Chapter 9
On Saturday, the day of my date with Stuart Whitworth, I sit for two hours under the Shinalator (results, it seems, only last until the next wash). When Im dry, I go to Kenningtons and buy the flattest shoes I can find and a slim black crepe dress. I hate shopping, but Im glad for the distraction, to not have to worry about Missus Stein or Aibileen for an afternoon. I charge the eighty-five dollars to Mothers account since shes always begging me to go buy new clothes. (Something flattering for your size.) I know Mother would profoundly disapprove of the cleavage the dress enables me to have. Ive never owned a dress like this.
In the Kenningtons parking lot I start the car, but cannot drive for the sudden pains in my stomach. I grip the white padded steering wheel, telling myself for the tenth time that its ridiculous to wish for something Ill never have. To think I know the color blue his eyes are from a black-and-white photograph. To consider something a chance that is nothing but paper and filament and postponed dinners. But the dress, with my new hair, it actually looks pretty good on me. And I cant help but hope.
It was four months ago when Hilly showed me the picture, out back by her swimming pool. Hilly was tanning in the sun, I was fanning in the murky shade. My heat rash had flared in July and hadnt subsided.
Im busy, I said. Hilly sat on the edge of the pool, saggy and post-pregnant fat, inexplicably confident in her black swimsuit. Her stomach was paunchy, but her legs, as always, were thin and pretty.
I havent even told you when hes coming, she said. And he comes from such a good family. She was, of course, talking about her own. He was Williams second cousin. Just meet him and see what you think.
I looked down at the picture again. He had clear open eyes, light brown curly hair, was the tallest in a group of men by a lake. But his body was half-hidden by the others. He must not have all his limbs.
Theres nothing wrong with him, Hilly said. Ask Elizabeth, she met him at the Benefit last year while you were up at school. Not to mention, he dated Patricia van Devender for forever.
Patricia van Devender? Most Beautiful at Ole Miss, two years in a row?
Plus he started his own oil business over in Vicksburg. So if it doesnt work out, its not like youll be running into him every day in town.
Alright, I finally sighed, more than anything to get Hilly off my back[83].
Its past three oclock by the time I get back home from buying the dress. Im supposed to be at Hillys at six to meet Stuart. I check the mirror. The curls are starting to fray on the ends, but the rest of my hair is still smooth. Mother was thrilled when I told her I wanted to try the Shinalator again and wasnt even suspicious of why. She doesnt know about my date tonight and if she some how finds out, the next three months will be full of excruciating questions like Did he call? and What did you do wrong? when it doesnt work out.
Mothers downstairs in the relaxing room with Daddy, hollering at the Rebel basketball team. My brother, Carlton, is on the sofa with his shiny new girlfriend. They drove up this afternoon from LSU. She has a dark straight pontytail and wears a red blouse.
Mothers downstairs in the relaxing room with Daddy, hollering at the Rebel basketball team. My brother, Carlton, is on the sofa with his shiny new girlfriend. They drove up this afternoon from LSU. She has a dark straight pontytail and wears a red blouse.
When I get Carlton alone in the kitchen, he laughs, yanks my hair like were kids again. So how are you, sister?
I tell him about the job at the paper, that Im editor of the League newsletter. I also tell him he better be moving back home after law school. You deserve some of Mothers time too. Im taking more than my fair share here, I say through gritted teeth.
He laughs like he understands, but how could he really? Hes three years older than me and great-looking, tall with wavy blond hair, finishing LSU law school, protected by a hundred and seventy miles of badly paved roads.
When he goes back to his girlfriend, I search for Mothers car keys, but I cant find them anywhere. Its already a quarter to five. I go and stand in the doorway, try to catch Mothers attention. I have to wait for her to finish firing questions at Ponytail Girl about her people and where shes from, but Mother will not let up until she finds at least one person they have in common. After that, its what sorority the girl was in at Vanderbilt, and she finally concludes by asking what her silver pattern is. Its better than a horoscope, Mother always says.
Ponytail Girl says her family pattern is Chantilly, but shell be picking out her own new pattern when she gets married. Since I consider myself an independent thinker and all. Carlton pets her on the head and she nudges against his hand like a cat. They both look up at me and smile.
Skeeter, Ponytail Girl says to me across the room, youre so lucky to come from a Francis the First[84] family pattern. Will you keep it when you get married?