A Visit to Don Otavio by Sybille Bedford

Author:Sybille Bedford [Sybille Bedford]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781780600659
Publisher: Eland Publishing
Published: 2014-08-23T04:00:00+00:00

Everybody went at once to their rooms. The two couples had been put up at the Hacienda and Don Luís at the Villa. Don Otavio came running back. ‘Would you like to look at my new Vogue?’ he said to E. ‘I know you don’t take the siesta.’

‘Thank you. Very kind. Thank you.’

‘I am afraid Concepción says it is not a very exciting number.’

‘Anthony, do see she doesn’t lose it,’ said I.

Doña Victoria and Don Jaime stayed awake too. They settled in the shade of a papaya and began a game of bézique.

Two hours later Doña Concepción and Don Luís reappeared, joined the others, and the four swiftly settled round a bridge table. Presently Anthony came out, chose himself a chair, and sat with them.

E crossed the lawn, bearing in one hand Professor Brogan’s work on the French Republic, in the other a volume of Phineas Finn.

‘What did you do with that Vogue?’ I called down.

‘Oh my God!’ said E. ‘Where is it?’

After another while, Don Enriquez strolled out, freshly valeted, and boarded his launch. He was off to pay his respects to Mrs Rawlston.

I went to find Don Otavio.

‘Angelita is worse,’ he said.

‘I was afraid so. Don Otavio, I wish you would let me do the cooking tonight.’

‘It cannot be thought of.’

‘I have had to cook before, you know.’

‘I believe it is taught in some of the modern convents. At least in Canada. The Sacred Heart at Montreal has cooking classes. Of course my nieces did not take them.’

‘Think what Jesús’ wife will do to the snipe.’

‘Jesús’ wife will not cook tonight. Jesús beat her. They have had a disgusto.’

‘Who will cook? Is there anyone not prostrate with alcohol and domestic strife?’

‘Guadalupe, poor woman.’

‘Will Doña Victoria like Guadalupe’s food?’

‘Nobody will.’

‘Well then?’

‘It would not be suitable.’

‘Oh nonsense, Don Otavio. I shall have everything ready for Guadalupe to keep hot and you needn’t tell anyone.’

‘We could tell Concepción.’

‘Of course we could. And Anthony. So it is settled. Domingo and Andreas shall help me and Soledad’s mother can keep the fires going. You see I am already familiar with the workings of your kitchen.’

‘No, no, I cannot let you. What would Doña E say?’

‘That she was proud to be a citizen, native-born, of a democratic country. If she noticed the difference, but she won’t. I hope you will. Because I cook very well.’

‘It is a very great kindness, Doña Sibilla. Now I must go to the cellar. ¿Con su permiso?’

‘What are you going to give us to drink tonight?’ I said, keeping my tone light.

‘I thought of bringing up half a dozen of that nice Sauterne. It is not at all bad. And some sparkling burgundy with the birds. Luís likes it. And a little champagne with our pudding. It is only Argentinian, alas, but very sweet.’

‘Don Otavio,’ I said, ‘Anthony tells me that you still have some very wonderful claret. Some of the 1900 Margaux and Lafites, if I can trust my ears. Well you know, they won’t keep much longer.’

‘Yes, yes, those old red wines.

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