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And for the umpty time in the past two weeks, Rose was thankful for Highwood’s French cooks, who suggested several desserts using every pulpy drop.A sorbet would have been delicious, but ices were already being served.They decided on two more desserts: a flavored clotted cream in a small ramekin, topped with toasted coconut flakes and a petite but heavy, moist pineapple and lemon cake with a lemon custard icing drizzled over it.
“Mm, that sounds absolutely heavenly.Do we have enough pineapples to flavor the desserts properly?Better a strong flavor and only one dessert.”
“Non,non, Mrs.Hardy, you are not to worry.The taste will be perfect along with a delectable aroma.”
The pineapple drink Rose had suggested was discarded, but she couldn’t stop thinking about the remains—the husk, core and flowery tops of the pineapple.“What alcohol could be used inside the core?”
“Oo!I understand.Yes.We should be careful when we are cutting so we also have a container—”
“Vodka,” Carlotta said.“And the sooner we can blend the vodka with the fine pulp left inside the core, the better the flavor.”
“Anapéritif!”Francois exclaimed.
Rose listened as they described the small drinks with pineapple flavor but to include a favorite of complementary flavors like vanilla, coconut milk, strawberries and oranges.Rose smiled at the enthusiasm and talent.She had no doubt the food would be some of the best served at a house party.The creeping voice in her head said,if they come.
After that Rose was no longer needed.They started ordering the kitchen staff to the new tasks and Rose was assured all would be as needed.She hurried through the main corridor, intending to go to the library when she ran into Jack Sparling, being led to Matthew’s office.
“Your Grace,” Mr.Sparling said, and bowed quickly.
“Mr.Sparling, it is so good to see you.Are you here to see Matthew?”
“Naturally.He is sending me on an investigation.On a day such as this, I think he just wants something to do since the decoration and planning for such a party is quite beyond his ability.”
“Then it must be the only thing he cannot do since he seems capable of everything else.”
Matthew peeked out the door.“Oh, Jack.I thought I heard you.Don’t bother the duchess.In four hours, she will be on stage, and it must be perfect.”
Rose laughed.“Good to see you, Mr.Sparling.And he’s right.Everything must be perfect.”
Matthew closed the door behind Jack as they disappeared into his office.Just once she would like to hear what they discussed so intently.
One of the strangest things about grand parties were the long minutes between the announced start of the party and the actual arrivals.Lady Chester and her family would likely be first because Abigail understood how anxious Rose was about the gala’s success.She’d even sent many of her servants over two days ago to help.
Rose glanced out the windows at every opportunity to confirm the weather was tolerable.So far, the sun had kept up a steady appearance in between the fat, white clouds.
The two sets of musicians had arrived in their hackney coaches and Raleigh took them to their retiring room.Meanwhile, Rose was in the ballroom examining every purple and lilac festoon.Plants, beautiful brocade seating arrangements, vases with heather and white roses along with the raised platform for seven musicians were all in place.Other large flower displays arrayed the buffet tables in another room along with vases in every empty corner.Rose wished for different velvet curtains, but the sky blue was complementary enough.She supposed.She hoped.
The chandelier was already lowered, waiting to be lit.Everything in the ballroom seemed perfect.She stood in the middle of the room and turned a circle, scrutinizing everything with her most critical eye.
Rose had about an hour to dress before the first guests would arrive.Eunice had everything laid out in perfect order.
“It looks magnificent,” Matthew said, coming into the room behind her.
“Oh, Matthew.Please tell me we are going to have a marvelous ball and everyone we invited will attend.”
“I can’t tell you that.”
She took his hands.“Don’t tease me.This is the most significant party I’ve ever thrown with ramifications I can’t even measure.”
“With the most money you’ve ever spent.”He raised his brows.
“You don’t know that for sure.”
“I know that.For sure.The merchants’ bills are already arriving in the post.Didn’t our marriage vows say something about to have and to hold?”
“Yes.”
“I believe the vow was talking about money.When you have it, you hold on to it.”
