Amanda in the Summer Read Free

for two months, and that is a record in the last ten years. Please take him into the Village for a bit of a change of pace, but don’t get him drunk or he might forget how to find his way back to this stretch of beach.
    Amanda has asked again why Auntie Tilly is not visiting this summer. I think Mother and I bore her silly. This question came after reading the funny card you sent her. I’ve been perfectly honest with her (well, as far as one can be honest with an eight year old) and told her you had been feeling out of sorts for a while. The city and your wild friends do more to get you back on your feet than the casual seaside routine and our lackluster companionship. She said she didn’t believe that in the least. She gave me a lecture about what a great auntie you are, never too busy for her, and she’ll just go to lunch with you all by herself when we get back to the city. So I gave her a kiss and said I was teasing. I told her to keep hoping—you may show up yet.
    Love,
    Amanda

July 26, 1956
    Dear Tilly,
    Only a short note to tell you how much we enjoyed your visit. Amanda loves the boa and has been wearing the feathery confection every day. Mother has a thimble full of the Calvados you gave her in the aperitif glass before dinner each evening. What a marvelous idea, and how you managed to convince her it’s good for her health and her appetite is beyond me. You do know how to play to the woman whom I believe knows all about you, but prefers to ignore because she loves you ever so much. But thank you for that. I am no longer accused of being a boozehound when I treat myself to a Manhattan or the occasional glass of red wine. I’m sure Robert will thank you also, as after drinking one glass of wine, my mind heads straight for bedroom activity.
    How unfortunate Robert wasn’t here for your stay. He came home only hours after you left. First he complained the trip was short and boring. I told him he should have gone into the Village without you while he was there and taken in the latest art exhibits, but he actually barked at me that that would have been stupid. Then he reminded me he was there on business and why should he go to the Village. To cure your boredom of course was my reply. I got a very dirty look. Of course he immediately apologized. I think his meeting with the client didn’t go well and brought him back before he’d expected. He’s been a bit moody lately.
    A day gazing out on the ocean seems to have revived him. In fact, he suggested we renew our vows of matrimony on the beach in August in a celebration of our ten-year anniversary. Isn’t he amazing? He’s so much more romantic than I am. Will you come? You were there for the first exchange of vows, and it wouldn’t be complete without you. Robert told me not to stress if you can’t make it—that marriage and vows aren’t important to you, even ours. Funny. Not ha ha, but funny-odd the way he said it. It’s almost as if he admires you for your decision to not marry or meld your life with another. Men are unknowable creatures, aren’t they? You two are great friends, but I can’t begin to understand your friendship. It certainly isn’t the same as between you and me. But then you and I are female and of like minds, although as different as fact and fiction. Or so Mother has always said. Which makes us perfect friends, don’t you think?
    Have to run. Robert is doing a barbecue on the beach tonight for several of the neighbors. Please write back. Anxious to hear how the poetry reading went.
    Love,
    Amanda

July 5, 1968
    Dear Auntie Tilly,
    I tried to call you this morning from the pay phone at the Beach Cafe. I had to get out of the house after my blow up with Mom at breakfast, so I walked into town for coffee. I should’ve known you’d be off with your eccentric friends. My wonderful, groovy Auntie Tilly and her eclectic circle of friends! I so needed you here to be on my side about Kevin, and there you were off on some adventure.