THIRTEEN FOR DINNER

Fourteen

FOURTEEN

       Quillan’s got some explaining to do. He doesn’t seem at all surprised that Mr. Brackett and James Faulkner are one in the same. He’s definitely been hiding some valuable information from me and I intend to get to the bottom of it tonight.

            “My lands dear, you look as if you’ve just seen a ghost.” Elizabeth Faulkner points out not realizing she just won the grand prize with that observation. Quillan shakes Mr. Faulkner’s hand, a diversion I am sure so I will not respond to Mrs. Faulkner. “Name’s Quillan Robison, this is my wife Avery Griffin Robison. She is the granddaughter of Allen T. Griffin, and he’s sent me down your way to perhaps open a Savings and Loan right here in town. It’s been a long trip not to mention we just found out she’s expecting. I’m afraid she’s been a little moody with  the heat taking its toll on her fragile condition today.”

            Expecting? Now he’s gone too far but his little manipulative lie plays out perfectly before my eyes. Allen T. Griffin must be a well-respected man because the mention of his name suddenly turned the men to putty in Quillan’s hand not to mention, they seem to see me in a much different light now. That and the fact that Quillan and I would own the company that would provide them with loans. Once again, the almighty dollar sets the rules of the game.   

            “That certainly explains why she attacked me with my own walking stick.” Potbelly is making an attempt at humor but he doesn’t know I’m better at this game than he is.  

            “Well I figured if Congressman Brooks can attack Charles Sumner right there on the senate floor then it would be okay for me to give it a try.” Mr. Faulkner roars with laughter and the other men follow his lead. Quillan’s eyes smile at me and I know I did well. Being a history buff has its advantages. I know that little incident happened not long ago, right after Sumner gave a speech blaming the pro-slavery forces for the violence going on in Kansas.  I never thought that information would come in handy anywhere but on a test and suddenly I am exonerated for my little shenanigan in town.

            “Emily dear, why don’t you take Avery down by the river, it’s always so much cooler over there.” Elizabeth Faulkner suggests to her daughter.

            “Yes momma,” Emily is more than eager to whisk me away and escape the political mumbo jumbo. I leave Quillan and follow Emily across the property. It’s an eerie feeling walking alongside this legendary character, so full of life. Her perfect bow lips smile as she acknowledges her admiring guest, wiggling her delicate fingers in the air in a friendly wave.  She’s stunning that’s for sure, and by looking at her it’s obvious she lives a life of privilege. I’ve never seen a girl near my same age so perfect and put together.  Her ivory skin is flawless; clearly never been exposed it to direct sunlight. Even now she totes a parasol, shading herself from the harsh rays. Her deep red hair heightens her blue gray eyes as it cascades in curls and falls halfway down her back; and while I am completely in awe of her beauty, she turns to me and takes me completely off guard.

            “You’re so beautiful; I can see why all the young, and old men for that matter, have been stealing glances at you all afternoon.”

            Stunned, I have no idea how to respond to that statement but it doesn’t matter because she continues rattling on until we arrive at a charming little gazebo down by the rushing water.

            “Everybody’s talking about what you did in town this morning. You have a lot of spunk, that’s for sure. I have wanted to hit Mr. Butler over the head with his walking stick so many times but I would never have enough courage to do something like that. I think you must be the bravest girl I’ve ever met. Why even offering a Negro a seat on a white bench is daring to say the least.”