Two brothers lived down the lane not far from the Quiltmaker's house. Ben and Riley's house was one of the oldest buildings in QuiltersVillage, built of strong timbers culled from the forest at the base of the hills. The pair were pack rats of a sort, and the place seemed steeped in Village history.
In younger years, Ben had proven to be quite a promising photographer. Many of his 'clicks' as he called them, hung framed on the old log walls, chronicling Village life as revealed through his ViewFinder. Moments long past were captured forever in Ben's 'clicks'. Time had reduced the "Blacksmith Shop and Buggyworks" to ruins, but it was still open for business in Ben's clicks. And then there was the faded black and white photo of Riley's beloved wife Pearl, who died in childbirth shortly after they were married. She's been gone well over 20 years now, and the ache has never left his heart. Some loves are like that.
Ben's click had caught her by surprise, a half-smile on her lips and a glint of annoyance in her eyes. Pearl was a picture to behold. To see her was to instantly love her. When she smiled, it was as if time itself stood still to make the moment last. She always had a kind word for everyone. If you walked by with trouble on your face, Pearl would stop what she was doing and invite you on the porch for a glass of iced tea. Then she would pick up her stitching, and listen to your troubles while creating the most exquisite applique items.
Everyone loved Pearl.
Sadie had tried to persuade Ben to let her use some of his images in a fabric transfer photo quilt, but he simply would not have it. He did not trust that "new-fangled chemical crap." In fact, nothing ever seemed to please the old sourpuss. Sadie used to say he was just born with a frown on his face.
I think he was secretly in love with Pearl himself, and has never forgiven himself for losing her to his own brother, and then to the world beyond.
Something's changed since the two brothers bought those ten acres past the Meeting Hall. They've been hard at work every day, clearing land for the Village's first vineyard. Maybe it's working in the fresh air and sunshine, seeing the vines take root, or the anticipation of the first fruits of their labors, but the brothers seem happier of late. And, I heard tell that someone actually saw Ben smile.
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