Читать книгу The Marriage Portrait - Pamela Bauer - Страница 11

“Ladies, it’s time for new business,” Louella Gibbons, the chairwoman of the Minnetonka Mums, declared with a clap of her gavel. The garden club, composed entirely of senior citizens, had gathered for their monthly meeting. All talk of hybrids and pollination ceased as they looked to their leader.

“I believe Tessie has a request.”

All eyes turned in the direction of the white-haired woman who pushed her chair back and stood—all five feet two inches of her. With a somber expression on her face, she said, “I’ve decided to take you up on your offer to help with Michael.”

Murmurs of approval spread around the table, but they were quickly silenced as Louella said, “Order, ladies.”

Tessie continued. “I’ve given him plenty of time to do his thing, but as you know, he’s going to be thirty-five next month. I’m afraid if I don’t do something, it’ll be too late. I’m not getting any younger, either.”

“No, none of us are,” Agnes Dienhardt contributed.

“And we all know what’s happening,” Tessie continued.

“The pool’s getting shallower with every year that passes,” Francine Collona answered with an ominous shake of her head.

“You don’t want him to wait so long that it’s empty,” another Mum piped in.

“He definitely needs a little push in the right direction,” Agnes added.

“You all know I’m not the kind of mother to interfere, but…” Tessie trailed off.

“He’s leaving you no choice,” someone finished for her.

“Exactly,” Tessie stated with a knowing nod. “And I have good intentions. I only want him to be happy.”

“Of course. We all do. We love him, too,” Louella said on behalf of the group.

“Then you’ll do it?” Tessie asked, giving the group an encompassing glance.

“Of course, we’ll do it, but someone will have to make a motion,” Louella answered.

Betty Jean Greer raised her hand and said, “I move that the next project we undertake be the courtship of Dr. Mac.”

“I second,” another voice said.

“All in favor?” Louella asked.

A chorus of ayes could be heard.

“Anyone opposed?”

Silence.

Louella then decreed, “Passed. The Minnetonka Mums have agreed that they will do whatever they can to assist Tessie in finding Dr. Mac a wife.”

Tessie smiled broadly at the group of women gathered. “Thank you so much. You are the dearest friends a woman could have.”

“That’s what Mums are for,” Agnes reminded her with a pat on Tessie’s hand. “Besides, we’ve all been itching for you to give us the go-ahead. We have lots of ideas.”

Tessie smiled slyly. “That’s just what I wanted to hear. Should we get down to business, ladies?”