The Christmas Pony by Melody Carlson Page B

to say something before it was too late. “You can’t let Veronica talk George into taking her to that dance,” she proclaimed just as Mama pulled the string on the overhead light.
    â€œWhat?” Mama stood in the doorway, her silhouette framed in light.
    â€œVeronica will just keep pestering George,” Lucy explained. “And he’s so nice, he might give in.”
    â€œGive in to what?”
    â€œYou know what, Mama. He’ll take her to that dance.”
    Now Mama came back in, closing the door behind her and sitting down in the chair again. “What difference would that make, Lucy?” Her voice was soft and quiet in the darkness.
    â€œThe difference would be that George is falling in love with you.”
    Mama laughed in an odd way. “Oh, Lucy, your imagination is running away—”
    â€œIt’s not my imagination. It’s true.”
    â€œHow do you know it’s true?” Mama was whispering now, as if worried that someone might be listening.
    â€œBecause he kept asking about you when we got the tree.” Lucy thought for a moment, trying to recall if George had asked her not to mention this, but she couldn’t remember anything quite like that.
    â€œWhat was he asking?”
    â€œJust stuff , Mama.” Lucy felt anxious. “But you can’t waste time. You need to go out there and make sure Veronica doesn’t talk him into it. She can be awfully persistent when she wants something.”
    â€œSo I’ve noticed.”
    â€œPlease, Mama. You have to trust me on this.”
    Mama slowly stood. “I can’t make any promises, Lucy.”
    â€œJust try. Please. ”
    â€œGood night, Lucy.” Mama opened the door again. “I love you.”
    â€œI love you too, Mama—now hurry!”
    Lucy could hear the sound of their voices in the living room, and to her surprise it all sounded quite pleasant again. There was even laughter. Then, just as she was considering sneaking out of bed again, it sounded as if they were all saying good night. This was followed by the sounds of footsteps and doors closing, and Lucy knew that everyone had gone to bed and she’d have to wait until morning to find out how it went. Hopefully Mama had managed to prevent what could be a disaster from happening.

    On Saturday morning, Lucy was surprised by two things. First of all, she was surprised that Veronica was up in time to sit with them at breakfast. Dressed in an elegant green blouse and matching trousers, Veronica seemed fully awake and more intent than usual on keeping and maintaining George’s attention. The second surprise was discovering that George had pulled a fast one last night.
    â€œGeorge told me that the only way he’ll take me to the Christmas dance tonight is if Miriam goes too,” Veronica announced. “I’m not sure if he thinks we need a chaperone or if he just wants to walk in with two women on his arm, but he made it clear that it’s the only way he’ll go.” She turned to Mama, and Lucy waited hopefully. “You promised to sleep on it, Miriam. Have you made up your mind?”
    Mama placed her napkin in her lap. “I’m afraid I have to decline.”
    â€œOh, Miriam.” Veronica pursed her lips together.
    â€œWhy, Mama?” Lucy asked. “You should go to the dance and have fun.”
    â€œI agree,” Grandma said. “You should go to the dance. It’s been years since you’ve been to a dance.” She gave George a sly look. “Miriam used to be one of the best dancers in these parts.”
    â€œOh, Mother.”
    â€œIs that true, Mama?” Lucy asked eagerly.
    â€œNo, of course not. Your grandmother is exaggerating.”
    Grandma shook her finger. “It is so true.” She winked at Lucy. “Your mama and daddy used to go to the grange dances, back before you were born, and the word around town was that those two could