Chapter 5

           Aftertheshearershadgoneandthedistricthadsettledintothesemi-inertiaofwintercametheannualGillanboneShowandPicnicRaces.Itwasthemostimportanteventinthesocialcalendar,andwentonfortwodays.Feedidn’tfeelwellenoughtogo,soPaddydroveMaryCarsonintotowninherRolls-RoycewithouthiswifetosupporthimorkeepMary’stongueinitssilentposition.HehadnoticedthatforsomemysteriousreasonFee’sverypresencequelledhissister,putheratadisadvantage.

           Everyoneelsewasgoing.Underthreatofdeathtobehavethemselves,theboysrodeinwithBeerbarrelPete,Jim,Tom,Mrs.Smithandthemaidsinthetruck,butFrankleftearlyonhisowninthemodel-TFord.Theadultsofthepartywereallstayingoverforthesecondday’sracemeeting;forreasonsknownbesttoherself,MaryCarsondeclinedFatherRalph’sofferofaccommodationatthepresbytery,buturgedPaddytoacceptitforhimselfandFrank.WherethetwostockmenandTom,thegardenrouseabout,stayednooneknew,butMrs.Smith,MinnieandCathadfriendsinGillywhoputthemup.

           ItwasteninthemorningwhenPaddydepositedhissisterinthebestroomtheHotelImperialhadtooffer;hemadehiswaydowntothebarandfoundFrankstandingatit,aschoonerofbeerinhishand.

           "Letmebuythenextone,oldman,"Paddysaidgeniallytohisson."I’vegottotakeAuntieMarytothePicnicRacesluncheon,andIneedmoralsustenanceifI’mgoingtogetthroughtheordealwithoutMum."