Chapter Twenty-Six: Outlook

Saturday, July 9 to Tuesday July 18, 1910

The next day, Dennis picked up Lynn at noon. They had lunch at Casey's Café and headed for their first meeting, a barber in nearby Raymond who had a quartet. In Outlook, they visited a church noted for its inspirational choir. They arrived in River City about 4 pm. Lynn dropped off her bags at Aunt Melinda's house. She then changed out of her dress and into a more comfortable periwinkle blouse and skirt. They spent an hour discussing ideas for the festival.

Dennis asked, "I'm hungry from all that traveling; would you like to get something to eat?"

Lynn smiled. "Our first date?"

He nodded.

"Wait right here. I'll be back in twenty minutes."

Dennis was confused. "Um, sure."

Lynn went up to her room and read a book for twenty minutes.

She came down wearing the same outfit. "Ok. Let's go eat."

Dennis asked, "Why weren't you ready twenty minutes ago?"

"Well, this is my first official date. My friend Sarah said 'It's good to make them wait' so I did."

"You are a minx. Do you like pizza?"

"I've never tried it but I've always wanted to."

"There is a great restaurant not far from the River City School for the Arts called Ellenton's. They serve delicious deep dish and they have entertainment. A pipe organist performs while you eat."

"Sounds wonderful, let's go."

Dennis and Lynn enjoyed the pizza, the pipes and the conversation. After supper, they went for a walk in the park. They met an extraordinary violinist who was playing 3rd Orchestra Suite. He was thrilled with the opportunity to appear at the festival. Dennis asked for a review, "What do we have so far?"

"The River City Orchestra, a barbershop quartet, a gospel choir, your rag band, a folk group from Eagle Creek, and my friend Sarah is going to play the piano for the opening ceremony, her best friend Emily will sing that Navy song."

"Six groups, not bad for a few hours of work."

"Seven. I forgot about the violinist we met who expertly brought us Johann Sebastian."

Dennis nodded. "Ah, Bach."

As the couple ambled around a pond they occasionally bumped hands. "Would you like to go to the gazebo?"

Lynn replied, "Yes."

They went to the gazebo which was on a slight elevation; it afforded an impressive view of the area.

Lynn was enthralled. "This is beautiful."

He looked in her eyes. "So is the city."

Lynn gave him a cute smile. She looked into his brown eyes and was dazzled by the reflections of lights from the city. She reached up and touched his cheek.

She whispered, "I don't kiss on the first date."

He smiled. "Do you have any plans for tomorrow?"

"I'm going to church and seek musicians with you until 6 pm."

"May I kiss your hand until our second date tomorrow at 6 pm?"

Lynn was bowled over by his charms. "Only if you promise to hold it while we walk."

Dennis smiled. "I would be delighted." He kissed her hand and then held it as they walked around the park.

At the doorway of her Aunt Melinda's house they spent more time gazing into each other's eyes.

"What time is church tomorrow?"

"9 and then 11."

"Why two times?"

"After I go to church at 9, I want to see a harpsichordist at another church, River City Presbyterian, across the street."

"You are most pragmatic."

"You are most romantic."

"Not a bad combination?"

"I like that; it's a most ingenious concoction. Can you pick me up at 8:45 am?"

"Positively." He kissed her hand once more.

"Good night, Lynn."

"Good night, Dennis."

The next day, after second church, they spoke with the harpsichordist. Lynn explained her vision for the music festival. "Would you be available on Saturday the 30th between noon and 5?"

He swished his mouth. "I'd like to help out, really but my son has an art show that day at 1 pm."

Dennis answered him, "Sir, I admire your attention to your son. I wish my father had been as supportive. The German philosopher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once said, 'Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.' If you performed at 11 am for about 30 minutes, I could drive you home in my car. That would plenty of time to attend your son's art show."

The harpsichordist said, "I'll do it. Young man, you're a genius."

He shrugged. "I wouldn't say that." He turned to Lynn, "But I keep good company."

As they walked to the car it occurred to Lynn that the town did not have a harpsichord.

"Oh no! What are we going to do?"

"Number one: we are not going to panic.

Number two: we are going to believe that a harpsichord will make itself available.

Number three: we will continue planning and not worry about anything."

Lynn was buffeted by his confidence. "You impress me greatly. Let's have lunch."

"Romance or business?"

"Rrrro- man- ah, business."

"Romance only after 6 pm?"

She nodded. "After 6 pm, even when parts of me are screaming, 'now, now, now.'"

"Believe me, I am quite familiar with that plea."

After lunch they drove to Whitetail to visit a friend of Dennis' who was a Sioux. He agreed to perform traditional Siouan music for the festival and attempt to enlist the help of others from his tribe.

On the way to Flaxville, they sang, In the Good Ole Summertime and Come Josephine, In My Flying Machine and Down By the Old Mill Stream.

Dennis said, "I have a lead. There's a man named Karl Alexandru. He's from rural Romania, a city called Constanta, on the Black Sea. He sings Bocet, a form of lamentations."

"That sounds sad."

"It's supposed to be, but I saw him perform once, the music gripped my heart."

She liked that he was so open with his feelings.

"Just south of Reserve is the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. There is a Sioux there named Charlene Clear Sky, she has contacts with some of the local percussionists. Additionally, she is well versed in Peyote songs."

"Isn't that area kind of dangerous?"

"Yes and no. If we tell them our intentions there shouldn't be any problems. If there are any I will defend your honor."

Lynn was blown away by his chivalry. "This is so wonderful."

She raised her hands in a cheer. "This is going to be the greatest festival in history."

Dennis laughed.

"Lynn, I just thought of one more. Back home in Antelope, we had a small marching band in high school. I am sure they'd be willing to make the trip."

Lynn smiled. She was more smitten by him with each passing moment.

For dinner in River City, they ate at a Castilian restaurant. At that place the performers also volunteered to go to the festival. After dinner they walked to a local fudge shop and he drove her home.

As they stood in the doorway at the end of the day, they held each other close.

Dennis said, "Second date."

"I'm keeping track. I had a wonderful time." Their lips slowly drew close to one another.

She hesitated. "Are you willing to wait another week before I kiss you?"

He smiled. "Gladly."

"Goodnight then."

She offered her hand, he kissed it. She opened the door to her Aunt's house; he turned around to walk back to the car. She quietly followed him. She tapped on his shoulder, he turned around.

They kissed. It was the best kiss in recorded history: a ten second delicate, lingering touch of moist lips.

Dennis stepped back. "Wow!"

"Surprise!"

Dennis giggled. "Worth waiting for?"

"Now I won't spend the rest of tomorrow wondering."

She laughed. "Nor will I. Pick me up at 9 in the morning?

"9 am."

"Sweet dreams Dennis."

"Unquestionably sweet."

Monday morning, he picked her up at 9 and they went motoring around the city. They called upon an acquaintance of Lynn's Aunt Melinda who had purchased a didgeridoo while on vacation in Australia. After that they went to a fire department that had a bagpipe band. They bought sandwiches at a deli and drove out to the same park where they walked a few nights earlier. They spread a blanket on the lawn.

"My dear Dennis, I do not mean to take advantage of you."

He replied with a glance, "Actually, I was kind of hoping that you would."

She laughed. "That is not what I meant, although the feeling is mutual. Our date begins at 6 this evening. What I mean is you have spent a lot time and resources with me as we sputter around the countryside. I insist on paying you for assistance."

Dennis leaned back and bit an apple. "Do you like Kipling?"

She raised an eyebrow. "I certainly like the one we shared last night."

"Not kissing, you little minx, I refer to Rudyard Kipling. He wrote,

With even mind, I'd put behind
Adventure and acclaim,
And clean give o'er, esteeming more
Her favour then my fame."

Lynn was captivated. "That is smooth and honorable. That being said, I want to pay you for your talents. Can you work out something for me by tomorrow?"

Dennis nodded. "I understand and I will have some figures for you tomorrow."

After lunch they found a player of the steel guitar and phoned a troop of Hula dancers who were scheduled to perform in Billings on the 29th of July. That night they ate corn beef at an Irish pub. As they walked after dinner he kissed her on the ear and whispered, "Would you care to go some place romantic?"

She said coyly, "I know just the spot."

They continued walking. "The library? This is a romantic spot?"

"The music room: that's where we met."

"Well…."

"We can be by ourselves hardly anyone goes in there…."

"I see, shall we run?"

"No, that would not be very lady like." Lynn took off running.

"Hey, wait!" He chased after her. As soon as he touched the front he announced, "I win."

"I give up."

"Which is one of the reasons I am dating you."

"Ah!" she was playfully aghast, "Do try to behave yourself."

He blew her a kiss. "Why start now?"

The library was very quiet for a Tuesday night. Dennis began looking through some sheet music and making notes. Lynn sat at a table working on the agenda for the festival. For a moment she looked up from her notes and watched him. He intently studied each page of music; his fingers moved up and down along the paper, as if he were conducting an invisible philharmonic. His eyes studied the contour of each note; she studied his contours. Her heart was racing. Her breathing became shallow. She was head over heels. When he turned his back, she recorded each detail and silently mouthed, "I love you."

He turned to her and smiled.

She walked over to him, grabbed his tie and gave him a big kiss. "What was that for?"

She trembled in his presence. "I, I, I'm…."

He kissed her, this time focusing on her bottom lip.

"I know that feeling. And I am becoming quite fond of you."

They kissed for several minutes. Their passion was only interrupted when the librarian walked into the room. "Ahem?"

Lynn said, "We, we, were just reading music."

Dennis laughed.

She was holding a hymnal upside down.

"Children, please make beautiful music at another location."

Lynn was mortified.

Dennis smiled and nodded. They stayed another hour looking for music, each on the other side of the room.

On Wednesday, they listened to a jug band and an Irish tenor. River City Community College had a madrigal group and a Mariachi band. A handbell ensemble agreed to perform on Saturday afternoon. At 6 pm, he picked her up and they attended a church which had sacred harp singers. After that service they went for the last dinner date they would have for at least two weeks. They went to a steak house and then they drove to a nearby hill.

He kissed her and said, "Would you like to take a walk?"

She kissed him back. "I… I would rather stay here."

They began a session of profound smooching. The windows began to steam over. Lynn became lost in the affections, enjoying every sensations but her mind soon brought her back to the moment. "Um, Dennis, let's slow down a little."

He thought she was teasing. "Oh come on. You can't be serious."

She gently moved his hand away and said, "I am serious!"

He made a funny face and returned to touching her.

"Cut it out, I'm not that kind of a girl. Is that all you want from me?"

He shook his head. "I thought you were a modern girl."

"I have my standards, Dennis. Some things I want to save for marriage."

Dennis snarled, "Look kid, I've spent a lot of money on you the last several days."

She snapped, "I'm not for sale!"

He was disappointed. "This is absurd."

She was getting upset. "Let's cool things down for a moment."

They were both sweaty and took time to breathe.

He smiled. "Lynn, please, just listen to me a second."

She shrugged. "What have you got to say?"

He kissed her cheek and whispered, "I'm developing feelings for you."

She sighed and cringed. She didn't want to risk driving him away.

"I will never violate you. Can't we work out some compromise?" He began kissing her neck.

She coyly replied, "Well, if you put it that way."

She removed his hand and began pinching his wrist.

He screamed, "Ahhhh! Ahhh! What are doing?"

She mimicked him, "I've come up with a compromise."

"Stop it; that hurts!"

"I'll make a deal with you. For every second you touch me there I get two seconds of pinching your ulna nerve. Ok sweetheart? Do we have a deal?"

"No! No! No! It's not a deal."

"But I thought you were a modern boy?"

"Ok, I get that point. Please let go now."

"I will let release you once you make me two promises."

He was screaming, "Ok, anything whatever it is I'll do it."

"Good. Promise number one: I am a lady; you will treat me like a lady. No matter what your hormones say, no matter what temptations grip you. If you desire to spend any time with me you will treat me honorably and wait for a potential wedding night. Am I making myself clear?"

"Fine."

"Promise number two: you'll continue dating me. After tonight, you may choose to never see me again which means you will have learned nothing. You will have simply tossed aside a cold fish. You will seek a girl to take my place. You will play with her emotions so you can get a little further. She might not know martial arts like I do." She released him.

"Let's go for a walk."

They strolled around the lake, not saying a word. She sat down on a bench, he joined her.

"Dennis…" she kissed him, "I am crazy about you. You are an amazing, selfless, thoughtful man; that being said, you must control yourself if you want to be with me."

He shrugged.

"Dennis, please think about what I'm saying. You can rid yourself of my presence but you can never escape your conscience. I want you to be with me." She kissed him again, "I am developing deep affections for you. Please don't break my heart." She kissed him once more. "Respect me. Be a gentleman."

Dennis hung his head. "I'm no gentleman. I've been further with other girls."

She kissed him and whispered, "I can't change your past but you have the power to change your future."

She rubbed his face. "I have faith in you. The more time I spend with you the more…" she sighed, "I cannot fathom doing anything in my life without you being there beside me. I've never been in love before, maybe this is how…. I don't know. I only know…" she choked up. "I only know that you are an awe-inspiring man with a magnificent character. From the very first time I saw you…." Her teeth were chattering. "From the very first time I saw you I was swept away. My heart has wings when you are near." She had tears in her eyes. "Without your help, I would have been able to do…."

He stopped her. "You would manage on your own. I am here as your aide and connection. It is you who has the vision. I am your muse."

She smiled and kissed him. "Dennis, don't disappoint me again."

He held on to her. "Lynn, if this relationship is to last beyond the music festival, we must pace ourselves not just in terms of affections but also in regards to the fervor of our hearts. Understand?"

She closed her eyes and slowly shook her head. "Yes."

Her heart was willing to love him. Her bosom yearned for his intimate caresses. Her mind, however, knew the purpose of boundaries with devotion and to that charge she yielded. She kissed his neck.

"Ok, I'll try but…." She was confused and slightly distraught, "This isn't going to be easy."

He looked into her eyes and whispered, "Nothing worth doing is done easily."

She nodded and leaned on him. "You have a way with me. I almost…."

He interrupted her, "When I kiss you, I'm on fire. At these times, I want to be… more acquainted with you. But I have a high regard for you. I deeply care for you too so I will never consider doing anything that would violate your conscience."

She smiled and kissed him again. They went for a walk and enjoyed the stars.

The next morning she went back to Eagle Creek with many commitments, detailed notes, an agenda and the sneaking suspicion that this would be the man she would marry. She presented her ideas to the board of the Eagle Creek Music Festival. They were intrigued by her ideas but were concerned on the costs involved. She said she had found a benefactor who chose to remain anonymous.

Among the performers would be a revue by a trio dedicated to the music of John Dowland. A singer, accompanied by a lute and a hurdy gurdy would bring the words to life. As she listened, Lynn closed her eyes and imagined it was Dennis speaking to her in a rose garden.

Flow, my teares, fall from youre springs,
Exiled for ever, let mee mourn
Where night's black bird hir sad infamy sings,
There let mee live forlorn.

Lynn was melancholy as she enjoyed the music. She thought, "The musicians earn their bread but the lone vocalists earn our respect." Later that night she wrote this poem:

There is a home for vocalists on a pleasant faraway shore,
After singers fly into the dusk and we hear their voice no more
Tenors croon their velvet notes so strong the heavens shake.
Altos sing a middle C which ripples a mountain lake.
Thundering the bellowing bass that reaches an unfathomable deep
And sopranos coo their notes so pure it makes the angels weep.
So as we dwell on the frail side we can only listen and dream
And await our part in the harmony of celestial melodic beams.

She spent the next several days rearranging schedules and corresponding with the artists and vendors. Dennis came to visit on several occasions for business and pleasure. He kept his promise and to his delight, keeping it was an easy thing to do in the presence of a young lady of such high character. They fell in love with their ideals and then one another. When the 29th arrived, all was in order and the music was ready to ring.