Charles did as asked, laying out wine glasses, nibbles, napkins and side plates. He doesn’t like it when his mother entertains because she likes to have him serve them. She makes sure his hair and make-up is perfect, that his apron is clean and pressed and that the bow is neatly tied with even wings and tails. “Charlie you’ve laddered your socks.” she noticed.
“I know but it’s my last pair… I’ve only got pelerine ones.” he humbly replied.
“Well they’ll have to do.” she replied, specifying a pair with frilly lace around the cuffs.
“Which ones?” Charlie asked, since he has both knee and ankle socks like that. “Mike isn’t coming too is he?”
“I don’t know.” his mother replied, before sending him to change his socks.