Cause for Celebration

Johnny pulled up in front of Miss Peeg’s cottage and reached over and squeezed Amanda’s hand, “you don’t think she’d gonna be upset do ya?”

“Auntie Win, I doubt if she’ll even be surprised,” Amanda reached for the door handle.

“Amanda dear, I thought that was you, come in…and Johnny,” she smiled and received a kiss on her cheek.

Amanda came in to the lounge, “Hi Mr. Stanley.”

“Oh, please call me Michael, in presence of such youth and beauty I feel old enough already.”

“Hello, sir,” Johnny shook his hand.

“Johnny, I heard you’d gone to sell the family farm how did that go?”

“It’s sold,” he grinned.

“Ah, well that calls for a celebration…”

“I’ll put the kettle on,” Winnie went into her kitchen followed by Amanda. “Would you do the tray dear?”

“Are these cups okay?”

“Well they’re the only ones I have, there should be biscuits in the tin. How are you dear, after that nasty business at the kindy?”

“Oh I’m great, I had to make a statement and I did press charges.”

“Quite right to do so. Mr. Roberts is her solicitor,” she raised her brows.

“I know…I suppose someone has to be.” She watched as her aunt spooned tea into the pot.

***

“What will you do now that you’ve sold the farm are you going to invest in another?”

“I already have, I bought the old Randall place just before you turn off to The Glen.”

“A man of property now…”

“Yes sir, I figured it was far enough away from the cattle stations not to be a problem.”

“What are you going to do with it?” Michael asked.

“Sheep, raise sheep…lambs for the market and sheep for the wool.”

“I like a bit of lamb…this is an exciting day for you,” Michael could see it in his face.

“It’s more than just the farm…I’ll wait until Amanda comes back in.”

“Ahhhhh,” Michael smiled.

“Here we are a nice cup of tea,” Miss Peeg set the tray down.

“Auntie…there’s something Johnny and I would like to tell you.”

“Yes,” She raised her head from the pouring.

“I’ve asked her to be my wife…and she said yes.” A smile broke over his face, he was beaming.

“What wonderful news, I am so happy for you both…this is cause for a celebration. Have you told your mother?”

Amanda leaned her head back, “Um no…not yet you’re the first to know outside of Nell at Andy’s.”

“Well then, let’s celebrate whilst we can,” Miss Peeg handed out the cups of tea.