“The fiddle, of course.”
“What song?”
“Ah, you’ll have to come to the festival to see,” she said, enjoying the exchange.
These men were delightful. And for a few minutes she almost felt as if she belonged.
“Where is the festival held?” she asked Kirk as they entered the store. Bella greeted them. Angelica waved and took a cart for her groceries.
“At the county fairgrounds. It’s always scheduled after the county fair which kicked off yesterday. There’s a kind of amphitheater where the acoustics are good. Those who don’t get there early enough, or have small kids, usually sit on the lawn around the stage.”
“Show me sometime.”
“Sure.”
He studied her for a moment.
“We can go to the fair tomorrow if you want, see it with all that’s going on there. It’s not far. Between here and Bryceville.”
She nodded. “I’ve never been to a county fair.”
“That doesn’t surprise me. We’ll leave around ten, have lunch there, wander around and see everything.”
“Like what?”
“Future Farmers of America displays, livestock, quilts, jam and pie displays, you name it. They have music going all day in different venues around the fairgrounds, and a small carnival with rides and games. Lots to eat, too.”
“Okay. I’ll let my students know I won’t be here tomorrow. Thanks, Kirk.”
She knew he was only squiring her around as a favor to Webb Francis who was doing a favor for Professor Simmons. Still—she felt anticipation rise at the thought of the outing.
Once again she felt she was in an alien world. One she loved exploring.
Angelica was home before the two children arrived. They ran partway and were out of breath when they clattered up to her door. She set them both to work playing scales and showing Teresa Ann more techniques while Sam practiced his festival song. He was really showing signs of improvement and Angelica was proud of the child.
Teresa Ann liked to talk, but she applied herself to the tasks at hand and was already showing she had a talent for the instrument.
Angelica didn’t have them play the songs she’d grown up with, but tried to incorporate the songs she was learning from the CDs and the music Webb Francis had around.
After their practice, she provided cookies and milk. She loved listening to the chatter of the two, talking about people she didn’t know. When she asked what they did the rest of the summer days, she got a glimpse of their lives in Smoky Hollow—chores, playing with friends, helping at the church, exploring the creeks and woods. A slower pace of life and one that sounded idyllic.
When she explained why she wouldn’t be home the next afternoon, she was surprised at the disappointment of the children.
“I love you teaching me,” Teresa Ann said, giving her an unexpected hug.
“I’m enjoying teaching you, honey,” Angelica said with a smile. “It’s only one day. I’ve never been to a fair before.”
Both children were astonished. They’d been going every year as long as they could remember.
“I like the rides best,” Sam said. “Especially the one where we go upside down.”
Teresa Ann added she liked looking at all the animals best. Both families were going on Friday and the children were looking forward to the day at the fair.
“You’ll love it,” Teresa Ann said. “Can I go with you, too? Then I’d have two days to go.”
“Better not this time. Kirk Devon asked me so I can’t invite anyone else.”
“It’s a date,” Sam said wisely. “Kids don’t go on dates.”
