[BITList] Fwd: Explain the word: aplomb

[michael J Feltham]

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>>  
>> Subject: Explain the word: aplomb
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>> The British have such a command of decorum and aplomb to which we can only aspire.
>> This message is for my friends who appreciate the finer points of the English language used correctly. 
>>  
>> His Lordship was in the study when the butler approached and coughed discreetly.
>> p
>> "May I ask you a question, My Lord?" 
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>> "Go ahead, Carson ," said His Lordship. 
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>> "I am doing the crossword in The Times and found a word the exact meaning of which I am not too certain." 
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>> "What word is that?" asked His Lordship. 
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>> "Aplomb," My Lord. 
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>> "Now that's a difficult one to explain. I would say it is self-assurance or complete composure." 
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>> "Thank you, My Lord, but I'm still a little confused about it." 
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>> "Let me give you an example to make it clearer. Do you remember a few months ago when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived to spend a weekend with us?"
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>> "I remember the occasion very well, My Lord. It gave the staff and myself much pleasure to look after them." 
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>> "Also," continued the Earl of Grantham, "do you remember when Wills plucked a rose for Kate in the rose garden?" 
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>> "I was present on that occasion, My Lord, ministering to their needs.
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>> "While Will was plucking the rose, a thorn embedded itself in his thumb very deeply."
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>> "I witnessed the incident, My Lord, and saw the Duchess herself remove the thorn and bandage his thumb with her own dainty handkerchief."
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>> "That evening the hole the rose made in his thumb was very sore. Kate had to cut his venison for him, even though it was extremely tender." 
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>> "Yes, My Lord, I did see everything that transpired that evening."
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>> "And do you remember the next morning while you were pouring coffee for Her Ladyship, Kate inquired of Will in a loud voice, 
>> 'Darling, does your prick still throb?' 
>> And you, Carson, did not spill one drop of coffee? 
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>> That, Carson, is aplomb. 
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