Chapter 24.  Hoedown

 

Jan had a light supper waiting for Miriam and Dan when they got home from work.  She prodded them to get ready for the hoedown.  She wanted to be there early to make sure that all the preparations were complete.  Dan donned his gaudy, red and yellow, long-sleeved, plaid shirt, his blue jeans, and a pair of low-heeled cowboy boots and waited for the ladies in the breezeway.

 

Shortly, they made a dazzling appearance.  Jan had obtained florid, flour-sack materials from an internet site and sewn them into eye-catching outfits.  And, she had made petticoats to shape the dresses into wide arcs.  When the ladies walked, they rustled.  When they whirled, they looked like decorous, spinning tops.  Dan was impressed.  Miriam was wrapped with powdery, green tones,  Jan, with sunflower yellows.

 

When the trio arrived at Duke Damon’s barn, everything was in order.  The Firefighters’ Association had some shiny, fire trucks on display.  The ladies’ auxiliary had a large table loaded with cupcakes, cookies and coffee for sale.  A local soft-drinks distributor was selling beverages to the growing crowd.  And, the “Dardenne Prairie Square-dance Club” was handing out flyers publicizing their meetings.  Duke had set a flat wagon at the far end of the barn.  It would serve as a stage for the bluegrass band and the square-dance caller.

 

People of all ages mingled together.  Old folks were there to support the cause, visit with neighbors, and watch the dancers.  Teenagers were scurrying all about; the girls in flour-sack dresses and the boys in jeans and bright shirts.  Young families adhered to the suggested dress code.

Their children, even their toddlers, were decked out in appropriate costumes.  They were adorable.  There were some bleachers in the barn, because it was often the site of cattle auctions.  And, the local funeral director had brought in folding chairs, stamped with his logo, to afford more seating.  And, Duke had set a large number of square straw bales around the hall.  Folks were using them as seats and refreshment tables.

 

As the band played softly, an emcee announced, “We’re about to begin.  Now, we have set aside the area to my right for beginners.  The square-dance club is here to teach you the steps.  You can easily recognize the club members.  The gals are dressed alike, in emerald-green dresses, and the guys are in matching, dusky-red shirts.  Playing behind me is the ‘Ozark Bluegrass Band’.  They’re donating their time tonight, but they are available for hire for wedding receptions and other events.  Speaking of donations, we’re here to raise money for our volunteer firefighters.  Bill O’Malley is sitting at the desk at the end of the stage, to my right.  Give your contributions to him.  Also, he’s tracking large contributors.  The three largest will be honored later this evening.  The ladies’ restroom is on the East side of the barn; the gents’, on the West.  Without further ado, here’s Jeb Blakely, tonight’s Square-dance Caller.”

 

As the dancing began, folks clustered with family and friends.  The dancers left their purses, handbags and even their little children in the care of those who preferred to watch.  Jan, Dan and Miriam sat with the Wagners, an old couple that lived across the road from them.  Dan and Miriam quickly joined the dancers.  They spotted Vic, learning to execute the caller’s commands, over in Beginners’ Corner.  Duke Damon approached Jan and asked, “Will you partner with me?”  They’d gone to school together, and they shared another thing in common.  He, too, had lost his spouse.

 

“Sure,” she said with a smile, and off to the dance floor they went.

 

After a set of dances, the emcee returned to the stage and disclosed, “As you may know, the Diedermans have a beautiful, young lady living in the rental house on their property.  Jan tells me, ‘This gal knows how to fiddle.’  And, she has persuaded her to entertain us this evening with a medley of tunes.  So, here is the lovely Miss Miriam Smithson.”

 

Over the years, Miriam had memorized tunes she loved to play.  During her practice sessions, she often arranged these tunes into an informal medley.  Jan had heard her do this as she listened from the breezeway.  She wanted to share her pleasure with her neighbors.

 

Miriam glided to the front of the stage amid a welcoming round of applause.  She was stunning in her fancy, flour-sack dress.  She spread her arms with her violin in one hand and her bow in the other and made a graceful curtsy.  Rising, she placed her instrument to her chin and began her forte performance with some raucous themes from “The Rodeo Suite” by Aaron Copland.  Soon, she switched to a series of Stephen Foster melodies: “Camptown Races”, “Jeanie With the Light Brown Hair”, “Old Folks at Home”, and “Swanee River”.  She concluded with a jazzy rendition of Foster’s “Old Susanna” and a vigorous finale.  As she played, she morphed into her exuberant persona. Her face glowed, her eyes sparkled.  The crowd was electrified.  They all knew they were witnessing a world-class performance.  Amid thunderous applause and shouts of approval, Miriam curtsied again and slipped to Dan’s side.  “Awesome,” he whispered in her ear, hugging her tightly.  “You were beyond great.  I’m so proud of you.”

 

Jan rose to embrace her.  “Thank you!  That was magnificent!” 

 

Suddenly, Miriam saw a little girl racing toward her with her Mom in hot pursuit, carrying a baby.  When the child reached up to hug her, Miriam recognized her little face.  “Twila Brown,” Miriam said, as she reached down to lift her up.  “I remember you from the fair.  You look so pretty in your dancing dress, and where did you get those beautiful, banana curls?”

 

“Cinderella!” Twila squealed.  “You’re my Cinderella.”

 

“Miriam, you were terrific!” Holly Brown asserted, laughing.  “When Twila saw you, I could hardly hold her back.  She wanted to run up on the stage with you.”

 

“She’s so cute.  I love her curls.  Have you and Ted danced yet?” Miriam asked.

 

“Well, no,” Holly replied.  “We’ve been busy watching the kids, but you and Dan look great out there.”

 

Jan stepped forward, extending her hands, and said, “I’m Dan’s mother, Jan.  I heard all about you and Twila and the fair.  Here ... let me hold the baby.  Miriam and Twila can get re-acquainted, and Dan can keep your boy busy while you and your hubby dance a few rounds.”

 

“Really?” Holly asked.

 

“Really,” Miriam replied.

 

Dan asked the little boy, “What’s your name, pal?”

 

“Robbie.”

 

“Well, Robbie, let’s get some refreshments for our circle of friends.”  While Ted and Holly danced, Dan took drink orders from the Wagners, Jan, Twila and Miriam.  He slid a straw bale into the middle of their cluster, and he and Robbie made several trips to get drinks and cookies and cupcakes for the group. 

 

Vic was stalking Miriam.  He had pressed close to the stage and eyed her intensely as she played her medley.  The evil spirits swirling in him had inflamed his passions.  His heart had pounded, as he imagined a romantic encounter with her.  The demons within had growled, “Take her ... force her into your car ... lock her in your apartment and have your way with her!  She’ll love you for it!”  And, that’s what he wanted to do, but the logical side of Vic knew he couldn’t get away with that.  So, he surveilled  Miriam and the cluster around her and looked for an opportunity to snatch his prey.  He cooled his lusts by dancing with girls he had befriended while training with the square-dance club.

 

When the band took another break, the emcee broadcast, “You may have noticed Harry and Jill Schneider walking around with clipboards tonight.  They’re the owners of ‘Schneider’s Formal-Wear Emporium’ in Clayton.  We asked them to identify the prettiest flour-sack dress here tonight.  And, guess what!  They got into a domestic squabble.  They could not agree.”  Howls of laughter ensued.  The announcer continued, “So, we have a tie ... two winners ... Jan Diederman and our lovely violinist, Miriam Smithson ... but, Miriam just told me ... Jan made both dresses.  So, let’s hear a round of applause as these ladies take a bow.”  Miriam took Jan’s hand and led her onto the stage.  With bright smiles, they curtsied simultaneously and hurried off the stage.  The emcee returned, “The Schneiders had no trouble finding the wildest plaid shirt.  Come on out here Jim.  Folks, look at him ... this is James Gish.  You have to admit that’s the loudest shirt you’ve ever seen.” 

 

All manner of noise shook the hall: whistles, cheers and loud applause.  Even Dan cupped his hands to his mouth and bellowed, “Way to go, Jim!”  Jim was one of his high school buddies, and he was still a close friend.  Jim laughed, took a bow, and hurried off the stage.

 

The emcee continued, “At the next break we’re going to announce our biggest contributors.  So, if you haven’t gotten with Bill O’Malley yet, get over there, and ‘git ‘er done’.  Remember, we’ll announce the names of the three most liberal donors.  You businessmen ... here’s your chance to get some publicity ... And now, with great pleasure, I ask you to give your full attention to the “Dardenne Prairie Square-dance Club”.  They’re going to demonstrate their latest moves.  You probably know ... they recently won the blue ribbon at the “Kansas City Square-dance Festival”.  Let’s welcome them with a giant round of applause.”

 

The dancers formed two circles of four couples each.  As the music began, the groups performed in sync.  On certain steps, like the do-si-do, they took extra quick steps.  On others, the fellows stomped their boots in unison.  They were well-rehearsed and talented.  At times, they went into ‘slow-mo’.  Even though the music played on, they moved as if two beats were one.  And, at other times, they jumped into ‘fast-mo’, as if one beat were two.  It was a fascinating drill.  They concluded by joining the two groups into a figure eight.  As the couples promenaded about their circles, each couple, in turn, crossed into the neighboring circle until all of the couples had changed rings.  Then, they marched into one, long, straight line.  As the music ended, the ladies curtsied and the gents bowed.  Again, the barn rafters shook, as the crowd commended the dancers with applause and shouts of acclamation.

 

During the next set of dances, Miriam and Dan kept together.  Duke Damon persisted in prodding Jan to dance with him.  And, Vic, seeing no opportunity to dance with Miriam, decided to make an eye-popping contribution to the cause.  He hoped his generosity would remind Miriam of his vast wealth.

 

When the musicians rested, the emcee took the stage.  “Let’s have a huge round of applause for our firefighters.”  As the applause echoed about the barn, he continued, “Fellows ... stand up wherever you are and wave your hands.  We need to know who you are.  Folks, shake their hand and thank them for their watchcare over us.”  As the applause and commotion subsided, the emcee said, “Now, remember, we’re here to raise money for these volunteers.  If you haven’t made a contribution yet, you can still get over to Bill O’Malley’s desk.  But, here are the results, so far.  In third place, with a contribution of $3,000 dollars, is

‘Dauderman’s Elevator’.”  Applause rang out.  “In second place is ‘Damon’s Cattle Farm’ ... Yes ... that’s the same fellow that lent us this barn ... Duke Damon.  Besides inviting us here for this party, Duke gave $5,000 dollars to the cause.  Let’s here it for Duke!”  Cheers and applause filled the barn.  Then, the emcee, looking a bit puzzled, said, “And, the biggest gift of the night was made by Victor Bobreaux.  Now ... Vic ... I’m not sure who you are.  Would you stand and wave your hand ... There he is!  Well, that handsome gentleman gave a whopping $10,000 dollars ... Thank you Vic! ... Now, all of you help me say that again ... Thank you Vic!”  The audience joined in and cheered and stomped their feet and applauded.  Vic grinned and took a bow right where he stood.  He felt empowered.  Those around him shook his hand and congratulated him.

 

Dan, Jan and Miriam were amazed.  “I’m glad he did it,” Jan gasped, “but why?”

 

Miriam said, “Maybe he’s turning his life around and wants to do something good with his newfound wealth.”  Dan was speechless.

 

The emcee continued, “This is the last set of dances.  After four square-dances, the lights will dim and the band will play a slow tune, “Stardust”, for our closing ‘Sweetheart Dance’.  If you’re here for that, please don’t try to leave when the lights are low.  We don’t want anyone tripping over something in the dark.  Wait till the lights come back on.  Thank you for coming.  It has been a very successful night.”

 

As the music resumed, Duke came back to the area where the Diedermans were sitting and asked Jan, “Can we dance again?”

 

Jan surprised Dan and Miriam.  She said, “No!” sharply.  But then, she rose, smiled sweetly, and shook his hand saying, “But, thank you for hosting the hoedown.  That’s a wonderful thing.”

 

Dan and Miriam took to the dance floor for a few more rounds, but during the second one, they were interrupted by Jim Gish.  He pulled them aside and asked, “Dan, do you have any battery cables?  My car won’t start and I have to get to work.  I’m on the 11 o’clock shift.  Can you help me?”

 

“Sure,” Dan replied.  “I’ll get you going.”  He escorted Miriam to Jan’s side and hurried out the door with Jim. 

 

The Brown family came by as they headed for home.  Twila and her parents wanted to say goodnight.  Vic, who was tracking every move Miriam made, had seen Dan walk out the door.  He waited while the Browns visited and departed.  Then, he made his move.

 

“There’s just one square-dance left,” he said to Miriam.  “Will you do me the honor of dancing with me?”

 

Miriam did some quick thinking, “Vic is very attractive ... He might be miffed if I say, ‘No’ ... Dan is busy ... Vic gave that big donation ... Maybe he’s at a turning point in his spiritual journey ... It’s just one square-dance ... It can’t hurt ... It might help get Vic on the right track.”  She rose, slowly, and uttered a weak, “OK.”

 

Vic grabbed her hand and pulled her into a square, enthusiastically.  “It feels so good to hold her hand, at last,” he thought.  They began dancing.  Every time he got his arms around Miriam, he was stirred.  He smiled broadly, adored her beautiful face, and searched it for signs of glee.  

 

Miriam was not happy.  Vic was ‘grabby’.  He squeezed her hands too hard.  He embraced her too tightly.  She was eager for the dance to end.  When it did, she expected Vic to escort her back to Jan’s side.  But, the lights dimmed, immediately, and the band began playing the opening strains of “Stardust”.  Vic put his right arm around her waist, firmly, grasped her left hand, and began to slow dance.  She didn’t know what to do.  “I want to go ... If I break away, will it offend and embarrass Vic? ... We work together.  We have to remain friends.”

 

Vic put his cheek next to hers and whispered, “This is what it’ll be like at the charity ball ... me and you ... It feels so right.”  He pulled her closer, and began to run his greedy fingers up and down the small of her back,  “We’re going for a romantic, moonlight drive in my new Ferrari ...  I’ll show you my apartment ...  We’ll relax there and get to know each other.”

 

Miriam was terrified.  Vic was holding her so tightly, it hurt.  She felt constrained.  She looked over to where Jan was sitting, and suddenly, she was alarmed.  Dan was there, staring at her.  A frantic flurry of thoughts swirled in her head, “I’ve never seen him that way.  He looks shocked.  He’s in agony.  Something has gone out of him.  He’s deflated.  He’s in grief.”  In a flash, his sturdy frame seemed to turn to stone. 

 

Dan’s thoughts were jangled, “She’s fallen in love with Vic ... She’s been warming up to him ... I saw it coming ... I hoped I was wrong ... but, there she is, cuddling with him ... dancing the Sweetheart Dance, cheek to cheek ... Lord!  I thought she was my soul-mate ... I know all things work together for good for the saved, but how can this be good? ... Are you protecting me in some way? ... Would she be an unfaithful wife? ... I could punch him out ... break his handsome nose, but what good would that do? ... I’d feel better, but I’d still be the loser ... Lord!  I know you love me, and this is somehow for my good, but right now, I feel like crawling into a deep hole and dying!”  Dan turned, slowly, said something to Jan, and walked out of the barn. 

 

Miriam could not bear to see Dan in such pain.  She broke away from Vic with such fury, he slipped and fell to the floor.  She ran to where Jan and the Wagners were seated.  “What’s wrong, Jan?  Where did Dan go?  Is he sick or hurt?”

 

“Something’s troubling him, deeply,” Jan said softly.  “I think he’s heartsick ... He went to get the car.  Let’s grab our things and hurry out to meet him.”

 

Vic felt like a fool, sitting alone on the dance floor with everyone watching and wondering.  Never had he been so insulted.  Never had he been rejected by a girl.  Embarrassed, he rose and slinked off the floor and dropped onto a folding chair.  “That’s unforgivable!” he ranted in his head.  “I offered her so much, and she ditched me ... in public!”  He was humiliated.  He felt everyone was staring at him in derision.  He rose, fled to his car, and careened his way home with reckless abandon.

 

When Dan brought the car around, Jan slipped into the back seat carrying Miriam’s violin.  Miriam slid into the front, saying, “Are you OK?”

 

Dan hesitated, and finally rasped, “No.”

 

Miriam wanted to slide over next to him, but Jan’s car had bucket seats, and these were separated by a console.  She patted Dan’s right shoulder with her left hand, but it felt like she was touching a cold statue.  She didn’t want to quarrel with Jan in the car, and, anyway, it didn’t seem like Dan was willing to talk.  He didn’t hold her hand as he usually did.  She felt isolated.  Her eyes welled with tears.  The short ride home was one long silence.  When they arrived, without a word, Dan plodded into the house.  Obviously, he wanted to be alone.

 

“Jan, help me!” Miriam cried.  Sobbing, with her chest heaving to catch a breath, she clung to Jan.  “What’s wrong? ... What can I do?”

 

“All I know is this,” Jan related.  “When he left the hoedown, he said, “I lost her ... I’m going to bring the car around.”

 

Miriam collapsed to her knees and wept bitterly.  “Jan, Dan’s the one I’ve been looking for since I was a kid!” she wailed.  “Why did I ever dance with Vic?  I’ve got to talk to Dan!  I’ve got to explain what happened!”

 

Jan knelt beside Miriam and wrapped her arms around her.  “I don’t think he’ll talk tonight.  He’s too distraught ... too confused.  Maybe he’ll listen in the morning.  Why don’t you pray about it during the night.  I’ll pray, too.  I know he loves you.  If you two are meant for each other, God will clear this up tomorrow.”

 

“Pray hard!” Miriam said as she struggled to her feet and headed to her bedroom.  “Pray really hard!”