Chapter Text
Grandmother has always had a way, hasn't she,
Of always making our parents, aunts and especially
Our uncles feel uncomfortable. Between taking
Uncle Christopher to task about letting Miss Lister
Run rings around him, though everyone knows,
It was Uncle Jeremiah who negotiated--
(But
The family likes Jeremiah, or at least doesn't
Dislike him.)
--and showing unabashed admiration
For Miss Lister, for her cleverness, her company,
Her conversation--
(and here I couldn't help
But get the feeling Grandmother was inserting
A dig about her children's conversation...)
--"That's why I like her. Even though she is
A bit of an oddity. She's been to so many
Places, done so many things. Most women
Are dull and stupid, but not her." You and I
Exchange looks. Presumably she thinks that
Also of us? And not just of Mother and the aunts?
Uncle Christopher has no such moments of
Humble introspection. He claims to be just as
Clever as Miss Lister--
(which is in itself quite
A compliment from him, who normally claims
All women are beneath him. Her, he claims
As his equal. I wonder if he notices his own
Words... Grandmother has, you can be sure.)
--He claims to have the measure of Miss Lister;
Grandmother scoffs, "I doubt it!" Then Uncle
Jeremiah, in his haste to point out the power
Miss Lister has in their business dealings,
Says something that makes Father ask if they
Have been stealing her coal. Uncle Christopher
Speeds over Grandmother's shock. "She claims
She'll sink her own pits, and her demand
For a price is just nonsense. I'm tempted
To tell her where she can shove her upper bed--
Sorry, ladies, and call her bluff." Grandmother
Gives him a pitying look. "Well, perhaps,
Her little friend will help her. She's got plenty
Of money." "Sorry? What? Who?" "Miss Walker!
Your cousin! They went to York together,
And now they're inseparable!" "Really?" says
Uncle Christopher, clearly feigning boredom.
Grandmother smirks, "Next stop, Paris.
Maybe Miss Walker will let Miss Lister dip
Into her purse. Whatever else she's been
Letting her dip into." Eyes flick away
From Grandmother and back, embarrassed.
Not her. "So sorry, ladies." Not. Sorry. At. All.