Stardust: A Novel

by Carla Stewart

  After clearing most of the mess, I turned my attention to a stack of mail. Bills. And more bills. I set them aside and picked up the next envelope. A letter with an Oklahoma postmark and Doreen Palmer’s return address.

  I ripped it open and read through her news. A new great-nephew. A niece’s wedding. And she’d found a house to buy one block off Main Street. She asked how we were doing and how business was.

  On the third page, I read a long paragraph. Then read it again. My heart hammered at the cryptic words.

  By now, I’m sure you’ve settled into a routine. I wasn’t completely honest with you about the reason Paddy wanted you to have the Stardust. It is true you’ve always been dear to us, but you don’t look like Paddy’s grandmother or any of the Palmer and Tickle clan we know of. You used to sit on the steps of the Stardust and watch the cars that went by, always looking for the one that would bring your folks. Of course, they never came. It nearly broke our hearts watching you. We wanted to tell you the truth about your parents, but Paddy had given his word and then spent every day of his life wishing he hadn’t.

  Paddy and Doreen knew and they didn’t tell me? I bit my lip and turned the page over.

  The answer is at the Stardust.

  One other thing. Give Malcolm Overstreet my regards. He has a few secrets of his own and might shed some light on your situation.

  Give my love to the girls.

  Doreen Palmer

  My head swam with thoughts. First, Aunt Cora told me it was time I learned the truth. Well, almost time. Whenever she deemed it time. But Paddy and Doreen knew? Who else? And the answer was at the Stardust? Where? There were ten cottages, an office with quarters, a washhouse, and five acres of land. I would be old and gray before I found the answer.

  A part of me no longer wanted to know. I’d made new friends, seen my mother-in-law transformed before my eyes, and come face-to-face with O’Dell’s mistress. I’d had enough drama to last a lifetime. Not to mention having to still decide what to do with Fiona’s children.

  Why had Doreen written now? Had she been giving me enough time to get acquainted with Malcolm Overstreet in hopes he would tell me? It seemed chancy at best. What if we hadn’t hit it off? Or what if this was the year he found another fishing hole? His secret, of course, was the aid he rendered to Zion. She knew he’d come to doctor the folks who had no other means of medical support. It all seemed far-fetched that I would connect the dots. It had to be something else.

  Willie’s cries brought me back to the present. I put Doreen’s letter in the ledger that I hadn’t gotten to and put it and the unpaid bills in the drawer. There was too much to do to worry over my own personal demons.

  As tired as I was, I didn’t sleep well. When Willie woke up for his feeding, I went over Doreen’s letter again, trying to read between the lines. The answer is at the Stardust. A challenge. Was that Doreen’s intent—to spur me into action?

  When morning came and I heard Ludi singing across the meadow, I met her and Merciful in the washhouse.

  “Morning, Miz Georgie. How’s Miss Avril?”

  I handed her a cup of coffee, strong the way she liked it. “Avril couldn’t be better. How are you?”

  “Can’t complain about a thing.”

  Merciful asked if she could see the girls, and I told her they’d saved her a biscuit. She skipped off as Ludi gathered the cleaning supplies.

  “You gon’ spoil my child.”

  “That’s the plan.”

  She sipped the coffee. “You didn’t need to come prancin’ out here the minute I showed up to bring me no coffee. I say you must got somethin’ else on your mind.”

  “Is it that obvious?”

  “Hmmm?”

  “I got a letter from Doreen Palmer yesterday, but something she wrote puzzles me.”

  “How is Do-reen?”

  “She sounded fine. Going to a wedding. Someone had a new baby.”

  “She comin’ back for a visit?”

  “Not that she said. But she did mention there was something she thought I should have found by now. It was mysterious almost, and she didn’t say exactly what it was. I thought you might know if she had a special box or hidey-hole I haven’t discovered.”

  Ludi held the coffee cup in both hands, brought it to her face, and inhaled like the scent might jiggle her memory. But the only thing that jiggled was her double chin when she swallowed. “No, ma’am. Can’t say as I recall any such place out here in the washhouse. I wouldn’t be knowing about over yonder, though.” She nodded toward the quarters. “I guess you been over it by now.”

  “Not yet. I thought you might know of someplace.”

  “What you be looking for?”

  “I’m not sure. A letter maybe. A photo. Could even be something from a newspaper.”

  Ludi drained her coffee cup and held it out to me. “Thank you, Miz Georgie. Let me know if you happen on it.”

  While Merciful played with the girls, I searched the office. One cabinet had paperwork I’d been through before, but not thoroughly. I dug in and went through it piece by piece. Nothing but old receipts, a few recipes. I shoved the box back under the counter and went through the three drawers where I kept the ledger and money tray, extra brochures, and miscellaneous items. Still nothing.

  Frustrated, I gave up and had just started on the pile of bills when the office bell jangled.

  “Hey, Bobby Carl. What can I do for you today?”

  “What’s going on, Georgia?” I wondered if something had blown in his eyes the way he kept squinting.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Your hair. Something’s different.”

  “I got it cut, but it’s been awhile. Guess you didn’t notice when you brought Mr. Sweeney to register.”

  “Guess not. I liked it better long.”

  Another good reason to cut it, but I just shrugged. “Matter of taste, I guess. It’s definitely cooler. Anything in particular you wanted?”

  “Oh, yeah. I came to ask what’s going on with your aunt Cora?”

  “Nothing that I know of. Why do you ask?”

  “Rumor has it she and Van Sweeney are having creative differences. Man, I hope this isn’t going to put a damper on the charity concert.” He leaned on the desk, close enough that I could smell the Brylcreem on his hair.

  “I was with her yesterday. She didn’t say anything.”

  “I think it just happened. She met with Sweeney before our committee’s breakfast meeting today. When we all got together, the tension was as thick as fog on the bayou.”

  “Maybe she was tired. She’s had a lot on her mind lately, and it wouldn’t surprise me if you read something else into it. What did she say?”

  “It was the mayor’s secretary who overheard her conversation with Sweeney. I don’t know the whole thing, but she said she’d never give her consent. Made us wonder if they’re arguing over how to use the funds they raise. Not that it matters to me as long as I get my cut.”

  “Has anyone ever told you you’re a busybody?” I started straightening brochures, hoping he’d get the hint that I didn’t want to talk.

  “Gee, Georgia, I can’t help it. When you’ve been a radio reporter for six years, you can’t just turn off the instinct, you know.”

  “So maybe you should go back on the radio.”

  “I’m considering it. Sweeney hasn’t been as plum a deal as I thought. He’s only interested in these small-town, low-paying gigs. Wouldn’t even hear of me trying to book him in the clubs I had lined up in Memphis and Shreveport.”

  “Sorry. He seems like a nice man.”

  “Something screwy’s going on.” He crossed his arms and huffed out his frustration.

  “Don’t get yourself worked up.”

  “You’d think since I’m his manager, Sweeney would keep me informed.”

  “I can’t help you there. But I do need to go check on the kids. See you at the festival.”

  “That sounds promising.”

  I
left it at that. I had too many other things to worry about besides resisting Bobby Carl’s wiles.

  After supper, Peter’s car pulled up in the drive. I knew Inez Lombardy was Fiona’s sister the minute they stepped through the door of the Stardust. She had the same pale eyes as Fiona and Bonnie. The same translucent skin, but her hair was dark and curled softly around her face. Following them was a lean man with a crew cut and a cautious expression.

  Peter made the introductions: Inez Lombardy and her husband, Mitch.

  I extended my hand, all the while sizing them up, trying to assess their adequacy and intent. And whether I could hand over the two children I’d come to love as my own.

  Inez had a low but mellow voice. “Peter’s told me how attached you’ve become to my niece and nephew. It was terribly nice for him to come to us in person.”

  “He’s been a big help, and I’m glad to finally meet you.”

  Awkwardness filled the room. I had a million questions about Fiona. Did they know she’d stolen my husband? That she’d given him the son he always wanted? If they were close, why hadn’t they looked for Fiona? Would they care for my girls’ half brother?

  Peter, bless him, smoothed the way. “Inez and Mitch have had a rough time. They only found out yesterday about Fiona’s illness. We went to Tyler so Inez could see her sister.”

  Inez crossed her arms and rubbed her pale skin. “It’s a miracle she’s even alive. And the nurse said it could be months before we know what the future holds.” She frowned, then leveled her gaze at me. “I feel partially to blame for this. Fiona was so lonely after Rusty was killed. I was the one who suggested she go to work. I even offered to watch Bonnie while she waited tables at the café.”

  A picture formed in my mind. An attractive woman serving coffee, pocketing tips, thinking of her child at home and a husband she’d never see again. I could nearly taste the hunger for companionship Fiona must’ve had.

  I shrugged. “Don’t blame yourself. You couldn’t have known what would happen. Polio has a way of lurking in the shadows, choosing its victims. It might’ve happened anyway.”

  “The polio, yes.” Inez stopped and chose her words carefully. “It wasn’t the polio I was thinking of. It was O’Dell. When Fiona told me she’d met someone, she began to live again. Her face glowed, and she giggled when she told me things he said. Their friendship progressed rather quickly. Too fast, I thought, but I tried to stay out of it, and it never once occurred to me he was married.”

  Another image flashed. O’Dell, tired from a day of knocking on doors, making one or two sales, maybe none. He had to eat. Why wouldn’t he chat with the waitress?

  Her eyes pleaded with me as though she had to convince me Fiona wasn’t a floozy. “I don’t think Fiona knew about you, either, Georgia. When she found out she was having a baby, they talked about marriage, but he kept stalling. Then he disappeared. She thought he was scared because of the baby, but she was determined to find him.” Her face darkened, and I could tell it hurt her to continue.

  “We argued. I told her she was foolish, that if it was meant to be he would come back. She’d heard him talk about his mother in Mayhaw, had even mailed a birthday card to her for him, so she knew where he was from. She’d been feeling poorly for several days, and I wanted her to go to the doctor. All she could think of was finding O’Dell. Finally, I told her to go on. I was tired of arguing. She told me not to worry, that if things worked out, she would let me know. But I never heard from her. Not one word.”

  Mitch Lombardy stepped forward and took Inez’s arm. “It’s okay, doll. Things have worked out. Just not like we expected.”

  Inez chewed her bottom lip and looked at me. “Can we see the children?”

  The moment I’d dreaded. Bonnie. How would she react to Inez and Mitch? I glanced at Peter, looking for some sign. Assurance shone in his eyes.

  I stepped toward the quarters. “I’m so sorry. I’ve completely forgotten my manners. Let’s go in and let me fix you an iced tea or a cup of coffee. Which would you prefer?”

  They exchanged glances, and in their silent conversation, I saw their own doubts and hesitation. Mitch spoke softly. “Iced tea would be nice.”

  Peter said, “I’m going to pass this time. I’ll see you later.”

  I mouthed thank you to him and motioned for the Lombardys to follow me.

  [ CHAPTER 39 ]

  I gathered my perkiest voice and opened the connecting door to our quarters. “Knock, knock. We have company.”

  Mary Frances sat on the sofa between Rosey and Bonnie and held Avril on her lap. Bonnie, still shy from her traumatic experience with her aunt Teddy, looked up, wary, but in an instant her face lit up and she squealed, “Aunt Eyes!” She ran into the outstretched arms of Inez and hugged her neck. “Where’s Mommy? Did she come?”

  “No. Your mommy is still sick, but here’s the kiss she wanted me to give you.” She put a loud smacking kiss on Bonnie’s cheek, and in an instant, I knew all would be well.

  The feeling was short-lived. Mary Frances put her hand to her mouth and closed her eyes. My insides twisted. The Lombardys would cherish Bonnie and her brother, but for Mary Frances, losing baby Willie had to be torture.

  Rosey crossed her arms. “Does this mean Bonnie is leaving? What about Willie? He’s just as much our baby as hers.” My spine tingled. She was right, but I’d not told her the truth of it. I knew her childish logic didn’t put it all together, but by telling her, I would be tarnishing O’Dell’s name. I swore I’d never do it. And yet, she should know Willie was her half brother.

  Mary Frances rose from the divan. “I think it’s time the Lombardys met Willie, don’t you, Rosey? You can help me change him, okay?”

  When they came back, Mary Frances placed Willie in Inez’s arms. “We’re going to let y’all get acquainted for a while. We’ll be outside.” She jerked her head toward the office for us to follow.

  Once outside, Mary Frances pulled her cigarette case from her pocket and lit up. “You girls sit down.” She looked at me. “I think you need to tell them the truth.”

  Rosey, even sitting on the steps, managed to look prissy. “You should always tell the truth. That’s what the Bible says.”

  I squeezed between the girls and pulled them close. “You’re right. There’s something you should know.”

  In simple words I told them how much they were loved, that once their daddy loved me, but then he’d fallen in love with Fiona. “She’s a nice lady who didn’t know your daddy had another family. I didn’t want you to stop loving your daddy, so I didn’t tell you.”

  Rosey sighed. “Is that why the kids at school called Daddy a cheat?”

  I was taken aback. She knew this already, the same way I’d known about Aunt Cora’s gentlemen friends without her telling me. I gave her an extra hug. “That’s what some people call it, but it doesn’t mean he was a terrible man, just that he made a mistake.”

  “What does this have to do with anything?”

  “The other lady your daddy loved was Mrs. Callahan—Bonnie and Willie’s mom. I think God let them find us so we would know you had a brother… baby Willie.”

  “If Willie’s our brother, is Bonnie our sister?”

  “No, she had a different daddy who was a soldier. But you both had daddies who died, so you’re sisters in a way. But Willie is both your brother and Bonnie’s.”

  Avril tugged on my arm.

  “Wait a minute, sweetie. Let me finish. When Bonnie’s mother gets better, she will want Bonnie and Willie to be together, the way you and Avril are together.”

  Mary Frances finished her smoke and ground it out with her shoe. “Willie’s lucky. He’s going to have two families, and we’ll go and visit him. Maybe he can even come here when he’s older.”

  Rosey crossed her arms. “Bigger, like a boy, you mean? I don’t really like boys.”

  Mary Frances laughed as Avril tugged harder on my arm.

  “Do you have a question, Avie?”

>   “Yes. May I please have a Popsicle?”

  It was the escape I needed. I knew there would be more questions, but the gate had been kicked open. I ruffled Avril’s hair and said, “I think that’s a splendid idea.”

  I passed out Popsicles to the girls, and after we’d discussed the guardianship papers, I invited Inez and Mitch to stay overnight. They said Peter had suggested they pack a bag. Bonnie asked to stay with “Aunt Eyes,” so we fixed a rollaway bed for her.

  The next morning I showed Inez how to make Willie’s formula with Carnation milk and corn syrup. The good-byes were tearful, and I almost broke down when Mary Frances kissed Willie on the forehead and passed him over to Inez. She’d already exchanged addresses with the Lombardys and accepted an invitation to go to Kilgore over Labor Day.

  Ludi and the kids came, and Catfish presented baby Willie with his own cypress knee—one with a hollow spot in one end for Willie to hold like a baby rattle.

  My own hollow spot that had longed for the truth about my parents no longer seemed as important. Maybe the truth I was meant to find at the Stardust was contentment and purpose. And there was a heap of work to do before the Mayhaw Festival and a talent show to get ready for.

  Peter returned to work at the mill that morning, but when he’d picked up his lunch, he asked me if I could get Mary Frances to watch the girls that evening. When I asked why, he said Van Sweeney wanted to take the two of us to dinner and discuss a proposition. When I asked what, he said he was running late and would see me later.

  What Mr. Sweeney wanted to discuss was a mystery. Unless, of course, it had something to do with the concert on Friday and his supposed disagreement with Aunt Cora. I thought of calling her, but then I’d be as pathetic a gossip as Bobby Carl.

  [ CHAPTER 40 ]

  I spent extra time with my hair and makeup and slipped on the tangerine dress Aunt Cora said went with my complexion. Spending an evening without children or an emergency to clear up made me giddy in anticipation. When the office bell jangled, I kissed the girls and thanked Mary Frances for being a dear, then went out to greet Peter. He smelled divine and had on dress slacks and a pale blue shirt the same shade as his eyes.