Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
For a moment, no one spoke - each held captive in their own unspoken thoughts. Harlan was the first to break out.
“Has this pleasant surprise left you speechless?”
“No Sir. I believe it’s the apprehensive anticipation.”
“Ah, my grandson has found his voice. Splendid.”
Scott awkwardly accepted Harlan’s outstretched hand which would appear to an outsider as a friendly gesture between a grandfather and his grandson.
“It is so good to see you again Scotty. And this must be Kinsey Rose. What a lovely young woman you have blossomed into. It’s a pleasure to meet you again. I’m certain you no longer have difficulty convincing gentlemen to share tea with you.”
With a hesitant smile, Kinsey accepted Harlan’s hand. “I’m afraid that tea party will haunt me forever.”
Harlan’s warm smile embraced the younger cousin. “My dear, the octave your little voice hit that day shattered some of my finest crystal. It certainly wasn’t the behavior we were accustomed to in our household, was it grandson? However, I am confident your temperament and demeanor have matured along with your patience and grace. Has Scotty told you much about his grandfather? You know, I believe he has, Kinsey. I can see it in your eyes.”
It was apparent Harlan Garrett could still excel in commanding a conversation while wielding his double-edged sword when offering compliments.
“With all due respect Sir, may I ask … what are you doing here?”
“Why to see you and Kinsey, of course. Once I received word regarding your meeting with Jonathon Masters, I made immediate plans to be in Philadelphia. How could I not, Scott?”
“Sir, I hate to disappoint you but…”
“Oh, the disappointment came two months ago when I learned you had visited my brother but avoided coming to Boston.”
“It wasn’t avoidance. We were on a tight schedule and there wasn’t time to travel to Boston.”
Harlan offered a knowing smile. “Of course. Well, now you can amend this oversight by joining me for an evening meal.”
“Grandfather, we have a train to board.”
“Well, I happen to know the boarding time is later this evening giving us ample time to have an earlier meal and catch up.”
Catch up? Scott frowned. Catch up on the last occasion they were together? Catch up on how their correspondences had been reduced to a few polite sentences once a month?
“Scotty, don’t deny your grandfather this chance to repair a few bridges. Time is precious, wouldn’t you say, Kinsey? Lost opportunities with your grandfather must weigh heavily on your mind.”
Harlan Garrett face expressed great satisfaction as he watched Kinsey’s hand seek out comfort by grasping Scott’s. The old man’s last comment had hit its intended target.
“We do have time, Scott. Maybe we should reconsider.”
Harlan’s gaze drifted upward to observe his grandson’s eyes of icy blue softening to the hue of a summer sky - a tell Scott didn’t know he displayed but one his grandfather had exploited for years.
“Ah, the voice of reason has spoken! Scotty, I believe it’s two against one. I have made dinner reservations here at the hotel. Why, I’ll even pay for your carriage ride to the train station.”
“That won’t be necessary, Sir. I would appreciate it if you would rectify the payment of our extra night’s stay with the gentleman at the front desk. As I stressed before, we will not be needing the rooms.”
“Of course. Kinsey, I look forward to knowing my brother’s granddaughter better.”
“And I knowing you better, Sir.”
“Call me Uncle Harlan. I insist! Family ties are so important. Isn’t that correct, Scotty?”
Scott focused on his grandfather’s face and was reminded of the Cheshire cat. “Yes, sir. A family tie can be the most important aspect of one’s life...certainly worth keeping and protecting.”
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