Chapter One, Episode 39 - Just Friends - Situationally Theirs

June 14, 2020

Review, Edit and Update

Even in this bit of fluff, there were typos, errors of punctuation, with the addition of a bit of detail.

Just Friends

The thwap thwap of windshield wipers matched the gravelly wet tire noise on the road. Dez was swearing under her breath. She had promised herself that she would clean up her vocabulary, but this rainy day was not making it easy. Her plan for the morning was to meet Matt at the estate so they could go out to find the best spot in the orchard for the beehives they planned to order. Matt, an orchardist and bee keeper, was to be Dez and Emelina’s teacher on beekeeping. Unless Matt didn’t mind getting soaking wet, today would be a write off. Dez had pulled her little car up to the extended back porch and turned the motor off. The windshield wipers went still and quiet. Water dribbled down from the car roof, down the windshield and drained away over the cars hood. Someone was at the back door of Emmie’s house trying to get in, but Dez didn’t think it was Matt. Can’t be Matt. His hair’s too short.

“Digby?” Dez had not met Digby in person, but thought it may be the butler. Emmie had frequently spoken of him when the two sisters were getting reacquainted. Estranged for over ten years, yet living within a few miles of each other, they had a lot of catching up to do. The circumstances were incredibly awkward. Emmie had suddenly lost all her house staff and Dez had been in jail. The sergeant at the jail had located Emmie in the wee hours of one morning, and asked that she pick up her sister. Emmie, woken from a sound sleep, managed to drive one of the estate vehicles to pick her sister up in Hartley. Now they were as close as they had been as teenagers.

“Good morning Miss Desperanza. This is a surprise. I was expecting Giles, the chauffeur. Have you come to see your sister? I arrived just a few minutes before you arrived. I have yet to get into the house, so I really don’t know where she is right now.”

“No, I don’t need to see her. I was going out to the orchard, but this rain may have kiboshed my plans. I'm wearing my rain gear, so if this rain lets up a bit, I may be able to get out there at least for a little. I need to figure out where to put our bee hives. They haven’t been ordered yet. There is so much more to learn than just plunking them down and letting the bees do the work. Matt, the fellow that is helping me with this project, is coming by. He has a much larger orchard several miles from here and has had beehives in his orchard for many years. If he comes by and asks for me, could you point him in the direction of the orchard?”

“Certainly Miss. Do you know what kind of vehicle he drives?”

“I’m not certain, but I did see an old Ford pickup in his yard. Don’t know if that's the one he’ll be driving.” She knew what vehicle he would be driving, but didn't want to sound too familiar. Dez had known Matt for several years, and had watched him with his bees. Swathed in coveralls, gloves, a big hat with netting was he was doing what beekeepers do. Smoking the hives, collecting honey, maybe fixing the older hives. Very soon, Dez would be coming to his apiary for some hands on experience and work with his bees. Dez was quite excited. She had worked many jobs, but the closest she came to beekeeping was tree planting. Very different, but both in the sunshine and fresh air - and rain. 

~~~~~

Matt and Dez had become close friends over the eight years they had known each other. Matt had been happily married at one time, with one son, so the two of them were ‘just friends’. As Matt’s marriage and then divorce became more and more turbulent, Dez stayed away from the orchard. Then, one night, quite unexpectedly, Matt showed up at her apartment building. On any other late night, if someone buzzed to be allowed into the apartment, Dez just pulled her blanket over her head and turned up the TV. This particular night, unable to sleep, she was up at her living room window, TV off. About to turn away, she saw the old green Ford park crookedly across the street in front of her building. Is that Matt? What is he doing here at this time of night? The intercom buzzer sounded too loud and insistent. “Matt? Come in. My apartment is 802.” Dez stepped out in the hall and waited for him. His eyes red rimmed and swollen, his curly hair, normally tied in a man-bun, was loose and unruly and he looked like he hadn’t showered for days.

“Matt! What’s wrong!? Did your wife finally leave and take your son?” 

Matt's face looked like a mask. Stiff, shiny hard plastic. “I have to talk to you Dez. I know you think I’m a pathetic mess, but you’re the only one who will listen to me.”

Here we go, thought Dez. He’s doing the poor me thing that he’s been practicing for years. I should never have let him in. No wonder his wife left him. I’ll let him get cleaned up, give him a cup of coffee and send him on his way. 

“Come in. I’m going to make us some coffee. You go into the bathroom and clean yourself up. The bathroom is just down the hall, first door on the right, towels in the cupboard over the toilet. We’re not talking 'til you clean up, Matt. You’ve got to pull yourself together.” Dez turned him around and gave him a push towards the bathroom. She went into the kitchen, mad at herself for letting the guy in. Feeling sorry for him because she knew he had an orchard to run, his marriage had completely fallen apart, and his young son was possibly out of his life. Dez heard the shower running for what seemed like a long time. She poured herself a cup of coffee and, at the kitchen table, was half reading a book waiting for Matt. 

“Can we talk now, Dez? Sorry I couldn’t shave.” Dez looked up. The three day growth of beard only make him more handsome. Her heart flipped. His clothes still looked like they should have been in the shower with him. Now they were as neat as he could make them. Dez was almost disappointed that he had put his shirt back on. She had seen him working in the orchard without it. 

“Yes. Sure. Let me get you some coffee.” Dez was flustered. She had to do something and stop looking at him. She had to remember that he was in a bad way. Her hand shaking, she almost spilled the hot coffee on him. “Come. Sit down at the table.”

~~~~

Dez and Matt talked til it was almost dawn. Matt got up. He rinsed out his coffee cup, and set it upside down in the sink. He said he should go and thanked Dez for letting him in. “I’m glad that you trusted me to come here, Matt. Why don’t I make us some breakfast? Unless you have to get home?” Matt turned from the sink, leaned back on the counter, smiled “I think that’s a good idea, Dez. Unless you have to be somewhere.” 

“It’s the friends you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter.”

~ Marlene Dietrich

Chapter One, Episode 38 - Digby's Conundrum - Situationally Theirs ~ CONFIDENCE ~ Theme for May 2020

0

May 01, 2020

New theme for May

To begin this month of May, I will not be writing the usual group of stems I develop from each letter of the new theme word. Ordinarily those 'stems' become beginning lines of blog posts. I did this last month however, not pleased with the results, I am dispensing with this exercise. A different but happy coincidence is that today's writers group 'assignment' provided me with the first line for tonight's blog: 'It was the first day of May.'

Over the past month in fairly early pandemic times, my characters have shown times of great confidence or times of insecurity. Both are human traits that we all share. In that light, I have decided that this month’s theme will be Confidence. This story, the first for the month of May, highlights Digby’s most unusual lack of confidence. Digby’s Conundrum is written as much as possible in the language of Digby. Correct and clear. 

June 13, 2020

Review, Edit and Update: Not much to fix for Episode 38.

Digby’s Conundrum takes us into the privacy of Digby’s mind. A private and very reserved man, dealing with feelings is not one of his skills, nor is asking for help. However, when faced with a problem, Digby is resourceful, even in the face of discomfort.

Digby’s Conundrum 

It was the first day of May. Digby sincerely wanted to do something for Martha. Her birthday was coming up soon. Because he conducted all their employment interviews, Digby knew all the staff’s birth dates, not just Martha's. James Edward Digby, longtime butler for the Beaufort Estate, was troubled. Digby did not like feeling troubled. Problems or issues always had solutions. Some more difficult than others, but always solvable. This particular issue had become a constant worry in his otherwise ordered and orderly life. Sitting at his desk in his modest house just outside of the grounds of the Beaufort Estate, he was trying to prepare the Agenda for the upcoming Staff meeting. 

Giles, chauffeur for the Beaufort Estate, had pressed him on how he and Martha were when he visited one afternoon. Maintaining the correct social distance, and enjoying a lovely spring afternoon, they had taken their lunch and chairs to the orchard. Looking down the rows of newly flowering apple trees, Digby could not help but be reminded of Martha. He really couldn’t say what it was, because he had no facility with such words. When Giles tried to have him speak of any ‘relationship’ between he and Martha, he wanted to fidget, get up and return home. Digby, however, did not do such things. He maintained a professional demeanour at all times with his staff. Martha was, in fact, one of the staff. Exceptional in her work as Housekeeper for the Beaufort Estate, he relied on her judgement, her candour and her kindness. 

Digby had trained himself to carefully deflect any unpleasantness or issues of a personal nature using diplomacy and tact. He was praised by guests and staff alike, even Mrs. Beaufort, for this trait. This particular issue however had melted away his inflexible exterior. He had been unable to show his affection for Martha and at the same time maintain his professionalism. His father, his mentor and role model for his career, never seemed to have that problem. Was it because he was already married? He and Digby’s mother loved each other dearly. Was it because of his way of laughing at the simplicity of life’s issues? Or could it be that…..Digby stopped. His thoughts were running wild. This time, above all others, was when he missed his father’s counsel greatly. Giles had often reminded him of his father. They shared the same amusement and great sensitively to Digby’s plight. 

Would the staff meeting be the correct venue to show his affection or would it be dreadfully inappropriate? He hadn’t realized that the single red rose surrounded by carnations was a topic of speculation by the staff; bouquets that he sent regularly for the kitchen table. When asked for his speculation, Digby suggested that they may just for all to enjoy. 

Digby had his work to do. He knew he must set the agenda for this first staff meeting. The first since returning from isolation. Covid19 restrictions would have their place on the agenda. For this meeting, the main issue was how they would be returning to work. Would this be all on the same day? If so what restrictions were needed to maintain distance but allow the right work to be done? Which doors should be designated entry and exit? Mrs. Beaufort was next on the agenda. Digby was annoyed with himself. She should be first on the agenda. Initially, she was going to attend the whole meeting, an action very unlike her, however this had changed. At first, she had wanted to present some ideas of community outreach in aid of Covid19 relief. She had since told Digby that her only appearance would be a brief. 

Digby ordinarily created well-ordered agendas very quickly. Martha's face and voice continued to ruffle the otherwise calm waters of his mind. What am I to do, father? He could only imagine his father’s reply. Well, my boy ~ my all too serious boy ~ maybe you need to talk with somebody else. I’m no longer on your earthly plain. Who could you talk with? You know that even the greatest men need someone to talk with who are flesh and blood.” Digby often had such conversations with his father but often disturbingly more distant and unsatisfactory. Digby kept himself to himself and truly believed he had no need for a confidante. As long as he could remember his father clearly, there was no need. Giles had become the closest he could come to having that sort of support. 

But Digby still had the Agenda to clear up. 

1. Each staff member: ideas about return to work and plans.
2. Questions when Mrs. Beaufort is present:   
1. Job status
2. Pay status
3. Do we need a schedule for numbers of staff present each day.
4. Other precautions that need to be in place: gloves, masks, designated doors for exit and entry.

Digby was not satisfied with this agenda. Another ruffle in his placid world. The addition of items during a meeting were inconsequential.     Martha.     He should be angry with her for upsetting his clear and concise state of mind. But he just couldn’t. She was too much like the single rose in those bouquets. She had done nothing but be a gentle, kind and sweetly chatty woman. Martha reminded him of the one girl who had wrapped around his affections. It was the first of May. They were in high school in a tiny town in the Interior of B.C. Each year on the first of May, there was a May Day celebration. The town of Trumble didn’t have much to put it on the map except for their May Pole and the annual celebration. Digby remembered little of those years, especially when Charlotte was in his presence. A shy boy, young James was entranced by the young girls weaving patterns with beautifully coloured ribbons around the Maypole. One girl shone more beautifully than the others. Her long auburn hair glistened in the sunlight. Her face was aglow with her joy in the dance. Her creamy skin seemed almost translucent. Her laugh was so very musical. James could still remember that first MayDay. Charlotte Milford was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen in his life. Too timid, he only watched her from afar. At 56, he was still that shy boy. Should I not be able to approach Martha privately? Yes indeed. I know what I need to do. Talk to Giles. Find out the right way to do this, to talk with her outside of work. Digby set aside the frustrating Agenda and picked up his phone. 

“Good evening Giles. I have something I would like to discuss with you. I know it’s late tonight. Could you meet me tomorrow morning at the Estate? About nine?”

“Sure can, James. What’s up?”

“I have a personal matter I’d like to discuss. There’s something important I want to do. I need some advice about how to go about it.”

“From me, James? You usually have everything quite organized. Does it have anything to do with Martha?”

“Giles, I don’t wish to talk about the specifics over the phone. I’ll get to the Estate early to make coffee and warm up some of Cook’s cinnamon buns that you like so much.”

“Whatever you say, James. Coffee and Cook’s baking sounds great. I’ll be there at 9a.m. sharp.” 

“My feelings are too loud for words and too shy for the world.”

~ Dejan Stojanovic

Chapter One, Episode 37 - Vineyards, Orchards and Bees - Situationally Theirs

June 12, 2020

Review, Edit and Update:

Vineyards, Orchards, and Bees takes us out of the very narrow lives that Dez and Emmie have had to live due to Covid19 restrictions.

Punctuation repaired; sentence structure improvement, page break added for the last paragraph.

Vineyards, Orchards and Bees

The  garage smelled dusty, with just a faint odour of motor oil. Giles always loved coming into this garage. A garage used only for the three Estate vehicles. His garage had barely enough room for one vehicle. Boxes full of long forgotten treasures, old skates, shoes and skis, plastic cartons full of toys for babies and toddlers. There was even a beautiful carved-back wooden chair hung up on one wall like a Christmas ornament. Old bicycle tubes waiting to be patched. At least three boxes labeled 'Christmas'. Fingerprints on layers of dust that coated everything including the tiny window over the ancient workbench where a drill press was attached. He and Melanie had two vehicles. The only one that could park in the garage was his wife’s little car. It was always a squeeze to get out of it. The little mauve Toyota Echo faithfully took Melanie to her teaching job everyday. With all the schools closed, the ‘poor dear’ sat quietly waiting for the engine to be started up again. Giles smiled at the gentle way Melanie spoke of her car. ‘Well she’s my little friend, Giles. Don’t tease me.’ 

But the Estate cars ~ each with their own sign hanging from the garage roof by slender bronze chains: A sleek metallic bronze Jaguar. ~ A shining black Lexus ~ The deep red Silverado SUV. All were relatively new, purchased the year before Mister Michael passed away. Mrs. Beaufort had had no interest in the purchase or care of the cars then or in years past. She was extremely fortunate that Digby had hired Giles. Giles, who drove an eighteen year old Honda CRV, was not just a chauffeur, but a mechanic. He kept the cars in good running order, trouble shooting any problems. When it came to the computerized functions of these cars, he happily passed that skill over to the experts. 

A polished solid oak workbench stood in the far corner of the garage. In it, Giles kept motor oil, vehicle shampoo and polish, extra windshield wipers, as well as polishing cloths. Any tools were kept in very strict order. Before even checking the fluid levels and tire pressures, using two polishing cloths, he gently wiped the dust from the Lexus and the Jaguar. Many times Giles felt that he in a show room, rather that a garage. 

The SUV, however, was not in the garage, but parked at the back door. It had been recently washed and when he checked the levels they were all topped up. The tires had been appropriately inflated. Giles was impressed. Mrs. B. has been taking good care of this young lady. Giles, unable to see his employer within sight, poked his head in the back door and called out. “Anyone home? Mrs. Beaufort?……..Mrs. Beaufort?” When there was no answer, he looked around the yard again. She must be upstairs or out in the orchard. I wonder whether her sister has a car. They may not even be on the property right now. He patted the SUV on the hood as he passed, whistling his way to the garage and the two beauties within.

~~~~

Dez and Emmie, in Dez’s car, had gone exploring the country side. Being isolated gave them cabin fever. Expanding their horizons, but keeping within the Estate grounds or into Dez’s apartment felt quite exciting to begin with, but their restlessness grew. Outside of Hartley, Dez showed Emmie a part of the country she had never seen before. The closest she had come to being in any rural area besides her own orchard was when Giles drove her to the airport or to the ferry. “Dez, this is wonderful! I know what apple trees look like, but what are those? Are those grape vines?” 

“Of course Emmie, haven’t you ever seen where your wine comes from?” 

“Well of course I’ve seen beautiful glossy photos in magazines and on some of the bottle labels. So I do know what they look like, but when usually in full leaf. I haven’t seen them this early in the spring, like they have arms that stretch out linking each other all down the length of each row. I don’t suppose we could talk to the grape grower?”

“Let’s stop and ask. There’s someone working on the vines over there.” Dez kept her hands on the wheel and pointed towards the passenger side of the car.

“I see him. Let’s just go over to the fence and talk from a distance. I'm leaving my jacket in the car. That man is only in shorts and a sleeveless shirt. His big straw hat is wonderful.”

Pulling over into a field entrance, Dez parked the car. Traffic on the road was practically non existent, but they walked quickly across to the vineyard, shading their eyes from the glare of the sun. In the springtime silence, songbirds trilled and warbled from trees next to the vineyard. The occasional cry of a seagull punctured the air. Even Emmie’s voice lifted up and away to a cloudless sky.

“Excuse me sir. I am so interested in what you are doing. I’ve not seen vineyards at this time of year. “ 

“Well ma’am, before they leaf out, I check to see if there are any suckers at the base of the buds. That’s what I’m doing now. But there’s a whole more lot to taking care of all the vines. If I had time today, I’d invite you in and tell you a bit more, give you two ladies a tour.” The grape grower nodded and returned to his work.’’

“Emmie, looks like he’s done talking. I’ve another reason for bringing you out here. There are more orchards farther down the road with something I’d like you to see. The orchardist knows we’re coming.”

“What is it Dez? I love this adventure! Thank you. Thank you. It’s like I’ve been let out of a cage that I didn’t even know I was in. I know when we were kids we did this sort of thing, but I got so caught up in ‘the good life’ and then my grief, that I had forgotten how wonderful the countryside can be.”

“Here we are.” Dez turned the car into a long driveway lined with old elm trees. “This orchard has several different fruit trees, but it’s not the fruit trees we’re here to see. ……Hi, Matt. This is my sister, Emelina Beaufort. She has a small apple orchard. I’m taking on a beekeeping project for the orchard. I wanted to show her your beehives so she could see what kind of project she has approved for it.”

“Hi Dez ~ can’t give you a hello hug or even shake your hand."  Matt, tanned and fit, smiled warmly at Dez. "We’ll just keep our distance and be friendly anyway. Hello, Mrs Beaufort. I know of the Beaufort Estate. I assume you are that Mrs. Beaufort?” 

“So pleased to meet you, Matt. Yes, I am that Mrs. Beaufort, but please. Call me Emmie. So you have beehives?”

“Yep. Follow me…………

~~~~~

Emmie and Dez learned more that afternoon about bees and beekeeping than they ever knew existed. In the car again, driving back to the Estate, they discussed all the benefits that bees could bring to the apple orchard. A jarring reunion of these sisters on a night frightening and hopeless, their lives had become companionable and full of promise. Their mutual need and fragmented history seemed at the very root of their ability to thrive. 

“An apple tree is just like a person. In order to thrive, 

it needs companionship that’s similar to it 

in some ways, but quite different than others.”

~ Jeffrey Stepakoff

Chapter One, Episode 36 - Giles - Situationally Theirs

June 11, 2020

Review, Edit and Update : 

Editing Episode 36, there were issues of punctuation and spelling, with the addition of detail and one page break. 

Reviewing Giles, there was not only character development of Giles Thornton, but of family life within the restrictions of Covid19. Even the Thornton family dog, Chester, was given a nod. This episode also demonstrates a supportive relationship between Giles, the Estate chauffeur and Digby, the Estate butler.

Giles

The happy relief in Giles voice was obvious. The last person Digby had spoken with about the upcoming Staff meeting was the chauffeur for the Beaufort Estate. A slender man in late forties, he had been employed with the Beaufort family for almost as long as he and Martha and Cook. He had come on staff after the retirement of the previous chauffeur, Godfrey. Giles, good looking in a rakish sort of way, was a happily married man with four young sons. He doted on his wife and sons, family being central to his life. When Digby interviewed him, he made it clear to him that his family always came first. He went on to say that he was an extremely reliable employee, and recognized that his employment was the financial support for his family. His wife, Melanie, was a fifth grade teacher so their hours of work sometimes conflicted. However, a niece was ‘on call’ for such conflicts and for any other emergencies. Giles felt good about this arrangement, because he and Melanie knew they always had a back up plan. Secondly, they were contributing to his niece's university education. When he got home from the interview, Melanie asked whether he had explained their back up plan. She was beautiful and so good but she was always one to give too much information in Giles opinion. “Melanie, it’s just not relevant to whether I get the job or not. Never give the boss too much information about your personal life.” 

“But Giles, we need that job. This gentleman that interviewed you needs more than your word.” Melanie’s big blue eyes were damp, her forehead furrowed.

“Honey, it’s ok. He’s going to call me back by the end of tomorrow. He seemed more concerned about my driver’s license and experience, which is far better than information about baby-sitting arrangements.”

Although Digby was never one to instantly assess a character as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. In Giles case, he had already made up his mind. Conscientious almost to a fault, Digby completed each interview question. He was pleased to know that his instant judgment had been verified in black and white.  

~~~~~

Giles Thornton and Digby had become very good friends over the years. Giles was the only other man in daily employment on the Estate. Digby did enjoy the company of the women, including young Brigitte who drove a fine motorcycle. He had purposely left Giles til last when he contacted all the staff regarding the upcoming Staff meeting. He would never admit it, but he wanted extra time for a short visit with Giles, besides just telling him of the staff meeting. Hearing his happy voice was so very pleasant. 

Melanie, a consummate multitasker, was making sandwiches,  reviewing her online lesson plans, wiping a little one's tears and folding laundry when the phone rang. Giles was at the table with Peter, their second oldest son. "Giles - It's Mr. Digby. Here, I'll take over for you.......Peter, mommy will help you with that."

Breathless, Giles said “James! I am so, so glad to hear from you!” 

“My goodness Giles. I didn’t know that you would be so relieved to get my call. Are you all right? And all of your family? It sounds like you have a very busy household.”

“Of course, I’m all right, James. The whole fam-damly is in excellent health! So all right that in fact, I’m about to pull my hair out. It’s just that I’m not used to being at home for this long a stretch with Melanie and all four of the boys. You need me to come in don’t you? Please!” His laugh boomed through he telephone. “Melanie’s teaching from home on video chats. She’s on the phone between times with parents about to break down in tears with homework. All four boys hate doing their school work when they have a backyard that needs them. Chester, our dog, is the happiest when we’re all home like this. Sometimes the only quiet time I get is taking the dog for a walk. But usually I have one or all of the boys with me, so it’s more play time than quiet time. Am I running on and on while you’re wanting to tell me something?”

“It’s only about a Staff meeting I’m calling next week. We’re going to meet in the kitchen so we can maintain the distancing that Dr. Bonnie Henry, the Public Health officer, is asking us to maintain. The only other issue is the three estate vehicles. Will you be able to come by in the next couple of days to check them all for gas, oil, tires - that sort of thing. You know what needs to be done. Mrs. Beaufort and her sister have been driving the SUV quite a bit in the last couple of weeks.”

“Her sister! She has a sister? I didn’t think she had any family. That’s wonderful. She’s been so lost, and not all that pleasant, since Mr. Michael passed on. Are they close?”

“I’m not certain about how close they are. All I’m aware of is that, the night we abandoned Mrs. Beaufort to her own devices, she got a call in the middle of the night - I think from the city jail.”

“The jail?! Is her sister some kind of criminal?”

“No. No, apparently there was some kind of misunderstanding but for some odd reason Miss Desperanza couldn’t return to her own apartment. It had something to do with pandemic restrictions her apartment building had set, so she needed a place to stay. The two ladies were in isolation together out here where they stayed in the downstairs. Miss Desperanza slept in Martha’s room and Mrs. Beaufort stayed in mine.”

“Did they get along ok or do you know, James?

“They did have a difficulty or two. Since her sister has been with her, Mrs. Beaufort has been a different person. And a much nicer one. She and her sister have gotten groceries for both myself and Martha. I think Cook had a delivery as well.”

“Martha? How is she, James?”

Digby was silent for a moment, except for a slight clearing of his throat. “She is well. Enjoying her grandchildren even though it’s over Facetime. And your four fine sons?”

“You’re changing the subject on me, James. How are you and Martha?”

“I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about, Giles. 

“Oh, James. You don’t know what I’m talking about? Really? I’ve watched the two of you going over lists of things a little bit longer than necessary. Then the times I’ve come in from outside ~ you two having a cup of tea in the middle of the afternoon, with your special stash of cookies. Bringing flowers ‘for the kitchen table’ - ‘for everyone to enjoy’. Cook only wants flowers on the table at meal time, and then a nice low flower arrangement. Long stems of bright carnations with one rose in the middle of the bouquet? I'm seldom in the kitchen for very long, but I always hear about the flowers from someone.”

“Well, if you must know Giles, I do quite like her as a person. She is very good at her Housekeeper’s duties. She is also very kind. Other than that, there is nothing else. Do you have any questions. And none about Martha please.” Digby’s face was quite red and his collar was feeling dreadfully tight,

“Oh, all right James. I’ll leave you alone about Martha." Giles knew when to let well enough alone. "I’ll be to the Estate tomorrow, probably closer to noon, to check the vehicles and hope to meet this ‘new’ Mrs. Beaufort and her sister if they're out there. It was really good talking to you. When are you going to be at the mansion?” 

“I am going to the Beaufort Estate early tomorrow afternoon. Maybe we’ll cross paths. I could bring us lunch and we could eat outside if the weather is agreeable.”

~~~~~

James and Giles did in fact have lunch together the next day at the edge of the orchard. Not only was the weather beautiful and sunny, the apple trees were just beginning to blossom. Emelina and Desperanza, deep in discussion about beehives and beekeeping, arrived just as the men were finishing their lunch. Greetings and introductions were shared in the spring time sun.

“Conversation should touch everything, 

but should concentrate itself on nothing.”

~ Oscar Wilde