“Not always,” he explained. “Sometimes somebody plays the piano, too, or Jed Perkins brings his bass fiddle, but usually just Nate plays. That’s his name, Nate White. Come on, let’s try it. They’re starting again. Just follow me and you’ll be all right.”
Buzzy led her out onto the floor and they began to dance. Much to her surprise, Jean found the steps quite easy after she tried them a few times. It was far more strenuous than it looked, however, and after a couple of dances she was forced to sit down and catch her breath.
“I’ve never danced so fast in all my life,” she gasped while they were resting. “I’m terribly thirsty. Do you suppose they have anything cold to drink?”
“Sure,” said Buzzy. “I’ll be back in a minute with some of the best-tasting lemonade you ever drank.”
While he was gone, Sally appeared from out of the crowd and came over to where Jean was sitting. “Hi,” she said. “How do you like night life, country style?”
“It’s fun,” replied Jean, “although it’s a little exhausting. But then, country living seems to be more strenuous altogether than what I was used to.” Just then Buzzy came back with the lemonade and Sally moved off with her partner.
After a few more dances, Jean declared she couldn’t take it any more, so the two left and drove back home. At the door Jean said, “I can’t thank you enough for the lovely time tonight, Buzzy. I never knew a barn dance could be such fun.”
“We’ll have to try it again some night. Good night, Jean.”
“Good night.” And Jean went into the house and upstairs to Kit, who was still awake and waiting impatiently to hear the details of the dance. The two older girls had always discussed their dates and parties with each other back at the Cove, and the tradition was not broken now. Together in Jean’s room, they talked it over while Jean undressed.
“Buzzy’s tops, Jean,” said Kit, after she had finished describing the evening. “I’ll bet he’ll be the best friend we make in this neighborhood.”