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Thirty-Four

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  During the next several years between 1913 and 1918, Jennie often thought back on the pondside conversation with her grandfather. He gave additional advice with which she was in total agreement. “Jennie,” he had said, “while others might tell you to follow your heart, I have seen how you have a practicality about you which is not given over to sentiment. You have gotten where you are through hard work, perseverance, clear-headedness, and most of all, you have followed your faith.” “Thank you, Grandfather.” Jennie raised her head and turned toward her paternal figurehead. “I doubt others have this insight. Indeed, until this moment I had not summarized my efforts in such a manner. You know, now that I think of it, you once described qualities your German ancestors had who spent a century in Ireland before your father immigrated to the United states. Faith. Hard work. Perseverance.” “Well, Jennie, sometimes those old Stark qualities we are talking about skip a generation.” “You mea...
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Thirty-Three

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  The morning after Victor’s appearance, the four inhabitants of the house gathered for breakfast. Aunt Ella passed the bacon to Jennie and noted that the latter seemed pre-occupied. “I have a lot to think about.” “Such as Mr. Hornback?” Grandmother Stark was feeling well enough to join her husband, daughter, and granddaughter for the morning meal. “I understand he visited yesterday with serious matters to discuss.” “That is something our Jennie may not wish to discuss, dear,” J.K. interjected. “Thank you, Grandfather, for your recognition that I am unprepared to converse on the topic. Mr. Hornback caught me unaware of his intentions.” “But Jennie,” Aunt Ella interrupted, “I have clearly observed your affection for Mr. Hornback and cannot imagine you not jumping at the chance to marry him.” Jennie nibbled at a piece of bacon she held with her right thumb and forefinger. And did not reply. “David informs me we should have a bumper crop of corn this year. Good thing, since last year ...
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Thirty-Two

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Hearing Jennie’s quick steps going up the stairway with Ella’s plodding ones just after, J.K. Stark peered out the parlor window. He could see Victor Hornback placing his hat on his head, then shifting his weight from one foot to another, not moving from the porch. J.K. opened the door and ventured out. “Mr. Hornback, is anything amiss of which I should be aware?” “Mr. Stark, good to see you again. I don’t quite know what to make of what just occurred.” Victor shook his head and placed his right knuckles on his belt, his elbow akimbo. “Mr. Hornback, Miss Jennie’s aunt may be able to inform us both in a short while. Meanwhile, if you will excuse me, I need to sit. Please join me.” Victor reassumed his position on the porch swing, Grandfather Stark across from him in the wicker chair. The latter crossed one leg over the other, his hands clasping his knee. The junior man cleared his throat. “I assure you, Mr. Stark, that I did nothing to upset Miss Stark. I was, in fact, stating the facts...
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Thirty-One

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  Jennie giggled at the sight of Victor being off-balance. She arose from her chair, manners dictating she do so because an elder was standing nearby. The same forces required her to ask her aunt if she would like to join them. Victor brought a nearby rocking chair close to the porch swing and wicker chair. “Would you care to sit here,” he indicated the rocker, “or perhaps on the swing?” “Thank you, Mr.… Hornback was it? Jennie, if you do not mind, I prefer your wicker chair because it is the easiest one from which I can later arise.” Victor quickly maneuvered the wicker chair so that they formed a little circle. He held onto it until the elder lady was seated. “Yes, it is Hornback. I believe that when you visited the Brookfield Methodist Church, you met my mother.” “Oh, now I do recall the occasion. A fine Christian lady, your mother. I believe she travelled a lot, and she regaled us with tales of her adventures.” “Well, yes, she often visits our distant relatives and friends. Sin...
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