Maple Crest Estate
Sleepyside-on-Hudson, New York
Late Sunday Afternoon (Sixteen Weeks After Dan's Graduation)
The red BMW turned off Glen Road and headed up the long drive to the Lynch mansion overlooking the Hudson River. The driver spun gravel as she stopped in front of the multi-car garage. Diana Lynch got out and waited for the mini-van that followed. She ran up to the driver's door as it backed up to one of the garage bays. She could barely wait for the driver to put the van in "Park", much less turn off the ignition, before pulling him from the vehicle.
"Oh Mart. I'm home. I'm a college graduate and in less than a week I'll be Mrs. Martin Belden."
"You never--and I mean never--cease to amaze me." Mart said as he climbed out of the van.
"What?" Diana put her arms around his waist.
"I'm totally exhausted from a 12-hour drive; I can barely move, and you're running around, jumping up and down. You never seem to stop. Where do you get the energy?" He placed his arms around her waist also.
"It's adrenaline! I'm pumped! How can you be exhausted--with all we're to do in the next six days? We have more packing and sorting. There are fittings and parties and dinners and .... Do you think Trixie and Honey are here yet? What about Brian, Jim and Dan? Should we call them right now? Can we get Harrison to unload the van? Where's my diploma? Where are the photos..."
A woman who looked exactly how Diana almost certainly would in twenty years came out of the house just as the young man grabbed and kissed his fiancée.
"Now you two, we have no time for any of that until AFTER Saturday." She called teasingly as she walked over to them. She hugged and kissed each of them. "I didn't think you'd ever get here, Diana. There are so many things to do and nothing is going the way we planned. I don't know why you wanted to have a wedding so soon after returning from school...
"Mother, we've been round and round about this. Mart and I only had a short time between my graduation at the end of the summer session and his starting fall semester at Cornell. We would have been perfectly happy with a small ceremony in Columbus. You're the one who insisted."
"You only get married once. At least I hope! Martin, when are your brother and sister arriving? Isn't anyone coming before the end of the week? Oh, we've got so much to do."
Mrs. Lynch turned and walked away, calling, "Harrison, Harrison could you help Martin unload all these boxes?"
Diana's shoulders slumped as she turned to Mart and said, "It's going to be a long week."
Later that evening, the Belden family was finishing an early dinner in the kitchen of their home, Crabapple Farm, a short distance down the road from Maple Crest. Mart Belden's younger brother, Bobby had just been excused. There was a special teen night at the Sleepyside pool and he didnt want to be even one minute late. Mart was lingering over dessert with his parents. "Moms, Dad, I can just feel it simmering. Mrs. Lynch has totally ignored Diana's accomplishments at school, couldn't find time to attend her graduation, and is obsessing with this wedding. Di hasn't said much, but it's pretty clear she's unhappy with it all. You should have seen her this afternoon. She was so excited to be home and then her mother came out of the house. Her demeanor completely changed. I can't bear to see her hurt. "
"Her mother's intentions are all good, son. Just be as supportive as you can. Don't let Di forget how much you love her and want to marry her, no matter how chaotic the next several days may get." Mrs. Belden offered.
"That means to lay low, keep your mouth shut and let her do whatever she wants with the wedding. Your job is to be at the church on time." His father added jokingly.
"Peter...." Mrs. Belden scolded. She then turned to her son. "There is no way you can avoid the next few days being hectic and stressful. Someone will be upset about something at any given moment. But if you and Diana keep focused on the real reason for this week's activities you'll come through it fine. I have total belief in the strength of your relationship and Mrs. Lynch's love and respect for you both."
"Thanks Moms, I may ask you to repeat all that for Di. "
The phone rang. Mr. Belden picked up the phone on the kitchen wall. "Belden residence." He turned to Mrs. Belden and mouthed. "It's Brian." Mrs. Belden ran into the study to pick up the extension.
"Hello, son....We're just finishing up supper. Mart and Di got in late this afternoon...."
"Hey, Dad. Is Mart there?"
"Yes....."
"I'm afraid I have bad news for him. I can't get away from here until later this week.
"Those things can't be avoided."
"They promised me the time off, but now they're forcing me to work. I really feel bad about this."
Just then Bobby came down the stairs wearing swim trunks and carrying his towel. Ready? He yelled out, unaware anyone was on the phone.
"I do too. Why don't you talk to your brother about it? Bobby is waiting for me to take him to a pool party. Oh wait, your mother has something to add."
Mr. Belden left with Bobby. After a few minutes, Mrs. Belden called for Mart to pick up.
"Hey Bri!" Mart greeted his brother.
"How's it feel to be down for the final count?" Brian asked.
"Funny, Brother. Your days of freedom are numbered too, you know."
Brian hesitated before continuing. "Mart, I don't know how to tell you this, but I'm having difficulty getting away. They originally approved my getting off Monday through Sunday but now they're trying to force me to work right through. I just spoke to my supervisor who said they would give me Thursday, Friday and Saturday ONLY. I work all night Wednesday, get off at 6:00 a.m. Thursday morning and have to be back here Sunday afternoon. I really want to be there for you this week, but I'm crunched."
"It's no problem Brian. I don't need you here just to hold my hand. Although I may need someone who can dispense tranquilizers for my future mother-in law!"
"Is it really that bad?"
"Di's only been here a few hours, but things are pretty tense already. Mrs. Lynch called me 'Martin' three times this afternoon. Di wants me to go back up this evening--for moral support. This whole thing has been a bit much for Di. She had a rough class load at school all summer with phone calls from her mother at least once a day. Nothing Di wants is good enough--it's tacky or cheap or socially unacceptable. Then, I've had to do everything related to finding an apartment in Ithaca, moving furniture, and all. While Di's been a real sport about it, I know it's unsettling to be making plans to move to an apartment and a city that you've never seen."
"Di's never even been to Ithaca?"
"She's traveled all over the world, but somehow has missed that thriving metropolis. She didn't go with me when I interviewed at Cornell last spring."
"What about jobs?"
"Well, I have my teaching assistant stipends and the research grant from the USDA. She still hasn't heard officially, but I have it from reliable sources that she has that job with the private school in the bag. It'll still be tight and we'll have a sizeable debt when I get out, but we'll manage."
"Well, little brother, looks like it's the real thing--adult responsibility."
"I wouldn't have it any other way. I can't remember ever imagining myself not married to Di. I'm not waiting one moment past Saturday. I know it's been the same way with you and Honey."
Silence.
"What do you hear from Trixie?" Brian spurt out rapidly.
"You're the one who's been only thirty miles away all summer."
"Actually I've been so busy I've hardly seen her. Have you talked to her recently?"
"Not at all--our feminine sibling has been avoiding New York and a certain red-haired neighbor like the plague."
"I know. She refuses to discuss anything about Jim with me and I have not heard from Jim even once since he graduated in May."
"Jim's been working with his dad and laying pretty low all summer. I don't know. I think they're both going to end up regretting their behavior."
"Maybe something will happen this week."
"Is Trixie still driving up with you?"
"I need to call her. She was planning to come up tomorrow morning. I don't know if she still wants to come up tomorrow or wait until Wednesday to take the train from DC to Baltimore. I have to work all that night, but we can drive up together as soon as I get off Thursday morning. I'm really sorry that I can't get there sooner. If she'll drive, I plan to sleep the whole way in the car so I'll be at least half human when we get there."
"You actually plan to sleep with Trixie driving on I-95?"
"I don't think I have much of a choice. Besides, I'll be so tired, I'll be able to sleep through anything."
"Okay, Brian. I'll let you go. I'll email if I need you before Thursday evening."
"Better yet, use my beeper. See ya' brother."
Brian hung up the phone, staring at it for a few moments before he turned to the woman waiting beside him. One more call to make. He apologized as he started to dial Trixie's number.
She wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed his neck. "As long as its not too long a call."
Brian informed Trixie of his change of plans and she decided to stay in D.C. for the extra two days. Agreeing that would probably be best, Brian quickly cut her off. He allowed the woman to continue to caress him before turning to her again. "Well is it Chinese or Italian?"
"You choose. You're the one who has been working round the clock. I'm just along for company." Joyce Mitchell replied, thinking to herself that she had certainly waited long enough for him to ask for her company.
"Antonio's has the best pasta and quickest service downtown." Brian said as he stood up. "Let's see what specials they have on a Sunday evening. Do you prefer pasta or pizza?"
The two walked side by side to the door at the end of the hall. When Brian held the door open for his companion, she smiled sweetly up into his dark eyes, knowing exactly what she preferred, and it wasn't on the menu of any restaurant where she'd ever dined.
All four members of the Wheeler family were at Manor House for the evening meal for the first time in weeks. As they sat down at the table in the large formal dining room, Mrs. Wheeler dismissed the maid. "That's all for now, Celia. We'll call you if we need anything."
Once Celia Delanoy had closed the door into the kitchen, Mrs. Wheeler turned to her family and, clapping her hands together, said, "Oh! I'm so thankful for an evening together as a family. This is such a rarity with you two children almost grown."
"Now that Jim will be living at home and Honey will be just a short ride away in the City, perhaps we should begin scheduling evenings together. Say twice a month?" She asked. "We could have it here or at the apartment in the City, perhaps rotating. What do you think, children?"
Jim and Honey both mumbled agreement.
"What's wrong? Is there something wrong?" Mrs. Wheeler asked.
"I don't think Jim and Honey like the idea of "scheduling" time together, Madeleine." Mr. Wheeler responded. "It is a little too business-like and not quite family-like."
"Of course." Mrs. Wheeler laughed. "I guess I was getting carried away. I just feel so empty without you two around. I'm excited about the prospect of both my chicks being close to home again."
"Honestly, Mom, I'm going to be so busy with teaching activities and Honey will be so tied up at school, I think we should just see what happens. If you and Dad make the effort to be at home, we'll make an extra effort to get here."
"That's fine, son." Mr. Wheeler attempted to change the subject. "Honey," he asked, "When do Mart and Diana get in from Columbus?"
"Sometime this evening. Di, her sisters, Mrs. Lynch and I are meeting for breakfast tomorrow morning and then going for a fitting. The seamstress wants to fit Di several times this week. Can you believe it?"
"That's not that unusual, dear. You want your wedding gown to fit perfectly and a good seamstress will make certain it does. I'm sure she'll be at the church on Saturday with needle and thread."
"What do you hear from Mart, Jim?" Mr. Wheeler addressed his son.
"Actually, I haven't spoken to him in awhile. He's about as busy as Mrs. Lynch is with wedding preparations. Between working at his summer position at the Bank, he's made several trips to Ithaca to rent an apartment and start moving furniture and all. We're planning to take him out for a last gasp of freedom on Thursday night."
"Honey, what about Trixie? Will she be with you tomorrow? She is in the wedding party, I thought." Mrs. Wheeler asked.
"I just got off the phone with her. Trixie is coming in later this week with Brian. They're both..."
"I'm glad Trixie could pry herself away from Washington for her brother's wedding." Jim interrupted.
"Trixie was up here over the Fourth for a fitting." Honey said. "And she's been in constant contact. She'll be here in plenty of time for the wedding festivities AND a final fitting. Di's going to have too many people trying to help her this week anyway."
"With Di's mother, I would think she'd need all the support she could get this week. Trixie should be here for.."
"Jim! I will not allow you to insult Caroline Lynch. She's under incredible stress taking care of all the wedding plans on her own. I recommended a consultant to her, but she chose to do it all herself as a gift to Diana. Then Diana remained in Ohio all summer, providing no help whatsoever. Caroline's doing a wonderful job considering..."
"I'm sorry, Mother." Jim apologized. Then he turned to Honey with fire in his eyes. "But I'd appreciate it if you could refrain from mentioning Trixie Belden in my presence."
"I didn't mention her, Mother did." Honey replied. "And I'm tired of tip-toeing around here having to watch every word I say." Thinking her parents weren't looking, she stuck her tongue out at her brother.
"No one has asked you to tiptoe anywhere. You're the one constantly defending your perfect roommate when you knew all along about her sneaking around behind my back"
"No one was sneaking..."
"I think that's enough from both of you," Mr. Wheeler interrupted loudly. "We should take advantage of having this week together and enjoy ourselves. I want no adolescent bickering. Do I have your word that both of you will do that?"
"Of course, Dad."
"Of course, Father. This week will be perfectly perfect for everyone. Yes, perfectly perfect."
For many years the Wheeler family had kept a large stable of horses for their own recreation, and ran a breeding operation as an investment. Their stable complex was considered one of the best-equipped in the nation and Manor House Estate horses sold for premium prices. Now that both their own children, as well as their neighbors', were adults living away from home, the Wheelers kept only a few horses for their own use. However, they continued to maintain a large and well-respected breeding and training facility. Bill Regan had been employed as their Stable Manager for over a decade and was as much a member of the family as an employee. It was because of his dedicated and expert management that the stables enjoyed an outstanding reputation. Bill Regan lived in an apartment above the stables complex that he shared with his nephew, Dan Mangan, when Dan was home from school.
Dan had spent the summer break from school working in the Westchester County District Attorney's office and assisting his uncle at the Stables Complex. That evening, he was stretched out on the sofa of his uncle's apartment. "Why don't you cook like that every evening, Uncle Bill?" He asked as he patted his stomach contently.
"Well, first, there's usually just me; second, I may manage to burn a lot of calories at work but not enough for those kinds of meals on a regular basis; and third, it would mean having you stretched out semi-conscious on my sofa every evening." His uncle responded, laughing. "Also, this is the closest I can get to your grandmother's tradition of big family dinners on Sundays."
Bill Regan hung the dishcloth up to dry and sat down in the recliner next to his nephew. "Is it cards or television tonight?"
"Maybe a little TV later. I want to stretch out for now and try to call Mart in a few minutes."
"That's right. He and Diana were supposed to get in today, weren't they?"
"Yeah. She graduated yesterday afternoon and they were planning to leave at dawn this morning. It takes eleven to twelve hours to drive from Columbus. By herself Di would probably try to make it in half that time--she doesn't understand the concept of speed limits--but they had two vehicles. Mart drove his mother's minivan so he could bring home the rest of Di's things."
Regan smiled to himself. " I wonder how long before Mart and Di will need a minivan of their own."
"Not any time soon, if Mart has any say. I think he plans to be in school much longer than I will and he's not nearly as domesticated as you think. But he is a man in love. He'd probably do anything for Di, so they might surprise us."
"I just don't want any surprises from you. You certainly don't need a minivan or any thing else related to a family right now. I don't think Jennifer needs any of that either. I don't understand what you two are doing."
Dan sat up straight on the sofa. "Uncle Bill, we've been through this already. It's just totally impossible for either of us to consider marriage at this time."
"I cannot bring myself to accept two people 'living together'. I feel like you're playing at a relationship. Either you're in love or not. Either youre ready for a real commitment or you shouldn't live together."
"This is a real commitment. I believe that, if you don't." Dan glared at his uncle.
"You're not even ready to give her a diamond?" Bill Regan saw the glare, but he chose to ignore it. "You can call me too conservative, old-fashioned perhaps, but I'm only worried about what's best for you." He tried to keep his infamous temper in control. He wanted his nephew to understand that his concern was sincere. "I know you, Dan. I'm afraid that you are so desperate for a relationship that you're willing to jump into something without understanding all the possible consequences."
"You think I'm desperate? You think I don't understand about consequences? We're both adults and know how to avoid any 'consequences'. We're not taking any risks with this."
"I'm not talking about THAT," his uncle interrupted. "I'm talking about emotional consequences. If you're not willing to make a commitment, you're playing a dangerous game...with her emotions and your own."
"It's not that I'm not ready to commit to her. I'm just not ready to ask anyone to commit to me. I have nothing to offer her."
"Nothing but sex?"
"If that's what you think." Dan got up from the sofa.
"I'm sorry, Dan. I care too much for you to see you make any mistake. Jen may or may not be a mistake, but I do think your living together would be. You're headed for nothing but disappointment."
"Could we change the subject?" Dan went into the kitchen and got a glass down from the cupboard. He began filling it with tap water. Why couldn't Uncle Bill understand? People didn't just get married anymore. They...they settled things first. The water glass filled with water and began overflowing into the sink while Dan attempted to gain control of his emotions. Jen has got to be the best thing to happen to me in...in years. Can't Uncle Bill recognize that?
There were several minutes of silence before Bill asked, "What plans do you have for a bachelor party for Mart?"
Dan walked back into the living room with his glass of water. "Well, as Best Man, Brian should do something; but he's so preoccupied, Jim and I have gone ahead and made arrangements for a private banquet room at the Inn Thursday night. Nothing fancy, nothing too risqué...
"Risqué?"
"Yeah, a little music, a little beer and only one exotic dancer, not a whole troupe."
Trixie Belden was standing at an ironing board in the house she shared with six other interns in South Arlington, Virginia, just outside Washington. D.C. She had just gotten off the phone with her brother, Brian, and, unplugging the iron, turned to the young man sitting across the room from her.
"I think that's it. All my clothes are pressed and ready. Now if I can only keep them that way until Wednesday!"
"Are you going in tomorrow, now that you don't have to head back until Wednesday?" The fair-haired man asked.
"Yeah. I thought I'd at least go in and say good bye to everyone, again." Trixie began to fold up the ironing board.
"Then it's back home for the big event and on to school in just a week. I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed this summer, Trix." He stood up and walked over to her. He helped her put the iron and ironing board in the closet and turned to face her. "I can't bear the idea of a separation."
Trixie grabbed his arms before he could put them around her as he intended. "Christopher Tre Anderssen, we agreed from the beginning. Friends. We couldn't possibly be more than good friends if we were to work together. Don't break that promise now."
"Yes, but our work together is over. I thought you were leaving tomorrow, but now we have two days together as non-coworkers." He said, pulling her to him despite her weak objections. "Please Trixie, don't waste the whole summer we've spent developing a relationship. I've kept my promise until now." He pushed a lose curl back from her face. "And it hasn't been easy!"
"Tre...I....No..., but, nrrr, mumm" Trixie mumbled as he pulled her closer.
She felt his lips press against hers. They were soft yet insistent. She was surprised at how natural she felt in his embrace. The summer IS almost over. She thought as she allowed herself to relax and enjoy the moment.
"Mmmm." She purred. "Mmmm."
Mart Belden pulled his Ford Taurus into the Lynch driveway. Although he was totally exhausted from the day's long drive, Diana had asked him to come up to her home to provide some moral support. And there was nothing Mart wouldnt do for Diana. Diana adored her parents who adored her in return, but she could never bring herself to stand up to her mother and too often would go along with whatever her mother wanted rather that what would make her happy. Mrs. Lynch had been busy for months planning this wedding, with minimal input from Diana, and Diana was certain to be in for a frustrating week.
Just as Mart drove around a curve in the drive his headlights hit something white in the driveway and he squealed his tires as he stopped. What is that? He asked himself. It looked like paint. Mart got out of his car and walked up to it.
DIE WHORE DIE was scrawled across the black pavement. Who? Mart asked himself. Who would do that? He started to walk back to his car but realized he shouldn't drive across it. The paint was still wet and he didnt want to make an even bigger mess. Just as he turned back around to walk up to the Lynch house, a dark Lincoln Town Car pulled up behind his Taurus.
"Mart? What's going on?" Mr. Lynch called out from behind the wheel. The car was filled with teenagers, apparently returning from the pool party in Sleepyside.
"Mr. Lynch? You need to see this."
Honey Wheeler sat at the antique writing desk in her room at Manor House. She stared out the window at the expertly landscaped lawns, twisting the diamond solitaire on her left ring finger. It was a beautiful evening. Perfect for a moonlight stroll, or..... She turned back to her journal.
Dear Diary,
It's been over two weeks since I've heard from Brian. Why the silence? I know how hard he works and he constantly declares his devotion, but it's so difficult having a long-distance relationship. I look at the total adoration that Mart has for Di and wonder why it's not the same for us. How can two brothers be so different?
And then Trixie and Jim. I would never want a relationship like theirs with all the fighting and conflict. But it certainly reflects the level of their passion. Where is our passion--in anatomy class?
I do love him so. I can't imagine my life with anyone but him. Does he feel the same way? If so, why is he so distant and cool?
Oh, please, Dear Diary, fill this week with devotion and passion for us. Make Di and Mart's happiness contagious and allow me to feel totally loved and in love by this time next Sunday.
Honey closed her diary and turned to look back out the window. She made no attempt to wipe the tears rolling down her cheeks.
Early the next morning, Mart Belden sat on the side of his bed looking around the room he had shared with his older brother for most of his life. After spending the prior evening with Diana and attempting to assure her that everything would be fine that week, he had come home and gone directly to bed. Arising early, he had completed his morning run and showered and now needed to finish dressing before joining his parents and younger brother for breakfast.
He thought of all that had happened in this room. The shared secrets and dreams. The teasing and tormenting that he had suffered from his brother and plotted against his sister, Trixie. The first time he admitted aloud and with sworn secrecy to his brother that he was in love with his sister's beautiful friend; the girl who had grown into the woman he was about to marry.
As his thoughts turned to Diana, he remembered everything that had to be done that day and all that week. He prayed silently for the strength to get through it all without insulting or alienating his future mother-in-law and for guidance to be a good husband, deserving of the love given him by an adoring wife.
"Breakfast's ready." Bobby said as he stuck his head in the door.
"On my way, little brother. I definitely need fortification today. Did Moms make pancakes?"
"Oh, Moms has pancakes, home-made sausage, eggs and I don't know what else." Bobby replied. "I need my energy, too, for all the chores I have to do."
"Tell, me Bobby, where were you when I had all those same chores?"
"Making more work for you. What else are little brothers for?" Replied Mart's "little" brother, who, at fourteen, already stood taller although much skinnier than his "big" brother.
Mart pulled on some shorts and a t-shirt before following his brother down the stairs. The phone rang just as he entered the kitchen.
"Hello?" Oh! Diana!" His mother spoke into the kitchen extension. "Congratulations on your graduation. Oh you did like it? I'm so glad. I had no idea what to give as a graduation gift. I thought you'd like a family heirloom." Mrs. Belden had given Diana a silver vanity set that had belonged to her own mother. "Yes, Mart just walked into the kitchen and he appears quite anxious to speak to you. I can't imagine why."
"Hello, Sweetdiana. I was just getting ready to eat breakfast and then head out with my Dad. I have some loose ends to tie up at the bank today and then I'll be finished for the summer, I hope. Aren't you going out with your mom and the girls?"
He smiled to himself as he listened to Diana fret about the demands of Mrs. Lynch. He'd heard it all before and hed sat in the Lynch parlor until well past midnight the night before, listening to Mrs. Lynch go ballistic over the vandalism in their driveway. "I think it will be fun this morning and nobody is better at soothing frayed nerves than Honey. Make sure she wears her diplomat's hat today. Hey, you put up with your mother and the girls all day. Get as much out of the way as possible and then we'll spend the day together tomorrow. I have some errands of my own to tend to and I'd appreciate your company. "
"I'll call the moment I get home from the bank this evening. Maybe I'll take you down and throw you into the lake for old times sake. How's that sound? Mmmhuh. Me too. But...... okay, I love you Sweetdiana. I love you. "
He hung up the phone. "Moms, it may be time for you to give Di a pep talk. I don't want you to say anything bad about her mother, but is there anything you might say to soothe the frayed ends?"
"Caroline has me on schedule for a fitting at the seamstress tomorrow morning. I'll make sure we have time to sit down for a heart-to-heart. Maybe we'll leave Diana at home. Just the two mothers-in-law. How's that sound?"
"Wonderful Moms. Now, where are those pancakes and sausages?"
Brian Belden lay in the bed of his tiny apartment. He opened one eye and tried to read the time on the alarm clock. He sat up and started to get out of bed. Did he oversleep? He started to ask himself as an excruciating headache set in.
Ohhh, he moaned as he lay back down and tried to remember exactly what he had done to deserve such pain. His mouth felt like it had grown a fur coat and his stomach churned. This was becoming too common.
The door to the bathroom opened and Joyce Mitchell came into the room wearing nothing but a large towel. "Good morning, handsome. She said as she allowed the towel to drop to the floor. "I think we have a little time this morning before we have to leave."
Brian opened the other eye and suddenly remembered why he had the headache. Looking at her, it was remarkably better. "My, my Miss Mitchell, what do you mean?" He asked as he threw back the covers and motioned for her to join him.
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