“What happened?!” the shop keeper asked.
“I’m sorry, she pulled at the flowers and the vase went down.”
“You shouldn’t let your toddler run around like this. You’re liable, I’m afraid.”
“Well...how much?” Angela had this strange urge to cry, her eyes welling up; a complete stranger scolding her.
“Sixty dollars.” That was more than Angela had anticipated but she had no choice. As she made the purchases, she casually commented on the idiocy of having fragile glass vases sitting on the floor in too-narrow aisles. She shared her intention to never come to the store again and gave her a scowl for good measure.
“I hope your day is as nice as mine,” Angela told her as she left. She cursed herself for being such a procrastinator; she should have bought the gift ages ago.
“So how far is this place?” Robert asked as they were leaving their driveway.
“About twenty minutes.”
“I can’t wait to see that house.” He was more excited than she was.
“There’s actually an iron gate?” he asked.
“Yep. It’s crazy.”
“I wonder how much that place would go for. Is she planning to move anytime soon?”
“Nope. I think she’s there until her dying days,” Angela observed.
“Well, that could be soon.”
“Oh...Robert...you are bad. Besides, you’d never get that commission.”
“Why not?”
“Well, have you ever sold a house that big?”
“Nope but I’m all over that, when she kicks the bucket.”
Angela was speechless, mouth open; classic Robert. She decided she wouldn’t speak to him for the rest of the drive
They arrived at the estate at about a quarter to four. Everyone was to arrive before four o’clock and Dot would makeher appearance between four-thirty and five. The iron gates were opened and they drove right through.
“You go down to the back of the house and there’s a small parking,” Angela explained to Robert who was mesmerized.
“Wow, this lady is loaded.”
It never occurred to him that this was not Dot’s home. Angela chose to not correct him.
There were already a few cars in the parking lot and a catering van. Angela wondered how they were going to get Dot in the house; front entrance, perhaps. Ellie greeted them at the door and Angela made the introductions. Ellie took their jackets and gift. Madison instantly warmed up to her. Robert admired the slate floors, the spiral wrought iron staircase, the twelve foot ceilings and the extensive use of beautiful dark wood and moldings in the ornate ceilings.
“This place is like a work of art, isn’t it?” Angela commented to Robert as they made their way to the dining room. She pointed to the study as they passed.
“That’s where we read. Look at all the books.”
Ellie directed them towards the garden. Round tables covered by white umbrellas were beautifully set, everywhere in the open areas of the garden. Large mature oak and birch trees stood overtop and provided additional shade. It was a beautiful day. The tables were draped in white linen, covered with white china and silverware. Centerpieces consisting of white roses in glass vases sat between silver candle holders. Angela thought it was the most stunning party she had ever seen.
There were already quite a few people in the garden when Angela and her crew made their entrance. Angela guessed there to be about ten to fifteen guests. She immediately recognized Michelle and Eric. Michelle was wearing a cute plaid outfit – in the exact same pattern as Angela’s skirt. They were filling up atthe appetizer table. Angela walked up to her, holding Madison on her hip.
“We match!” she said.
Michelle looked at her but didn’t respond. Well, this was an opportunity to use her French, Angela thought.
