Old Tom and I heaved a sigh of relief, and at that moment Mrs. Brookman came out.

“I thought I heard something going on back here. Where’s my car?” she asked in alarm, looking at the open garage door and empty garage.

“Oh,” I said. “Old Tom, didn’t Gladys say something at dinner last night about borrowing it?”

“That’s right,” said Old Tom. “Although I was sure she meant to ask you first.”

“But she didn’t,” said Mrs. Brookman. “Because she knew I’d say no. That girl has driven into more ditches than you would think humanly possible. She knows very well I’d never give her my car. It’s a Sunday car. That’s how I keep it so nice. And is today a Sunday?” she bellowed at us in what seemed like a very accusatory way, as if she thought we had taken her car. Which, in a way, we had, but she didn’t know that, the suspicious old witch.

“No, it’s a Tuesday,” I said helpfully.

“That’s right,” said Mrs. Brookman. “That’s exactly what it is. A Tuesday. How dare she? Well, I’ll have a few words to say to her when she gets back, I’ll tell you that. And what did she say she wanted with it? Where did she say she was going?”

But Old Tom and I merely shrugged.

“She must be going to meet a soldier. What else would she be doing! And how, may I ask, did she get here?” demanded Mrs. Brookman.

I panicked. We hadn’t thought of that, but Old Tom, inspired by Mrs. Brookman’s postulation, said, “Probably got a lift here with a soldier. She certainly had no idea we were coming. We haven’t seen her since last night, have we, Franny?”

I shook my head emphatically no.

“A lift with a soldier to go meet another. That girl’s going to find herself in trouble if she’s not careful. Well, bring the milk and eggs into the store,” said Mrs. Brookman and jerking her apron in frustration, she marched back inside.

I worried any second she would become suspicious, but she seemed content to stew about Gladys instead and we made our escape.

“Couldn’t be better. Couldn’t be better,” cackled Old Tom as we pulled out and drove back to the farm.

But it wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.

What Miss Macy Forgot

WHAT MISS MACY FORGOT