Of Night and Dark Obscurity

Charles lit his cigarette and greeted Val in turn. “We both had the same idea, I see Pierce.”

“Seems so.”

“I don’t recall you smoking much. Rowland yes. My god! He used to smoke the most god-awful tobacco, said it was from somewhere in Ken-tuck-ee.” Charles laughed. “What kind of place is called Ken-tuck-ee?”

Val smiled and continued to puff on his pipe. “Possibly it’s a place somewhere in the Americas?”

“Possibly.” Charles agreed. “And you’ve brought the lovely Miss Derry to the concert.”

“I actually brought two Derry’s to the concert. One is a Miss and the other is a Mrs.” Val clarified.

“No one is saying she isn’t a stunning woman, Pierce. Obviously, you’ve good taste.” Charles grinned while Val said nothing. “But a little out of your class wouldn’t you say, old chap?”

Val smiled then. “If you say so.” He placed his pipe away and pulled out his small tin of Altoids and popped one into his mouth.

“No harm meant, old man. It’s just that Caroline Derry for all her fanciful ideas, and my mother told me her latest scheme, which to me seems quite absurd, she’s quite lovely. A man can overlook all her silly ideas if he has that warming his bed.” Charles smirked.

Val stiffened and was about to say something to wipe the smirk off Charles’ face when Caroline appeared.

“Here you are! Hello Charles. Come you’re missing the best part,” she said smiling to both men and taking Val’s arm. Once inside they separated to return to their perspective boxes and Caroline smiled up at him.

“What was Charles telling you?” She asked as they moved along the dark hallway to their box.

“Something about you being lovely and you’re out of my class,” he murmured.

“What? Why would he say that?” She gazed up at him.

Val tried to swallow but he could not. “Maybe he’s jealous.”

“Why would he be jealous?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Well he’s an idiot.” She assured him. “Pay him no attention.”

“Is he?”

“Absolutely.”

“Did you mean what you said?” He asked her.

“What did I say?” She turned to him.

“You said most women wouldn’t find him appealing.”

She nodded. “He borders on the odd.”

“You said women like a different sort of man. A man with knowledge and dignity.”

“I’m no expert. But that’s what women want. A man of integrity.” She said. “That’s what I want,” she added.

“A man of integrity.” He repeated.

“Yes.”

“You said I’m such a man.”

“You are.”