Next, it was on to 'Miss' Ella's with the Marcuses. When she came to the door, Sam introduced them, "'Miss' Ella, this is Tara and John Marcus, Sam's parent's best friends." "'Miss' Ella stood back and welcomed them into her living room.
Tara was quick to thank her. "This is so nice of you to open your home to us."
"Oh, it's nothing. I'm excited to get to know Sam's people. We just love Sam and Della. Please have a seat." She pointed to the sofa and wing chairs in her living room. Sitting on the coffee table was a silver tray laden with a large crystal pitcher of lemonade, 6 matching glasses, and a small plate of scones. 'Miss' Ella picked up the pitcher, "Can I offer you a glass of lemonade?"
"I would love some," said Tara with a smile.
"Mr. Marcus?"
"Oh, please, it's John, and yes, I would love some also."
She looked at Sam, "Sam?"
"No thank you, I just finished a glass and a half of Ed's tea." He looked at the tray, "Are those Hattie's scones?"
"They certainly are", said 'Miss' Ella as she poured the lemonade. She offered a glass with a small linen napkin to both Tara and John.
Sam laughed,"You may not want to turn down those scones. They are Hattie's world famous scones."
'Miss" Ella smiled, "Hattie is the baker at the Goodness Gracious Tea House. If you think those are good, wait until you try her cheese straws and biscuits." Realizing her guests were full, she added. "Now, don't you worry, they are all in a tin on the kitchen counter. My home is your home, I want you to make yourself comfortable. If need something and cannot put your hands on it, just let me know."
They discussed the wedding and Sam's family. Soon, Sam knew he could safely leave without offending 'Miss" Ella or making his parents' best friends feel abandoned. He thanked 'Miss' Ella once again for her hospitality, reminded John and Tara he was only a phone call away, and excused himself.
"Miss" Ella made sure her guests were settled in. "There are towels in the bathroom and I hope anything else you need. I have left a key to the house on the dresser." There is a coffee maker in the kitchen, as well as drinks and snacks on the counter. Please feel free to come and go as you wish. There is piece of paper under the key with my cell phone number." She paused, "If I have left anything out, please let me know. I'm never far away."
John laughed, "And the tin of goodies is on the kitchen counter?"
"Of course. And if you find it empty, I'll have Hattie fill it up."
Tara and John thanked her and excused themselves. It had been a long day.
It wasn't long before Rayanne called, "Oh, Ella, I heard you have company. Are the Barnes staying with you."
"No, I think they are staying with Cordelia. John and Tara Marcus are staying here. And, I must say they are delightful."
"Oh," said Rayanne crestfallen. "I was hoping it was the Barnes. You know I've been thinking and thinking, and I just cannot place them."
"You've met them?"
"Oh, no. But I know they are somehow kin to Pamela Ewing, remember she was a Barnes. Then there was her brother Cliff and her daddy, Digger."
"Rayanne, this is not a TV show."
"Oh, I know that. But they are from Dallas. And, how many Barnes do you think there are in Dallas?"
"Rayanne, your imagination amazes me." They talked for a while and then rang off.
It wasn't a few minutes later before Rayanne called back. "Ella, you said they were the Marcuses?"
"Yes, Tara and John Marcus. They are Sam parents' best friends."
"I knew it. I just knew it."
"Knew what?"
"Neiman Marcus - they have to be those Marcuses. They are from Dallas."
"Rayanne, I do not think these are the 'Marcus' of Neiman and Marcus. Honestly. Good night." With that Ella rang off. She just shook her head at the thought of Rayanne's imagination.
