The Wilful Daughter by Georgia Daniels Page A

saw June standing behind her brother. Willie detected the faintest glimmer of recognition was in the man’s eyes and then it was gone. He looked up at June, saw her disappointment and then looked back at the musician who was still living down the praises of the Brown family.
    “ I see,” the Piano Man said, “We have been joined by some more family members.”
    The Blacksmith stood as did the Piano Man. The older man was by far taller and bigger. “Indeed, indeed, Mr. Jenkins. My son William Brown the Second and my daughter June Brown.”
    The Piano Man came over and shook Willie’s hand. He had a firm grip for such thin fingers. Then with a swift gentlemanly motion he took June extended hand, kissed it and said: “Enchante, mam’selle.” June blushed.
    “ Nice to meet you, Mr. Jenkins.” She spoke softly, not trying to be obvious. But Willie could see that this man was had an affect on her.
    “ Peter, please. You must all call me Peter,” the Piano Man said.
    “ Well, Peter,” the Blacksmith said walking over to the piano, “You have graced our home with the most wonderful music. Could we offer you some refreshment? Some of my wife’s delicious lemonade perhaps?”
    “ Yes,” cried Fawn beaming. “Please stay and have some.”
    “ I’ll get it,” sighed Rosa. “There’s some cake left from dinner that you might enjoy.”
    “ I’ll get it,” Jewel grinned. “Rosa’s cake is a little dry, but we have some left over cobbler.”
    “ Ladies, many thanks but lemonade will be just fine.” They all smiled and blushed and hurried off to get it. All except Minnelsa who was sitting next to her mother, and June who had no intention of leaving the Piano Man’s sight.
    The Blacksmith went back and sat in his favorite chair. He hinted for the Piano Man to sit down next to the minister. The reverend politely stood when Willie was sure his father winked. “Well, Mr. and Mrs. Brown, I must be going. I have few things left to do this evening. Must call on Sister King. Rheumatism got her down.”
    “ Sorry to hear that,” Bira said in her usual soft spoken voice. “Give her my regards and tell her I’ll come to check on her tomorrow.”
    The preacher nodded. “Certainly. Mr. Jenkins I trust you can find your way back to Mrs. Maples?”
    “ I’m sure he can.” The Blacksmith chided. “If he can’t, Minnelsa will show him the way.”
    The Piano Man turned and smiled to Minnelsa and Willie felt something tight grab his shoulder. He looked up and saw one thin tear trickle down June’s cheek. He had known it all along. Papa and the preacher had conspired to bring this man into the house. A man to be Minnelsa’s husband. It was sad enough that June was about to die, her heart broken in two, but worse was the crushed look Willie saw on Minnelsa’s face as she realized what was happening to her.
    The moment the screen door slammed Minnelsa stood up: “I think I’d better hurry my sisters along with that lemonade.”
    ‘ Nonsense,” said her father. “Stay here with us for a while. June,” he said without even turning to look at his daughter, “Go hurry your sisters along.”
    At first she was too shocked to move. Willie knew she wasn’t prepared for being taken away from her Piano Man. Papa was about to ask the musician something when he turned. “June, did you hear me?”
    She looked longingly at the Piano Man but he didn’t notice her for he was talking to her mother and older sister. Silently she turned and left the room.
    My God, was all Willie could think.
    The sisters returned with the lemonade in a crystal pitcher and sparkling crystal glasses. These were the ones reserved for special family occasions and special visitors like the minister and those people who were considered pillars of the community.
    Willie watched. It didn’t happen quickly. It happened cleverly and Willie witnessed it all.
    The Piano Man stood as Fawn poured the long fingered man a glass of lemonade and commented: