“Hurray!” The car erupted in cheers as the bride and groom kissed, and the guests threw rice into the air. The carriage creaked and came to a stop.
Theodore was the first to exit the car when the doors pulled open.
He was waiting for the rest of them at the ticket booth, clutching a brown paper bag when they disembarked.
“For you,” he said to Grace. “A thank-you for helping me keep my wits about me up there.”
She pulled out a small silver spoon with1904 WORLD’S FAIRengraved in it.
“It’s a souvenir,” he said with a deathly straight face. “Given how you’re so obsessed with cutlery.”
“How thoughtful. I got you a souvenir, too,” she said, thrusting the paper bag back into his hands.
“‘World’s Fair Gift Shop,’” he read the outside slowly. “You shouldn’t have.”
“It’s a sick bag,” she said, “to commemorate your Ferris wheel ride.”
His jaw muscle flexed. “It’s too bad such a devastating tongue hides behind such a lovely face.”
She paused. For a moment, she was too surprised to say anything back.
He shot her a dry look, clutching his sick bag with as much dignity as he could muster, and strode away.
“Try some Dubonnet,” Oliver said that evening. Light from the setting sun poured into the sitting room, where they were lounging on the formal chairs.
Lillie let her overstuffed corgi Lulu climb into her lap on the settee, which she had been expressly forbidden to do. She had changed into a simpler day skirt and plain blouse because she was planning to help Dr. May later that night.
“What’s Dubonnet?” Grace asked.
Oliver poured the drink into his glass. “It has herbs, spices, and a bit of… je ne sais quoi.”
“Otherwise known as quinine,” Lillie said.
“Quinine?” Grace asked. “You can’t be serious.”
“Mm. It’s spicy. Almost bitter,” Oliver said. “I like it.”
Oliver poured the last of the bottle into Lillie’s glass. “It’s what gives it a bit of a bite.”
Lillie dumped hers in the potted plant.
“I should go check on Frannie,” she said meaningfully to Grace.
“That’s a good idea,” Oliver said, missing the glance that passed between them. “I’ll come with you. I want to check in on Earnest. How about it, Grace?”
“Oh, let’s don’t. I’m sure he’s sleeping, Oliver,” Grace said quickly. “Besides, I was hoping you’d stay home with me. I want to play a game of chess.”
“Well, if you’re sure,” Lillie said.Thank you, she mouthed to Grace.
And then she was gone.
“You wish a chance to win back your dignity?” Oliver asked, moving to set up the chess game.
“If it can possibly be reconstructed,” Grace said. “Last time you left it in tatters.”
Oliver was laughing into his Dubonnet when Aunt Clove suddenly appeared at the bottom of the stairs.
She moved into the sitting room, and it was as though a shadow passed. The laughter died on Grace’s lips.
