Fettigrew Hall - The Biography of a House

Fettigrew Hall - Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Friday morning Megan found a bank and began to transfer funds and obtain a bank draft for her projects. Workmen had to be paid regularly. She also contemplated buying a car. She would need one suitable for hauling materials around. Maybe a truck. It occurred to her that she was being very optimistic. She hadn’t even gained the house yet.

On Saturday, Andrew called Megan. “Hi, I’m calling to ask you to dinner tomorrow at Mother’s. You can meet Gray too. Would you like to come?”

“How nice of you. Sure I’d love to come. Will you pick me up?”

“I’ll be by at twelve and we’ll drive over to Henston, where she lives.” 

“Drew?”

“Yes?”

“What does a Sunday guest wear to dinner?”

“I hate these girly questions. I’m sure Mother will be wearing slacks and a blouse. She will want to show off her garden, so be prepared.”

“Thank you, Drew. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Megan had a summer skirt she and Kathryn had picked out. She hadn’t even taken the tags off yet. She had a blouse of golds and greens that brought out her eyes. She decided that would have to do. And maybe she would bring a shawl in case the weather turned. She hoped it wouldn’t, as she would love to see a nice garden – especially after the horror of the house’s over growth.

Andrew arrived promptly at noon with Jigs in the back seat. He remembered Megan and jumped up yipping and bouncing with delight. She petted and praised him, and then they were off. The drive went through the country, and within about twenty minutes they had arrived. Drew’s mother was standing in the drive as they came up. She walked to Megan’s door and waited for her to get out. As soon as she opened her door, Jigs was out and running, jumping, and barking.

“Megan, it is so nice that you could come. Please call me Bev; everyone does.”

“It is so very nice of you to ask me. I haven’t many friends, and I’m certainly tiring of pub food and sandwiches. This will be quite a treat for me.”

“I understand that Drew has already prepared lamb roast for you so I’ve chosen a chicken dish for today. Gray isn’t here yet, and the food is not yet ready. Let’s go into the garden.”

With that, Bev led the way around to the back of the house where a table contained a pitcher and glasses. She poured a drink over ice, handing it to Megan. “I hope you like Gin and Tonic,” she said. “We usually have that before Sunday meal.” With that she poured for herself and Andrew, and they walked on to the lawn. Around the edges were garden beds blooming profusely with roses, daisies, violets, and more flowers than Megan could name. Everything was sumptuous with life.

“How long have you lived here?” Megan asked.

“I grew up in this house but moved away after school. When John and I married he was already working as butler, so we were provided a house on the estate, where the boys grew up. So, they never grew up in the house, but they were here quite a bit with my parents. We are a close family. After John died, I moved here with my widowed brother. He passed away nearly ten years ago. Now it is just me and the cats.” Just at that moment one of the cats came out and walked around Megan’s legs. She picked him up, scratching his chin. “What a nice boy you are,” she said as he started to purr. “What is his name?”

“Malaprop.” Bev said.

“Now that is funny! Megan said laughing.

“My brother’s sense of humor.” Andrew said.