I rejoined her at the rock, and he returned to his work. He looked more intense about it, more determined. Every once in a while I glanced at the driveway, hoping that Heyden had come to his senses, calmed down, and decided to come back, but there was no sight of him.
'Okay," Uncle Linden said, seeing how fidgety I was, "I have what I need. Thank you. ladies."
He stepped forward, took Bess's hand, and kissed it, following with a stage bow.
"I shall be eternally grateful," he said, and she laughed that thin laugh that reminded me of tinkling chandeliers.
We heard the motor home engine being started and a few moments later heard it ran. Chubs stepped out and waved to us excitedly.
"Oh, my chariot has been repaired," Uncle Linden said. "Shall we inspect it, ladies?" he asked me and Bess.
She smiled, but suddenly looked more tentative and unsure of herself. She glanced at me and then tamed and gazed at the field behind her as if something was drawing her to it. I looked as well and saw only little balls of insects circling madly in the afternoon sun.
"Would you escort me, Bess?" Uncle Linden pursued. It will take only a few minutes," he added.
She glanced at me again, looking suddenly fearful, and then shook her head.
"Na," she said. "I can't. I... I have to walk."
Uncle Linden smiled with confusion. "We will walk. Bess. Right after we talk to Mr. Dawson." he said.
She shook her head and looked at me, the fear blossoming in her eyes. I understood. I thought. She saw something threatening in the motor home. It would bring her back to reality because it would take me away.
Rosemary would be gone again,
"I've got to walk," she insisted and started away.
"Bess!" Uncle Linden called.
"We've got to tell her the truth, Uncle Linden, the truth about everything."
"I know." he said. nodding. "Poor thing. She's so fragile. Every smile, every laugh is so thin and on the verge of shattering."
"We should pay Chubs far the work he has done for us," I said, looking his way. "I hope you didn't give Heyden all your money."
"No, no. He took only what we needed when we needed it. Yes, let's pay Chubs. Absolutely. Let's do that."
Bess hadn't gone far. About a hundred feet or so she began to walk in a circle as though the small flies had given her an idea. We started far the motor home. The front door of the house opened, and Mrs. Stanton came out and looked in Bess's direction. Even from this distance I could see the concern on her face.
What was I going to do? I hoped that perhaps Heyden was just hiding somewhere nearby and once he heard the engine started, he would come aut, too, but I didn't see him anywhere. He was really gone.
As we approached, Chubs came forward, wiping his hands on a rag.
"She's about as good as she's gonna be," he said. "I've done all I can."
"Well, we appreciate what you've done. How much do we owe you?" Uncle Linden asked, taking out his remaining cash.
'You don't owe me anythin'. sir. You and the young lady here have been kind to Mrs. Lilliann and Bess, and that's payment enough, thank you."
"Bess!" I heard Mrs. Stanton call, her voice full of apprehension.
I turned and looked at Bess. She was still walking in the circle, but walking faster and faster with her head down, mumbling.
"What is she doing?" I cried.
Bess stopped, turned, started in the opposite direction and then stopped and started another circle, moving faster vet and still talking to herself.
"Charles!" Mrs. Stanton screamed.