Wayward Wanderer

To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.   Oscar Wilde

SCANDAL    PART 2 OF 3

Once everyone had gone, Podge presented his proposal. He would be leaving the country shortly so he wanted to have a farewell party; an extravaganza, the likes never seen in London. I asked why he was leaving and where he would be going, but he was evasive; only to say that he would not be returning. “I propose something to bid me farewell that will be long remembered. I will get with others to schedule events and such, but the height of the evening will be a tableau vivant along the lines of a classical nature,” he continued, overlooking my amazement, “I would be greatly honored if you would play a small part in one set?”

“What would I have to do?” I inquired.

“I want you to play the part of Icarus forming this tableau,” he spoke as he pulled a draped cloth from a statue of Icarus and Dasdalus (the father of Icarus). The nudity that I would have to expose seemed scandalous. “You are the only one I can think of that has the physique, youth and noble stature to give the proper effect. It will be the highlight of all the presentations.”  He waited for my response.

Flattered, I composed myself and asked, ” Who will play the part of Daedalus?” the continued delirium from the laudanum heightened my sense of narcissism.

“Why I would my dear boy,” Podge replied, “who better to show you how to fly?  Let me show you the pose. Look into the mirror as we conform to the proper stance.”  He moved with haste to adjust me into the posture of a Greek youth.

I was entranced as if feigning a vision that would leave the spectators in rapture; my focus only upon myself. 

“Fascinating, my Icarus! With a set of wings, I am sure you will fly. As a matter of possibility, I even propose that we create a rig that will allow you to actually soar. It will be the finale of the Tableau Vivants.” He gestured with a gusto. I was absorbed in the moment.