemed, was a nosy wife, and had found several "dirty" magazines under hubby's side of the bed, a place she never vacuumed, and had no real reason to snoop. An argument ensued, and Daniel promised to throw them out at work. Brenda agreed to hide them for him if they weren't illegal, and suggested he make up an excuse to come to the house for "something" he needed. "Call me at home tonight" she replied, and said good bye.

Farleigh would be going back to Beltsville after lunch, and returning in a few days to help with the shop window. Brenda had changed her mind a bit about the placement of the two Valentine lovers, and felt that another male mannequin would add authenticity when all of the facts were shared with the visiting public. She wasn't 100% certain whether to show the true state of the lovers during the accident, or to depict them in a heavenly setting.

Mr. Griffin stopped by and announced that he might ask Daniel, Henry, and Caitlin to take part in a reenactment of some kind when Spring and Summer arrived. There were Colonial, and Civil War dramas to choose from. Brenda shuddered when she thought about Caitlin in "wench" clothing holding little Henry shouting "save the horses" to a couple of farm hands. No doubt, she would catch the acting bug, and try to weasel a few costumes here and there from "Miss Grayson's huge wardrobe" store room. No other human being irked Brenda as much as Caitlin.

Farleigh left at 3 PM, and Brenda contemplated the young couple who had lost their lives in a famous train accident. Helene came into the shop, and showed Brenda a book with drawings from the train wreck. Notes were taken quickly, and Brenda approved of the backdrop for the newlywed's last moments on earth. The night scene depicted snow on the ground, and people frantically trying to douse the flames with giant snowballs. The finer details would be shared with any shop visitors during the month.

Mr. Griffin phoned to see how she was feeling, and said that he was very eager to see the window. The mysterious photographer, Webster, would certainly come along, and take pictures. Brenda walked back to the Blundon house after locking up. She always wondered exactly where Mr. Blundon's body was found. It seemed as good a place as any to send him a telepathic message, and she mentioned the young couple. For an instant she received something about the "train Gang."  Mr. Blundon must have been sitting right by the spirit phone.  

C J. Marks