Emmie 19

Saturday morning and Emmie set off for church again to do the flowers. In the hall Dorothy was already there with her arms full of chrysanthemums, all glorious yellow and burnished red and gold. They aimed to keep the arrangements quite simple, letting the vibrancy of the colours speak, uncluttered by frippery and artifice. Their underlying principle was to strive for adornment rather than decoration and they usually achieved it before lunchtime.

By 12:30 they were finished and walked the short distance round the corner to the "Copper Kettle". It was a popular spot and tended to get very busy on market days and Saturdays and so they booked a table every other week for the two of them between 12:30 and one o'clock. As they opened the door they were met by the welcoming clatter and chatter of the lunching occupants, mainly ladies of a certain age and style. They ordered quiche and salad and shared a large bottle of still water.

"Have you heard from Yasmin?" Dorothy enquired, between mouthfuls.
"No, not a word. I was thinking about her yesterday when I dozed off in church. I imagined her turning round and smiling with a wave. And the next thing I knew was Fr Costello waking me up -very embarrassing."
" I hope it wasn't an omen!"
" I hope not. Jenny is coming over tomorrow afternoon, so I will know more then. I think she would have said if anything major had happened."
" Yes I'm sure."

When they had finished they ordered two coffees. The young girl asked if they would like to see dessert menu. Dorothy demurred but Emmie said she would treat herself and ordered a slice of Sacher Torte with whipped cream. When it arrived Emmie smiled appreciatively and savoured the first delicious mouthful. She looked up to see Dorothy smiling at her. "What?"
" I was just thinking, some of us have to watch our waistlines."
" Never seemed to be a problem with me."
" No I know, you're lucky that way."

After the dessert and the coffees they settled their individual accounts and manoeuvred their way toward he door. With a nod and a smile, they went their separate ways. "See you in the morning." Dorothy called out.
Emmie turned back. "I'm not sure. I may go this evening and leave Sunday free."
" OK I will see you later in the week. Let me know the news if there is any."
" I will. "

Emmie smiled at the michaelmas daisies at her garden gate and put it in mind to sweep up the first fallen autumn leaves from the path. She let herself in and closed the door slowly behind her. It was a gloomy afternoon and the hall way was quite dark. She switched on the hall light and there, hanging on the newel post at the end of the bannister, was the brocade shopping bag.
Her voice quavered, "Yasmin ?" She called.

JL Oct 20 19:04