Episode Three: Mr. Potter Comes A Calling

It wasn't up until this moment that William noticed the true beauty of Sissy.

Episode Three

Mr. Potter Comes A Calling.

The account of Hooper’s death figures greatly into what follows, for had Hooper lived the outcome may have indeed been totally different.

Keeping ones daily cloths from being torn to shreds is one thing; maintaining ones dignity is another.

On the evening of great revelation upon which the Sherwoods, and Mr. Potter, whose first name is William, unpurposely exposed more of themselves than what was commonly thought of as being acceptable by most civilizations, he, Mr. Potter, not wanting poor Sissy to think the worst, paid a visit to her family.

Sissy’s family; the Livingston’s, lived in one of the finest homes in all the village.

Dr. Livingston, not the same as the Dr. Livingston presumed lost in Africa, but the Dr. Livingston who served as the villages only physician, and mayor, greeted William with a suspicious smile. The way Sissy had come through the door earlier and rushed up to her room without so much as any acknowledgment of their presence gave rise to some suspicion that something might be up.

The arrival of Mr. Potter gave further substance to that suspicion.

Priscilla, Mr. Livingston’s wife, also greeted William, who was by now explaining the earlier mishap to Mr. Livingston. That was not all, Sissy also appeared shyly from her upper room and curiously listened in on the conversation.

Upon hearing William's tale of calamity, Mr. Livingstone shook his head and let out a laugh. Priscilla could only gasp, amused by the event.

Sissy sighed in relief, thinking the explanation made perfect sense.

It wasn’t up until this moment William finally took a real notice of the young Ms. Sissy.

“She is strikingly beautiful in a plain sort of way,” he thought to himself. “Not unattractive in the least.”

He turned to Mr. Livingstone and, quite out of his character, asked for permission to call upon the young Ms. Sissy from time to time.

The moment came upon him so swiftly he nearly stumbled over his own words. It wasn’t like him in the least to be so forward and bold.

Sissy too, was ever as much stunned. She uncharacteristically stepped forward and asked,

“Is it true Mr. Potter?”

William looked at her and muttered,

“Well...Yes, it’s true. Are you disturbed by it much?”

“I am only disturbed sir,” Sissy replied, “if your only intent is to break my heart when you tire of me and toss what is left of me aside someplace to be scavenged by dogs, on that I would be disturbed. But, if your true intent is a true courtship, well then I would like being  called upon, from time to time, that is of course, if it is approved by mother and father.”

Priscilla Livingstone looked at her husband and gave a nod of approval.

He turned to Sissy and also gave a nod.

“Of course my dear,” spoke Priscilla, “if this is what you wish.

Mr. Potter will be welcomed to our home as if family.”

“Thank you Momma; thank you Papa,” whispered Sissy.

“Well then,” announced William, “may I call upon you tomorrow evening then?”

“Indeed you may sir,” replied Sissy. “Come to dinner. Mother will have a fine roasted lamb prepared.”

“Fine,” William answered, “and what time should I be here?”

“At thirty minutes past five.” Sissy replied. “That should be plenty of time to sit and chat awhile before we dine.”

“Then five thirty it is,” smiled William.

It was the first time in some time he could recall smiling.

Author's Note

Sticking up a romance.