June 19, 2020
Review, Edit and Update
Two commas, an apostrophe, three unnecessary spaces and one unnecessary word: that’s it.
I do hope that Digby is pleased.
In Digby’s Resolve he certainly struggled with his own sort of work-life balance.
Digby's Resolve
Digby struggled with two problems. One was professional. Digby, the butler for the Beaufort estate, had always prided himself on his professionalism. He was organized and very personable. When plans went awry, he was able to steer things back on course. His other problem was heartache, which he really didn’t know how to deal with. He had been unable to organize it, put it in its correct place or set it on a straight and orderly course. These two issues were about to come crashing together.
He tried to place blame for his predicament on Giles. Giles Thornton, the estate chauffeur and mechanic, had listened to his plight about what to do ‘about Martha’ one morning in the estate kitchen. Giles finally suggested, because dinner dates were out of the question in this time of Covid19, that a picnic would be the next best choice. A picnic of all things. James Edward Digby knew about many things, even some sorts of picnics. But they were always for Mrs. Beaufort and her guests, or for Martha’s grandchildren.
But this picnic? This picnic was just for two people. Himself and Martha Haverstock, the Housekeeper. How could Digby organize such an affair? He would have to talk to Cook. He would need to know what food should be prepared. James truly believed that Cook was unaware that he was smitten with Martha. Besides, he had set a standard that there was to be no fraternizing with any other staff. Consequently, Digby did not want to talk to Cook about the reasons for such a picnic. Then there was the issue of beverages. Digby enjoyed a glass of wine in the evenings. Martha had no taste for wine. Would he have a pot of tea at a picnic? Could he find some other beverage that would suit?
Digby was certain of one thing. He knew where the picnic would be. He might need Gile’s help to set it all up. A table was needed beneath the branches of the giant redwood in the front yard. Neither James nor Martha were as agile as they once were. When they first started out on the Beaufort Estate, they were both in their twenties. Getting down on a floor or grass, and getting up again, was effortless. Now, getting down was not necessarily difficult, but getting up again had become a sometimes painful chore. Yes, a picnic table was a definite need.
The forecast for the weather in the next week showed sunshine and little wind. Perfect for an outdoor picnic under the spreading branches of the ancient redwood tree in the front yard. Digby always had been at the ready with alternatives, should a plan go awry. A back up plan as Giles called it. So if the weather was dull and rainy, they would have their lunch at the dining room table and use the china and crystal.
Then there was the other problem. The Staff Meeting. Digby had been going on about a staff meeting for quite sometime. He had written up an agenda, but couldn’t concentrate as he normally could. He was very displeased with himself. Although Digby thought that Martha was the problem, Giles told him that it really was his feelings toward Martha. Feelings were things that could, and should, be filed away as they interfered with the orderly running of each day. He had seen that first hand with his father. If his father gave into any feelings ~ any feelings at all ~ he was unable to be as professionally cool as Digby. Even as a child, Digby recognized the need for a dispassionate approach. How could he run a staff meeting, especially with Martha present, with tripping over these ‘feelings’?
Which should come first? The picnic or the staff meeting. If he put the Staff Meeting first, he would not be able to look Martha in the eye. Giles would absolutely be no support with his winks and grins. Digby didn’t know how professional he could be in such a situation. But then, if he had the picnic first, and depending on the afternoon, it could be devastating or thrilling. Either way, he still wouldn’t be able to maintain his comportment in the meeting.
James paced back and forth in his tiny living room. He stopped in front of the big window to watch the children playing in the yard across the street. His thoughts, so tangled, began to drift apart. That is so good that they can get outside and play. I wonder if they’re warm enough. I wonder if Martha would be warm enough outside. I suppose we could have a nice lunch in the dining room. My goodness, I already thought of that one. Digby’s brow relaxed. His face softened almost with a smile. James had an idea. He would have the Staff Meeting on the same day as the picnic. The Staff meeting would be first and in the morning. Afterward, he would ask to speak to Martha privately. Cook would, necessarily, be sworn to secrecy as would Giles. Cook would already have the picnic basket filled and ready. Giles would get Brigitte to help with getting the picnic table under the tree. So, Brigitte would also have to be sworn to secrecy. James was still pacing, but a little quicker now, rubbing the palms of his hands together. That’s when he knew that a plan was coming together. This time was quite a bit different though. James Edward Digby wanted to dance and sing, jump in the air and click his heels. As Covid19 restrictions were loosened, so were the restrictions James had around his heart. He would still be cautious, but now he could move forward. James slept well that night.
“Resolve, and thou are free.”
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow,
Flower-de-Luce, and the Masque of Pandora
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