Then, shot right through, his heart too, laid bare
Learns to rue the sex more fair.
A laying down of arms might have repaired
This wound that cleaves from him to her.
Now quiet and sweet, his constant stare
Beguiles her fingers through his hair.
“That’s poetry?” Roy shook his head, repulsed, “Sounds like a war
cry.”
“He’s a practical man. He’s not a romantic. He sees things as they
are.”
“He sees things as he wants them to be. He’s a tyrant.”
“He’s not as bad as you think.”
“Oh yeah? Then why are you sleeping with me?”
She blinked. “I’m not as good as you think.”
Ellie stood up and began collecting her clothing strewn
haphazardly around the room. “Besides,” she continued, “we both
have tremendous influence on him. Together we have the chance to
make Biddenbrooks into something beautiful, something not just
grand, but good. But if he found out what we’ve been doing we’d be
tossed aside like yesterday’s grounds.” The satin dress shimmered
down her long body.
Roy snapped, “You just want the best of both worlds. Love and
money.”
“Actually,” she laughed, “I want the best of allworlds. You’re my
garden, Morris is my heavenly host. We’ll have to see about that
promised land.”
Roy did not see humor in this. “I’m not your fucking African
safari and I’m not your goddamned garden.”
“Honestly, Roy. What can you expect from me? I’m a married
woman.”
“Happily?”
“Who’s happy?”
“I am. With you I’m happy.”
“You’ll soon grow bored of me. That’s what makes the world goes
round.”
“What, boredom?”
“I mean dissatisfaction.” She padded over to the bathroom.
Roy folded his arms and shook his head. “I’m not joking, Ellie. I
ABYSSINIA
96
 |
 |
 |
 |