Read Online The Four Temperaments by Yona Zeldis McDonough - Free Book Online

drive down on Thanksgiving. “How's Isobel?” Ruth asked. “Can you put her on the phone?” Not that at seven months she could speak, but Ruth delighted in the indescribable music of her babbling.
    â€œI think it will scare her,” said Penelope. “You'll be seeing her soon.”
    â€œThe room is all ready,” Ruth said, pushing her disappointment away. Penelope was right. She'd be seeing the baby soon enough. “Will you need a crib or can she just sleep with you?”
    â€œNo crib, no crib,” said Penelope. “And, Ruth, did I mention that we have to leave a couple of days early?”
    â€œNo, you didn't,” Ruth said. Now that really was a disappointment. Usually, they stayed four or five days; two days early would make it two or three.
    â€œ. . . and he can't miss that conference . . .” Penelope was explaining. But Ruth couldn't help wondering if that was the real reason. She knew how unsafe and toxic a place Penelope considered New York City to be. Well, Ruth thought, she would just have to plan another trip out to San Francisco to see them.
    William and Betsy were driving in from New Jersey for the day; they would bring Oscar's cousin Henry, his wife and their two children. Ruth's sister, Molly, her daughter Gwen and Gwen's roommate would be coming from various points in Manhattan. Who knew when Ben would arrive, but he did say he'd come, and Ben was not one to break his word. Oh, and Ginny. As it turned out, Oscar was so pleased Ruth had invited her. A little too pleased, in fact.
    â€œI think she's lonely, you know,” he had said. “No family and no friends either.”
    â€œThe family part I understand,” Ruth said. “But why no friends? Doesn't she have friends in the company?”
    â€œNot really,” said Oscar, looking uncomfortable. “She hasn't had an easy time of it. Anyway, you've done a good deed.”
    â€œA
mitzvah
?” Ruth smiled.
    â€œYes, a
mitzvah,
” Oscar agreed, and he smiled too.
    The morning
of Thanksgiving Day was unseasonably mild and bright. Ruth opened the windows in the dining room and refrigerated the flowers, so they wouldn't wilt too soon. The turkey had been in the oven since dawn; she still had to make the salad, the rolls and the gravy but almost everything else—vegetables, pies, chocolate torte that came from the recipe book Lilli had received when she got married—had been done in advance. She set the table the night before, using her wedding silver, china and crystal. She even bought a new dress—navy crepe, with a V-neck and kick pleats along the bottom. Wearing a big white apron to protect it, she headed for the kitchen. It seemed that in no time at all, the doorbell was ringing and her guests—her family—had arrived.
    Ruth's sister, Molly, came in first, dumping her mink coat on the living room sofa. “God, am I hot!” she complained.
    â€œWho wears a fur coat when it's almost sixty degrees out?” said Oscar jovially.
    â€œWho knew? I always wear my fur on Thanksgiving.” Oscar hung the offending garment in the hall closet; Ruth kissed Molly and her niece Gwen; she shook hands with Gwen's roommate.
    â€œCome in, come in!” Oscar loved playing master of ceremonies. The bell rang again, and it was William and Betsy and the cousins Oscar hadn't seen for at least five years. Ginny followed soon after, clutching two bottles of wine that she pressed into Ruth's hands. Even in her distraction, Ruth had to notice how Oscar beamed when he looked at her.
    The apartment quickly filled up with voices and laughter and music—Oscar put on a Mozart CD—and the bell rang again. Here, finally, were Gabriel, Penelope and Isobel. “Let me hold her!” Ruth said as soon as she had kissed them all.
    â€œNot now,” said Penelope, arms tight around the baby. “She's overwhelmed by all these people.” Ruth looked into Isobel's