Miss Eliza, that is one fine idea. Yes, madam, a splendid idea." He rose, moved to behind her chair and wrapped his arms around her. She turned her reddish brown head back and they gave one another an upside down kiss.
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"J. N. Mayberry and Company," South Franklin Avenue, Fayetteville, Tennessee became a place for Joe T. to piddle, help his son some, and keep up with the happenings close and far. Joe T. sauntered down to Mr. N. O. Wallace, Jr. at the Observer office every few days to read the numerous big city papers that the newspaper received every day. Then in decent weather, he'd go to the courthouse lawn "liar's bench", whittle with the other codgers and settle the county and world affairs.
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Back in Dellrose, Lou, the twins and Grandmother Nancy carried on in an emptier house. Nancy gradually took on her mother's role in the family. The twins teased her and she cherished them in silent strength. Lou after awhile allowed her, in mind and heart, to become the family's "Beloved Woman". Solon liked her more and more. Out of Mama Bear's shadow, Lonesome Cedar assumed her place as the matriarch of the family. He appreciated her quiet, intense ways. Seemed she was at other places in her mind often, yet that only intrigued her son-in-law. When she was drawn out by Solon's questions and conversations, her take on things was most interesting to him, detached, honest, wise.
Changes had occurred. There were fewer chairs at the Stevenson table, fewer voices in the house, but life held it's gifts; two emerging young men, Solon's satisfaction with his work on the road and refreshing time at home. Alex and Lou carried on with the farm. Nancy tended the house and garden. When help was needed, a black family down the hill was hired. Life was devoid of drama. That was quite all right with most all of them, except the twins.
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"Sir, are you certain? That's too far to jump, Sir!" Captain W. G. Spencer, US Army Corp of Engineers, challenged the small fiftyish man wearing a white cotton linen suit, white string tie, big Panama hat, and old beat up cavalry boots. The host and guide ignored the career Army builder, braced himself and jumped the distance of at least four feet to the riverbank. In a run he tried to hop up on the debris covered reddish brown slug. His left foot stuck and he struggled forward up the bank. His boots and hat stayed on.
"The rope, Captain!" called Congressman Joseph Wheeler to his boating companion bobbing in the Tennessee River as he turned back toward the river.