An Inheritance

Chapter 9

“As far as I know, the cottage was built sometime in the late 1800s, early 1900s.  But now, even with those mid-century upgrades, it lacks some of the conveniences we’ve all grown to expect.  For as long as I’ve known her, your grandmother always complained about the lack of her own washer and dryer … she was just leery of getting those conveniences because of her environmental concerns.  But once she found a septic system she approved of, she got it put in and was just waiting for her new renovations.  She was one smart lady.”

 Lauren, suddenly inexplicably annoyed at all the praise placed on her relative’s head retorted.  “Well, I’m not so sure about that.  In the family Bible, instead of my ex-husband’s name, she had penciled in the name ‘Wendell’.  Now, that’s nowhere near “Randy”.

Sam again gave that lopsided smile.  “Not everything is as it seems … penciled in?  Maybe that’s who she envisions your next husband to be.”  His grin broadens and with a twinkle says “Well, there is a Wendell down at the lumberyard.  He did know your grandmother pretty well; he helped out around here from time to time.  Real nice guy, salt-of-the-earth.  He even has most of his teeth left, and what’s not there make the tobacco spitting easier.”

Lauren was taken aback; her grandmother must have been losing it for quite some time.  Either that or she had no idea of what a good husband should be.  But then, reflecting on her own choice, and her mother’s first choice, her own father, maybe that bad trait ran in the family.

To change the obviously touchy subject, Sam asked Lauren if she also had an interest in plants.

 “Mom had a green thumb and we always had plants and cooking herbs.  I had wanted to be a botanist, but Mom steered me away from that, said I needed something that would get me a good job.  So, I majored in computer sciences, but I did a minor in biology.  I have that green thumb too.  I guess that’s why I’m really interested in what my grandmother has out back.”

Abigail had been watching in the corner of the porch.  She started to make herself known with her loud purring which caused Sam to turn his attention to her.  “She’s a beautiful cat.  Very unusual markings and those eyes are bewitching.” 

Knowing she was now the center of attention, Abby stretched full out and yawned widely.  She then proceeded to cleanse herself, starting with her paws, then her ears and finally her back and tail.  It was an elegant entrancing ritual and Abby knew she had them.

“Where did you get her?”

“Actually, Abigail found me.  I was visiting friends outside of Salem, Massachusetts and when I left their house to drive home, I found Abigail asleep in the front seat of my car.  Don’t know how she got there since I was sure the car had been locked.  But she was just a kitten, thin and hungry, so somebody had to take her in.  But honestly, it was love at first sight.”

“Abigail is a cute name for a cat, how’d you come up with that?”

“She could have been family, there are quite a few Abigails in the family crypts.  However, I picked  her name from the Salem Witch Trials.  I always felt that Abigail Williams was really the witch and accused all of those other people to deflect suspicion from herself.  This cat is very eerie at times, and seems to sense things that are going to happen beforehand.  I can ask her questions and just by the look on her face, and those eyes, I know what her answer is.  It is really uncanny.”

“Sounds like Bell, Book and Candle with Abigail being your Pyewacket.  Your own personal familiar.”

“Yeah, right.  That’s as good an explanation as any.” 

Sam glanced at his watch and jumped up.  “Hate to leave so soon, but I have my next class in twenty minutes.  Let’s just throw any of those garbage bags you have into the back of the pick-up and I’ll take care of them for you.”

They went into the house and brought out the filled trash bags and tossed them into the truck.

Climbing into the cab and shutting the door, Sam leaned out of the window. “They have a Bayou Jam concert this coming Sunday.  It’s part of a fall series of concerts Slidell has that only runs for a few more weeks.  This one is a mixture of old rock ‘n roll, soul and a little Louisiana bayou music thrown in for good measure.  Would you like to come with me?  I’ll supply the chairs, blanket and picnic dinner.  You won’t have to do anything except look gorgeous.”  Sam seemed embarrassed at his last comment and hastily added.  “Strictly a shorts and jeans type of thing.  Nothing fancy.”

Lauren hesitated for only a second.  “Sure, I’d really like that.  What time?”

Seemingly relieved, Sam stated.  “I’ll pick you up at 4:30.  Will you be here at home, or at the hotel?”

“Home.”

Sam started his truck and waved as he circled the lot and headed out the drive.

When had she decided to move in?  Telling Sam that she would be home came naturally. 

Glancing down at her friend she stated: “Don’t give me that look, Abby.  It makes so much more sense to stay here rather than continually going back and forth.  Come on.  We have some moving in to do.”