PART 3
The next morning the children woke up at their normal time, full of energy. “I’m surprised you kids didn’t sleep later this mornin’,” Asia said to the children as they set the table for breakfast.
“We wanted to get our chores done early so we could go fishin’ this afternoon,” Dan replied.
“Yeah. We planned it all out last night,” Tommy added, “We’re gonna try this special spot Nick told us about.”
“Sounds like fun.” Nan handed Nat a stack of plates.
“You should come with us,” he offered.
“Can’t. I’m goin’ to Boston with Bess and her folks for the weekend. We’re gonna see one of Mr. Laurence’s friends in some play or somethin’,” Nan rolled her eyes at the thought of having to sit through a long, boring theatrical production. “It’s Shakespeare.”
“It might be fun,” Nat said.
“Yeah, for you. You love Shakespeare,” Nan replied. Nat gave her a half grin.
The boys laughed at Nan’s reaction to her situation. “How did you get stuck goin’ then?” questioned Emil.
“Mrs. Laurence said ‘It would be good for me’,” Nan mimicked Amy’s voice receiving more laughter. “Oh well, I’m sure I’ll survive.”
Early that afternoon, the Laurences, along with Meg and her twins, arrived at Plumfield to pick up Bess and Nan for their trip to Boston. Jo met the party at the front door.
“Are the girls ready to go?” Laurie asked.
“Almost. They’re upstairs finishing their packing for the weekend,” Jo answered, “Bess is quite excited about seeing Romeo Juliet, but I’m not so sure about Nan.”
Amy nodded, “That’s what I thought, but it will be good for her. Besides, she’s bound to enjoy the sword fight.”
“Jo, thanks again for watching Daisy and Demi this weekend. I really appreciate it,” Meg said.
“Not a problem. You deserve a free weekend and two more kids isn’t going to make much of a difference around here.” She knelt in front of the twins, “You two came just in time to go fishing with Rob and the other children.”
“Really?” Demi asked, his eyes widening.
“They’re over by the barn and I think that they’re about to leave.” She pointed to the barn where the children were gathered.
“Thank you, Aunt Jo. Bye, Mother,” Daisy called as the twins ran to join the group.
Jo rose and smoothed her red dress. “Before you leave, can I talk to all of you?”
“Sure. Is anything wrong?” Laurie opened the door for the women.
“Of course not,” she reassured them, “You three go wait in the parlor and I’ll join you in a few minutes.”
“Okay,” Amy agreed, a confused look on her face.
Once the trio was inside, Jo walked over to Nick, who was chopping firewood. “Laurie, Amy, and Meg are inside waiting. Let’s go tell them our good news.”
Nick stopped chopping and set the axe against the woodpile. He took out a handkerchief, lifted his hat, and wiped the sweat from his forehead. “Jo, I’m not exactly presentable right now.”
Jo surveyed Nick’s appearance. “You’re right,” she agreed, “Umm . . . It’s probably best if you would go and change your shirt.”
“Wait for me?” he asked. Jo nodded her head.
Meg, Amy, and Laurie made idle chitchat in the parlor while they waited for Jo to join them. “Meg, do you have any idea what this is about?” Amy asked.
Meg hesitated, “No . . .”
“Meg,” Amy snapped,” If you what’s going on, please tell me.”
“Amy,” Meg replied smoothly, “I will not tell you because I don’t for sure what Jo is going to tell us. I only have a sneaking suspicion about it.”
Laurie tried to intervene, “Ladies, please . . .”
“What’s your ‘suspicion’ then?”
“Jo told me something in confidence . . . and I promised not to tell you,” she quickly finished.
“What!”
Jo and Nick entered before Meg could answer her sister’s outburst. “Hello, Nick,” Laurie greeted him.
“Howdy, Laurie. Meg, Amy,” Nick returned.
“What did you want to talk about, Jo?” Amy questioned, “The suspense is killing me.”
“We really need to leave, too,” Laurie added.
“Well, this won’t take long,” Jo shyly smiled, biting her bottom lip.
“Oh, Jo,” Meg whispered, anticipating her sister’s announcement.
Jo gazed into Nick’s blue eyes, “Nick and I have officially started courting . . . as of last night.”
“That’s wonderful!” Amy screamed, practically jumping off of the couch. She ran over to Jo and hugged her. Jo looked at Meg and Laurie with wide eyes over Amy’s shoulder.
Laurie walked over to Nick and shook is hand. “Congratulations! Welcome to the family.”
“Thanks,” Nick smiled.
“You’re in for a wild ride,” Laurie whispered in Nick’s ear, “Trust me.” Both men laughed.
“Now I don’t want to go to Boston,” Amy said, “I want to stay and talk to you about this.”
“Don’t cancel your trip because of me. I know how much Laurie is looking forward to seeing Richard perform,” Jo patted Amy’s hand.
“I knew it,” Meg hugged Jo.
“It was that obvious?” Jo blushed.
Meg nodded, “Especially after our conversation."
“What was this conversation about, anyway?” Amy demanded. “Meg, did you know about this and not tell me?”
“In a manner of speaking. Jo and I didn’t tell you about our conversation because we could foresee your reaction . . .” Meg chuckled, “But I’ll tell you all about it in Boston.”
“You better,” Amy returned, slightly hurt.
“You do tend to gossip a bit, Amy dear,” Jo whispered.
“Ladies, we really must be going,” Laurie interrupted. “Besides, I’m sure these two love birds could use some time alone since the children are gone for the afternoon.”
The couple turned red with embarrassment. Jo changed the subject, “I’ll go get the girls.”
“We’ll be outside.” Laurie opened the door.
Jo led Bess and Nan outside to the waiting carriage. “Do you girls have everything you need?”
“Yes, Aunt Jo,” Bess replied, handing her suitcase to Laurie.
“Here, Mr. Laurence,” Nan said giving Laurie her bag.
Laurie put both pieces of luggage into the carriage. “I put Daisy and Demi’s bags inside the front door,” he said.
“Bye, Mrs. Jo.” Nan waved as she entered the carriage.
“Have fun!” Jo called, “And try to learn something.”
Nan laughed in return, “Yeah, right.”
Nick stood next to Jo while they watched the carriage leave Plumfield’s gates. “I gotta get back ta work.” Nick walked down the porch steps.
“Asia and I are making a picnic lunch to take to the children. It’s a surprise. You’re welcome to join us,” Jo offered.
“Maybe I will.” Nick put his hat on and headed toward the woodpile.
Jo shook her head when he was out of sight. “I still can’t believe we’re actually courting,” she thought, entering the house.
PART 4
