Marjorie's Homecoming

by

Linda Lattimer

“I do still have to go see Marjorie,” Milton reminded.

“You bet you do, you crazy fool. That girl came into town today dressed in the prettiest blue dress looking so breathtaking and all she could think about was her shop and her Miltie.”

“Douglas, I am too tired to fight with you. And I am no crazy fool. You sound a bit jealous she doesn’t care for you.”

“Look, Milton, the girl has been gone for a year. She comes home and you say hi then take off to a sick animal.”

“Douglas, I have my job too. And I will try to talk to Marjorie tonight about her shop and spend time with her. Now Buck, could you tell us what this is about? I need to wash up and go check on the baby calf and mother before I see Marjorie.”

Douglas slapped his thigh. “See there, still got to go see the sick animal first.”

“Douglas, I will be spending the whole evening with Marjorie. That is why I am going there last.”

Douglas didn’t want to hear that. He hurriedly lit a cigarette. “Buck, get this meeting on the ball. I have things to do in town.”

Buck watched Douglas wondering whether his brother did have his own feelings for Marjorie. They both had been behaving differently. He inhaled a breath. “I summoned each of you here because of something I heard. I am sure at this moment Serendipity is having a talk with her sisters over this.”

“What is it now?” Aubrey said putting out his cigar.

“It concerns you, Pa. You and Amanda Beasley. A young girl that is young enough to be one of your daughters.”

Aubrey watched as all the eyes slowly cruised toward him. “What are you getting at Buck?”

“Yeah, Buck, what are you implying?” Milton questioned.

“I believe Pa and Amanda have been growing relatively close. I believe the word marriage was mentioned.”

Milton instantly woke to alertness. “Is this true, Pa? Do you have feelings for a girl twenty years younger than you?”

Larry leaned forward waiting for an answer.

Aubrey laced his fingers behind his head as he continued to sit in the high back chair. “My boys been spying on me? Or perhaps one of the Beasley girls?”

 “Larry and I weren’t spying, Pa. We happened to walk by and saw you kissing her. I mean is that why you insisted I stay clear of Amanda? You wanted her for yourself?”

 Aubrey unfolded his hands and allowed them to lie in his lap. “No, Douglas, that is not why I wanted you to stay clear of her.”

“Pa, how could you? Amanda?” Larry asked.

“It just happened,” he said solemnly. “We shared walks and talks with meaningful words. She made me see how to calm my soul and see the importance in life. Things just happened. A soft hand, a slender arm around my waist. Her lovely fragrance. She made me feel like a man. Something I haven’t felt like in a long time. We were going to tell everyone once Marjorie returned. I asked her to marry me and spend the rest of her life with me.”

 “But Pa, Amanda?” It was Larry. “I mean, what is she, the same age of Douglas? She could be your daughter. I mean...”

“I’m not old, Larry. And you don’t think someone of my age could love a woman like Amanda? A man of my age couldn’t appeal to a woman like Amanda? There have been many men older that took young women for a bride.”

“No, Pa, I ain’t saying that. It’s just you’re our Pa.”

“I am a man, first, Larry. A man who is in love with a beautiful woman. Buck, you got quiet all of a sudden for someone who called this powwow together.”

“Pa, with the age difference, you don’t think that as the years go past you, that, well, that...”

“She won’t find someone else? Won’t wonder what it would be like with someone else? We’ve discussed that. We love each other. Dog gone it, we are in love with each other. And we would like your blessing and the blessing of her sisters. I’m sure Serendipity will be the hardest to convince.”

“No, Pa, I’m sure Marjorie will be the one to try to convince,” Douglas interjected.

“You sure do know a lot about my girl,” Milton hastily spit.

“Well boy, she sure hasn’t had much of your presence to confide in lately.”

 “She just arrived home, Douglas, need I remind you? And stop calling me fool and boy. Not to mention Miltie.” He inhaled a labored breath as he lifted from the chair. “Pa, you need to think this out carefully before you make a commitment. I’m going to go and wash up then change before I head out. I’ll be at Marjorie’s tonight if anyone needs me. I can always sleep in the barn with Laughing Cloud. Won’t bother me at all. I’m plumb worn out.” He started to the stairs and stopped. “And Douglas, whatever Marjorie and I have to work out will be between us. We both need to talk.”

“Well I’m sure we will have a fun gathering at church tomorrow won’t we?” Douglas growled.

Milton had forgotten that. “Buck, you going over to Serendipity’s tonight?”

“Yep.”

“Can you take me a change for Sunday morning? I forgot it was already upon us again.”

“Don’t worry, Milton. I’ll take care of it.”

“Thanks, Buck.”

“He’s turn into a real fine son,” Aubrey said rising to his feet. “He sure is devoted to his job.”

“Well Pa if a man is only devoted to his job and not his girl or wife, how long do you think the relationship will last?” Douglas said slapping his hat on his head. “I gather this conversation is over. I’m going into town and work on the shop for Marjorie. I owe her that much.” Douglas headed toward the door not saying another word.