A Pinch of Spice

Patricia Crandall

In elaborate dress, Clara and Dory Marchand were seated at their linen covered table with a fresh yellow rose in a Majolica vase set upon it, drinking herbal tea and eating homebaked apple muffins.

“Delicious dear,” exclaimed Dory abstractedly to her sister as she daintily chewed a piece of muffin. She gazed out the filmy curtained window, across the traffic at the graffiti-neighborhood. Frowning, her eyes focused on a newly printed message painted on a red-brick, boarded building. H E L L O D E A R, the communication read.

“At least this new painted exhibition isn't obscene,” Dory sighed. “Still, it's too much to endure and with Papa and Mama's money gone, we're at the mercy of others. You realize Clara, we've nothing left but a few pieces of Imari porcelain, some gold jewelry, and two diamond brooches. It's humiliating to be forced to sit here and watch our beloved Larchmore Street deteriorate before our eyes.” She turned teary eyes away from the window and went on lividly, “It's time we sell our property to the state, Clara. With or without our consent, they'll tear it down and build the civic center before you can say Frank Sinatra!”

Clara patted her lips with a lace-edged napkin. She said unyielding, “I'll never agree to sell our home, Dory. Let's not go into that topic again!”

“Say, your muffins are very good Clara, as usual. Yet, they taste different. Did you add a new spice?”

“How clever of you to notice,” said Clara distinctly.

Dory continued to lay on stress, “I may as well tell you Clara, I've decided to sell this house and land to the state. You can't persuade me to do otherwise. I own 51% of the property, thanks to Daddy deeming me all-knowing and wise, and I intend to contact the bank tomorrow. I'm sorry...I know how you cherish this place.” She reached over and patted her aged sibling's hand. “We'll live comfortably elsewhere...the Chasebourne Town Houses are lovely.”

Dory finished her muffin.

G O O D B Y D E A R!” murmured Clara clenching the teacup in her pudgy, paint-stained hand.