Donners Bend Read online

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1 - Eliana Henderson 4

  Chapter 2 - The Rhodes 12

  Chapter 3 - Lovely Marcelle Marquis 23

  Chapter 4 - Felicity and Emily 33

  Chapter 5 - Benjamin Fanning 44

  Chapter 6 - Jameson Ethan Rhodes 53

  Chapter 7 - A Sunny Afternoon 63

  Chapter 8 - Pirates and Shakespeare 70

  Chapter 9 - The Pie Festival 79

  Chapter 10 - Emily’s Wedding 91

  Chapter 11 - Loving Father and Son 96

  Chapter 12 - Playing Peter Pan 99

  Chapter 13 - Early Morning Actions 107

  Chapter 14 - The Lake 112

  Chapter 15 - A Very Merry Christmas 123

  Chapter 16 - The Christmas Gifts 133

  Chapter 17 - Beneath the Ice 146

  Chapter 18 - Beyond the Cold 154

  Chapter 19 - The Quiet Visits 161

  Chapter 20 - Smoking and More Visits 170

  Chapter 21 - The Truth Comes Out 177

  Chapter 22 - The Proposal 185

  Chapter 23 - A Rash Decision 192

  Chapter 24 - To Thee I Wed 201

  Chapter 25 - No Ordinary Rainy Day 210

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons living or dead, actual events, locale, or organizations is purely coincidental.

  Donners Bend © Copyright 2012, Alexa V. James, all rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form or manner, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, by any means – electronic mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise – without prior written permission of the author, except as provided by the United States of America copyright law.

  Chapter 1 - Eliana Henderson

  Standing in front of a small white brick house in the middle of a tiny town called Donners Bend was Eliana Mae Henderson. Flat, gray clouds filled the darkening sky above her as the town prepared for yet another rain. Donners Bend wasn’t known for much except its excessive rainfall. It rained at least every other day there, if not more, and when it rained it didn’t just last an hour or two, it took up the entire day and night. The maidens needn’t water their gardens for God continually took care of it, and it never flooded in Donners Bend because the town rose above the surrounding land and the water could roll right off into the nearby river.

  The townspeople would jokingly say that in order to live in Donners Bend, one had to don a raincoat because of the frequency of its rain, and the bend was because they were certain that’s where the sun was always hiding, somewhere around the bend. The truth is, they made light of the rain and never saw it as an intrusion, but more like a welcomed visitor that always showed up.

  Although she was only sixteen, Eliana had just moved to Donners Bend to start a life on her own, for that was the way things in her old town, Hunter’s Ridge, worked. No one thought it odd, for it was merely the custom of the land. Her parents, Thomas and Beatrice Henderson, worked hard to prepare their only child, and at last it was time to bid her goodbye. Ellie, as she was affectionately called, set out with a wagon full of her belongings along with her closest friend, Marcelle Amelia Marquis, who would be helping her move in.

  The little white cottage which Ellie now stood before had been chosen by her father for he had found it suitable for a young girl. Also, it was situated a perfect distance from the Henderson’s Hunter’s Ridge home; it was far enough away that Ellie would be able to distance herself from her parents and become more responsible and independent, but it was also close enough that if an emergency occurred, she could reach her parents in just a day's carriage ride.

  The first day in her new home Ellie spent cleaning, for she was a very tidy person, painting, moving in furniture and other various items, and making the house feel more like a home, all with the help of Marcelle. It really was a cute little cottage, and Ellie knew she would come to love it dearly in due time.

  Made up of tan, white, and cream-colored bricks, it created quite a contrast with the fields of healthy green grass upon which it sat. Five steps led up to a porch that ran the width of the house and upon this porch sat an old black rocking chair Ellie's grandpa had sent with her when she moved. A little bin serving as a mailbox sat next to the newly painted black door and on the opposite side was a terra cotta pot filled with red tulips and a crate containing firewood.

  Walking in, one could see that the open space was being used for a parlor on the right and a dining room on the left. A scarlet couch and ivory-colored armchair faced the fireplace making up the small, but needed, parlor. The dining room contained an oak table surrounded by four chairs with scarlet fabric as padding. In the center of the table sat a vase filled with red tulips just as beautiful as the ones on Ellie’s front porch. From the dining room a black door led to the kitchen, which contained only the necessities for now.

  Ellie's bedroom was in the back of the house, as was her bathroom. The basement would be used for laundry and storage purposes only and, at the moment, it was a bit of a mess.

  "Doesn't it look wonderful, El?" Marcelle asked with a huge smile spreading across her face; she'd been standing next to Ellie for some time, waiting for her friend to comment on the house and had grown rather impatient.

  Ellie nodded, "It does, and it's mine. All mine."

  "All yours!" Marcelle shouted, as she grabbed Ellie in a huge hug.

  Ellie and Marcelle had been best friends since they were children, though they weren't very alike in personality or appearance and often got into disagreements. Ellie, a more calm and tidy girl by nature, had graduated at the top of her class back in Hunter’s Ridge. Marcelle, on the other hand, despised school and knew it didn't really matter how well she did for she would always have her wealthy French family to back her up. Marcelle was very self-confident, spontaneous, and outgoing; when she knew what she wanted, nothing could stop her from getting it.

  Throughout their many years together Ellie had grown slightly jealous of Marcelle, not for her personality but for her looks. Marcelle Amelia Marquis had an appearance any woman would be envious of. Her dark, chocolate brown hair fell in bouncy ringlets and looked perfect whether Marcelle let it hang naturally or pinned it up. Beneath delicately arched eyebrows were her clear blue eyes, as blue as a midsummer sky. Framing those enticing eyes were full, thick lashes that loved to wink at admiring men. Her cheeks were always rosy, her nose never freckled, and her dimples never disappeared when she flashed another brilliantly white smile. Full, plump lips never lost their pinkish-red hue and her hands never rid of their lady-like elegance. Her bust was full, her waist small, and her feet tiny. In her seventeen years of life, she'd had more beaux than she could count. Marcelle never tired of playing with the affections of men and dragging them along like lovesick puppy dogs. She'd moved into her own little cottage in Hunter’s Ridge last year when she turned sixteen, so she wouldn't be able to visit Ellie very often in her new home in Donners Bend.

  Ellie, though saddened by this fact, also thought it might be a good idea for her to be separated from Marcelle for a while. She thought it might be time for her to make some new friends.

  Eliana Mae Henderson, though not as fair as Marcelle, could most certainly not be considered unattractive. Her reddish, feathery hair had an almost indescribable color of auburn, with its reddish hues and glistening, natural highlights. She wore it the same way every day: parted on the left side and pulled back into a small ponytail with a ribbon that matched whatever dress she wore that day. Her ears were a little too small and a patch of freckles ran across the bridge of her nose and onto both cheeks. Long, dark la
shes surrounded her sparkling hazel eyes and although her smile wasn't as perfect as Marcelle's, it was shown often for she loved to laugh. Her bust was a little small, her waist thin, and she stood a full five inches beneath 5'7 Marcelle at the height of 5'2.

  Unlike Marcelle, Ellie loved to read, she absolutely adored children, and she'd never had a beau, not that she was in desperate want of one.

  "It's perfect!" Marcelle exclaimed as she looked upon Ellie's new cottage.

  "Well, almost," Ellie agreed, "But it's still missing a few things. Perhaps we should head over to the market to pick up some groceries and such and see if we can find someone to fix the plumbing and that window in the kitchen."

  They boarded the little carriage Mr. Henderson had loaned his daughter for a few days and set off for Donners Bend marketplace. About fifteen or twenty stores formed a u-shaped shopping center at which the two girls purchased all the items on their list. Where they were to find a man to help them fix up the house they didn't know.

  Finally, they came upon a small shop called Ol’ Smith’s that looked as if it might have someone who could help.

  "Excuse me?" Ellie called as they explored the store, which was completely void of customers, “Excuse me? Is there anybody here?"

  Marcelle walked behind, looking around at all the random objects for sale around her: bookshelves, lemonade pitchers, lampshades, picture frames, birdhouses, candles, dog bowls, and a few packets of petunia seeds were littered all about the messy shop.

  Finally, they heard a man calling, “Yes? Can I help you?" from a hole in the ceiling. A ladder led up to it.

  "Should we go up?" Marcelle asked, confused.

  "I don't think so," Ellie answered.

  She was right, for but a few seconds later the man climbed down the ladder and hopped down in front of them.

  "Hello, ladies," said he, "I don't believe we've met. Are you two new in town?"

  Marcelle smiled coquettishly at him; she hadn’t known that such handsome men could reside in a tiny town like Donners Bend. He was very tall, around six feet, and very muscular because of the hard work he did around town. He had very, very, light blond hair and grayish brown eyes that seemed to smile just as his soft pink lips did. Wearing old brown shoes, a pair of dusty jeans with holes, and a red flannel shirt with sleeves rolled up to the elbows, one could tell he was definitely not a city boy.

  "Are you new in Donners Bend?" he repeated, "Or are you just stopping in?"

  "I've just moved here a day or so ago,” Ellie replied, “but Mar-"

  Marcelle cut her off, "I live in Hunter’s Ridge and I'm just helping Ellie here move in," she paused and winked, "But maybe I'll have to rethink that. I didn't know there were such dashing men in Donners Bend."

  The man obviously wasn't aware of her constant flirting, or simply chose to ignore it, and introduced himself modestly, "My name's Jonathan Robert Smithton, but most people just call me Jon. What might your names be?"

  "Eliana Mae Henderson, but I’m called Ellie," said Ellie as they shook hands.

  Marcelle then introduced herself, "Marcelle Marquis. It's French."

  "Oh, French," Jon nodded uncomfortably, "Very sophisticated."

  "You know they say French is the language of lovers," Marcelle added in her most seductive tone.

  "Is it? Well, that's nice," Jon replied, ignoring her dalliance. Sticking his hands in his pockets, he asked with a smile, “Now what can I do for you ladies?”

  “Well, I was wondering if you had anyone that could come help me with a few difficulties I’m having with the plumbing and one of the windows in my new house,” Ellie explained, “I’d do it myself, but I don’t really know how.”

  “I’d love to help. I’m sort of the unofficial handy-man here in Donners Bend, so if you ever need any assistance just stop on by. I need to watch the store right now while my boss, Ol’ Smith, is out but I should be able to come over later this evening if that’s convenient for you.”

  “Sounds great to me,” Ellie replied with a smile.

  “Where do you live?”

  “Umm... It doesn’t really have an address, but I can tell you that it’s the little cream-colored house over on Sampson Hill if that helps.”

  “Oh yeah, of course. I know where that is. What time do you want me? I get out at around five.”

  “Whenever is best for you is fine. I’ll be home all day.”

  Marcelle gave Ellie a little kick before fluttering her eyelashes at Jon and saying, “If you want, you could stop by for dinner. We’d love to have you.”

  “Nah, I wouldn’t want to put you out of your way and make you prepare for another person and everything, but thanks for the offer.”

  “It’s not out of our way at all,” Marcelle declared, “honestly.”

  “Maybe some other time,” Jon suggested with a friendly smile.

  “Alright,” Marcelle sighed, “But I’m putting you down for that promise.”

  “Fine by me,” Jon then turned to Ellie and asked, “How about seven?”

  Ellie nodded, “Alright. I’ll see you tonight. Thanks for the help! Goodbye Jon!”

  Marcelle followed her friend back out of the shop and called out, “We’ll be expecting you, Mr. Smithton! Seven o’clock!”

  When they’d reached the street and begun walking back towards their carriage, their arms laden with Ellie’s new possessions, Marcelle said casually, “Well, that Jon Smithton seems nice.”

  “Your next victim, I suppose?” Ellie asked, glancing over at Marcelle suspiciously.

  “Victim?” Marcelle smiled knowingly, and added in a sarcastic tone “Why whatever do you mean? Are you proposing that I, Miss Marcelle Amelia Marquis, am a predator of men? How preposterous! Surely you jest!”

  Ellie returned the grin and answered, “I’m only saying, Miss Marquis, that you seem to have a strong interest in the area of the male species. Would you care to explain this strange infatuation of yours?”

  Marcelle laughed, “Well, I am a female. I don’t believe further explanation is needed.”

  Ellie giggled, but returned to reality as she said, “In all honesty though, I know you have a habit of flirting with just about every man you meet, but it seemed different with Jon. You seemed fonder of him than the others you’ve met. Has your heart chosen its next suspect?”

  Marcelle frowned, but in a friendly way, and answered, “I don’t know why you make it seem like I’m just a little coquette, because I’m really not.”

  Ellie knew it was a lie, but she chose not to interrupt or press the issue further.

  Marcelle continued, “Jon has become, using your terms, my next victim and my heart’s next suspect, but I prefer to call him my next little project. It will be hard though, I’m sure. He completely ignored all of my advances, didn’t he?” Without allowing time for Ellie to answer, Marcelle proceeded, “He doesn’t seem very open to a relationship with me, but I guess that’ll just have to change, won’t it?”

  “I suppose.”

  Marcelle added to her own defense, “But I mean you can’t blame me, can you? He really is a fine specimen of the male species. With those heavenly eyes and soft blond hair and, my God, did you see his arms? My heart just melted at the site of him. And from that very moment I intended to make him mine in some way or another. Hopefully, it shan’t be too troublesome a task. What do you think of him, Ellie?”

  “He seemed very nice, though also very different from any of your previous beaux,” Ellie replied. “He looks as though he hasn’t much money, something you usually seem to look for, and I think he may be just a little too sweet for you, Marcelle.”

  “Too sweet for me? How can he be too sweet for me?”

  “I don’t know, it’s just...” Ellie paused, looking for the words to express her thoughts, “It’s just that I think you’re only looking for a fling, while it seems he would rather have a courtship than a fling. Do you know what I mean?”

  Marcelle shrugged, “I suppose, though I think you�
�ve got it all wrong. How do you know all I want is a fling? Maybe I want more than that.”

  Ellie laughed, “I know you, and I know all you want is a little fun from a man. Go for Jon Smithton if that’s what you want, but I just hope you don’t hurt the man. I feel sorry for him already, for I’m sure it’s not easy to be a victim of the alluring Marcelle Marquis.”

  Marcelle giggled, “Surely not!”

  Chapter 2 - The Rhodes

  Jon came by that night, and despite Marcelle’s numerous attempts Jon seemed completely oblivious to her actions. Either he didn’t notice them, or he did notice but he wished he hadn’t. Marcelle couldn’t figure out which it was. When he left after about an hour and a half later, Marcelle declared him hopeless.

  “So your pursuit of him has come to an end?” a surprised Ellie asked.

  “God no,” Marcelle laughed, “Of course not. It’s just going to be a little harder than I expected. Especially since I’ll only be able to come to Donners Bend every so often.”