“What’s the population of Augusta and the surrounding area?” He sounded genuinely interested.
“Augusta is just.under fifty thousand and Richmond County is around one hundred and ninety thousand. There are a lot of small towns and counties nearby so together they’re called the Central Savannah River Area, the CSRA; you’ll see and hear that mentioned in many places. Columbia County, where I live, is about sixty-seven thousand.”
As they strolled along the landscaped walkway, he said, “I see several long bridges and a train line. What’s across the river?”
Rachel exchanged smiles with an elderly couple who were holding hands on a bench in the shade of tall oaks. “North Augusta and Aiken County; old and tough competitors for river trade long ago. A small but very pretty town. Best I remember, the county is about one hundred and twenty thousand.” When they reached the steps, she said, “Let’s get the car and continue; you still have a lot to see.”
Quentin tallied up the numbers she had given him for the CSRA: the surrounding areas were comprised of just under five hundred and seventy thousand. Good, a large population for supporting the venture, if it works out. His keen mind left business thoughts behind as he watched her shapely hips sway as she descended the steep steps. He noticed how neat the nails were on a hand resting atop her purse, how soft her flesh looked. He remembered how it had felt to his touch long ago. He kept catching whiffs of a perfume he recognized as Passion; his mother loved that scent and he had purchased it often for her. A breeze lifted wisps of her brown hair but did not muss the neat style. She moved and carried herself with ease, gracefulness, and vitality. It was apparent that she exercised regularly, was in good health, and ate right to keep her waist slim, her stomach flat, and the rest of her in stunning condition.
But, Quentin decided, she possessed more than appealing physical traits. She had a sunny smile and disposition. She was interesting and he enjoyed her company. She was a good conversationalist, neither too quiet and shy nor too chatty and overt. She had manners and intelligence. Yep, she exuded breeding and style. That had been his same impression long ago, the reason why he had been taken with her as they dined side by side on the ship and why he had spent so much time with her. She didn’t seem to be a coward or cold-hearted, so why had she dumped him like that after getting so close to him? By damn, he deserved an explanation and would get one before his departure! After the things Carrie had told him about the snobby and formal Gaineses, he wondered what Rachel’s husband had been like and why she had married into a family so different from her. Before he left town, he would get some answers.
At the vehicle, he suggested, “Why don’t you drive so I can look at the sites you point out?”
“That’s a good idea,” she agreed as she went around to the driver’s side. She had sensed that potent gaze on her for a long time and it unsettled her. By the time she had the engine started, her seat belt fastened, and put the car in gear, she had calmed her rush of nerves.
Rachel headed down Fifth Street and slowed at Greene to show him the Signer’s Monument, under which two signers of the Declaration of Independence were buried, the city/county building, Old Town where restoration was flourishing, and Ware’s Folly which now housed the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art. She turned right onto Telfair where the Augusta-Richmond County Museum, Garden Center in the old Medical College of Georgia building, and Bell Auditorium were located. She pointed out the Civic Center and Old First Baptist Church where the Southern Baptist Convention was born. She suggested he visit the award-winning Morris Museum of Art and the new city museum, and mentioned her volunteer work helping to promote local artists. On Greene Street, she gave him a history of the Sacred Heart Cultural Center, a historic church and architectural wonder. While heading down Fifteenth Street, she mentioned the birthplace locations of wellknown people: George Walton, Woodrow Wilson, Jessye Norman, the almost infamous Ty Cobb, and others.
He grinned and chuckled. “You weren’t exaggerating; you really do know a lot about this town.” That’s a big help to me.
“You should see it in spring when the dogwoods, azaleas, daffodils, and more are in full bloom; you’d see why it’s called the Garden City. Around Greene Street is considered one of the prettiest areas.” She pointed straight ahead. “Over there is the Medical College of Georgia, dental school, and research complex: MCG for short. That’s where my oldest daughter attended medical school and did her internship; she’s a pediatrician.” Rachel turned onto Laney Walker. “We also have a technical school and a black college here, Paine; It’s ahead of us now.” After veering right onto Central and traveling a few blocks, she said, “This divided strip is another one of our loveliest areas in spring.”
A few minutes and one turn later, she stopped at a red light, and while they waited for it to change, said, “If you continue down a few blocks on Milledge, you’ll find the Augusta Country Club; then, a few blocks farther, you’re back at Julian Smith Casino on Washington Road. To our left, up the street, is Augusta College; it’s part of the UGA system and has famous items on its grounds from the Civil War. This section is called The Hill; it’s where the wealthy lived and vacationed long ago. When flooding and insect infestation became a problem in the lowlands, the rich moved up here to escape those problems. There’s a lot of old money and blue bloods and Old South traditions in this town.” Rachel turned right onto Walton Way. “Also, inland plantation owners came during off-seasons and for recreation. That big building on the left used to be called the BonAir Hotel; the rich and famous stayed there to escape northern winters. Ours are shorter and milder. Snow is rare, but we get an occasional white blanket and ice storms. Needless to say, being unaccustomed and unprepared for them, they wreak havoc on us, which amuses our northern inhabitants and visitors.”
Rachel parked the car at the Partridge Inn. “How about eating lunch here? They have good food and service, and it’s lovely and quiet inside.” And hopefully private since it isn’t a regular daytime haunt of my circle.
Quentin unfastened his seat belt. “Suites me fine. I’m ready to eat.”
Outside the car, Rachel told him, “ARC, the Academy of Richmond County, Carrie’s old school, is two blocks down the hill from us.”
They entered the restaurant and were seated. Tables were covered with white cloths and napkins were folded in fanned designs. The chairs were cushiony and comfortable, the furniture good quality. Greenery and flowers were placed at the best locations to beautify the room, as were white columns. The area was clean; the music was low; the lighting was perfect; and no friends or acquaintances were present.
“I see what you mean, Rachel; it’s very nice and pretty.”
A waitress brought them menus; a server, ice water.
“The inn is old and historic; it was renovated years ago. There’s a good view from the penthouse porch and it’s an excellent small-party location.”
After their selections were made and orders were given, Quentin asked, “You said one of your daughters is a doctor, a pediatrician?”
“Yes, Karen, my oldest; she’s twenty-seven.” Eleven years younger than you are. “She’s on a medical mercy ship that’s giving aid to sick and injured children in third-world countries. She left a few weeks ago and will be gone until next June. She’s getting married and setting up a practice with her fiancé after they return; he’s also a doctor and on the same ship.”
They ceased talking for a few minutes while they were served bread and butter and their drinks.
“Will they be living and practicing here?”
“I hope so, but they haven’t decided yet.”
“You must be very proud of her.”
Rachel smiled. “I am; she’s a good daughter and a good doctor.”
Quentin sipped iced tea before asking, “You have another daughter, right?” He studied her expressions and tones each time she talked. Once more, he saw her green eyes glow with love, pride, and happiness. He heard them in her voice. A loving mother and a h
appy family, he concluded, which didn’t fit the Gaines family image that Carrie had described.
“Evelyn, she’s twenty-five. She’s married to an automotive engineer. She has two children, a boy one and a girl three. She and Eddie are in Japan until next April. He’s…” Rachel fell silent for a moment and moved aside for the waitress to set down her salad, then watched the woman serve Quentin.
After she left, Quentin coaxed, “Go on. He’s what?”
“He’s with Honda in Raymond, Ohio, in their research, design, and development center. Almost ninety percent of their Accords and Civics are made in America, their top two sellers here. He’ll be studying and working over there with their engineers for a year. I can hardly wait for them to return to the States; I don’t like them being so far away. Letters just aren’t the same. At least when they’re in Ohio, frequent visits and calls will be possible.”
They finished their salads just as the waitress brought their entrees. She asked if they needed anything else and when they declined, she collected the used dishes, poured fresh tea, and brought hot rolls.
“You were right,” Quentin affirmed, “the food and service here are great.”
They dined and drank in silence for a short while, each keenly aware of the other, each recalling past times together. The waitress checked on them once more and then gave them privacy.
“You didn’t want to visit the Orient with your daughter and family?”
Rachel finished chewing her roasted chicken before she replied, “Eddie’s mother went to Japan with them to help Evelyn with the children and with cooking and cleaning in the guest house; Barbara has lived with them in Ohio since her husband died. She’s a wonderful woman and they all get along well, so I’m glad she’s there to keep my daughter company in a foreign country. If I had gone, too, I believe it would have been a little crowded. I might visit before they return home next year, maybe over the holidays.”
Quentin sliced off another bite of roast beef. “What about your family?”
“My parents died in ‘77, a few months apart. I was a late child, born when my mother was forty; they were both seventy when they died. It’s sad but merciful not to leave a loved one behind for very long at that age.”
He noticed she qualified her last statement with a time period. From what he had learned, Daniel had been dead for over two years when they met, and she hadn’t seemed a grieving widow aboard the ship. “What about Daniel’s family? Are you still close to them?” He saw her tense and watched her smile fade before she tried to appear relaxed and forced a smile.
“They relocated to a retirement complex outside of Charleston two years ago; their two daughters and their families also moved there.”
Quentin waited for her to continue, but she didn’t. He detected major gaps in her response and an odd look in her eyes, a dulling of their previous sparkle. Trouble there? he mused.
“What about you and your family?” Rachel inquired.
“I’ll tell you about them another time. We need to finish eating so I can get you home on time as I promised.” He sent her a smile and added, “Maybe you’ll be willing to do this again before I leave town. It’s been fun.”
Before thinking, Rachel responded, “I’ve enjoyed our outing today, too, so I’m for hire again.”
“Good; you did an excellent job.”
Later, as he drove along Stevens Creek Road, Rachel said, “I’ll leave this packet of maps and brochures with you. I’ve included a list of restaurants with their addresses and ratings. If you have any questions, you can ask the desk clerk or call me; you have my number.”
As he pulled into her driveway, he said, “Thanks, Rachel, you’ve been a big help and, as always, good company.” He released his seat belt and opened the door. He paused to glance over at her. “How about showing me more sites tomorrow, say the areas outside of town? If you can make a day of it, I’ll reward you with lunch and dinner. Or I’ll make a contribution to your favorite local charity; it’s your choice.”
Rachel was surprised and pleased, and intrigued by his suggestion. She responded after he opened the door for her and she stepped out of the car. “Tomorrow is fine. I can work on my project another day. Do you want to start at nine again or later?”
Quentin shut the door and grasped her elbow to walk her to the door. “Same time is perfect for me; I’m an early riser and my schedule is clear.”
“You get up early even when you’re on vacation?” she asked as they walked to her front porch along a brick pathway.
“I guess old habits are hard to break,” he replied with a grin, and she nodded agreement. As she probed her purse for her keys, his gaze slipped over a healthy and lush lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs of various sizes and types, and colorful flowers either near the large home or in scattered beds around hardwood or decorative trees. Her lot was spacious, a good distance away from large houses on either side of her creamy stucco one. He had noticed a tall and thick brick wall enclosing the backyard for privacy. He heard lawn mowers cutting grass on other lots, smelled the scent of their labors, and heard birds singing. It was a beautiful and serene setting, an expensive one, telling him that Rachel Tims Gaines had plenty of money and was indeed a member of the upper class, as Carrie had informed him.
“You have a skilled gardener; your yard is lovely.”
“Henry is a wonder; he’s been with me for years. He also does my pool maintenance. His mother Martha keeps house for me once a week. They’re fine people, and I’m fortunate to have them.” She switched off the alarm system and unlocked the door. She turned to him and smiled, having decided not to invite him inside. “Good-bye, Quentin. I’ll see you in the morning.”
He ordered himself not to make her nervous by staring at her, which was hard. “Good-bye, Rachel; I’m looking forward to it. Thanks again.”
She watched him return to the rental car, wave, and leave. She took a deep breath and went to change into casual clothes.
“You handled that well. Now, let’s see if you can do it again,” she murmured.
Five
Tuesday morning, they set off to see Thurmond Lake at Quentin’s request. This time, he drove. It was a pleasant trip and Rachel was proud to show off the popular recreation spot. They looked at the large dam and one of many parks which was located in the area while they made genial conversation, with each noticing that the other avoided delving into their mutual past or into personal details. Afterward, they drove along Bobby Jones Freeway to the Gordon Highway because Quentin wanted to see Fort Gordon, a large and important military reservation a few miles away. After obtaining a post map and information, they toured open areas and chatted about the site.
“How many soldiers are stationed here?” Quentin asked.
“I don’t know, but it’s a large number. Many of them—and especially the officers—return after retirement to live and work here. I think some of them like being near a base with a PX, hospital, and such so they can use their benefits. We also have a large veterans hospital in town.”
“I would imagine there are lots of businesses that cater to soldiers.”
“Yes, and particularly entertainment like lounges and such. I’m sure having Fort Gordon nearby helps out the local economy. There’s a nice dinner theater on the post that’s open to the public. I’ve only been to one play there, but it was well done and the meal was good.”
“Does it create many traffic problems for the area?”
“I don’t think so. We have heavy traffic at certain times of the day and on certain highways during work-commute hours but nothing like big cities experience. It does increase when special events are in town, like the Master’s Golf Tournament in April. I have to say the city and county law enforcements do a splendid job of controlling it; they post helpful signs for weeks before the tournament so visitors know where to go; that prevents jams. If you recall from the map, Augusta is bordered by the river on the east. The main thoroughfares spread out from town in a five-prong fan shape; they inte
rsect with Bobby Jones or 1-20, so getting around is fairly quick and easy.”
“I imagine this county is growing rapidly these days.”
“It is. Because of the river, expansion is always westward, especially toward and into Columbia County. Augusta merges into Martinez which merges into Evans along Washington Road. Many new subdivisions are going in beyond this bypass because there’s still plenty of large land tracts available. Of course, their prices are rising fast.”
“Demand always increases something’s value.” Like a quarterback everybody wants when he’s on the top. “It certainly seems as if your highway system is sufficient for taking care of heavy traffic and expansion.” Thank goodness or this town would be worthless to us. “What about airports?”
Rachel thought that query odd since he knew Carrie had flown in for the reunion. “We have two. There’s a small city airport, Daniel Field on Highland Avenue, and the main airport that Carrie used. The largest carrier is Delta; their big jets come in at Bush Field. Also smaller connector flights and private jets use it. Pull in there and we’ll eat lunch at Applebee’s.”
Quentin chuckled. “So, an empty stomach wins out over a charitable heart, eh?”
Rachel smiled. “Today, I’m afraid so. The crowd has thinned, so it shouldn’t take long to get service; then, we can continue our tour.”
“I was hoping you weren’t going to starve me for a donation. Thanks.”
“How could I allow myself to mistreat a celebrity guest like you?” she quipped, then wished she hadn’t used those words in light of her actions years ago when she had panicked and skipped out on him. If Quentin noticed her mistake, he didn’t react to it, and she was relieved. Again today, he seemed relaxed and in a good mood.
At their table, he said, “There are plenty of hotels and restaurants to select from around here; that’s good for both tourists and locals. Do you have the same advantages in shopping, schools, and industries?”
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