maid’s pregnant swelling,
unaware of the portraits
of church and school walls

removed from uncle–
kitchen-maid serves coffee
while I read

just words
don’t convey emotions–
his carriage passes

tears of gratitude,
kissing tobacco-stained cheeks–
in love with the lady

my lips to her hand,
blind, insensate gesture–
uncle’s dismissal

grand duke’s cigarette–
warm family recall
mere false charm

so simple
so respectable
not an actress

after grumbles
he greets me as nephew–
pink silk dress

shutting noises–
embarrassed manservant
at uncle’s door