A Place at the Table
14 Home Sweet Home
Liam
BY THIS TIME, I shouldn’t have been surprised to see Erich in Grandmother’s apartment. He’d played tennis with us this afternoon and it was completely reasonable that he should be invited to dinner. It seemed, however, that I saw him more and more often in her company.
“Let’s sit,” Grandmother said. “I’m eager to hear how school is going this fall. Cook fixed game hens for us this evening.” Cornish game hens are among my favorite treats but I was worried about how messy they could be. I wasn’t very good at stripping the meat from the bones with a knife and fork. I didn’t need to worry about that right away as we had a yummy Greek salad to start with. I do like feta cheese and Cook serves it with a large slice on top, not crumbles.
Grandmother got us right into telling about our school projects and guided Meredith and me in comparing the experience of Elenchus and Green Hill with the University. I could see right away that it would be a different experience.
“Seriously?” I asked Meredith. “You have a class with a hundred people in it?”
“It’s not unusual for lectures to combine three or four groups that then have follow-up classes in smaller classrooms. I guess it saves the lecturer having to repeat the same lecture four times.”
“It will be very strange for me to sit and listen to a lecture without being able to respond. How do people learn anything?”
“The smaller follow-up classes often have more discussion, but they are usually led by a senior student and not the lecturer. The professor is the authority on the subject and the discussions are to be sure we understand what he said.”
“It will be a new experience for you, Liam,” Grandmother said. “At Elenchus you are encouraged to question and even challenge your instructors. That is not the norm for mass education. Undergraduates are expected to listen and recite. It is assumed that the instructor knows what he or she is talking about. At the master’s level, you are expected to demonstrate that you not only have learned what you have been taught, but that you have a mastery of the subject and understand it thoroughly. Only at the doctoral level are you expected to contribute to the body of knowledge or to disprove something from the canon.”
I was at a loss for words and could only hope that I’d survive the lectures. I still wasn’t sure how I was supposed to learn in that environment. I contemplated it through the remainder of my salad.
The main course of game hens with wild rice was served. Grandmother immediately attacked her bird with her fingers and tore off a wing, freeing the rest of us to use our fingers as well. Grandmother called it “delightfully messy.”
“And how goes your other task, Meredith?” she asked.
“It’s generated some interesting responses. I’m afraid people are somewhat reticent to discuss renting to people as young as we are but as soon as they see the Cyning name on my business card, they become inappropriately helpful.”
“Would you believe, Grandmother, that one rental agent who had rudely dismissed Meredith at first suddenly discovered a twelve-room penthouse with quarters for my staff. The inquiry Meredith put out was very specific regarding our needs and that was way out of line.”
“I believe you will need to purchase something,” Erich said. “We ran into the same thing with your father and with your grandmother.”
“You had this problem, Grandmother?”
“Oh, yes. Even though it might have been less a problem with Erich as my assistant than if I had a young woman, he met with much the same kind of prejudice. He was told a property was in a respectable building and they weren’t going to lease it to him for his lover. Then when they heard the name Barone, they fell over themselves with several ‘discreet’ properties we could have.”
“Your father ended up simply living here and having me drive him to the University until he felt it was too much bother and established his first business. He didn’t continue his schooling after that,” Erich said.
“I can’t believe they thought Grandmother was your lover!” I said.
“Well, I was, dear. You can’t blame them for that.”
Fortunately, Meredith was there to shove a piece of chicken into my open mouth. I nearly choked.
“You would think he would know by now,” Erich said. I offered Meredith a bite and found her mouth in a similar state of gaping. My body was suffering from far too much stimulus. I turned to look at her and she simply shrugged her shoulders.
“But you were married to my grandfather, weren’t you?”
“Yes. My parents felt I was damaging their name, so they arranged a marriage to William Cyning. It was my negotiating skills that made the situation tolerable. And William was a good man whom I came to love. But I explained to him up front that where I went, Erich went. I would otherwise be a faithful wife, but he needed to understand that was part of the deal.”
“And he agreed to that?”
“You need to understand that your grandfather was also a product of his times and that the marriage was arranged against his will as well. There was some thought that classes could be inherited like British nobility if both parents were of the same class. It was a most stimulating negotiation and set us both on the path of accepting each other.” Grandmother looked down at the bones in front of her. We’d all stripped our birds completely. But grandmother was not finished. “Part of our agreement was that we would have children only with each other. I’m happy to say your father was the product of that union, so don’t imagine that Erich might actually be your grandfather. Your father also was proof positive that classes don’t breed true.”
“Yet, here I am,” I sighed.
“Cook set our cheese and coffee in the sitting room,” Erich said. “Regina, may I escort you?”
“As always, Erich. As always.”
At least this time we did not overindulge in wine and cognac, though I was sorely tempted. We paused outside Meredith’s door and I turned to her.
“Meredith,” I began. She placed a finger to my lips.
“It is too soon to speculate on that, Liam. We’ve a lot of new information to digest. I don’t believe your Grandmother hired me with the intent that I should become your lover. You… We both have a great deal to learn at the University, not the least of which is our studies.” She reached up and placed a soft kiss on my lips and then withdrew immediately. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight,” I responded.
I had a lot to think about. My grandmother had told me she was my valet’s lover. But the subtext was that a relationship with my personal assistant and mentor was not unacceptable. I wondered how my parents would feel about that. But it was also clear that many people had a special tutor who had helped them along the road to maturity. Erich had been my father’s valet and mentor until Father started into business. Jack Lenova had become my father’s personal assistant when it became clear his class was Promoter. But the shift was not one that heralded a failure of any sort. It was simply to gain an assistant who was more capable of dealing with the demands of that class. I knew my father respected Erich.
Already, I couldn’t imagine a time when I would want an assistant other than Meredith. But did that mean I wanted to be her lover? On a very base level my mind screamed, “Yes!” But I could recognize my own hormones driving me and could have screamed the same thing about Hana. Meredith was right: It was too early to contemplate that.
Still, the thought kept me awake and after a restless hour in bed, I rose and put on my robe. I removed my carefully concealed pack of cigarettes from my desk drawer and went down to the patio to have a smoke. I watched the stars and contemplated my life. Eventually, I fell asleep there.
“This is exactly the position I was in when I decided not to return to the University,” my father said, startling me awake. I quickly tried to conceal my pack of cigarettes, but to no avail. “Can I hope that you have been considering joining me in the business? I believe you could rise rapidly in your grandfather’s arms company. And frankly, I’d welcome you there.” He reached for my cigarettes and helped himself to one. It was too early in the morning for me to indulge in that particular vice. Father was in his swimming trunks and despite the chill was obviously headed for the pool.
“I hope I’ll always be of help to you in the business,” I said. “But I confess, I have no love for it that would drive me to quit school and come to work.”
“I thought not, but I had to check.” He crushed out his cigarette after only a few puffs. “Join me for a swim?”
“I’m not dressed for swimming,” I said.
“What difference does that make?” He tossed off his robe and stepped out of his trunks. “It’s a great way to wake up in the morning.” He dove into the pool and after a moment’s hesitation, I stripped off my pajamas and dove in after him. I wasn’t convinced of its being a great way to wake up, but I was certainly awake!
Meredith
IT WAS AN INTERESTING WEEKEND. Liam and I spent a good share of Sunday studying. I also took down the details from the calls on my answering machine and learned how to access it remotely. Not having a phone in my dorm room made the process awkward but at least I could find out if an agent had a unit I was interested in.
Regina Cyning took me aside for a few minutes and told me she had placed a substantial sum in a drawing account for Liam and me. She handed me a checkbook and encouraged me to shop for something we could buy instead of rent. Liam and I went through the classified ads Sunday and circled one or two that I would follow up on. Monday morning, we rose early and I dropped him at Elenchus as I continued on to the University.
It was a busy day. I returned the call from Carolyn Dubois and she was as pleasant to talk to as her phone message had sounded. I accepted her party invitation for Liam and me, stressing that we were trying to maintain a low profile and to please not make a big thing out of introducing Liam.
I called several real estate agencies and faxed our specifications. Two called back and I arranged appointments.
The first real estate agent I met with professed to know just what I needed and had the perfect property to show me. The agent met me at the gate—yes, gate—to the mansion she was selling. I groaned inwardly. The agent chose to show what she thought we could afford rather than what we specified we wanted.
“Now, I know you can’t mention names, dear, but this is exactly the property a Leader needs.” She’d obviously done a lot of research to discover who I was representing. I’d worked out the wording with Mrs. Cyning. This was precisely what we’d tried to avoid. “Not only is it convenient to the university—only two miles—it will make a fine addition to the family estate. It would not surprise me if the family came to stay here on occasion, even after college is left behind. The house has twelve bedrooms, a library, a study, formal dining room, formal living room, and casual lounge. I looked up all the available information made public and I know this is perhaps smaller than your client is accustomed to but generally has the same amenities. Lacking the stables, of course. There is an ordinance forbidding livestock in the city limits. You will find there are quarters for the maid, attendant, cook, and other essential staff, while I’m certain you would find the lovely apartment above the carriage house suitable for your own dwelling. The utmost discretion is desired and this would be perfect with an office, small suite, and a large bedroom. I have a decorator standing by who could have the entire property up to your standards in two months.”
“I’m afraid you have missed our criteria.” Maid, attendant, cook, personal assistant? I mentally added a groundskeeper and at least two lackeys to do whatever was needed. “I appreciate you having so diligently researched my client, but our criteria are firm. A two-bedroom unit and a one-bedroom adjacent unit. Mr. Cyning is to be a student here. We want his life to be as normal as possible when compared to other students. Simply being in off-campus housing is a stretch. I’m afraid I must decline to make an offer.”
“Cyning? The Cyning heir is coming to the university as well as the Kendrick daughter? I’m so sorry, Miss. I took you to be Elizabeth Kendrick’s personal assistant. Are you certain Mr. Cyning won’t be interested in this property? If so, I need to be proactive in contacting the Kendricks.” I excused myself and the agent rushed to her car.
This was new information I should make Regina aware of. I needed to research the Kendricks and specifically the daughter Elizabeth. This could be an accident or it could be a setup. Whatever, I needed to be on top of it.
The next stop was to see an apartment for sale. The fax I sent out specified that I was looking for a two-bedroom unit plus a nearby mother-in-law apartment. This company suggested they could help with adjacent apartments. I arrived and sat waiting for my appointment Wednesday evening as I glanced through House Beautiful and other decorating magazines.
“Miss Sauvage? I beg your pardon. I was expecting someone older and you certainly couldn’t be the mother-in-law.” The cheerful agent shook my hand and said she hoped I hadn’t waited too long.
“I’m actually working for a client,” I said. “I understand your confusion.”
“I shan’t pry but I understand your client then needs a two-bedroom apartment with an attached mother-in-law apartment within walking distance of the university. It’s always exciting when a professor comes to our community.” I didn’t rise to the bait. “We don’t have a property that exactly matches your description, but I have two adjacent apartments which might be modified to suit your client’s needs. Shall we take a look?”
The woman led me to the third floor of the building and down a long hall. Many of the apartments had decorated front doors. “We encourage our owners to personalize their dwelling in one way or another. The street view, as we call it, says so much about the resident. There is a door that might as well have a sign on it that reads, ‘Ask to borrow a cup of sugar.’ This next one just screams Inquirer. If you knock on his door, prepare for a long discussion on an important topic. And these two. Both Cognoscenti of different sorts. Lived next door to each other for as long as I can remember. He passed away after a serious illness with his family gathered round his bed. She never woke up the next morning. A sad story but mysteriously one of great hope as well. Don’t you think?”
“It sounds like a very sad romance.”
“Legendary. Shall we look at this one first?” She unlocked the apartment on the right and led me in. “The family has cleared out personal possessions but would like to sell the furnishings with the apartment. If your client doesn’t want them—and I certainly understand that—we can assist in disposing of them. Take a look around, dear. You don’t need me following you around to show you what a sink is and where the windows are. Just try to imagine your client in this space.” I nodded and wandered around. Liam could live in this space. The problem was it had only one bedroom and he really needed the second for his study space. On the other hand, it had a large living room and a formal dining room with a small entryway room that seemed to have no purpose at all.
“Raymond kept his tools in here. And a piano. It was always in pieces. He was a piano tuner and a fine one at that. Of course, the family removed all his tools and the piano.”
“Of course. I have a picture of him in my mind’s eye, tuning and testing. My mother is a pianist. I’ve always adored her art.”
“How lovely.”
“The apartment is beautiful, but it has only one bedroom,” I said. I’m sure my disappointment came out.
“Let’s look at the other unit and I will describe my idea.”
We entered the apartment next door. It was a mirror image of the one we just left, but with no furniture in it.
“The rooms are much larger than I visualized with all the furniture in them. The gentleman certainly liked to fill every inch with something, didn’t he?” I mused.
“Yes. Usually antiques that he took in trade for his tuning services. I know that’s not to everyone’s taste. Ms. Emerson’s apartment was far neater. Every piece of furniture had a purpose. You could see that she could entertain precisely three people and that they would leave at the end of the evening. Her friend next door could have slept three people just on the sofas he had. Not that he would, of course.” The agent stifled a giggle and I wondered about the relationship. There was no sign of a connecting door between the two units.
“Tell me your idea, please. This is far too much space for the mother-in-law unit.” I continued to look around as the agent went on.
“If both properties are to be owned by the same person or couple, they could do some rather extensive remodeling. I was thinking this wall from the bath to the outside wall could be removed. Then partition the dining room space off the second apartment and make it into a second bedroom for the larger unit. That would remove the dining room from this side, but most older people don’t really use a dining room.”
Hmm. That’s an interesting concept. If Liam’s study were in the new room, I could use a portion of my sitting room as an adjoining study. Then there could be a connecting doorway. I was becoming obsessed with connecting doorways. But still…
“I should like to bring my client to view the site and an architect to draw the plans. Pending approval of both, I believe this is exactly what we are looking for. I’d like to put a hold on both units if I may. Will I need an earnest deposit?”
“Yes, of course. The board also has to approve the sale. While the building is not a retirement facility, we do have restrictions on small children. Are there small children involved now or in the foreseeable future?”
“No. None for so long as this is owned.”
“Then what I will need next is your client’s name and a deposit of one thousand dollars for each unit.” I caught my breath at the thought the first check I wrote would be for $2,000. Mrs. Cyning, however, had started the management account with a generous $10,000. I pulled the checkbook from my bag and produced a card for the agent. I should have made a lower offer but it’s too late now. “The deposit will need to be in the form of two checks since we are holding the deposits on behalf of two different sellers. Oh, my!” the agent gasped as she read my card. I filled out the first check. “The young man is to be the owner of the units and reside in the large one?”
“Yes. I do hope there is no silly rule about an eighteen-year-old owning property in the building, though it will be considered a family asset.”
“And I assume you are the mother-in-law,” the agent laughed.
“Yes. I need to be near enough that I can respond to his summons if he needs me. Our current working arrangement is inconvenient as I am at the University and he is at Elenchus. He will, however, be at the University come mid-term.”
“It may be… We’ll make it work. I’m sure the board will have no difficulty approving it. It would be very difficult to bicker about price, though, if this information were known.”
“Use it at your discretion. I have offered the full asking price as it is stated in your brochure.”
“Yes. Of course. Pardon me for being nosy, but from Buxton House? He is a Promoter? A Commander?”
“A Leader. Regina Cyning’s heir. That is not widely known yet. As I said, please use it with discretion.”
“I assure you I will. Word will leak out in the building though. Are you sure you want an apartment?”
“He’s a teenager. A house, I fear, would be far too ostentations and difficult to manage. This will be a nice step up from his dormitory,” I said.
“They all start the same, don’t they?” The agent took the checks and bade me goodbye at the door.
The rest of my week was filled with preparations. I informed Liam and Mrs. Cyning about the offer I had made. Liam was a bit ambivalent, happy that I had managed a deal and unconcerned about what I had chosen. Regina heartily approved.
I contacted an architect and arranged to tour the units with him on Saturday. I suggested Liam join me as I reviewed the plans. He was more than happy to and wandered through the apartment nodding and saying “Good. Good.” The architect promised sketches in a week and building plans by the end of the month.
“Now, Liam, you need to dress appropriately for a college party,” I said as I took him back to Elenchus.
“I believe I have everything I need,” he said. “I am so glad you are accompanying me. I’d be a lamb led to slaughter without you. It’s not that I dislike women. They’re just so confusing to talk to. With other guys, we would just fall into a discussion of sports or politics. Or we’d be discussing girls, not talking to them. I’m so glad you will be my date.”
“I’m pleased as well, but let’s not get hampered by that, either. We both need to talk to others—men and women. I don’t doubt that one or more women will want to monopolize your time. You’re wealthy, you have a good name, and you’re rather handsome, even if I do say so myself.”
“You flatter me. But I’m certain I will be too busy guarding you from the fraternity brothers to take time with any of the women.”
“Liam, remember what I said about it being too soon. We should both try to find someone at the party to go on a date with. It will be a good introduction to college life.”
“I suppose,” he sighed. “Perhaps I’m just seeing the easy way out. You’re here. You’re smart, beautiful, and personable. I like you. I can’t imagine finding anyone who compares.”
“Better you discover the truth of that now than in five or ten years,” I said. I understood what he meant, though. There is a song I heard on the radio in the dormitory that went “You’d be so easy to love.” It would be the easy way out.
Comments
Please feel free to send comments to the author at nathan@nathaneverett.com.
