I then wielded the conversational gambit everyone used with someone like Courtney in order to manipulate the conversation for a long period of time.
“Is everything set? Where are you going to have it?”
As expected, an excited Courtney launched into a detailed litany of her wedding, the venue, her flowers, the breakfast, the song they’d dance their first dance to, the song she’d dance to with her father, and quite a bit about the villa they were letting in Cannes for their honeymoon.
Okay, so she didn’t do this on her own. I egged her on.
But this safe topic took us through drinks and into dinner, where I discovered the full table was set, with a tablecloth this time, more bouquets, candelabra, and little gold swans with calligraphed place cards set in their wings above each setting.
And again, I was impressed by the staff. Being able to pull this off with very little notice was astonishing.
My place was to Battle’s right, as had become per usual.
Courtney was to his left.
Tempie had the foot of the table with Rally to her right, Chelsea to her left.
Chastity was between Courtney and Rally.
Prue was between Chelsea and me.
Courtney had just finished talking about some day trips she and Rally might go on in the south of France when she asked, “Chastity, did you design these bouquets?”
Chassie nodded.
I was shocked.
“You did?” I queried.
“Chassie does all the flowers for the house,” Tempie stated.
“My God, they’re amazing,” I replied. “But I should have known. The gardens are stunning. You totally have the touch.”
“Thanks, Vivi,” Chassie whisper-replied.
“It’s too bad you don’t do wedding flowers anymore,” Courtney said to her fish course.
And this caused Tempie to shoot a look to Battle, whose attention raced to Chastity.
Uh-oh.
“I would absolutely have used you,” Courtney finished.
Chassie’s face was flaming red.
It was Prue, surprisingly, who forged into the breach.
“Yes, well, the shop was coming to be a bit much,” she said. Then immediately, “We should probably discuss tomorrow, since Battie and Vivi both have to work, and I’m going to need Tempie and Chassie in the attics for this project we’re doing.”
Tempie’s brows rose.
But I thought, you go, girl! since she just put the unexpected guests in a place where they’d have to find a way to entertain themselves.
“Court and I already discussed that,” Rally put in. “Considering you weren’t planning on having us. We’ve decided we’re taking Chelsea to the sea.”
“You are?” Chelsea asked.
“Yes. Torquay,” Courtney said.
