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Savannah........and The Captain ...Chapter II.....*KyBluebird* |
Savannah….and The Captain Chapter II
Savannah Weston, drove into the Parking lot of the Contracting Firm of Dupreiz, Douglas and Woodard. Getting out, she reached into the backseat of her Dark Blue Chrysler Sebring Coupe, she had purchased last year, grabbing her jacket and umbrella, the weather forecaster gave rain showers for the day. She walked up the flight of steps to the main entrance and turned to the left taking the elevator to her fifth floor office. Fernando Saunders, met her in the corridor. “Good morning, Miss Weston, how are you this morning?” Savannah noticed that every day, Mr. Saunders was the same, greeting everyone with a friendly smile, asking them how is they’re day. “I’m fine, Mr. Saunders, and You, how are You this morning?” Fernando was second in command of the shipping and receivables department, although Rory Roberson being the Department Supervisor for the past twelve years.
Savannah walked into her office and was greeted by Veronica Taylor; her Secretary.. ” Good morning, Savannah.” “Oh, there was a phone call from Elana Wellington, she mentioned That Anne would like to meet You for lunch today at 2:00pm at Parson’s on 7th street.” “Alright, Thank You Veronica.” Savannah replied. Michael Douglas dropped by Savannah’s office at 12:20pm He looked in the door. Smiling. “Are You Busy?” He asked. “No, I was just finishing up here and getting ready to go pick up a few things at Bonhert’s before I meet Your Mother for lunch.” Savannah glanced at her watch. “Oh, I didn’t know You and mom were meeting for lunch.” Michael seemed surprised. Savannah laughed. “Well, I didn’t either , when I came in this morning, there was a message waiting for me.” Michael straightened up from his position, he had been leaning slightly over Savannah’s desk.
“Hmmm, Wonder what Mother is up to today.?” Savannah was placing a Volume of Chandler Contracting into the heavy oak bookcase, while glancing at her long time friend and Co-worker; soon to become President of Dupreiz, Douglas and Woodard. “Why, Michael, You seem a little confused or….. Could it be a look of surprise?” Savannah half teased. She always enjoyed the occasional verbal sparring matches she and Michael had since she coming to Bar Harbor to work for the contracting firm.
Upon graduating from Baton Rouge University in Louisiana, she had been a young twenty-one years old, her relationship with Cory Matthews ended when Savannah made the decision to re-locate, beginning a new life on her own for the very first time. Savannah had become 2nd in Command with the firm, after Michael went to the military academy, her 25 year anniversary with the firm would be this December. Savannah had assumed that her budding friendship with Young Michael would be tested when his father placed her in such an influential and respected position after she had been with the firm less than a year, although it had not, if any thing they’re friendship grew and she and Michael were now like sister and brother.
“I was thinking that You and I could go grab something, but since my Mother has made plans for the both of You, I hope we can take a rain check.” Michael offered. “Of course, how about Johnny’s next week?” Savannah mentioned.” “Michael watched her as she loaded file after file within the boxes she had beside her desk. With a Puzzled expression on his face. “Pray, tell where are you going, why are you packing Your files?” Savannah laughed. “I am going on a two week vacation, my parents and brothers are driving up from Baton Rouge, they’re spending a week with me before they drive on to Canada to visit with my Aunt Marie.” Savannah explained.
“Oh, I had forgotten.” that is right, you put in for a vacation well over six months ago.” He was thoughtful. “Savannah You have a great deal of vacation time coming, why don’t you take more time off and catch up on some relaxation?” Michael offered. Now it was time for Savannah to be surprised. “You are kidding, right?” She answered. “No, I noticed the other day, that You have had only one vacation in the many years you have been employed here.” He finished. Savannah remembered well, the time she took off was when she flew to Baton Rouge when her Grandmother; Julia Weston had passed away. It would be nice to take some extra time off, to relax and she could take the Tabor and Bowden Accounts with her as well.
Veronica Taylor walked into the office. “Savannah, You have a call from Byron, should I tell him You will return his call, or do You want to take it?” She questioned. “No, I’ll take it.” Savannah stated. Charles Byron was one of they’re Biggest stock holders in the Jameson and Meyers Accounts. “Let me take Your boxes to You’re car.” Michael offered. “Don’t leave, there’s something I want to ask You.” Savannah said.
Michael laughed. “That Something wouldn’t have any thing to do with Deborah, something would it?” Savannah smiled as she took the call. Driving to 7th street, Savannah was caught in lunch rush hour traffic. She had stopped off at Bonhert’s picked up a few extra bed linens, She often shopped there for home décor’ and fashions. Bonhert’s; an equivalent to Pier I Imports. As an afterthought, she decided to go into Stacie’s Boutique to pick up a few clothing items for her vacation. Her cell rang . “Hello?” she answered. “Savannah.” Michael’s voice came over the air.
“I asked Veronica to make all the necessary arrangements for You and since You are going to Bass Harbor, after Your folks leave, I was thinking about our cottage, You would be more comfortable there.” Savannah was surprised. She had mentioned to Michael when she had left her office. Informing him she would be driving to Bass Harbor, taking the ferry over to Swan Island, renting a small yet convenient cottage there for the month. “ I’ve asked Veronica to make the arrangements, everything is all set for You by tomorrow.” “ Michael, this is very kind of You, I don’t know what to say.” “Say, thank you, Michael, then think nothing more of it.” He laughed. Besides, Deborah and I may come down one weekend if You haven’t other plans.” She was pleased and appreciated Michael and his family‘s generosity. “Of course not, it would be great! I will look forward to it” she exclaimed, a little overwhelmed.
“OK Great then, it’s all settled, I’ll be calling You one day this coming week.” “Wonderful, I’ll be talking with you soon, then.” “You bet, have a nice visit with your folks and do enjoy Your time away…..and Savannah.” There was a pause….. “Yes?” a question in her voice……” I saw those files in Your boxes, Please try not to work too much and just enjoy yourself.” Savannah laughed. “I’m busted!” “ There was a slight cynicism in his laughter. “Yes, You are found out, You should have left Your work at the office….. at any rate, do enjoy yourself, and if You need any thing…, any thing at all, please don’t hesitate to call.” He finished. “Thank You, Michael, You are one in a million.” Savannah replied. Hmmmm, he wished Deborah agreed with her sentiments. ‘See You soon.” They said they’re byes and plans to visit within the next couple weeks.
Savannah arrived at The Parson’s. Driving up to the waiting line while others were being attended, she got out of her car and handed her keys reluctantly to the young valet. Walking into the elegant dimly lit restaurant, she was ushered in by a Pretty Young Hostess, While the young woman scanned the register for her reservations, Savannah looked throughout the busy restaurant searching the faces for Anne Douglas. “Savannah” Anne Called. She was seated next to the window at a quaint little table, the hostess smiled her pretty smile and walked with Savannah to her seat across from Anne. “Savannah dear it is so good to see You again.” Anne replied, taking note of Savannah’s navy blue slacks, white and navy trimmed chiffon blouse and matching navy jacket, she was a very attractive young woman, tall, slender, dark wavy hair with the most unusual deep gray eyes, they were beautiful, reminding her of the sea during a storm with a kind heart and a quick intelligent mind.
She wished she and Michael were more than friends…..sighing to herself, she realized a mother could not pick and choose the love interests of her son,, yet it did not stop her from wishing, perhaps it was just as well, although Savannah seemed happy enough, yet she sensed something about her…something that she could not put her finger on Anne realized she was a major asset to the firm Jeremiah had taken note of this when she came to Bar Harbor many years ago yet as far as Jeremiah knew, Savannah did not have a love interest. Yet she seemed to be leading a fulfilled life, Anne knew from her visit with Savannah, she had a modest yet beautiful home, she was from a fine family from the Old country. She seemed happy enough, yet still she sensed there was something missing in her life. Savannah smiled in greeting.
“It’s so nice to see You again, Mrs. Douglas.” Savannah seated herself. The two ladies exchanged pleasantries and allowed for the waiter to take they’re order. Anne politely asked Savannah to order. “I’ll have the seafood platter with stuffed crab, a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.’ The waiter looked to Anne. “I’ll have the same.” she replied. The waiter left the ladies to they’re conversation. “ I Packed a few files from the office, went for a few errands, I actually spent more time in Stacie’s Boutique than I did purchasing linens from Bonhert’s” Savannah laughed. Anne smiled. ‘Will Your parents arrive this evening Dear, ?”Anne inquired. “I am expecting them possibly around 10:00pm, tomorrow evening. I received a phone call from both Alex and Joel around noon and they said Dad and Mom had to pick up a few things for Grandpa Cavanaugh and they would be on the road shortly thereafter.” Savannah replied. “That is nice, it has been since July 4th Celebration, two years ago since you have seen them, yes?” Anne asked.
‘Yes, it has been too long, I have been looking forward to they’re visit for weeks, now.” Savannah replied. “There was a moment of comfortable silence. “I want to thank You again, Mrs. Douglas for the beautiful desk, it is so beautiful, I was wondering, the intricate design and scroll work on the desk, I’ve not seen before…..I frequent some of the antique malls and shops throughout the area and have not spotted the design, neither the craftsmanship, it is exquisite.” Savannah said. Anne was mildly surprised that one so Young would much less enjoy antiquing, let alone, well informed of period pieces. But it seemed fitting. “The desk was handcrafted in Ireland by a man of the name of Deutsheim “ Dutch” Dupreiz; he was, I believe an uncle, or perhaps a great uncle to the orginal owner of the desk.
The story goes, that this Captain, brought the desk from Ireland upon the ship called The Isabella , he supposedly, according to the story, had placed the desk inside his captain’s quarters and used the desk for many years until he came to Maine and settled on one of the island s, no one knows for certain, which island however, bringing the desk with him.., later it is said the man went down with his ship, legend among the family had it that, the desk was some kind of good luck or good omen for The Captain, and when he took the desk off the ship, it was said down through the family's generations, there were ledgers, journals he had kept in the desk and because he took the desk off the ship,, he went down off Cape Horn during one of the worse Gale‘s of that century” Anne finished, Smiling. “You don’t believe in any of that hosh posh do You?” Anne searched her Young companion’s face. Savannah was much more than intrigued. She smiled in reply. “Of course not.
Though strange enough ,She thought of the fragrance of cherry and sandalwood that seemed to permeate from the desk itself, but when she started to comment, the waiter brought they’re dinner. The comment…or perhaps the question she had , was soon forgotten. As she and Anne said they’re byes, Anne asked Savannah to call. Driving home, Savannah thought about she and Mrs. Douglas’ meeting, they’re conversation, dinner. She had, had a very nice afternoon spent with Jeremiah’s loving widow.
As she stepped out of the shower, her telephone rang. “Hello?” Savannah, we’re in South Carolina, we’ve made fairly decent time.” The voice of her father’ Came over the air.” “Hello,. Dad, are You and Mom alright?” “Yes, dear, we’ve stopped for the night, we’re at a Howard Johnson’s here in Sumter and should reach Maine by late afternoon tomorrow sweetheart from there, we should reach you by 10:00pm to Midnight.” Savannah spoke with her mother and they said they’re byes and were looking forward to seeing her soon. Replacing the phone in its cradle, Savannah prepared her guest rooms for her parents and two of her brothers. Danny would not be coming, he had said reluctantly, he could not make the trip; he could not take time away from the veterinary clinic, at this time, but hopefully soon he had said he would be visiting.
Finishing her left over meal, she washed the plate and cup, placing them back in the cabinet, she glanced around in her kitchen. Everything was clean, and in its place, her dining table with the dusty rose floral arrangement matching the décor’ in her kitchen and dining room and similar to that of the family, living rooms as well as her bedroom, master bath and sitting room. The other three bedrooms, office/library, utility and guest bathroom were done in creams, pale sea foams, yellows and sea blues. She had stopped by the market on her way home, purchasing groceries, than she herself could not begin to eat in a month!
She was restless, wishing her family had arrived tonight, although had they left early that morning, they would not have arrived until the very early hours tomorrow morning. Savannah walked through the house into her bedroom, turning on the t.v she flipped through the channels, finding nothing of particular interest, she tuned off the power, deciding to play some soft relaxing music on the stereo. Changing the dial to an oldies soft rock station. Walking to the French doors, she opened them to smell the fresh breeze from the ocean. It had begun to rain, a soft mist upon her skin. She slightly left the doors ajar and went in to the sitting room, glancing toward the massive desk, recalling the conversation she and Anne Douglas had, had earlier that afternoon.
Wondering to herself, were the legends about the old desk true. If they were, the desk itself would be more than a century old. Fascinating……Yet, the irony of it all…..a sea captain…commissioned the craftsmanship from that of an uncle, perhaps great uncle, this very desk was perhaps upon a great ship, …….Savannah frowned…..wondering whether scents linger on objects…Yet the fragrance from the desk, seemed to be ever present as once again the hint of cherry and sandalwood filled her senses. Running her fingers across the beautiful wood, almost as if careful she would not scratch it. She noticed something…… Different about the intricate carving……..Opening the drawers, she carefully examined each of them, the fragrance seemed to grow stronger….the top had a type of hidden latch, carefully she opened it, then raising the lid…..to her amazement…….the fragrance seemed to engulf her…………
To be Continued…………… |
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| Alias | Date | Reply |
| Rawhide |
4/28/2005 2:34:00 PM |
This is good keep going... |
| Your Huckleberry |
4/28/2005 2:42:00 PM |
Absolutly brilliant Sis!... wow, great so far, i'm impressed.hugz |
| ky_bluebird |
4/28/2005 7:01:00 PM |
Thank You Rawhide, Thank You my Brother YHB... I'm glad You are both enjoying it!....**Hugs**.....T/C |
| Hagatha |
4/29/2005 12:06:00 AM |
Great Sara, a nice story. |
| ky_bluebird |
4/29/2005 2:21:00 AM |
Thank You, Penny...Look for the Next Chapter, Soon!....*Hugs* |
| Garbage |
5/22/2005 7:30:00 AM |
This was even more exciting to read than part 1, I hope part 3 is out--good story. |
| ky_bluebird |
5/22/2005 8:22:00 AM |
Hi!!! Let me know what You think about all the chapters You have read..,it won't hurt my feelings.....I was debating on whether to finish posting it....~Hugs~....T/C |
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