Back to Jerusalem

by Jan Surasky

  “I will, Aunt Gert. Thanks for the help.”

  “Oh, forget it, Jen. You are my favorite niece, not just because you’re my only one. Now, let’s stop clipping the orchids and give Josh some quality time.”

  Sparky took a different tack.

  “Why don’t you hire a nanny for Josh, take up painting and get famous, and give Bud the heave-ho?”

  “Thanks, Sparks, for the sympathy. But, I suppose I could work harder at this marriage. I’ve gotten pretty tied up with Josh.”

  “Well, for gosh sakes, he is an infant. And, you’re his mother. It’s supposed to work that way.”

  “Well, maybe I’ve let myself go. Mother says I should improve my wardrobe. She says it makes Bud look bad if I don’t keep up.”

  “Well, I don’t know that she was a glamour queen when you were growing up, but I wasn’t here.”

  “She says it was different for her. She was only the wife of a farmer. But, she always made sure she looked good, getting her hair done at Mayva’s every Saturday and getting the latest at Hal Barker’s apothecary and dry goods when the shipments came in.”

  “Well, I think you look pretty good to me, Jen. You’re gorgeous. Just maybe a bit underappreciated.

  “What say we put some effort into getting that field plowed. Josh looks content with two dogs and three cats looking after him. This should tone your muscles without a morning workout with Jack LaLanne.”

  As Jenny helped plow, beads of sweat rolling down her forehead, her jeans and her tee stained with streaks of earth, she thought of the many sunny afternoons she had tagged after Father as he perched her alongside him to till the earth and make it fertile. As she helped Sparky, she felt the wind suddenly on her shoulders, bringing a cool breeze to her sun-soaked long, sandy-brown pony-tailed hair.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Jenny rang the bell of the parsonage as she stood not far from the bright red enameled front door of the white frame church. Pastor Wycliff Lyndley answered the door, his dress a pair of jeans and a soiled white tee shirt.

  “Come in, Jenny. Sorry for the attire. I was just attending to a burst pipe in the basement. Saves the congregation a few dollars.”

  “Thank you, Pastor Lyndley. It’s nice that you are so handy.”

  “Well, it’s definitely a learned skill since I’ve been living here. Please call me Cliff. That way we don’t have to be so formal.

  “I’ve seen your mother on Sundays, Jenny. She is very proud of you. She feels you made an excellent marriage.”

  “Well, that is some of the reason I’m here. I appreciate your seeing me.”

  “Would you like some tea or coffee?”

  “Oh, thanks. Could I help you make it?”

  “No need, Jenny. I have become a very handy bachelor and a fair cook. What say we get right down to business. I’m sure your time is valuable, since I understand you’re also a mother.”

  “Oh, yes. Josh is eighteen months now.”

  “How nice. I would love to see some photographs later if you have some.”

  “I do. What a pretty table you have laid out.”

  “Well, my mother, who lives a distance and can’t visit often because of ill health, insists on a red-checkered table cloth. The oatmeal raisin cookies are here not only because they’re my favorite, but because she thinks I will starve without her care packages.”

  “Well, perhaps she’s right. How nice to have a mother who looks after you so well.”

  “Please sit. Shall we get down to business? Can you tell me why you’ve come to see me on such a nice, bright, sunny afternoon?”

  “I’ve come to see you about my marriage. It’s a bit strained lately.”

  “How long has this been going on?”

  “Oh, mostly since I quit working full-time at the agency. Bud was mad that I decided to stay home with Josh.”

  “How does he feel about having a family?”

  “He seems pleased to have one. He just doesn’t think it should take any work.”

  “Well, he’s never had one. And, he is heir to a business that he knows takes work.

  “Do you and Bud ever have ’alone’ time?”

  “I try to get Bud to take some. But, he’s very resistant. He is very dedicated to the agency.

  “I have planned nights out, sometimes alone, sometimes with friends of Bud’s. But, he never seems satisfied with me. He either feels I don’t talk enough, or I talk too much and don’t fuss enough over his friends.”

  “What do you want to keep going in this marriage?”

  “I see a home for Josh. And, a home for me, of course. I try to make a good home for Bud so he can relax when he gets there.”

  “What attracted you to Bud in the first place?”

  “Well, I was very flattered that he preferred me over the other girls. He was very popular, you know. He was so very handsome, and he was the high school football star.”

  “Did you like being with him?”

  “Well, Bud was always a lot of fun.”

  “How well did you know other boys? You were an only child, without a brother to learn how boys might think. Did you have a friend who you could get to know well who might have given you those clues?”

  “I had Jake. But, he was a Mennonite. Mother didn’t approve of Mennonites.

  “When the Martins moved in next door, Jake and I became instant friends.”

  “What did you and Jake do when you were together?”

  “Mostly, in the beginning, we used to play with his sisters and brothers. Then, when they got busier, we used to meet in my family’s hayloft after the chores were over.”

  “What did you talk about?”

  “Everything. My social life. Our families. Our hopes and dreams.”

  “Did you ever try to talk to Bud like that?”

  “Sometimes. But, Bud doesn’t seem interested.”

  “Well, maybe we can find out where some of the problems lie. I think we should end our session now. If Bud won’t come with you to see me, maybe we can talk on a regular basis or when the need arises. You be the judge, Jenny. But, know that I will always be here for you. You can call me at any time. You have my number.”

  “Thanks, Cliff. I so appreciate it. I do feel like I have a friend in you.”

  “See you next time, whenever you decide. In the meantime, treat yourself well. You deserve it. You are a lovely, talented woman, Jenny. I hope we can get you to see that.”

  As Jenny headed home, she made a mental note to ask Sarah for a Saturday to stay with Josh. She would travel to Syracuse, maybe take Sparky with her, and add to her wardrobe the most sophisticated outfits she could find. Some new lingerie as well.

  Maybe she had let herself go as Mother suggested. Maybe Bud’s absences were her fault as he insisted. When did marriage stop being a symbol of hope and become a prison of doubts?

  Jenny stepped on the gas. All about her, the mist of a recent rainfall was glistening on the lawns of the small, shabby houses she was passing, turning the grasses a beautiful emerald green which sparkled like Irish crystal. Jenny barely took notice.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  “Why do we have to go so far for dinner? Can’t you make something, or can’t we go into town to Capn’s?”

  “Cliff thought it would be nice if we took some time together to have a sort of “date“. He said couples should pay attention to their romantic side.”

  “What do you listen to him for, Jen? He isn’t even married.”

  “He has a degree in counseling. Besides, we haven’t been out in ages. I thought we might take in a show or movie as well.”

  “I’m not going to see those sissy dancers playing at the Opera House. Maybe a movie, if it’s got a lot of action. Not one of those art things you like.”

  “We can check out the Cinema when we’re there. We better get going. Josh needs his bath, and then I’ll be ready.”

  “Okay, I’ll go down and get the car gassed up.”

  The ride to
Belham’s Castle, where Jenny had made reservations days earlier, was silent. The trees and the fields looked positively artful beneath the setting sun.

  As they walked up to the imposing red door of the former mansion, Jenny noticed the sparkle and the shadows of the old, stone exterior. “We haven’t been here since the prom. Do you remember, Bud?”

  “Of course I remember. Whit had his Jag then. And, that’s the night we all met Katt.”

  “Right. It was the first time I had been here. The dinner was so lovely.”

  “Let’s get a move on. Maybe I’ll have time to get back to the office.”

  Jenny swallowed her hurt. “Tonight is our night, Bud. No Josh, no office, just us.”

  “Well, okay, let’s see what they have to eat.”

  As the hostess seated them at a table Jenny had requested with the reservations she had made three days earlier, along the bank of windows at the old front porch, Bud began to relax.

  “Hey, Babe, what are you going to get?”

  “I don’t know, Bud, I haven’t seen the menu yet.”

  “Well, I could go for a nice, big old steak. We haven’t had one since Mayer’s Meats moved out and we have to go to the Market Basket or the Mart.”

  “I hear that Jeb Martin’s going to get some better meat at the Mart. Maybe things will get better.”

  “I hope so. A man’s gotta eat.

  “Say, Jen, here’s a steak dinner for two. Filets and New York strip. Wanna get it?’

  “Sure, Bud. Sounds good.”

  “And how about a bottle of wine to go with it? Would you like some Cabernet? Whit’s favorite wine.”

  “Sounds positively gourmet.”

  As the waiter returned to take the order, Jenny found herself staring out over the lawn, its deep green manicured grass dotted by heavy, old freshly-painted white chairs and grand old elms and oak trees. The blue water of the lake still sparkled in the softly setting sun.

  “Hey, Jen, what are you thinking?”

  “I’m thinking that would make a beautiful painting.”

  “Would, Babe, but those days are over for you. You’re a wife and mother now.”

  “I was thinking that as Josh gets older, maybe I can take some art lessons.”

  “Well, I wish you’d think about coming back to the dealership. Dad is furious because we had to hire someone to take your place.”

  “I want to be home for Josh, Bud. Maybe when he goes to school.”

  “It’s our bread and butter, Babe.”

  “I know.”

  “I thought I was getting a gal who could get out there and schmooze. For gosh sakes, Jen, Mandy’s better than that. And, she’s just a kid.”

  “Of course. She doesn’t have a baby to take care of. She’s got plenty of time on her hands.”

  “Yeah. And, she knows how to dress.”

  “Of course, she can spend her whole salary on her wardrobe.”

  “Well, the guys like looking at her. And, sales have risen.”

  Jenny tried hard to quell the hurt that was running through her. She wanted desperately to have a nice evening.

  “I’ll try harder, Bud. I’ve arranged to go shopping with Sparky in Syracuse on Saturday.”

  “Why her? She wouldn’t know a chic outfit from a pair of overalls. You should take Katt. Now, there’s a girl with a sense of style.”

  “This wine is good, Bud. Where’s it from?”

  “France, of course. Can’t you tell? It’s the real stuff.”

  “You’ve always been so good at picking wines.”

  “I learned early from Whit. He’s got connections all over the world.”

  “How’s he doing with Katt?”

  “I don’t think he should be going after her. She’s too restless. She just wants to have fun. He should be looking for someone to settle him down.”

  “Well, he’s pretty stuck on her.”

  “We’ll see. He’s also got a big job setting up that new office in Hawaii.”

  As they spoke, the waiter came with a tray of carefully balanced dishes. A hot metal plate with a sizzling steak which he prepared to slice on a separate silver cart, and perfectly whipped potatoes which he piped around their individual servings.

  As they ate, Bud pushed Jenny to eat so they could order dessert.

  “I think I’ll go back to the office, Babe. I’ve got a big contract for several cars in Westchester County.”

  Jenny gave up on trying to make this a special night. As she looked at Bud, talking about everything and yet nothing, she wondered where the football hero had gone. The team player. In his place was a man who was already looking haggard, somewhat thick around the middle from too many boozy nights entertaining prospective clients.

  She promised herself she would get out there and do what Bud asked. She would buy herself some frilly outfits and some new makeup and entertain prospective clients as well. After all, it was her bread and butter, like Bud had said, and it was Josh’s also.

  As Bud paid the check, Jenny looked around at the old, wide circular staircase and the antiques that were scattered all about the former mansion. As they left, the romantic aura of a former era and a dinner by the beautiful, manicured grounds overlooking the pristine waters of a beautiful, blue lake all but disappeared. The glow remained only by looking at the sky, now clear and dark and full of the bright shine of the moon and the stars all twinkling about it.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Jenny looked round the great hall now used only for banquets and large parties. The outside clapboard of the Penn Yan Country Club had a new coat of paint thanks to Leland and Mary Lou Anderson. The great hall was newly painted as well. Mauve, as Mary Lou had specifically instructed. There was a small plaque in the corner commemorating their generosity.

  A large orchestra, imported from New York, was playing a batch of oldies, allowing couples from any era to dance without the difficulty of formal dance lessons. Mary Lou and Leland were working the crowd, all chosen from a faithful client list, or from a list of prospective wealthy clients.

  Whit’s father had supplied the liquor. Both Whit and his father were in attendance in identical tuxes. Sparky and Cliff Lyndley were there as well, guests of Jenny herself. The choices had caused some difficulty, bringing Mary Lou to comment to Bud that there was no way a parson was going to spoil her party, intimidating many of the rich and wealthy. And, Sparky was too much of a liability since she had taken up farming and practically departed from the good breeding she had been raised with.

  However, in the end Jenny won out. It would not look good if the lovely, young wife of the heir apparent to their agency pulled a no show.

  As she mused, Cliff appeared at her side, drink in hand. “Nice party, Jen. Thanks for asking me. I like to sometimes mingle with my parishioners in a more relaxed setting.”

  “They’ll be plenty relaxed soon, Cliff. The liquor is flowing.”

  “Maybe I can enlist a few new parishioners. I see a few who have strayed already.”

  “I’d like you to meet one who hasn’t signed up yet. A friend of mine, hiding herself in that corner over there.”

  “Glad to, Jen.”

  As they walked to Sparky’s tentative hideout, Mary Lou glanced in their direction, her slight sneer very apparent. As they reached Sparky, the former Long Island debutante pulled herself up out of the chair she had slunk into.

  “Hey, Sparks, what are you doing holding that plant up?”

  “Just leaving room for you to be belle of the ball, Jen.”

  “Sparky, I’d like you to meet Cliff Lyndley, pastor of our church. Cliff, Amanda Parker, former deb from Long Island and present dirt farmer. Not much of a church goer.”

  “Nice to meet you, Amanda. Is it possible to get you out of this corner?”

  “Of course, but only if you call me Sparky.”

  “Will do. Sparky, how about a spin around the grounds? I’ve never been here.”

  “Good idea, Cliff. I’ve never been here, eit
her. We’ll explore together.”

  Cliff’s sensitivity touched Jenny. Mary Lou’s sneer had not gone unnoticed.

  “Hey, Jen, have you seen Katt?” Whit had sidled up, tipsy as usual with drink in hand.

  “Not yet, Whit. But, it looks like you’ve seen the bar.”

  “Why not? Dad and I put a lot of effort into making the liquor flow. Why not enjoy it? Say, have you tried one of these mushroom caps with lobster? Scrumptious.”

  “Thanks, Whit. I’ll take you up on it later. How’s Hawaii?”

  “Hawaii’s great. Wahines are good. The office will be ready in a few months.”

  “Are we going to lose you to Hawaii and one of those grass skirts who can hula?”

  “Not a chance. We’re staffing it completely local.”

  “So, you’ll be able to oversee it and get a tax break at the same time for spending your off hours in the sunshine.”

  “I told you Dad was a business genius. And, what about you? You look like a knockout. You’re putting Bud’s new, young assistant to shame.”

  “Little Syracuse shop who’s owner goes to New York.”

  “And, who’s that weird femme who was sitting in the corner?”

  “Amanda Parker, former roommate, former deb, and present dirt farmer.”

  “Oh, the one who goes around in overalls and a pigtail? What did she do, suddenly discover clothes?”

  “Sparky’s okay. She just prefers Penn Yan to Long Island.”

  “Well, I’m going to find another Long Island exile. She went to powder her nose a while ago and I haven’t seen her since.”

  “Good luck, Whit. Maybe she’ll surprise you.”

  As Jenny surveyed the crowd, Mary Lou Anderson headed in her direction.

  “Jennifer, where is Bud?”

  “I don’t know, Mary Lou.”

  “Well, it’s a wife’s job to keep track of her husband.”

  “He was here about a half hour ago.”

  “Well, that’s not good enough. He should be right here now mingling.”

  “I’ll see what I can do.”

  “Honestly, Jennifer, you’re a slipshod wife, a poor mother, and you have no sense of fashion. You spoil that child. I need to take him for a day or two to shape him up.”