THE GENTLEMEN

One| At a party

With an utmost sense of satisfaction did the young gentleman stare at his reflection upon a highly polished glass; the only one present at the time, for his dog, dear Rook had saw fit to put its twin in the trash upon being severely broken and stamped on.
The dog, to it's own accord had done a good deed for he in effect had eliminated the strange competitor, which much later, was found to be its own reflection.

The process though, at present in this idled room was done rather out of custom than self awareness, for to Jacob Booth, his looks were but an added attribute to his already exquisite self.
Moving a little distance across the wooden floor, Jacob took the only black hat he owned. Then after series of examinations, decided against it. Finally, taking a last look at himself with the aid of the mirror, he nodded approvingly, whereupon he headed for the door.

At once, he was greeted by the familiar voices below him. Moving more out of duty than purpose, he made his way down to the landing, silently acknowledging the stares of his family members.

"Whatchu do wi' the grey coat?"

This being said by Emma, his eleven year old sister who since the previous winter insisted a grey overcoat - partly his, partly his dad's- was the best he had. To this comment, he barely acknowledged, for unlike himself, (he secretly considered himself a fashions expert) she was but a novice at this sort of issue.
So settling himself on an empty chair at the dinner table, he managed to eat his dinner.

" Are you going to that party?" asked Mrs. Booth, being the first to break the silence that had ensued.

" I'll just as soon" replied Jacob in a waiver tone

" Well," she continued almost mechanically "you ought to come home early. Don't you stay too late"

" Yes 'm"

" But Jacob, this coat you've got on 'sbeen but washed since lass Friday" persisted Emma. " All the gentleman I know have been sweetly dressed, then I come...(sighs) to see my own b'other clo'ed in some sort of rags!"

" Gentlemen, Emma!" Mrs. Booth corrected " Gentlemen, not gentleman. You really need to work on your vocabulary"

" Yes 'm" then turning to Jacob once more " Jacob?"

The ever so quiet Jacob kept a hooded expression, which, as it were, ought to have left Emma peeved. More especially as Emma persisted in calling his name for response. But he did make it clear with the twitch of his nose (a familiar sign) which had the sheer duty of conveying the disgust with which he beheld his sister.

" Mother-"Emma had resorted to comment again

" By George!" a reddening Mr. Booth voiced out " can't I have a quiet dinner anymore than you can!"

" Emma, Jacob is your brother not some doll! You watch what you say!" added Mrs. Booth

" Yes 'm" retorted a now sullen Emma.

"And George" , Helen Booth turned to her husband "do you think it's right to swear out loud before the children, with your very name!"
He cleared his throat in reply, eyeing her slightly.

Taking a look at the family, an observer might've assumed something grave to have happened; however, to Jacob, it was but a custom at all his family dinners. He did not need to go to the zoo to view creatures like apes and gorillas - he just needed to go to dinner.
Slowly withdrawing his chair, content that he was filled, he stood up to leave.