FLOWERY NOTES

by PearlAnn SnowStar

Father walked into the library chamber and noticed something on his desk. There was a wrapped-up box with a single red and white rose. Curious, he walked over to the desk and sat down.

The rose was taped to the box. He removed the rose carefully, as it still had its thorns. He placed the rose on the desk. He noticed the note taped to the box. 

“It’s a wonder the note didn’t fall off,” he murmured. 

He noticed there was no return address on the box or on the wrapping. 

He read the note:

On this special day,
Just wanted to convey,
A flowery note or two.
Don’t be blue
If you can’t figure out who
Sent this to you.

“Flowers, notes, ah, that’s right, today is August first.” Father smiled. “Maybe in the box?” 

He unwrapped the box and took off the lid, and inside was a piece of paper. On the

paper, he saw a picture of a crab blossom and nothing else. He frowned as he took out the paper. He looked at the mug in the box and took it out. It was green on the inside and white on the outside, with a painting of a flower, a weed known as the pink thistle. *

“Of all the…” Father shook his head. Sighing, he placed the items back in the box, including the rose. “Eventually, someone will come forward. I hope.”

He placed the lid back on the box and rechecked the wrapper. “Honestly, no name.

Does this person think I have time for riddles?” Father shook his head and reached for a book on the desk.

* * *

Vincent and Catherine sat on her big, comfy sofa in her apartment. She was holding a pen with a forget-me-not flower etched onto it.

“Vincent, how did you…” 

“Thomas likes to etch flowers on pencils and pens, so I asked him to etch this flower for me on a pen, to give to you.”

“He’s talented.” Catherine smiled and gave him a quick kiss. “So, what does this

mean?”

“On August 1st, we celebrate each other Below with messages by flowers.”

“That’s today! Aren’t you going to miss the celebrations Below?”

He shook his head no. “Usually, the messages are sent out during the day. It could be an actual flower, a book, or a note. Whatever conveys the message. There’s a list of meanings for the flowers, but some have creatively used other lists. During supper, we discuss the flowery messages we have received.”

“Don’t tell me what this means. Let me see the list.”

“It’s Below.”

She laughed. “OK, I get it. I made you stay overnight and now during the day. So, tonight I will stay Below. I’m so glad I took some time off.”

“And I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else this day but with you.”

“But…”

“There is no need to get me a flower.”

She grinned. “Oh yes, there is.” She got up. “I may not know the meaning, but it has to mean I love you.”

He started to get up.

“NO! Stay there. I’m only going to the balcony to pick a rose or two from my bush and give it to you. You’re not moving.”

“I can’t leave anyway,” he said, grinning. “It’s daylight.”

She smiled as she walked out to the balcony.

* * *

That night, Vincent was sitting at his desk, writing. He stopped, got up, and looked toward the entrance to his chamber.

“Vincent, may I come in?”

“Yes, Father.” Vincent quietly moaned to himself.

Father came in, carrying a small box. “I know it’s supper time. But I have a mystery here.” He placed the box on the desk.

Vincent looked at Father, then at the box.

“Go ahead, open it,” Father said.

Vincent opened the box. There was a wilted rose, a note, a piece of paper, and a mug. He took out each one carefully. “Father, you should have placed the rose in a vase.”

Father noticed the two roses, one red and one white, in a beautiful crystal vase on

Vincent’s desk. “You can place the rose with yours.” Father sighed. “I can’t figure out who sent this to me.”

Vincent took out the items and looked at them. He read the note and laughed.

Father got upset. “It’s not funny. Whoever this person is….”

“Thinks you’re a father. Red and white roses are given to fathers on Father’s Day.”

Vincent grinned. “Whoever this is does call you Father, and also thinks that you’re ill-natured, yet strong, and that you shouldn’t meddle in other people’s business.”

“Laugh all you want to, but I’m not crabby or ill-tempered. I would agree, I am called Father, and I am strong…”

“But you can be petulant at times.” 

Catherine walked into the chamber.

“Well, yes, but I would like to know who sent this to me.”

Catherine noticed the items and carefully placed the thorny rose into the vase that was on Vincent’s desk, next to the other roses.

“I hope that saved the rose.”

“Father has a mystery on his hands.” Vincent handed her the note.

Catherine walked up to the desk and looked at the mug and the paper. She read the note. She tried hard not to laugh as she placed the mug, paper, and note back into the box.

“Well, I can see you two think this is amusing. I checked with Mary, Mouse, Jamie, and William. It wasn’t them. I have others I have to ask. I will find out who sent this to me.”

Vincent placed his hand on Father’s shoulder. “Father, I’m sure they didn’t mean any ill-will toward you.”

“Well, I know it wasn’t the children. I have lots of nice drawings of blue hyacinths, oak, and magnolia. The children were very thoughtful.”

“Don’t worry, Father, Vincent and I will try to solve this…mystery.” Catherine grinned.

“Yes, well…”

“Shouldn’t we head toward the kitchen chamber?” Vincent inquired.

“Yes, yes, of course.” Father walked over to the desk and placed the lid back on the box. He picked up the box. “I’m really curious about who sent this.” Father started to walk out. He stopped and turned around. “Are you two coming?”

“Why don’t you go on ahead of us, Father? We’ll join you shortly.”

Father mumbled, “Very well,” as he slowly walked out.

Catherine and Vincent waited for a few moments, and then they both laughed. 

“Oh…my…God…Vincent!” Catherine tried to compose herself. “I wonder who gave this to Father?”

Vincent chuckled. “Whoever it is, they truly know him.”

Catherine nodded, as both of them started laughing again.

It took them a few moments to compose themselves before they left the chamber.

* * *

Supper was almost over.  Father looked around the dining area. Everyone was laughing and talking and seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Mary, sitting by Father’s right side, spoke up. “Father, what is in the box?”

Father turned toward her. “My flowery notes, and they are not flattering in the least. Except for the red and white rose, which is now in a vase on Vincent’s desk.”

Sitting by Father’s left side was Vincent, with Catherine by Vincent’s left side.

Vincent spoke up. “Besides the rose, there was a cryptic note, and a piece of paper with a picture of a crab blossom, and a mug with a pink thistle on it.”

Mary started to giggle.

“Really? So that was why you asked me if I gave you a flower note today?” William stood behind Father. “Fits.” 

Father didn’t turn around. “Yes, well, the children had given me nice pictures of blue hyacinths, oak, and magnolia. Which reminds me, what did you get, William?”

William just patted Father on the shoulder. “The usual Sweet William drawings, which also means gallantry, plus others.” He chuckled as he walked away. “Thistle and crab blossom.”

Father sighed.

“Don’t worry, Father, we did promise we will help you solve this mystery.” Vincent tried to keep a straight face.

Catherine piped up, “If we…can.”

Pascal walked up to Father. “Father, there’s a message on an old pipe. Said coming down. Don’t know for sure who it is.”

Father turned.

Vincent got up quickly. “Where?”

“Didn’t say. Just mentioned, know the way.” Pascal looked worried. “I know we have a few sentries posted. Maybe they will spot whoever it may be.”

Vincent looked at Catherine. “I’ll be back.” 

Pascal and Vincent left the chamber.

* * *

Father wondered what was going on. It seemed like Vincent and Pascal were gone for a long time. He noticed that Catherine was finishing up her meal. Others were already at the dessert table.

“Father.” Father turned around. Kipper had a paper in his hand. “A man told me to give this to you. Said it will help you to figure out who sent your special flowery box.” Kipper handed the paper to him.

Catherine and Mary both looked at Father, who scowled as he looked at another drawing. He handed the paper to Catherine.

“It’s a picture of a bird of paradise flower,” Catherine exclaimed.

Father looked puzzled.

“Also called strelitzia. It means someone who is an adventurer or embarking on an adventure,” said a male voice behind Father.

Father got up and turned around and saw a grinning Devin standing next to Vincent.

Vincent went over to Catherine and whispered something into her ear. Catherine tried to stop a giggle from coming out by putting her hand to her mouth.

“You sent me these flowery messages?” Father scowled.

“See, crab blossom!” Devin cried out and the room got quiet.

Suddenly, Vincent and Catherine started to chuckle, and the room was filled with giggles and laughter.

Father was not happy. “I suppose you think this is also funny?”

“No ‘Nice to see you so soon!’?”

The community went back to their eating and conversations as Vincent sat down next to Catherine.

Father looked at Devin. “I suppose you’re hungry. And, yes, it is nice to see that you didn’t forget one of our celebrations.”

Devin smiled. “Well, then let’s see what William has and I will tell you how Charles is doing and how things are going.”

“How is Charles?” Vincent inquired.

Devin smiled. “A ladies’ man. A rose and a penny will watch over him while I’m away.”

“I see.” Father had a serious look on his face. “What does that mean?”

Devin chuckled. “Rose was a full-time nurse until her retirement and she helps me out with whatever Charles needs medically.”

“A nurse is not a doctor.” 

“Don’t worry, he’s got a doctor he sees in the mountain town we are in. And Penny, well she helps out with cooking and cleaning. She’s in her thirties and seems quite fond of Charles.” He winked.

“Does she know how serious his condition is?”

“Father, I’m sure she does,” Catherine said, speaking up.

Devin guided Father toward the food table. “And I’m staying here Below tonight. So, you can yell at me tonight and tomorrow. Charles, by the way, said to say hi to everyone.” 

Father looked at him. “I believe the guest chamber is taken.”

“It isn’t. Had a chat with Vincent. Catherine is staying the night in his chamber.”

“But where will Vincent stay?”

Devin grinned. “Leave the two love flowers alone, Father. Remember, it’s none of your business.”

Father mumbled, “But the others might…”

“Might what?  God, I’m so glad Catherine managed to free Vincent from your brow-beating words.”

“I don’t brow-beat, I state concerns…”

“Yes, I know, I know. Don’t you want to know what I’m doing now?”

“Something legal, I hope.”

Devin shook his head. “I knew I would be in for it. Anyway, I’m a Mountain Ranger. I patrol the mountains and play Smokey Bear.”

“I heard it’s Smokey the Bear.”

“Man, let me just tell you what Charles and I have been doing these past few months.”

“Yes, yes, of course.”

Devin and Father walked over to a table with food and Devin picked up something to eat. Devin saw Vincent and Catherine at the dessert table. Vincent looked at Devin and smiled. Devin returned the smile.

Father returned to his table with Devin, who had an overflowing plate. Devin sat down where Vincent was sitting before.

“Vincent is sitting there and …”

Devin grinned. “Nope. He and Catherine are just picking up dessert to take back to THEIR chamber.”

“Oh, that’s lovely,” Mary said, speaking up. “About time.” 

Father was not pleased with this turn of events. He looked at Devin, then at Mary.

Devin said, “Mary, am I correct in that putting a lantern out in front of your chamber and draping the entrance means ‘Do not disturb’?”

Mary nodded. “That’s right.”

“Thought so.” Devin looked at Father. “That means no bothering Vincent or Catherine tonight.” He noticed the shocked look on Father’s face. “I mean it,” he said firmly.

Father realized that this was something he was going to have to deal with later. He couldn’t wait to have a nice long conversation with Vincent, but at least he’d have one with Devin tonight.

“Fine,” Father grumbled.

Mary patted Father on his arm. “I think it’s lovely, and I’m so glad that Catherine came into Vincent’s life.”

“There are…” Father started to say.

“Consequences. Yep, there sure are,” Devin said mischievously. “By the way, I’ve got to see that list of flower definitions, as next year I might have to find one that you would give to a grandfather.”

Father felt as if he was going to have an anxiety attack; this was too much for him to take in.

“Father, are you all right?” Mary inquired. “You’re looking a bit pale.”

“Yes, yes, I am. Well, I best check on things before turning in for the night.”

Father stood up, but Devin gently took his arm and made him sit down. “I can read your thoughts, Father,” Devin said. “Sit down and let me tell you about what has happened since last I was here.”

Father reluctantly gave up. “Yes, do tell us, what have you been up to? I’m a bit curious how you managed to become a ranger. Or did you just take over the role?”

Devin chuckled. “This time I passed the tests. Background check was, shall we say, tricky to pass, but I did.” He rubbed his arm. “I nearly got another scar. A bear this time.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a key ring which he gave to Father.

“What?” Father noticed on the key decoration another flower, a blue hyacinth.”

“It means constancy. With you I can constantly see a firm hand, dedication to the community.” Devin smiled.

“There was a bear?” Sitting down where Catherine sat previously, Mouse looked at Devin.

“Oh, yes, luckily, the bear did not charge. Would have had another scar from a fanged and furry beast.” Devin looked at Father. “I was checking out the mountains for a bit, trying to decide how to make money, so that Charles and I could stay in that small village.”

Father shook his head. “Devin, you get into the strangest circumstances.”

Devin put his arm around Father and looked at Mouse. “It was a black bear….”

Father was shocked. “It was a wonder that you did not…”

“Die?” Devin laughed. “I’m lucky. Of course, not.”

“I’m glad you didn’t get seriously hurt.” Father now was intrigued. “So…about this…bear?”

Devin continued his story.

“In Celtic countries, the associations are positive, and the flower symbolizes resilience, strength, determination, protection and pride. The flower’s purple and pink colours represent royalty. In Victorian England, the thistle signified pain, aggression, and intrusion. Receiving a bouquet with thistles would have been interpreted as a warning against meddling in other peoples’ business.”

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Shakespeare Birthplace Trust: The Thistle

Bird of Paradise meaning

Flower Meaning Chart