Twenty-OneHector de Vile sniffed appreciatively at the warmed brandy aroma that rose from an exquisite bucket-shaped runner glass he cupped in both hands. Engraved with roses, thistles and shamrocks — it came from a recognized English glassmaker — it was a sentimental memento of his most recent time in Washington. A reward for making it to the seat of government. He flicked the side of the glass with one manicured finger just to hear it sing, and his spirits reverberated with its clear ringing tone.
He had feasted on roast turkey with sage and marjoram stuffing, sweet potatoes and apples, crème caramel and this luscious brandy to finish, all enjoyed in the company of his unparalleled son, who lounged on the sofa opposite, his brandy glass resting on the dark-blue velvet ottoman that sat b
