The Christmas season began with a bang, even before Thanksgiving. Mr. Carrington was set to host his annual Sleigh Ride Soiree holiday party for his big-wig friends. Decorators began transforming the house into a wonderland starting on the first of November.
Poppy had never known anyone who did not do their own decorating. A tree, some lights, a Santa, a snowman or two, and you called it done. But that's not how the Carrington's did Christmas.
Lights, greenery, bows, and extra stuff like pine cones and bells adorned the gates, windows, and doors. There was even a decorated tree outside by the pool.
Inside was a true winter wonderland. A twelve-foot tree covered in gold and silver stood proudly in the entryway. Ten-foot trees adorned every room. Each had a different theme, and the rooms were decked out with various pieces of decor that coordinated with it.
When they first moved in, Poppy had been shocked by the number of teapots on display in the butler's pantry and kitchen. Her grandmother told her that the late Mrs. Carrington had collected two things: teapots and Santa Clauses. Poppy had been excited to see if the Santa collection measured up to the teapots. To say she was amazed by the sheer number and types of Santa Clauses the late Mrs. Carrington had collected would be an understatement. Hundreds of them were scattered throughout the house in various sizes. It took the decorators until the middle of December to complete everything.
The party was always held on or near the closest Saturday to the seventeenth of December.
Over 200 guests were invited, including the current and former governor, all of the members of the White County Bar Association, most members of the Arkansas legislators, state and local businessmen and women, and a slew of bankers, doctors, farmers, lobbyists, leaders from both political parties, and all of their significant others. Anybody who was somebody was invited. It was one of the main social events of the year in Searcy.
This year, Gran told her that President Clinton and the first lady had promised to attend. Poppy had been sworn to secrecy for security purposes. If they could come, Gran had said the Secret Service would be coming a couple of days before to ensure the house was secure. It was all very overwhelming for Poppy. She was excited to see all of those important people in person, but at the same time, it terrified her.
Gran had already prepared her for her role the night of the party. A caterer had been hired and was in charge of everything food and drink-wise. She and Gran had been assigned specific roles for the night. Gran would stay in the kitchen and be the chef's second pair of hands. Poppy knew her grandmother was not thrilled to have someone else in her kitchen, but it was out of her control. Poppy had been assigned to door duty. She was to open the door, greet the guests, and direct them to where coats and purses were stored.
The upside to having to do this was that Gran took her shopping for a new party dress. Gran had been told everyone had to wear black. Poppy bought a black satin slip dress. Gran even splurged and got her a pair of strappy black heels.
On the day school got out for Christmas break, Poppy mailed her last application to art school and came home pleasantly surprised. Bennett was back.
As she came up the drive on her bike, he was helping some men unload a huge sleigh in the front yard. It was a beautiful sleigh with red velvet seats. It was a full-size sleigh that had once graced the album cover of a country music band. A local man bought it and rented it out for parties.
As she came up the drive, she saw something lying on the grass. Getting off her bike and picking it up, she realized it was a man's wallet. She flipped it open and saw it belonged to Bennett. She knew the men were busy and didn't want to disturb them. She quickly put her bike away and hurried back to the front yard. By this time, the sleigh was settled, and the other men were loading up and leaving.
"Hey," called Poppy as she approached Bennett and handed him the wallet. "I think this is yours. I found it a minute ago on the grass."
Taking the wallet, Bennett smiled. "Thank you so much. I felt it fall out, but my hands were full of sleigh." Laughing, he added, "That is not something you say often."
Laughing softly as she nodded, Poppy replied, "No, I guess not."
Reaching out a hand, he said, "I'm Bennett. You are Mrs. Margaret's granddaughter, right? I have seen you, but we have never been properly introduced."
Shaking his hand, Poppy replied, "Yeah, I know. Gran has mentioned you a time or two. I am Poppy Hunter. Nice to meet you…properly."
Poppy wondered what he would think if he knew she knew his body intimately and had drawn and painted him nude many, many times. He had a starring role each night in her dreams and fantasies. Nope, he did not know that. He also did not know she had basically stalked him whenever he was home. She had gone so far as to sniff his sheets after he slept on them. Worse, more than once while helping Gran with laundry, she had offered to put his clean sheetson his bed so she could kiss his pillow. Craziness, she knew. But, she had not been able to resist. She had a mad, out-of-control crush on him, and it was taking all her energy not to show it. No, he knew none of that. Next to art, he was her reason for breathing. To him, she was just a kid of the help.
"Are you excited about the party tomorrow? It will be a big shindig," asked Bennett, looking at her, smiling with his perfect teeth, tousled blonde hair, and his perfect body.
For a second, Poppy could not answer; all she could think about was that she so regretted she had not been able to include his face in her drawing. It was just wrong that that gorgeous face had not been drawn. She was making a mental note to start a new sketch tonight from her photos.
"Earth to Poppy," said Bennett when she just stood there looking at him.
Shaking her head embarrassed, Poppy stammered, "I am here. I am here. I just got distracted for a moment. What did you ask me again?" Poppy was sure he thought she was a complete fool standing there with her tongue hanging out, ogling him.
"I asked if you were going to the party?"
She nodded yes and replied, "Oh yes, I am working the door. Gran got me this great dress and heels to wear. I have never felt so sexy in my entire life." Oh my God, thought Poppy, why did I say that?
Giving her a surprised look, Bennett chuckled softly before reaching out to push a red curl back behind her ear that had come loose. Giving her a smile, he said, "Well, that is great. I can't wait to see that sexy dress. I bet you will be the Belle of the Ball. I look forward to seeing it. See ya later." Then, he turned and went inside the house.
Poppy stood there a moment longer, nodding and wondering what just happened.
The next day was pure craziness with caterers, florists, and half a dozen other people rushing in and out. To her knowledge, the Secret Service did not show up, so that meant a no-go on the President showing up. The party planner, Mrs. Liz Blaine, brought a huge tent and set up about twenty tables around a massive dance floor. Everyone did exactly what she said. Her word was law. Poppy was more than a little afraid of the lady. She had already seen her get angry with two delivery guys who were not paying attention to what they were doing. Poppy did not want to tick her off.
Poppy spent her day putting out tablecloths, setting out centerpieces, and helping with the overall party setup. All day, she kept wondering who would want to sit down and eat a meal or dance out in the thirty-degree weather expected that night. When the party place delivered the portable heaters, Poppy got it. Rich people and their toys. She had never even heard of an outdoor heater. This party opened her eyes to just how different her life was from theirs. She might reside on the property of the Carringtons, but she lived in a totally different world.
Chapter 5
