Chronicals from the Big House : Ancestors

Joe-Pat remembers.

Times had changed in Arracashel House. Old Sir Richard liked to listen for an hour or so to Joe-Pat's renderings (unaccompanied). So too did his children, even his wife. Gone were the good old days of plenty, the warmth of the welcome both upstairs and down ... no-one stood on form at Sir Richard's. The women stayed on at the table. (Molloy having no ear for music was the only one put out.)

Joe-Pat caught up the stairs.

One evening Molloy took Joe-Pat on a "tour" of the house, to see Sir Philip's portrait. He had been assured by Molloy the Master was out, but unfortunately two stately figures appeared noiselessly before Joe-Pat staring down at him.

"I see you were a military man... Joseph-Patrick, a close acquaintance of Sir Richard's ..."

The conversation did not get off the ground that evening, Sir Philip having no taste for native Irish music or culture.

It was such a pity, such a pity, it was , indeed, dear, dear... for it was a lovely restaurant, so so posh, but after fifteen minutes of introductory matters, her mind went a blank, there was just nothing she could think of to say to him, at least nothing that would be of interest to such a nice gent as himself ... And he just stared across the champagne glasses all polite and expectant ... What to say ?

Idea jacket & coat