“I don’t think we should go.  I think my stomach is inside out,” said Mona to Nanny on the day of the baseball game.

“Well, Dear, that is unfortunate, but we’re going no matter which way your stomach is,” said Nanny. 

“Can Manx come?”

“Not this time,” said Nanny. “Dogs are not allowed at baseball games and he wouldn’t get out of the boat last time.” 

​

After breakfast, they set off for the mainland.  Miss Cane met them at the docks.

“I hope you enjoy yourselves,” said Miss Cane.  The three walked down a grassy lane to the baseball field.  As they walked, Miss Cane explained the rules of the game to Mona.  Mona’s thoughts, however, were on the path where she admired the daintiness of the conifers and the rigid pride of the wildflowers.

A line had already formed outside the stadium when they arrived, and it continued to form behind them.  Mona looked back at the people in line behind them, and noticed a young man’s eyes on Miss Cane; recognition shown on his face.  He dropped his gaze when he saw Mona look in his direction, but when Mona looked again a few minutes later, his eyes had returned to Miss Cane.  Nanny and Miss Cane didn’t notice him. 

​

“And when they hit the ball with the bat they run.  You understand?”  asked Miss Cane. 

Mona gazed at the crowd and the peanuts stand.  She turned to answer Miss Cane, “So one hits the other one with a bat and runs.  Is that right?” 

The two women laughed.  Their laughter seemed to encourage the young man.  He walked forward to where Miss Cane stood, and said in a hesitant voice, “H-hello, Jodi.”  He was tall with a long nose. She hadn’t seen him approach, but when she saw him and heard him speak to her, Miss Cane stopped laughing, and frowned. 

“Will, nice to…er…run into you,” she said, “This is Will Easton. This is Mona and Nanny, Will.  They live in the house on Pearly Beetle Island.  Well, we have to be going...” 

It was a funny thing to say, because the line was not moving.  Mona peered around Nanny.  Will Easton walked back to his space in line.  His head was down like a dog that’s just been kicked. 

​

“Don’t you like him?” whispered Mona as the line moved into the ticket booth. 

“Like him?  Oh, yes, I like everyone,” said Miss Cane as she ordered their tickets. 

Mona frowned and looked up at Miss Cane.

“It doesn’t matter whether I like him or not,” said Miss Cane as they walked toward their seats, “He doesn’t particularly like me.  We were supposed to be married and he broke off our engagement.” 

“I’m so sorry to hear that,” said Nanny. “That man looks very nice.”

“Yes, well….”  They found their seats and sat down.  Miss Cane folded her hands over her lap and kept her eyes on the field.  The National Anthem started.  Soon after, the game began. 

​

Mona liked baseball alright, though she wondered why it went so slowly.  If the pitcher would only stretch before the game, instead of between each pitch and the batter would swing only when thrown to, the game would go faster. 

“Why won’t he swing at every one?”  asked Mona.

“Then he’d get out faster,” Nanny whispered.  She hadn’t been to a baseball game in a long time and was enjoying herself. 

Mona noticed Mr. Easton at the edge of their row; Nanny and Miss Cane did not.  Mustard dripped from her hot dog onto her bathing suit as Mona watched Mr. Easton.  He started down the row, moving toward their seats.  He tripped as he passed people’s legs.

​

“Miss Cane,” said Nanny, “would you like to visit our house next weekend?  It’s an inn, so there are plenty of rooms and, of course, you’d stay free of charge.”  Miss Cane smiled and nodded as she said, “I’d love to.”

Mr. Eaton was now next to Nanny.  Miss Cane looked up at him.  The man hung his head, like a dog dropping his ears. 

“Ma’am,” said Mr. Easton to Nanny (he did not look at Miss Cane), “can I get a reservation at Pearly Beetle for next weekend?”  He wobbled and his voice shook with agitation, but his resolve was strong as he continued, “I’ll need to be close to The Hope.  I’ll be leaving with that ship on Monday.” 

Nanny gave a quick nod of assent.  “Miss Cane is also coming that weekend,” said Nanny.  The words were spoken slowly, like a warning. 

​

Mr. Easton looked like he might throw up.  Mona wondered if he was landsick.  Miss Cane shifted on the bleachers.  Mr. Easton gulped and stumbled back across the row. 

“You don’t have to come next weekend,” said Nanny to Miss Cane.

“I said I would and I’m not going to avoid Will,” said Miss Cane. 

Mona liked the rest of the game, but her companions were quiet.  Nanny kept glancing at Miss Cane. 

Miss Cane seemed anxious for the game to be over.