Texas Gal
by   C. Sprite
© 1999

 

Chapter Twelve       Reunited At Last

The next morning, I was having difficulty containing myself. I ran our bath and then slapped Auntie on her rump to wake her. She grabbed me and tickled me, and we rolled on the bed laughing. In the tub, we talked about the day's activities. Because of Mother's wonderful progress, the doctors had decided that Mother didn't have to go into the hospital. Instead, she would be here with us and a full time nurse would come each day to tend to her until she had made a little more progress. When her broken legs were fully mended, a therapist would come each day to work with her. A hospital bed would be delivered today and set up in the large bedroom in the other wing.

 The day flew by. Auntie and I decided that for now, my sisters would occupy the other three bedrooms in the wing with mother. One of them still had the boxes from Xavier's so I called and they dispatched a truck to pick them up. Another bedroom had the boxes of Mother's, and my sisters clothes. The household items and father's things had been stored in the cellar. We moved Mothers clothes into her clothes room in her new bedroom and hung everything up. The clothes would need pressing but there was plenty of time for that. It would be a while before Mother was up and about. We placed Judy's and Mary's clothes in the rooms on either side of Mothers, and Susan's things in the room where the boxes from Xavier's had been. We vacuumed all the bedrooms and the hallway and opened the windows slightly in each room to air them out. We dusted and polished the furniture in each, and rinsed out the bathroom fixtures to free them from a light film of dust. My sister's would, of course, be free to choose their own bedrooms from the available rooms, once things had settled down.

When we had finished, Auntie and I enjoyed a cup of tea and a short rest. We had skipped lunch so I cut into one of the new pies. After we felt refreshed we changed our clothes. We were having another cup of tea when we heard a vehicle drive up. We went outside to see whom it was. Auntie had made arrangements with a local volunteer ambulance company to have two men come and transport Mother from the plane to her bedroom. She talked to the men and told them where to park the ambulance on the hanger ramp and they drove off towards their waiting spot. We had just walked back inside when we heard the plane overhead. I grabbed one of the cakes from the downstairs kitchen and we walked out to the garage. The runway was a just a short walk but there would be suitcases to bring to the house, so we got into the pickup truck and drove out to park next to the ambulance.

The plane landed and taxied to the ramp. As the engines died down I could see my sisters in the windows waving to me. I waved back and could barely contain myself as the co-pilot lowered the door/stairs. Susan was the first off the plane and we ran to each other and embraced and kissed. Judy and Mary joined us and we stood there clutching each other and crying. Auntie came over and joined us. We stopped crying and started laughing then and we all started to talk at once. We stopped when Captain O'Toole signaled to the waiting ambulance attendants. They boarded the plane and carried Mother off on the gurney that she was strapped to. When they got her down, they set the gurney on the ground. I ran to her and kissed her. She squeezed my hand and kissed me back. We both had tears in our eyes. We were reunited at last. The ambulance attendants asked me step back and pulled the gurney over to the waiting doors of the ambulance. I ran and got the cake from the pickup truck and brought it back to the plane. I handed it to Captain O'Toole and thanked him for bringing my family to Texas. He said that it was his pleasure. My mother and sisters had been delightful company. He tipped his hat and boarded the plane, pulling the door/steps up behind him. By the time that we had loaded the suitcases in the truck and driven to the house, the plane was already gone.

Auntie went ahead to show the attendants where the elevator was and where to take Mother. My sisters were as awed by the size of the house as I had been. I took them around the downstairs and showed them each room. They were overwhelmed by the kitchen, amazed by the parlor, dazzled by the ballroom, and astonished by the bar. They loved the theatre, library, sewing room, and office. Then we went upstairs. I showed them to their bedrooms first. We went as a group into Susan's room. They asked where the other bed was. I told them that this was just for Susan and they laughed as if I was kidding. So I took them to Judy's room and then to Mary's room. They were dumbfounded. They walked around Mary's room and found her closet and bathroom. They asked if they each had such a large closet and bath. I answered that they did, and that after things were settled, they could pick from any of the available bedrooms if they were unhappy.

Judy said, "How could anybody be unhappy with this. It's like a dream come true." Mary and Susan agreed.

"Well, Auntie just wanted you to know that you are free to choose another if you wished to."

 We went back to Judy's room and they explored it as they had Mary's. Then we did the same for Susan's.

Then I took them on a tour of the rest of the floor. I showed them the elevator and the upstairs kitchen, explaining that that was where we normally cooked and ate. I showed them the four rear-wing bedrooms and then the wing where my bedroom was. I saved my bedroom for last, showing them Auntie's bedroom first. Now they were really struck dumb. They walked around her bedroom as if in a trance. When I showed them her bathroom, they ooh'ed and ahh'ed over the tub and her makeup table. They were totally overwhelmed by her clothes room. It does resemble a small clothing store. After they had calmed down, I showed them to my room. They became dumbstruck again. I explained that Auntie had intended this room for her daughter, but then hadn't had any children. They fell in love with my bathroom, and when they saw my clothes room, they became positively giddy. They started looking at all my things and held them up against themselves to see if they would fit. But with the exception of Susan, my sisters were too big for most of my clothes.

"You're welcome to wear anything that I have although much of it is too small," I said. "I'm sorry that I can't share more."

Judy came over and hugged me, "We know darling, but you're growing up and in a few years we'll all be about the same size. What is it that you're wearing around your waist?"

I took off my blouse and showed them my corset. They all became speechless.

"Darla Anne, why would you want to wear something like that?" Mary asked.

"For my figure. Just look at the shape that it gives me."

"I noticed your breasts right away," Susan said. "They're as large as mine are. Is that from the corset?"

"I think so. Look what it's done for my hips."

Judy felt my hips and said, "Are you still wearing the padded girdle that I gave you?"

"No, not anymore. That's all me down there." They felt my hips, tush, and the contours of my waist.

"I want to try one too," Susan said. "Can I?"

"Of course. Mine are custom made to fit me and I can tell you what a difference it makes. I wore one that Auntie gave me for a while. When I got these, I couldn't believe how much more comfortable they are. But you're welcome to try one to see if you like it. But right now why don't we go see if Mother is Okay?"

We walked down to Mother's room, and found her talking with Auntie. The attendants had left. I heard the doorbell and went to answer it while my sisters looked around mother's room. When I opened the door, I found a woman in a nurse's uniform standing there. We introduced ourselves and I showed her to Mother's room. She immediately gave Mother a quick check, than opened her bag and proceeded to give her a full examination. We stepped back and sat on the regular bed. When the nurse was finished, she told us that Mother was in good condition after her flight but that she should get some rest now. We could visit with her after she had a nap, because plane rides are very fatiguing to a patient. The constant vibration annoys nerve endings in body areas that have been damaged.

We all kissed Mother and went to the kitchen. Judy helped me put the two leafs in the table to make it bigger. It still was lost in the big room. We sat and had a cup of tea and some pie. Susan commented that the pie was heavenly. I groaned inwardly as Auntie told her that I was the cook.

"Wait until you taste her chocolate cake," Auntie said. "And she made an Angel's food cake yesterday. I can't wait to try that. Your little sister is getting a reputation as the best cook in the area."

Judy and Mary complimented me also. I thanked them and changed the topic to the Marcoti's. I asked them how they were, and how they enjoyed staying with them. They said that the Marcoti's had been wonderful to them and they would be eternally grateful for all that they had done, but, they were glad to be here. The Marcoti house had seemed to shrink smaller every day. Seven people in a small house normally occupied by four, made for cramped living. They were sure that the Marcoti's were glad to see them go, as much as they were glad to leave. The entire Marcoti house could fit into the ballroom downstairs. They told us about their last days at school and saying goodbye to all their friends. They talked about the tearful goodbye at the airport with the Marcotis. It was getting late so I started to prepare dinner as we talked. Susan got up and took an apron from the pantry and started to help. Then Judy and Mary also got aprons and pitched in. When dinner was ready, Judy went to Mother's bedroom and knocked lightly. The nurse came to the door and said that she was still sleeping. Judy invited her to sit down with us at dinner. When they came to the table we said grace and ate our meal. We got to know Miss Calabrese a little and she got to know us. Since she would be with us for as long as two months, we wanted to be friends. She would sleep overnight in Mother's room tonight and then be here from 8 o'clock to 5 o'clock each day, 7 days a week, for the next eight weeks. They were long hours but the work was very light and most of the time she could do what ever she wanted. We learned that she was studying to upgrade her nursing credentials, so a job like this was perfect. 

After dinner, we cleaned the kitchen. When we were done, we went down and brought the suitcases up from the pickup truck. I told my sisters that I had to go care for the horses and would be back shortly but they insisted on coming along. They watched as I stepped into the corral and Emily ran over to me. I led her to her stall and gave her some oats. Then I put the others in their stalls and feed them as well. They stayed out of the way until all the horses were in their stalls. I took them around and told them about the horses. I told them that Emily was mine and Henry was Auntie's, but we hadn't named the others yet. They could pick a name when they picked their horse.

We went back up to the house and they each went to their bedrooms so that they could unpack. Auntie went to put the pickup away.

 I went to my bedroom and lay down on the bed. Susan came in and climbed up with me. We talked about the past month. I told her how very much I missed them even though it had been wonderful being here with Auntie. Judy and Mary came in and joined us on the bed. We lay there and talked for hours. I looked at the clock and saw that it was midnight. We got off the bed and my sisters returned to their bedrooms after we kissed and said goodnight. I got undressed and performed my nightly rituals. Just after I turned off the light and got under the covers, I heard a soft knock at my door. I said, "Come in" and Susan came into my room and came over to the bed.

"Darla, can I sleep with you. I don't want to sleep alone."

I pulled back the covers and she got in. We snuggled together and fell asleep like that that.

I awoke at my usual time and my stirring awoke Susan. We both got out of bed and hugged each other good morning. We went into the bathroom and took care of our morning needs. Susan asked if she could take a bath in my tub. I said, "Come with me." We walked to Auntie's bedroom and I led her in. She pulled on my hand because she didn't want to disturb Auntie. I tugged again and she reluctantly followed me to the bathroom. I started running a bath and went back to Auntie's bedroom. I opened up the drapes, as I usually did every morning, and Auntie started to stir. I climbed up on the enormous bed and kissed Auntie. She awoke and wrapped her arms around me and kissed me back.

"I invited Susan to bathe with us," I said. "Is that Okay?"

"Of course. Have you run the water?"

"It's running now. Time to get up sleepyhead."

I got off the bed and went back to the bathroom. Susan had been watching from the doorway. I pulled her over to the tub and started to undress.

"All three of us?" She asked.

"Look at this tub. It's big enough for ten."

"Darla, what about your little secret."

"Auntie knows about it and it doesn't bother her."

Susan shrugged and started to undress. When I had removed my sleepwear and sleeping corset, Susan ran her hands over my body. "I can't believe how much you've changed in the past month." She cupped my breasts. "You really are as big as I am. And your little secret seems to have gotten smaller."

"Probably from being tucked under me all day. Let's soak."

We climbed into the bathtub and relaxed. Susan continued to look at me. "I love your hair like that. It looks a lot like Aunt Kathy's."

"We had it done by the same beautician. Mine wasn't long enough to be just like hers but it's similar."

Auntie walked in and shrugged out of her sleepwear and climbed into the tub. I told Susan about our bet and pretending to be sisters. She said, "I can see it. You two look more like sisters than you and I do. When did you get your ears pierced?"

"When I got my hair permed. Grandma told Janet to do it and it came as a surprise to me."

Susan looked at me and said, "GRANDMA?"

I giggled. "I guess that I didn't tell you about her. She's the one that bought me all the clothes."

I told her all about Grandma and the wonderful things that she had done for me.

"That was her plane that brought you all here. She insisted on doing it. She's been wonderful and I just love her. I can't wait for you to meet her." I looked at the clock on the wall and said, "Oh Auntie, it's getting late. You'll be late for work." I started to get up. She put her hand on me and told me to relax. She said that she had called her secretary yesterday and told her that she would be out for the rest of the week. She had caught up on all her work during the past month and was entitled to a few days off. She wanted to be here to help everybody get settled in. We sat back and relaxed.

There was a knock at the bathroom door. "Who is it?" Auntie asked.

We heard Judy say, "It's Judy and Mary, Aunt Kathy. Do you know where Susan and Darla are?"

"Come in girls." They walked in and saw the three of us sitting in the enormous tub.

"We're bathing," I said. "Would you like to join us?" They giggled, peeled off their nighties, and stepped in. "I've read about communal bathing in other countries such as Japan," I said, "maybe we could start a trend here." Everybody giggled. When we started to prune, we washed each other's backs, and Susan, Auntie, and I got out. Mary and Judy had not been in nearly as long so they stayed and enjoyed the warm water until the bubbles had disappeared. We toweled off, then Susan and I went back to our bedrooms to get dressed.

I dressed in my ranch clothes and went to the kitchen. I made French Toast mix and put two frying pans on to warm up while I made tea, fresh OJ, and cut up some cantaloupes. Susan came in and we set the table, and then we sat to wait for the others. We talked about the ranch and I told her about my girlfriend Karen. Auntie came in, and sat with us and talked until Judy and Mary showed up. When they came in I got up and turned up the heat on the frying pans while the bread started to absorb the French toast mixture. When the butter sizzled, I put eight pieces of toast in the two large frying pans. When they were cooked I put them on a serving dish and carried them to the table. I had put more bread in the mix while the toast cooked and I immediately dropped them into the frying pans. I went and sat down so that we could say grace. My sisters passed the toast around the table. I passed it by so that they could eat while I finished cooking the second batch. I took the empty serving dish and got up to turn the toast while they covered theirs in maple syrup and started eating. Judy was the first one to say anything. She started raving about how good the French Toast were. Mary joined in and then Susan. I dished up the rest of the toast and returned to the table. I took my two pieces and put the dish on the table.

When I had finished my two pieces, there was one piece left. I asked if anybody wanted anymore and received only negative answers, so I took the last piece. When I had finished, I went and cooked six more pieces. These were for Mother and Miss Calabrese. I prepared two food trays. Susan and I carried them to Mother's room. We knocked and entered. Mother was awake and Miss Calabrese was checking her blood pressure. We put the trays down and kissed Mother after Miss Calabrese had finished. Miss Calabrese sat to eat her breakfast as Susan and I helped Mother to eat. When mother had eaten her fill, Susan and I took the trays back to the kitchen. Judy and Mary had finished cleaning up and took the dishes from us when we came in. Susan and I sat for a few minutes until they were done. I told them that the horses had to be cared for now and asked them if they would come help me. They readily agreed so I told them to put on jeans and work boots or old shoes. They went to their rooms to change. I went and got my work gloves.

We went out to the stables and I showed them how to take the horses out of their stalls and take them to the corral. Unlike last night, this was a hands-on exercise and I had them actually do it. Then I showed them how to muck out the stalls and clean them, fill the water buckets and put down fresh hay. I took them out into the corral and showed them how to fill the water trough and hay rack. When we were finished, I took them on a tour of the outbuildings.  While we were in the garage, I showed them the 57 T-Bird that Auntie said was mine when I reached 16. We walked down the runway part way and I pointed to places on the horizon to where the ranch extended. We returned to the house and cleaned up. I put on a denim skirt, denim blouse, and my favorite earrings after I made my face. I went to Susan's room. She was unpacking her things. I asked her if she had decided to stay in this room. She said that it was a beautiful room. As nice as the others, and she liked the view from the windows. I helped her unpack the boxes that had been shipped from New Jersey. Her closet was nowhere near as large as mine was but it was ten times larger than her closet in New Jersey. When the boxes were all empty, we cut the tape and folded them flat. We carried them out and put them in the elevator, then we went and collected Judy's and Mary's empty boxes and did the same. When we had them all, I took Susan down to the cellar and we stored the empty boxes.

We went back up and got out the vacuum cleaner. We vacuumed the elevator, hallway, and all three bedrooms. We put the vacuum away and went into my bedroom. We sat on my bed and talked about the past month, picking up where we had left off last night. Judy and Mary came in and joined us. I told them everything that had happened to me. Before I told them about Mike, I went over and closed the door. They were as upset as Karen when I told them about being spanked, kissed and fondled while helpless, but I had made them all promise not to tell anybody, even Mother, before I had told them. They felt better when I told them how Karen and I had tied up Mike and spanked him with a paint-stirring paddle, then left him to suffer in his bonds for a while. I told them that we were still friends and that I had taken him and Karen out for a long horseback ride. It was Karen's second ride, but only his first and he got blistered so bad that his grandmother had refused to let him go again for two weeks. They clapped with glee and decided that he had paid for his transgressions.

I told them all about my trip to Portland and about my upcoming inspection trip with Grandma. Judy and Mary both said, "GRANDMA?" and I remembered that they weren't in the tub when I told Susan about her so I went over the story again. "You'll love her as much as I do. She's been wonderful to me, and to us. I'm going to call her to see when we can get together." I picked up the phone and called Grandma's house. The housekeeper answered and called her to the phone. "Grandma, how are you today."

"Fine, my dear, how are you."

"I'm on cloud nine, Grandma, with my mother and sisters here. I wanted to thank you again for bringing them here."

"You're most welcome, my dear. I hope that I can meet them soon."

"How about today?"

"Oh, I don't think that I can make it today. I have an early dinner engagement in the city."

"Can we stop by for an hour? We have a couple of errands to run"

"Can you be here by 3 o'clock"

"I'm sure that we can."

"Okay, I'll see you at 3 then."

We said our good-byes and I went to ask Auntie about taking us while my sisters looked through my jewelry case.

I found Auntie with Mother. When there was a pause in their conversation, they looked at me and I asked her if she could take me to the preacher's house and to Grandma's to drop off some baked goods. She said that she would be happy to and that it was nice that I had made some extra pies and cakes for them. Mother asked if I was baking now. Auntie told her that not only was I baking but that I was getting a reputation as one of the best cooks around. She asked Mother if she had enjoyed the French Toast this morning. Mother said that they were absolutely delicious and that she had already determined to ask her for the recipe. "Don't ask me," Auntie said. "I didn't cook them. Ask your daughter here. She's been the top chef in this house for the past month. The preacher at my church announced from the pulpit last Sunday that he thinks that she'll be competing for ribbons at the State Fair."

Mother stared at me, "Why Darla Anne, this is a surprise."

"Oh Mommy, please don't make a big deal about it. All I've done is follow directions in a cookbook. Anybody could do it."

Auntie laughed and said, "See what I've been putting up with. She's too modest for her own good."

Mother smiled and said, "Well, I'm very proud of her, and I think that it's wonderful."

"We'll leave at 2 o'clock," Auntie said. "Is that Okay?"

"Perfect, we can be at Grandma's house by 3 o'clock."

"GRANDMA?" Mother said.

And for the third time today I explained who Grandma was. Auntie helped out and told Mother how Mabel had become very fond of me and "adopted" me as her granddaughter. She explained how Mabel's affection for me had gotten Auntie's company the oil drilling rights that she had been trying to get for many years, and she told Mother that the plane that had brought her here was Mabel's. I told her how Grandma had taken me to Portland to see her lumber operations, and had introduced me to my only friends here, Karen and Mike. I told her how wonderful I thought that Grandma was, and that I had told her that I considered her part of my family. I wanted very much for Mother to meet her, and I hoped that they would be friends.

Mother said, "I look forward to meeting your 'Grandma,' honey."

"Thank you Mommy. I love you."

"And I love you, now why don't you join your sisters and let me and your Aunt finish our talk."

"Okay Mommy."

I went back to my bedroom; Susan was trying on some of my clothes and modeling them for Judy and Mary. I joined them on my bed. At half past noon, we went to the kitchen and made lunch. After we had all eaten and cleaned up, we prepared to leave. We took a pie and two cakes with us. Auntie drove us to the preacher's house first. He was home so I introduced him to my sisters and gave him one of the angel food cakes. He thanked me, and we talked for about 15 minutes before we had to tell him that we had another appointment. He said that he hoped to see us all at services this Sunday. We waved and drove to Grandma's house.

 My sisters were astonished at the size and appearance of Grandma's house.

Charles answered the door and greeted me, "Miss Darla, how nice to see you again. I've wanted to thank you for the pie that you sent. It was delicious."

"Thank you Charles, I'm happy to see you again also, and you're most welcome."

He escorted us to the veranda. He walked out first and said, "Your granddaughter has arrived, Madam, along with Mrs. Bliss and party."

"Thank you, Charles." 

I ran to Grandma and embraced her. After we kissed, I said, "I'd like you to meet my sisters. This is Susan on the left, Judy in the middle, and Mary on the right."

"Hello ladies, welcome to my home. Hello Kathy."

They all replied, "Hello."

"We brought you a pie and a cake as a small token of our thanks for bringing us back together," I said.

"Thank you, my dear. I know that Charles will appreciate it. He very much enjoyed the pie that I brought back for him."

"I know. He just told me."

"He told you?" She smiled, "I'll have to have a talk to him. Imagine, he actually talked to somebody who came to visit me. Highly unusual."

We giggled. I remembered her telling me how proper he always was.

We sat down and poured tea at her invitation. I sat on her right and Susan sat on her left. We talked for about an hour and a half. Charles appeared to remind her of her dinner engagement and then disappeared again. We stood up to leave.

"Thank you for inviting us over Mrs. Moore," Judy said. "I hope that you'll visit us soon, and have a chance to meet Mother."

"If that's an open invitation, I can come on Tuesday. I have no appointments for the entire day."

"Wonderful," I said, "you'll come early and stay for dinner."

"Okay, it's a date. And I can't have my granddaughter's sisters calling me Mrs. Moore, so can you please call me Grandma also."

"My sisters smiled and said together, "Okay Grandma."

We all giggled. Grandma rang for Charles and we all kissed her goodbye. When Charles appeared, she said, "Charles, these three young ladies are all Darla's older sisters. When they come to visit me you will announce them as my 'granddaughters.'"

"Very good, Madam." We waved to Grandma and followed Charles out. He opened the front door for us and said, "Good day ladies."

Auntie and my sisters filed out ahead of me. I hung back a little and said quietly, "Thank you, Charles. I hope that you get to enjoy some of the new pie and cake that we brought."

He said just as quietly, "I'll find a way, Miss Darla." Then he actually smiled at me. I smiled back as I walked out and he gently closed the door behind me. I knew that he would.

We drove home, and we girls went to start dinner while Auntie put the car away. After dinner, my sisters went to care for the horses. I went as an observer and troubleshooter. They did very well. They had watched me last night and now did exactly as I did. The horses knew the routine and never offered any resistance. Tomorrow we would go for a short ride to get them used to riding without getting too sore. After everything was done I complimented them on how well they had done. We stayed in the stable talking about the horses for quite a while. I asked them if they had selected a mount for tomorrows ride. Judy wanted to ride one of the Walkers. Mary wanted to ride the Palomino and Susan wanted to ride the Arabian. I went to Emily and gave her an apple. Then I gave one to Henry, and the other horses also. We closed the stable and walked back to the house.

It was almost 9 so we went to put on our sleepwear. We went down to the theatre and watched TV for an hour. At 10 we shut off the TV and went upstairs. We knocked lightly at mother's door, when we heard her say, "Come in," we went in and kissed her goodnight, then we went to our bedrooms. I performed my nightly rituals and climbed into bed. I lay awake for quite a while. I half expected Susan to come in. When she didn't come, I went to Auntie's bedroom and knocked. When she said, "Come in," I entered and climbed up onto her bed. I thanked her for taking us to the preacher's house, and to Grandma's. We snuggled together and talked. Someone knocked at the door and came in at Auntie's invitation.

Susan came over to the bed and said, "Can I snuggle too? I'm lonely in that big room by myself." Auntie held out her hand and Susan climbed up on her other side. We lay there and talked for a while, before drifting off to sleep.

The next morning we again shared a communal bath. I relinquished the cooking duties to Judy and Mary for breakfast, so Susan and I shared the cleanup. Afterwards we all went to the stable and cleaned it. When we were all done, I took 5 bridles and bridled the horses that we would be riding. I saddled Emily while my sisters watched. Then I saddled Henry while they watched. I let them each saddle their own mount, one at a time, while I watched and helped. Auntie came down as we were finishing up, and I told her how wonderful my sisters had done. We led the horses out of the corral and mounted. We rode around the small ranch and then back around again. This was enough for the first time. My sisters were sore when we returned. I didn't feel any soreness at all. We rubbed the horses down and went to the house to clean up and change.

Each day thereafter, we would go for a ride, slowly increasing our time until we could stay out most of the day. On Sunday, we took my sisters to services at our church. The minister welcomed them during the service and identified them as Miss Darla's sisters. He made me blush when he said that I had brought him an angel food cake that tasted like it came from the angels themselves, it was so heavenly. After services, the congregation members filed by and welcomed my sisters as we stood in the churchyard. Then we returned home for our customary day of rest. Of course we took our daily ride.

 

On Monday, Auntie had to return to work so we didn't soak as long. I told my sisters that I had established a routine of providing a hot breakfast for Auntie every morning and I would have to keep that up. They told me that they would support me and help me to maintain that standard. After breakfast, and after Auntie had left, I told them that Monday was cleaning day just as in New Jersey. I explained what cleaning I had done before they came, and told them that now there would be much more to do. I asked them if they wanted to work together or take on separate tasks. We voted to work together, so we started at Auntie's bathroom and worked until we finished mother's. At lunchtime the upstairs sparkled. After lunch, we did the stairs, the downstairs, and we did our laundry. We finished early enough to go for a two-hour ride. My sisters had switched mounts with each ride and were almost ready to select their permanent mounts. I hoped that they would not all choose the same horse.

On Tuesday, Grandma came over about 9 o'clock. We had already cleaned the stable so we were free for the day. We invited her in and took her up to meet Mother. Miss Calabrese said that we could talk for about an hour and then would have to leave so that she could bathe Mother and then administer her medication. Grandma and Mother hit it off at once, as I thought that they would, and the hour flew by. Miss Calabrese interrupted to say that we would have to leave now, but that we could come back after lunch if we wished. We walked out onto the front porch. Grandma said that she had received the reports from her VPs and would like to review them with me. I told my sisters that they were welcome to stay but that it would probably be boring and I wouldn't fault them if they left to take a ride until lunch. They decided to go and Grandma and I settled down to review the reports. Grandma had already looked them over.

She gave me a copy of the cover letter that she had sent with the redesigned forms. It read: "Gentlemen, A newcomer to our company, D.A. Drake, was given a set of our report forms to review. Drake has suggested several modifications that would apply to the monthly, quarterly, and annual report forms, and feels that these modifications will improve the overall usefulness of the information collected. A full set of the proposed forms is attached for your review. We all know that a fresh view can sometimes offer new insights. In the parlance of our industry, sometimes we can't see the forest for the trees. I would like you all to examine the proposed forms and give me an honest assessment in written form no later than Friday, 5 PM. Please submit all reports to my secretary. Be as brief or verbose as you wish. As always, I value honesty above all, and will neither endorse nor abrogate the forms until I have reviewed your opinions, and discussed them in an open meeting. Thank you for your efforts.    Mabel Moore.

"Grandma, why did you name me in the letter?"

"Do you stand behind your work?"

"Yes, but as you have said, I am a newcomer. These people are all senior people in the logging industry. I don't have their experience."

"Darla Anne, don't put yourself down. Always take credit for your work, but never take credit for someone else's work."

"Okay, Grandma."

"Now, let's review these reports."

One by one we read the reports together. There were ten in all.

The first contained a review of each form, line by line. Comments were made about the data and it's relevance in the current market. On the last page it said, "The proposed changes are perceptive and pragmatic. Drake has displayed an uncanny understanding of our industry in developing these forms. I heartily recommend that these forms be implemented without delay. We could use this data in our next reporting cycle. My staff could not make any recommendations that would improve the new forms. Drake should be congratulated and advanced to a position commensurate with his ability."

"Well," Grandma said smiling, "that one appears to lean a little in your favor. Shall we look at another?"

The next report was similar to the first in format. It started with a rehash of the information on the forms and a line by line description of the data. The summary on the last page said, "An astute proposal. Drake should be applauded for this effort. We endorse the modifications and hope that they will be implemented as soon as possible."

"That's two that seem to like your ideas. Still upset that I used your name?"

"I don't feel qualified to interact with these people as equals."

"Let's continue, shall we?"

We reviewed the remainder of the reports. All of them praised the redesigned reporting forms. No one offered any modifications or asked that the old data be restored. They all called for the new forms to be implemented as soon as possible.

Grandma said, "Well, what do you think now?"

"I'm not sure. Is it possible that they found out who I am and don't want to offend you, or could they merely assume that you want these changes and don't wish to go against the "boss"?"

"I detest 'yes' men. They all know that when I ask for an honest opinion, I want to hear the 'down and dirty side' too. It's possible that they discovered who Drake is, but these people are all very shrewd. They would never voice this kind of enthusiasm in a written report just to please the boss. They would be afraid that it could come back to bite them. I think that you're going to have to admit that you have done a wonderful job and have earned this praise."

"Okay, Grandma. Now what?"

"We go to Portland and meet with the people who wrote these reports and assess their opinions in a face to face meeting."

"When will we leave?"

"Tomorrow morning. I'll come over at 8 o'clock and we'll fly from her like the last time."

"Tomorrow?"

"Yes, you remember that I said you'll have a week with your family before we leave. Well, today is the seventh day." Grandma then opened her briefcase and put the reports away and took out some other paperwork. We started reviewing the procedures for my inspection.

 A delivery van drove up and the driver brought a large box onto the porch. The driver said, "Package for D.A. Drake?"

"That's me."

"Sign here, please." I signed and he left. The package was from Xavier's.

I looked at Grandma and saw that she was smiling. "Yes, it's from me. I ordered two business suits for our little trip, and a new dress. I want you to have just the right look for your inspection tour, and for our meeting with my executives on Thursday."

We returned to studying her notes. We went over my role, step by step. She told me how I should act at each point. I committed it all to memory. When we had covered everything, she put her notes away and we began to talk about other things. My sisters had not gone for a ride as I had thought. They had spent their time cooking lunch and planning dinner.

Susan came out onto the porch with a towel over her arm and announced that "Lunch is ready, Madam."

Grandma and I giggled at her impersonation of Charles and went inside as she held the door for us. While Grandma took a seat at the table, I put the box in my bedroom and then returned to the kitchen.

Judy and Mary had made both an "Eggplant Parmesan" and a "Ham and Potato Casserole," figuring that Grandma would like one or the other. It turned out that she liked both. They were really delicious and she heaped lavish praise on them. For once I was out of the limelight, and I liked it. After lunch, we cut into the angel's food cake for desert. Susan repeated what the minister had said in church. I groaned inwardly, but smiled. Back in the limelight again. When we had finished eating, I asked Judy and Mary if they would entertain Grandma while Susan and I cleaned up. They went out onto the front porch while we worked.

When we joined them, Grandma was telling Judy and Mary about her husband and their early life together. Susan and I sat down and listened to her stories. All afternoon she told us stories of her life, both before and after her husbands passing. She told us about her time in Europe and the wonderful parties and events there. It all sounded so wonderful. At 5 o'clock, Judy and Mary got up and went to the kitchen to make dinner. Miss Calabrese was leaving and Grandma asked her if she could talk to Mrs. Drake.

Miss Calabrese said, "Yes, she's only reading right now," and left to drive home.

Grandma went upstairs and knocked on her door. Susan and I had followed.

Mother said, "Come in" and Grandma turned to us and asked if she might talk with Mother alone. We nodded and went to the kitchen to help Judy and Mary.

We got our instructions from Judy and set to work. I made a salad while Susan made biscuits. Judy and Mary had made a "Standing Rib Roast," baked potatoes, fresh broccoli, and corn nibblets. At 6 o'clock, Auntie arrived home and dinner was ready. We made a plate for Mother and Susan, and Suz took them in and stayed to eat with her and help her. Grandma came to the kitchen and sat with us as we said grace then we started in on the wonderful meal.

The meal was delicious. Desert was Apple Pie a la mode. We talked all through the meal and afterwards. We cleared the table and enjoyed another pot of tea. At 8 o'clock, Grandma said that she had to leave. She had to prepare for tomorrow. We walked her to her car and kissed her goodbye. She thanked us for making her feel so welcome. She said we acted like we really were her granddaughters. It was so wonderful to have a family again. We told her that we loved having a grandmother. She smiled and said that she would see me in the morning. We waved as she pulled away, then we went to the stable to care for the horses. When we came back, I went to my room to look at the new clothes. The two suits were beautiful, as was the dress. I hung them up and looked at the other items in the box. Two white silk blouses, three pairs of shoes, a new purse, and a small jewelry box with several necklaces, earrings, and broaches. I took the suits to the sewing room to iron them. Susan saw me when I was returning and followed me to my room. She asked me about the clothes and I told her that they were from Grandma. I was to wear them on my trip to Portland. She told me that Mother wanted to see me. I hung up the suits and went to Mother's room. Auntie was there and Mother asked me to come over and sit down.

When I was seated, she said, "Darla Anne, your Grandmother spoke to me about your trip tomorrow. She says that you will not be in any danger at all. But your Aunt has her reservations. How do you feel?"

"I know that Grandma would never place me in any danger."

"Your Grandmother has told me what an exceptional child you are. She says that you are one in a million. Of course, I already knew that, but it's always nice to see that other people recognize it. Your aunt has told me what a powerful and intelligent woman she is, and she believes that you can learn a lot from her. She thinks that I should allow you every opportunity to work with her. Do you really want to go, or are you doing this just to please your Grandmother?"

"I guess a little of both."

"Okay. If you want to go then I give my permission, but at the first sign of danger, I want you to end it, Okay?"

"Okay, Mommy."

"Now give me a kiss goodnight and let me talk to your Aunt."

"Goodnight, Mommy." We kissed and I left the bedroom. 

I went back to my bedroom and finished my preparations for tomorrow. I took the accessories, laid them out on the bed, and figured out which went best with each outfit. I left out the items that I would wear tomorrow and packed the others in the same suitcase that Auntie had loaned me for my last trip. I packed everything else that I was not afraid would wrinkle, and with my preparations complete, I changed into my sleepwear after performing my nightly rituals. I turned off the lights and climbed into bed. I drifted off to sleep thinking about tomorrow's trip. I was a little apprehensive but trusted Grandma implicitly. I awoke at my usual early hour and when I opened my eyes, I found myself inches from Susan's sleeping face. She must have come in after I fell asleep. I leaned over and kissed her. Her eyes fluttered open and she smiled.

 

(continued in Part 13)

 

 

 

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