The grounds around the house were also
beautiful and well taken care of. The carpet-like green
lawn was always immaculate, and the flower garden
was dazzling with its hydrangeas, pansies, roses, and
geraniums. There was even a small duck pond with a
dozen or so ducks in it. In front of the house were two
large, blooming red maple trees. Between them on the
far right was a bench swing with a canopy over it,
although I don't think anyone but Cary, May, or I ever
used it.
We saw Judge Childs's car parked in the
circular driveway when we pulled in. Judge Childs was a frequent guest, especially for Sunday brunch. He was my grandparents' closest old friend. The judge was retired, but Grandma Olivia always stressed the fact that he still had friends in high places and was
very influential.
After we got out of the car, Mommy gave us
another once-over, straightening May's clothes and
again trying to brush out any creases.
Daddy rang the doorbell, and Grandma Olivia's
housekeeper, Loretta, answered the door. For as long
as I could remember, Loretta had worked for
Grandma Olivia and Grandpa Samuel, but she never
looked terribly happy about it.
"Everyone is in the sitting room," she declared
without much emotion and stepped back to allow us
in.
We entered like one of the duck families in the
pond, Daddy first, Mommy right behind him, and then
the three of us trailing in single file.
There was a short, marble-floored entryway
with paintings on both sides, seascapes of the Cape
and boats and portraits of sailors. The house was