A Woman's Game Chapter 17
By the end of the day, the rankings for the first leg of the open are recorded.
Got to say that during most of it Francis, won't admit it, but she was frightened out of her wits.
Much to her disbelief and astonishment Francis actually somehow manages to survive the day with all of these living legends.
Francis isn't too surprised at the end when her placement drops a few spaces from being tied for second with Vardon to being in 7th for the first day of the Open.
Mr. Wilfred Reid is tied for 1st place with Harry Vardon and Ted Ray is in 2nd.
Francis's spirits are bolstered when her friend Sarah makes an appearance. Francis thought she had gone back to college, but she had the dates wrong. Sarah is to return to school tomorrow. As reporters surround Francis her friend succeeds in slipping to her a good luck charm. One of her equestrian pins that Francis has previously admired. Before Francis can properly thank her the reporters completely close in. But there's no need for that. Sarah is good enough friends with her by now to get the message. A sentiment that is wholeheartedly shared.
Before leaving the Country Club she decides to visit the restroom in order to freshen up a little bit before heading home. On her way out she happens to run into Harry Vardon as he is exiting the men's lavatory.
"Mr. Varden," said Francis, pleasantly startled.
"Fine play today, Miss Ouimet," said Harry Vardon.
"Thank you, Sir. You too," said Francis, gathering her courage to say something to him she's been wanting to mention since the Open started. "Mr. Vardon, I don't know if you remember, and it's fine if you don't because it was so long ago, but we've met before now."
"Oh, truly," said Harry Vardon.
"Yes. Do you recall an exhibition you once did here in town a couple of years ago? When you asked for a volunteer a little stepped forward and you taught her how to swing a club," asked Francis, searchingly.
At once recognition crosses his face as the exact memory returns to him, amazed, Harry Vardon said "My word that was you?"
Francis hums under her breath, nodding in confirmation, smiling in pleasure to find that he does remember that day.
"Little Francis all grown up," said Harry Vardon in wonderment. "I see you took my advice to heart. You were serious about pursuing the game."
"Ever since that day," said Francis.
"Miss Ouimet, I'm having dinner tonight at the Country Club with Ted Ray. How would you like to join us," he offered.
"Me? Oh, I'd be honored, Sir," said Francis.
"Good then meet us in front of the restaurant tonight at around 6," said Harry Varden.
"I'll be there," promised Francis.
Harry Vardon then shakes her hand and leaves. The second he is out of sight a breathless Francis holds a hand to her forehead, leaning against the wall, suddenly very dizzy.
Dinner with both Harry Vardon and Ted Ray of all people. She can't believe it.
Acting like a gentleman Eddie escorts her home, carrying her clubs over his shoulder.
"I cleaned them good. Wiped the grips, too," said Eddie, running a rag over them one last time.
"You did just fine out there today," complimented Francis.
Grinning at a job well done, Eddie said "You, too, Francis."
"You gonna be able to skip school again tomorrow," asked Francis.
"Let them try and stop me," said Eddie, cheekily.
She shouldn't have expected anything less from him.
Chuckling in amusement at his antics, Francis said "All right, well, you get home safe."
"Hey, don't you worry about me. I'll meet you right here. Early bird gets the worm," said Eddie, confidently.
"Deal," said Francis, taking him for his word.
Shouldering her bag Francis heads inside the house. She's got a dinner to prepare for and not a lot of time to do so.
Authors Note:
So Harry Varden recognizes her at last. This should be an interesting evening, don't you think?
I hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D
For those of you just starting out with my stuff there are other works on my profile that may catch your interest. I highly recommend you take a look as soon as the opportunity presents itself to you. Who knows, you may be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.
Stay safe everyone. Especially with all of these crazy natural disasters occurring a lot lately due to global warming and climate change everywhere for sure. I swear it's like they're getting worse and worse all the time and it's like officials are simply just ignoring it or pretending it doesn't exist entirely just to go on with their daily lives. Especially those in multi-million dollar companies that rely on certain elements of our planet that we rely on to naturally keep us safe instead of adapting and finding new safer ways to keep in business. There are so many options out there where they can adapt, but they just refuse to see it because all they care about is money. Climate change is altering so much faster than anyone can really keep track of.
So, in light of all this, it is important to live life to the fullest as much as anyone can.
I know I am. ;) See you guys next time.