How Things Turn Out
Charles Dickens reflects on progress
Gads Hill, Kent, England
June 8, 1870
The evening was warm, and the air filled with the fragrance of blooming roses from the garden outside. Charles Dickens sat at the head of the table, his every-observant gaze sizing up his guests like a housewife measures out a cup of flour. Charles and Ellen had a treat this evening…author Wilkie Collins for their guest, and the talk was lively.
Wilkie was man of middle age with a singular presence marked by his intellectual vigor and idiosyncratic style. He carried himself with an air of scholarly erudition, his slight stoop and round spectacles adding to his professorial appearance. His thinning hair, once a dark chestnut, was now streaked with grey, setting off a broad forehead. Collins’ deep-set eyes, often twinkling with a mix of wit and warmth, reflected both his sharp intellect and imagination.
The dining table at Gad’s Hill Place was laden with an array of dishes. The centerpiece was a roast pheasant, its skin crisp and golden, surrounded by a medley of roasted vegetables — carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, all seasoned to perfection. A ceramic gravy boat was poised nearby, brimming with rich, aromatic gravy. There were also platters of freshly baked bread, still warm from the oven, and cheeses on a platter.
