Page 100 of All We Thought We Knew
“I’m glad you’re going in my place,” she said after a maid ledus into a parlor where we found the older woman lounging on a sofa, a blanket over her legs. “I simply don’t feel up to a night of mindless conversation and rich food.” She waved the maid over. “Clarice will take you upstairs to my daughter’s old room. Barbary is married and lives in Nashville now, but she keeps a small wardrobe here. Choose anything you like, my dear.”
While Colonel Foster remained in the parlor with Mrs. Isbell, I followed the maid up a grand staircase, down a hall, and into a bedroom that looked like it belonged to a princess. A number of gowns were already laid out on the bed, a rainbow of brilliant colors and lush fabrics. The emerald green immediately drew me. A pair of matching shoes and a lace shawl completed the outfit. Clarice suggested a simple up-twist to my hair and had it expertly fashioned in no time.
When I came downstairs, I couldn’t help noticing admiration shining in Colonel Foster’s eyes when he stood and came toward me.
“You look lovely, Mrs. Delaney,” he said, his voice soft.
“Now, now, you can’t use formal titles tonight,” Mrs. Isbell said, tsk-tsking. “It must be Ava and Hew, don’t you agree, my dear?”
My face heated as Colonel Foster met my gaze, awaiting my answer. “I’m sure that will be fine.”
I thanked the woman for loaning me the items and promised to return them the next day. She bid us good night with what could only be described as a mischievous grin.
“I don’t believe she’s ill,” I said once we were back in the car, headed for Hotel King. “I think she just didn’t want to go and made up an excuse so your feelings wouldn’t be hurt.”
Colonel Foster chuckled. “I don’t doubt it.” He glanced at me. “But I can’t deny I’m glad you’re here in her place. You really do look beautiful.”
“Thank you,” I said, suddenly shy.
We arrived at the hotel and were escorted to a private area of the Minors Restaurant where dozens of military officers andelegantly dressed women mingled. I was familiar with most of the men, but their wives and girlfriends looked at me with curious stares.
Thankfully Colonel Foster never left my side. He introduced me as Ava Delaney, nothing more, nothing less, and made a point to include me in conversations. We sat next to each other at dinner, which allowed me to relax and enjoy the delicious food, the likes of which we were unable to get with our ration cards. When the hotel staff shot off a round of fireworks, Colonel Foster offered his arm so I wouldn’t stumble on the uneven lawn.
As the party wound down and we prepared to leave, he draped the lace shawl over my shoulders, his hands lingering.
“Thank you for coming with me, Ava. I don’t usually enjoy these parties, but I did tonight because of you.”
“I had a nice time too.” I grinned. “I’ll have to thank Mrs. Isbell for pretending to be ill.”
A valet brought the colonel’s car, and we drove away from the bright hotel lights. The sleepy town of Tullahoma lay quiet beneath a clear, star-studded sky.
“I should take you home. I don’t like the idea of you driving by yourself in the dark,” he said, concern in his voice.
“I’ll be fine. I’ve driven home in the dark lots of times.”
“I apologize for that. I’ve been selfish with your time and generosity.”
Although I couldn’t make out his features, I knew he was sincere. “There’s no need to apologize. I enjoy my job. It lets me feel as if I’m doing my small part to win the war.”
He reached to grasp my hand. “You’re truly a gem, Ava Delaney.”
The warmth of his fingers sent a shiver up my arm. I didn’t remove my hand, and he didn’t remove his either. I wasn’t sure what was happening, but I was certain of one thing.
I felt a shift in our boss-employee relationship.
And I had no idea what to do about it.
THIRTY-ONE:MATTIE
DELANEY HORSE FARM
DECEMBER 1969
Despite the earth continuing to spin on its axis, my world had come to a crashing halt two days ago.
I had yet to recover.
Mama’s staggering revelation that Gunther Schneider was my father left me reeling. I’d stared at her, wordless, while a thousand questions and the terrible consequences of the answers sped through my mind like a stampeding herd of stallions. Dad had arrived upstairs before I found my voice, and Mama put her finger to her lips, an indication she didn’t want me to discuss the subject in front of him.
