“Why do you keep him on, Mother? The man’s the merest sot.”
“Now now, Katharine. Monsieur Jaques has never been drunk in my presence.”
“He’s never been sober! Look at him out there. See? He’s looking for the shears he just put in his pocket.”
“He has been with the house since I was a girl, Katharine. He knows this garden better than anyone else ever could. And look at the roses.”
“I think that has more to do with the soil than anything. You’re not doing the old man any favors.”
“Fortunately it’s not your decision. Not yet, anyway.”
And we wonder if she’ll have acquired the wisdom to keep Jaques on by the time t is her garden. Because, of course, we know Jacques is an immortal
Dear Josh,
It doesn’t sound like Katherine will have the power of decision…not if Jacques is immortal. An angel perhaps? Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
I was thinking Chauncy Gardener, so maybe.
Wow Katherine has all the insensitivity of youth, lucky for the old man her mother is more empathetic and knowledgeable about these things
You tell him, Katherine! Old does not mean trashed, it means wise! Love this.
Nice story, Josh. It’s a believable scenario.
Maybe he is an old sot, but he sounds like he knows his roses! Nice dialogue Josh
Katherine is going to grow up just like the beautiful roses in her garden.
I guess you don’t have to be sober to grow roses.
I hope she keeps him on when it’s her decision – it’s all he’s ever known.
I like the flowing dialogue, and the tone you’ve set.
Great dialogue.
I also enjoyed the dialogue between your characters. It’s a good thing Katherine won’t inherit the garden anytime soon (or at least we hope not) and maybe she will acquire some compassion and kindness (hehe).
Oh, just buy him a pari of new boots, he is a family heirloom – Nice story.
Mom’s lesson in compassion will surely be understood in time…
Katharine will soon learn (or not) that wisdom comes with age.
Ahhh, one wonders the truth about Jaques. Is there something hidden in the past that forces the family to keep him on? Hmmm….
Love the dialogue between Katherine & her Mama – youthful certainty pitted against a kinder acceptance. Guess the roses just grow any-way ?
At least someone appreciates the efforts put in. Good story!
Jacque is part of that garden’s beauty.