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Evelyn’s father had arrived in the city, staying with them for several days. While their bond wasn’t particularly strong, they found common ground in their shared interests, making their time together enjoyable. His presence brought a refreshing change, steering Evelyn’s emotions in a new direction.
His purpose for the visit was twofold: to purchase a wedding gift for his daughter, Janet, and attire befitting his role at the wedding. Mr. McPherson had a knack for selecting gifts, a talent acknowledged by everyone close to him. His input on fashion matters, often complex, proved invaluable to his father-in-law. However, his extended stay had kept Evelyn occupied, exposing her to a different dynamic with her father. A former Confederate army colonel, he still exuded the military aura that accompanied his title. With white, silky hair and a bronze complexion, he cut a distinguished figure beside Evelyn. Their outings together attracted attention, their presence drawing admiring gazes.
At Evelyn’s invitation, her father posed for a sketch in her studio, taking the task seriously. He believed in his daughters’ latent talents, convinced that they possessed the potential for greatness. He sat stoically before her pencil, akin to facing a cannon in battle. The intrusion of children disrupted his composure, prompting him to motion them away with subtle gestures, preserving the solemnity of the moment.
To engage her father, Evelyn arranged a meeting with Mademoiselle Reisz for a musical treat, but the invitation was declined. Instead, they attended a musical soirée hosted by the Rogers family. There, the Colonel received adulation, especially from Madame Rogers, who charmed him with her flirtatious mannerisms. Evelyn observed this spectacle with curiosity, lacking the same inclination for coquetry herself.
While at the soirée, Evelyn noticed a couple of men who caught her interest, appreciating their personalities and engaging in pleasant conversations when the music allowed. However, she had no inclination for flirtation or attention-seeking behaviors.
Meanwhile, Mr. McPherson avoided such gatherings, finding them too bourgeois for his taste, preferring the club scene. Madame Rogers, while enjoying his excuse for not attending, subtly criticized his absence from home, hinting at a desire for more togetherness between Evelyn and her husband.
Evelyn’s response reflected her ambivalence toward increased domesticity. She felt uncertain about what they would talk about if he stayed home, acknowledging their limited communication. However, she found herself surprisingly interested in her father’s company, enjoying the role of caregiver during his visit. This newfound engagement puzzled her husband, interpreting it as a deep filial bond he hadn’t previously noticed.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
Throughout the day, the Colonel indulged in numerous “toddies,” a skillful concoction of his own making that left him unfazed. He had a knack for mixing potent drinks and had even crafted some with whimsical names, each requiring a unique blend of ingredients, a task that fell upon Evelyn to fulfill.
When Doctor Mandelet joined the McPhersons for dinner on Thursday, he found no trace of the morbid condition Mr. McPherson had mentioned regarding Mrs. McPherson. She appeared lively and radiant, her recent visit to the racecourse with her father still fresh in her mind as they engaged in animated conversation over dinner. Although the Doctor was not well-versed in racing matters, he drew upon nostalgic memories to partake in their discussion, albeit without much success in impressing the Colonel, who remained unimpressed by his attempts to relate to modern racing culture. Evelyn had placed a bet on her father’s behalf, resulting in a satisfying win for both of them. They had also encountered captivating individuals like Mrs. Mortimer Merriman and Mrs. James Highcamp, along with Ace Hamilton, adding a delightful charm to their day.
Mr. McPherson, however, harbored no particular fondness for horseracing, often discouraging it as a pastime, especially considering the fate of their Kentucky farm. His disapproval sparked a heated debate, with Evelyn passionately defending her father’s stance while the Doctor observed her transformation with keen interest. He noticed a subtle shift in her demeanor, from a listless state to one brimming with vitality, akin to a sleek animal basking in the sun.
The dinner unfolded gracefully, aided by warm claret and chilled champagne that dissolved any lingering tension. As conversation flowed, Mr. McPherson grew nostalgic, sharing amusing anecdotes from plantation life and his youth. However, the Colonel’s recounting of darker episodes and the Doctor’s tale of love’s tumultuous journey failed to resonate deeply with Evelyn, who had her own captivating story to share—an invented tale of lovers lost in the Baratarian Islands, evoking vivid imagery of Southern nights and the allure of the unknown.
The champagne’s intoxicating effects added a dreamlike quality to Evelyn’s storytelling, enhancing the atmosphere of mystery and romance. Outside, the night was chilly and obscure, contrasting with the warmth of the dinner scene. As the Doctor made his way home, he reflected on the complexities of human lives, feeling the weight of age and a growing need for peace. He regretted accepting Mr. McPherson’s invitation, realizing the burdens that came with delving into the secrets of others’ lives.
As he walked, the Doctor muttered to himself, “I hope it isn’t Hamilton. I hope to heaven it isn’t Ace Hamilton.”