baked meats

The crowd was thinning out. The servers were able to circulate with canapés. She accepted a square of pumpernickel with smoked salmon and cream cheese. Earl was nowhere to be seen. Kate and her brother Bill were huddled by the buffet table. No Kat. No Bobby either. She went over to where Catherine Addams stood near the door, thanking people for coming. She appeared to have her social veneer back in place. Makeup repaired. Demeanor subdued but calm. It was hard to believe this was the same woman as the one who had cracked at the funeral. Though this was the Catherine Merideth was familiar with from garden club meetings.

    “Did I tell you how much I appreciated your flowers?” Catherine said now.

    “Yes. I am so sorry for your loss, Catherine.” Merideth couldn’t prevent herself from glancing at the nearby flower arrangements of hothouse lilies and roses, so different from the simple bouquet she had sent.

    “I put yours in our—my—room,” said Catherine. “They were so fresh and simple and—not depressing.”

      “What Kate had to say at the memorial service was so interesting. And what you said was very moving.”

     “It was true, too. I know people on this island don’t like me. They loved Mac, they accepted his children, but they never liked me.”

      “Islanders are funny,” said Merideth. Perhaps they found you aloof or intimidating.”

      Catherine turned and looked her in the eye. “Listen. When I met Mac I was just Catie Ann Slaughter from Toad Suck Ferry, Arkansas. Well not Toad Suck Ferry, but close enough. I couldn’t measure up to his second wife in looks or his first wife in class, as Kate is only too happy to remind me, but I tried to be worthy of being his wife. To entertain, to move in the right circles, to keep the country out of the girl.”

     “Maybe that was the problem. Islanders read you as hoity toity, when really you were just afraid of making a misstep. Maybe now, without worrying about what you think your husband wants, you can be more comfortable.”

      She looked angry, then sighed. “I don’t even know who I am any more.”

     “It’s good that your brother is here.”

    “Jerry. I guess. He certainly wasn’t here that first night when I really needed him. I couldn’t even get him on the phone.” She broke off as a couple approached her. “Thank you so much. Lovely of you. Oh yes. Soon.”

      Merideth moved off to let her get back to it.