Oh, My Sister Can Help You
LOOK-ALIKE SERVERS CONFUSE THE CONGREGATION.
Rev. Franklin Parker (a legend among area folks) and his wife, our Aunt Al, were host and hostess for the Saturday evening Baked Bean Suppers sponsored by the Chichester Congregational Chuch in Chichester, New Hampshire, many years ago.
When we were teenagers, my sister, Polly, and I often pitched in and waited on tables. In spite of a three-year difference in our ages, many people, Mom included, had trouble telling us apart. Once, we decided it would be fun to dress alike and confuse the folks at our tables. Whenever someone asked us for something from the kitchen, we responded,
“I’ll tell my sister. She’s assigned to your table.” Much to our delight, it worked.
Aunt Al smiled and shook her head at us, realizing what we were up to. She glanced around the room to make sure everything was in order before heading back to lend a hand in the kitchen. She knew our prank was harmless.
The busy room hummed with eager voices. Rev. Parker welcomed regulars and newcomers alike. We placed platters of potato salad trimmed with sprigs of parsley on the tables. We filled water glasses and took orders for coffee or iced tea. When we brought out the steaming bowls of baked beans and baskets of soft rolls, conversation suspended for a short while. Hearty eaters dipped into their second helpings as the clock slowly ticked away.
Dessert consisted of apple, pumpkin, lemon meringue, custard and cherry pies, along with an assortment of cakes. Two, even three helpings of pie and cake made their way to the tables along with refills of coffee.
Finally, those at the table pushed back their chairs, slipped on their wraps and got up to leave, uttering sincere promises to come again.
With a surge of activity, Polly and I hurried to reset the tables as more people crowded in for their supper. As we delivered more food, a light breeze stirred the tablecloths.