Chapter 24 - Cautious Pomp and Circumstance
"Esther, I don't think taking the two security men to court would be a very good idea. Everything will have to come out, and frankly I'm not keen on that happening. Besides, what are you accusing them of? Don't say false rumours, because they aren't."
"So we just let them spread- stories?" She paced about his tiny office in annoyingly short turns. "This could cost me my job."
"They weren't stories, Esther, they witnessed the- they saw what happened."
"But my job at the library?"
"I think Germaine Greer once said, "A library is a place where you can lose your innocence without losing your virginity."
The look was incredulous. "Really, Wilfred? A little late for quotes like that don't you think?"
Wilfred stared helplessly. "What can I say, Esther – it did happen. You ah, you kind of made it happen."
"You have to do something."
"Well, you do still have your job –right? If it's true, why deny it?"
"If it's true? Weren't you there?" She sniped sarcastically.
His eyes wandered to the desk top, not really seeing anything in definition. Not completely, he answered to himself. Esther was talking but he didn't hear the words, he was still puzzling over his participation . . . did I participate?
". . . and if she doesn't listen to reason, then I shall resign."
"Eh? Are you resigning?"
"If she doesn't listen, I will."
"Then what?" He was beginning to focus again.
"I shall probably have to move away, perhaps to a convent. The shame will be too great to bear publicly."
Wilfred looked at her. Was she pulling his leg – he immediately regretted the thought – was she kidding? "A convent? Are you kidding, Esther?"
"What else could I do? I certainly couldn't stay here."
"A convent?"
"Listen, Wilfred Bates, if you hadn't been so damned encouraging—" He squeaked aloud, eyes popping wide. "—none of this would have happened." She stopped her pacing, glared at him, and then left the office.
******
"We need to be more watchful this time, Elizabeth." Malcolm sat at the dining room table marking notes in his large calendar. "There won't be any horses or carriages - people will walk"
"Not this people, darling." Her eyes sparked.
"No, no, of course not. As parade marshal, I shall be on a float with you by my side, love."
"A float? I thought that was some kind of drink."
"Beth, you slay me sometimes. It was agreed that a float would be the appropriate conveyance to carry the major symbols of the parade . . . aside from you and I." His smile was unctuous.
"As long as it's comfortable and safe,"
"Absolutely."
She puttered with some cut flowers, gauging his demeanour. "We agreed to have the same band for the dance again."
His head came up slowly. "We?"
"The ladies. They all felt, as did I, that they were very good and quite popular with the attendees."
"You're not thinking of another competition are you?"
"If we were?"
"Well, it's just that- well . . ."
"They can play waltzes too, Malcolm." Her look was time-worn. "But no, there won't be another dance competition . . . we considered a singing competition instead."
******
"I spoke to the people at the clinic and they said that there was a good possibility I could be hired. It's perfect, Roy, it's a full week but only six hours a day. I'll still have lots of time with dad."
"Sounds great, Jill."
"You seem hesitant."
"No – well, it's just- Jill, I was going to ask you to- I want you to marry me." She mouthed the word in response, holding both cheeks. "I want you to marry me – yes. It'll be perfect, Ted can live with us and we can both look after him, and with Andrea, he'll never be without people he knows and who care about him."
"Marry?" Her eyes sparkled from the beginning tears. "Oh, Roy . . ."
"I hope that's, oh, Roy, yes." He took her in his arms and held her tight while she let the emotions go and bawled aloud.
They sat together on the front porch going over all the details of their new commitment, finishing with nerves twanging.
"I guess I should go and speak to Ted. Ask him if it's okay." He grinned as she tease whacked his arm. "Actually, I'm serious, Jill. I want his approval."
"But you know he can't—"
"I think he can. Anyway, I want to try."
Ted was on his chair in the garden, coaxing the squirrels with his tooth sucking noise. They would stutter closer, stand up and look at him, and when he made another noise, they would hop closer.
"They expect to get something, you know." Roy pulled up another chair and sat beside him.
"They are. They're getting a lesson in life. Don't expect something for nothing." He glanced over at Roy. "Trouble at the shop?"
"No. Shop's fine. No trouble at all." He felt hopeful while Ted was sounding lucid. "Had a question for you."
He snapped a finger and the squirrel scooted away and up a tree. "Business or personal?"
"Would it matter?" Roy smirked, watching him.
"Since the shop's fine it must be personal, and if it's personal my money says it has to do with my daughter."
Roy laughed and sat back. "Damn, Ted, some days you just amaze me."
"Better take advantage then while it lasts." He looked away, eyes wet.
Roy inhaled sharply and stared at the man who was his employer, mentor, and long time friend. The statement rocked him, and he fought to say his piece without blubbering.
"I've asked Jill to marry me, and I want your blessing, Ted."
The damp eyes came around to study him. "Are you equipped to give my daughter the life she deserves?"
"I believe so. I love her, Ted. Have for a long time."
"Are you gainfully employed? God-fearing? Honest and stable?"
Roy's mouth dropped until he saw the twitch of a grin, and he grabbed the old man, pulling him close.
"You old bugger. If I could get a raise, things would be easier."
"Be good to her, son. Treat her well and love her – with your heart."
"You have my word . . . dad." He smiled, and they just stared at one another for a moment.
Jill had watched from the kitchen door and had to wipe her own eyes as she joined them in the garden. Ted looked up at her as she came next to him, and took her hand.
"I suppose if you want this scallywag there isn't much I can say about it."
"I do, dad. I really do."
"Then love him hard, sweetheart, like I did your mom."
The tears burst out, and she bent down, hugging his shoulders.
Andrea arrived and listened to the news and the great conversation they had with Ted. There were more hugs and tears, and then she went out to the garden.
"Hi, Ted, I heard you had some good news." She sat in Roy's vacated chair.
"Some."
"Really, can you tell me about it?"
"Roy asked for a raise and I said okay."
A familiar lump formed in her throat as she watched his eyes look across the garden. "That was nice. You're a good boss, Ted."
"Damn squirrels. They keep comin' around begging for food."
She put her purse down and took his hand. "Do you want to do anything special today?"
"With you?" He pulled his hand away. "I think I did something already."
"You did, and it was a very good thing."
He made a noise with his teeth and a squirrel hopped across the lawn.
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