Chapter Six of Book One
The Phoenix
Despite our belief that the rest of the world takes notice of the milestone events in our lives, that's hardly ever the case. That certainly was true of the would-be lovers in Oxford this week in the fall of 1968 AD. The previous weekend Detective Sergeant Endeavor Morse had unexpectedly proposed, for the second time it must be said, to Miss Joan Thursday. To further complicate matters before the would-be bride could give her answer, her mother had unexpectedly arrived for a visit.
Ordinarily that would been only a minor inconvenience, a slight postponement in the agreement, or denial, between the two parties. But in this case, it had, combined with the impatience of Mr. Morse, and the guilty conscience of Miss Thursday, led to a full disclosure of events that Mrs. Thursday was blissfully unaware of. However, in the end all had turned out reasonably well. The truth about what had happened while Joan was away was now out in the open. At the same time she had delayed, in as gracious a manner as possible from having to totally commit to Morse.
Somewhere the Gods yawned.
She had hardly walked in the door and set her purse down before the phone began to ring. With a huff of exasperation, she picked up the handset ready to dispatch the caller as quickly as possible. "Hello". "Joan?" "Uh…Hello Mom" "Joan, dear how are you today?" "I'm fine Mom, just walked in the door from work". There was a brief pause as if Win was either distracted or trying to be certain of what to say.
"I can call back later if it would be better for you?" "No Mom, you know I always have time for you." "That's sweet dear. How have you been doing this week?" "Just fine Mom, Work has been a little stressful, but its OK." "Well dear, that's nice, but you know that's not what I was asking about." "I know Mom, but things are good, everything is fine." "Glad to hear it dear. We didn't get a chance to talk at your place last Saturday". "No, we didn't did we?" "Why don't you come over to mine Saturday morning for a cuppa.? Of course, that's if you haven't already made plans. There are some things I'd like to talk over with you." At this point Joan didn't know what Morses weekend schedule was, so might as well get it over with. "Sounds nice Mom, I will see you Saturday morning."
Morse had initially been crushed when Joan had turned down his SECOND proposal. He had been so sure that it had been the right thing to do. That she would surely see that this time it could not be possibly be construed as an act of pity. But again, she had turned him down. Although to be fair she hadn't turned him down, just wouldn't commit to when she would marry him. That he supposed should be the glass half full view as opposed to the glass half empty. In the meantime he would continue to love her, the very thought brought a smile to face. As if he had any choice in the matter.
Meanwhile he would immerse himself into his work and carry on. As if he could do anything else.