“Daughter, how be itwidya?” Papaasked.
“Fine, Papa. And it’s so good to see all of you,” she said in greeting to herfamily.
First, all the news had to be shared. Louisa was expecting her first child and Jacob and his wife were expecting their second. Mamma presented Susan with a crocheted bed jacket she’d made. And Papa emptied his pipe, refilled it, and lit it up again. It was good to behome.
Louisa found a moment to take Susan aside from all the activity and asked, “I’ve heard some rumors about you and Katherine’s brother. Are they true?” she asked with a biggrin.
“Depends on what you heard. Daniel and I have been seeing each other. And there is a mutual interest, but nothing isconcluded.”
“Why not?” Louisapushed.
“I don’t want to rush things. I’m very committed to being with Elizabeth for several years at least, and Daniel is constantly at sea. It’s difficult to see how things can develop much beyond us being friends at thisstage.”
“Oh, Susan, but he’s so-o-o handsome andmanly.”
“That’s true. But it doesn’t count for much when he’s neveraround.”
“Oh, but a beautiful seacaptain…”
“Louisa, you have a fine husband. Now let go of your littlefantasy.”
Louisa laughed. “Iknow.”
“And speaking of which, where is your husband? I want to find out what’s going on at my oldschool.”
“He’s talking toPapa.”
“I’ll let him be for now then. But I’ll corner him later,” Susansaid.
Mamma clapped her hands and announced, “Lunch is ready. Everybody come andenjoy.
The rowdy group was soon surrounding the kitchen table where the food was laid out buffetstyle.
It didn’t take long after lunch for parlor games to start up. And both her mother and father looked very happy with the house filled with all the noise and laughter. However, Susan could see that Elizabeth was fading fast. Not only had she been subjected to a lot of new stimuli, but it was nearing her nap time as well, so Susan gathered her up into her arms, and took her upstairs to her old room and lay her down on her bed. But Elizabeth was already asleep before Susan could take her shoes off and pull the comforter up overher.
And to be honest, Susan was a bit exhausted as well. She lay down on the bed next to Elizabeth to close her eyes for just a moment before she went back downstairs. But she drifted off to sleep and didn’t awaken until Louisa shook her and whispered, “Here you are. We wondered what happened to you. Come back down, people are starting to leave and want to say good-bye.”
“Oh, my…” Susan said as she sat on the edge of the bed and shook off her sleepiness. “I’ll be right down. I just need to check on Elizabethfirst.”
Louisa left and Susan, seeing that Elizabeth was still asleep, gave her a kiss on the cheek and went down to say good-bye.
* * *
Elizabeth sleptthat night in Susan’s bed and in the morning they awoke to a bright sunny day. The air was crisp and there was not a cloud in the sky. Susan decided she and Elizabeth would walk over to visit Katherine. Susan had dropped her a note from Haverford, saying they would be visiting, but had not mentioned bringingElizabeth.
“Darling Susan,” Katherine greeted with open arms, after answering the front door. She looked down and saw Elizabeth. “And who do we have here? Miss Elizabeth, do you remember me?” Katherine asked as she knelt down to the girl’sheight.
“You played with me at home. I remember. I’m not a dummy, youknow.”
Katherine laughed. “You certainly are not.” Katherine stood up. “Come in, come in. O-o-o, there’s a chilly breeze,” she said as she rubbed her arms to warm themup.
Katherine led the way down the hall to the sitting room. “Tea?”
“That sounds lovely,” Susan said. “Would you like some?” she asked Elizabeth who noddedeagerly.
They followed Katherine into thekitchen.
“Any wedding news?” Susanasked.
