Summary

Relatives came to visit in this section of Jason’s story, which takes place during March. Jason was awed by and hoped to impress his cousin Hugo who was two years older than he. During the visit, Jason’s dad and Uncle Brian dominated the conversation. They first argued about the best route from Richmond, and then the best route to Bath. Over sherry they argued about the recession. Jason noted how his mother cooked a fancy dinner and spoke in fancy terms when Uncle Brian and Aunt Alice visited. The salt and pepper became condiments, for instance. Uncle Brian had bought a bottle of wine. When it was opened, Brian and Michael argued over the best place to get wine. Next, the parents gloated over their children’s accomplishments. Jason had hoped his mother wouldn’t mention his poetry prize, but she did...