Dead 'N Breakfast Read online

  Her mother chose a glass pitcher from the cabinet and filled it with water. “Liz, would you get those lemons from the refrigerator for me?” she called over her shoulder.

  “Oh, nice fridge, Mom,” she said as she admired the large new appliance. “How long have you had this?” Liz opened the door and pushed aside a temptingly beautiful salad then reached for the bowl of lemons.

  “Not all that long. I think we probably bought it after your last visit. The old one just up and died.” She shrugged her shoulders then slid the cutting board and large sharp knife toward Liz so she could cut the lemons.

  “I think you’ll miss the fridge when you’re in the motorhome. Don’t you?”

  “Oh, I don’t know about that. I suspect I will adjust very quickly.”

  “How long do you think you and Dad will travel during the year?”

  Her mother hesitated as she held the slices of lemons over the pitcher before dropping them into the water. “Would you hand me the bag of sugar, dear?” She measured out half a cup, poured it in then added a bit more. “We haven’t exactly planned an itinerary yet, so we’ll see how it goes.”

  “Are you excited about this?” Liz asked, glancing to see her mom’s reaction. “I mean, really. Or was this all Dad’s idea?”

  “I am very excited.” She smiled brightly and laughed. “And this is something your dad and I both agreed to do. Not just me and not just him. Both of us.”

  Liz nodded. “That’s the most important part. Everything else will fall into place I’m sure.”

  “I believe you’re right.” She handed Liz the tray of glasses filled with ice then carried the pitcher toward the door. “This should do it, I think.”

  After the delicious meal, Liz poured herself another glass of lemonade. The setting couldn’t have been better, and the company was the best. Still, there was a sense of uneasiness in the air or maybe it was just her, but she didn’t think so. Not being a person to wait, she decided to test the waters with a few questions.

  “So, tell me about your travel plans.” She sipped her lemonade, hoping she sounded supportive because she was. “I’m more than happy to help with the chores or anything else. And I want you to know that I’m planning on getting a place of my own as soon as I can find something in town, or close by, then I’ll be able to house sit for you whenever you need me.” She gave them a smile to show them how eager she was to help.

  “Well, that would be nice but…” Her dad glanced at her mom then cleared his throat before going on. “We’re really glad you’ve decided to come home, Liz. And I guess we should have told you sooner about the motorhome and traveling. We just never thought you’d give up your place in New York. We never intended to spring this on you, but we have a buyer for the farm and the house.” He paused then spoke softly. “We should have talked to you, honey. I’m sorry we didn’t. I hope you'll forgive us for that."

  Liz pushed down her initial shock while she searched for words in an effort to offset his need to apologize for making plans for their lives without consulting her. The truth was, she hadn’t given them any sort of heads up that she was moving home for good, so she could hardly expect that they owed it to her.

  “No, Dad. Don’t apologize for anything.” She shook her head for emphasis. “You and Mom deserve to follow your dreams.” She leaned toward them and reached a hand across the patio table to each of them. “Seriously. I mean it.” And she did mean it, but there were at least a million questions tumbling around in her head. This was a huge shock that rocked her completely.

  “Are you going to live in the motorhome all the time?” She’d heard of people doing that but really couldn’t imagine living that way. Then the words in her heart slipped out. “You sold the house?” Now she felt like crying because those words had the ring of finality. This house had been home to several Marsh generations before her. It wasn’t just the house. It was their heritage and it truly puzzled her how her parents could just up and leave it.

  “It isn’t sold yet,” Sarah said, intervening into the conversation with her calmness. “But we do have an offer from the new neighbor down the road. He’s the grandson of Hannah Stanford and a very nice fellow." She paused for a moment, watching Liz's face. "He moved here from Boston last year to take over the Stanford place after Hannah’s death. You know how it's been in disrepair for quite some time but he’s working hard to improve it.”

  Liz didn’t like the sound of any of this. “Seems like a bit of an opportunist,” she replied. The words "take over" filled her mind and grated on her nerves. A lot.

  “No, dear, he isn’t anything like that. He’s a nice man. I think you’ll like him.” Her mom smiled at her, obviously trying to clear the air.

  Changing the subject back to the motorhome, Liz asked again, “Are you going to live in the motorhome or buy another house? Maybe a smaller place?”

  Her father had been silently watching her, apparently waiting for the right time to speak up.

  “Someday we might buy a smaller place but until then we’ll live in the RV and travel,” he said. “There’s so much to see and we aren’t getting any younger. And now there’s nothing to hold us back since we sold the herd last spring.”

  “All of them?” she asked quietly, her heart sinking.

  “All but one. And Brian said he’d take her.”

  “Brian?” she asked.

  “Mr. Stanford,” her mom replied.

  “Oh.” Coming home was definitely not what she’d expected, but the blame was not on them. Without realizing it, her intention had been that they would rescue her and allow her the luxury of lounging in the comfort and security of the past, when all the while she’d been fooling herself that she was going to do this on her own. Well, this eye-opening situation left her feeling humbled. She needed to let it all sink in before she made any rash decisions or said something she'd regret later. The bottom line was, she didn't want to do anything that would destroy their dreams.

  Sarah Marsh stood. “Would you like to see the inside of the RV?” she asked, tilting her head in encouragement.

  No drama here, Liz thought gratefully, then smiled. “I would. Very much.” Reality could be tough and sometimes it hit hard, but she’d have to deal with it.

  When her mom opened the door to the RV, the steps automatically came forward and they all filed inside.

  “Wow,” Liz said softly. It was not only as big as a bus it was beautiful. Leather furniture, a kitchen to die for, and a large bed that slid out at the touch of a button. There was even a washer and dryer. “I’ve never seen anything like this. You really could live here.”

  Sarah laughed as her eyes lit up with happiness. “I knew you’d like it.”

  Her dad’s smile went from ear to ear. “You know you can visit whenever you want. We have room.”

  Liz could see that they were ready to move into a new phase of life. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I feel like a spoiled child. I could make excuses for myself, but I won’t.”

  “Sometimes when change happens you should just embrace it. And that’s what we’ve done.” The happiness on his face when he said it went straight to her heart.

  She felt his words as much as heard them. These past several months had been a new phase of life for her too. She’d followed her heart when she made the bold decision to move back home but this unexpected turn of events was jarring and it threw her off track. She needed to look forward and readjust her thinking again because she had no plans of leaving.

  Later, after dishes were put away, the three of them sat around the table drinking coffee. Sarah and Daniel shared their travel plans with Liz and she felt their excitement. All the while, a new idea was beginning to percolate for her, but she wanted to sleep on it and think hard about it before bringing it up.

  ​

  ∞∞∞

  Liz woke early as had been her habit for the last fifteen years. She’d tossed and turned for most of the night, thinking about the possibilities if her idea worked out
and the downfalls if it didn’t. She took a quick shower and dressed before heading downstairs to the kitchen. The sunrise was bright and cheerful as it poured through the many-paned window over the sink. She brewed a cup of coffee and helped herself to a bagel before sitting at the table with her parents.

  “Did you sleep well, dear?” her mom asked. “You look pretty cheerful this morning.”

  “I am, thank you.” She smiled at each of them. “It’s going to be a beautiful day.”

  The coffee was excellent. The room was homey, and she loved every part of it. She glanced around, smiling and thinking this is it, now is the time to embrace change as her father had said.

  “Mom and Dad, I have something I want to tell you.”

  They stared at her, nodded, then waited for her to go on.

  “I want to buy this house.”

  Chapter Two

  Late September

  Liz slipped on her mucking boots and headed for the barn with Bess several steps ahead. The sun was just coming up but the clouds had already begun to form, dulling its brightness. The empty milk pail she carried swung against her leg as she walked. A little over two months had gone by since her decision to buy the house and the pastureland that came with it. Now, her upended life had righted itself, giving her happiness and security. She enjoyed the early morning chores in the barn where the smell of sweet hay and cow feed filled the air. Pushing aside the big door she was greeted with a low moo that made her smile. All the milking equipment and stanchions had been sold months ago along with the herd, but Liz didn’t mind the old fashioned way of doing things. Besides, she only had one milk cow and her calf to look after.

  “Good Monday morning to you too, Myrtie,” she called to the Jersey cow as she entered the stall. Bess hopped up on the top rail and walked around till she came face to face with Myrtie, rubbing the cow’s head in her usual greeting. It hadn’t been difficult at all to adjust to the routine of feeding and milking or even mucking out the stalls. The frothy, creamy milk in the pail made it all worthwhile and Myrtie was a great listener. Sometimes she gave a murmured moo in agreement with Liz’s opinions. Baby Pearl, who wasn’t a baby at all, was stabled in her own pen and frequently added her voice to the conversations. Afterward, she turned them into the large pasture then carried the heavy bucket back to the house where she strained and pasteurized the milk. With the work all done, she brewed a cup of coffee and sat down at her computer to check her new website.

  When she’d explained her idea to her parents that she wanted to turn the house into a bed and breakfast, they were delighted and encouraged her to go for it. She’d made list after list of things that would need to be done and slowly checked them off. From working with an attorney and the insurance company to compiling lists of groceries and linens, one by one she had completed the necessary items to start her business. When she finally felt sure that she was ready, she ordered a large hand painted sign from a man her father had recommended. Then she posted flyers in neighboring towns as well as ads in newspapers. She left her business cards anywhere businesses allowed it. But even more important was getting a website up and running to broadcast the news that The Maple Ridge B&B was ready for business. She had spent hours working on photographing the house indoors and out and getting them uploaded in a way that would really draw attention. Fall was just around the corner along with the holidays and skiing season right behind it. Her life became a whirlwind of activities and most nights she fell into bed late, but always with a satisfying feeling.

  She admitted, only to herself, that she was a little skittish about sharing her home with strangers. Therefore, an ounce of prevention would hopefully be worth a pound of cure, not to mention peace of mind. She moved her belongings into the only downstairs bedroom which had belonged to her parents. Her father had a wall safe hidden behind a family portrait, so she moved his old desk, taking it from the place in the living room to her new bedroom. This would keep her business papers and cash or checks out of sight. Of course, she had locks put on the four upstairs guest rooms, keeping a master key on her keychain. Another small source of comfort to her was that squeaky stair tread on the fifth step going up and that one hallway floorboard at the end of the hall above her bedroom. She was certain she'd hear any nighttime activity. Maybe it was just living in the city for so many years that brought out this feeling of mistrust but in her mind being cautious was simply good sense.

  She stared at the computer screen and her stomach did a tight flip when she saw that someone had placed a reservation. Finally! Well, it hadn’t actually been that long since she’d first put the website in public mode, but she’d been checking it several times a day each day and had been disappointed until now. She printed the information page of her guest, Claire Dennison, who had requested the blue room for just one person, and she would arrive on Wednesday. Well, one woman alone would make for an easy introduction into the B&B business, she told herself. Two days was short notice but that was perfectly okay with Liz. She smiled and stood up to do a little happy dance. She was officially in business!

  Curbing her inclination to google for any information about the guest, she decided there was no point in turning preconceived ideas into facts before they’d even met. But she was anxious to tell someone the great news so she sent a text to her mom.

  “Hi, Mom. I got a reservation for the B&B! I’m excited. When it’s convenient give me a call back. Love you!”

  While she waited for the call, she checked over her lists again just to be sure there wasn’t something she was missing. A menu. She wanted to accommodate her guest and being flexible was the best way to go. Keeping it simple, she’d go with a choice of lite offerings of fruits and bagels but also wanted to be ready for making a hearty Vermont breakfast. The temperatures had begun cooling down the last few days so buttermilk pancakes and maple syrup would work nicely too. Her freezer was amply filled with sausage and bacon among a host of other meats so there was no need for fretting.

  When no text or call came back from her mom within a few minutes, she couldn’t wait any longer because she was just too wound up to do nothing. So, she loaded up her dad’s old truck, which was now hers, with the large glass jugs that filled her big fridge. She had rounds to make to a few of the neighbors who loved Myrtie’s heavy cream and milk. Polly Barnes always took several jugs of cream to make butter and cheese which she packaged and sold at the farmer’s markets in various towns. Most of the time she came to pick up the jugs but this morning Liz felt the need to get out of the house. As she drove the truck down the hill, she couldn’t help smiling as the pink and purple house came into view. It was a friendly place that seemed to shout “Welcome!”

  The jugs gently clinked against each other as she came to a stop in the drive. The black and brown spotted dog, Max, was the first to greet her with a series of barks and lots of tail wagging that was immediately followed by a cacophony of other barnyard animal sounds in the background. Liz laughed as she patted the dog and told him, “Nobody could ever sneak up on you, could they?” Max thumped his tail against the ground and barked with uncontrolled enthusiasm.

  Polly came out the side door onto the small porch, waving at her. “Are you making a delivery? My goodness, you didn’t need to do that. I’m happy to pick them up.” She crossed the yard to the truck, hushing Max. Her salt and pepper hair was pulled back in a bun, as always, with a few wisps escaping around her thin face. She wore a plaid flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows and well-worn jeans that were typical of her casual life.

  “No problem at all,” Liz replied. “Just too nice to stay indoors.” She lifted out two of the jugs, handing them to the older woman then she carried two more jugs as they walked to the house together.

  “How’s the cheese making coming along?” Liz asked.

  “Pretty good. Myrtie’s cream is the best I’ve ever used.” She stopped for a minute, smiled and said, “but I can’t remember using any other. And how’s your new business doing?”
r />   “I am so excited. I just got my first reservation this morning.”

  “That big smile says it all. I’m happy to hear it’s working out.”

  Between the two of them, they juggled their loads and managed to open the kitchen door.

  “Just sit ‘em over there on the counter,” she told Liz as she put hers on the table. “This will keep me busy till next week. Have you heard from your folks very much?”

  “I haven’t heard anything for a few days, but I expect to hear something soon. They try to keep in touch often but they’re so busy! I have to admit that I am surprised how much they love traveling, although they are getting ready to stay in one location for the winter. Somewhere in Arizona, I think.”

  “Sure surprised me too,” she replied, shaking her head. “But if that’s what makes them happy then good for them.”

  “I agree.” Liz brushed her hands down her jeans to remove the bit of moisture that had been transferred from the cold jugs to her skin. “So, are you going to the Fall Market Day festivities in town this weekend?” Liz asked.

  “Absolutely. Wouldn’t miss it. I finished up with the knitting I’ve been working on so I’ll be taking some of the shawls along with some scarves. I have canned fruits and vegetables too. And I’m trying to decide if I can part with several skeins of wool that I’ve been spinning in my spare time.”