Discernment, p.14
Discernment, page 14
“Allow me to help you pack while Alvin finishes his interview. Up you go, darling.” Sean leaned close once I was on my feet. “I still dream about her most nights, but I can go hours during the day without thinking of Eliza. Thank you.”
“It’s nice not seeing her around you.” I smiled. “I finished the Kardec book this week. I’ve decided I want to invoke Uncle Jerald, but I need you to help me sway Alvin to allow it.”
A wicked glint came into his golden eyes. “It’s the perfect day for that. High from the win, I’ll see him properly liquored at the party, then you can have your way with him, Deborah.”
***
Aunt Catherine and Tessa were both absent when we arrived home, so I prepared leftovers while Alvin showered. Not wanting to be interrupted if either returned, I carried the tray of food to our sitting room so we could dine in private. When I returned a second time with a pitcher of lemonade, Alvin was on the couch in his underdrawers. Slouched so his head could rest on the upholstered back, his legs were sprawled and his arms hung limp at his sides.
“Thirsty?”
“Parched,” he answered.
I left the pitcher on his desk and brought him a glass.
“We’re still alone,” I said as he chugged the lemonade.
When it was empty, he set the glass on the side table and reached to where I stood. Once I was close enough, he grabbed my hips and settled me on one of his knees. His hand rubbed my back while the other trailed up my front until it wrapped my neck and drew me to his lips. We tasted and teased until we were almost breathless.
“Alvin,” I said once I was curled against his chest and fingering his muscles. “Is this the old you, the new you, or the football you?”
“All of the above.” His lips pressed my forehead with a lingering kiss. “That girl I thought I loved in college was eager to show her affection around game times. I’ll admit I was cocky about it. Our displays got us in trouble a few times when we flaunted the school’s regulations about appropriate behavior.”
I kissed the base of his neck and hugged his warm torso.
“When she dropped me, I thought all ladies would spurn me because of my humble beginnings. I ignored the flirtations and denied my urges. It was easy until I met you.” He lifted my chin so I would look into his eyes. “I fought my attraction to you for so long, I was shy and stilted even after it was safe to unbridle my feelings. Each week, I opened more to you, and when I thought I’d lost you last Saturday, the final restraints melted away. This is me, Deb. My heart is open and my body craves every connection it can get with you.”
“I love all your complexities, Alvin.”
“You’re a fantasy, Deb—soft and strong and smart.” He paused, gaze intent as he held me. “Do you think you’re pregnant?”
“I have no idea. I think it would be too early to tell if I am. Why do you ask?”
“You were so delicate at the school when you came with my lunch, the nurse later asked me if you were with child. She said fainting was often a symptom, especially for first-time mothers.” His hand caressed my stomach. “That’s partly why I went to pieces when that vapor slammed into your middle last week. I feared for you and our possible child. I’m glad the bruising is almost gone.”
“Alvin, my weakness that day was because of the sorrowful souls, but I look forward to bearing your children whenever that happens.”
His eyebrows rose. “So we should keep trying?”
“Every day.” The whispered words held all my longing. “I was made for you, Alvin.”
Though not barbaric, Alvin was ardent and determined as we coupled. Wrapped in his arms, I clung to him and the feeling of euphoria he’d coaxed from me.
It was after three before we were presentable enough to leave the house, passing Tessa arriving for supper preparations. Alvin wore his navy college blazer and coordinating trousers, and I a simple shirtwaist and navy skirt. From across the street, the music and the hum of conversations and laughter rumbled.
Alvin didn’t bother to knock, but walked right in the front door.
“Dog is here!” the shout went up.
The men in the hall were the first to clap him on the back, then more poured in from the parlor. It was a wave of white shirts—most with their sleeves rolled up—and not a pompadour to be seen.
“Deborah, I was hoping you’d come!” Sean took my hand and kissed it while Alvin was exchanging words with someone. “There’s something I want to show you.”
He led me through the smoke and clinking glasses to the far corner of the parlor. Hands on my waist, he hoisted me onto the lid of the grand piano.
“Sean!”
“I have a song for you, darling. I’ve been practicing all week.”
“Hey, Dog! Spunner’s got your wife on the piano like she’s a trophy.”
“She’s the best prize I ever won,” Alvin called back and raised a handled glass.
I waved to him as he watched from the doorway while sipping his foamy beer.
Sean sat on the piano bench and started on a jazzy tune. The words began with his peppy voice that quieted the room.
“‘Two sweethearts courted happily for quite a while, the simple life of country folk…’” He went through the chorus and both verses of “Some of These Days” and I heard the message between the lyrics.
Please don’t give up on me. I need you in my life, and will be there for you and Alvin in return.
At the end of the song, I jumped down and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Sean.”
Grinning, he tucked my arm around his. “What would you like to drink?”
“Could I try a beer?”
“Heavens no—it’s horrible. Only the men who were short on cash at college got hooked on that. You’re much better off with something aged or a mixed drink. We need to get Alvin adjusted to the finer things in life. That should be easy since he has you.” Sean leaned in conspiratorially. “That’s why you were late, isn’t it? He had you as a celebratory—”
I punched his arm with my free hand and the audience of watchful men responded with whistles and shouts.
“Spunner’s getting fresh with the lady!”
“Sean Spunner is as annoying as one of my brothers,” I declared and crossed the room to Alvin.
Beaming with the attention, Alvin slung an arm around my waist and kissed me. If the sour taste was an indication of the beer, then Sean was right about beverage choices. Alvin’s hands splayed over my backside. Hungry and demanding, we kissed with freed passion to the sounds of a rowdy audience. Apparently, an act of Congress and God were equal to a horde of football players when it came to Alvin relaxing his standards, and I relished every moment.
Before he had a chance to release me, a knock sounded on the front door.
Someone behind us opened it, then a whistle silenced those nearest the hall.
“Why Miss Marley, what can we do for you?”
“I’m looking for Deborah. Does this work as my entrance pass?” Sadie waved her blue ribbon at the man at the door, her other hand on the hip of her polka dot dress.
I met her at the door, smiling at the brazenness of the young woman.
“Deborah!” Sadie came for a hug. Glancing about the noisy space, she leaned to my ear. “Are we the only ladies?”
“Yes, so far. I was just about to get a drink. Let’s find our host.”
Sean had retreated to the library, huddled around the decanters with several other men. When he saw us, his eyes widened.
“Miss Sadie, what are you up to, darling?”
“What type of welcome is that, Mr. Spunner?”
“An honest one.” He kissed her cheek in welcome.
“I’m here to keep Deborah company.”
“Is that so?”
She nodded, eyes straying around the room.
“We’re looking for a drink,” I said. “Give us something worthy, please.”
He nodded and motioned to the chaise. “Make yourselves comfortable, ladies.”
As soon as we were seated, Chuck joined us.
“Miss Sadie, it’s good to see you.”
“Hello, Mr. Brady.” She smiled. “It was an excellent game today.”
“Might I collect a kiss for assisting in the win?”
Sadie crooked her finger at him and he leaned over.
“No, Deborah first,” Sadie said.
He looked at me with wide eyes, but I quickly kissed his cheek.
Grinning, Chuck turned his other cheek to Sadie. At the last second, she changed her approach. Her lips met his, and he nearly feel into her lap at his surprise.
Sean, arriving with our drinks, laughed while Chuck collected a good ribbing from his friends.
Sadie accepted her glass. “This isn’t champagne or wine.”
“No, ma’am.” Sean crossed his arms.
Sadie slung it back in one swallow. I took a tentative sip, then coughed.
“Drink it fast,” she urged me.
“No, darlings, slow and easy is better,” Sean said. “Enjoy the flavor of the bourbon, but don’t go too long without eating. There’s a spread of food in the dining room.”
When he swaggered away, I caught Alvin smiling at me from the chess board. He was seated across from the red team captain.
“Let’s go look around,” Sadie said. “Don’t stand too close, though. I want to be approachable.”
We roamed the corridor, nibbled some shrimp and cheese in the dining room, then entered the parlor.
Seeing a quiet corner, I led Sadie to it. “Are you a believer?”
Sadie laughed. “A believer? I go to Mass every week.”
“You believe in God—a higher power—and spirits and everything?”
“Yes, as much as the next person. But what I find the most thrilling is spiritualism.”
I took both of her hands in mine. “Could you come to our house at eleven tonight? I’m going to attempt to invoke Alvin’s uncle, Jerald Snodgrass.”
Her lips curled into a grin. “To ask him if his wife killed him? My mother always thought she might have because—all the neighbors knew it—she often had men callers while he was at work.”
“What?”
Sadie nodded. “I tried to tell you before the game when you told me where you lived. My mother hates Mrs. Snodgrass, and she’s the kindest lady alive. My mother invites every lady in the neighborhood to tea at least once a year—all except Catherine Snodgrass. She came one time the year she moved in but never since.”
“I wasn’t planning on asking anything of that sort, but of family matters pertaining to Alvin. There might be somethings that are better not shared, so discretion—”
“I know how to keep secrets, Deborah. Is Chuck coming?” Her eyes roamed the space until she caught his gaze.
“I’d like to keep things simple and intimate, so just you and Sean.”
“Will I get to hold the old man’s hand?” She giggled.
“It’s a serious business, Sadie. We need to be united and sober and—”
“Then we better keep Sean away from the whiskey.”
Chuck wandered over and took Sadie’s hand. “Will you sit with me?”
She nodded and he claimed the corner with an oversized chair, just big enough for the two of them. His wavy dark hair was several inches above her blonde crown as they whispered back and forth. Then their lips met, lingering more than the quick one offered before.
“She’s a brazen one, but her big sister was like that too before she married,” Sean said. “I can’t image you casually kissing on someone like that.”
“I never did.”
The voices in the house rose and fell with the different conversations and antics, but beyond the din was a calmness I had never experience around Sean. No lost loves hanging nearby. No Eliza tormenting me with her bawdy humor. Enjoying the peace, I wandered to the kitchen.
After a hug, Althea handed me a tray loaded with fresh fruit cups and cold shrimp, and pointed to the door. “Sean Francis catered the food, Deborah, so I’m not overworked. Get out there and have fun. I’ll see you another day.”
I carried the tray to the dining room, then settled in the parlor. Despite the antics around me, I found an inner focus on Uncle Jerald and my plans to commune with him. Aunt Catherine typically went upstairs before ten. Alvin, Sean, and Sadie would be my united circle for concentration. I was certain it would work. Alvin’s strength would protect us from physical dangers, and I would protect us from spiritual perils, should they arise. Jerald Snodgrass was, after all, less difficult than Eliza Melling.
Sixteen
Half an hour later, Alvin perched on the arm of my chair.
“I think Sean is trying to get me drunk. I’ve had four beers and three shots, but he keeps pushing me to take more whiskey. These men might be used to that, but I’m not.”
“I know what you need.” I stood, kissing his cheek before leading the way through the crowded hall to reach the front door.
“Where ya goin’, Dog?” Chuck asked.
“Out for a walk,” I replied in Alvin’s behalf. “We’ll be back before long.”
In the cooler air, Alvin took a deep breath. “Yes, this is helpful, Deb. Thank you.”
I smiled and headed east on Palmetto, rounding the corner at Chatham to the gate in the wrought iron fence.
“Sean’s friends live here. I met Merritt this week, and her husband and children watched the game this morning. I’m sure they’d love to meet you.”
When we passed through the gate, a dog barked and ran for us.
“Velvet!” Merritt called from the side of the house.
The dog woofed once in reply.
“Who’s there?” she called.
“It’s Deborah,” I said as she came around the left side of the house. “And Alvin Farley.”
“Deborah, it’s good to see you. And Mr. Farley. I heard about you this past hour.” She smiled and increased her pace, then motioned to her dog. “This is Velvet. Velvet, Deborah and Alvin are friends. Offer your hand.”
The dog sat and lifted a paw for us to shake.
I laughed as I shook it, and then stroked the dog’s neck. “She’s beautiful and soft, not to mention well-trained.”
Merritt laughed. “Velvet is the best sales girl. If you ever decide you want a puppy, let me know. I raise one or two litters a year, but they go quickly. Would you like to come in for some iced tea?”
“Thank you. That does sound nice.”
We followed her around the side of the house she’d appeared from. There was a mass of bed linens hanging on the clotheslines and beyond that a small grove of citrus trees sparkling with colorful bottles hanging from the branches. I felt like I was in the country though we were in the middle of a city neighborhood.
“Oranges?” I asked.
“Satsumas, which are just as good. I’m happy to share when they ripen, especially when friends help pick them.”
“We’d be glad to assist,” Alvin said as Merritt’s son ran towards us from across the yard with a mitt and baseball in his hand.
“Are you Dog Farley?” the boy asked.
Alvin smiled. “Last time I checked. What’s your name?”
“Drew Graves. I prefer baseball, but you were terrific in the game today.”
“I played some ball when I was growing up. Show me what you’ve got.”
The boy backed up and threw the ball to Alvin.
“That will keep them busy a while, and I’m sure Bart will hear and join them before long. He’s working on a project in the stable with Ethelwynne. Let’s go inside.” Merritt held the screen door open. Velvet and I followed her through the utility porch and into a cheery blue and white kitchen. I sat at the square table.
Through the open hall door, a hazy figure entered.
“We have breakfast here each morning,” Merritt said as she poured the tea without so much as a glance at the spirit. “And dinner—whoever is home with me. I save the formality of the dining room for supper.”
“That’s a lovely idea.” I tried to keep my voice even as the shadow moved closer. “I tend to perch on a stool in the kitchen if I eat alone.”
Merritt brought our glasses over and sat across from me. “How is Sean behaving himself?”
The spirit shimmered in a burst of clarity, showcasing a dark-haired young woman, cherubic face bright with innocence.
“Very well the past few days, though I kept away from him last week.”
“That’s understandable. I’m glad you came this afternoon, Deborah. Bartholomew and the children said that your husband was the best football player they’ve ever seen. Andrew was hoping to be introduced, but there were reporters and so many others around the team, Bart insisted they go home rather than wait around.”
We appreciate your thoughtfulness in sharing your time.
I stared at the girl, still shining in her human form like an opal in the sun, and marveled at the appearance of two more beings beside her—parents, perhaps, but she didn’t favor either of them with their sharp features.
Take her hand, the older woman told me. Tell her these words.
I reached across the table to Merritt, taking her slim hand in mine. “You’re not alone, Merritt. Your departed family members watch over you and your children.”
She gasped and looked about, but I kept her hand.
“Winifred is beautiful. I can see why Sean was captivated by her radiance. And the couple is proud of how you’re keeping the house and Bartholomew the store. They all love you and your family.”
When I finished the message, I tried to withdraw my hand, but Merritt clung to it, tears streaming down her face. “I’m always melancholy this time of year. Yellow fever took Uncle Andrew in September and Winnie that October thirteen years ago. Sean didn’t set you up to this, did he?”
I laughed. “No, and I’m sorry to have sprung that on you, but they wanted you to know. I wasn’t expecting to see them when I came. I did see a glimpse of Winifred that first day I met Sean. She and Eliza were following him around.”
Merritt released my hand and retrieved a handkerchief. As she dabbed her cheeks an exasperated laugh escaped. “Eliza was the worst thing that ever happened to Sean in the time that I’ve known him.” She studied my face several moments. “I suppose you have a second sight like he does, but different.”
