“You know Scott, Melbourne was not the first time you had met Kinsey.”
Oh no. Scott was very certain it was the first time he had met Kinsey. In fact, during the next 10 minutes he listed for Murdoch all the reasons why one would NEVER forget meeting Kinsey. The very name “Kinsey” would have jarred Scott’s memory.
Murdoch calmly explained she would have been introduced to him differently. Her grandfather detested “Kinsey”. It was not a “proper” name for a girl and implored Eleanor to christen his granddaughter with a more traditional family name. Fletcher’s wishes were not granted. Being the controlling and conceited man he was, Fletcher dictated that in his presence his granddaughter would be referred to only by her middle name and the surname Garrett.
“Rose Garrett”
This missing piece of the puzzle suddenly connected Scott’s past memories to the day of his thirteenth birthday. Growing up, Scott dreaded these celebrations filled with his grandfather’s business associates and boring friends. However, this year George Andrews, his best friend, was permitted to attend the party. The boys’ plan was to quietly drift away to Scott’s room where they could assemble their lead soldiers to conquer far off countries.
The big escape was about to commence when Harlan summoned Scott to come meet relatives from Philadelphia. The instilled desire to please his grandfather was never far from Scott’s thoughts so he dutifully followed the older man while thinking “just two more minutes and then freedom”. Polite and proper introductions were made down to the youngest member - 8 year old Rose.
Harlan volunteered his grandson to watch over little Rose for the duration of the celebration. Scott hardly uttered the first syllable of a protest before his grandfather brought it to an abrupt halt with one look.
Scott was miserable the rest of the day where Rose was in her glory. It quickly became obvious that the 8 year old was unaccustomed to hearing “no”. Scott tried it once, experienced the reaction and decided it wasn’t worth it. George bailed when Rose insisted on a tea party. At day’s end goodbyes were said and Scott fell into bed, exhausted; never giving Rose Garrett another thought… until now.
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