"I can't believe you're going out with Jim Farrell," Nancy said, pulling garment bags from her closet.
"Not because I want to. My mother and I were invited to tea at his parents' house, because his mother and I are in the golf club together." Hannah sat on the bed. "I knew it was going to be some sort of set up, but you know I can never say no to a date when my mother is around."
"Right. Old Nettles Kelly can't be trifled with. And so Jim just asked you out?"
"No. He wasn't there. He was away on some sort of business trip, so our mothers arranged for us to go out once."
"Try this one," Nancy said, unzipping the bag around a lacy emerald dinner dress. "You've always looked good in green."
Hannah took the dress into the bathroom and started to change.
"I don't know what I'm going to say to him. He seems rather stern. Especially after...well..."
"Eilis."
"Yes. I hope she won't hate me."
"Darling, Eilis didn't marry Jim for the simple fact that she's already married. She's got no claim on him. Besides, I know him. And I think you two will get along rather well."
"You think?" Hannah stepped out of the bathroom.
"I do. Especially with you looking like that."
"Is it alright?" Hannah stepped in front of the mirror.
"It's brilliant! He'll fall for you, for sure."
"That's not why I'm going out with him, Nance!"
"I know. But there's no harm in attracting his attention. Now sit down. Let me do something with that hair."
Nancy pinned Hannah's wild brown curls into an acceptable updo, and put some make up on her. After a final spritz of perfume, Hannah was out the door and headed back to the apartment she shared with her mother above the shop. Hannah really had no idea what to say or what to do; she had never been asked on a date before. She still hadn't. She and Jim were being forced together by two strong willed mothers who were anxious to see their children married off. At least the Farrells were in it for Jim's best interest. Mrs. Farrell had explained that she didn't want Jim to be alone any more. But Mrs. Kelly was in it to make sure Hannah was taken off of her hands.
At seven thirty sharp, the bell rang for downstairs, and Mrs. Kelly buzzed the visitor up. Hannah was just putting her shoes on when he knocked at the door.
"I'll get it, Mother!" She yelled. But Mrs. Kelly was already answering. Hannah heard Jim greet her.
"Hello, Mrs. Kelly. I've come to take Hannah out, if that's alright."
"Of course it is. Come right in, Mr. Farrell. Hannah should be down any moment. Would you care for a cup of tea while you're waiting?"
"Tea would be lovely. Thank you."
"Have a seat."
Hannah crept into the hall. Jim Farrell was sitting on the sofa; she could only see his back. He had red-brown hair and very nice posture. She ventured further out and into the parlor.
"Hello," she said, with a bit of question.
"Oh, hello," Jim replied, getting to his feet nervously. He extended his hand toward her. "Jim Farrell."
"Hannah Kelly."
His hands were warm, and his nails were neatly trimmed and clean. He had a firm handshake.
"Your mother has just gone to get a pot of tea."
"Oh. Well, will you sit?"
"Thank you."
Jim sat back down on the sofa, and Hannah sat in the chair next to it.
"Oh no, dear." Mrs. Kelly came back with the tea just then. "You must sit next to our guest."
"I...alright." Hannah moved and sat on the opposite end of the sofa. She handed Jim his tea cup and took her own.
"So, Mr. Farrell, where are you off to this evening?"
"I'll be taking Hannah to the club for dinner, and then to a late movie, if it's alright." He turned to Hannah with the question.
"It's alright with me. If you aren't bored with me by then, that is."
"No, no," Mrs. Kelly laughed a little too enthusiastically. "Hannah would be thrilled. Wouldn't you, darling?"
Hannah caught the glimpse of threat in her mother's eye.
"Yes. Thank you."
The party sat in a few moments of awkward silence, and then Jim settled his tea cup back on the tray.
"We should be going, then."
"Of course." Mrs. Kelly followed the pair to the door. She caught Hannah's arm as they were leaving and asked Jim to wait downstairs. He looked at each of them and left.
"Mother, what are you doing?"
"Don't wear your coat."
"What? It's freezing out!"
"If you don't wear your coat, he'll see that you're cold, and then he'll offer you his. Then, you can forget to return it at the end of the night, and you'll have a reason to see him again."
"You don't think he'll want to see me again anyway, without subterfuge?"
"No," Mrs. Kelly answered bluntly. "Why would he?"
Hannah nodded, then reached for her coat. Mrs. Kelly dug her nails into her daughter's arm.
"Hannah, listen to me. This may be your only chance to get married. And I won't see you throw it away over a little cold. Now go."