As the sisters entered the door, they turned and watched Patty follow them in. Momma, Poppa, Gram, and the other two Ryan brothers were sitting down already, waiting to be served by Cook.
Poppa looked at Patty cursorily, without surprise and then said, dryly, “I see Gram has been at work again…sit down, my girl (a little smile) – we are ready for prayers. You may have the honor.”
“Hello, Father. Hello Mother. Hello Grandmother. Hello Harold. Hello Sean.” Each nodded in return. The boys were prohibited from using their usual familiar names for the adults (such as ‘Poppa’) when dressed as a girl. It was Gram’s idea of propriety. The boys looked at Patty solemnly – they knew how she must feel.
Mother said, “Make sure you tuck your skirts under like a young lady, dear.” She always said this when she saw one of the boys in a frock sitting down, for it was one of Gram’s sore points (she had a many such points), and she didn’t want to see the boys suffer any more than they already were.
“Yes, Mother,” as she gathered her petticoats and the dress under her arms and stiffly sat. Even though her stays were hurting her, she smiled at Mother, knowing she meant well. Gram cast a sharp glance at Mother, as usual.
Father just sat there, observing, his mind regressing to his youth, when Gram put HIM through similar rigors. Well, he’ll be all right –I am.