En Route to
San Joaquin Valley, California
By this time tomorrow Kinsey and I will be home. We have both grown weary of travel and anticipate a good night’s sleep in familiar, comfortable surroundings. In many ways, it was difficult to leave Boston. Even though a few gains were made with my grandfather, there are still several issues that still need addressing which time did not allow. I hesitate to relax until the final documents arrive from Thomas Simmons confirming Fletcher Garrett’s last will and testament has no options for revisions from outside parties. Repairing my relationship with Grandfather will take time. Patience.
I anticipated the saying of goodbyes would not be easy when it came to Winifred.
“What is this Winnie? It’s heavier than a sack of grain.” Scott peered into the picnic basket.
“It’s lunch.”
“No, Winifred, it’s a ten-course meal.”
“It’s a long train ride.”
“Yes, but the tracks end in California. They don’t continue across the Pacific.”
Silence.
“Winifred, I believe you have misplaced your sense of humor.”
“When I hear an amusing antidote then I will laugh.”
“Quit being a grouch, Winnie. You know we can’t stay.”
Silence.
“How long will it be before ye be back in this kitchen drinking my whiskey and getting in the way?”
“Not long, Winnie. I promise.”
Nodding, Winifred McLoughlin glanced out the window. “ScottyGarrett, have you seen what the Good Lord has blessed us with today?”
Scott smiled and embraced his dear friend with a hug.
“It appears, Winnie, he has blessed us with the sun so we may feel his warmth.”
“Take care of the little lass.”
“I learned how to be her protector from the Boston Mother Wolf herself.”
“And who will be taking care of you, Scott Garrett Lancer?”
“The Mother Wolf’s prayers will be taking care of me.”
Since showing her how to read the stock market, Kinsey has been buried in newspapers she purchased at every train stop across the country.
Another topic that has captured my little cousin’s interest is the women’s suffrage movement, which is working its way from east to west. This is a discussion we haven’t had but I sense it’s coming. A more important talk that needs to happen concerns Johnny and her statement...
“Are you writing in your journal again?”
It was Scott’s turn to hear a voice from behind a newspaper.
“Ah Kinsey, you have come up for air.”
“Scott, have you decided I can read that journal of yours?”
“I have.”
The newspaper lowered.
“Really?!”
“I’ve decided that, no, you can’t read it.”
The newspaper returned to its previous location with a reply.
“Larrikin.”
“Quit rolling your eyes, young lady.”
“How do you know I’m rolling my eyes?”
“I can hear them.”
Scott closed his journal and viewed the two-day-old headlines from the Chicago Tribune currently blocking his ability to observe eye rolling or any other facial expressions being expressed at the moment.
“Tell me, Kinsey, during your proposal, how much of a bluff was your statement to my grandfather concerning…”
“Oh, I was dead serious about the vineyard.”
“That’s not one I’m talking about. It’s when you mentioned…”
“I was completely sincere regarding our visits to Boston.”
Reaching out, Scott snagged the Chicago Tribunes’ two-day-old headlines and slowly lowered the paper barrier so his cousin could receive the full benefit of his stern look. “Kinsey, I’m referring to your statement regarding Johnny.”
The older cousin watched his travel companion meticulously fold, smooth and fold again her newspaper. As the pristine paper, which Scott felt was a fine example of “the big stall”, was laid to rest with the other publications, Kinsey placed her hands in her lap; eager to convey the information he patiently waited for.
“What about Johnny?”
In the aftermath of the “Old North Church Debate”, Scott pledged to have more patience with his little cousin. He was surprised God chose to test this commitment so soon.
“Kinsey, you made reference to Johnny marrying into the Garrett lineage and I was curious how accurate your statement was.”
“Oh Scott, honestly. The subject of marriage has never been discussed.”
“Very good then. It was certainly an effective bluff.”
Retrieving his journal and feeling quite satisfied on his ability to guide his cousin to offering a straight answer, Scott resumed his writings.
“However…”
Scott halted and gradually turned his attention from the journal page to Kinsey’s thoughtful expression.
“I would be amiss if I didn’t mention our mutual affection for each other has grown.”
“I see. Well, I wasn’t going to bring this up but I’m aware that you both retired rather late the night of the dance.”
“Your brother was the perfect gentleman.”
“And you were a proper young lady?”
“Of course!” Kinsey resumed her position behind the latest town’s publication. “At least I kept my clothes on which is more than I can say for the McGuire twins.”
“Excuse me?”
Kinsey peeked from behind her paper. “I said… at last I read Buena Vista is down two points at closing and isn’t that just a God-awful sin.”
It will be so good to be home.
~S.
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