I decided to change gears and risk being bold.

"How about you Shirley, do I have to be gentle with you? I may not take Jill to bed, but I wouldn't mind taking her mom to bed."

"Why Merle, what ever gave you the idea that I would even be interested? I should be insulted that you think of me in that light. Besides I'm older than you."

"Maybe you should be insulted, but you're not. As for older, I don't think two years qualifies. As to why I think you might be interested. Mother mentioned she found it odd that you suddenly began hanging your laundry just after I...