The Greener Field

Comfort Zones

Entering Derek's large house, Sarah felt something intuitively dangerous about the surroundings. And this especially concerned the odd host who seemed unable to take his eyes off her since stepping into the spacious foyer. The anteroom was walled with pictures of hunting scenes, peopled by faceless men in red hats and coats and surrounded by hounds leading the charge to some misfortunate animal, the fate of which would no doubt turn out badly.

"Derek, after London and New York, your place is as always a breath of fresh air. We appreciate your invitation to spend the today with you out here on your place."

"Well, it's my pleasure. . . Really, good man. I've missed your company these past weeks."

Sarah could feel the man's eyes still perusing her body from head to toe.

And I see . . . you've spent the time brilliantly, Jess. Always an eye for things refined and beautiful."

He said this obviously referring the Sarah, who tried not to make any eye contact him. She only could tell he was a man whose age was easily somewhere close to her father's. She also noted with a certain disgust, Derek's political incorrectness by making reference to her as a one of Jessie's "things."

"Well I suppose we're just birds of a feather when it comes to that," Jess said cordially, waiving a hand at the interior of the large house and obviously for his host's benefit. "This is Sarah, Derek. My American friend from the West coast."

He nodded in approval.

"Well I'm pleased to meet you, Sarah. And I hope you feel welcome here. Do you ride, don't you?"

She looked over at Jess, not understanding the question posed to her so abruptly through Derek's British accent.

"Horses." Jess emphasized. "He's asking if you are familiar with them. Derek here is a European champion jumper."

"Well, Jess . . . please. Used to be. I'm a former champion, yes."

"Nevertheless, Sarah, he has a room of trophies to prove it."

"Alright. Enough of that now. Let's discuss the day's events. You are planning to stay for lunch and dinner, I'm assuming?"

"Perhaps the latter, Derek. I've made arrangements for lunch up in Canterbury today. We'll be on our way there shortly but will surely return for your this hospitality this evening."

"Smashing then! Just mind the weather out there today, my man. A bit of cloud is predicted. Though it shouldn't be a hinderance to a good ride. "

"Not at all, Derek. We're looking forward to our return.  Just wanted to stop on our way so you could meet Sarah. We'll reconvene in a few hours. Here on your lovely grounds."

"Very well, then. Are you sure you both don't want to . . . stay a bit now? I discovered some excellent wine and cheese on my little sojourn to Tuscany this summer. Just a little something to send you on your way to the cathedral?"

"Later this afternoon, good friend. As you know I'm always a fan of your tastes in food and wine."

"Very well. Now be sure to give my best to the old abbot there in Canterbury . . . Father Grunwald. An excellent chap! He was quite the horseman as a young man, you know."

"That we'll do Derek."

Their host suddenly rang a hand-held bell loudly, which he had been keeping in his clutches, and the expressionless uniformed woman re-entered the foyer.

"Miss Beverly. . . Please show our guests out to their car. They shall return this afternoon and stay for dinner. Now please alert Alex in the kitchen to prepare some game hens and . . . cream of mushroom soup. We should like pudding and some fruit cakes as well."