Springtime in Savannah

Laura stroked the silvery-white curls on her grandmother's forehead until she fell asleep, and then tiptoed down the hallway to phone her mother and write a letter to her Aunt Dorothy. After a long shower, she felt refreshed. Since she had missed supper, she wrapped a silky turquoise robe over the matching pajamas and headed downstairs for a snack. It took her by surprise when she walked into the kitchen, finding Daniel in a deep conversation with Essie. With one sweep of her eyes, she assessed the situation. “What in the world is so important to discuss at this time of night?” She pointed to the clock, but looked directly at Essie.

“My dear, are we keeping you awake? Next time, we will whisper.”

“That’s not the issue! I certainly didn't realize you had a nighttime visitor!” She intercepted the wink Essie exchanged with Daniel. The combination of that action, coupled with his arrogant stance irked her more than she showed. She poured milk into a large glass and tossed the empty carton in the garbage, ignoring Daniel until he walked to the back door. “Come back when you can't stay so long,” she said to annoy him.

“Forgive me for disrupting your evening. I’ll talk to you both tomorrow. Good night.”

With some satisfaction, Laura immediately switched off the porch light so he could stumble around in the dark. “Okay Essie, what do you have to say for yourself? Why are you entertaining company in your bathrobe?”

“Oh fiddlesticks! Honey, you’re making a fuss about nothing.”

“Quit rolling your eyes! We were not properly dressed to entertain that man.”

“Why would you say such a thing? You're not indecent in your pretty negligee.”

“I never said I was indecent!” She intentionally switched subjects. “What did you discuss with Daniel ‘til midnight?”

“I reckon we discussed a wide range of subjects. Guess it is my bedtime. Good night and have pleasant dreams.”

“Wait just a minute! I still see that crafty glint in your eyes. You were discussing something that was none of your business. Admit it! You were siding with the enemy!”

“It could be that your name was mentioned once or twice. Would you like a slice of strawberry-rhubarb pie?”

“You're not buying me off that easy. Now tell the truth.”

“I always tell the truth. Sure, I admit to giving Mister Daniel a bit of my matchmaking advice. He needs help if he's going to win your heart.”

“Essie, you have no business complicating my life with that ambulance chaser!” She struggled for composure while Essie grimaced.

“I daresay, Miss Laura, that’s not a very Christian thing to say, young lady, especially without a shred of evidence.”

“Well if you need evidence, I will work on it in my spare time.” She didn't care that she was making absurd allegations.

“Hogwash! While you are courting such trouble, you will miss some spectacular sunsets.”

“I will consider your advice, whereas, you must be tuckered out. I imagine all this meddling has worn you to a frazzle.” Essie evidently caught her humor because she gave a hearty laugh. “I'm glad you find all this so funny.”

“Settle down and grab some shut-eye. I will fix you a batch of fried mush in the morning. Won't that taste yummy with butter and maple syrup?”

“That is both fattening and sugary sweet! Essie, stop bribing me.”

“I wouldn’t bribe you. I’m just aiming to lookout for your welfare, my little sweetheart.”

“Just like my father, you forget that I’m an adult. He still second guesses every decision I make.” She would have said more, but several disconnected thoughts clouded her mind.

“Sakes alive, girl! I’m not like Doctor Harold. He doesn’t have your best interest at heart. Let’s get to bed. Goodness gracious, would you look at the clock. How will I ever get my beauty sleep?”

“You should have considered that issue before you entertained Mr. Stanton till midnight.”

“Next time, I’ll bear that in mind.”

Essie showered her with kisses, and then trailed off to bed. In an odd mood, Laura stood alone in the kitchen, unconsciously lifting a dark suit jacket close to her face. All senses collided when she realized it belonged to Daniel. With trembling hands, she dropped it in a heap and ran upstairs.