Free The Scent of Sake by Joyce Lebra Page B

this morning? I used to enjoy them so. It would be good for you to get out of the house a bit, go on a nice excursion with Sunao.”
    Rie looked at her teacup, then picked it up and sipped before answering. Sunao, daughter of Kinzaemon’s younger brother living nearby, was really Rie’s only friend and roughly her age. Rie put a finger on her mouth thoughtfully, then glanced at her mother. “All right, Mother, I’ll have one of the maids go over to Sunao’s and tell her I’ll meet her at the exhibition grounds.”
    “Finish your breakfast, dear.”
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    Rie nodded as she quickly ate some rice and miso soup. She went upstairs and picked out one of her finer kimonos. O-Natsu helped tie the obi, a chore Rie always found onerous. She asked one of the clerks in the outer office to find a ricksha and hummed as she walked out the entrance near the number one kura to wait for the ricksha.
    As soon as she stepped up on the ricksha seat she felt some of the same elation she experienced whenever she had an opportunity to leave the confines of the house. Jihei’s oppressive needs, her frustration at his inability in business, and his nightly demands lifted. She looked right and left, enjoying the sight of the rows of large wooden kura that lined the road and the breath of coastal salt air as they jogged along.
    At the park she quickly found Sunao and they smiled and bowed in greeting, then walked together beside the rows of chrysanthemums. Anyone who saw them would no doubt take particular notice of two young women in elegant kimonos, Rie knew, but she was so intent on finally having a conversation with an intimate friend she could trust that she was oblivious to all else.
    “Sunao, I haven’t become pregnant yet. I don’t know what more I can do. And now it’s too late. You know a geisha’s child has been brought in as heir. It’s just intolerable!” Rie grabbed Sunao’s arm.
    “I heard, Ri-chan. It must be dreadful! I can’t imagine.” “You are so fortunate, Sunao, having a child with no difficulty.”
    “I know this troubles you, Ri-chan, and I’m so sorry. Maybe an herbalist can help. They seem to have powders with magical properties.”
    Rie looked around at the crowd, individuals and couples, all apparently enjoying themselves, all seeming so carefree. As her glance passed over the crowd, it stopped. Saburo!
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    “Sunao, aren’t they the Kato brothers over there at the end of that row?”
    Sunao followed Rie’s gaze. “Oh, I guess so. I saw all three at the Akita wedding recently. Shall we speak to them?”
    Rie paused, her heart racing, but not wanting to appear overly interested, even with Sunao. After all, as a married woman, that would not do. “If you want to, Sunao,” Rie said, affecting nonchalance.
    The two walked toward the Kato brothers, admiring chrysanthemums as they went. Rie hesitated, waited until Sunao spoke first. Both bowed at the same time. Rie took in Saburo’s fine chiseled features, his above-average height, his elegant bearing, a contrast to his stockier older brother who lacked his fine features and refined manner.
    “Kato-sama, how are you?” Sunao asked sweetly.
    The elder brother replied, “Omura-san, how nice to see you.” Both men bowed slightly.
    Rie summoned her voice. “I trust your family is well?” She glanced at the elder brother, then briefly at Saburo, smiling and bowing, her heart fluttering in her chest like a caged sparrow.
    The Kato brothers murmured thanks, Saburo briefly catching her eye and then looking away.
    “A lovely exhibit, isn’t it? Please greet your family for us.” Sunao took Rie’s arm and they bowed and walked away.
    Out of the corner of her eye Rie glanced again at Saburo before turning away and caught him doing the same. Sunao and Rie continued through the exhibit, admiring the variation in colors, sizes, and textures of flowers as they went.
    As Rie and her cousin found separate rickshas to return, Sunao