(Untitled)

[a_poor_guardian]

Proper aristocratic families, in proper manors, eat supper together in the Great Hall, although children not yet out of the schoolroom are not always welcome.  Lately, Archibald Craven is determined to do things properly.  He's called Mrs. Medlock to have the great hall opened, and informed Colin and Mary that he would like to see them there at six

Comments

[outta_a_chair]

He is sitting rather stiffly.

Not as stiffly as Mary, possibly.

But still, stiffly.

And silently.

...He is not sure what he's supposed to do here.

[mmquitecontrary]

If Colin is stiff, then Mary's back could be carved out of wood.

Very straight wood.

Her hands are in her lap; she's watching Archibald. You're not supposed to eat until your host starts, she is fairly sure. And she is not going to be the first to do things Improperly.

[a_poor_guardian]

The butler and footmen set out the soup course and withdraw to the servants' parlour, where half the housemaids and cooks are waiting eagerly for reports.

Archibald lifts his spoon silently and swallows. He's always hated dinners like these.

[outta_a_chair]

Father eats, son eats.

He is not certain why they had to eat here.

Really, if they had to eat anywhere, they could have eaten in the garden.

The soup's not bad.