A Most Unusual Passage
Copyright© 2026 by J&J
Chapter 6
My knees were starting to bother me, and besides, it was getting a bit warm sitting in the sun. It was time I started back to the school anyway. I stood up, and before I took three steps, I noticed a young lady entering the park. Immediately, I recognized her as the young woman I’d seen moving the trunk yesterday on my way home. From the look on her face, she was in deep thought and seemed to be walking with a purpose, besides just taking a casual stroll.
I was pretty sure that this was the new principal, so I put a smile on my face, and said, “Miss Manigault? I am glad to meet you at last.”
She looked at me, somewhat puzzled, and I realized that she had no idea who I was, so I continued on, “My name is Marcus Martel. Unless I’m mistaken, you are to be my replacement.”
Her face showed a bit of surprise at my announcement, but she recovered quickly. “Yes, sir, I am.”
She then extended her hand and said, “I’m Elizabeth Anne Manigault.”
I took her hand, and she gave me a firm handshake. I realized by her posture and countenance that I would find her to be every bit the southern belle.
“Miss Manigault, please call me Marcus. I’m really not used to the formality you are probably used to.”
She gave me a Tinkerbelle laugh, and answered, “Of course, and please do call me Elizabeth.”
Behind her smile and easy grace, I could sense a very determined person. She had something on her mind no doubt; I could very well guess the subject. I thought to myself, “Now is not the time for a school tour.”
I cleared my throat, and then said, “Elizabeth, I sense that you have something you’d like to talk about with me. Why don’t we get out of this heat, and I’ll buy you a cup of coffee at the restaurant. This time of day, there will probably be very few, if any other people there. We can have a little privacy.”
She gave me another of her charming smiles and answered, “Marcus, I’d like that very much.”
During our short walk across the street and down a block, we made trivial conversation. I had the feeling it was more a cover while she gathered her thoughts.
When we reached the restaurant, I held the door for her, and was surprised to receive another of her smiles. I could see that this lady was used to ... no, would demand, to be treated like a lady.
After I closed the door behind me and turned around, I could see Hazel sitting on a stool behind the counter. She was giving Elizabeth the once over, which, knowing Hazel, was par for the course.
“Afternoon, Hazel, this is Elizabeth Manigault.” Finishing the introductions, “Elizabeth, meet Hazel; she and her husband own the restaurant.”
Elizabeth briefly took her hand and complimented her on the pleasant décor. Then I escorted Elizabeth to the far, rear booth. Hazel followed us.
I waited for Elizabeth to seat herself, and then took a seat opposite her. Hazel asked, “What can I get for you?”
Elizabeth asked, “Do you have any iced tea?”
Hazel answered, “Sure, you want sweet or unsweet?”
Elizabeth smiled at Hazel’s question, and answered, “Plain tea; I’ll add the sugar myself.”
Then turning to Marcus she whispered conspiratorially, “Truth is, Southerners like their tea so sweet it’s more a case of putting a little tea in your sugar. But I’ll be good and stick to the Sweet ‘n Low.”
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