Sally tilted her head. “My mother is accomplished on the piano.”
It was an opportunity Camilla couldn’t ignore, not when it was now clear that the animosity between the Chesterfields and the Murchendorfers was not one-sided but had been set into motion by two mothers who’d been determined to outdo each other.
“Ada Mae will certainly be welcome to join us, especially if that’ll allow me to devote my time to perfecting everyone’s dance steps.”
Sally exchanged a look with Curtistine before she settled a frown on Camilla. “And while I know my mother would adore becoming acquainted with two esteemed gentlemen from New York high society, I’m now wondering if suggesting she be included was a wise proposition. What’s to say that Mrs. Chesterfield, asin Beulah, won’t chase after Mother with her rifle or set her pig after her the second she realizes a lady she obviously considers a nemesis has stepped foot on Chesterfield land?”
Unfortunately, that was a legitimate concern because ... Beulahmightwhip out her rifle if Ada Mae came calling.
Camilla shoved the image of Beulah running Ada Mae off her land aside and lifted her chin. “I’ll make certain to speak to Beulah about the matter, but to err on the side of caution, I’ll insist that all rifles and pigs be checked at the door, which should minimize the potential for disaster.”
Twenty-One
As Sally began saying something about Beulah being a woman who would never abide by any rifle-surrendering edicts, Luella came breezing back into the room, looking downright stunning in the green riding habit Lottie had picked out. She skidded to a stop when her gaze landed on Sally, but she didn’t remain immobile for long. After squaring her shoulders, she surged into motion, stalking to Camilla’s side.
“This is a less-than-pleasant surprise,” Luella said, settling a scowl on Sally. “Aren’t you supposed to be attending your weekly luncheon at the McLure House right about now?”
Sally winced ever so slightly, something that suggested she’d been responsible for excluding Luella from that. “I am, but Curtistine and I saw you and Miss Pierpont strolling down Market Street and decided it was the perfect time to welcome her to Wheeling.”
“Well, since you’ve evidently made Camilla’s acquaintance,” Luella began with a nod toward the exit, “you and Curtistine can just trot on back to the McLure House, where I’m sure they’ll have their delicious chicken salad waiting for you.”
A touch of fire flickered through Sally’s eyes. “I’ve never beena lady who trots, and for your information, I’m lingering because I want to speak to you.”
“About what?”
“You know what.”
Luella lifted her chin. “If you think I’m going to stand here and suffer through a lecture about Esmerelda eating your mother’s flowers, think again.”
“Your brother already had your gardener restore Mother’s flower beds.”
“Then what do you want to discuss with me?”
Sally shot a look to Curtistine, who sent her an encouraging sort of nod, before she returned her attention to Luella. “I’d like to apologize.”
“For what?”
“We could be here all day if you need a true accounting of everything I probably think I should apologize for, but how about I sum everything up with this—I’ve behaved badly where you’re concerned, and I’m sorry about that.”
It was obvious an intervention was in order when Luella merely set her jaw and narrowed an eye on Sally.
Camilla cleared her throat. “Don’t you think it might be helpful, Luella, if you were to say something in response to Sally’s heartfelt apology?”
“Sally doesn’t have a heart.”
“That’s not exactly the response I was hoping you’d make.”
A huff was Luella’s first response to that before she turned to Sally. “Fine. Apology accepted, but don’t think this makes us any kind of friends.”
“I’m thinking I might need to include a special lesson in graciousness over the next few weeks,” Camilla muttered under her breath as Sally took to whispering something to Curtistine before she lifted her head and resettled her gaze on Luella.
“To point out the obvious, Luella,” Sally began, “we’ve never really been friends. You were always closer to Stanley, no matterthat he and Mother are denying that. However, we have known each other since birth, and while I admit I’ve been less than kind to you, don’t you think it might be time for the two of us to at least be civil toward each other?”
“Civility is overrated.”
Sally’s lips curved the slightest bit. “Perhaps, but in the spirt of extending you an olive branch, what would you say to joining us for lunch today at the McLure House?”
To Camilla’s surprise, even though Luella shook her head, her lips began curving ever so slightly as well.
