The Distance Between Us

Chapter 3

After they all finished supper, Evelyn and Mrs. Jacobs cleared the table. Mrs. Jacobs washed the dishes and Evelyn dried them off. Alexander offered to put them away. After the dishes were finished Mrs. Jacobs shooed the kids out of the kitchen and told them to go to that parlor so she could finish up.
Evelyn took Alexander's hand and lead him to the parlor. He was in awe. Ms. Evers' parlor was very pretty but nothing like the Jacobs'. There were navy colored drapes covering the window facing the field, while the other was a bay window with a cushioned bench underneath, which served as a seat and a bookcase. There was a small tan loveseat with a tall lamp next to it, which had a chipped stained glass shade over it. An old phonograph sat on the other side. There was a baby grand piano against the wall across from the bay window. It was the most beautiful instrument that Alexander had ever seen, even with slightly stained ivory and cracking black paint.
Evelyn pulled out the bench and sat on the edge, motioning for Alexander to join her. He sat down and took a deep breath in.

"Do you have any requests?" He asked with a smile.

"I'll be quite happy with whatever you'd like." Evelyn replied.

He thought for a moment.

"I have the perfect song. I'll need your help though." He said, smiling warmly. "May I?" He said taking her hand.

She nodded in reply and he placed her hand on the piano.

"Now all I need you to do is play this note," He said placing her index finger on the high C. "And sing the female part of the duet, I'm quite certain you'll know this one."

Evelyn blushes. "Oh, I really can't sing, Alexander."

"That's alright. Just do your best." He says softly as he begins playing. "Tell me, pretty maiden, Are there any more at home like you?" He sings in a beautiful and melodious voice.

"There are a few, kind sir, But simple girls, and proper too." She sings in reply, her cheeks blushing.

"Then tell me pretty maiden, What these very simple girlies do." He sings as he plays.

Their voices then overlap as she sings, "Kind sir, their manner are perfection, And the opposite of mine."
While he sings "Then tell me, tell me, maiden, what the girlies do."

"Then take a little walk with me,
And then I can see what a most particular girl should be." He continues.

"I may love you too well to let you go
And flirt with those at home, you know," Evelyn replies beautifully.

"Well, don't mind, little girl, you'll see I'll only want but you." Alexander sings back.

They continue to sing, their voices and the piano creating beautiful music which fills the parlor. As the song comes to an end Mrs. Jacobs enters the room.

"You two sing beautifully together. I've always adored that song. Mrs. Evers had a recording of it, she and Mr. Evers would dance to around their parlor."

"She taught me to play it when I was young. I had a feeling that Miss Evelyn would know the piece, that is why I chose it." Alexander said with a smile.

"I know it by heart, when I was young mother always played it and she taught me every word. She would sing the male part, and I the female." Evelyn said, her cheeks rosy with embarrassment.

"You sing beautifully, Miss Evelyn. It was a pleasure to make music with you." Alexander replied, he looked out the window to see the setting sun. "I'd better get going. Ms. Evers worries if I get home too long after dark. Thank you for having me, Mrs. Jacobs." He said with a warm smile as he stood up.

"It was a pleasure having you, Mr. Williams." Mrs. Jacobs replied and handed him a cloth that was tied off at the top. "I'd like you to take this bit of chicken and potatoes home with you. It'll go bad if it doesn't get eaten soon and there was just so much left. Please send Ms. Evers my love as well."

Alexander took the cloth from her and thanked her.

"I'll see you out then." Evelyn said brushing off her dress, standing up and walking towards the doorway of the parlor.

Alexander bid Mrs. Jacobs farewell and asked her to thank Mr. Jacobs for allowing him to supper. He joined Evelyn at the doorway and she lead him to the entry way where she helped him gather his things. She got his hat and coat from the coat rack and opened the front door for him, stepping out on the porch.

"I had a lovely evening." She said shyly. "I do hope you'll come around sometimes."

"If you'd have me, I would love to come around Miss Evelyn." Alexander replied as he joined her on the porch, the door swinging shut behind him.

She smiled and moved a few stray brown curls behind her ear.

"You are most welcomed here, Alexander." She said handing him his hat and coat. "Be careful on your way home and stay warm. It gets a bit cool after sunset." She added, opening the screen door of the porch.

"I will, Miss Evelyn. I've grown up in the French Quarter. It's not so scary to me." He said with a soft chuckle, as he put on his hat and coat. "And don't worry about me being out in the cool. I'll be home soon and Ms. Evers will have it nice and warm inside." He added with a smile.

"Alright, but still be careful. I'd like to see you tomorrow if that's okay. I have a feeling that it's going to be a beautiful day to watch the clouds." Evelyn said with soft passion and dreaminess.

"I look forward to that. I'll plan to see you tomorrow afternoon then?" He asked, going down the steps of the porch.

"Yes, I'll meet you at the corner at three o'clock." Evelyn replied, her voice full of giddiness.

"I shall see you then Miss Evelyn. I look forward to it." He said slowly moving down the path to the gate.

"Good night, Alexander!" She called out as he reached the gate.

"Good night, Miss Evelyn." He called back in reply, closing the gate behind him and started down the sidewalk. He heard the door of the Jacobs home close as he rounded the corner and headed towards his home.