Naked Flame
by Oonah V
Joslin
Sybil and Frank’s
garden was the largest in New Villas Park. It
could accommodate a small marquee. Being new to
the neighbourhood it took several seasons to get
invited to the really posh Dos. I’d heard
about Frank’s sauce – a great secret by
all accounts. And Sybil’s syllabub was to
die for. When she asked me, I rather gushed and
then naturally I blushed at my lack of propriety.
‘I’ll ask Deacon if we’re free.’
‘It’s bring a
bottle,’ she said.
I thought I’d better
get something a bit good. Gewürztraminer. A few
real ales to happify the men.
Deacon can be socially
awkward.
‘Why do we have to go
to someone else’s house to eat when
there’s food here and you can watch the
cricket on your own telly?’
‘You’ll enjoy a
barbecue for a change,’ I say. ‘Frank
has a simply enormous one and Sybil’s
syllabubs are legend.’
He enjoys meeting new
people really but he can be hard work at
times.
‘You don’t dress
up for a barbeque,’ said Deacon.
‘We always have this
argument,’ I said, ‘and I’m always
right.’
I persuaded him at last
into a crisp blue shirt and whites. I wore my
floaty Laura Ashley with the big pink and white
carnations on a duck egg background – it
suited my colouring so well. Deacon never notices
these things. Chilled drinks in hand, off we went
– seven o’clock sharp.
Sybil came to the door.
‘What a ravishing gown,’
I said averting my gaze. It certainly was a
distinctive shade of peach but practically see
through and she wasn’t wearing anything
underneath. ‘Drinks’ I said, handing
over the carrier.
‘We’re allowing
guests to use the cloakroom at the end of the
corridor to… freshen up.’ She indicated
the door. ‘Then just come through.’
I gave Deacon a warning
look not to stare.
I could see through the
French doors, Frank attending to the cooking -
bare-chested. I’d never seen so much hair.
He wore one of those pinnys with legs in
suspenders motif. I hoped his sauce had better
taste. Sybil approached with Lizzie Dawlish from
number 17. At first I thought the outdoor light
had rendered Sybil’s dress totally see-though.
Then of course I realised she’d removed it
and Lizzie too… In fact, nobody was wearing
a stitch.
‘You know I think
I’ll help Frank with the cooking,’ said
Deacon stripping off.
‘Oh do,’ said
Sybil. ‘He’d be glad of the assistance,’
‘Deacon! We’re
not staying…’ I muttered but he marched
off. I followed trying to look inconspicuous in
my Laura Ashley.
‘Best put this on,
Deek,’ said Frank. ‘An apron is all
important. It covers so many… practicalities
when one is cooking sausages.’
Huh! The sauce! And Deek!
I remonstrated later.
‘Why Deacon Dangerfield, I’m shocked. I
believe you enjoyed that.’
‘Well seems you are
always right dear,’ he said. ‘Frank did
have a big one and Sybil’s syllabubs may be
a bit on the small side but they’re very
tasty.’
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