A Place at the Table
21
Bracing for the Consequences
Liam
“I DON’T KNOW what I’m supposed to do at this party. Or even why we’re having it. Grandmother dictated it. You sent invitations and made plans. What am I supposed to do?”
I suppose I was whining. I managed to coax Meredith into the library so we could sit comfortably talk and sat next to her as she went over Cook’s proposed menu for the buffet and the various seating groupings that would be available for people. We wouldn’t try to seat fifty people in the dining room—or was it seventy now?—but the lounge opened to the ballroom and was large enough for several round tables at which eight or ten could comfortably sit and still have a small dance floor. I couldn’t remember a larger gathering at Buxton House.
“You are, officially, the host. You have been seated at your grandmother’s table often enough that you should know the duties and responsibilities of the host.” She gave me a stern, lecturing tone, somewhat softened by her smile. I deserved the lecture.
“I should welcome each guest, see that they are introduced and refreshed, be genial, and welcome them to the table. Should I propose a toast?”
“No. In this instance it will be more appropriate to turn to your grandmother and let her also welcome the guests. She will propose the toast to you.” Meredith scratched one of the items from the menu and suggested an alternative.
“To me? I’m the host!”
“You are also the guest of honor. Let your grandmother dote on you a bit,” Meredith smiled and squeezed my hand. “Now, there’ll be some guests you won’t know. Most notably, the Winzars and the Kendricks. There’ll be spouses and dates that you don’t know either. I’ll stay just behind your right shoulder to indicate who each guest is as he or she comes through the door. You’ll greet them by name and welcome them to your home. Unless there’s a line pressing to get in, it would be nice to say something personal to each one. Once you’ve appropriately greeted each guest, Erich or Ricardo will conduct them to the lounge and make sure they’re provided with drinks as people gather.”
“What about spouses and dates? You can’t know each of them, can you?”
“No. I’ll let you know by simply saying ‘guest.’ You’ll then ask the one known for an introduction to his or her guest. There are several ways you can do this.” Meredith stood and role-played several different introductions with me. We practiced until she felt I had it right. A formal party. Why must I be subjected to this? Oh, woe is me.
“This will be an exhausting evening.”
“No doubt. But think of the reward you will have at the end of the evening when you find my door open. Of course, you will not open your door if you have seduced another guest to your bed.”
“To my bed? I scarcely even know any of them!”
“Not so! You have seen several of the young women who will attend in their swimwear. Oh, don’t forget Carolyn Dubois from the sorority. And there is a single female Leader who will be seated near you,” Meredith laughed.
“We certainly… We can’t be expected to… It wouldn’t be reasonable…”
“I’m teasing, Liam. With a party this large, it would be in exceedingly poor taste for you to seduce a young woman to your bed. Even if one should throw herself at you during the party. I wouldn’t put that past any of them. And possibly some of the older women.”
“Oh, dear! No!”
“Don’t fret. Everyone will be aware all eyes are on them when they are with you.” Meredith continued to laugh at my embarrassment and I relaxed. A little. “Now, about shaking hands with the guests. Gentlemen always offer their right hand and you should take it in a firm but non-threatening grip. If one is boorish enough to attempt to impress his superiority by squeezing too hard, ignore it. Do not enter into a contest. Women are a different matter. Few women grip in a handshake like a man, but if she does, treat it the same way. Most will offer their hand, you will take it lightly, and bow slightly over it. Do not succumb to the temptation of kissing her fingers. Not unless you plan to bed her.”
We practiced the different handshakes. Most of this I’d been instructed in at Elenchus but it was fun to role-play it with Meredith. At last, I dipped my head enough to kiss her fingers. We took a quick look around to ensure we were alone in the library and came together for a genuine kiss. Meredith broke it off and pushed me away just as the door opened and Erich entered.
“You’ve been working very hard. I brought hot tea and cookies for you. You should take a break now and then, you know.”
“Thank you, Erich. I don’t know what I’ll do without you when I move to the apartment.” We each took a cup from the tray and sipped at the refreshing brew.
“Independence, sir. You will learn independence. Look at this as the first, and perhaps only, time no one will be minutely examining your life to see that you do everything correctly. No one will make up your bed each day or lay out your clothes. No one will wash your dishes or cook your meals. Will you rise to the occasion or will you awake one morning to find you live in a pigsty? This is the price of independence.”
“I will try to follow your example, Erich. Thank you.”
“You will do well and we will all be proud of you.” Erich left us alone again and we sat with the cookies and tea.
“How did you know to break our kiss just before Erich entered?” I whispered.
“I would like to profess a fifth sense or secret code but I’m afraid it was merely coincidence. It’s a good reminder to us, though, we are always subject to observation. It is also possible that Erich saw us and was waiting for the kiss to end before he interrupted.”
“Oh. We really must be careful, mustn’t we? I’m so sorry to have embarrassed you, Meredith.”
“If there was a fault, it was as much mine as yours. As long as we are discreet, an accidental observation can be discounted as not having really happened.”
“There will be another time, won’t there, Meri?”
“I hope so.”
“Are you ready for Saturday?” Grandmother sat at the head of the table, as always, while Mother, Father, and I joined her for the Thanksgiving meal. Neither Erich nor Meredith had been invited to this dinner. Meredith had gone home for a large gathering of her family.
“I have practiced, Grandmother. Meredith has been diligent in teaching me proper protocol and how I should comport myself. I find it overwhelming but will do my best.”
“If I may ask, what is the purpose of this gathering?” Mother looked at her mother-in-law questioningly. “It seems to be putting a lot of emphasis on Liam’s rather minor role in surviving being held hostage.”
“Every young man should have a graduation party,” Grandmother said. “Liam will be leaving Elenchus and enrolling at the University. Certainly, we can all be proud of that, n’est-ce pas? The guest list includes all the significant parties in Liam’s childhood and emergence, does it not, Liam?”
“It does, Grandmother. I am very much looking forward to seeing Randy Peters and his wife again. And I understand David Winzar will also be attending. He’s a student at the University and I’m sure he’ll be able to give both Elizabeth Kendrick and me some useful hints.”
“Don’t forget Fergie,” Thomas said.
“Of course not, Father. Mr. Ferguson and I have come to an understanding and there will be no shows of debate, I assure you.”
“That is a relief. I admit, however that it seems strange to have both sides of such a volatile issue attending the same party. Are you sure this is wise, Mother?” Grandmother nodded at Father’s question and turned it back to me.
“Both sides of the issue developed a deep respect for each other. Much as I did. I spoke with Randy just after he received the invitation and found out he’d been in a meeting with Mr. Ferguson just the day before to sign the ratified agreement. I believe having them both at the party will show they have more binding them together than separating them. The way we’ve defined classes should not mean classes can’t intermingle and learn from each other. I learned a lot from my time as Lonnie’s roommate, from my time as Randy’s hostage, from my time with Erich as my valet, and from my time with Meredith as my assistant and mentor.”
“You’ve had excellent companions. There will be others attending whom you have not seen in a while. What do you think of Donnie and Richard?” Grandmother asked. She took another bite of turkey as she looked expectantly at me.
“We had a pleasant time when we saw each other in August. I remembered Donnie as rather rigid and ready to stand up to a fight at any time. Richard is a bit flighty, but he understands machines and especially weapons like no one I’ve met before or since.”
“I’ve offered Richard a position with the arms company should he decide at any time not to pursue a career in the army,” Father said. “His design work on the new magazine was excellent and I’ll be paying him a royalty on production.”
“That’s great, Father. I’m sure Richard will look favorably on it.”
“And do you understand why Lonnie Porras was chosen to be your companion at Elenchus rather than the others?” Grandmother asked.
“I believe so. Lonnie and I have had many opportunities to talk about it. On that day of my tenth birthday, Meredith stood up to my insolence and bloodied my nose. Richard stood in fear and Donnie in resolution where they were. Lonnie’s concern was for me and seeing that I was cared for.”
“Even I saw that,” Lydia said. “Lonnie always knew which side his bread was buttered on.”
“He also displayed the intellectual character to challenge Liam,” Thomas said.
“I’ve arrived at some conclusions regarding why Meredith was chosen as my assistant and mentor instead of Peggy Anne or Karen, as well. She showed the initiative to correct my behavior and the courage to do so when needed. As they grew up, the three girls chose different paths. I’ve no doubt Karen would make a great advisor, much as Mr. Lenova is to you, Father. But unlike Mr. Lenova, Karen is a Cognoscente. I believe she would always approach things from that perspective and not out of commitment to me. Peggy Anne would no doubt soothe me whenever I was upset, but her guidance would be based on a kind of gentleness I’m not sure I would respond well to. I may have misjudged all of these and ask you to correct me if I have, Grandmother.”
“It is close enough. I believe we are ready for Saturday,” Grandmother responded. “Or as ready as we will ever be.”
“I would much rather negotiate another contract with Mr. Ferguson than host this party. Isn’t a tuxedo too formal, Erich? Surely the Peters and Sturdivants won’t have tuxedos, will they? I hate the thought of what it would cost them to come to this party.”
“Mrs. Cyning has seen to it that costs were covered for all guests. You needn’t worry about that. Now, let me look at your tie. Very good! I had no idea you had learned to tie such a perfect bow,” Erich said.
“Would you believe we had a class in it? Not just tying a bow tie, but seven different knots and when each is appropriate. Four-in-hand, full Windsor, half Windsor, Eldredge, Prince Albert, Trinity, and Murrell. And we received a book with half a dozen others. When am I ever going to use an Eldredge knot? I’m not sure I have a tie of the right thickness to be able to tie it,” I complained. It seemed complaining about the tie was safer than complaining about the party.
“You might be surprised. There are times and purposes for each. What did you use for your meeting with Mr. Ferguson?”
“Simply a full Windsor.”
“Excellent choice. If you were going to a sportier event, however, and wearing your blazer, you might venture into some of the more avant-garde knots.” Erich stood back after buffing a corner of my left shoe. “No, I’m sure you are ready.”
“How soon do I need to be down there?”
“Twenty minutes. You can always arrive early and inspect the setup.”
“No. I need a few minutes alone to collect myself. Do you mind, Erich?”
“Of course not, sir.” Erich left and I locked the door behind him. I stepped into my study and made sure the hall door there was locked as well. Then I opened the door between the rooms. Meredith’s door was closed. I was about to knock before I recollected myself. Lupe might be there and that would be embarrassing. I went to the phone. Meredith’s phone rang three times and I was ready to give up before she answered.
“This is Meredith.”
“Meri, can I see you? Just for a few minutes? I’m so nervous.”
“Of course, Liam. Give me a moment to finish and I’ll open the door.”
I paced the room for at least three minutes before I heard the door click open. Meredith was heart-stoppingly beautiful. She wore a beige evening dress with puff sleeves and a vee neck with a wide sash belt cinched tightly just below her breasts. The full skirt touched the toes of her high heels.
“You are so beautiful!”
“You cut a dashing figure yourself. Now, I’ve not applied my lipstick yet, so you may kiss me but try not to muss my hair or dress.”
“A kiss is all I desire.” I pulled Meredith into my arms and kissed her, pouring my love into the all too brief kiss. It was becoming very easy to kiss Meredith. “Do you suppose we could ask Erich to fix us each a plate of food and have it delivered here so we don’t have to go to this party?”
“Liam, you know better than that.”
“I do, but it doesn’t mean I don’t think about it. I just needed to settle myself. You calm me, Meredith. When I don’t know if I am ready for something, you give me confidence.”
“Look within yourself, Liam. You did not have me by your side when you negotiated on behalf of the workers. You have all that is needed. Now you must put it to work. Go to your study and close the door. I need to apply my lipstick and then I will call you to meet me in the hall. One more kiss.”
Meredith did not let me get too involved in the kiss and pushed me toward the door. I went through and she closed it behind me. I heaved a sigh and sat at my desk to wait for the call.
“Miss Ito, how lovely of you to attend our party. Welcome. And this?”
“Mr. Cyning, allow me to introduce Dr. Levi Abrams. He has been kind enough to escort me this evening.” Hana Ito was as lovely and appealing as the first time I dated her. Lucky Dr. Abrams.
“Dr. Abrams, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Do you work in the same hospital?”
“No, no. We met at a charity event some time ago. I was immediately smitten with Miss Ito. She will be an invaluable addition to our medical community.”
“I welcome you both. Please allow Erich to show you to the bar for a cocktail.”
“Thank you, Mr. Cyning.” Hana winked saucily and I closed my eyes for a moment before turning to greet the next guests. My parents were standing not far from me, waiting for the arrival of some of their acquaintances. When Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson came in, they were quick to move next to me and conduct the CEO to the bar themselves.
“Senator and Mrs. Porras, welcome to our home. I am so glad you were able to shake free of your busy schedule,” I said to the next arrival.
“I wouldn’t have missed this opportunity, Liam. You and Lonnie have been inseparable for eight years and now I understand you will move on to the University. I do hope you’ll stay in touch,” the senator said.
“Definitely, sir. Lonnie and I are best friends and I value his advice on many things.”
“Speaking of whom…”
“Lonnie. Susan. It’s good to have you back at Buxton House.”
“I didn’t know I’d get a chance to get so dressed up this fall. Thank you for inviting me back, even after my boorish behavior the first time I was here.” Susan dipped in a small curtsey and I took her hand to bow over it. I shook hands with Lonnie and met Susan’s parents. I would have had a longer conversation but Meredith leaned up behind my ear.
“Liam, the next guest is David Winzar. His guest is Jonathan Summers. Behind him are his parents.” I turned to greet the new arrivals.
“Mr. Winzar, I am so happy to finally meet you face to face. Welcome to Buxton House. Your assistance to the strikers was invaluable,” I said.
“Mr. Cyning, now that we have met face to face and are to be school mates, I trust you will call me David and allow me the freedom of your first name. This is my friend and personal assistant, Jonathan Summers.”
“Jonathan, my pleasure.”
“Thank you, Liam.”
“And these are my parents, all the way from Richmond, Virginia,” David continued as he slipped past me to greet Meredith.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Winzar.” Grandmother was suddenly beside me. “Allow me to introduce you to my grandmother, Regina Cyning.”
“How could one possibly mistake you for anyone else?” Mr. Winzar said. “Thank you both for including our family in this soirée. I fear David has not been getting out as much as we hoped when he came here.”
“I think you will find that will change this year. Please, let me show you to the bar for a cocktail.” Grandmother and the Winzars disappeared into the lounge and I continued to greet new arrivals. I was surprised that Richard and Donnie escorted Peggy Anne and Karen into the party. It was good to see my old school chums again. Their uniforms were immaculate and the ladies wore elegant gowns that accented their beauty. They were moved rapidly into the party so I could greet their four sets of parents.
“Oh, my God.” I whispered. My exclamation caught Meredith’s attention at once. She turned toward the door.
“That is Elizabeth Kendrick, followed by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kendrick. Please put your tongue back in your mouth and greet them properly.”
Elizabeth Kendrick presented her hand and I bowed over it, nearly stooping to kiss it. Her blonde wavy hair hung in ringlets about her shoulders, which were bare in a strapless burgundy gown. Even in heels, she was a few inches shorter than me. Her smile was brilliant.
“Miss Kendrick, my home is brightened by your presence. Welcome.”
“Mr. Cyning, your flattery will get you everywhere. Allow me to present my parents.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Kendrick, I’m so pleased you happened to be in town this weekend. Have you succeeded in finding suitable lodging for Miss Kendrick?”
“A very nice and suitable apartment, I think. You would not believe the monstrosity of a house the agent tried to sell us. As if she was moving to town with an entourage and full staff rather than just a maid. I understand you also found suitable accommodation.” Mrs. Kendrick seemed to take the lead in the conversation, but Grandmother was back and engaged both Elizabeth and her father.
“Yes. I was very fortunate. We had an architect do some drawings and the contractor who has managed the work is with us this evening.”
“A very heterogenous group you’ve invited.”
“I am pleased to agree. And every one of them a good friend. Please join my grandmother. I’m sure she would like to introduce you to the Winzars.”
Only one other couple arrived after the Kendricks and I breathed a sigh of relief.
“Will you take my arm?” I asked Meredith softly.
“No, Liam. I’m not your date this evening. I’ll not even be seated at your table. I need to check with the kitchen. Now is the time for you to circulate among your guests and be sure each is comfortable. And do not spend all your time ogling Elizabeth Kendrick. There will be time for that later. But not tonight. Go. I need to check on the buffet and make sure it’s ready to serve.”
I watched her disappear down the hall and took a deep breath. Nothing to do but to do it. I squared my shoulders and proceeded to the lounge where I was immediately caught up in talking to people who drew me into their conversations as I circulated. I was pleased to see my new friends, Randy and Sally Peters, engaged in a spirited conversation with Hana Ito and Dr. Abrams. The Sturdivants had no difficulty engaging all and were at one time with Cognoscenti and at another with Promoters. I noted that Mr. Kendrick pulled Sturdivant aside for a few minutes as well. This evening could be very good for the contractor’s business. Then I spotted someone I’d not seen come in.
“Miss Loveland, there was such a press when you entered that I fear I did not adequately welcome you.”
“Nonsense, Mr. Cyning. I fully understand the duties of a host and you did very well.”
“And did I miss your escort in the press?”
“Ah, sadly, I have no escort. My brother was set to accompany me but he became ill on Thanksgiving Day and begged to be excused.” I found the stenographer’s information quite interesting. She was extremely competent in her role as a legal secretary but was a lovely woman, as well. Loveland was an appropriate name.
“Perhaps you would consider accompanying me to the buffet? I find I’m incredibly hungry and don’t dare go to the buffet alone. It appears no one else will approach it until I do. Do you mind?”
“I would be honored, Mr. Cyning.”
“Since we are to eat together, please call me Liam as my friends do.”
“It’s a pleasure, Liam. I’m Tiffany.”
“What an unusual name.”
“My parents are scholars. My father in Greek mythology. I’m afraid they went a bit overboard in naming me Theophania because I was born on Epiphany. It’s all very complicated, but I prefer the shortened version of Tiffany.”
“Beautiful. Ah, look! Cook has prepared some of my favorites. Try the baked brie. It will melt on your tongue.”
As soon as I moved to the buffet, a line formed behind us. I was pleased to see that no one hesitated to follow. When I was seated with Tiffany, the table filled rapidly. The first to arrive were my one-time schoolmates. And Elizabeth. That was interesting.
“I just love men in uniform. Karen and Peggy Anne, I hope you don’t object to my sandwiching myself between them. It makes me feel so important.”
“Do you doubt your importance, Miss Kendrick?” I was surprised to find Donnie engaging her so readily. Karen looked at him and rolled her eyes.
“Oh, there are always moments. For example, when you insist on calling me Miss Kendrick instead of using my given name, Elizabeth. I thought we had agreed on this.”
“Indeed. My pardon, Elizabeth.” Before the conversation got further, I was surprised to be joined by Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson and by Randy and Sally Peters.
“My! I didn’t expect you two to be together!” Tiffany exclaimed. Of those at the table, only she had been present at the negotiations with Peter, Mr. Ferguson, and me.
“We all had a lot to learn from each other,” Fergie said. “Randy and I have been going over some of the finer points of labor relations. Liam, you opened a door for us to communicate. I hope you will join us again to make sure we stay on track. Right, Randy?”
“So true, Fergie. I’ve come to understand more about how the company is managed and the pressures you face. I believe our plan will alleviate a lot of the division between labor and management and ownership.”
“What new plan have you evolved?” I was curious about what the meeting of the two extremes had come up with but I’d promised my father no debates tonight.
“Now, we aren’t going to go into detail and get into a discussion of work here. Suffice it to say that Randy and I have devised a way to make workers shareholders. We believe that will make the realities of the business more tangible to those who provide the labor.”
“It sounds brilliant. Congratulations.”
“We owe it to you.”
“What did Liam do?” Richard looked past Elizabeth to stare at me. “Don’t tell me you were a bull in a china shop again.” The veiled reference to the collapse of the pallets of rifles and death of Mr. Wilbur irritated me a little.
“No, no. Liam negotiated the settlement between management and labor at Covington Shoe Company. It was quite brilliant to watch. I doubted when I first met him that Liam could stand up to the pressure of a contract negotiation. I’ve seen a number of them that were near brawls. But he handled it beautifully. Wouldn’t you agree, Mr. Ferguson and Mr. Peters?”
“That’s true. Liam represented us at the table. I’m afraid if it had been left to me, it would have come down to fisticuffs as you suggest, Miss Loveland. But Liam showed us a different way of looking at things and also showed Fergie and me that we could deal with each other in a civil manner and not resort to contention.”
“Randy, I believe you could have done as well yourself. But thank you for your confidence in me,” I said.
“Liam—may I call you Liam?”
“We already agreed on that, Elizabeth.”
“Liam, am I to understand that you took the part of the workers in this dispute and at your age of—if I am informed correctly—eighteen, you negotiated a labor contract with Mr. Ferguson here? You suddenly do not look so young to me.”
“It was not only that, Miss Kendrick. Liam showed me a path to better productivity and increased profits. It was not only a victory for the labor union. It was a victory for Covington Shoe Company.”
After dinner, I saw a small band setting up next to the dance floor.
“I don’t remember this room being used before. Perhaps when I was very small,” I said as I strolled around with Tiffany on my arm as I spoke to other guests.
“Come now, Liam. We are not such old fogies. While you were away at school, we had parties like this all the time.”
“Grandmother?” I was surprised by her presence next to me. “I thought I was subtly conversing with Miss Loveland.”
“Well, perhaps not all the time. Why don’t you begin things by taking Miss Loveland to the dance floor? I don’t think you will be allowed to leave it once you are out there. Just stay on the dance floor and partners will come to you.”
I took Tiffany’s hand and she followed me to the dance floor. As soon as we had completed a number, Elizabeth cut in. She may have been a bit surprised when Sally Peters took me for the next dance. Karen stepped in after that and whispered in my ear.
“You know I’m still available. Donnie is nice but it’s not a permanent thing. Call me when things settle down and you are at the University.” I thought it was strange that a woman in the company of one of my friends would make such a suggestion. I had danced with my mother and Grandmother’s friend, Mrs. Grosvenor, when Hana captured me.
“I could get into an occasional date with such a handsome boy. If you think you could work around my schedule at the hospital,” she said.
“But Dr. Abrams…”
“Is a dear friend and mentor. But medicine is just a job to him, not a calling. I’m afraid he really doesn’t understand my passion.”
“I see. I don’t know how things will work out, Hana.”
“Oh, don’t worry. I’ll still sleep with him. He’s the only option I have at the moment. But I’m available.”
I’d danced with nearly every woman at the party, including Carolyn Dubois from the Gamma Delta sorority, who also made sure I was aware of her availability. I’d gone a couple of hours without a break, and I was ready to call it quits for the night. That was when Peggy Anne came into my arms as Richard danced nearby with Elizabeth.
“You seem quite comfortable with Richard.”
“Yes. He’s a doll. Do you know we talk by phone once or twice a month? I’m thinking perhaps I should move to be nearer to him when he knows where he’ll be stationed.”
“Do you think he’ll take a commission? He doesn’t seem very military, even in uniform.”
“No, he’s much better than that.”
“Well, I wish you well. I was afraid… Well, a number of women have approached me this evening with suggestions that we get together again.”
“Oh, Liam. That ship has sailed.”
The guests finally left. Many young women had reached up to kiss me on the cheek and I was sure I was smudged with lipstick. I was beyond exhaustion. It was past midnight and I was ready to head for bed. Meredith had disappeared into the kitchen to coordinate sending food to the homeless shelter. I saw her father follow her. The band had packed up but Kendall Sauvage was still playing on the piano in the ballroom. I turned toward the stairs when my father intercepted me.
“Walk with me, son.” I accompanied him to the bar in the lounge where Brian poured both of us a glass of cognac. From there, we went to Father’s study. He opened a box on his desk and removed two cigars, clipping them both and handing one to me. He held out a lighter. “Just suck it into your mouth and blow it out. You needn’t inhale.” I managed to get the cigar lit without choking as Father lit his own.
“Thank you, Father. To what do I owe this privilege?” Father had never before shared a drink and a smoke with me—not more than a glass of wine at dinner.
“I was honestly disappointed that you didn’t turn out a Promoter,” he mused. “You know I went to Elenchus, too. I know they teach what is necessary. I had my hopes. Mother attempted to coach me and show me the path, but I never could see the use for Leaders.”
“I’m sorry to have disappointed you, Father.”
“That’s just it. It turns out that you haven’t disappointed me at all, William. You have made me very proud to be the father of a Leader.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I assumed you had coached the labor leader in the negotiations. I knew you could have walked free from the moment you were allowed to call me and ask for the annual report. But tonight, Fergie—and that fellow Peters—disabused me of my notions regarding what you had done. Your behavior that day—and your poise and behavior this evening—were ample evidence to me that you are everything a Leader should be. You brought together people of every class this evening. You set an example even your grandmother has never achieved. You are, in many ways, the hope for our future. Not as a family, but as a society. When I look at you tonight, I see a man I would follow. This drink and cigar are my toast to you, my son. I am proud of you.”
“Thank you, Father.” I was near tears at Father’s declaration. He uncharacteristically put his arm around my shoulders and raised his glass.
“Here’s to the future.”
“To the future.” I raised my glass to touch his. We drank down our cognac and took another puff from the cigars.
“Don’t feel you need to finish that. Just leave it in the ashtray. You need some sleep, son. Keep your doors closed tonight.”
I flushed a bit but looked my father in the eye and nodded. I laid the partially smoked cigar in the ashtray and went to my room.
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