Phoebe told Helen, “I was wondering about them two cheques we got from Mr. Pelkey in the church. If I cash them in Dunadry, them cashiers down there know everybody and everybody knows them. I know it is all supposed to be very confidential with them but I meet them at church or social functions. Almost all their relations would be whispering. Aunt Helen, I feel very discreet in this matter. I was wondering if I signed them over to you then sometime when you’re down to Dell’s and Nancy’s I could get it off you.”
“Phoebe, I know exactly how you feel in matters of this kind. Well, Phoebe, I could give you cash for your fifty dollar one and that would give you pocket cash right away.”
“That would solve a problem. I called that using your head, Aunt Helen.”
“Phoebe, when I’m down there in a month or so I will bring you the rest of your money. And who knows who else may be thinking of you. Mr. Gilson tells me that them church records should sound like chocolate candy and it’s all because of your soprano voice in them. I can tell you, Phoebe, this is larger than we think. Well, Phoebe, we better be hitting the hay as they say in Dunadry.”
Lying in bed, Phoebe was analyzing the pros and cons of her first visit to the big city of Toronto. The big, classy club that was so appreciative of a country girl and her songs. Then her dander subconsciously arose. Why didn’t I take on that big blowhard when I had the police in reserve, that big pile of horse manure. There was the dingaling of the big streetcars. Nobody had the time to chat when they met each other on the sidewalks. Ah well, she thought, tomorrow she would be with Pop and Mom and Earl and Esther. They will be wondering where I got all the money to buy skis and skates. Maybe I better call Brian and ask him how his heifer is coming along. It will be great to see Dell and Nancy. Then she gently slipped off to dreamland.
Aunt Helen and Phoebe were up bright and early.
Phoebe said, “Aunt Helen, we are at the end of a wonderful two weeks.”
“Yes, indeed, I am going to miss you, Phoebe.”
Trevor and Joanne pulled into Helen’s driveway just after ten o’clock. Phoebe told Trevor that she was taking advantage of the free ride home, having all this freight to carry.
Aunt Helen gave Phoebe a great big hug and said, “I am going to miss you, honey,” with a little tremor in her voice.
To be truthful, Phoebe felt the same emotion. Eventually, they were off to the countryside. They whizzed on number two. The Duesenberg just cruised along with the ease and whisper of a Singer sewing machine. As they got further out into the country, Phoebe could see that a lot of farmers were doing their fall plowing. As they were cruising along. Phoebe was pointing out to Joanne the different phases of farming. As they cruised along old number two, sometimes a little bumpy, Phoebe pointed out to Joanne, “See that team over there, that’s corn stubble he is plowing. That team is really struggling. He should have another horse on that plow.”
They were now over a hundred miles along the highway. Phoebe said, “We will soon be turning south along the scenic route.”
They were now going east along the scenic route. All of a sudden Phoebe said, “Trevor, hold it.” Pointing to a field. “See, Joanne, the five deer way down there. That field of corn has just been picked, therefore good picking for the deer.”
Trevor parked the car and they observed the deer for some time.
Trevor said, “I wish that there was somewhere where we could all enjoy a coffee.”
Phoebe said, “We will soon be at our place. Then we can all enjoy a nice cup of tea and a serving of Mum’s good pie.
Trevor,. “That’s not my purpose of a stop, Phoebe. Joanne and I would like to have confidential talk with you over a cup of coffee.”
Phoebe, with a blush on her face, meekly asked Joanne if she had said or done anything to hurt their feelings. Joanne, recognizing Phoebe’s feelings, promptly said, “No, no, Phoebe, it’s about our wedding and such. Little things that crop up.”
Phoebe said, “Why can’t we discuss it right here?”
Trevor said, “I supposed we could but we would feel more relaxed over a coffee.”
Phoebe said, “Okay, there is about to be a place not too far from here.”
Joanne said, “Aren’t those deer beautiful.”
They motored along a few miles when they came to a pretty little secluded coffee shop.
Phoebe said, “All I want is a small coffee and a small butter tart. Otherwise, Mom will be disappointed if we do not enjoy her pie.”
Trevor said, “How about it Joanne, the same all-around?”
“That sounds good to me, Trevor. Phoebe, it’s about our wedding. If we invited you do you think you can accept?”
“Well, Trevor and Joanne, I have dreamed about it for sometime, thinking if you should. I would feel honored to have an invitation for your wedding. I have been to lots of weddings but none to compare to what I think yours will be. You have heard of a fish out of water. That would be me only I would be right into the frying pan. If it could be arranged that I could sing at your wedding in that big church, then after that that I had a little time to catch the slow boat to China. See, Trevor, me being a rural girl, I feel that I would be a social misfit. I’m sure that all the ladies will be sporting an escort.”
Joanne said, “Phoebe, I feel sorry that you feel like that.”
Trevor said, “Phoebe, there is no doubt about it, there will always been the odd snob. In most cities like ours, it’s hard to avoid them. Well, Phoebe, Joanne has a far-fetched dream. She has a brother. He is an airline pilot. He is tall and dark just like you. He is twenty-four and is married. His wife will be giving birth shortly after the wedding. Him and his wife are like two peas in a pod and very understanding. His name is Alfred and Joanne is just hoping and praying that he can be the best man. Would you be up to the challenge of being a bridesmaid? Before you reply, Phoebe, we are all well aware that these weddings cost hundreds of dollars. Now if you can see your way to meet the challenge, we would be more than pleased to supply your wardrobe. Being the person that you are, we are in a quandary.”
Phoebe said, “You hit me with a ton of bricks. I’m not saying no to you at this time but how long will it be before you have to have a definite answer?”
“Phoebe, we do not expect an answer at this time. Mull it over for a couple of weeks. But please say yes, Phoebe, for Trevor’s and my honor.”
“Well it’s six months or more Joanne, as they say before the execution takes place. As of now, Joanne, I would be a square peg trying to fit into around hole. If, for any reason between now and then, that you may have a change of plans, believe me I won’t have any hard feelings. As of now, I’m beginning to feel positive about the whole situation. Well, Joanne, how about making it a month of indecision? Is that okay? Joanne, if by then and I say yes and you and Trevor still accept me, I guarantee you that I will not use anybody for a crutch. I will stand straight and proud beside your brother, Joanne, not like a square peg in around hole but around pig driven securely into a barn beam to hold it firmly against storm, heat and sleet.”
Trevor sat upright in his chair and stretched his arms. “Well, Joanne, I suppose we can mark that as number one on our wish list.”
Trevor left a dollar for the tip, went over to the counter and paid the lady. The elderly lady said. “Now young people, have a good day.”
Phoebe said, “We had better be on our way. . The time is going fast.’
They had driven about twenty miles. Phoebe said, “We go south here for about half a mile. We turn east, then we are on the home stretch.”
They were driving along the country road with dust flying. Phoebe said, “This next crossroad that we will be crossing, I will show you something. Here we are. Joanne, look up there on the west side of the road. Seen that big hip roofed the barn. That is where my boyfriend, Brian, lives.”
“Well, Phoebe, that is the first time that I have you mention your boyfriend distinctly.”
“I know, Joanne. I shall see him tomorrow. Maybe tonight, who knows. No Trevor, the next farm on your right when you pull in. That is where we will leave this pouch. Dell is on the renovation committee. They will sure be thankful to get this godsend of cash.”
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