Gwen scooped up several cozies. “Bye, everyone!”
Mary Beth put Alice and Annie to work, and the display was finished before the first comers arrived. Ian came by on his tour of all the booths, making sure everyone had what they needed for a successful Harvest celebration. He admired the display of handcrafts. “The club has topped all prior years with their work this time, Mary Beth. I didn’t know how you were going to do that!” His eyes rested on the blue and white urchin pillows. “Becky keeps telling me I need some ‘accent pieces’ in my house. These would look fine on my sofa, I think. I’ll take two and be your first sale of the day.”
“Too late, Mayor. I beat you to it.” Alice crowed. “But your sister-in-law is right. Your house could do with a little more oomph.” She reached under the booth’s table for a bag.
“A person’s got to get up mighty early to beat you, Alice,” Ian faked a wince as he pulled out some neatly folded bills.
“Yes, that is definitely the only sure way,” said Annie, laughing.
Ian paid for his pillows and continued on the final part of his inspection. It wasn’t long before the four women were all helping customers and sharing the inspiration for the pieces. Annie was relieved when she saw Cecil shortly after the starting time. She’d wanted him to see as many of the handcrafts as possible before they were sold. A crowd of family surrounded him, most bearing a Lewey resemblance. After making introductions, Cecil turned to Mary Beth.
“Miss Brock, your club has honored the Passamaquoddy people with your expert and thoughtful art,” Cecil said solemnly. “Thank you.”
“Mr. Lewey, I think I can speak for all the members and say it has been a project of the heart more than we ever imagined it would be,” Mary Beth replied.
“I feel like we’re the ones that have had the honor to be able to do this and learn so much,” said Alice. Kate and Annie nodded their agreement.
Martin, Cecil’s son, pulled out his camera. “Do you mind if I take some photos of the pieces?” he asked.
“Only if you promise to send me some copies at the store,” Mary Beth answered.
“I’d be glad to,” Martin said, his camera already up to his eye. When he finished, the family moved along to enjoy the other displays and allow other people to see the handcrafted pieces.
Before noon arrived, the four ladies stood before an empty display. Mary Beth stood with her hands on her hips, looking at the table. “I know I said the pieces would sell fast, but I didn’t expect to be done by lunch!”
“That’s a first,” said Alice. “Now we can go enjoy the other displays. And I could really go for some of that chowder.”
Annie rubbed her hands together. “And some of that hot cocoa to go with it.”
“How about you go get us cocoa, and I’ll snag the chowder. Then meet me back at the picnic tables,” Alice suggested.
“You’re on. Do y’all want to join us?” Annie asked Mary Beth and Kate.
“I might find you at the tables in a while,” answered Mary Beth. “I want to get the rest of the table packed up so we don’t confuse the afternoon crowd.”
Kate shook her head. “I’d love to, but I’m due over at the volleyball booth soon. I’ll have to grab something quick.”
“We’ll pop over to see you and Vanessa,” said Alice. Then she and Annie left to find their food.
Annie realized as she was weaving through the crowd that she might be about to face John. She hadn’t seen him all month. Her crochet and jelly-making had kept her at home most of the time. Gwen had told her John had adjusted to the changes in Gwen, but Annie didn’t know if he’d changed his mind about “that meddler.”
“If Gwen’s ancestors could face all the challenges they had forced on them, surely I can face one bank president,” Annie muttered. As she approached the bank’s booth, she quickly prayed for grace. “Hi, Gwen. Hi, John,” she said. “Alice and I have been dreaming of your hot cocoa all morning.”
Gwen smiled at her. “How is business?”
“We sold out!” Annie exclaimed. “Your purses practically flew off the table.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful. The community pantry should be able to give away more turkey dinners than even last year.”
John had been staring at the urn of cider but lifted his eyes to look at Annie. “The Hook and Needle Club has accomplished a great service to the community.”
“Thank you, John,” said Annie. “I think we have all gained much more than we gave.”