A Modern Day Persuasion (5 page)

Chapter 7

Visiting Mary was not one of Anne’s favorite things to do. She loved her sister, but simply put—Mary’s world revolved around Mary. Her sister had no problem voicing her ‘sorrows’ to anyone who would listen and as a result, it dragged Anne down emotionally. Mary imagined herself frequently sick, most of the time in order to obtain attention and sympathy—two things Mary loved getting. Anne couldn’t understand how her sister’s husband, Charles, could put up with it. But then, how did Anne? The answer: they both loved Mary. Charles was exceptionally patient and although their matrimonial relationship wasn’t perfect, he usually had a way of coping with Mary’s episodes.

In looks, Mary didn’t really favor any of the Elliot’s. Instead, she was more of a mixture of her parents, therefore creating her own unique look. Mary kept her hair curly and highlighted, suiting her round and cheerful-looking face. She was the shortest of all three girls, and had a cute figure despite being the only one of the siblings who had given birth, twice in fact. Anne adored her nephews.

Dreading her sister’s antics, Anne chose to take the long way to Mary’s. By taking the back roads, it increased the commute by at least an hour and Anne relished the idea of having some quiet time to herself. It was a beautiful, sunny day, yet a little too hot for Anne’s liking. Clear skies and a high of 85 degrees was what the weatherman had predicted—but upon
opening her window, Anne thought surely he must be off by about ten degrees. After experiencing the super heated blast of air, it quickly prompted the ‘no open windows’ enactment and the A/C policy was strictly enforced.

As Anne drove along the country roads in her cute little Honda Fit, she sang out loud with the radio blaring. The accompanying road noise helped to drown out any imperfections, making Anne believe she might be a close second to Mariah Carey. Who says you can only sound good in the shower? While Anne exercised her vocal chords, her eyes feasted on the endearing scenery of long established family farms, antique homes with lovely gardens, and unending fields of local crops.

She pushed the radio button to change the station when all of the sudden Anne heard several thumps as well as noticing a lack of control in steering. Instinctively, she slowed down and looked through the rear-view and side mirrors. The latter showed what Anne suspected—a flat tire. She pulled over and got outside the car to survey the extent of damage.

Anne bent over to look closer at the deflated tire. To her dismay, she spotted a nail piercing the tread. Sighing, she headed back to the driver’s seat to grab her cell phone. No signal! The back roads may be beautiful, but all of the sudden, Anne felt quite isolated with no way of reaching civilization. Rolling her eyes, she trudged back to the trunk of the car to open it. How was she supposed to change this tire?! Anne had never changed one in her life. The only person she’d ever seen do this was Rick. She could still remember the event vividly.

The two were coming back from visiting his older brother, Ethan, who pastored a church near the outskirts of town. They had attended the evening service, followed by tea and dessert at the parsonage. Pastor Wentworth was a slightly older, less athletic version of Rick who served the best carrot cake Anne had ever tasted. She had adored Ethan
and the way he had made her feel so welcomed. She enjoyed her time there so much that she was sad to leave. Listening to Rick and his brother swap old stories and memories seemed ideal, so it was with regret Anne and Rick finally left to make the three hour drive back to Portland. Just an hour into the return trip, Anne had heard thumps similar to the ones experienced today, and panicked. Rick pulled over and soothingly assured her everything would be all right. Instead of getting impatient or upset about the inconvenience, Rick ended up turning the situation into something fun while he changed the tire. Before Anne knew it, they were back on the road, leaving her wishing it had taken longer. But that was just like Rick;
he had the ability to turn a mishap into an adventure. If only she had someone to make her laugh now. All Anne wanted to do at that moment was sit on the bumper and have a good cry, but she refused to give up so easily.

Taking the jack and lug wrench out of the trunk, Anne set them beside the busted tire. Now what? How was it that Rick used this thingy to hoist up the car? Anne grunted as she struggled with no success to budge the fastened nuts, and after a few minutes finally took a rest. Anne wished she’d paid more attention back then. Instead, she’d spent most of the time admiring Rick’s muscular frame, and who could blame her? He had looked so manly as he made the repair. Trying once again, Anne made a few more half-hearted attempts before signaling her surrender by throwing the ‘useless’ tools back into the car, exchanging them for her luggage. Taking another deep breath, Anne started her trek down the road.

Twenty minutes later, Anne was sweating like a pig. She struggled with the bags, and her shoulders and arms were aching from their weight. It seemed as if she’d walked nearly fifty miles in the searing sun, but realistically it was probably closer to two. At finally spotting civilization ahead, a flood of relief overcame her. Anne recognized Uppercross Street and mustered her remaining willpower to continue, knowing she was almost there. Normally Anne enjoyed the fact that Mary
lived on an incline, as it offered a beautiful view. But being hot, tired, and carrying difficult luggage, she now wished for flatter terrain. The sight of her sister’s estate had never been so inviting as it was now with its promise of a refreshing shower, shade, and a glass of ice cold water.

Mary’s place was big, with lots of strategically placed windows to catch the ever-constant sun. Her sister had decorated the entire house with a patriotic theme. The home was charming. Adding to its appeal was the wrap-around porch and a small wooden swing. It also boasted a volleyball and basketball court in the backyard, which sadly was hardly used.

When she reached the front door to ring the bell, Anne let the luggage fall in a heap at her ankles.

“Anne!” Mary scolded with irritation upon answering the door. “What took you so long?” Mary looked beyond Anne to the empty driveway. “Where’s your car?” Anne pretended to ignore her sister’s upset manner and entered the house. As she did so, Mary got a whiff of her sibling and flinched, waving a hand to deflect the sweat-drenched odor Anne was emitting. “Oh, my goodness, you smell terrible!”

Anne blushed. “Believe me, if I had known that I’d end up walking several miles in this heat, I would have put on extra deodorant.”

Mary grimaced, “You do realize that the kids have been pestering me like crazy wondering when you’d arrive?!”

“Sorry,” Anne explained, “It wasn’t intentional. I got a flat tire.”

Unimpressed, Mary answered, “Well, the timing couldn’t have been worse! Here I am, not feeling at all well and then this happens! Why couldn’t you have left earlier? Instead of me being able to rest in bed, I’ve been up with the children all this time. I am always so tired, I only wish people could be more considerate! The doctors don’t even know what’s wrong with me!”

Before Mary could go on with her complaints, Nicholas and Little Charlie ran to bombard their favorite aunt with
hugs. This welcome pleased Anne as she looked tenderly into their beaming faces.

The boys were a year and a half apart. Nicholas was the eldest with sandy blonde hair and cute dimples just like his father. Anne was certain that he’d be quite the heartbreaker when he grew up. Little Charlie was already taller than his older brother. He favored Mary’s looks and had dark brown hair like his mother, even though currently Mary’s tresses were bleached a fashionable blonde. Little Charlie had a smile that could melt even the coldest heart.

“Aunt Anne! Will you play with us?” their voices rang out in unison.

Anne lowered herself to her knees. “Of course! What do you want to play?”

“Mom just taught us Rock, Paper, Scissors. Do you know how to play that?” asked Little Charlie.

This bit of information was refreshing.
At least my sister’s been spending time with them now,
thought Anne. She demonstrated her best Rock, Paper, Scissor skills for the boys who laughed.

Mary began to usher the boys away. “Okay, time to leave Aunt Anne alone.” Mary grabbed the trays that held the remains of the kids’ afternoon snacks. There was one Twinkie left. As she headed for the kitchen, Mary unwrapped it.

Over her shoulder she said to Anne, “Hurry up and take a shower, Sis, we’re expected at my in-laws in an hour.” Anne nodded and began picking up her bags.

Mary returned tray-free and with a half-eaten Twinkie in hand. “I’m not looking forward to tonight though. It wouldn’t be so bad if Clara would stop giving the boys candy. After Grandma has them sufficiently wound up on a sugarhigh, guess who gets to take them home?…ME! I try so hard to only feed the boys healthy snacks.”

Anne looked with raised eyebrows at the Twinkie. “Where’s Charles?” she asked instead, changing the subject.

“Hunting…where else?” Mary replied with disgust. “You know, Anne, I think Charles does it to provoke me.” Mary inhaled the last bite of Twinkie, continuing to talk with her mouth full, “But the one thing you can count on is that he’ll be home in time for dinner. All he thinks about is hunting and food! But me, I hardly have an appetite these days, what with me feeling so ill.” Anne smiled at Mary’s exasperated expression and
very
healthy appetite.

Chapter 8

Mary’s in-laws, Stanley and Clara Musgrove, were the kindest and most welcoming couple. There was no lack of love or warmth in their company, and that trait extended to their children. Charles was the oldest followed by Louise and Etta. Both girls were now out of high school. Louise was almost twenty-one and Etta, nineteen.

When Mary, Anne and the boys arrived at the Musgrove’s that evening, they let themselves in the front door. They were greeted by laughter and voices coming from the den.

“We’re in here!” Clara yelled.

Following Mary into the den, Anne walked in holding the hands of her nephews to find the family enjoying a round of cards.

The Musgrove’s home looked like something out of
Better Homes and Gardens
. The style was simple but elegant, and flowers were always in season. Mrs. Musgrove had a very green thumb.

“Anne!”Louise and Etta cried out with excitement.

At spotting their grandpa, Little Charlie and Nicholas ran to him for a hug before quickly turning to their grandma who was always ready to embrace them. She whispered to the boys, “Come quickly into the kitchen; I just baked snickerdoodles!”

Clara was a heavyset woman, but the extra padding suited her. She had a youthfulness about her despite her age, and
was always ready to be of help. She had the biggest heart of anybody Anne knew.

As Clara returned from her errand of treating the boys, she exclaimed, “Oh, Anne! We’re so glad you’re here! The girls were so excited to hear you were coming.”

“Anne, come and sit,” Mr. Musgrove said as he patted the seat nearest himself and his wife.

Anne glanced at Mary who looked slightly miffed at the attention Anne was receiving. Mrs. Musgrove noticed the exchange. “You too, Mary,” she added diplomatically.

“How was your drive?” Louise eagerly asked Anne.

Anne grimaced. “Wonderful, until I got a flat tire and had to walk a couple of miles with my luggage in tow.”

“Yes, and she smelled something awful,” Mary quickly interjected. The snide comment caused a momentary silence after this disclosure. Anne blushed profusely, wondering why her sister always seemed to go out of her way to embarrass her.

Thankfully, Stanley was a jolly, pleasant man with a good sense of humor. Although youthful in heart like his beloved Clara, his face showed his maturity. He spent many an hour outdoors on the lake fishing or tending his gardens.

“Well…” he said as he deliberately inhaled the air near Anne. “I’m pleased to report the coast is clear! She seems to have fully recovered.”

Everyone was glad for an excuse to finally laugh, having the awkward moment now behind them. Anne smiled brightly and was glad to be able to chuckle at herself as well.

“Where does your family plan to settle, now that your place has been sold?” Mrs. Musgrove asked Anne later as they chopped vegetables for dinner.

“My dad has purchased a house in Napa Valley, California. He and Elizabeth spotted it on one of their trips,” Anne explained.

Louise wandered into the kitchen and overheard Anne’s remark. “I hope we get to go to California this summer. It would be great to visit Anne,” Louise said, grabbing a carrot to munch on. Anne brightened at the suggestion and indeed hoped it would come to pass.

Louise could be summed up in one word: Fun. She was cute, spunky, entertaining…you name it. She loved the outdoors, and her skin’s beautiful golden glow reflected it. Her hair was thick, curly and brown with natural deep red highlights. She usually pulled half of it up or just let it hang down below her shoulder blades.

Louise reached for another veggie, offering one to Anne.

“No more or you’ll spoil your appetite,” chided Mrs. Musgrove.

Louise paused in her chewing to give Anne a puzzled look, then holding up the celery stick for all to see, both girls burst into laughter.

Mrs. Musgrove chuckled, realizing how odd her comment must have sounded after considering what Louise was eating. To save face, Clara declared, “Alright, you got me on that, but it’s also said, ‘He who shall not work shall not eat’. So either start chopping or remove yourself. I’ll have no scavengers in my kitchen.”