#debukefarmhold

Earl ponders, then says "mom, dad.. I ... the fact you are willing to carry on this for my protection touches me, but I'm not a childling. And in truth? " He raises his chin "The Farmhold needs me more than I need it. Do what is best for you two. I'll defend it from afar if I must."

"Oh Earl you oathed to protect the... oh my" Eloise says looking worried AND proud

DeVere says "It seems to me that if Sylvi has earned honroary DeBukedom, then the Chief can grant the same to Earl and silence the nitpickers and naggers should they arrise. Emmit would back on this"

Eyes narrow. "Nay-sayers would be bold to say aught in my hearing."

"Ah, honey" Earl says a bit alarmed as he imagines what she COULD do to them.

"What a wonderful girl" Eloise cuts Earl off , "You know, Zara. I have some old black and white photos of the Spanish Flu that I keep because, well, it's history, but I don't much take it out often. Maybe you should take them, as a gift from a grateful mother to a young lady who has stood by her son?"

Zara pinks. "I would not take them from you, but.. but would gladly hold them in my library for study?"

"I think that's perfect" Eloise says "You know, Herb was never one for lots of books, but I Hope to have a shelf filled over time. Maybe you could make reccomendations?"

Earl gives his mom a suspicious look "But you're just going to talk about BOOKS right?"

"Oh Earl, what a way to talk" She fusses at him, and refills tea

"Oh, aye!"

"Poetry, mayhaps..."

"I do love poetry, though I admit, Ode to a Louse appeals to Dv more than I" She ponders "Do you know other poems in the vein of she walks in beauty like the night? that style?"

"Ah, Byron..."

"Yes. I Like his style, but want more romantic ones. "

"Donne, then." A nod.

"Oh sounds lovely" She says "now let me get that Spanish flu collection"

"Oh this photo here, that's my great grandmother holding the back up..."

"Oh! How delightful!" And Zara and Eloise go through the album.

Oh they do have a bonding moment..

and Earl whispers to his dad "Should I be scared about this?"

"Oh absolutely, it's the mannerly thing to be" DeVere advises

Earl worries, but can't argue with that logic.

And then both Earl and DeVere, with a bit of fear for the ladies in their lives, and so much amazement at the love they feel. And despite the fact one is a troll, the other a sluagh, they do resemble each other very much for that moment

And if the ladies notice, they do not remark.

(End Scene)