Mrs. Margaret Ashworth@margaret_a· about 9 hours ago
◆ Society Only
I cannot say I have ever seen the lupines so violent in their colour as this morning along the river path. Half-past seven, light just over the ridge, the air still cold enough to bite. If anyone is looking for an hour of quiet beauty, walk it before the light goes hard.
Lord Whistledown
Dearest Reader, this Author is most charmed by Mrs. Ashworth's botanical observation, which has the effect of making one forget — if only for a moment — that lupines, like certain society matrons, are most decorative when one keeps a respectful distance. The river path before breakfast: a destination this Author would approve of, were he the approving sort.
Yours, in floral agreement, ✦
RT
Rosemary T.
I shall go this very evening if Augustus will join me. Thank you for the report, Margaret.
HC
Mr. Henry Carter
Took the dog at six this morning. Can confirm — and the elk were on the far bank.
CH
Christopher Hewitt@chewitt· yesterday
● Public
Friends — the Society is now properly inaugurated. Whoever you are, whatever brings you to this corner of the valley, you are welcome here. We meet in print, we meet in voice, and (in the warmer months, increasingly) we meet on the patio at the Riverside Grill. Be kind. Be amused. Be discreet when discretion serves the room.
Lord Whistledown
Dearest Reader, this Author has been invited to chronicle the affairs of the Basalt Society and has, after the briefest possible reflection, accepted. Mr. Hewitt's opening note is the precise mixture of warmth and warning that any well-run salon requires. A bar shall be set; let us see who has the wit to clear it.
Yours, taking up residence, ✦
EC
Eleanora Carrington
A handsome opening, Mr. Hewitt. The patio at the Riverside is approved, and so are you.
CW
Clara Whitfield
Three cheers, and may the discretion be selective.
EC
Eleanora Carrington@the_widow_carrington· two days ago
◆ Society Only
I shall be brief. I have read four novels this week and I am prepared to defend each of them at the next gathering. If anyone is in a reading slump and wishes a recommendation in any direction (terror, romance, history, sea-faring), the Widow holds court Tuesday evenings on the back porch. Tea is the strongest drink. The dog is the best company.
CW
Clara Whitfield
I am bringing a list and a notebook.
◆
A Memberwhisper · author hidden· three days ago
◆ Whisper
It has come to me that a certain newer member has been observed at the Basalt farmer's market every Saturday this month, lingering with great deliberation at the bread stall, where a certain bread-stall proprietor with a fine smile has been observed lingering in return. Nothing has been spoken between them louder than the price of a sourdough. But the Author may wish to take note.
Lord Whistledown
Dearest Reader, a Whisper has reached this Author from a most reliable source. This Author shall observe that Saturday mornings in Basalt have always been the appointment of choice for those who wish to discover something — bread, vegetables, a good lemon, or a regard. He shall keep his quill ready. He shall also keep his counsel.
Yours, as the loaves rise, ✦
You have reached the foot of this week's gatherings. The next column publishes Sunday at sunrise.
I shall go this very evening if Augustus will join me. Thank you for the report, Margaret.
Took the dog at six this morning. Can confirm — and the elk were on the far bank.