By Strength of Mind and Lantern's Light

By Strength of Mind and Lantern's Light
A weary mind is strengthened when a hopeful thought appears
Releasing times chained to confines erasing doubts and fears

As Matilda and I stood waiting to see what was going on behind the opposite side of the door, Boris began sniffing between the bottom and the hinges.  He stopped next to the bottom right corner where the door meets the floor then began whining.  I went back to the peep hole and looked again.  There, standing less than ten feet away from me was my father, lantern in hand, next to Mr. Prat.  I wanted to open the door immediately but waited knowing he would expect me to follow what he had spent so many years teaching me.  Then I stepped away from the peep hole next to the door and listened. 
Only seconds later I heard, "little elf, little elf, living there I wish to visit would you care?"
My reply, "only if your heart is true, tell me more do I know you?"
He said, "You ought to know now don't you see, for you're an elf just like me."
"If that be true, and that be so then do what elves are never told."  After I spoke I went back to the peep hole to look.  The lantern light that filled the tunnel went out.  I told Matilda to hand me the lamp then go to close the curtain where Isabella was sleeping.  She did exactly as I instructed.  I increased the lamp light then began unlocking the safety locks on the door.  Matilda stood back in the living room near the small couch.  When the final lock was loosened I opened the door.  He removed the hat from the top of his head and smiled, "at your service, my lady."  I didn't hesitate to give him a hug. 
"You got my message?"
"I did" he patted my shoulder.  "Did you get the one your mother sent back?"
"Yes, Father Francis brought it by earlier."
I stepped back from our embrace then offered him and Mr. Prat inside.  Mr. Prat politely tipped his hat to me as he followed my father inside.  "Good to see you, Mr. Prat." 
He replied, "good to see you again, Ms. Penelope."   
I closed the door behind them.  When I started to close the locks back father stepped up, "here, I'll do that.  Get your robe on over those pajamas." 
"Yes, sir" I responded.  "Matilda, follow me." 
Matilda and I went to where the curtain was drawn.  I pulled it back slightly then reached for a jacket for myself, and an extra dressing robe for Matilda.  "Put this on" I said.  Without question or hesitation she did.  I pulled the shorter house jacket over my shirt then tied the belt.  When I next looked back towards the living room Boris was enjoying being petted by my father.  I whispered to Matilda, "it's alright, I'll introduce you."  We walked back over to join Mr. Prat and my father. 
"Matilda Dayhuff this is my father Percival Lochlan and our family's friend Mr. Prat.  Father, Mr. Prat, this is Matilda Dayhuff.  She's visiting Isabella and myself from Pembrook."
"Pleased to make your acquaintance Ms. Dayhuff."  Both father and Mr.Prat replied to her.  She returned their acknowledgments graciously then offered her services.  "Thank you both.  Are you hungry?  I can make you both something to eat." 
"No, thank you, Mrs. Prat made supper this evening."  Father answered Matilda.  Mr. Prat also declined her offer with a polite, "no, thank you."  Matilda then offered them both a coffee or tea to refresh them from their journey.  They both accepted her offer.  "Penelope" she offered me the same.  "Yes, please.  Thank you, Matilda."  She politely responded with, "You're welcome.  I'll just be a moment" then went to the kitchen. 
"Where's mom?"  All my attention turned to my father.  "Is she here," I was eager to know.  
"Not at the moment.  She reluctantly stayed in town with Mrs. Prat; and I do mean reluctantly." 
"There was a big ruckus in town when Longfellow arrived.  Half of Riverton was still at work when I was there."
"Longfellow's in Riverton?"
He nodded his head silently.  "The roads are all closed for the evening.  Apparently his associates convoy through made most of the outlying roads unpassable unless you're on horseback."
"How did you get here?  I wasn't expecting you until at least Thursday."
"The tunnels," he answered as he reached into his coat pocket to retrieve the telegram I had sent to the library out of his pocket holding it up in the air.  "Which was the plan until I received this."
It made me smile.  "I didn't want to worry mom."
"Yes, well, it worked."  He chuckled lightly, "until I told her we needed to leave immediately then she worried." 
We walked to the couches in the center of the room to sit down.  Father filled me in on all the events that had happened while he was at the council building.  While we talked Matilda went to the kitchen to make tea.  After he had brought me up to speed on the current situations in Riverton I wanted to know how much longer he expected the troubles to continue. 
"Well, that will depend on the people involved and how willing they are in settling their differences.  Mean while, your mother and I want you to come home with us to Bridge Port.  That's why we came so quickly."
"Bridge Port?  But, who'll watch the house?  We can't just leave it unattended."
"It won't be unattended. Thurgood and Horace will keep an eye on it.  But you and Isbella need to be somewhere out of this mess until this situation is resolved."
"What about Matilda?  She's visiting until she can find employment."
He looked up at Matilda who had returned with the tea tray freshly prepped, prepared with our refreshments.  Father was a straight forward man.  "She has a family, doesn't she?  I hate that her visit came under such circumstances but the best thing for all of you to do right now is to leave Riverton until this is settled.  That last thing any of us need is some lunatic using our daughters to cause more chaos or threaten us with their safety." 
I looked at Matilda who was obviously embarrassed by the situation then spoke openly, "I'm going to tell him your situation.  Please don't be offended."  She smiled politely without speaking.  Without hesitating I started regailing the confidential facts about the situations surrounding Matilda's visit with Isabella and myself to my father and Mr. Prat.  Matilda graciously served my father a cup of tea, then Mr. Prat.  When she offered me the same I declined the tea for water.  She filled a glass with water, brought it to me, then started to leave the area where we were speaking, going in the direction of the bed where Isabella was resting until I called out to her to stop.  I wanted her to be able to listen to the conversation without feeling like she was just an inconvience that was being disposed of.  "Here, sit with me," I encouraged her.  She hesitated but only until my father acknowledged my request the same.  "Yes, please, Ms. Dayhuff, join us."  He stood from the couch where he had been seated.  "I would like if you stayed." 
Matilda timidly returned to where we were then sat down next to me.  When my father reseated himself I took the cup and saucer from the tray Matilda had prepared and poured her a cup of tea.  "Here" I gave her the saucer.  She accepted the cup.  My father looked at her for a moment then spoke, "so this LaFeu fellow, you're afraid of him?"
Matilda let out a deep sigh before she answered lowly, "yes, sir.  I'm also afraid of what he would do to my family because I ran away.  Mr. Sheffield has yet to send word to me that they're okay."
"I understand" he answered her politely then looked at me.  "I'm sure you've given this some thought, what would you suggest we do about this arrangement?"
"I sent for you because I knew you needed to be here.  I wanted you here.  As for Matilda, I told her she could stay with me and I would keep her safe.  I intend to keep my word to her.  If you want us to go to Bridge Port, that's fine.  But Matilda goes with me.  However, one the other hand, if we wait here until morning and gather as much information as we can then we'll be able to make a better decision on whether or not we should go any where.  I know these tunnels like the back of my hand.  Isabella and Matilda would be a help to keep around here seeings how that they both can cook and with every one who's roaming in and around the paths right now, someone will need to feed them.  The men will need go betweens.  We can do that."  He looked at me considering my words.  I continued with, "besides, if Longfellow is tracking LaFeu then LaFeu will probably disappear for a while and leave someone else in his stead to see what's going on while he's hiding."
Mr. Prat spoke up, "I thought that myself."
Father glanced at him then back at me.  I could see the fatigue on his face from his obviously long day.  "Yeah, we thought that too." 
"Which means," I went on to say, "that everyone this side of Riverton and Hovington will be milling around out of sight for at least the next month or so just to make sure every one has some sort of protection, right?"
Father nodded his head slightly, "probably, yes."
"Going to Bridge Port would only leave this place sitting empty with no one to stock the pantry bags, no one to make sure the paths stay clear, and potentially give LaFeu's men a place to set up house in to hide.  I think it would give the Riverton folks better help if I stayed here.  We all know each other.  We all know the routines that keep this place moving freely.  Isabella and Matilda can decide for themselves if they want to go back to Pembrook," I looked at Matilda confidently, "or Bridge Port, or where ever they would feel safest, if they wanted to.  But even that would take a few days to make the arrangements for their safe passage.  Inevitably the decision would be your's and Isabella's as to where you wanted to go; if, of course, we're forced to leave here.  Then you'll go where ever I go."  When I finished speaking I looked back at my dad who sat quietly across from me. 
He drank from his tea cup then looked at Mr. Prat.  Mr. Prat remained silent allowing my father time to think.  "Who all knows Matilda is here?"  He asked.
"Mr. Samuels, Mr. Whittenburg and Mrs. Judith, Mr. Hunt, Oliver, Charles, Marve Goodpasture, and whoever else is outside watching the property."
"Earl said that you went to the meeting in town." 
"Yes, sir"
"Did Isabella and Matilda go with you?"
"Yes, they did.  But not to the meeting.  They went shopping.  My guess is if LaFeu's men were watching town then they saw everyone roaming around; including Matilda.  Charles said LaFeu had had men all over the place for the past three months or so."  The cup in Matilda's hand loudly clinked against the saucer.  When I looked at her I could see her anxiety about the situation returning to her face. 
Father spoke next, "alright, well this is what we're going to do: we're going to rest tonight then tomorrow we're going to see what's going on out there.  You girls stay in here tonight, Mr. Prat and I will go to the house for the rest of the evening. I'll also let the other's using the paths know that this place is only to be checked through to the doors but no further; unless something is wrong and you all need to evacuate.  When I see you tomorrow, I'll be able to tell you all what the better plan will be.  Then we can decide who's going where if it needs to be that way.  If not, we'll have a path plan for you.  Alright?"  He stood up from his seat on the couch.  Mr. Prat placed his tea saucer on the table then stood up next to my father.  I stood up next and answered him, "alright, we'll expect you tomorrow.  Should I take some food through to the barn in the morning?"
"No, Mr. Prat and I did that on the way in.  Do you have everything you need here?  Do you need anything from the house?"
"We're all good here.  We brought what we needed, earlier.  Marve Goodpasture was asleep in the kitchen room and Harold Grouse was there when we left.  Spike and Stogie are up there too. There's no telling who's there now.  We've been in here for the past eight hours or more."
"Well, we'll find out when we get there."  Father picked his hat up off the arm of the couch and placed it on his head.  He stepped to me and took me in his arms.  His coat smelled like his pipe tobacco mixed with cologne.  "I tell you the truth, you get prettier every time I see you," he said.  When he released me from his hug he asked Mr. Prat if he was ready to go.  Mr. Prat said, "yes."  Father then bid Matilda and myself a good night as did Mr. Prat.  I followed the two of them back to the door then latched it back securing it closed for the remainder of the evening.  After the door was fastened I went back to the couch where I had been sitting with Matilda.  She was quiet staring at the tea tray on the table.  "Are you alright?"  I inquired. 
She sighed then spoke, "I'm fine.  A little tired but I'm alright."  I could tell there was something she was wanting to say but was, in her own way, trying to with hold from saying it at the moment. 
Now, I'm not the smartest person in the world but I do know that when people are having those kind of moments it's usually because they're waiting to see what actually occurs around them before they assert themselves in any particular way.  But at the same time I wanted to reassure her that what I had said to her, and my father, was exactly what I was going to do.  "Matilda, I meant it.  I don't want you to leave and I won't go anywhere you can't go.  Father understands that more than you may be giving him credit for.  So don't worry, alright.  Everything will work out.  You'll see."  She smiled a polite smile then said,  "It's just that I've been such an inconvience to you already.  I don't want to impose any more than I already have."
"Oh, hush that."  I honestly wanted to settle any angst she could have been feeling.  I didn't even bother trying to joke her.  "You're not an inconvience.  You needed a friend and a safe place to stay to regain your livelihood.  I could have turned you away, you know?  When you first came here; I could have said no and sent you to the boarding house in town.  But I didn't."
"No, you didn't.  But that's just because of Isabella."  She looked at her hands in her lap. 
"Not true," I told her.  "I could have said no to Isabella as well and sent her with you," I smiled hoping she would find some ease to her concerns.  I'm not sure if it helped or not but I reassured her again, "honestly, if we do end up having to go to Bridge Port, you will be more than welcome to go along.  But if what father said is true, and I'm sure that it is, then I'll be staying right here.  If push comes to shove then you and Isabella can go to Bridge Port to our house there if you'd like.  I'm sure mother and father would be more than willing to oblige you both; and possibly help you find someone to work for.  They know more than a fair few people there who could possibly use your skill sets there.  Even after all of this is over, if you wanted and felt safe enough to do so, I'm sure they could help accommodate you until you found the right situation for you to return to work.  I was actually going to mention it to you earlier but with every thing so up in the air right now I didn't think it would be something to discuss until afterwards."
Matilda's eyes searched mine intently.  Her gaze was one I wasn't sure of.  After her continued stare and silence I asked, "what are you thinking?"
"You're father," she said.  I couldn't help but slightly smile.  She continued with, "I was reading his family's history earlier this evening while you were sleeping."
"And?"  Was my reply.
"I imagined him differently."
"Different?  How do you mean?"
"I'm not sure.  I guess I just imagined him more sternly than he was when I met him just now.  I was expecting him to be somber or oh, what's the word?  Portentous, and formal, maybe?"
I chuckled at her attempt to describe him.  "Formal?"
"Yes, well, I was obviously wrong" she chortled.  "In person he seemed to be so open and caring; genuinly good natured, like you." 
"Not a muddled old clod stomper, you mean?"
"Penelope" she giggled.  "No, I mean he looked so relieved and happy to see you.  I think that's the first time I ever saw a man look so over joyed to see anyone.  My father has never looked at me that way.  I mean he cares for me, yes, and gives me adequate attention but, I'm not sure.  I think it's the way he so openly acknowledged you among company.  My father would have offered me his arm and introduced me not swept me up in his arms to hug me." 
"Yeah well, looks can be deceiving and words can be misleading.  Especially if you're not familiar with the people you read them about.  You did get your first impressions of him from an anthology written by him and his family."
"Has he always been like that?"  She honestly seemed surprised by the impression my father had gave her.  "As long as I've known him, yes.  So was his mother and father, my grandparents.  He's very impressionable and personable with every one he knows."  She looked at the book she had sat aside earlier that was still sitting on the small table next to the chair.  "Maybe you're right; books are just words on a page.  People are much more than a grouping of written words."  As we talked I noticed the anxiousness from earlier easing from her demeanor.  She looked much more comfortable.  I myself was feeling much better knowing that he was here.  Our conversation continued from there, mostly with Matilda asking questions, while referring to the book from time to time; asking about people in the pictures, names of the places marked on old hand drawn maps, then the stories and poetries that were written in.  Of course the story of their family plight to leave Switzerland was the most intriquing to her until she reached their settling into Riverton.  She was surprised at the amount of businesses that had grown up there over the past fifty years, noting how few were actually recorded as existing in the early listings of the books contents.  We talked about the families that had expanded their lives over the years branching out to build more towns like Hovington, and East Forge which now existed south of us and Hovington.  Our conversation lasted for hours, fueled by a pot of coffee for myself and a pot of tea for Matilda.  By the time Isabella woke Matilda and I had already prepared a small breakfast consisting of oatmeal and biscuits.  The smell of the biscuits is what Isabella attributed to waking her from her restful night.  Together the three of us ate breakfast.  Matilda is the one who filled Isabella in on most of the nights events including my father's arrival from Bridge Port.  When she did Isabella looked at me very surprised and asked why I hadn't woke her to greet him.  I told her not to worry, that she would see him today.  Matilda looked at the small watch on her necklace to tell us the time.  When she did we were all surprised.  It was only six o'clock in the morning.  "And here I've kept you awake all night talking about your family," she said apologetically.  I reminded her then that she herself hadn't slept at all while Isabella sat looking between the two of us rather confused.  After we finished eating Matilda cleared away the dishes while I went to the bathroom to wash and change my clothes for the day.  As I exited the bathroom Matilda entered to do the same.  I went to the couch and sat down looking at the book that had given Matilda a night away from her worries. 
"So you two were awake all night" Isabella's voice interrupted my thinking. 
"No, Matilda was awake all night.  Didn't get one wink of sleep that I know of.  Better keep an eye on her today if things get too rowdy.  I don't want her to faint again.  She did eat though.  So maybe she'll be alright."
"Uh huh" Isabella made more of a noise than a set of words. 
I looked at her wondering what the response meant.  Before I could ask what she meant Boris's ears perked up.  He moved quickly up from the rug to go straight to the door.  I told Isabella queitly to get dressed but before she did to tell Matilda someone was in the path.  Isabella did what I said immediately without a second thought.  By the time I was next to Boris at the door, Isabella was tapping on the bathroom door then stepped inside.  I waited patiently, yet jovially, hoping it was my father instead of someone else.  It wasn't him; but when the voice said, "Then came the day I saw your face the heavens on me did smile, Annointing me by sun and stars the mother of you, sweet child" that I could barely return the proper reply.  I worked on unfastening the latches to the door as I said, "If ever then that life foresake you and lead you wayward from my sight, Rest your soul upon my memory and rest, my love, till morning's light."  When the door opened my mother stepped into the room quickly, enfolding me in her arms.  "Penelope" she whispered softly.  "I'm so glad you're safe.  Here, let me look at you," she stepped back but took my hands in her own.  Then hugged me close to her again.  "Darling, I was so worried.  But you're alright.  I'm so very thankful."  While she spoke I noticed Mr. Li, Bryce Thatcher, and his mother Mrs. Anne Thatcher, standing in the door way.  Bryce made eye contact with me, smiled, and gave me a wink.  Mr. Li removed his hat, bowing slightly to greet me in silence, while Mrs. Thatcher stood hands clasps in front of her, smiling.  Mother's hug lingered a few seconds longer before she released me.  "Has your father been here yet?"  She asked.
"Yes, he was here earlier; him and Mr. Prat.  He went to the house with the others." 
She wiped the hair back from my face.  "Oh goodness, look at you, you look like you've lost weight.  Have you been eating?"  I couldn't help but chuckle at her comment.  "Mom, I've gained five pounds.  I had to buy new clothes to fit in last month."
"Yes well," she hugged me close again.  It was another minute before I heard her sigh slightly and relax next to me.  I turned my face into her warm hair that smelled of fresh spring hyacinths in bloom.  "I've missed you," I whispered softly.  "I've missed you, dear" she eased back away from me, smiling through lightly moistened happy tears.  I looked towards the door to remind her that we were in the presence of other company.  She patted my cheek lightly.  "Where is Isabella?"  I looked towards the bathroom door.  "In there with her friend, Matilda.  I'll let them know it's alright after I close the door."  Then I stepped around her only slightly to invite her companions to join us inside. "Mrs. Thatcher"  I greeted her while offering her inside,  "Penelope," she smiled greeting me formally then moving into the room, followed by Bryce who offered me a wink and a grin, then Mr. Li who also smiled and bowed his head slightly in greeting.  Once they were all inside I went to the bathroom door and knocked gently.  "It's alright, Isabella.  It's my mother."  The door opened slightly at first then widened.  Isabella spoke lightly, "I need to dress.  Will you bring me my clothes from the closet by the bed?" 
"Yeah sure; is Matilda presentable yet?"
Matilda stepped up behind Isabella to answer.  "Yes, I'm dressed." 
"I want to introduce you." 
She smiled then she and Isabella exchanged places so Matilda could exit the room.  "I'll be right back with your clothes," I said to Isabella who replied a simple "thank you" then closed the door.  Mother and the others were already seated in the living room. Mother noticed Matilda and I standing across the room and smiled.   Matilda went to the bed quarters to put away her night gown.  She gathered Isabella's clothes whilst she was there then brought them back over to hand through the bathroom door.  After she had did so we walked together to the living room.  "Matilda Dayhuff I would like to introduce you to my mother, Glenda Lochlan" I motioned in the direction of her then continued on with the others, "and this is Bryce Thatcher, his mother Mrs. Anne Thatcher, and Mr. Li."  They all greeted each other generously.  As they did mother looked at me and patted the seat next to her.  I sat down scooting close enough to her to leave room for Matilda to sit next to me.  Mother took my hand into both of hers and gripped it securely.  "I thought you were suppose to be at the Prats?"  I smiled speaking quietly to her.  "I was" she answered, "until young Bryce there came by and mentioned he was on his way here."  I looked at Bryce who had already greeted Matilda and took a seat in the chair between the couches.  He smiled then took his hat in his hand and placed it on his knee.  I gave him a quick wink and quiet, "thank you" then turned my attention back to my mother.  "Have you ate this morning" I asked her quietly as the others finished their greetings.  "I'm alright" she replied.  "Have you" she asked then went on to say, "I can make you and the others something if you haven't." 
"We've already ate but we have a few biscuits left over and some fresh apple butter in the cupboard if you'd like some."
"Maybe later" she answered as the others quietened down.  I looked back at Matilda who was still standing and offered her a seat next to me.  Mother was the first to open the conversation, "so your father and Mr. Prat are in the house, then?"
"Yes, as far as I know any way.  They were here about two o'clock or so."
Bryce took the conversation next, "well it will probably please you to know that every thing through the paths from town indicated that things were settling down; for the evening at least. We started this way around two or so after an upheavel at the hotel unraveled.  Bit of scurmish there left Mr. Longfellow and his boys in search of a man by the name of Gaston LaFeu, who for all intents and purposes seems to be the man in charge of all the commotion going on up there."  He pointed his finger towards the roof. 
"Yeah, dad mentioned that earlier too.  I guess we'll know more after the sun gets up and every body has time to talk.  By the way, if you're here who's helping your father today?"
"Allan was covering the morning round by himself so dad can sleep some, then him and Phillip are going back in the afternoon.  Been a busy place the past few days.  Did you say Isabella is here too?"
I grinned, "yeah, she's getting dressed.  Can I offer you something to drink, tea, water, juice maybe?"
"Yeah, some water would be nice.  Mom" he asked his mother for me.
"Oh yes, tea if you have it," Mrs. Thatcher looked to me as she answered. 
"I'll get it" Matilda quickly responded.  "Mr. Li, would you be interested in something to drink?"
"Tea, yes, that would be fine" he answered. 
"Here, I'll help you" I offered my services to Matilda. 
"Nonsense, you have company, I'll fetch it.  Mrs. Lochlan, did you want tea also?"
"No, thank you Matilda.  Water would be better for me right now." 
Matilda pleasantly smiled then looked at me, "Penelope?  Tea?" 
"No, I'm alright.  I'll get mother's water while you make the tea."  I stood up and we went to the small kitchen.  Boris was steadfast by my mother while she petted him, greeting him fondly.  "I see you've took excellent care of everyone here haven't you?  Penelope, bring the dog something for me will you?"
Matilda glanced at me whispering, "you're mother's lovely.  Much more so than her photographs."
"I know" I told her then replied to my mom's request.  "Yes, mam." 
I took down a large tin from the top cupboard and opened it to remove some of the dried beef strips for Boris.  Then I prepared a quick pitcher of fresh water, found a glass and made my way back to where mother was seated.  Boris waited patiently at her side for me to offer him the treat mother had asked for him.  I gave him a part of it then handed the rest to her to feed him while I poured her water.  Afterwards I rejoined Matilda to prepare a few tea biscuits and jam to present for those who would possibly want something to go with their morning tea.  As I placed the plate of biscuits next to the jam on the tea tray I heard my mother's voice greet Isabella.  When I turned around mother had left her seat on the couch and went to greet her near the sleeping room at the back of the room. 
"Do you suppose she'll want something?"  Matilda asked in regards to Isabella. 
"I'll fix a juice tray here on the counter.  I don't think there's room on the table for both the tea and that."  As the last word left my mouth the tea kettle on the small stove started a low whistling sound.  I moved away from the stove so Matilda could tend to the kettle. 
"Good morning Ms. Rossi" Bryce's voice turned my attention back to the living room.  There he stood, his hat in hand, smiling politely, offering Isabella his chair.  She accepted his offer then sat down.  Mother again seated herself on the couch where she was previously seated.  "Penelope, the cream" Matilda's voice interupted my observation.  I went to the cold box for the tea cream then reached for the honey jar in the cupboard.  "Thank you" Matilda responded. 
"I can carry the tray" I suggested. 
"I'll straighten up the kitchen" she said. 
"No, I can do that.  You were awake all night.  Have some rest, I'll mind the kitchen." 
"Thank you" she said then we made our way to the small living room.
Isabella stood to greet us once we rejoined the group waiting for us.  "Here Penelope, let me help with that."
Matilda sat down on the couch where we were previously seated.  "Would you like some more water Mrs. Lochlan?"  I heard her question my mom.  "Yes, please but don't you bother with it.  I haven't been in that kitchen for many years.  It will be nice to visit."
"Here mom" I quickly extended my hand for her glass.  "I can get it.  You've been walking half the morning; sit still." 
"Thank you, Penelope" she passed her drinking glass to me.
While my assembled guest made small talk in the living room I filled a pitcher with water, refilled my mother's glass then dropped in some cold grapes from the refrigerator box to help chill the water.  I took her the water first then went back to the kitchen to tidy up the clutter.  Boris joined me in the kitchen going to his water bowl then back to my side looking up at me as if to say, hello.  After I wiped up the water droplets from the counter top I placed the hand towel back on it's drying hoop then stood where I was half way listening to the conversations amongst my guests. 
"It is one of the nicer rooms I've saw over the years, Glenda" Mrs. Thatcher spoke.  "Well I can only take partial credit for it's decor. Penelope and Percival have made most of what you see now" mother commented.  Mrs. Thatcher looked in my direction, "Penelope darling, you've kept it so lovely.  Here, join us, will you?"
I made my way back to the couch and sat down between Matilda and mother.  "You're mother tells us that you had a prize crop of plums this year."
"Yes, our trees did very well" I answered. 
"I saw them myself," Mr. Li added to the conversation.  "Was on my way to Hovington to deliver new load of silk rolls to store.  Every tree here with limbs bowed to ground with plums."
I looked at Matilda and gave Mr. Li a better introduction.  "Mr. Li there owns the fabric stores in Riverton and Hovington."
Matilda obliged him courteously, "I was in the Riverton store.  It had a wonderful display of printed silks in the window."
"You stay here with Ms. Penelope?"  He asked with his slight Asian accent still noticeable in his voice. 
"Yes, well, I have been here about two weeks" Matilda replied.  "We visited your store a couple of days ago." 
Boris started whining gathering all of our attention towards the door.  He looked towards me then back to the door.  I rose from my seat and went to the door.  Before I could look through the peep hole the soft scent of vanilla pipe tobacco floated under my nose.  I looked back to mother and winked.  She smiled softly and slightly nodded her head. 
From the other side of the locked door came the words, "Little elf, little elf, beyond the door, tell me what is vanilla for." 
So I confindently replied, "cookies, pastries, cinnamon rolls, pie crusts, dough nuts and pipe tobacco."
As I unfastened the safetly locks to the door mother joined me at the door.  Once the locks were opened mother pulled the door.  "Now what's a woman like you doing in a place like this?"  My father stepped inside the room and asked.  "Looking for the most handsome elf I could find" she answered then hugged him close.   "Well then, lucky you." He looked at me wearing a tired smile.  "And here I was ready to take you to town to your mother." 
The two of them stepped away from the entrance allowing room for Charles Samuels and Oliver Hunt to enter the door next.  They both removed their hats from the heads once inside.  Charles looked at me, "are you alright?"  I simply nodded a yes.  Oliver greeted me next, "I think those two dogs of yours up there are wondering where you went off to.  They've been over every room of your place inch by inch, sniffing around, looking for you." 
"Did they have a chance to go outside this morning?"  I asked him directly.
"Your father let them out, yes.  Is everyone down here alright?"
I looked over at the people sitting around the living room.  "Appears so," I answered. 
"You have a house full don't you?"  Charles spoke up.
"Yeah well, now that you're here I have even more.  Are you fellows hungry?  Need something to drink?"
"Water" Charles answered.
"I'm good" Oliver replied. 
"How'd things go up there last night?"  I wanted to know.
"Well" Charles motioned for me to walk with him towards the kitchen.  Oliver followed us.  "We think we know where LaFeu and a few of his men are.  Only problem is we don't know how many more will show up."
"Where?"  I implored.
"You know where the grist mill is, yeah?"
"Yeah."
"Remember the old Langston barn, not the new one near Howard's, the old one down over the hill where Anna use to baby all of her puppies when we were little?  Down next to the old creek bed that dried up."
"Yeah, I remember.  Sits off the road down over the hill from the mill, right?"
"The very same" he answered eye brows raised.  "Had a few reports through early this morning that Jon Alderman and Simon were babysitting Gaston and a few friends up there in the barn all night."
"Simon?  Grouse?"  I wanted to clarify. 
"Uh hum" Charles agreed with my choice. 
That's when Oliver spoke up and gave me more details.  "If the stories are true, and I believe that they are, Simon said LaFeu, some fellow named Haskel, and another named Edison stopped by the place late last night and never left.  Uncle Randal came through this morning about an hour before your dad came in and then went back that way with Marve and Rufus Whittenburg to help keep an eye on the place. They were going to try to get a few folks up in the Grist mill to keep a better eye on that place in case some body took a spell to start burning things to the ground.  The last message we got from Jon Alderman said LaFeu himself was passed out drunk as a skunk, but the fellow with him was keeping a close eye on the place waiting for reinforcements.  Shortly after that, another message came in that a couple of LaFeu's men were on their way up the old logging path."
"A couple?  That don't sound so bad.  Why don't someone just tell the authorities where him and his bunch are so they can go in and get them?"
"Probably would if it wasn't for another group of fellows moving in through the woods from every angel between Riverton and Hovington carrying rifles, riding horses, and padding through on foot.  Don't nobody know where they're coming in from or who they're working for.  But not a one of them stepped a foot in town."  Charles looked at me with signs of deep concern showing clearly on his face.
I looked between him and Oliver then over to where my father was now sitting next to my mother and Matilda on the couch.  "Does dad know all that?"
"Yeah" Oliver answered, his voice slightly lower than before.  "Penelope, we're going to try to get all the women and kids out of here and back into town where we can keep a better eye on them."
"What?  Oliver there's not enough places in town for people to be with all of LaFeu's men camped out in there.  Have you been to town lately?  It looks like Pembrook dropped off half it's city inside our little town."
"That's what I tried to tell them too" Charles added to my statement.  "And now according to everything your father told us, Longfellow's sitting up in there too with a small militia of his own.  The state have people plundering around trying to sort out LaFeu and Longfellow's people, and while all of that's going on our forrests are being flooded with men on foot from every direction."
"We have safe rooms all over town."  Oliver spoke again.  "These tunnels go every which way from here to Riverton.  We can get the women and children through those closer to the groceries and to the safest places.  A few of the fellows in town started reinforcing the churches and parishes last night;  moving in some beds and furniture, checking the doors and hatches, delivering lanterns, water, those kind of things.  Those two over there, Isabella and her friend, they can cook can't they?"
"Yeah but, Oliver, I don't think leaving here would be a good idea.  We're not married, we don't have children.  Those places in town would be better reserved for the people who do." 
Charles huffed a breath then said, "If your father has his way you won't be any where near here or Riverton.  He mentioned sending you and Isabella to Bridge Port with your mother."  I looked at Charles still feeling rebelliant to that idea.  "He said that to me as well.  Was one of the first things he said last night when he got here."
"You should go Penelope.  Get on out of here with your mom and take Isabella and Matilda with you."  Oliver encouraged the idea.  "Guys like these don't play fiddles with those guns; and who ever they are they're marching around town, not to it or through it.  Real quiet bunch too.  If we hadn't have been out in the woods and the barns ourselves we wouldn't have even known they were there.  No body in town seems to know anything about it, or at least they've not mentioned it."  About that time a small conglomerate of laughter went up simultaneously in the living room.  Oliver, Charles and myself all looked in that direction completely unaware of what was being discussed to cause such a laughter.  Then my mother's voice spoke over those still chuckling loud enough for me to hear what they had found so amusing, "that's when I learned he and Penelope had their own verses for opening the doors and although she knew it was me, she wasn't about to open the door for a dirty old troll."  Everyone seated laughed again and turned to look at me standing with Oliver and Charles.  I felt my ears turn warmer when I figured out that they had been discussing me when I was all of about nine years old.  Charles looked at me and asked, "you called your mother a troll?" 
"Years ago" I turned away from him and went to the sink for a glass and some water.  Charles snickered behind me. 
"Charles, Oliver, Penelope, will you three like to join us?"  My father invited. 
Oliver turned right away and walked towards the seated group.  Charles hesitated.  I handed him the water, he drank it quickly, then offered me the glass again asking for more.  I refilled it again, then started in the direction of my parents.  "Penelope" he whispered, "before you go any where else from here we need to talk.  Just me, you."  He raised the glass then drank half of it's contents.  "Alright," I whispered lightly then winked at him so he knew I had heard him.  I made my way to the living room followed by Charles and Boris.  Mr. Li stood up from his seat offering me the seat next to Mrs. Thatcher who was still seated on the couch.  "Thank you Mr. Li, but I was going to sit here next to them."  I smiled at mom and dad then pulled a small foot stool between Isabella's chair and the couch where my father was sitting at one end.  Mr. Li reseated himself next to Mrs. Thatcher.  Boris joined me next to my father and Charles stood behind the couch where my parents and Matilda were seated.  Bryce and Oliver stood behind the smaller couch where Mrs. Thatcher and Mr. Li were sitting.   My father cleared his throat then began to speak, "by now I'm sure everyone here is aware of why we're here and are wondering about the details of last nights events."  He reached for my mother's hand and held it in his own.  "As of this morning we know this: Madison Longfellow has separated himself from business dealings with Gaston LaFeu.  Mr. Longfellow is himself, as are state authorities, and of course our local officials, all searching for Mr. LaFeu, who at last report is inside the old Langston barn behind the grist mill.  When that report was received there were only three other people in the barn with him.  Hovington reports say that most of the men who worked for Mr. LaFeu there have since moved on else where.  As to where there is, we don't know.  Most of the news we did receive said they left in small groups in different directions mainly by the regular highway systems with no resistance to the orders they were given concerning their activities."
"Well, that's good" Bryce spoke up.
"Indeed" Mrs. Thatcher agreed.
Oliver grimmaced then looked at me then up at Charles knowing what my father was going to say next.
"Yes, yes that is good," dad stopped then looked at mother.  "However, they're are several hundred men approaching our area through the woodland areas, some along the old logging trails, some through old mining camps, on foot and horseback that are for all purposes very well organized, spread out over several area acres moving directly toward our area from the forks of the river" father turned and looked me straight in the eye, "completely surrounding us and the Hovington outlying area's."
"Hundreds?"  Mr. Li asked first.  "LaFeu's men?"
"We don't know who they are."  Father answered.  "They began arriving in small circles yesterday evening from every direction.  At first our scouts thought they were possible state officials, but when we asked if they had men in this area they said they did not.  They're representatives were only working the road systems to stop the delivery trucks.  When Madison Longfellow was questioned about them earlier this morning in Riverton, he denied any knowledge of any of his men being in this area, claiming that all of his people were in fact lodging at the Martin's Bed and Breakfast in town.  One of the messages we sent to Jon Alderman at the Langston barn returned a reply earlier that he and Simon Grouse had overheard a conversation between LaFeu and two of the men there with him that he had brought in someone else from an outside area to help contain Longfellow.  Now, if LaFeu is trying to put a pounding on Longfellow and has people working for him that his own men don't know about then those fellows out in the woods could be in that outfit.  We don't know who they are, why they're there, or what they are trying to accomplish.  But according to our own reports they're moving through very quickly, very quietly, and not drawing any attention to themselves at all.  They eat as they walk, they don't smoke or build camp fires, they use a system of scouting much like our own between trees tops and arrows but as far as we know, they don't or haven't found the tunnels yet.  We want to get all of the women, and children out of these tunnels into the town system as soon as possible then seal it off."  Isabella looked down at me and reached for my hand.  It was the first time I had ever saw her look afraid.  I scooted my stool closer to her and took her hand in my own.  I glanced toward my parents, then to Matilda who was staring at me looking rather pale.  My father continued to speak.  "Town is crowded, we know, however there is plenty enough room for our families to exist in comfortably.  With extra officials there, and Madison Longfellow's presence there, we feel it would be a much safer alternative than it would be to keep you all scattered through the tunnels between properties around here.  Many of the stores and shops in town have extra rooms in their buildings for people to stay.  Mr. Li your store has a couple of apartments available, yes?"
"Yes, four extra rooms.  Room in basement for other rooms to be made."
"We have a basement under the office too" Bryce spoke up.  "I'm sure we can use some of the old crates and boards down there to make a few make shift rooms for folks too."
"Well of course we could" Mrs. Thatcher agreed, "we also have a tunnel system through to the other businesses and houses for people to be quiet comfortable."
Father nodded his head wearily, the fatigue from his long evening's journey showing on his face.  "So by noon today we all need to be ready to start moving.  I'm going to check the roads to see how passable they are, hopefully we can save ourselves a few steps from the underground, if not, we all need to be ready to start walking toward Riverton.  You girls pack a bag, take only what you can carry for now.  We can get the rest of what you need to you as we go.  Penelope, I know you won't want to leave your dogs here so get what they need to go with you."
"I can tote their bag, Penelope" Bryce offered his help.
"Thanks" I accepted his offer.
"And Matilda" father looked at her, "you're on of us now so you'll go where Penelope and Isabella go.  You're more than welcome in our home until we can find you a safer environment to be in or you decide you want to be somewhere else, alright?"  She looked completely dazed but nodded her head yes in response to my father.  I think mother must have noticed Matilda's countenance changing as much as I did because she let go of my father and put her arm around her to console her.  "It'll be alright, sweetie" mother whispered.  Matilda didn't respond at all.  Her gaze was locked in on me without as much as a blink of the eye. I nodded my head slightly to agree with my mother's whispered words. 
"Well then" father continued, "I need to go to the barn and update the fellows there about what to look for, so you folks stay put until I tell you it's alright to leave here.  Penelope, use the basic set of phrases from now on until I say otherwise.  Everyone else do the same.  If this bunch finds the tunnels we have to go above ground.  But hopefully we won't have too much adversity in getting everyone to safety."  After he spoke he stood up, so did mother, "I wanted to go to the house for a few things" she said.  Father started to answer her.  "Well, Mr. Li, Oliver, would you two..."
"I can go" I injected.  "I know this path better than they do.  Besides, Boris needs to go to the bathroom and I need to get some things from the house too.  Especially if we are going to try to leave out of here by noon."  He nodded his head slightly to show his approval, "alright then, take your mother to the house and get what you need.  But only you two and Boris.  We don't need too many people underneath right now." 
"Should we light the tunnels?"  Mr. Li asked the question. 
"Not until we know they're clear of any outsiders."  Father answered.
"We could light the ducks, maybe throw anybody wondering around off.  Make them think people are in here instead of letting them wonder around."  Oliver mentioned.
"I agree with dad" I spoke up.  "We have the advantage using Boris.  They have to use a lantern to find their way through."
"That's true," Charles spoke up.  "If we see a light down here we know it's someone else.  Using the dogs and the lead ropes work best." 
"I need to get going" father said to mother.  "Go with Penelope.  I'll be back as soon as possible." 
Charles motioned for me to follow him to the door.  I stood up and started to where he was.  Oliver waited near the door with dad.  Charles offered me the glass in his hand and whispered, "when you get to town go to the livery.  In the bunk room under the bed there's a loose board.  Get the box under there out and take it with you where ever you go.  Don't mention it to anyone, you hear.  Keep it with you until I see you again."
"Alright" I responded then he turned to leave.  "Be careful Charles" the words seemed to speak themselves without my intending to say them.  He didn't bother looking back to me.  Just said, "goodbye everyone" then followed father and Oliver out the door.  Mom closed the door behind them.  I went to where she was and began relocking the doors. 
"Penelope, where does your up and outs go to from here?"  Bryce asked.
"We have two.  One goes to the old water well shed in the back yard near the garden and the other goes to the wood shed."
"Want to show me where they are?"
My mother asked him, "what for?"
"All of our eyes are down here.  If we have a few posted up there we have a better view on any one whose snaking around in the back yard.  Your dad said that other outfit is rummaging around in the woodland, right?"
"Right" I agreed. 
"Which means we have to wait for someone to tell us if we need to do something from here, unless we have eyes up there.  Mr. Li and I can go up to the sheds to keep an eye on things from there."
"I wouldn't have any objections" I said.
"Penelope, your father said for everyone to stay here."  Mother reminded me.
"Dad's tired mom.  He hasn't slept since he got to Riverton that I know of.    Having a few extra eyes around up there to help our bunch keep watch ain't going to hurt anything.  They'll be completely out of sight up there.  You and I can go to the house, and the others will have those two close enough to help keep them safe.  Mr. Li?  What do you think?"
Mr. Li stood up, "I agree with you and Bryce.  We should all do our part."
Mother looked back at me.  "Well," then she looked at the door.  "Alright, if you all think it would help, then yes."  Once that was said I smiled then went straight away to show Bryce and Mr. Li where the out hatches were located.  After they were up and through the exits I prepared Boris for our journey through the path back to the house.  I asked Isabella to send some water up to Bryce and Mr. Li and showed her how to do so.  I then asked Matilda if she'd like to go along with me and mother to the house. "Getting out of here could do you some good.  Plus you'll have time to gather a few clothes together." 
"To be honest Penelope, I'm not feeling well."
"Well you were awake all night."
"Yes I was.  Would you mind if I stayed here with Isabella and rest some?"
"No, of course not.  Is there something I can bring you from the house?"
She thought for only a few seconds then spoke.  "No, it's alright.  I'll gather my things later.  Oh, wait, yes there is.  My hand bag is in the top drawer of my dresser.  Would you bring it please?"
"Yeah sure.  Anything else?"
"Maybe a clean dress from the closet."
"So your hand bag and a change of clothes."
"Yes, thank you." 
"No problem.  We'll be back as soon as we can.  Try to take a nap, will you?"
She faked a smile and agreed to try.
Isabella stood next to me.  "I'll make sure she rests" she reassured me. 
"Do you need anything from the house?"
"Clothes, hair brush type things.  What ever you would pack for yourself for something like this."
"Alright, we'll be back as soon as we can.  If anything happens here do what Bryce and Mr. Li instruct you to do."  I looked back at Matilda then to Isabella.  "Try to get her to lay down for a while."
After Isabella agreed that she would I called Boris to me then met mother at the door.  "Lock all of these back when we go out.  Mrs. Thatcher, you'll mind the door while we're out, okay?"
"Of course, of course.  You two be careful through there" she answered.
Mother and I said our fair wells then started through the path with Boris leading us through.  We didn't really talk much as we walked.  I suppose we were both concentrating on the walk more so than conversation and before I knew it we were back to the hatch above the kitchen safe room.  I whistled lightly then waited.  Sure enough Stogie and Spike were the first sounds I heard sniffing then whining and scratching the floor above us.  Only seconds later I heard a voice speak, "Gentle breezes through the trees sprinkle spring rains water beads."  I raised my face toward the hatch the returned the greeting, "On the ground and all around whether or not a soul be found."
Milton Johann was the person who opened the door.  Stogie and Spike happily started to prance around the clearing.  Boris didn't wait to ascend the walk up.  I then offered mother the clearing supporting her slightly enough to steady her steps as she made her way up and through the hatch.  Then I followed her.  "Mrs. Lochlan, for heavens sake, Percival didn't mention that you were here."  His eyes looked to me, "Ms. Penelope" he greeted obviously surprised we were there. 
"He didn't know I was here before" mother responded.  "I went to the safe room to find Penelope."
Milton hurried out of the way offering us the rest of the room.  "Let me close this" he said moving to the hatch to secure the latches.  While he did that mother and I greeted Stogie and Spike while they and Boris took turns going back and forth between us for attention.  "Who else is down there?"  Milton asked as he worked securing the locks.  I answered, "Mr. Li, Mrs. Thatcher, Bryce and two of my house guests."
"Ms. Rossi you mean?"  He queried. 
"Yes, Isabella and another friend of ours from out of town; Matilda Dayhuff.  Are you the only one still up here?"
He spoke as he stood back to his feet.  "Inside yes, but we have a few fellows outside checking the roads and yard.  Your father said he'd like for you to use the car today if possible."
"Who's here?" 
"My boy Aron, my son in law Malachi and a half dozen more between here and the barn.  Did your dad tell you what's going on out here?"
"About them fellows in the woods?" 
He didn't speak just nodded yes. 
"Yeah, he told us everything he thought we needed to know about the situation before he went on to the barn.  He should be back this way in an hour or so if everything's alright out there."
"Well don't hold your breath too long on that.  Some of them fellows out in the barn saw a few strangers wander out of them woods across the river a few minutes ago.  Not to dampen your visit in but you two best do what you came to do then get on back to the safe room."
"Milton" mother addressed him "has anyone sent word to Riverton about all of this going on out here?"
"Yes mam, we did, but them trucks that came through here in all that rain tore these dirt roads to nothing but ruts.  Mayor Samuels is getting some folks together to get this way from Hovington up through West Grove, and Mud Fork to help but it's still going to take some time to get them in here."  Milton stopped talking then looked at my mother wearily almost like he was afraid of saying the next location. "Got a few more trying to get through uh up towards"
Mother looked to me.  "Well then we should probably hurry then shouldn't we?"  Milton never looked at me straight again, only out of the corner of his eyes.  "Penelope, why don't you gather what Isabella and Matilda will need while I gather the dogs belongings.  You do keep their things where we usually did don't you?"
"Yes mam, all their food and bowls' are in the bottom cabinets in the kitchen.  Leashes and collars are over there."  I pointed to the wall where they were still hanging. 
"Alright darling, go on and get what you need to get."  She instructed. 
Without question I went to the door and started unlocking the locks.  The dogs followed me through the house as I went.  Boris went to the front door and started whining.  I thought about his needs for a few minutes then called him to me.   "This way" I opened the back door to let him outside knowing Bryce, and Mr. Li would see him there and know we were inside the house.  I stopped Stogie as he tried to go through then held Spike back to let Boris slip out the door.  "You girls stay with me" I petted them down.  Mother's voice spoke up from behind me, "Penelope what are you doing?" 
"Boris needed to use the bathroom.  He'll be alright.  I started laughing before I could even finish speaking then finally managed to say, "half of Riverton's men folk are watching him take a poop." Mother looked at me and joined in laughing with me.  "Yes well," she tried to keep from laughing but couldn't.  We both stood there for a moment simply enjoying the humor of it all.  "Alright young Percy," a name she called me when I reminded her of my father, "go on and get your things ready.  I'll keep an eye on the door for Boris."  I walked past her and gave her a slight kiss on the cheek then went to my bedroom to find a shoulder bag for my clothes.  After I finished packing my own I did the same for Isabella; adding her silver hairbrush and mirror set to her bagged belongings along with her favorite perfume.  Then I found another duffle bag and went to Matilda's room for the same reason.  I took care to find a few more items for Matilda, such as her ornament hairpins, her collection of broaches, and her family's framed portraits that sat on her nightstand.  I added a couple of her dresses into my bag for her as to give her a better selection then added a couple of different pairs of shoes into Isabella's bag to accommodate her dresses.  I was sure someone as delicate as she was emotionally could certainly use as many of their own comfort items as possible during events like this.  Just as I finished zipping the bag closed Boris and the other two dogs came into the room I was in.  Mother's voice sounded out from the other room, "Penelope we have to go, hurry."  I felt the weight of the bag thump against my side as I slung the bag over my shoulder.  I instructed the dogs to the living room then walked out the door behind them.  Mother was standing near the living room window.  The curtains were closed but she was peering through them from the side at the front yard.  As soon as I entered the room she left the window and came to help me with the duffles I was carrying.  "Give me one of these" she said.  "Get to the safe room."  I didn't question her and immediately instructed the dogs to do the same.  Milton had left the latches open so the door opened as soon as mother slid it.  She was the first one back in the room, followed by the dogs, then myself.  Oliver Hunt was now in the room with Milton.  "Where's my father?"  I wanted to know. 
"He's still at the barn.  Sent me to find you and your mother.  We're clearing all the tunnels so everyone has time to get to safety in Riverton.  It's a long walk and the tunnels need to be clear before night fall."
"Bryce and the others are still in the safe room underneath" mother added to our conversation.
"Charles went to gather them.  We thought you were still there until Milton here said otherwise.  Good thing you ladies packed early.  Do you have everything you need?" 
"Enough for now" I looked at mother, "unless there's something you need."
"No, I'm good, let's go." 

In A Round About Kind of Way