“Mama will be supportive, I think.” Glory perched on a chair next to her. “She has never put a fine point on things like money and rank. Papa might be a different story. He loves me, but he tends to be overprotective.”
“Fathers can surprise you,” Pippa replied. “I wasn’t certain mine would approve of Cull, yet he and my husband have become best cronies. If we have a boy, Cull wants to name him after Papa. Mama says Papa can’t stop talking about it and has already commissioned silver stamped with our ‘son’s’ initials.”
“Papa and Mr. Chen do have a lot in common,” Glory mused. “When it comes to their character and interests…not to mention their shared Chinese heritage. I am hoping that tonight will give them a chance to discover their similarities.”
If she and Wei announced their intent to wed now, without giving time for Papa and Wei to find common ground, the results were likely to be disastrous. The last thing she wanted was friction between Wei and her family: she didn’t want her papa to reject Wei’s suit or for Wei to experience that rejection. Thus, as hard as it was, waiting a few more weeks before revealing their love seemed like the best compromise.
“Shall we toast to that?” Livy suggested. “Glory’s future happiness?”
“To Glory’s future,” the others said.
After they clinked glasses, Glory added, “We should also toast the successful closing of our case.”
The newspapers this morning had reported that the police had broken up a dognapping ring. They had seized stolen pets from Eady’s Pet Emporium and were reuniting them with their owners. Eady and Farwell were in custody, and the authorities were searching for Bryant, who’d gone missing.
“Here, here,” the Angels chorused.
When Glory’s parents came in soon after, her friends left to give them privacy.
“How charming you look, Glory,” Mama said warmly. “Rhys, darling, our little girl is all grown up.”
“Quite.” Papa frowned. “But is your ballgown missing something? A cape, perhaps?”
“You do not like my gown?” Glory asked fretfully.
“Don’t pay your father any mind.” Mama gave him a chiding look. “He offered me a cloak this evening.”
Since Mama looked ravishing in her ruffled cabernet gown, Glory felt reassured.
“Just trying to prevent a duel,” Papa drawled. “Since I will be fighting off all the chaps who’ll be sniffing after the two most beautiful ladies in London.”
Mama laughed. “Since when have you had to fight a duel over me?”
“I would fight a thousand duels for you, Maggie mine.”
When Papa gallantly kissed Mama’s hand, she blushed like a schoolgirl.
“And this is for you, poppet.” Papa withdrew a flat velvet box from his pocket. “From Mama and me.”
“Happy birthday, dearest,” Mama said. “We hope you like it.”
Opening the box, Glory lifted out the beautiful gold locket. It was heart-shaped, a sparkling diamond set at the center. What made the necklace even more special was the smaller identical charm nestled next to it in satin.
“Is that for FF II?” Glory exclaimed. “It will look brilliant on his collar!”
“Why did we bother getting a necklace for our daughter?” Papa asked Mama wryly. “When all she notices is the jewelry for the ferret?”
“I adore both pieces.” Glory hugged her parents each in turn.
“Shall I help you put it on?” Papa asked.
Taking the jewelry box from her, he twirled a finger, and she obediently turned around. The necklace felt cool and smooth, the delicate chain comfortable to wear as Papa deftly fastened the clasp.
“How does it look?” she asked.
“You will be the belle of the ball,” Mama declared.
“I hope I make a good impression,” Glory said sincerely. “I know Papa invited some special guests this evening. I am looking forward to meeting Mr. Rothwell.”
