The Mayor ended the speech no one would remember later and after a round of applause, it was time for the bidding on the box lunches. The first three boxes went quickly at a price of $.25 each. The next one had two bidders, but one bowed out when the price reached $.67.
The auctioneer cleared his throat and announced, "The next box belongs to a lovely lady by the name of Millie. Gentlemen, what am I…"
"One dollar," the sheriff shouted.
"One twenty-five," Prescot yelled.
"Two," said the sheriff.
"Two dollars?" the surprised crowd muttered.
Prescot narrowed his eyes. "Two fifty!"
"Half a week's pay?" the Sheriff asked.
"For some of us," Prescot answered. He tipped his hat to the sheriff and was ready to claim his prize, when another offer was made.
"Three dollars." Everyone turned to stare at Mr. Wells.
Hannish dug several bills out of his pocket, peeled off a two dollar bill, walked to Prescot and handed it to him. Then he glared at Amos Wells.
"Five dollars," Prescot shouted, holding the bills in the air.
Amos Wells shook his head and walked away, but by then, Hannish had lost sight of Sassy again. He walked this way and that, but still he could not find her.
For the sake of charity, Alistair bid a dollar for Sarah's box lunch, had no competition, and went off with her a happy man. Several other lunches were bid on and then came one no one expected.
"Who will give $.25 to eat the lunch of Miss Charlotte Wells?" the auctioneer asked. Charlotte took a step forward. She looked pleasant enough in her stylish clothes, which were very similar to what Sassy was wearing, but then, it was the fashion of the day and most of the women were dressed that way. She kept her hopeful eyes on Hannish.
Hannish ignored the bidding and kept walking around until he noticed McKenna standing beside him. "They are sitting on the grass eating lunch. Shall we do the same? I happen to have enough for two in this box."
He took the box from her and offered his arm. "We've not married you off yet? I thought certain a lad would catch your eye this day."
"Apparently, he has not yet arrived."
"He is a stupid man."
"That is what I think."
Hannish soon spotted Abigail, who was frantically waving McKenna over, no doubt to introduce her to a single, male friend. "I believe she wants to share your lunch, and why not, our cooks make better fried chicken."
"You do not mind?" McKenna asked.
"Not at all." He handed the box back, and then joined Donnel and Blanka on the bench. A few minutes later, nearly all the members of Marblestone Mansion had spread blankets and were eating on the lawn in front of him, even Sassy and Cathleen moved closer, although they stayed on the outer rim of the gathering.