“That’s a little premature.”
“Your brother is nothing if not determined.”
Finn reflected that that was true enough. When William identified something that he wanted, he wasted no time in taking steps to get it–and now he wanted a wife and a family.
In this, Finn tried to emulate him. It was his goal, in life generally, to eliminate any kind of overthinking. To simplify his life and act according to reason–the supreme example set by his father.
ButwasWilliam reasonable, even if he was dogged? Sometimes it seemed to Finn that he acted on instinct rather than reason–that for William, acting on reason wouldn’t bring about the same kind of single-minded pursuit of the thing that was desired. And wasn’t it unreasonable to build a new house on the farm for his future wife and children before they were in existence? Certainly it was unreasonable to launch himself upon the first woman he saw, a woman with a dubious past…
“Simple” was not a word he would use to describe Marigold–not at all.
“I want to go say hello to your sister,” Hestia said, steering him toward Marigold, William, and Rosemary.
“Ah, Marigold!” Rosemary said, as they approached. “This is my brother’s fiancee, Hestia.”
Finn cringed at the word fiancee, then searched Marigold’s face for signs of disappointment. He was sure that he had revealed his strange disappointment when she told him that she was married–and his satisfaction when she admitted that she left her husband.
A crush, Finn thought with relief. That was all it was. A baseless crush. A flight of fancy.
On Marigold’s face though, he could detect nothing. Perhaps curiosity at this ornament standing before her. and some sense of disconnect at the ways in which, despite their respective, prominent places in their corner of the world, Finn and Hestia did not exactly…fit. Marigold cocked her head to the side and nodded.
“We will be married in a few months,” Hestia said, gripping Finn’s arm harder. “Are you married?”
“No,” Marigold said.
“Ah,” Hestia said, “well, we must find you a husband while you stay inmyfuture husband’s house.”
“I regret that I am leaving tomorrow,” Marigold said with a good-natured laugh, “though I appreciate your offer. But I have to confess that I am not looking for a husband.”
“Don’t you want a family?” Hestia asked.
“I want…” Marigold began. “I want to focus on myself.”
Hestia nodded.
“I see. Well, I suppose that’s unimpeachable.”
Rosemary looked worried, as if she were afraid that Hestia was troubling Marigold with her questions, and she soon called the party to sit down at their long farm table, which was well lit with candles and decorated with spring flowers.
“Welcome to our spring feast,” Rosemary said, raising her voice to quiet the others, and spreading her hands to signal to everyone that it was time to sit down.
Rosemary spent so much time crafting her menu and cooking accordingly, that the actual counting of silverware, spreading of plates, and seating of guests was always rather hectic. Freddie grabbed a stack of plates when she realized the table had not been set, and Finn followed with jugs of water and napkins as there was a general scramble to find seating.
Because of this, Finn found himself unable to sit by Hestia when all was said and done. The only seat available was one opposite Marigold and William. Hestia was sitting by Julianneand Peter, a notorious flirt. At least Hestia would enjoy his attention. Finn didn’t care, he wasn’t a jealous man. Hestia was just now laughing heartily at something Peter had said.
The first course was a salad of asparagus and dates that had been charred under an open fire, with olives and nuts and a lemon-yogurt dressing. Before taking his first bite, Finn sat back and savored the arrangement Rosemary had made.
“You are truly an artist,” he said to her from across the table, and Rosemary blushed when they all raised their glasses to her. Hestia was already carelessly taking her first bite when Finn toasted Rosemary, and waving her forkful of asparagus in the air, while the others thanked his sister.
When they began eating, Marigold was quiet like him. Finn heard William ask if something was wrong.
“It’s just that…” Marigold began. “I don’t think I’veenjoyedfood for a long time. But Rosemary’s cooking demands enjoyment.”
“That’s an excellent way of putting it,” Finn said.
The Hummels, a man and wife that painted portraits in town, addressed Marigold.
Melinda Hummel asked, “Where are you from, dear? I know I haven’t seen you before, of course, but you look very familiar.”
