The Formidable Miss Cassidy by Meihan Boey

Author:Meihan Boey
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Epigram Books

The meetings were accordingly scheduled. Mr Kay could not wriggle out of these, so he armed himself well, putting Miss Cassidy at his right hand, his oldest son Boon on his left, Mui Ee beside Boon and finally Yoke Jie seated by a side door. In the room beyond this door, the twins sat waiting and peeping, and trying not to make too much noise.

Miss Cassidy, once again making some use of her grey poplin dress and malachite brooch, had decided she would not speak, in the hope that if she remained silent, Mr Kay would be forced to take the lead. Accordingly she brought her sewing, to busy herself with, as did Mui Ee. Sewing was a very good way for the womenfolk to look demure and busy while listening to every word, and appearing to defer to the menfolk.

Charles De Souza was undoubtedly handsome, in the exotic Eurasian manner, with dark brown hair and hazel eyes, and an imposing Portuguese nose. Having been raised Chinese, however, he wore a Chinese suit and conversed fluently in Mandarin, Cantonese, Malay and English. He spoke very little Portuguese, having not had much chance to practise it. He had brought a gift, as he was meant to do: a few yards of beautiful green silk, and some cakes and sweetmeats.

After tea was poured and the necessary pleasantries exchanged, there was a silence. It was for the head of the family to now start politely interrogating his daughter’s suitor. Miss Cassidy glanced at Mr Kay—indeed, they were all glancing at Mr Kay—but he sat gazing down into his teacup, with a curiously blank expression. It was Boon, responding to a nudge from Mui Ee, who finally asked, “So, Mr De Souza, tell us what sort of home you offer to my sister.”

Mr De Souza, well-prepared, began to explain. He had a small house, not far from Pandan Villa, and employed two servants, a gardener and a maid. His wife would not have to do the rough work, but she would have to cook and sew. Their children would always have the unfortunate heritage of mixed blood, but they would be well-educated and well-provided for. Boys would be part of the business, and girls would be suitably dowered. He did not want a mousy, quiet, obedient wife; he sought someone lively and good-humoured, who would be good company after a long day.

By and by, Yoke Jie stood up and whispered to Miss Cassidy, and Miss Cassidy whispered to Mr Kay, and the twins, eaten up with curiosity, were allowed to enter and meet their suitor. Yeling in blue and Yezi in pink, each bowed politely; each tried and failed to keep their eyes suitably downcast; Charles De Souza greeted each one amicably and easily, with no self-consciousness.

Then it was over; Charles De Souza left, more pleasantries were exchanged, and everyone resumed their places for the arrival of the Tong brothers.

“I liked him,” said Mui Ee, raising her eyes from her sewing. “Have you been

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