Lovely Summer Smoke Deluged by Edward Drobinski - HTML preview

Chapter 2

Mom and Dad chose to make dinner special that evening in honor of the new house guest. All dressed in their casual best, which meant that the men wore sport coats and the women were attired in anything not appearing un-clean, too frilly or loud, preferably with a bow somewhere. The first floor dining room was decorated with Rococo Revival finery, the height of 1850-1860 fashion, which was actually not very reminiscent of any former style. It was “extremely busy,” perhaps the lure for the adult Collinaire purchasers. The availability of machine cutting (since 1825) resulted in design next to design, attractive to many, as it was intricate and unaffordable when hand tools prevailed.

Posie and Kale sat next to each other on cushioned rosewood armchairs, with the other four children on the table sides.

Posie told him that Dad was at the head and Mom the foot, though how anyone could differentiate the terms was not obvious to Kale. His best guess was that the foot was the end marginally closer to the kitchen door.

Kale was introduced to Tory Mossback (now Tory Collinaire).

She sat across the table and made suggestive eyes at the newcomer, when she saw his affinity with Posie. “Pleased,” she said; “Very pleased indeed.” She flipped her wine-colored hair

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and pretended to look elsewhere, while she furtively peered at Kale and Posie, her mind occupied with sensual vagaries.

As the group helped themselves to the sliced beef, potatoes, corn and an array of juices, to the tune of proper

“Pleases” and “Thank yous,” Kale and Posie contented themselves playing footsy under the table, both having removed one shoe.

Their bare feet explored the other’s leg causing sensations in the entirety of their body’s lower halves. They knew they were risking public viewing, but this only made the instinctive game more interesting. The result was heightened mid-regions and leftovers.

Mom used a fork to tinkle her juice carafe. Attaining full attention (she thought) she announced; “Mr. Collinaire has something important to say.”

Wellborn rose from his seat, cleared his throat and saw that all eyes were upon him. He said; “This is primarily for the benefit of our new guest. I hope the rest of you will kindly bear with me.”

Any groans were adequately stifled and Wellborn continued;

“It is imperative that any household of this size abide by certain rules, manners if you will.” He paused and scanned the table, noting a variety of postures. Some busily ate and drank, attentive to what they consumed. Kale and Posie exhibited patronizing grins which he didn’t fully understand, but

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accepted. Arthur paid rapt attention and Amber showed surreptitious disdain by focusing her attention on the oft seen painting of a ship losing its battle to a stormy sea, the execution of which left something to be desired, but the concept impeccable.

Amber wasn’t seriously injured in her free-wheeling parents’ mortal automobile debacle, but cannot tolerate the three inch scar on her upper left thigh. It unsettles her image of herself as the perfect Southern belle. She was “rewarded”

with an enviable trust account and its attendant fear of being pursued solely in the interest of it. She likes the Collinaire’s the majority of the time, but on occasion thinks that Mom and Dad’s passion for dignified manners and proper speech are constraining, a trifle silly and most of all, unnatural. She expected another repetition of their time worn declarations.

Wellborn had long known his step-daughter’s predilections and thought that there was nothing wrong with her outlook. He considered her rebellious, but he also considered it a parent’s responsibility to give their children something against which they could rebel. To do otherwise risked a suicidal rebellious child with no cause. He thought she would understand one day, and if she didn’t she wasn’t all that bright. He remained seated when he said; “Exhibiting good manners and proper speech is of most importance in America. You will not find many to confirm

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this opinion, but that merely suggests one reason for the majority’s dissatisfaction. In this house, it is the goal of the rulers (he nodded to Patricia) to instill this in all children.

It has been my personal experience that when one acts first class, one is treated accordingly. To say that cynically, I could testify that when people recognize style and intelligence they do not attempt any nonsense, which they reserve for those they perceive as lesser, and therefore susceptible.”

Arthur stood, nodded and vigorously said; “Here, here.”

Accompaniment was muted or nil.

Wellborn proceeded; “The largest lie told in this country is that it is a classless society. Poppycock. The second largest lie is told by those who recognize the class based structure, and attribute the differences to merely income. The residents of this household will learn the truth. ..................... And they will find that doing so will not significantly impinge on their freedom. Freedom is much more impacted in ignorance.”

Wellborn sat.

Arthur again stood and played best boy, this time receiving auxiliary mimicry from all. Most did not feel obliged out of any particular sentiment toward the previously heard manifesto, but because Wellborn’s seating indicated that the speech had ended.

The clang of cutlery and pottery combined with polite chatter. Kale put his hand on Posie’s upper thigh and whispered;

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“It means we can do whatever we’d like as long as we don’t do it in the road.”

Posie giggled and somewhat choked on her beef.

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