Changing Traditions A Christmas Novella Read online

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 4

  DEDICATION 6

  PROLOGUE 7

  CHAPTER ONE 9

  CHAPTER TWO 12

  CHAPTER THREE 15

  CHAPTER FOUR 18

  CHAPTER FIVE 21

  CHAPTER SIX 24

  CHAPTER EIGHT 30

  CHAPTER NINE 34

  CHAPTER TEN 37

  CHAPTER ELEVEN 40

  EPILOGUE 43

  EXCERPT FROM “FINDING FAITH” 45

  EXCERPT FROM “DISCOVERING HOPE” 47

  EXCERPT FROM “ACCEPTING CHANGE” 49

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 51

  ABOUT RACHEL 52

 

  CHANGING TRADITIONS

  A Woodsmall Christmas Novella

  Rachel E Rittenhouse

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Author of Finding Faith, Discovering Hope, & Accepting Change, Rachel Rittenhouse has been writing for as long as she can remember. At the age of 17, she published her first book Finding Faith and her dream of becoming a published writer finally came true. Since she grew up loving to read, Rachel remembers the struggle to find wholesome books worth reading for young girls growing in their faith. She strives to write that type of book and because she loves historical fiction, most of her books are set in a past time period. In addition to reading and writing, she enjoys playing clarinet, spending time with her family, going to her church youth group, and babysitting some pretty adorable kids! Rachel is working at her writing, while taking online courses through Liberty University.

  Follow me for updates at www.RachelRittenhouse.com

  Copyright © 2015 Rachel E Rittenhouse

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means — for example, electronic, photocopy, recording — without prior consent of the author. The only exception is brief quotations for reviews.

  EBOOK

  ISBN: 0-9863590-2-6

  ISBN-13: 978-0-9863590-2-6

  This book is a work of historical reconstruction; the appearances of certain historical figures are therefore inevitable. All other characters, however, are the products o the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

  DEDICATION

  My family — for our love of Christmas traditions

  PROLOGUE

  Prologue - April 16, 1865

  Dear Diary,

  It should have been a day of rejoicing and I guess in a sense, it was. The war between the states is finally over. Poppa is home, and what a relief to see him safe.

  My sister is reunited with her husband. Carolyn and Scott were married only a week before Scott left for the war. Watching them together brings tears to my eyes knowing how much my sister missed him.

  But this is where it stings. Albert didn’t come home to me.

  When he broke off our courtship before he left, I assumed that as soon as the war ended he would be back. I never quit writing to him. In fact that was what kept me going most days. Albert said he didn’t want to die and hold me back.

  What stings is that he didn’t die. Nettie would have told me if that were true. Perhaps he realized that he only had a childhood fascination with me. Maybe I am just not important to him.

  Or maybe I should keep writing him and wait for him to come to me.

  Poppa’s voice broke through Bethany’s writing. “Now, where’s my Bethy?”

  Pushing the mournful thoughts from her mind, Bethany hurried down from the loft, determined to put on a cheerful front. “Oh Poppa, I’m so glad you’re home.” In an instant, she was pulled in a hug that threatened to cut of all air flow. Not that she cared. Breathing in his woody smell, Bethany was sure she would be happy to stay right in his arms.

  When her older brother Jesse came home early from the war with his leg amputated, Bethany began to imagine all sorts of things that might have happened to Poppa and Albert. It was bad enough to hear when Henry was killed.

  As the rest of the family went inside, Bethany sat out on the porch step to wonder and think by herself. She wasn’t left out there long before Jesse was by her side.

  “Penny for your thoughts, sister, though I can already guess they are miles away.”

  How was it possible to have a brother who knew you so well? “I am so happy that Poppa and Scott have come home safe, truly I am, Jesse. But I am concerned for Albert. If it is true that the war ended, why hasn’t he come to see me?”

  “I’m afraid I have no answer for you, Bethy. You could always go into town and see if he went to see his family first. That is always a strong possibility.”

  “I can’t leave Poppa when he’s just returned.”

  “Then why are you out here?”

  Bethany thought about what Jesse said and then she stood. “How right you are, Jesse. Here I am, worrying for nothing, when I should be inside with Poppa. Albert will come and see me soon enough, of that I am sure.”

  Jesse’s face relaxed some, but Bethany doubted the words that she uttered. Would Albert really come? If he didn’t come right away, did he not care for her after being away almost two years?

  Into the evening, Bethany continued to look out the window, but still no sign of Albert. Would he ever come?

  CHAPTER ONE

  The November snow was beginning to fall lightly as Bethany hurried into the main part of town. Of course, the one day when she decided to walk instead of ride, it would begin to snow.

  Hurrying into the post office, Bethany shook off the bits of snow that clung to her bonnet. Upon seeing her, Mr. McCrutchen greeted her with a loud hello. “Hoping the snow doesn’t continue on, ey, Miss Bethany? Though we’ve had storms blow in at times earlier than this.”

  Bethany couldn’t help but smile at the friendliness of the Irish postman. “That it is, sir. By any chance would you have a letter for me?”

  The man’s eyes dimmed, “Sorry, lass, there still be nothing. I wish I could bring you better news one of these days.”

  Despite the disappointment looming, Bethany tried to put on a cheery face. “Thank you anyways.” She handed the letter Momma asked her to mail and departed the post office.

  Tears stung Bethany’s eyes as she hurried down town. Eight months since the war ended and seven months had passed since Albert wrote her saying that he was to stay in Washington D.C. a while longer. But even that letter came after weeks of waiting for him to show up at her door. A heavy weight settled on her heart. What was she to even think or feel? Perhaps she should have gone to look for him the next day. Beg him for answers - to love her again. But what would that matter now. He was all the way on the coast and he hadn’t written her since.

  Something hard in front of her caused Bethany to begin a downward descent but two hands reached out to grab her. Bethany looked up to see who it was that saved her.

  Jeremy Dowell.

  His gray eyes lit up when he saw her and the beginnings of a smile quirked at his mouth. “Bethany. I wasn’t planning on running into you today.”

  She straightened, vaguely aware of the realization that she was still in Jeremy’s grasp. “I’m sorry, Jeremy, truly. My thoughts were elsewhere.”

  “It’s of no matter.” They continued walking as the snow continued to grow thicker and thicker.

  “Well, thank you for catching me. I had no desire to land on the ground. I really should be going though before the snow gets much worse.”

  “Let me drive you, Beth - please?” The way his eyes brightened, Bethany found that she couldn’t refuse. Pretty soon, they were in his buggy heading back to her place.

  Bethany struggled to come up with something to say as she could
very well just sit in silence. “It appears I am indebted to you twice in a day, Jeremy. The snow seems to be getting much heavier and it would no doubt have been a long walk.”

  “I’m just glad to be of assistance.”

  The way he said it caused tingles to travel down Bethany’s arms and she pulled the blanket tighter around her lap.

  “Actually, Bethany, I wanted a chance to talk to you.”

  “Oh?” Hearing the words surprised her and she wondered what Jeremy would possibly want to talk about with her.

  “I know you probably consider us just friends, at least, I would hope I’m a friend…”

  “Of course I consider you a friend. Don’t ever not think such a thing.” She clamped her mouth shut then, realizing that she just succeeded in interrupting Jeremy.

  “I’m glad to hear that. I don’t know what happened between you and Albert, well actually, I know some of it. I also know you’ve had a long time to get past that, I hope.” Jeremy paused and Bethany noticed that he regarded her quietly, probably to gauge her reaction.

  Not sure what to say, Bethany waited. “Yes?”

  Jeremy stopped the buggy then and turned to Bethany. He grasped her hand in his and gave it a squeeze. “I was wondering if we could learn to be more than friends, Bethany. I’ve cared for you for the longest time and I was hoping - praying - that perhaps you might have some feelings for me.”

  Bethany felt her head was going to spin off with this new-found revelation. Eight months could hardly be considered a long to time move on from someone whom she had loved. Besides, she had only ever thought of Jeremy as a dear friend. “I hardly know what to say. This is all rather sudden.”

  “Not entirely so. I’ve always tried to show you that I care—”

  “As a friend.”

  “But I also gave you space when you seemed to prefer Albert.”

  “Yes, you did, which brings up the point that he still may come home.”

  “He hasn’t written you in seven months!”

  Bethany felt her mouth gap open, “How did you know?”

  “Please, Beth,” Jeremy leaned to and placed a light kiss on her hand, “Say you’ll consider being my girl?”

  Bethany felt tears begin to pool in her eyes. “I…I need time to…think about this.”

  “I can wait for you.”

  His words touched her heart as he drove her the rest of the way home. When he pulled up to the porch, he walked around to help her down. Before letting her go though, he added, “I’m serious in what I’ve said, Bethany. I do care for you.”

  Bethany found a slight smile, “I know.” Then she hurried in the house. Before she even shut the door, Laura was standing before her, a sneaky smile on her face.

  “Why, sister, who exactly was bringing you home?”

  Bethany forced a chipper sound in her voice instead of the tears she wanted to shed. “Only Jeremy. He saw me walking home and offered a ride because of the snow.”

  “How generous of him.” Laura looped her arm through Bethany’s. “Come, Momma has made cookies. Chocolate-strawberry mint. How does that sound?”

  “Umm…refreshing?”

  “Exactly what I thought when I came up with the recipe.”

  “You created it?” A warning bell sounded through Bethany’s head as she came to from dwelling on Jeremy and Albert.

  “Why of course! What is so surprising about that?”

  “You hate the kitchen.”

  “Not any more!” Laura pulled Bethany by the arm and she had no choice but to follow her sister. Thoughts of what Jeremy had said would just have to wait.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Thanksgiving was always a wonderful time for Bethany and her family. Momma, Carolyn, and Heather made quite the selection of wonderful food. So much so, a person hardly knew what to begin eating first!

  After Poppa offered a blessing, Bethany couldn’t help but look around the table at the family she had been blessed with. Indeed, there was so much to be thankful for especially this year. Poppa and Momma sat at one end of the table, looking so happy. Next to them, Rosie sat trying to convince Adam that he should try his green beans. Heather had gone to gather something that was forgotten in the kitchen, while Jesse and Scott were having quite the discussion about the food their wives made. Carolyn was looking adoringly at her husband, though Bethany noticed, she seemed a little more peeked than usual. Jake was looking at the food that Momma was piling on his plate, while Laura talked about her experiences at the doctor’s office with her.

  Bethany suddenly came to attention when she realized that Laura was looking at her expectedly. “I’m sorry, dear. My mind had wandered. What did you say?”

  Laura gave her a strange look. “Busy thinking about Jeremy, are we Bethy?”

  “Shh, Laura. Not now. We’ll talk later, I promise.”

  Jake, though, had turned his attention from his food. “What was that about Jeremy, Laura? Something to do with our Bethy?”

  Laura looked like she was about to say something, but Bethany beat her to it. “Only that Laura saw Jeremy when she was in town. Isn’t that right?” Bethany placed on a demur smile while her eyes appealed to Laura that she better not say anything. There was no way she wanted Jeremy’s offer discussed with her family. Yet.

  Laura appeared conflicted, but in the end, she only agreed with what Bethany had said.

  Poppa cleared his throat and the conversation miraculously turned from Bethany. “As we are now entering into the Christmas season, we should begin discussing what we would like to do as far as gathering the tree and other activities planned.”

  “Christmas!” Adam clapped his hands together and everyone burst out laughing. This would be Adam’s first Christmas with all his family members. Bethany thought that it would most likely be the best one they had ever had.

  Carolyn’s voice broke through the laughter echoing the very words Bethany had thought. “It shall be one of the best, for we are all together again.” There were tears in Carolyn’s eyes, but that was just because Carolyn tended to be the most emotional of the siblings, and Bethany knew that she was just truly happy. “We shall all go out and pick out a Christmas tree and then decorate it. Of course, our St. Lucia traditions. Perhaps we could all spend the night at Momma and Poppa’s. Sister baking time to make pies and cookies galore.”

  “We should host a Christmas ball as well. Oh we haven’t had any dancing since the war began…” Heather piped up in Carolyn’s ramblings.

  “Or…we could start some new traditions.” Laura’s matter-of-fact voice broke through. “Don’t you think it would be nice to have a bit of a change? Perhaps we would enjoy something different.”

  The room got eerily quiet. No one quite knew what to say. Laura was known for her opinions, but one didn’t usually argue with Carolyn.

  Carolyn looked at Laura, “But dear, wouldn’t it be lovely to have a Christmas like we had before the war. Traditions are not a bad thing. And besides, we are all together again.”

  Bethany sighed inwardly. They weren’t all together.

  “They are when you over use them.”

  “We haven’t used them for five years!”

  It was one thing for Laura to get mad, but to see Carolyn, the tears from her eyes replaced with determination, Bethany hadn’t seen that before. Someone needed to get between these sisters before things got too out of control. Bethany began slowly, “Perhaps…”

  “Bethy, please,” Carolyn’s voice held a no nonsense tone. She didn’t even stop when Scott placed a hand on her shoulder. “Fine, Laura, what are your ideas?”

  Laura crossed her arms, “I haven’t thought that far…”

  “So then why change it all?”

  “But—we could try some new recipes and maybe decorate the tree a little differently. And maybe forgo St. Lucia’s day. I think you’ve been St. Lucia enough in one lifetime, Carolyn.”

  “I was planning on teaching Rosie. I figure it’s time to teach the youn
ger children the traditions that have been taught to us.” Carolyn glanced at Jesse and Heather. No one looked too sure about this display between Carolyn and Laura. It was out of character which told Bethany that something else was at the root of the problem.

  “Oh is that a fact? So it can suddenly go from you to Rosie but manage to skip over Bethy and me?”

  Carolyn looked to Bethany then back to Laura, “Well if you wanted to be St. Lucia, why didn’t you say anything?”

  Laura was standing now, “Because it would’ve gone against tradition!”

  “Laura, I had no idea…”

  “Laura, sit down, there is no need for this.” Momma’s voice had a no nonsense tone and though Laura hesitated, she did end up taking her seat. “Now, how about we talk about this like adults. Carolyn and Laura both expressed their opinions about Christmas. Does anyone else have anything to say?”

  It seemed as though no one wanted to get in the middle of things and Bethany truly had no desire to side with one sister over the other. Even though…

  Jake appeared to be the brave one, “I’m all for doing something new. It could be like a new start, especially with Henry not here. It would be hard to go back.”

  Laura appeared to perk up, “Exactly what I was trying to say!”

  “Laura.” Momma shook her head and Laura instantly quieted.

  Heather looked to Jesse, “I know Jesse and I talked about how we want to combine how we both celebrated Christmas when we were younger, especially since it will be Adam’s first Christmas. We want him to know the traditions we both grew up with as well as begin our own.”

  Jesse nodded, “I know that this Swedish tradition pull is probably stronger for Carolyn and me because we remember celebrating it in Sweden, whereas Laura was so young. But I don’t think we need to forgo that because that is who we are.” Poppa nodded his approval and Bethany wished her thoughts could formulate as wisely as her brother’s.