We read Plato and Cicero in preparation for tonight’s discussion. Then, before sitting down, we engaged in polite conversation while pouring our choice of chardonnay, merlot, or sherry and spreading delicate cheese over crackers. Our footsteps made soft shuffling sounds on the oriental rugs laid out in plush layers around a large, though unlit, fireplace.<\/p>\n
What could have been more quintessentially scholarly? I half expected a butler to make his blatantly unobtrusive appearance with a box of fine cigars.<\/p>\n
As the hushed conversations began to center themselves on the topic of the evening, the final member of our group showed up. In among our friendly banter, his crisp, upper class, highly educated British accent added a level of sophistication and gravitas our book group has never reached known.<\/p>\n
It wasn’t that what he said was so much more sophisticated than what we said. He just said it so much more beautifully. In fact, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s impossible to disagree with any statement put forth in a British accent. It just isn’t not done. And when he wears a tweed suit in muted shades of brown, there’s just nothing to be done. You’re jolly well out of luck.<\/p>\n
He spoke very rarely, but it was comforting to know that we had all the hallmarks of an old-fashioned scholarly discussion: sherry, oriental rugs, a fire place (even if it was unlit), readings from ancient philosophers, and a bonified Englishman. Next time we should work on getting a butler.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
We read Plato and Cicero in preparation for tonight’s discussion. Then, before sitting down, we engaged in polite conversation while pouring our choice of chardonnay, merlot, or sherry and spreading delicate cheese over crackers. Our footsteps made soft shuffling sounds on the oriental rugs laid out in plush layers around a large, though unlit, fireplace. … Continue reading A Jolly Good Discussion<\/span>