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Ever’s eyes widened, taking in the picture again and turning it over reading, Violet and Daisy. “Daisy?” Ever questioned. “Who’s Daisy?”
“I assumed itwas you in the picture. Did he ever call you that? Perhaps it was a nickname or a name your mom liked to call you?”
Ever shrugged, shaking her head. “No, never.”
“Hardin seemed to have had a lot of things he kept to himself.” Ben resolved. “Perhaps we should tackle his office this weekend. Maybe we will find some answers in there.”
Ever nodded and held the picture to her chest. Putting his arm around her, Ben pulled her in for a hug and kissed her head. “We will figure everything out, I promise you.”
* * *
With her family mysteries still unfolding, Ever decided she needed to investigate further. Pulling up to the library in Primrose, she entered the building and was immediately greeted by the town librarian, Ms. Lynette.
“Ever darlin’, where have you been?” she greeted, opening her arms and inviting Ever in for a big hug. Ms. Lynette was a short stout woman in her mid 60s. Her silver hair perfectly coiffed in a bouncy bob and her signature cat’s eyeglasses framing her bright blue eyes, she wore a light blue polka dot dress with white sneakers. Not the stereotypical librarian garb, but quintessentially Ms. Lynette.
Ever loved coming to the library when she lived in Primrose. Ms. Lynette always greeted her with hugs and a million questions, wanting to know everything going on with her. In some ways, Ms. Lynette took on a motherly role for her and she appreciated her genuine interest in her life.
“I hear you and that sweet Ben Hastings are an item.” she winked playfully, giving her a nudge.
On top of being the town librarian, Ms. Lynette was the self-proclaimed town busybody. Nary a tidbit of gossip missed her ears and if you wanted to know the scoop, or who was up to what, she was the one to go to.
“Yes, Ben and I have been seeing each other.” she laughed, knowing there was no way to deny it.
“Oh, thank heavens!” she exclaimed. “A handsome strapping man like that, so smart and hardworking. Such a great catch! Goodness, I was getting worried about him!”
“I will let him know about your concern for him.” Ever replied with a hearty laugh. Looking around, Ever asked. “Do you have any old newspapers here? I am looking for something specific.”
“Sure! Everything is online.” Ms. Lynette informed taking her to a computer. “What years are you looking for?”
“1979 and 1993 to 1994.”
Showing Ever where to find the newspaper records, she left her alone to search. Searching 1979 first, she quickly found an engagement announcement.
WOLTON – SCHARPENSKI
Clarence and Vivian Scharpenski announce the engagement of their daughter, Violet Scharpenski to Hardin Wolton, son of Everett and Beth Wolton, both of Primrose. The couple are planning a summer wedding, with the ceremony to be held at Primrose United Church and a reception at the Wolton family farm, Prairie Sky Acres.
A black and white picture of her parents accompanied the announcement. The recognizable but much younger face of her father and a beautiful young woman with wavy long hair, large eyes, and a bright smile. Even with the black and white picture, she could see her resemblance to her mother.
“Ms. Lynette?”
“Yes, darlin!” she peeked from around a bookcase.
“Can I print out a few things?”
“Sure can! Just hit print and it will come up on the printer behind the desk. When you are done, let me know and I will give you your printouts.”
Nodding, Ever continued her search, typing 1993 into the search engine. Combing the obituaries, she came up empty, then searched 1994. Just when she wondered if she would find what she was looking for, her mother’s obituary popped up on the screen.
VIOLET WOLTON (Nee Scharpenski) April 4, 1961 - June 28, 1994
Violet Emily Wolton passed away June 28, 1994, at the age of 33 after a short battle with cancer. Violet is survived by her loving husband, Hardin Wolton, her daughter Daisy Wolton, and her parents Clarence and Vivian Scharpenski.
As a devoted wife and mother, Violet loved life on the farm. She loved art and loved to draw, often being seen with her sketchbook in hand. She will be remembered for her warm and generous spirit, her smile that lit up every room, and her kindness to everyone. Everyone was family to Violet and her loss is felt by all lucky enough to know her. A Celebration of Life is to be held at Primrose United Church on July 2nd at 2 p.m., with a private burial to follow.
Ever hit print and read it over again. Her mother was an artist too. She mused at their commonalities, feeling an overwhelming sense of closeness to her late mother. Satisfied with her research, she got up from the computer and met Ms. Lynette at the front desk. “I think I am done for now.”
Ms. Lynette nodded and reached down to hand her the papers she had printed. Glancing down, she noticed what Ever had printed. “Did you find everything you were looking for?” she asked, eyebrows raised in question.
