“Just my happiness.”
“Oh, please, you murdered no one other than your demons.”
“Who are currently writhing and screaming about it, especially about the baby.”
“Good! Take your victory lap. You have a hot, billionaire husband who loves you more than humanly possible, and you’re going to be the most amazing mommy.”
Placing her hand on the small baby bump, she grinned. “The timing couldn’t be more perfect to show Anne’s work while little Annie is growing. She’ll have her namesake’s magnificent shoes to fill one day.”
“With William’s and your talent, you may have a Picasso.”
She gasped. “Bite your tongue!”
“Okay, then another Mary Cassatt.”
“Much better.”
He laughed. “Are we selling the entire Darcy collection?”
“Hardly. After Gigi selected her pieces, we chose paintings for the townhouse and later for Annie when she grows up.”
Again, they stopped to greet visitors.
“You’ve created quite the ambiance. Love the choice of music,” a visitor said.
“Oh! Thank you! I curated a playlist that truly embodies Anne Darcy’s soulful energy. This particular Carole King song, ‘Tapestry,’ was my mother-in-law’s favorite.”
The woman knit her brow, looking at her sideways.
“Anne Darcy was my mother-in-law,” she clarified. Gosh, it felt magnificent to say that.
“You must be so proud.”
“More than anyone can imagine, except, of course, for my husband and his sister.”
“So, you’re the lucky girl who captured New York City’s most sought-after bachelor?”
“I am lucky! We married in August and are expecting in March.” She beamed.
“Congratulations!” The woman held out her hand. “It’s lovely to meet you, Elizabeth. My name is Sky Chesterton, editorial writer for the New York Times Art & Design section.”
Ah, the woman who wrote the article about George. “Welcome, Sky! I’m so happy to meet you. May I introduce Mr. Guy Bernard, the founder of our little gallery? Without him, we never could have pulled this off.”
“It’s nice to finally meet you, Guy. You’ve been an unheralded pillar in the community, but now you’ll have the spotlight you long deserve,” Sky said.
To her shock, Guy blushed. “Oooh, the honor is all mine, Ms. Chesterton! I adore your luminoso column. Please enjoy yourself tonight, and if you have any questions, come find me.”
“Thanks.” She looked around. “Frankly, I’m blown away by the turnout, and of course, this painting. Incredible,” the editor said, pointing to “With Love.”
“It’s my personal favorite. You are right, the attendance is overwhelming, but … expected. Anne’s work is highly sought after,” she said, filled with pride.
“Indeed. Is your husband here? I’d like to congratulate him as well and give him an update on a follow-up piece coming out at the end of the month.”
She suspected the article was about George’s indictment and the subsequent civil suits filed by multiple art collectors.
Guy continued to greet guests as they moved out of the way.
“William should be arriving shortly. Something important came up at the last minute that he couldn’t get out of,” she said.
