The Mandie Collection by Lois Gladys Leppard Page B

“Don’t know when Dad will come back for me, but it should be sometime this week.”
    John Shaw turned to them and said, “Well, let’s not everybody leave at once! I thought we could have a little party when the company arrives from Asheville.”
    The three young people grinned at each other. A party? What fun! Mandie had not the faintest idea as to the importance of the party or the people who would be visiting. She merely knew it would be her very first real party.

CHAPTER ELEVEN
    THE TRUTH REVEALED
    The return of John Shaw was truly a happy event in the household. Every piece of furniture in the house was polished, silverware was cleaned, the best linens laid out for use, and two guest rooms readied for the two mysterious visitors who were coming from Asheville.
    Mandie moved back to her room on the second floor. Joe also moved his things down to a room on the same floor. Everyone was excited, but no one could find out the names of the expected guests and John Shaw remained secretive about the whole thing.
    Polly’s mother returned and Polly moved back home, but came to visit Mandie every day. Joe received a note from his father saying there was a sudden outbreak of fever and he was needed so badly he couldn’t come for him until things were under control.
    Early one bright, sunshiny morning John Shaw drew Mandie off into the parlor.
    â€œToday is the day the company’s coming. Now, I want you to put on your loveliest dress and brush your hair until it shines—that is, if it will shine any more than it does already.”
    â€œOh, Uncle John, I’m so excited! I don’t even know these people, but I’ll do my best to look and act like a lady,” she promised him.
    â€œThat’s all I ask, and I know you will.” The old man smiled and her heart melted as the memory of her father’s smile flooded back to her.
    Mandie hurried off to her room and enlisted the aid of Liza to button her up in the newest dress that had been made for her. It was made of snow-white muslin covered with sprigs of bluebells that matched her blue eyes. Liza combed out her long blonde hair and let it hang loose in ringlets.
    â€œMiss Amanda, you are really and truly beautiful today,” Liza said, admiring the finished product.
    Mandie laughed nervously. “Why do you say that, Liza, because you made me that way with all your fussing?”
    â€œNope, you just got that natural bloom today. Wouldn’t doubt but that Joe boy tries to put some sugar on them lips if he catches you by yourself,” Liza teased her.
    Mandie blushed. “Oh, Liza, quit that silly talk. You know Joe has been my friend all my life. But, he’s not my boyfriend.”
    â€œNo, he ain’t no boyfriend yet, but I can tell he’d like to be,” Liza answered solemnly. “One of these days you’ll know.”
    â€œDo you really think so, Liza?” Mandie turned to stare at the black girl.
    â€œSho as I’m astandin’ here.” Liza crossed her arms over her bosom. “You wait and see. And ’member I told you so.”
    Mandie’s cheeks were still rosy. “Liza, do you think Uncle John will approve of the way I look?”
    â€œ ’Course he will. Now, you’d best be gittin’ on down there to the parlor and act like a lady. Company comin’ any minute now.” Liza hurried her down the steps to the parlor where Uncle John was waiting.
    â€œWhere’s Joe? Isn’t he dressed yet?” Mandie looked around.
    â€œFirst of all, my dear niece, you are absolutely lovely,” her uncle told her. “As for Joe, I sent him on an errand. He won’t be back for a while.”
    â€œOh,” was all she could say. She had been counting on Joe’s support at her side to meet these important strangers who were coming to visit.
    At that moment, there was the sound of creaking wagon wheels and horses stopping out front, and