Three Karats

Three Karats
fiction by Priscilla B Shuler



Charlotte stood at the sink, rinsing the lunch dishes and stacking them in the dishwasher. She might be sixty years old, but she was yet her mother’s daughter and was still stinging from the recent harsh words. Estelle complained that the rice was sticky and the gravy watery, and she had said time and time again how she would love a big pot of squirrel stew with dumplings.

Estelle was ninety this past June and didn’t know one season from another anymore. Her memories served up days of her youth and how her papa brought meat to their big family from the hardwoods on their place. And she loved every Sunday when their preacher and his wife would come home with them for dinner. There was always her absolute favorite - fried chicken.

Charlotte had listened to these stories so much, she knew them by heart. How easily Charlotte now recalled the elderly minister and his wife had been regulars at her mother’s table when she was just a little girl. Mama had carried forth the tradition of having a fried chicken dinner each Sunday for the preacher and his wife to come eat with them.

Now, Charlotte had been ever assuring Estelle that Preacher Willie had called and asked after her. Mama could not understand that Willie and Rosalee had been dead over forty years. Finally Charlotte came up with the lie that seemed to placate Estelle. She told her mama that since the Turners had moved, it was just too far for them to travel. Lordy, she hoped God would forgive her for all the lies she told her mother.

She turned as Carl came into the kitchen. He smelled strong and his clothes were filthy. “Did you get the car fixed?” she asked.
“Yep, she’s running like a sewing machine. Just needed a little adjustment in the timing.” He sidled up behind her and fondled her rear.
“Carl, don’t do that. Every pair of jeans I own has grease stains on the seat.”
“Well, how is it that you can get ’em out of my uniforms and can’t get ’em outta of your jeans?”
“I cannot bleach my jeans, Carl.” Rolling her eyes at his dense point of view.
“O.K. I’ll try to be more careful, but you got the best lookin’ bunns in Jackson County, sugar.”

She knew he was really trying to placate her because she could read his ’look’. It didn’t surprise her in the least when he reached over without touching her with his body, and kissed her on the nape of her neck.

“I’m off to get a quick shower. How about come scrub my back in about ten minutes.”
“You’ll be out of the shower by then.” She said, looking at his grin and the twinkle in his eyes.
“Yeah, right. There’ll be just enough time for a little before I head to work.”
“I guess I can get the dishes loaded and get your lunch made in ten minutes. I’ll come if I finish here first.”

Carl was hurrying down the hall toward the back of the house and his bedroom when his best laid plans came to a shattering halt. Blingalingalingalinga, came the sound of the bell from Estelle’s room. He stopped and turned to see Charlotte, wiping her hands with a dish towel, as she opened the door to her mother’s room.

“What took you so long?” Snapped Estelle. “I been waitin’ and waitin’.”
“I’m sorry, Mama. I was loading the dishwasher, and had to get it started.”
“You got it made, Charl’it. You ain’t got no idea what it is to really work. Got all them machines to do ever’thang for you. You’d never make it if you had to go through what I did when I was your age.”

“What’cha need, Mama?”
“Just wanted to know is Julie coming by this week. She always brings the nicest gifts and treats me like a baby. She is the most thoughtful person I know.” Estelle peered at her daughter and sniffed loudly. “What’s that smell on you?”
“Just car grease, Mama. Carl was just working on the car and got a little on my clothes.”
“He don’t treat you right. It’s all about Carl. Carl this and Carl that.”
“Mama, please don’t talk like that. He takes care of both ofus and works real hard.”

Charlotte stepped nearer to her mother and straightened the afghan over her legs. She then reached to empty the slop jar, sliding it from the bedside toilet. She drew a little sigh and said, “Julie promised she’d come real soon. When I spoke to her she said she had a real important meeting with somebody but that she was buying a very special present for you.”
“I knew she wouldn’t forget me. She always loves me and appreciates me. You never did mind me, Charlotte, and after all I’ve done for you.”
“Yes, Mama. You can tell Julie all about it as soon as she gets here.” Charlotte replaced the cleaned, enameled bucket back into the portable toilet and returned to the bathroom to scrub the commode and wipe out the lavatory. She finished up and as she came back into the bedroom she stooped to lay a gentle kiss on the soft cheek of her sleeping mother.

Gently closing the door she saw Carl coming from their room, dressed in his white uniform. She walked toward him and slipped her arms around his waist, laying her head against his chest.He pulled her closer and lifted her face to kiss her lips and wipe the trembling tears from her eyes with his thumbs. “It’s alright, sugar. I know it must be hard, and I sure don’t want to make it harder. There’ll be time for us later on.”

They walked, holding hands, back through the house to the kitchen. Charlotte reached into the refrigerator and retrieved his lunch bag and walked with him outside to the carport. They kissed and he hopped up into his truck and she handed the lunch to him through the open window. “See you tonight.” He said.
“Maybe I’ll even be awake for you.” smiled Charlotte.
“You just take care of yourself and Estelle. I’ll be alright.” He smiled and backed the vehicle out of the drive. She watched until he was out of sight as he turned the corner.

Heading back inside, she was greeted with the phone ringing. Picking it up, she was thankful to hear the voice of her longtime friend and confidant - Laurie. “Wha’cha doing?”
“I just got Carl off to work. Want to come over for a chat?”
“Can’t, Buddy’ll be back in any minute. He’s been with his brother all morning. They been cutting wood from that last storm.” She continued… “That’s really why I’m calling. Buddy told me for you to let Carl know to come get a load as soon as he can. It’ll come in good this winter.”
“I sure will, and we’ll appreciate every log, come November.”

“How’re you and Estelle doing?” asked Laurie.
“Oh, don’t ask. You know how she is. She remembers things that she wants to be true but never were. It’s sad really but I can’t help but feel hurt,” lamented Charlotte.
“I know, Charl, you’ve spent years taking care of her and it’s a shame it’s come to this. She used to be so vibrant and bright. I know she was always kinda harsh, but she loved you and you just have to remember that.” said Laurie.

“I understand all that, Laurie, but you won’t know how it feels until it happens to you personally.”
“I hope that time never comes. Buddy’s mama is all that’s left and he’s got things lined up for her to go to Parker Place when she gets where she can’t do for herself.”
“Yeah, I guess that’s the difference between the have’s and us have-not’s. Y’all got all that money from the settlement from his daddy’s death and can afford to pay the cost for Margaret.”
“You‘re right, hon. I wish I could make it easier for you. But we all know life isn’t fair.”
“I know, I guess I’m just feeling sorry for myself. I don’t mean to take my frustration out on you. You’re the only one I can talk to who cares to listen. I love you for being there for me, Laurie.” Charlotte spoke quietly into the phone, then she took a deep breath and said… “I gotta go… Mama’s ringing that blasted bell again. I’ll be sure and tell Carl about the wood. So long.” She hung up the phone and thought of the clothes that needed folding from the dryer. She’d heard the buzzer when she was outside with Carl.

Opening the door she asked, “You alright Mama?”
“What do we have to eat? I’m getting hungry. I haven’t seen a speck of food all day. You don’t never cook anything I can eat,” complained Estelle. The fact was that she simply had forgotten she’d already eaten her lunch, less than an hour ago.
“I’ll bring you a dish of ice cream, Mama, to hold you until we have supper. Will that be alright? You always love chocolate ice cream.”

Charlotte saw Estelle smile slightly just before she frowned and snapped, “Well, what’re you waitin’ for? I got my mouth set for it now.”
“O.K. I’m going. Be right back.” Charlotte hurried to the freezer in the large utility room which also housed the water heater, washer and dryer. Glancing at the dryer she knew that she’d need to toss in a wet towel and run the dryer again to dampen the wrinkles out, that by now had set into the load of clothes.

Settling the plastic tray over her mother’s lap, she laid a dish towel over it and tucked the long end into the neck of her gown. Charlotte centered the small dish of ice cream on the tray and put the plastic spoon into the gnarled fingers of Estelle’s right hand and closed them gently around the handle. She stepped back and watched as her mother took a too-large chunk and it fell onto the cloth before she could get it into her mouth. Charlotte picked it up and placed it back into the bowl and slipped the spoon from her mother’s hand. She then fed her small bites until she’d eaten it all. Even the melted cream was spooned into the open mouth.
“You happy now, Mama?” she said, patting her hand.
Barely nodding, her mother said, “That was good, Julie. You’re so good to me. Don’t tell Charlotte, but I’m giving the ring to you. She thinks she’s gonna get it, but she hates me and hurts me. See all these bruises where she’s beat me?” Estelle pulled up the sleeve of her gown and looked down at the blue marks. Tears trembled in her rheumy eyes.

“Oh, Mama.” cried Charlotte. “Mama, those marks are from where they took blood.”
“No, Julie. She did it. Can’t you see?”
“Alright, Mama. I believe you. It’s gonna be cleared up soon though and you won’t feel so bad. I’ll be sure and keep it to myself. I won’t tell Charlotte a thing.” She despised these pretenses and despised it even more that Julie never seemed to feel she could spare the time to come visit Mama more often. She did send a check for twenty dollars every few weeks which must salve her conscience enough to waylay any guilt.

That night she was lying in bed, awake, thinking over her problems and trying to come up with the best way to ask Julie to spend more time with Estelle. She heard Carl’s footsteps coming down the hall, and not being in the mood, she turned over and feigned sleep.

Just before she felt him slip into bed she heard the distant sounds of thunder. She would get up and close their windows, but then Carl would know that she was awake and want to make love. He slid gently over to her and kissed her forehead. “You asleep, Sugar?” he whispered. He slid back to his side and let out a large sigh. Charlotte let a single tear slide to the pillow and mentally kicked herself for not being there for the man who was always there for her as well as for her mother. She vowed to do better tomorrow.

Charlotte was standing apart from her father and mother and watched as Estelle lifted her hand. She saw the diamond sparkle brightly just before it was gone. There was a heavy dread in her breast as she felt herself struggling to hear them calling to her.

Carl shook his sleeping wife and said, “Wake up, Honey, you better check on your Mama. I hear her moving around in there.”
She roused and said “What an awful dream; Oh, Carl, is it Mama? What’s she doing awake now? What time is it?”
“Just after five.” he answered.
“I hope she’s alright.”
“If you need me call me, Sugar.”
“Count on it.” And she plodded off to see about her mama, stumbling down the dark hallway.

Opening the door, she was shocked to see her mother standing in the dim light of the early morning by her chest of drawers. Every drawer was open and all the contents were thrown and scattered about her bare feet.
“Mama, what are you doing? What’s the matter?”
“Where is it? What’ve you done with it?” Estelle cried.
“What, Mama? What’re you looking for?”
“My ring! You have it, I know you do. It was here yesterday and ain’t nobody been in here but you. Now you bring it back!”

Estelle was crying in earnest now as Charlotte helped her mother back toward her recliner. “Mama, I haven’t seen it sinceyou stopped wearing it five or six years ago.”
“You’re lying to me. It was here in this drawer yesterday and ain’t nobody been in here but you. Now you better bring it back or I’m calling the police.”
“Calm down Mama. I’ll turn on the light and go through these clothes. If it was here yesterday, then it’s still here this morning.” She helped Estelle to her chair and covered her legs with the afghan. “Now don’t you worry, I’ll find it.”

Charlotte took each garment, one by one, examined them, folded each one and replaced them in the drawers. Everything was back in place and not a sign of the ring.
“I’ll be back in a minute, Mama. I need to get Carl’s flashlight to look under the furniture.”
“I know, you’re a'gonna bring it back from where you hid it.”

As Charlotte left the room she ran into Carl bringing the flashlight. “I heard. You were gone so long I was scared something bad had happened.” He said.
“You go on back to bed. I’ll search till I find it. It can’t have rolled far.”
“Just don’t let her get you upset, okay?” Turning he headed back to their room.

Twenty minutes later, under the fierce scrutiny of her mother’s eyes, Charlotte rose from her knees and declared, “It’s not on this floor, Mama. Are you sure you didn’t move it from the drawer to another place?”
“No, I never moved it. You took it and I’m telling Julie. I want you to call her now so I can talk to her.”
“I’m not calling Julie at this hour of the morning. It’s not even six o’clock and she won’t be up for another hour.”
“You better bring my ring back. That’s all I got to say.” And she continued, “You’ll be sorry when they come and take you to jail for what you done.”
As softly as her nerves would allow, she asked, “Do you want to stay up and watch television or get back in the bed?”
“Turn the T.V. on and then help me to the toilet.”

The three karat ring was the single item that Estelle had promised Charlotte would be hers when she was forced by ill health to move in with her and Carl nine years ago. Estelle was in excellent mental condition then but never felt it of any importance to mention the ring in her will. The ring was worth almost as much as the house she and Carl were living in. Her daddy had bought the ring back in the late twenties from some man who needed money. He’d gotten it for a song and it was a perfect stone weighing a tad over three karats. Estelle had worn it with great pride for all the ensuing years until it had begun to fall off her shrunken and bony fingers. She then “put it up” with the spoken promise that it would be given to Charlotte in payment for her caring for her until her death.

If Estelle did give that ring to Julie, after all the promises that were made, it would be an awful blow to Charlotte’s heart. She had already decided to pass it on to Libby as soon as it was in her possession. Julie’ll probably hock it to buy something for that moocher who’s shacking up with her, Charlotte thought, angrily. She wondered if Mama had said anything to Julie about the ring when she had called last month. She also wondered now, how she was going to find out.

Back in bed next to Carl’s warm body, she cried silently for the loss of her mother. He held her close and made comforting murmurs and ached in his own heart that there was nothing he could really do for his wife.

Julie pressed the doorbell and stepped back away from the front door to inspect the dirt daubers nests high on the brick wall. “Boy,” she thought, “Carl sure needs to get that mess cleaned off. Looks worse’n hell.”
The door swung open and Charlotte took her younger sister in her arms in a big hug. “It’s good of you to come on such short notice, Sis. Hope you’ve got enough time for me to run into town for a few groceries.”
“Oh sure, it shouldn’t take you more’n’hour should it? I have to get back by twelve. Lunch with Mr. Dillard and some client. I’m supposed to be taping their conversation.”
“I promise to hurry as fast as possible. Mama will be so tickled you’re here.” Charlotte gave her sister another quick hug and grabbed her purse from the hall table and left for the back door and carport.

“Is’at’chu baby? Oh, it’s my Julie.” cried Estelle.
Julie rushed to her mother’s side and bent down to squeeze her thin shoulders and stroke her hair, smiling widely into her upturned face. “I brought you something, Mama.”
“What is it? I know it’s beautiful. You are so good to me Julie. You treat me like a baby.”
“Why, I love you Mama. It gives me joy just to make you happy. Look here,” and reaching into her purse, she brought out a small box tied with a tiny red bow. She placed it in the aged hands and then had to help untie the bow and remove the lid.

Estelle began crying before she saw it. She had no idea that it was an inexpensive rhinestone pin from a discount store. “Oh, honey, it’s beautiful,” Looking up she continued, “just like you. Here, put it on me.”
Julie pinned the jewelry onto the collar of Estelle’s flannel gown and said, “Why don’t Charlotte let you wear some of your pretty dresses, Mama? I gave you that pretty red one last Christmas. It‘d look so good on you.”
“She keeps me trapped in this room and treats me like a prisoner. She has total control and takes advantage ever chance she gets.”
“I’ll ask her about dressing you up more as soon as she gets back. We’ll see if we can’t make you more presentable. Alright, Mama? What’ca think?”
Estelle smiled with a far away look on her face and nodded gently. "That’ll be nice.”

Within a few minutes of sitting with her mother, Julie became bored and Estelle had dropped off the sleep. She’d thumbed through several magazines and it appeared as though Estelle was going to sleep throughout her visit. She left the room and was in the kitchen making a cup of instant coffee when she heard ’the bell’. Running back over to the room, Julie found Estelle struggling to get to the bedside toilet and was on the verge of falling. Julie grabbed her arm and steadied her as her mother cried out “You’re hurting my arm, Charlotte. You hurting me.”
Flabbergasted, Julie let go and Estelle began to reel backward. As Estelle sank, Julie tripped over the toilet and knocked the whole thing over, falling on top of Estelle.

Thankfully, the toilet was clean and dry, but her mother was groaning and crying pitifully. Julie was able to get herself up without hurting her mother any worse than she already had. She righted the port-a-john and then tried to lift Estelle. Every time she got her hands under her mother’s arms Estelle screamed that she was killing her.

Before long, Julie realized she was not going to be able to get Estelle up off the floor. Bringing the pillow off the bed, she slipped it beneath her head and covered her with the afghan.
“Stay still Mama. I’ll be right back.”
“Where’ya goin? Don‘t leave me!”
“I’m calling EMS, Mama.”
“Who’s that?”
“Mama, just lie still, please.”

Leaving the room, she fled to the kitchen and the phone. At that moment Carl came in the back door, smelling of wood and chain saw gasoline. “What’s up, Julie? Everything Okay?”
“Oh Carl, am I glad to see you. Mama fell and I was about to call EMS. Charlotte’s out shopping. D’you think you can lift her up?”
“I think so. Let’s go see.” As they entered the bedroom, he noticed the portable toilet had been moved and Estelle was sprawled with her legs half under the bed. “Hey, Stella. What’cha doing playin’ on the floor. Don’t you know I gave all my marbles away?”

His mother-in-law smiled up and said, “I knew you’d come for me, Fred. You gonna take care of me?”
“Yeah, we’ll play hide-n-seek as soon as you’re able.” Straddling her torso, he bent low over her and told Julie to help get her mother’s arms around his neck. He lifted her gently with his big arms around her chest and back and slid her backward from beneath the bed so her legs could drop beneath her body. He steadied her for a few seconds then lifted her back into her recliner. He turned to Julie and said, “You’d better check her over and get her cleaned up. I don’t think she’s really broken anything, but she’ll be black and blue later on.”

Julie blanched at the thought and didn’t know which way to turn. “Wait, Carl, where is the stuff I’ll need? Will you help me?”
“No way. She won’t feel comfortable with a man in the room,” and smiling he continued, “especially since she thinks I’m her brother.”

“I’ll be glad when Charlotte gets back.” And she began opening drawers to try to find the diapers and gowns. Julie located the deep plastic wash pan from beneath the bathroom lavatory and was filling it with warm water when the sound of her sister’s voice came from the hall. Turning off the water, she ran into the room and embraced her sister. “You’re an answer to my prayer. I didn’t know what to do. Did Carl tell you Mama fell?”
“Yes, is she alright?”
“I guess so. I’ve just now begun to get the water ready to wash her and I laid out her fresh gown and pants on the bed. Now that you’re here, though, I can go on and get to my appointment with time to spare. You don’t mind, do you?”
With a smile, Charlotte assured Julie that she’d take over and get their mama all cleaned up and set for lunch. It’d only take her a few minutes. “Don’t you worry, I’ve done this a million times and it’s all easy as pie once you know how.” she laughed.

“Charlotte, I don’t know what we’d all do without you.”
“Well, thanks for babysitting. Carl was busy getting some fire wood or he could have stayed.”
“Tell Mama I’ll be back as soon as I can, but you know how busy I stay.”
“I know, Julie. It’s alright. Drive carefully and give Roger our regards.” She went back into her mother’s room, helped her to lie down on her bed and slipped on the plastic apron and disposable gloves and opened a fresh trash bag. Within a few minutes she had Estelle cleaned and changed. There were several dark bruises along one side and down her arms. She’d need to watch for blood in her bowel movements. She could be hurt inside.

“How’d you like the pretty pin my baby brought me?” asked Estelle. “She’s so good to me and treats me like a baby.”
Charlotte nodded and said, “I think it’s beautiful, Mama. I know you’ll enjoy it. We can pin it on your bed jacket Sunday when Reverend Kenneth comes after church.

Back in the kitchen, Charlotte got the salad greens washed and dried and while the tea was steeping she went into the utility room and stuffed the soiled clothes in the washer, poured the bleach into the outlet and sprinkled in a cup of detergent along with a hefty sprinkle of laundry borax.

Returning to the kitchen, she whipped the salad dressing and made the potted meat sandwiches. She cut her mother’s sandwich in four small pieces, without crust, and tore the lettuce into very small pieces. She then poured on a smidgen of dressing, making sure to mix it well. She then took the dropper and put one dose of Prozac into her tea.

Dr. Philpots had given the prescription to help Estelle’s mental stability. Charlotte had not noticed any abatement of her mother’s hateful attitude. But there was no telling how bad it might have been without the medication.

She took the lunch to her mother’s room and set it on the foot of the bed while she wiped off her mother’s face and hands. Once she’d gotten Estelle settled, she headed back to the kitchen to get the meal on the table for Carl.

Charlotte looked forward to this evening. She’d called Loretta to come stay with Mama while she and Carl took in dinner and a movie downtown. Carl didn’t get too many Friday’s off and when he did they always tried to do something special.

That evening she dressed in her new skirt and sweater set she’d bought from Penney’s last month. She felt more rested than she should, but wasn’t about to question her mood. She and Carl had actually had an entire hour alone taking their bath’s and
making love on the freshly laundered sheets. She kept waiting for the bell but it never rang.

As soon as she was finished dressing she went directly to Estelle’s room and quietly slipped open the door. She was so still. Her eyes were open. Charlotte walked over to her mother and spoke. “Mama, are you alright?” She knew the answer. There was no response. Charlotte backed out the door and called for Carl. “Come quick, honey. I want you to take a look at Mama.”

He ran down the hall and entered the room. He lifted her thin arm and felt for a pulse. Laying her arm back down. He closed her eyes and turned to his sobbing wife. “I’ll call the coroner and then you call Julie and then the Preacher.”

Two months later, a couple days before Thanksgiving, Charlotte was packing all Estelle’s good clothes for them to be given to the Benevolent Closet at church. Julie had turned down Charlotte’s offer of her mother’s nice black wool winter coat. It was in excellent condition but too small for Charlotte. Since she couldn’t use anything and Julie didn’t want them, they were all going to be distributed to the needy.

After she’d gotten everything done she called her pastor. Two hours later Reverend Kenneth was at the door. “This’ll sure help us out a lot. Our Youth Group has asked for the responsibility of giving the items out.” He reached out to take her hand. Charlotte smiled and said, “Mama would like that.”

Charlotte cleaned the room from top to bottom, removing all drawers and having Carl take the mattress to the town dump. She pulled down all the curtains for the laundry and washed all the windows, inside and out. She cried the whole time and felt the
cocoon of her soul beginning to split open. Her head was throbbing and she felt so guilty for even thinking of the ring at a time like this.

Since she never found it she was convinced that her mother really had given it to Julie and she cried for broken promises and for minds that drifted away from reality. She was also very sad that she’d ever told Libby that the ring would one day be hers. Now she’d need to explain about how Mama had lost her way and given it to her Aunt Julie. Or else had done God-knows-what with the ring.

Carl walked into the room and took Charlotte out and closed the door. “I told you to wait until I could get Loretta and we’d help you get this done. You’re killing yourself for nothing.” He took her into the kitchen and sat her in a chair while he put on a half pot of coffee. “It’ll be alright, sugar. I’m here and if you’ll let me, we can get through it together.”
“I know, honey. I’m sorry. I just thought I might come across the ring while I was cleaning and then I got to thinking about her and just started crying again.” She continued, “I think she gave the ring to Julie, Carl.”
“Well, if she did, there’s not much you can do about it now. You’ll just have to forget it and move on. Look at it this way… it’s only a material item and will not do your soul one bit of good.”
“But I wanted it for Libby. She’s always admired it and Mama had promised it, Carl.”
“Charlotte, let it go! It’ll drive you crazy if you don’t.”
“You‘re right, I’ll really try. From now on, there is no ring and never was and I’ll just have to tell that to Libby.” she smiled with tears still trembling in her eyes.


They had buried Estelle the middle of September and here it was the week before Christmas. Libby had hinted several times that she was hoping to get grandmother Estelle’s heirloom for Christmas.

“Carl, Julie just called. She and Roger are coming over for a little while. She wants to talk with me and since Roger’ll be here too, will you mind if he watches the game with you?”
“Nah, he’ll be good company, since you never care to sit with me during the games.” He went on, “Do you care if we have a beer before supper?”
“No, honey, that’ll be fine. Just as long as it doesn’t steal your appetite. We’re having steak and the trimmings.”
“Bet they’ll want to stay for supper. You got enough steak?” Carl asked.
“Thanks for the reminder, I’ll get another couple outa the freezer now.”

December eighteenth was cold and rainy and Carl had a glowing fire in the Buck Stove. The tree was decorated and the place smelled of cinnamon and peppermint. Julie was struck by the warmth and love she felt and suddenly realized she wanted this for Roger and herself.

Seated at the kitchen table with mugs of hot chocolate and a hunk of fresh gingerbread-still warm from the oven, Julie decided to get right to the point. “Libby is looking to get Mama’s ring for a present this Christmas. Have you decided to let her have it this soon?” she asked.
“What do you mean?” cried Charlotte. “I don’t have it.”
Disbelief showed blatantly clear upon Julie’s face. “What do you mean, what do I mean? Why don’t you have it. Where is it?”
“I thought you had it.” spoke Charlotte softly; realization flooding her brain with wonder.
“No. You knew Mama’d always said - she told all of us you were to have the ring, Charlotte. What’s the matter with you. Don’t you have it, really?”
“I don’t have it, really. She got mad at me a while before she died and I couldn’t do anything to please her and she told me she was giving the ring to you.”

Julie frowned and was shaking her head as her sister related these facts. “As God is my judge, sis, she never gave it to me. Why in the world would I be here talking to you about it if she’d done that?”
“Oh Lord, Julie, what am I to do then. Carl and I’ve searched her room up and down and always been on the lookout for it throughout the whole house. We even searched the car, thinking she could have put it in there when I was taking her out for her appointments.”

“Well, now let us think.” she said. “You don’t suppose it was hidden on herself somewhere, do you.”
“You mean like maybe she swallowed it?”

Carl and Roger had come into the kitchen and were popping beer cans over the sink in preparation of returning to the den and the game on T.V. when Carl, overhearing the last of their conversation began to laugh.

“What’re y'all laughing at?” the sisters inquired simultaneously.
“You two are crazy. Crazier than Estelle. She would never swallow that ring. She was somewhat demented, but she was using it against Charlotte to keep her in line. She’d have done the same to you, Julie, if she’d wanted to.” He went on, “You both know she was using each of you against the other to get whatever she wanted out of y’all.”

“Well, I guess that’s true,” said Charlotte. “She almost drove a wedge between us, Sis. I actually thought she’d gone and given it to you and I was upset about it until Carl made me realize it really didn’t matter.”
“I’m thankful you didn’t allow your belief that I had it to put a break in our love.”
“Yeah, blood’s thicker than water, eh?” smiled Charlotte.

A deep silence filled the kitchen as the men returned to the den. Soon the sisters began speaking at the same time and stopped and laughed. Then became serious again. Charlotte said, “Let’s put on our thinking caps and try to figure out where it’s hidden.”
Julie said, “When was the last time you saw it or knew anything about where it was.”
“Oh, Lord, let me think. Let’s see, it was about a week before Mama died, she had thought it was in the top drawer of her chest of drawers ‘cause she had gotten up early that morning and was digging in there to get it. She accused me of taking it and she said she was going to give it to you as soon as I returned it. Why, she even threatened to call the police on me.” she laughed.

“Well, she never gave it to me, so help me, Charl.”
“I believe you, but I’ve thought of it a hundred times. Mama must have moved it from the drawer and put it in another hiding place. Only she’d forgotten where and I never found it. That’s why I came to the conclusion that she had given it to you.”

“So the last place was the top drawer.”
“Carl and I can both tell you it was not there, nor anywhere else in that room, nor anywhere in this house, or car.”
“Back to square one.”
Silently sipping the cooling cocoa and nibbling the gingerbread, they sat thinking.
Shortly, Julie said, ”Wonder if she hid it in any of her clothes in her closet. She had hidden it before in her clothes in the top drawer, why not in the hanging clothes.”
Charlotte said, “Oh my God. That’s got to be where it was. But we’ll never be able to trace it now. I gave all her clothes to the church closet, and they‘re all sure to be gone by now.”
“Good grief, Charl, can’t you talk to the people at church to see if any of them saw it?”
“I can, but I fear it’s too late by now. And Mama never had the thing insured. At least we didn’t find any kinda papers of insurance that had the ring mentioned in it.”
“Well at least call Preacher Kenneth just in case someone saw it or heard about it.”
“I think I’d better do that,” agreed Charlotte. Continuing, she went on “How about you and Roger staying for supper. What’cha think. Reckon Roger would mind?”
“No, he thinks the world of you and Carl, and you know I’d love to have one of your great meals.”
“Good, you work on these,” she laid a bunch of potatoes and carrots out on the sink, “while I run over to Pastor’s house. I won’t be gone but about ten minutes. Okay?”
“Sure, Sis, go on now, but be careful; there may be ice on the roads. It was drizzling some when we came in.”

Charlotte drove to the parsonage, taking a tin of gingerbread with her. She pulled around back to the covered walk and ran up the steps, she opened the screen stepped across the porch to the glass-topped door. Rapping on the glass with her knuckles, she peered into the well-lit kitchen. Martha came from the hall into the kitchen and smiled as she opened the door.

“Come in darling. What’re you doing out by yourself this evening?”
“I’ve come on a mission and wanted to share some fresh gingerbread with y’all. I sure hope you and Pastor will be able to help me.” Charlotte said.

After some time the couple nodded their understanding of the situation. Kenneth said, “ If the ring was in some of Estelle’s clothes, our chances of locating it are practically nil, but I’ll put it in Sunday’s bulletin and ask everyone to give us names and addresses of any person they remember who took some of the clothing. We’ll then try to contact as many as possible and pray someone does have it.

“I cannot ask for more than that.” And standing up, Charlotte said, “I’ve got to get home and help finish up the supper. Julie and Roger are staying ’cause the men are watching the game. Julie was scraping carrots when I left.”
“Do you think she and Roger will ever tie the knot?” Kenneth asked.
“I’m hoping so. She knows that him living with her isn’t good for either of them, but I believe she’s scared because of her awful experience with Todd. That nearly killed her. I thought she never would get over it.”
“Charlotte, if you think you could talk them into it, tell ’em to give me a call. I’d love the opportunity to counsel those two and try to get ’em steered in the right direction.”

Both Kenneth and Martha gave her warm hugs thanked her for the gingerbread and warned her to drive carefully. She headed to her car. The rain had ceased but it was very cold and the wind had picked up. Silently, she prayed, Lord, I’m putting this whole mess into your hands. You know how much this ring means to Libby. If it’s Your will that she get it back, then that’s what I’m asking. In Jesus’ name, I thank You. Amen

Sure enough the explanation of the lost ring was on the back of the Sunday Bulletin, but the congregation was sorta thin, what with the freezing weather and blasting wind. Many of the body of Whitmond Hills Baptist Church were older folk and took every opportunity to stay home where it was warm rather than face the cold and then shivver in the old high-ceilinged sanctuary.

The youth, who had sorted and distributed Estelle’s clothes visited as many places and people as they could remember but none turned up any clue as to where the missing ring could be. The congregation commiserated with Charlotte about the loss, but soon was no longer a matter of concern for them.

With the advent of the Christmas Holidays, the choir made plans to go caroling in the neighborhood on Christmas eve, especially visiting the sick and shut-ins of the congregation. The group (under the leadership of choir director, James Barnes, and accompanied by Pastor Ken and ‘Miss’ Martha, and seven of the hardier choir members) had been singing for nigh on to two hours. Everyone was becoming hoarse and tired and beginning to complain of frozen toes and noses.

James suggested maybe they ought to take a break for half an hour and then visit the last two places before they called it a night. The houses he had left on the list belonged to the Widow Gregory and the elderly bachelor, Tillman Murphy. When James made the suggestion, the group took a vote as to whether to go straight on and finish up or take a break and then complete the caroling. The vote was unanimous to continue and then call it a night.

Standing in the front yard of the Widow Gregory, they’d sung three carols and she’d made no appearance. James called for one last verse of Silent Night, then they’d head back to the Church, where the Social Committee had warm refreshments waiting.

Just as the final “Christ the Savior is born” was belted out, Mrs. Gregory turned on the light and stepped out onto her porch, wrapped tightly in a long black wool coat. Immediately Charlotte recognized it. She broke from the group and ran up onto the porch and began talking to Mrs. Gregory.

The choir stood in stunned silence, as the two women began digging into every pocket of the coat. “Halleluja!” shouted Charlotte. “God answered my prayer!”
And she held up her gloved hand for everyone to see the brilliant sparkle of the ring, as it struck fire from the overhead porch light. To the sound of applause and joyful exchanges, Charlotte bent to kiss the cheek of Mrs. Gregory, noting that it felt just like Estelle’s.

“What can I do to repay you?” asked Charlotte.
“Oh, I don’t need anything, dear, really.” But she looked up into Charlottes eyes with unshed tears and said, “Come and visit me every now and then. I get so lonely.”
Laying a hand on Mrs. Gregory‘s shoulder, Charlotte said, “I give you my promise. Beginning right now. Would you like to have Christmas dinner with us tomorrow?”
The little lady hesitated slightly then smiled broadly, “Oh, yes, dear, that would be lovely.”
Charlotte kissed her cheek once more and whispered, “Carl’ll pick you up at twelve noon.”

As she turned to leave the porch the first soft flakes of snow floated downward. Looks like there’ll be a white Christmas this year,she thought. Then whispered,
"Thank you Father God for all your marvelous blessings, and tell Mama I found the ring."