The Playing Fields

Chapter 45

The Comings And Goings

Under the byline of Cornwall and Adaire, Toronto Press posted a very favourable review of the Ashton Hills presentation of Nigel's play, in spite of the fact that when saying goodbye, Nigel accidentally knocked the cigarette from Virginia's holder, burning a small hole in her Jones of New York, silk skirt. The play ran unchanged, for the entire summer, boasting three more sellouts, and a bevy of stellar reviews in the Paisley Park Press. The relationships among the cast, both in the play and in real life however, changed dramatically.

The celebration party at Forbidden City had been a huge success, releasing egos like flocks of doves as patrons clamored for autographs and snapshots of the giddy group. Victor, while behaving the perfect host, directing his minions with sharp commands and slashing hand gestures, maintained a scrupulous eye on Susan from behind a stand of leafy bamboo. Seated next to a helplessly perspiring Nigel, her discrete ministrations beneath the tablecloth went unnoticed around the table, mainly due to the fact, that several others were involved in the same activity.

The end of August brought slightly cooler weather, and with the tourists gone, business returned more or less to normal with just a few of the stores flogging stock brought in for the holidays at reduced prices. The Labour Day holiday sparked several house parties and a giant celebration of fireworks and picnic lunches in Paisley Park. Captain Rajflsak toured the pond non-stop with celebrants; his boat's whistle crying plaintively over the cheerful cacophony of exploding rockets and screaming children. The teasing scent of grilled hotdogs and sausage drifted across the crowded park, and balloons drifted up into the tall trees, pursued by the wails of disappointed toddlers and replaced quickly by their harried parents.

The excitement and brief celebrity, inspired by the play, gradually diminished and soon the players were once again, the bankers, the dentist, the lawyers and the retailers. Life on The Pathway, however, changed forever.

#8 Paisley Pathway

Jean Gregorio developed a sudden yearning to learn piano, and after several rounds of bitter arguing with her husband Allen, they bought a Baby Grand and hired Ross as her teacher... they continue to make beautiful music together. Allen, his limp barely visible and without pain, immersed himself in his hardware business, spending many nights at the store reviewing inventory and billing. In public, they still appeared their usual selves, but it was their private lives where they indulged their real living.

#4 Paisley Pathway

Daryl Osborne continued to mope about the house trying for more and more revealing glimpses of Grace Winston across the garden, ultimately investing in a telescope, which he hid in his closet, for those increasing periods when Tiffany was away from the house. Her reason to Daryl, for being away, was a creeping boredom that led to her taking a part time job at the hardware store, checking inventory and filing invoices. The accidental injury to Allen had actually prompted an uncharacteristic remorse, and she spent a good deal of time consoling him on the large leather couch.

#10 Paisley Pathway

William and Shelia Croft discovered a new energy in their marriage with Shelia, emerging from the experience of public appearance, filled with a new confidence and a more carefree attitude. Candy remained the center of her attention, her routines still adhered to rigidly, but the constant worry and concern vanished, and at night, in bed, William basked in the unabashed emotion of his newly discovered wife. Demand for Mary as baby sitter increased exponentially.

#1 Paisley Pathway

Ivan Bader retired from the utilities commission, devoting his new free time to the construction of a large garden shed; he was going to tackle the cultivation of roses, he explained to his wife Gertrude, who wisely ignored his transparent explanation, using it instead as an excuse, since she could be of no useful assistance, to spend her days, and some evenings, in town... shopping. Inevitably, these trips led to Arthur Paisleys reclusive estate, where the couple engaged in reviving old memories of their working days together.