She was stunned by his generosity. “Thank you,” she said, “but I couldn’t possibly ask you. I’m looking into having a few students help me.” Her fingers were already starting to ache with the cold and she rubbed her hands together. “It’s very kind of you, though. I’ll certainly contact you if I need help.”

Mr. Drapple tilted his head, seeming to appraise her. “My cousin’s taken a shine to you,” he said, in a rapid change of topic.

It took her a moment to remember that Mayor Sykes was his cousin. They certainly looked nothing alike.

“Mayor Sykes has been very helpful,” she said, trying not to think about the rumors of the mayor harming his wife and having an affair. She added with a smile, “Even though he doesn’t approve of me having the Tea Party front and center in the mural.” The mayor had grimaced when she told him her plan. “I hope you’ll reconsider,” he’d said.

“Ah well, that’s why he’s a mayor and not an artist, right?” Mr. Drapple smiled up at her.

Would you have put the Tea Party in the mural? she wanted to ask, but of course, she didn’t. What had his sketch been like? What had he painted to represent Edenton? She wished she could know.

“I saw the Life Magazine spread of the sketches,” he said. “Your Bordentown design was quite nice. You have a lovely style.”

His wife certainly hadn’t thought so, and Anna wondered if he was teasing her. She felt young and inexperienced—and also a bit as if she were on stage, up there on the porch while he stood below. She thought he sounded sincere, though. She would treat the compliment as such.

“Thank you,” she said.

He looked as though he wanted to say more, but then tipped his hat again. “Good day, then,” he said. “My phone number is 47, if you change your mind.” Anna watched him turn and walk toward the street before she stepped inside to warm up. She stood inside the front door, her back against it, thinking about what had just happened. She was touched by Martin Drapple’s generosity and warmth. She hoped she would have been as kind as he was if their fortunes had been reversed.

Chapter 21. Morgan

Chapter 21

MORGAN

June 19, 2018