Glorious Sunlight

Glorious Sunlight

Rosalie Jole

Copyright © 2011 Rosalie Jole

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ISBN: 978-1-4497-2288-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-2453-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011913993

Printed in the United States of America

WestBow Press rev. date: 10/05/2011

Contents

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

SEVEN

EIGHT

NINE

TEN

ELEVEN

TWELVE

THIRTEEN

FOURTEEN

FIFTEEN

SIXTEEN

SEVENTEEN

EIGHTEEN

NINETEEN

TWENTY

TWENTY-ONE

TWENTY-TWO

TWENTY-THREE

TWENTY-FOUR

TWENTY-FIVE

TWENTY-SIX

TWENTY-SEVEN

TWENTY-EIGHT

TWENTY-NINE

THIRTY

THIRTY-ONE

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This is an exciting time for me. I have just finished my first book in the Glorious Series. I hope you enjoy it.

Glorious Sunshine.

With God’s help and some very special friends I am ready for you travel to Merrill, WI and meet my friends the characters.

A loving thank you to the following sweet sisters.

Nancy Spitters, who encouraged me.

Jan Gidle, who read and reread.

Ellen Keyes and Phyllis Holden, for editing.

I dedicate this book to my Jesus.

In loving memory of my mother

Emma Robel

ONE

There was something exciting about making a final decision. She was free! She felt exhilarated.

Emmy Moser finally felt peace. She sucked in a deep breath and stretched her neck. A warm tingling bathed her body and her shoulders loosened.

Anyone watching her would have thought she was crazy. She danced around her bedroom, kicking her feet high and rocking her head from side to side. She couldn’t help herself. She put her hand over her mouth to smother a laugh. Then unable to muffle it any longer, she laughed out loud.

She was going to leave home for good. The thought was new and challenging. I am going to do it, she repeated to herself. She said it out loud again. I am free! I am going to leave home. Perhaps I have inherited some of mother’s tenacity.

She opened her bedroom door and snuck into the hall, hoping to avoid her mother. She smirked to herself. Why am I sneaking out of my own bedroom? I have to learn to handle life.

Emmy Moser was almost twenty-two years old. She still lived at home with her parents in Madison, Wisconsin.

It was 1949. The war was over and women were becoming more independent. Times were changing. People were making sacrifices. Emmy’s family didn’t have to make sacrifices. They had inherited their wealth from Grandfather Moser.

Six months ago she had graduated from a prestigious women’s college in Indiana. After that, Emmy’s mother, Marilyn, insisted that she come home and live.

Marilyn was a domineering woman. She managed the mansion they called home with an iron-fisted efficiency that would make most women seem lazy.

Emmy had learned that the best way to get along with her mother was to agree with her, but she couldn’t do that anymore. Something had to change.

Sighing, she had retreated to her room and sat on her bed. She hated her social life. If she had to attend one more tea or charity meeting, she would burst.

Her mother’s overbearing manner was suffocating her. Marilyn had plans for every minute of Emmy’s day. I can’t stand it anymore, not having a minute for myself. I am nothing more than a puppet with mother moving the strings.

She took a deep breath and looked around her lavishly furnished bedroom. It was exquisite like the rest of the house. The bedspread and drapes were a pale pink satin. The bed and chest of drawers were made of walnut. The room was spacious. A stylish desk and a love seat occupied one corner. Her mother had the room redecorated while she was away at school. Emmy had been shocked when she saw it. She was careful to pretend that she liked the new décor, skillfully hiding her real feelings. What if I mess it up or get a stain on the spread? I wish it weren’t so fancy. The room had made her uncomfortable.

Pushing back a strand of hair that always seemed to hang in her face she began to wonder what it would be like to be able to make her own decisions. What would it be like to disagree with her mother? She realized that the fear of a conflict held her hostage.

Emmy had begun to dream of a life away from her parents. Up to now she had never imagined living anyplace but home.

Her father, Joe Moser was a banker who lived in a world of finances and powerful businessmen. A handsome man with startling blue eyes, he was medium build, and slightly thinning hair. He was brilliant but rather stuffy.

Emmy had spent a lot of time during the past year trying to remember her dad’s relatives. There weren’t many. Her mother was an only child, and her parents were dead. Emmy had never known her maternal grandparents.

Her dad had one younger brother, Carl. They had not seen Uncle Carl or his wife Aunt Callie for nearly seven years.

When Grandfather Moser died and left his banking empire to his sons everyone was surprised that Carl chose to not follow in his father’s footsteps. Instead, he invested his share of the estate in a farm.

Joe was relieved by Carl’s decision. He and Carl were markedly different and had a hard time getting along.

Uncle Carl was quite satisfied with his choice. The farm brought in a decent income most years and suited his personality.

Emmy decided to write to her uncle.

Dear Uncle Carl, It has been a long time since our families have had contact. I hardly remember your family, but I would like to get to know you better. Could I come for a visit? I think I would like a quiet, slower pace for my life. Madison is so busy and my life is so stressful since I graduated from college.

Carl wrote. Dear Emmy, It was nice to hear from you. It’s hard to imagine that you are twenty- two already. Our children are growing fast, too. Your letter came at a perfect time. Your Aunt Callie could use some female companionship and help around the house. If you don’t have any definite plans, would you consider spending the summer with us?

She was anxious for her uncle’s answer. She watched for the mailman every day and grabbed the mail before her mother could. She received a letter back from uncle in less than a week.

Emmy tried to remember details about her uncle’s family. She vaguely remembered her cousin Mark. He was a year older than she was. Their twin girls, Kate and Karol, would be around eight or nine, and baby Maggie would be about two.

Her heart skipped as she went to find her dad. She was afraid, but she wanted to tell him about her decision to spend the summer with her uncle. She opened the library door and nearly choked on the cigar smoke that wafted out.

Joe jumped, and quickly put out the cigar. Oh Emmy, he said. I thought it was your mother. His sheepish grin made her smile.

He was surprised when she showed him Carl’s letter. You hardly know your uncle or his family. We haven’t seen them in years. They’re completely different than we are. He scowled and pushed some ashes into his hand and dumped them in the ash tray.

Emmy sighed. She wasn’t sure if he was scowling about her decision or the messy ashes. I know Daddy but I do remember meeting them at Grandfather Moser’s. They were nice to me. I would like to get to know them.

Joe tried not to show his annoyance. I’d think you’d be uncomfortable staying with them. Won’t you be bored on a farm? What will you do all day? Are you sure you want to do this?

Emmy wouldn’t allow Joe’s pessimism to discourage her. She needed a change. She couldn’t stand the thought of following her mother around all summer.

Joe noticed her frown. It was difficult for him to say no to Emmy.

She swallowed hard and said, I have to try something. I really want to get away for a while. Joe rubbed his face and adjusted his glasses. He anticipated the friction this would cause. Marilyn could have some extremely loud temper tantrums. Emmy could tell he wasn’t comfortable with her decision.

MARILYN FINISHED DRESSING FOR THE theater and went to check on Emmy. She wanted to make sure that girl had started dressing for their outing. Emmy was not in her bedroom. Marilyn looked in the upstairs bathroom and checked the hall. She started downstairs and followed the sound of voices to the library.

She stood outside the door, and listened to the conversation between Emmy and Joe. She became absolutely livid. How dare Emmy think of going away? How could her daughter interfere with her plans? In a cold rage she clenched her teeth and flung the door open. Joe jumped and Emmy moved a step closer to her dad.

Marilyn screamed at Emmy. You will not! She pounded her fist on the large desk. Do you hear me? You will not go away for the summer. She balled her fists and shook them in the air. You ungrateful girl, how dare you make plans with your father without talking to me first?

Emmy had not expected her mother to barge in on their conversation. She held her breath for a long time. Fear showed in her eyes. Taking a deep gulp of air, she said Daddy didn’t know anything about this. Joe sat looking at the floor. Emmy hated that her mother was blaming Joe. I don’t want to argue with you Mother, but…

No! That is final, Marilyn interrupted her. Her face was a light shade of purple and the veins in her neck stood out. You’re a selfish ungrateful girl. I have arranged for you to help on committees all summer. She pointed her finger in Emmy’s face. I’ve also planned several outings for you with sons of my friends. It’s time you get serious about finding a husband.

Emmy backed away and pressed her lips together clenching her jaw. Her heart was pounding and her legs were shaking. Her throat was dry and closed up. She looked at her dad. He was pale but remained quiet. Emmy was disappointed. She wanted him to defend her decision to stand up to her mother once.

She was afraid to speak, "I have to say something. I must conquer conflict. I have to do something." She was sure her voice would fail her. Mother, she began, pleased with the strong, firm sound of her own voice, I am going to spend the summer with Uncle Carl and his family.

You will not! Go to your room. Start dressing for the theater.

Emmy stood firm and tilted her chin up, and looked her mother in the eye. I have decided not to attend the theater tonight. She left the library, her heart thumping. She walked briskly to her bedroom and flopped down on the bed. She tried to control the tremors she felt. Her stomach ached.

She had just defied her mother for the first time in her life. She had expected to feel good, but she didn’t.

Marilyn couldn’t believe her daughter. She started after Emmy. Joe got up and blocked the door. Marilyn stood with a look of disbelief on her face. Joe took her by the arm and sat down with her. I don’t think you’re going to win this time. You’d better accept the fact that she’s grown up. She’s going to leave, at least for the summer. If you fight her on this, we may lose her forever.

EMMY WAS EXCITED AS SHE boarded the train. She watched the beautiful late spring foliage from the window until the train picked up speed and everything became a blur. There was something about the freshness of spring that reminded her of her new life.

She wondered if she would like living on the farm. Daddy was right. It will be different. She found that the scenery was hard to watch so she closed her eyes to rest and eventually dozed.

Next stop, Wausau, She woke in a haze as the conductor’s voice called out the city.

She gathered her purse, straightened her skirt, smoothed her hair, and followed the crowd outside. Everyone was in a hurry. She dropped one of her suitcases and bent to pick it up. The lady behind her bumped into her and almost knocked her over. She gave Emmy a dirty look and rushed past her. Emmy thought she was rude. She hadn’t even apologized.

Gazing down the long platform, she spotted a young man, waving at her. Are you Emmy? he yelled.

Yes I am Emmy, are you Mark? Her cousin ran up to her and took her hand. Wow, you’re all grown up.

Emmy smiled at him and sensed an immediate kinship. The last time I saw you, Mark, you were about twelve. She remembered the tall, lanky boy.

He took her arm and said, The truck’s this way. I have to pick up my friend Dan at the barbershop. They got in the truck and started to drive. Mark pulled up to the curb and motioned to her to open the door so his friend could get in.

Emmy took one look at Mark’s friend, and had to catch her breath. Dan’s hair was black and curly. His eyes were the color of brown chocolates. His tee-shirt fit snuggly over his muscular chest. Glowing tan skin was a reward for all the work in the outdoors.

She moved to the middle of the seat so Dan could have room. She felt herself blush. She was not usually bashful, and liked people, but something about this man made her feel awkward.

Dan climbed in and accidentally bumped against her. She moved close to Mark. Dan closed the truck door and smiled at her.

Are we all set to go? Mark asked. Emmy tried to smile and managed a stiff response. All set.

Mark tried to break the cool silence. Emmy, I would like you to meet a good friend of mine. This handsome man with the fresh hair cut is Dan Davies. Hello, Dan, She turned to look at him. Mark said Dan, buddy, this is my cousin Emmy Moser.

Dan smiled again. Hi, welcome to the country. I hope you like it. I hear you’re a big city girl. He couldn’t believe how dumb that sounded.

Mark looked at her and said Dan is my best buddy… well he’s more like my brother.

On the way to the train station to get Emmy, Mark had told Dan what little he knew about his cousin. Emmy’s dad and my dad are brothers. They are not very close to one another. Her dad is a wealthy banker. We haven’t seen them for many years. I don’t know much about Emmy, except, she is cute and she can play the piano.

Dan found it hard to believe that, in all the years he had known Mark, he had never heard anything about this beautiful girl. He shook his head.

Emmy couldn’t relax. It seemed to her that the drive to the farm was taking forever.

Mark teased Dan about his new hair cut. The girls won’t be able to keep away from you.

Dan grinned Why would I want them to?

Emmy thought he was conceited, but devilishly handsome.

Aunt Callie and the girls were on the front porch waiting for them to arrive. Emmy took in the two-story yellow house with its wide front porch. The barn looked huge to Emmy and she wondered what the two small sheds were used for. Callie greeted her with a hug. She felt her aunt’s enthusiasm and wide open welcome. She wasn’t sure how to respond. Her parents rarely hugged her or showed any affection.

Welcome, honey. Callie said. Welcome, she repeated. We’re so happy that you came to stay with us. Kate followed her mother’s lead and almost choked Emmy with a bear hug. Baby Maggie hid her face in her mother’s hair. It took her a while to warm up to strangers. Aunt Callie looked older than last time Emmy had seen her. She had a healthy outdoorsy look. Her strawberry blond hair showed some hints of gray and she had put on a little weight. Emmy remembered the hundreds of freckles on her face and arms, a testimony to her life on a farm.

***

Emmy knew it would take some time to adjust and be comfortable with her aunt and uncle. She already liked Mark and thought the twins were terrific. There was something magical about the open fields and vibrant country air. It calmed Emmy’s spirit.

In no time at all, she learned the family routine. Each morning Uncle Carl and Mark got up early. Carl stoked the wood burner in the kitchen and made coffee. After a quick cup of the rich brew, the men headed to the barn. Karol usually got up at five thirty and joined them. Carl and Mark didn’t mind. They put her to work feeding the chickens and cats. Kate, Maggie, and Emmy usually stayed in bed until six; by that time the men were in from the barn and Callie had breakfast ready. Little Maggie liked to be held for the first hour of the morning. She usually sat on her mother’s lap. Sometimes she would shyly edge over to Emmy’s lap and cuddle. Emmy loved her soft skin and clean baby smell.

The first thing Emmy noticed about her uncle’s family was the deep love and harmony between them.

One morning, she said to her aunt, I am always hungry. I am afraid I’ll gain weight. Callie laughed, You need energy for all the work you do. Callie wasn’t overweight, and boy could she eat. Soon Emmy ate a large meal along with the rest of the family.

The twins, Kate and Karol were in that in between stage. They were too young to do many things on their own, yet they didn’t like to be watched constantly. Karol loved to weed the garden and help her mother pick vegetables, but as soon as the vegetables were in the house, she lost interest. She was a bit of a tomboy.

Kate became Emmy’s shadow. Emmy tried to treat her as an equal, despite their age difference. They shared house work and gardening. Emmy was always careful to praise Kate for her help. She remembered her own mother’s constant criticism.

There was so much beauty in the country. Emmy loved the smells of summer. The musky fragrance of soil and fields was intoxicating. Each day was new and refreshing; a welcome change after living in the city.

Emmy daydreamed as she nipped the ends off of green beans.

The days were full of rewarding work. Emmy was learning to relax. She loved the way Aunt Callie listened to her when she talked about her life in Madison. Emmy enjoyed sharing things about her dad. I guess Daddy spoiled me. I miss him so, and I love him. She wished she could talk to Callie about her mother, but she just didn’t want Callie to think she was ungrateful for all her parents had done for her.

For now she was excited because Aunt Callie had promised to teach her how to sew! She knew she could learn. She was becoming confident.

First Callie taught her how to lay out a pattern on the material. They had fun together figuring out how to read a new pattern guide sheet. Callie was a more than a capable teacher. Emmy’s hand shook as she made her first cut on the material. Callie could tell how nervous Emmy was so she left the room. Emmy quickly called her back. Callie smiled as Emmy gritted her teeth and cut out a pattern piece marked Sleeve, Next, Callie helped her lay the front of the dress pattern on the fold. One look at her face and Callie realized that Emmy was lost. This does not look right to me. Where is the other half of the skirt? she asked. Callie showed her the fold again. It’s over on this side. See the fabric is doubled. Emmy put her hand to her face. Oh, I am so silly, but I am still confused, where is the material for the top of the dress?

Callie reached for the pile of freshly laundered chicken feed sacks and smoothed the fabric on the table and said, Pin the bodice pattern piece on this sack. Emmy realized that Callie was using the material from the feed sacks to make pretty dresses for the girls. Next Callie ripped an old white shirt apart and pinned the collar pattern to the material.

Emmy visualized the dress with a lovely white collar and cuffs. She knew she had a lot to learn about sewing. However, because of Callie’s gentle teaching, she would learn and become proficient at it.

Callie used scraps of material and showed Emmy how to use the treadle sewing machine. At first Emmy couldn’t get the hang of it. Her movements were jerky, and her feet were stiff as they pumped the treadle. Her body moved forward and back as she swayed with her feet. Up, down, up down. Soon she found a rhythm. You need to find a beat.

Emmy practiced on scrap pieces until she could sew straight seams. When the seams were good enough, Callie pinned the skirt pieces together. Emmy tried