Page 78 of Threads of Kindness
“It’s probably late Pleistocene,” Fiona said. “Creatures like this roamed the Midwest more than 10,000 years ago.”
“Gosh,” Anita said. “Imagine that.”
“This tusk—and any other bones—belong to you,” Fiona said. “Maggie tells me you’d like the college’s help with the excavation?”
“Definitely,” Anita said. “You think there could be more?”
“Very possibly,” Fiona replied. “There could be a full skull—or even a complete skeleton. Based on the condition of this tusk, I’d say the preservation here has been exceptional.”
“Well then,” Anita said firmly, “I want all of it carefully excavated, and I’d like to donate it to Highpointe—if the college wants it.”
“There’s no question about that,” Maggie said. “The college would begratefulfor your donation.”
“What’s the next step?” Gordon asked.
“I’ll take photos and record preliminary measurements,” Fiona said. “Then I’ll write an initial field report and assemble a paleontology team.”
“I understand you’ve done this before?” Maggie asked.
Fiona nodded. “I attended Earlham College and worked at the Joseph Moore Museum as an undergrad. I’ve been on multiple digs with them, and I still have strong ties to their staff. We’ll recruit graduate students from Highpointe and experienced volunteers from the museum to do the excavation properly.”
“Can I continue remodeling for the museum upstairs?” Anita asked. “I’m opening a sewing machine museum here.”
“Absolutely,” Fiona said. “We shouldn’t interfere with that. I went through the exhibit at the library, by the way. It’sfascinating.I plan to watch Dress Cam while you’re making Sunday’s dress.”
Anita laughed. “I can’t believe you heard about that.”
“It’s the talk of campus,” Fiona said, smiling. “If the only thing we find is the tusk, we’ll finish the excavation in about a week. If we uncover additional bones, it’ll take longer. We’ll work in phases, and we’ll stay out of your way.”
“I want you to do this therightway,” Anita said. “Even if it delays the museum opening. Uncovering and preserving this guy—” she looked down at the exposed tusk—“is my top priority.”
CHAPTER 39
Anita paused to read the sign posted at the library’s front entrance. The attractive poster, designed with a delicate lace background and elegant scrollwork font, declared:
Watch History in the Making: Sunday’s Wedding Dress—Sewn Live!
A bold QR code beneath the title promised streaming access and details.
She glanced at Gordon. “I’m still not convinced this is going to be interesting to anyone,” she said.
“Oh, ye of little faith,” he replied. “I think you’re going to go viral—and so does everyone else who knows about the project.” He shifted the tall garment bag he carried over his shoulder.
Anita held the door for him. “Thank you for schlepping the fabric,” she said. “We didn’t think through the logistics of transporting the cut pieces from the shop to the library.”
“I don’t mind,” Gordon said. “I wouldn’t miss your online debut for anything.”
“I’m glad Sunday cleared a space in the storage room for my dress form and supplies. It’ll be a relief not to haul the dress back and forth every day.”
They walked past the circulation desk. The student working there looked up and gave Anita an enthusiastic thumbs-up. “I’ll be watching on my phone,” she said in a stage whisper.
Anita smiled and nodded as they passed.
Gordon laid the garment bag on the long library table positioned beside the black Singer treadle machine. Anita had oiled it, threaded it, and adjusted the bobbin’s tension the day before. All was ready.
She unzipped the garment bag and carefully unwrapped the tissue-wrapped bodice pieces, spreading them flat on the table. She caressed the ivory satin gazar, smoothing out the edges of the first seam she intended to stitch.
Gordon stepped back and watched, admiration in his eyes. He knew an artist at work when he saw one.
