A choking sound came from Max. “Homer, why don’t you tell Miss Henderson about your rock collection?” He turned to glance at Ellie who was biting her lip to keep from laughing. “Mr. Snodgrass has a beautiful collection of rocks from all over the territory.”
The man’s face lit up. “Yes, I do. You should see my collection, Miss Henderson. Every time my dear Agnes and I went for a walk, I would pick up a new rock. She was wonderful at sniffing out the most interesting ones. I remember one time...”
Ellie ignored the rest while he droned on about Agnes and his rocks. Where in heaven’s name did Max find these men? Somehow she couldn’t see him being friends with any of them. It’s almost as if he snatched them from the street and dragged them along for company. Could Max be that uncomfortable in a crowd? She sighed. He was certainly an enigma.
Christmas holly and bright lights decorated the outside of the concert hall. The cold air and festive surroundings put her in the right mood. People spilled from buggies and automobiles, wrapped in furs and jewels, laughing and chatting. She felt somewhat underdressed with her dark blue wool coat and hat, but the red and green bells she’d fashioned into earrings gave her appearance a holiday look, even if Max winced when he first noticed them.
Christmas drew near. With only another ten days, she needed to finish her baskets and get them delivered. Even though that’s what she should have been doing tonight, attending the concert thrilled her.
Max presented three tickets to the usher, and he led them to their seats. Very close to the front, an excellent view of the stage. Mr. Snodgrass went in first, then Ellie, followed by Max, who looked a bit agitated. They settled in their seats and studied the programs.
The orchestra tuned their instruments behind the red and gold velvet curtain. She looked around and inhaled deeply. Pine and apples.
“Miss Henderson?” Homer patted her hand again.
She turned in his direction.
“Agnes would have loved this concert.” He wiped a tear from the corner of his eye with his index finger. His pink nose had turned bright red.
Max shi
fted in his seat, clutching his program so tightly his knuckles turned white.
“Yes, she thoroughly enjoyed music. I play the piano, and whenever I’d settled on the bench to play a few tunes, she would lie down right alongside me and sing along.”
“Indeed?” Ellie gasped.
“Yes. I always thought her voice more alto, but whenever Mr. Atkins next door would come over to ask me to play a little softer, he said he found her tone to be a mystery.”
Max squirmed, adjusted his tie, pulled at his collar, his face now beet red. He turned to Mr. Snodgrass, about to speak, when the lights went out and the curtain rose.
The concert was wonderful, and Ellie enjoyed every moment of it. Familiar Christmas songs were interspersed with well-known classical pieces. The audience sat mesmerized as one tune after another drew warm applause.
Max sent Mr. Snodgrass to fetch two hot apple ciders during the intermission. He seemed to relax more once the man left.
“Don’t you want apple cider?” Ellie asked Max as Mr. Snodgrass returned and handed her the glass.
“Cider would never suffice tonight,” he bit out.
The second half of the concert sped by. The orchestra continued to play many of Ellie’s favorite Christmas songs. Several times Mr. Snodgrass would hum along and wipe his eyes with his handkerchief. Max tapped his foot, crossed and uncrossed his arms, shifted in his seat, and at one point glared at Mr. Snodgrass.
Ellie sighed as the curtain came down and the lights came up. They headed down the aisle to the exit. “I just loved the music. Thank you so much for inviting me.” Ellie smiled brightly at Max as they inched along. Mr. Snodgrass blew his nose with a loud honking noise.
This time Max escorted Ellie to the front seat of the Oldsmobile and left Mr. Snodgrass alone in the back. He rambled on about his dear departed Agnes until Max pulled up in front of his house.
“Well, good night, Homer.” Max motioned toward the man’s house with his chin.
“Oh. I thought you said we were going for pie and coffee after the concert.” He frowned as Max shot around the motorcar to let him out.
“Too late. Miss Henderson has a curfew.”
“It’s only nine o’clock.” Homer held his watch to the gaslight outside his house as Max tugged on his arm.
“Early curfew. See you soon, good night.” Max slammed the door and then hurried to the driver’s side. He skipped the goggles and pulled away, leaving Mr. Snodgrass staring after the automobile.
Ellie burst out laughing. Max’s jaw worked, his lips twitched, and finally he joined her. “Would you like to go for coffee and pie?”
“I think I have enough time. Mrs. Beamer said she wouldn’t lock the door until ten-thirty tonight since I attended the concert with such a fine, upstanding gentleman.” She smirked.