It was the dawn of a beautiful morning in April. The wind whispered the promise of spring in the Glen, rousing leaf and bough and flower bud into woodland speech as it blew Rainbow Valley. It stirred the dust from the cold faces of the tombstones, breathing fresh gusts of youth and life in the Methodist graveyard. It blew against the ivy-covered walls of the Manse. It shook the boughs of an apple tree that spilled her blossoms down the open window of a sleeping girl's chamber.
Sunshine flooded this room like a pool of liquid gold. It was a very cheerful apartment, suggestive of laughter even when its occupant was asleep, as she was right now. Its walls were covered with a pale rose paper, the floor with a cream white rug. Books of every description spilled out of the white frame bookcase; piles more were scattered on the white desk. A fat brown basket sitting at the white wicker chair overflowed with ribbons and tangled threads. Faith's room could not be held up as an example of neatness; but there was something undeniably friendly in the helter-skelter way of things.
Faith's eyelashes fluttered open, her golden-brown eyes fixed on the clock by her bedside. It was only seven-fifteen, and it was Saturday- so she didn't have to wake up early to teach.
Nonetheless, she sat up, tossing the covers aside and got out of bed. On any other day, she would have cuddled under the covers for a few minutes more, dreaming about what wonderful surprises the day would bring.
But today she ran to the mirror above her washstand, beaming at her smiling reflection. This was no ordinary day.
"It's my eighteenth birthday," whispered Faith joyously, her eyes sparkling.
Eighteen had always seemed like a magical word to Faith. It was the age where things happened; like a like a great, glowing doorway that opened to a world full of delicious possibilities. Eighteen was when adventures happened, where youthful possibility was at its finest, rainbow-y best, yet unburdened by prosaic adult concerns. Mother had gone to college when she was eighteen, left the Island all by herself and boarded with her two best chums.
Of late, Faith had been dreaming of leaving for college more than ever – collegiate life, with all its freedoms, appealed very much to her independent spirit. Though the Glen had been her home for years now, something in her was beginning to crave for more – for wider skies, new horizons, some uncharted territory to explore on her own. Gradually, she was becoming aware of the turmoil happening beyond the quiet Glens; great currents of change were abroad in the world. She wanted to be able to know more than just sewing and the price of eggs. She wanted to encounter the Great Minds of the ages, to unlock the riddles of life from the masters of philosophy and literature and art. There were so many experiences waiting for her there… acquiring knowledge… meeting people… gaining friendships and even… finding love perhaps?
Faith blushed at the gentle awakening of a sentiment that had been a dearly held secret, even from herself. Her gaze moved to a picture that hung above her desk – a photo of a dark, vivacious face above a frilly white gown standing beside her handsome groom. Mother had met Father, when she was eighteen. She was studying literature then; he had been a divinity student. They had met at the library; gotten into a dispute over the theology of some saint. She had resolved the argument with laugher; he had offered to walk her to her boardinghouse.
Mother had fallen in love when she was eighteen.
Oh, Eighteen was full of promises.
Even though she knew it was too early, Faith began to get ready for the day. She brushed her golden-brown curls until they shone and chose her favorite pink muslin dress. Would it be too much to wear one of the rosebuds on her vase? They had bloomed during the night and looked so pretty that she slipped one just above her ear. She tied up her curls with a bit of bright ribbon and then slipped her feet into the white slippers with the pink rosettes that Mrs. Blythe had given her for Christmas.
She took a peep at herself in the mirror – normally, she did not think much about her looks but she wanted to look her best today. Last year, they had prepared a surprise birthday breakfast for her and she had been in such a hurry dressing that she had gone downstairs wearing mismatched socks. She really did not want Jem to see her like that again– one of the socks had a hole in the toe and he had teasingly pointed it out to her as she blew the candles of her birthday cake. Really, it was all Carl's fault- he had a devilish delight in creating surprises for her. Well, this time she would not be surprised.
Faith took another look at the clock and saw that it was five minutes to eight. Finally, she could make her slow way downstairs. When she reached the landing, she took a moment to arrange a hall portrait that was slightly askew and to tie the curtains back from the window in the front hall to let in the light. Faith was not naturally tidy– her room was a testament to that – but the rest of the house had gotten into a habit of neatness, courtesy of Rosemary Meredith.
The manse had greatly changed since Rosemary's coming; her neat touch bringing order out of chaos. She had assumed the Mistress-ship of the manse with ease. The tiled floor was swept and gleaming white; the windows sparkled and not a lick of dust could be found anywhere. Tablecloths and curtains were washed and mended; the upholstery patched so cleanly that one would barely noticed that they were patched. Fresh spikes of flowers could be found at every room, adding pretty splashes of color and scent and making the manse was a more cheerful place than ever.
After arranging the curtains and admiring the front yard, where the spring flowers were in bloom, Faith put on her very best smile and peeked into the dining room. She could smell something delicious in the air – by now, Mother Rosemary was preparing breakfast. Rosemary put great store in the entire family having breakfast together; nowadays, everyone was so busy. Of course, Jerry was in Redmond and could not be here today.
Faith felt a pang of regret- this was the first birthday she and Jerry were spending apart since he had gone to Queen's. He was really just the sweetest brother in the world - she remembered how he had made a surprise visit to the Academy two years ago when she was studying there. How he had cheerfully hopped on a train right after a long day of teaching at the Harbour Head just to celebrate her birthday with her, bringing with him a boxful of goodies from home. They had had a light supper together and he had even stayed to meet her friends and watch her open her presents, even when that meant that he would not be able to return to the Glen until quite late. But now he was in his first year at Redmond now and such a surprise would no longer be possible; Kingsport was just too far away. Even though she was keeping herself busy teaching school at Mowbray Narrows, she missed him awfully.
Still, she strode into the dining room cheerfully and said, "Good morning, every-"
Her greeting stopped short. Why, only Father, Rosemary, Una and Bruce were here. "Where's Carl?"
"He's still asleep, dear. He got home quite late from Queen's last night and I didn't want to disturb him," answered Rosemary as she set down a plate of sausages.
"Oh," said Faith as she took her usual seat next to Una, who was playing a little game of hide and seek with Bruce.
"Good morning, Faith," greeted Una rather absently. "Now Brucie, do come out from under there and eat your last spoonful of eggs. Mother has the sausages ready so why don't you sit down and I'll get you a nice, juicy one."
"Sausages, sausages!" chanted Bruce as he sat down on Una's lap obediently and picked up his spoon and fork. Una ruffled his curly hair laughingly and said, "I knew that would do the trick!" She reached for the plate of sausages and placed a plump one on Bruce's plate.
Faith cleared her throat.
"Oh did you want some sausages too, Faith?" asked Una, putting two links on Faith's plate. "Do you want more? This time last year, I recall that you had five!"
"Oh Una, I thought you'd for-"
"I'm just teasing you. Happy Birthday, Faith!" greeted Una, kissing her on the cheek.
"Oh yes, happy birthday dear!" Mother Rosemary and Father echoed.
"Thank you!" exclaimed Faith. Now this was more like it! "So what are we going to do today? It's Saturday so I thought…"
"Actually, I have a wedding to officiate today and some other matters to attend to… " Father broke in, taking a hurried sip of his orange juice and folding up the newspaper.
"Yes and I promised Mrs. Wilson from the village that I would talk to her this morning about her son, Abner. She wants to send him to Queens but she's not sure where the money is to come from. I thought perhaps the Ladies Aid could help her somehow," said Mother Rosemary. Why – she was actually clearing away her plate!
"Why don't I come with you? I could look after the other Wilson children while you talk with Mrs. Wilson," offered Una, standing up and depositing Bruce on Faith's pink lap. It was all Una could do not to laugh at Faith's incredulous look.
"That's a wonderful idea, Una, Those three children are a handful. You don't mind taking care of Bruce, do you Faith? We'll probably be back in time for lunch."
Poor Faith could hardly refuse – the three of them had already stood up, apparently all ready to set off with their plans for the day. Plans that didn't include Faith.
"Oh and could you go and pick up some things from Carter's store after breakfast, Faith?" requested Rosemary. "Take the cart and Bruce with you. I'm sure Brucie would love to go for a drive."
"Yes, yes, yes!" chimed in Bruce, wriggling with excitement and wrinkling Faith's skirt. "Please, Faith?" he implored, looking up at her with his adorable blackly-blue eyes.
"All right, you little munchkin!" agreed Faith, smiling in spite of herself. "But would you mind waiting just a few minutes, Mother Rosemary? I just want to change out of this dress. I don't want to get any dust in it."
Mother Rosemary agreed, apparently not noticing anything out of the ordinary with Faith's attire. Faith dashed upstairs, closing her door with a little sigh. It was such a pretty dress but a little too fancy for Carter Flagg. For that matter, she certainly hadn't expected to spend the morning of her eighteenth birthday at Carter Flaggs! She changed into her brown calico instead.
"Thank you, Faith. Now be good Bruce and we'll see you both later," said Rosemary as they left.
After breakfast, Faith helped Bruce wash his face, combed his hair and got him ready for their drive. She hitched the mare, lifted Bruce so he could clamber up the seat and then took her place beside him. Bruce grinned at her and Faith let him hold the reins for a little while – the mare seemed to sense that it was all in play and took it very patiently. Faith put on her straw boater, took the lines and they went off, down the winding lane to Carter Flagg's store.
Despite her initial disappointment when she found out that no birthday celebration was forthcoming, Faith felt her spirits lifting as they rode off. No one could feel entirely sad in the spring. How nicely the wind purred as it blew through the fields. How wonderful the perfume of the violets! And Faith enjoyed pointing out the names of all the trees and flowers to Bruce, who was gazing around them with wide-eyed wonder, occasionally leaning out of the cart to brush his fingers against the tickling blades of grass and the dew-soft petals of buds as they drove by. Little Bruce was so cute; with his curly black hair and serious dark eyes with its fringe of dark lashes. And how quickly he was growing! Soon he would be out of his rompers and going to school.
Soon they reached the village. Faith tied the cart outside Carter Flagg's store and stepped inside.
"Well, hello there Faith," Carter Flagg greeted from behind a counter. "How are you this morning?"
"Fine, thank you, Mr. Flagg," answered Faith. "It's a lovely April morning isn't it? April is my favorite month," she added meaningly.
"Yep, it is unusually fine out there- nice day for a drive. But a man has to make a living so I guess I'm stuck in here," he said, as he rearranged some of the items on the shelf.
And not a word about her birthday! Faith couldn't believe that he had forgotten about it – every year, without fail, the Merediths ordered cartons of ice cream from Mr. Flagg during her birthday. He always saved a carton or two of strawberry because he knew that was her favorite.
"Your package isn't quite ready yet. Why don't you take a look around the store for awhile? And here's some candy for Master Bruce. He's growing fast, isn't he? How old is the little shaver?"
"He's four," answered Faith, though her smile was a little strained. She leafed through a few magazines while Bruce wandered in the toy aisle, sucking on some peppermints. After that she moved on to the ribbon counter, looking at the rolls of ribbons on display. There was a pretty one of pale pink silk trimmed with white lace that would look just right with her dress.
"Oh, that one's new- just got it yesterday," Mr. Flagg said when she inquired about it. "What if I give it to you, seeing as it's your birthday?"
"Thank you, Mr. Flagg!" declared Faith as he held out a yard for her. "It's awfully good of you. I thought you'd forgotten."
Carter Flagg's eyes twinkled and he said mysteriously, "There'll be a great many surprises waiting for you today, Faith Meredith. Now, here's your package and you get on home now."
He handed Faith a light paper parcel and shooed her out of the store.
Faith was still rather mystified as they drove off. She had expected to pick up a lot more- like the week's grocery perhaps. And what did Mr. Flagg mean by surprises?
Maybe… maybe they hadn't really forgotten my birthday, mused Faith as they left the village. Maybe this was just some elaborate ploy to get her out of the house so they could prepare for the real celebration!
The thought brought the sparkle back in her golden brown eyes. It dazzled her so much that twice, she drove the cart down the wrong road and had to backtrack. By the time she had turned down the lane leading to the Manse, she was quite convinced that everyone was in there waiting for her.
After helping Bruce climb out of the cart, Faith smoothed her hair and dress, wishing that she hadn't changed out of her pink one.
"Well, we're back, Bruce. Let's go in," Faith announced, with Bruce looking on at her sudden glee with confusion. She put on her very best smile as she turned the doorknob and continued with, "Oh, it was such a nice day for a drive out-"
But the Meredith manse was empty. Her remark echoed down the quiet hallways and around the rooms bereft of gay well-wishers.
She walked in feeling rather foolish and explored the house, just to make sure that there was no one hiding in the closets or behind the furniture. Bruce trailed along behind her, wondering what his older sister was looking for.
But there was no one around- everything was as it was before she had left, except for a plate with the remains of eggs and sausages in the dining room. Carl had apparently eaten breakfast and left the manse while she and Bruce was at Carter Flaggs.
Still the thought preyed at the back of her head while she sat at the parlour while teaching Bruce his letters. She even changed back into her pink dress.
When the doorbell rang, she practically flew down the hallway to answer it.
"Good morning, Faith!" It was the Blythe twins, Nan and Di. "We were wondering if you could come down to Ingleside with us. We're fitting this dress for Nan and we're hoping you could help us with the alterations."
Aha! So it was to be at Ingleside, wasn't it? Of course, Faith wasn't about to let on that she had seen through their ploy so she said casually, "Of course I'll help you. Do you mind if I bring Bruce along with me?"
Di guessed that from the way Faith's eyes had lit up that she thought this was going to be her birthday surprise. That Carl really was a devilish follow, she thought with an inward grin. Outwardly, she said, "Of course not. Mother's been wanting to see him; she says she misses having a baby toddle about," as she picked Bruce up and kissed his satin cheek.
"I'm not a baby! I'm this many already," protested Bruce vehemently, holding up four fingers.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Bruce. You're right- you are getting to be a big boy. I can barely lift you," exclaimed Di as she put him down.
"Is Jem at Ingleside?" he asked as he packed his crayons. "I want to show him this!" He held up a piece of paper covered with wobbly letters. "I can write my A-B-C's now!"
"These are wonderful! But Jem is still at college studying to be a doctor, sweetie. But how about if we send this to him at Redmond so he could see how much you've improved," suggested Di.
Bruce gave a happy whoop and they set off for Ingleside, laughing and chattering. While the twins and Faith exchanged stories about teaching school, at the back of her mind, she was practicing her surprised face for when they led her to the party. And it would be quite a party, she was sure- Mrs. Blythe had such good taste in decorating and Susan Baker was the best cook in the Glen.
But once again, Faith was mistaken. It seemed just like any ordinary day at Ingleside. Mrs. Blythe was out watering the plants in her garden; Susan was at the kitchen poring over her cookbook. After saying hello to Mrs. Blythe and leaving Bruce happily digging holes in the earth for the spring planting, they went straight up to the twins bedroom, where yards of material and a sewing kit sat on the bed.
So the morning of her eighteenth birthday found her sewing, of all things! Though Faith was surprisingly skilled with a needle, she had never truly enjoyed it. She thought the work a little monotonous. And she was sure she looked smashing wearing her pink dress with a mouthful of pins and a measuring tape around her waist.
I'm probably the best-dressed tailor in the Glen, thought Faith, and she couldn't help but smile at the thought. Still, she felt disappointed. She had been so sure that Carl had planned something. But perhaps this year, he had been too busy- he was studying for a first class-license.
"Well, I really must go. It's lunchtime and Mother Rosemary and Father might be back," said Faith when the alterations on Nan's dress were finished.
"Why don't we take a walk down Rainbow Valley?" Nan suggested. "The columbines are blooming. Let's go pick a nice bouquet for Mrs. Meredith."
"Sure, why not?" agreed Faith with a shrug. After picking up little Bruce, the three of them set off for Rainbow Valley.
Faith was too preoccupied with her thoughts to notice the fact that Nan had locked the door as they stepped out at Ingleside. She also failed to see the sly glances that the twins exchanged.
Well, you're eighteen now, she admonished herself sternly as they soaked in the April sunshine. Surely, she was too old, too mature, to expect a big production just because it was her birthday. Everyone was busy; they all had their own lives to lead.
She looked wistfully all around the green, dimpled loveliness of Rainbow Valley. It was very quiet now, since Jem and Jerry were at Redmond, she and the twins were teaching, Shirley at Queens and Rilla at the Glen school. She remembered all the happy, carefree days they had spent there together; at her present mood, it seemed so long ago.
Oh what had happened to eighteen and all its beautiful promises? Did growing up actually mean growing away from each other?
She parted a wall of ivy, which was like a green leafy curtain, and stopped right in her tracks.
Faith couldn't believe the scene she was seeing before her - the sylvan dell was festooned like a fairy banquet out of a storybook. The trees in the little grove were garlanded with paper streamers; and a path of rose petals led her to an arch made of pine boughs where a banner announced, "Welcome to Faith's 18th Birthday Celebration!" Beyond that arch waited a crowd of joyful people, their faces all creased with smiles.
"Oh, I can't believe this," Faith whispered to the Blythe twins, who were crowding up behind her to see her reaction. Already her eyes were filling with tears as Bruce tugged at her skirt. "Don't you like it, Faith? It's a s'prise!" he asked, looking up at her, his blackly-blue eyes shining with excitement.
"I love it, Brucie," she assured him, wiping her eyes discreetly.
"Go on Faith," Nan said gently, leading her down the petal-strewn path. When they all reached the archway, Nan announced, "Here she is everybody- the guest of honor, Faith Meredith!"
"Happy eighteenth Birthday, Faith!" they all yelled as a shower on confetti and flower petals washed over her. Moments later, she was deluged with hugs.
"Were you surprised?" demanded Carl as he gave her a hug, his blue eyes twinkling.
"You! I knew you were behind all this!" exclaimed Faith.
"Every year, you get harder and harder to surprise so an elaborate plan was really in order this time," he joked. "But the payoff's bigger, don't you think?"
Faith could only nod as she felt a fresh spate of happy tears overwhelm her. "I didn't suspect a thing! I thought that this was just an ordinary day for everyone and then… and then… you do all this. Thank you so much!"
"Now Faith, don't you ruin your face by crying," Mary Vance admonished her, though her white eyes were beaming. Faith swallowed her tears and gave Mary a hug. "Now that's more like it!" Mary declared. "Wait 'til you see all the presents you've got piled up- my, it's like Christmas day!"
"Everyone was in on it," Carl continued. "Believe me, I couldn't have arranged all this by myself. The streamers were the twin's handiwork, Shirley made that arch and the banner, and of course, Susan, Mother Rosemary, Una and Mrs. Blythe were in charge of the eats. Take a look around."
Faith wove her way around the little clearing, oohing and aahing over the spread in between hugs and well-wishes. Tables laden with delicacies were lined up on one side. Faith sniffed delightedly at the warm odor of fresh baked bread, grilled trout and mouthwatering fried chicken with rich brown gravy. For dessert, there were baskets of fruit, potato salad, golden brown muffins and a plentiful collection of jams and jellies and honey sweet as ambrosia to go with it. Faith was pleased to note that there was ice cream on the table too- and there were two cartons of strawberry, no less! Another table groaned with a mountain of gaily-wrapped gifts. But Faith could wait to open them – the greater gift was this celebration and sharing this day with all the people she loved.
How could I have doubted my family and friends even for a moment? Faith thought, feeling like the luckiest girl on earth.
"I hope you didn't feel too badly this morning, dear," Rosemary said, giving Faith a kiss on her cheek. "We were just in a hurry to get everything set up. But don't you think for a minute that we forgot about your special day."
"Oh, I wasn't angry for even a single second, Mother Rosemary. And I am so grateful to you all for this party."
"My darling, Faith," Rev. Meredith stared at her with a tender look in his dark eyes. "Somehow, I can't believe that this beautiful young woman standing before me could be my little girl. If only your mother could see you now," he said in a low voice that trembled despite his efforts.
"Oh, Father," Faith threw her arms around him and squeezed him tight. "I wish she were here too," she whispered wistfully. Though she loved Rosemary dearly, she could never forget her real Mother, with her brave, loving dark-blue eyes and her sweet, gay laughter.
After everyone had personally greeted Faith a happy birthday, they all began to partake of the delectable woodland feast. Blankets were spread out on the ground, with spring flowers and plump pillows liberally strewn about, where they could sit and eat and chat. After complimenting Susan on the food, Faith filled her plate with a slice of chicken, some salad and a muffin and sat next to Una.
"Oh, if you could only have seen the look on your face when we all stood up to leave and you not having taken a bite of your breakfast!" exclaimed Una mischievously as she took a bite of her trout.
"Oh, I suppose I did look wildly flabbergasted. But I can't believe Carl managed to convince even you to go along with his tricks. How could you take his side?" Faith reproached her with a broad smile.
"Oh, the look on your face when you saw all this made it worthwhile. Mrs. Blythe managed to take a picture, you know. And actually…" She leaned closer to Faith, her dark-blue eyes sparkling, "Faith, we do have one more surprise for you," Una whispered.
"Look over there," she said, pointing to the arch where two tall figures were standing.
"Jerry! And Jem!"
Faith dropped her plate and positively ran to meet them. Laughing, she sprang at her brother first and he whirled her around and around as he used to do when they were children.
"I knew how special eighteen was to you, Faith, so how could I possibly miss it?" whispered Jerry. "I left Kingsport yesterday and made it to the Island late last night. I stayed over at the Blythes though, so you wouldn't suspect a thing. Dear sister, I wish you the Happiest of Birthdays!"
He put her down and suddenly, she was standing in front of Jem. Faith glanced up at him, feeling a peculiar shyness. Jem had always been like a brother to her but they were not as close as they had been in Rainbow Valley days. He had been in college this past four years studying for his medical degree. She seldom saw him now, except for Christmases and summers and the occasional letter. He seemed older somehow, taller and leaner; with smooth brown skin and bright hazel eyes.
But her nervousness seemed to vanish as his brown hand clasped over hers warmly. Jem did not mind her silence for he was thinking how beautiful Faith was, with the radiance of the sun in her hair and its warmth in her eyes.
"Happy Birthday, Faith," he said simply, kissing her lightly on the cheek. Faith felt her heart give a strange flutter as her cheek burned from his kiss.
And that was the crown of Faith's eighteenth birthday. Wonderful eighteen, where a flower of hope seemed to bloom in her heart, though its fulfillment still waited in the years to come.