Unforseen Path
Chapter 1
Amanda was visiting Emily Farnsworth in the summer of 1984. Dotty was on a cruise with her sister and bridge club friends and Phillip and Jamie were with their dad in Disney World. Lee was in Europe on a mission and it was unclear when he would return.
Before she left town, she let Billy know where she'd be and said, "I hope Lee's okay. I know I shouldn't worry, but I do anyway. Bad habit of mine. "
Billy said to her. "It just means you care. There's nothing wrong with that. Have a good time with Emily. And I 'll be speaking to Lee soon and let him know. He won't mind, even though he hates to have anyone fuss over his well-being. Take care, dear. "
Amanda landed in San Francisco in the late afternoon around 5 PM. Emily greeted her and they went to her car. Amanda was surprised and said, "You drive, Emily?"
Emily smiled. "Of course, dear. Not often, but when I'm not working, I like to come here for a short respite. Especially where we're going."
The drive was lovely as she and Amanda chatted about various things getting to know one another better.
Soon they arrived at their destination. They got out of the car and a woman in her 50's came out to greet them. She said, "Good to see you, Mrs. Farnsworth. I trust you had a pleasant drive? "
Emily smiled and nodded saying, "Yes, Bridget thank you. " Gesturing to Amanda, she said, "This is my friend from Washington, Amanda King. Amanda, this is Bridget who helps me care for the place."
Amanda nodded to Bridget as they got her bags from the car trunk and they went into the house.
Amanda said, "Emily, it's just beautiful out here. You never mentioned this place!"
Emily said as Amanda was going to put her things away,"No, dear. Let Bridget do that. Let's go out and have tea on the patio, hmm? How are your mother and boys? "
Bridget had everything set with refreshments on the patio table and served them saying," Oh, Mrs. Farnsworth, Dr. Mills called and said you had an appointment today. Did you forget? "
Emily shook her head and tried to keep things light. "Oh, I thought I cancelled that. Did you explain that I was out? "
Bridget said, "Yes, ma'am, but he'd like you to make another appointment soon, and-."
Emily sighed, "Bridget, I will. Please stop fussing, dear. I left a note in the kitchen about dinner. Did you get what we needed? "
Bridget nodded, "Yes, ma'am. I'll go prepare it right now..."
When Bridget left, Amanda looked concernedly at her new friend. "Emily? Is everything all right? I mean, if you aren't well, then maybe we should visit another time-."
Emily said with a slight harshness to her tone, "I'm fine, dear! Now, let's not waste time worrying about nothing. I'm all right. You were telling me about your family? "
Meanwhile back in D.C., Billy was getting ready to leave for a meeting when his phone rang. He sighed and muttered, "One of these days, I'm gonna yank this thing out of the wall! Then what would they do?!"
He answered, "Melrose..."
It was Colonel Clayton's base sergeant. "Sir, I'm looking for Lee Stetson. I'm afraid I have some bad news concerning the Colonel. Is he available or can you tell me where to reach him? "
TBC