Dinner at Six

Johnny showered and changed into a pair of slacks and a new shirt Amanda had bought him came out his bedroom as ready as he was ever going to be to meet Amanda’s Mum.

“Is it too early?” he asked Amanda.

“No she said to be there by six we’ve got about ten minutes, you look nice Johnny.” She smiled.

“Seems like this is a day for interviews hope this one goes as well as the first.” He brushed a bit of lint from his pants.

“Don’t worry its only Mum, she won’t have you for dinner.”

***

“Now you’re not to come on like some Victorian hausfrau Bess,” Miss Winnie Peeg said to her sister.

“I beg your pardon, I’m very modern in my thinking we did after all grow up in the same household. Mother was a very forward thinking woman for her time you know.”

“Yes she was and a good thing considering your rushed wedding, you must keep that in mind.”

“But you said they weren’t well that you didn’t think they were romantically involved…at this point anyway.”

“I have no idea what goes on in Amanda’s cottage and consider it none of my business Bess.” Winnie gave a final pat to her up do. “I do know he is a very nice and considerate young man. He’s just had a rough go of it.”

“He’s not even employed what does he live on…you don’t think Amanda is keeping him do you?”

“I should imagine she is and that was her choice to make. It’s her money Bess and she’s past the age of consent.” Winnie stood up and grabbed her purse.

***

The two sisters descended the stairs together and the sight of them brought Mr. Henry Jessup to his feet in the Tavern.

“What a vision, there are two of you,” he smiled bowing slightly.

Bess looked to Winnie who looked to Bess.

“Good evening Mr. Jessup,” Winnie said smiling, “this is my sister Bess Rammond, she’s here visiting for a few days.”

“How honored I am to meet a member of Winnie’s family,” he said kissing Bess’s hand.

“Oh, dear well thank you Mr. Jessup is it?”

“Yes, but you can call me Henry.”

Having finally extricated themselves from Mr. Jessup they moved to the restaurant where the hostess greeted them.

“Oh no there will be four of us, oh here they are now,” Winnie said turning as Amanda and Johnny came in. Johnny was all slicked up she noticed and smiled.

“Oh he’s taller than I expected,” Bess said smiling and hugging her daughter, “I’m Mum,” she extended her hand to Johnny.

“Johnny Ryan, pleased to meet you.” Johnny managed.

They were seated and menus handed around, “Well now Johnny I understand you had a bit of a fall?” Bess began.

“Yes Mum, I did missed a step right out there and fell down the stairway broke me ankle.”

“He’s just put away his crutches Mum and is able to drive now.” Amanda added.

“Hmm I see.” Bess said actually liking the young man he certainly was handsome enough.

“Amanda became his nurse Bess, he wasn’t able to take care of himself when he came home from hospital and had no one else to look after him properly.” Winnie explained.

“I didn’t, me Mum is down south and well Andy helped me out some when he could but Amanda was the one.” Johnny looked fondly over at Amanda.

“He got hired on today Auntie Win,” Amanda said

“Did you at Glenridge Station, oh how wonderful.” Winnie beamed.

“Yes I start on Monday, had an interview this afternoon with the foreman.”

“That’s very nice,” Bess said, “I must say I was quite surprised to find Amanda had a young man living with her and that her um spare room was taken,” she glanced at her daughter, “she neglected to tell me that so I wasn’t prepared.”

“It was a godsend actually because I couldn’t manage the steps you see, I was like a prisoner in the room upstairs. I always felt guilty about the room too.”

“Guilty, why?” Bess asked.

“Well it was Amanda’s room, I took her bed you see.” Johnny said sipping his water.

Bess’s eyes popped, “You stayed in Amanda’s room…her bed?”

“Yes Mum and I stayed in his bed, there were more stairs up to the attic rooms. It all worked out perfectly though we’re now comfortable in the cottage.”

“Well I expect now that you’re able to work and are mobile again you’ll be finding your own accommodations?” Bess asked

“No Mum, I expect he’s going to stay.” Amanda smiled looking across the table at her Auntie Win who smiled back nodding her head slightly.

Bess raised her brows but looked down at the menu smiling to herself, Amanda had a young man of her own she must speak with her, she should be careful and not get caught like her Mum did. “What do you recommend Winnie?”

“The new chef is in the kitchen tonight, I’d opt for the specialty.” Winnie Peeg smiled around the table, ah it was going to be a nice evening.