Chapter 10 Camp Lawrence One July day, Beth came into the house with her arms full of parcels.
She was appointed mistress of the post office the two houses had set up for fun, because she spent the most time at home.
One was a peculiar package that, after Meg opened it, revealed one letter and one glove.
Why, where's the other one?
Meg remembered leaving a pair at Lori's.
Beth said she'd only found one in the post office.
Oh, I hate odd gloves.
Meg put down her sewing and opened the letter.
It was a translation of a German song.
She said, Mr. Brooke must have done this.
It isn't Lori's handwriting.
Marmee glanced at her pretty daughter.
She had a brief thought about a brooding romance between Meg and Mr. Brooke.
Meg had no idea what her mother was thinking.
She was quite happy to sit sewing and singing.
Joe also had mail.
She laughed when Beth handed her a big floppy hat. told Lori the other day that I wished big hats were the fashion because I was always getting sunburned, Joe explained.
He said, why care about fashion?
Wear a big hat and be comfortable.
Joe also received a note from her mother who was proud of how well she was controlling her temper.
Another letter was from Lori inviting everyone to a picnic.
His friends, the Vons, were visiting from England.
Joe was so excited.
"'Can we go, Marmy?' she asked.
"'Meg and I will be a great help, and it'll be fun for Beth and Amy.'
Meg asked, "'Do you know anything about the Fonz?'
Joe replied, "'They're friends of Lori's from abroad.
Kate's older than you.
The twins, Fred and Frank, are my age, and Grace is about nine.'
I'm so glad my French print is pressed, Meg said, ever mindful of her fashion.
Joe, do you have something decent?
Joe rolled her eyes and stated that her gray boating suit would do just fine.
After all, she would be spending the day rowing and eating outdoors.
Beth said she was a bit afraid of the new boys, but she would love to go anyway.
Joe encouraged her sisters to get their chores done so they could spend the holiday without a care in the world.
When Joe woke up the next morning, she noticed with a laugh that Amy had a clothespin on her nose to uplift its shape, no matter how much it hurt.
The day was bright and beautiful, perfect for a picnic.
All four girls got dressed.
Beth finished first and went to the window to watch the bustling scene next door.
Oh, Lori's dressed like a sailor, she reported to her sisters.
And Ned Moffat and Sally Gardner and Mr. Brooke are there, too.
What fun, girls!
What fun!
Soon all four were ready.
Meg was mortified that Joe was wearing her big floppy hat.
They headed next door to meet Lori's friends.
He made polite introductions.
Joe noticed that Kate was standoffish.
Perhaps that's why Laurie clams up when he's speaking of her, she thought.
Beth came out of her shell a little when she noticed that Frank walked with a cane.
He was both kind and gentle.
Soon Amy was chumming around with little grace as if they had known each other all their lives.
Mischief was underfoot within the two boats.
Fred did his best to overturn them.
Everyone had a good laugh at Joe's funny hat.
Kate was amazed at Joe, who forgot herself and cried, Christopher Columbus, when she lost her oar.
The big tent was set up by the time the party arrived at the picnic area.
Lori jumped out and announced in his jolly voice, Welcome to Camp Lawrence.
He then suggested they have a game of croquet before lunch.
They divided into two teams.
Jo had to control her temper when she caught Fred Vaughn cheating.
In the end, it didn't matter because they all had a good time playing the game.
Next, it was time for lunch.
Everyone helped.
The younger campers gathered sticks for the fire.
The older girls set the table.
The boys got the fire going.
The meal was lovely.
They ate and ate.
Lori and Joe had to share a plate because one was missing.
There's salt over there, Lori said, if you want it for your berries.
Joe laughed.
How dare you remind me of that awful lunch when everything here is so perfect?
It had nothing to do with me.
You, Meg, and Mr. Brooke have done all the work.
He paused for a minute.
What shall we do after lunch?
Joe answered.
We'll play games in the tent until it's cooler.
I've brought authors, and I bet Kate knows some new games.
You should really be paying more attention to her.
She is your guest.
Lori protested.
He said Joe was also his guest.
Plus, he thought Kate and Mr Brooke would spend the afternoon together, but Mr Brooke kept talking to Meg.
Joe gave him one of her looks.
Finally, Lori sighed.
Okay, I'm going.
The entire group settled into the tent to wait for the heat to pass.
Joe was right.
Kate did know some fun parlor games.
They played truth, rigmarole, and then authors.
Afterward, Kate, Meg, and Mr. Brooke left the younger children to play in the tent.
Sitting on the grass, Kate began to sketch.
Meg said longingly, Oh, how beautiful.
I wish I could draw.
Kate asked, Why don't you learn?
I haven't the time.
Why?
Kate asked in her British accent.
Is it because of school?
Meg said, Oh, I don't go.
I'm a governess myself.
Kate's disapproving expression made Meg blush.
Mr. Brooke explained, "'American girls are very independent.
They are admired for supporting themselves.'"
Kate didn't seem impressed, which made Meg feel even worse.
Mr. Brooke turned to Meg and asked if she enjoyed the German song he translated for her.
Her face brightened.
Oh, yes.
Very much.
Thank you.
The rest of the afternoon found Meg and Mr. Brooke engaged in a lovely conversation.
A friendly game of croquet finished the day for the rest of the gang.
At sunset, they took down the tent, they packed the gear, loaded the boats, and made their way home.
Everyone proclaimed Camp Lawrence a magnificent success.
