A Woman's Game Chapter 2
The next day at the Country Club Francis was sitting outside of the Cabbiemasters building. She watched solemn as other cabbies ran our, similar to her age, laughing. As the only female caddie working at the Country Club it was a lonely existence for her. She didn't have that many friends. No one really interacted with her except for clients she was paired with and few people who even tolerated her presence in their world.
The Cabbiemaster appeared after providing a caddie with equipment eh required for a golfer he was caddying for. The strange part is he was carrying an extra club in his hand. It was too small for a full gown man to use.
Initially she assumed it was for one of the kid golfers taking lessons here on the course with their parents.
Oh, how wrong she actually was on this idea.
To her surprise the Caddiemaster went to her lying the club against the wall next to Francis. The Caddiemaster didn't say a single word just walked away. He didn't give her a reason as to why, but this golf club was now hers.
Someone was watching over her in this Country club ruled by men even if he was stone-faced.
Late at night when all were thought to be abed Mary Ouiment was woken from her slumber by a strange noise she didn't recognize in her home. Quietly she got out of bed without waking her husband. After lighting a glass lamp, carrying it in her hand, she made her way through the house to where the noise kept getting louder.
Opening the bedroom door Mary found her youngest daughter awake in her bed by the light of a lamp. Francis was out of bed holding the golf club the way she'd seen other golfers do attempting to imitate them in technique. Barely grazing the ball with the club she aimed for it to roll into the cup on the floor. Instead it rolled in a different direction.
"Francis, what in the world are you doing," scolded Mary Ouiment. "It's after midnight! You're keeping our sister up. Go to bed."
Francis obeyed putting the club against a cabinet before climbing into her bunk.
"Darlings, go tot sleep," said Mary. "No talking. No noises. I mean it."
In the morning during breakfast Francis was caught reading a pamphlet at the table by her father.
"What have you go there, Francis," asked Arthur Ouiment. "Hmm?"
So engrossed in what she was reading Francis didn't know her father was referring to her.
"Francis," remarked Mary, drawing Francis's attention to her. She then gestured at her husband showing he wanted something.
"Can I see him, Father," said Francis, holding her pamphlet out to him. "Please?"
"What's she talking about? See who," sighed Arthur, tiredly.
"Harry Varden," said Francis, eagerly.
Taking the pamphlet Arthur read the cover. On it was a picture drawn of a golfer, Harry Varden the Stylist. He was a professional golfer, practically a god in the sport, who was making a guest appearance in town for a demonstration this very day.
Arthur was not amused.
"Any 'gentleman' who plays this game is not a friend to you," he said, firm.
"I know. But he's the greatest ever," insisted Francis.
Believing it would do Francis some good, Mary said "Arthur, I don't see the harm in-."
"Not another word," said Arthur, shaking his head, rising from the table to leave for work. "The girl goes to school today. That's the end of it."
Francis deflated instantly falling back against her seat downhearted. She lost her appetite after that.
She failed to mark the wheels turning in her mother's head.
Sitting on the front porch Francis was securing her books together before heading off to school. Inside her mother was advising a neighbor to mind her younger siblings while she went to do her trading.
"Francis, leave your books. I've got shopping to do," said Mary, stepping off the porch purse in hand. "You come with me now."
Dropping her books on the steps Francis rushed to catch up with her mother. Confused, she said "But Father said I had to go to school today…"
"Well you can miss school for one day. Besides I need help with me packages," said Mary, taking her daughters hand. "Come along."
So then mother and daughter were off on foot for the city of Boston. Fortunately the distance wasn't far. Inside the hustle and bustle of the city a large number of people were converging on the one same place. It wasn't until they rounded a corner did Francis realize where her mother was actually leading her.
Outside a storefront hung a banner for Harry Varden. The exact location where he was holding his demonstration.
"What could be causing such a fuss," said Mary, attempting to sound nonchalant. She didn't succeed.
Francis grinned in delight at her mother.
Giving Francis a gentle push, Mary chuckled "Go on. I'll find you."
Francis bolted for the building. Maneuvering around the crowds. Francis squeezed through any space she found find. Times such as this were when her tiny size was such a big advantage. After a little while she reached the front of the mob. There she found a sight she'd never forget in all her life.
Harry Varden had just done a perfect practice swing with his club. Aiming the gulf ball high into the practice course etched into a tarp. Applause rang on cue at his expertise. Francis was entirely star struck widened eyes only for him.
Graciously accepting the applause, Harry Varden said "Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen. I'll now presume upon your goodwill and request the services of a volunteer. Anyone?"
Francis didn't hesitate for a moment.
Seizing the opportunity Francis leapt onto the platform. Her actions were met with an onslaught of laughter from the crowd both of her size and gender.
At first, because of her size, Harry Varden failed to notice her since Francis was initially behind him. It wasn't until a bystander pointed Francis out to him did he finally spot her.
"Oh," chuckled Harry Varden, smiling. More laughter erupted. "Hello. What's your name?" He held an outstretched hand to her.
"Francis," she said, shaking his hand.
"Hello, Miss Francis," said Harry Varden, placing the golf ball on the floor. "Now do you know what this is?" he took a club offered by his caddie.
Since she was a caddie herself Francis recognized it immediately. "A brassie," she said.
Impressed, Harry Varden said "So it is. Have a bash."
Taking the club Francis took a stance. Assuming she had everything done correct she took a swing. The ball bounced pathetically on the hard floor.
The crowd thought it immensely entertaining at her expense.
Shrinking a bit at their amusement Francis searched for her mother. She found her at the front.
Nodding her head in encouragement, Mary mouthed "Go on."
Harry Varden shared the same sentiments.
Lowering himself to her level, Harry Varden said "That's all right, Francis. Even in our darkest hour, we must always remember, you never despair. Have you held a live bird in you hands?" She nodded. He then adjusted her hands accordingly in the right grip. "Not too hard to hurt her. Just firm enough to stop it from flying away. Try it again." He stepped away allowing her the proper room.
Using the advice he provided her Francis made another attempt after taking a deep calming breath. This time it was so extremely better. The ball actually flew into the tarp skyline.
Instead of mocking Francis this time the mob was praising her. Mary, most of all was very proud of her daughter.
"Did you see that," bragged Mary, grinning to a person standing nearby.
Practically glowing from all the attention Francis looked at Harry Varden receiving a wink in reply.
That very same day in the light of the early evening Francis was in the yard practicing her swings. Totally unaware of her father observing her from an upstairs window holding the pamphlet of Harry Varden in his hands a blank expression on his face. This wasn't the path he wanted for her.
Authors Note: So do you guys believe she should have a relationship with Harry Varden when she's older as we get further into the movie or that boy in earlier chapters that have already been mentioned?