Olives, kids and grandparents

Margery Trask had participated in many of the events at the Manor House over the years.  As Honey Wheeler's governess, she had chaperoned the daughter of the house as well as her friends and had planned many gatherings and entertainments.

Later, after the need for a governess had passed she served as estate manager and when needed served as a co-hostess for Madeleine Wheeler's many social obligations.

Now the elegant older woman reviewed Maddie Wheeler's preparations for the days event.  She stood at the head of the mahogany banquet table covered with a dark beige linen table cloth, patiently ticking off the arrangements to make sure that everything was in place.  There were the cloth napkins that matched the table cloth, the silverware gently smelling of recent polishing, and delicate gold rimmed china were all in place.
Beside the china sat two small (hopefully unbreakable) Corelle plates as well as miniature tableware and sippy cups.  These special items were for Nellie Bean Mangan and her cousin, young Master Joey Belden. Grandmere Wheeler took great pleasure in making certain that her foster grandchildren would feel comfortable and happy no matter how formal the occasion.

"There is no doubt that Honey Wheeler Belden is going to have to set some strong boundaries to keep her mother as well as her mother-in-law from spoiling the next grandchild," the former governess reflected with a smile.

The banquet next displayed an assortment of items all of which could easily be eaten with fingers whether large or small.  There were cubes of cantaloupe, strawberries, and seedless grapes and cherries. Next came small cubes of meats and cheeses.  There was a small empty space and then the display ended with an assortment of small cookies and cakes.

Crossing the room to join Maddie Wheeler the older woman nodded towards the banquet.  "The table looks lovely.  But I thought you were going to have a relish tray on the table."

Maddie answered.  "Of course, and it includes all the children's expected favorites."

Margery returned, "But the tray is missing and the rest of your guests will be arriving soon."

Maddie moved towards the table and pointed to the empty space.  "I put it there myself. The table is too high for the children to reach, so I am sure they are innocent.  I suppose I will need to channel Trixie to find the true culprit."

Gradually, the two women became aware of a clamor of giggles  coming from the terrace outside the dinning room.  With knowing looks they tiptoed to the nearby entrance.

There they saw Nellie Bean and Joey dancing around with their hands in the air.

"Puppets!" Chortled Nellie.
"Hurry, Grapa" added Joey.

Close at hand sat Matt Wheeler, his jacket and tie laying in a heap on the stone foundation.   He labored at sucking the red pimentos out of the green olives and then handed the empty olives to the children to stick on their fingers. The pimento bits were unceremoniously thrown out of sight over the hedge.

A small clearing of the throat caused Matt's eyes to meet the glittering gaze of his wife.

"Maddie" he harrumphed, "it is the privilege of a Grapa to teach his grandchildren the best ways to play with their food. And every child needs to know how to make olive puppets."