Page 45 of Under the Tulip Tree
“Suit yo’self.” I gave an uncaring shrug. “I’ve got some tidying up to do, and I want to check one of the shirts that needs mending.”
A grin lifted the corners of his mouth. “Yes, ma’am.”
He set off, a spring in his step despite the heat. I watched him take the thick rag I’d used to keep my hands from getting burned and lift the heavy kettle as though it weighed but a pound or two. The muscles in his arms bulged and strained, but he gave no indication the task was difficult.
I dragged myself to my feet and cleaned up the laundry area. By the time he finished with the last kettle, I was ready to find my tent.
“It’d be my pleasure to walk you home, Miss Frankie.” He tipped his head politely and smiled. “I’m going that direction myself.”
While I was grateful for his help with the kettles, I hadno desire to spend time with the man. “I’m sure I can get there fine on my own.” Begrudgingly I added, “Thank you for emptying the water.”
I started toward the contraband camp, hoping he’d stay put. I’d gone several paces when I heard, “I’ll see you tomorrow, Miss Frankie.”
Curiosity made me turn around.
That big ol’ smile stayed in my mind the rest of the evening.
CHAPTERSIXTEEN
I groaned when I saw Mary’s car in the driveway after Alden dropped me off at home.
We’d ended our evening with Frankie a bit earlier than I would have liked. She nearly dozed off while telling her story, so we’d excused ourselves, promising to come again over the weekend.
I glanced down the road. I could slip over to Grandma Lorena’s and no one would know. Frankie’s mentioning of Sadie Hall once again had me thinking about the familiar name. Maybe Grandma could help with the mystery.
Voices and laughter came through an open window in the house.
If they would simply leave my job and Frankie out of the conversation, I wouldn’t mind visiting with my mother and sister. Contrary to how it appeared most of the time, I did love them.
I quietly entered the house and set my things down in the living room. Light from the kitchen spilled into the adjoining dining room, dark since it was long past the supper hour. After the stock market crash, we’d had to sell some of our possessions, including the silver and Mama’s china. It still made me sad to see the empty hutch in the corner as I made my way toward the kitchen.
“She needs a husband. How is she ever going to find one if she keeps this up?”
Mama’s voice lifted above the chattering and giggles of the children. I wondered which of Mary’s friends they were discussing. Not many of her classmates remained unattached, but there were some who seemed resigned to spinsterhood.
“Have you met the man who’s driving her downtown? Norwood something, isn’t it?”
Mary’s question brought me up short just outside the kitchen entrance. They were talking about me, I realized.
“No. She won’t bring him to the house.” Mama gave a disgruntled sound. “I can’t imagine he’s much of a gentleman if he won’t climb out of that car of his and come to the door.”
“He isn’t picking her up for a date. They work together.”
Silently I thanked Mary for understanding.
“Still,” she continued, “it would be nice for him to meet you and Daddy.”
I rolled my eyes. Didn’t they have more important things to discuss than my relationship with Alden?
“How can she meet eligible young men if she’s spending all her time in—” Mama paused, then hissed—“thatneighborhood? Oh, the very thought makes me ill. That place isn’t fit for anyone, but especially notourkind.”
“It does seem odd that she enjoys interviewing those people. Other than Dovie, I don’t think Lulu has ever spoken to a black person.”
“Of course she hasn’t.” Mama sounded offended. “We raised you girls to know your place in society. She won’t have a prayer of a chance at a good marriage if word gets out about this. I can imagine what Peggy Denny will say if she learns about it. It won’t matter to her that the job is only temporary. No. She’ll let everyone knowwhereRena has been spending her time and with whom.”
Just then the sound of small feet approached. My niece appeared in the doorway and looked up at me. “Mommy,” she bellowed, loud enough for the neighbors to hear, “Auntie Rena is here.”
I’d been found out. I had no wish to defend myself against their gossip, but it was too late to escape to my room. I breezed into the kitchen and forced a smile to my lips. “What a nice surprise to find my sister, niece, and nephews here.”
