ALBERTINE Albertine The scent of my Albertine roses reminds me of ... Oh ... ancient linen cupboards owned by great- grandmothers dark shiny wood, the aroma of ancient polish old-fashioned eiderdowns lavender talcum powder ironed, lace-edged, monogrammed handkerchiefs ottomans full of long-forgotten children's clothes mementoes between the layers folded tablecloths and matching napkins afternoons drinking tea with aunts ham sandwiches with the crusts cut off flowery teacups, saucers, silver teaspoons Sunday afternoons windows with lace net curtains windowsills bright with red geraniums a wireless on a special shelf high on the wall the way my grandmother said "No thank you I've had quite sufficient." Her papery skin, her Irish eyes. -- Julia FAIRLIE