“You owe me big, Essie!” he called before scooping up the odorous poo.
“At least Bubbles went now instead of in the middle of the party?” Essie shouted, trying to stay positive.
“Damn pony,” Edmund muttered, holding his nose.
Debating whether ghosts had a sense of smell, Essie returned to her decorating. She was still grinning twenty minutes later when they finished.
“That’s thelast balloon,” Ivan announced before lowering his voice. “I’m going to run Tiffanie home. She’s worn out.”
“Good idea,” Essie agreed with him. “I’ll thank her for coming to assist. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate everything you do, Ivan.”
“No problem. I appreciate the work. I’ll need tomorrow off to drive Tiffanie for her treatment,” Ivan told her.
“Of course. We couldn’t have planned that better. I don’t have any events tomorrow.”
Essie and Ivan walked to Tiffanie, who sat with her chin propped on one hand. Leaning down to hug her friend gently, Essie said, “Thank you for your help. You’re Ferguson’s Folly’s official bunting expert.”
“Wow. I should have a T-shirt made for that,” Tiffanie said softly. “Take pictures. I want to see if the pony tries to eat the roses again.”
“Never!” drifted their way, making Essie struggle not to react to Edmund’s shout.
“I’m sending good vibes with you to the doctor. When you’re recovered, would you brainstorm about a fairy ball? I need some ideas,” Essie asked.
“A fairy ball?” Tiffanie repeated with wide eyes. “I can’t wait to research that. I’ll get started tomorrow at the infusion center.”
Ivan nodded his appreciation. He understood Essie had deliberately given her something magical to think about as an escape. “I might even dress up for that one.”
“Oh! I could design dresses for us, Essie,” Tiffanie offered as Ivan helped her to her feet. As they walked away, Essie could hear her already envisioning magic. Essie smiled, happy Tiffanie would have a distraction.
Zander wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed her cheek. “That will make this treatment more tolerable,” he predicted. “You’re crafty.”
“She’s been through so much.” Essie said, leaning against him. “I need to go shower and change before the party.”
“I should do that as well,” Zander agreed. “I’d suggest we conserve water and get cleaned up together, but I won’t rush when I get you naked.”
Essie swallowed hard at the thought of him taking his time. She forced herself to be brave. “Tonight, then?”
The desire banked in his blue eyes flared hotter. “It’s a date, Little girl. Come on, I’ll walk you to your room.”
An hour later, children dashed into the garden with brightly colored packages. Their excited voices and laughter brought a smile to the parents’ faces as they lined up to ride Bubbles. The pony withstood the barrage of noise and petting hands with serenity. Bubbles also kept his distance from the rose beds that Edmund prowled around. Smart pony.
After playing the games the birthday boy’s mother had organized and eating cake and ice cream, the guests collapsed on the soft grass to watch the star of the day open his presents. Several parents requested brochures of activities offered at Ferguson’s Folly and pricing. Essie was sure to share that she loved to make unique requests come true and encouraged them to consider the mansion for their special occasions.
Essie spotted Sara in the kitchen window watching the activities and hoped the housekeeper was okay with the changes occurring. Essie hadn’t noticed Sara upset but vowed to make a point to meet with her in the near future. Sara was an important part of Ferguson’s Folly. The mansion wouldn’t run as smoothly as it did without the housekeeper’s efforts in coordinating the extra staff.
“Everything’s going grandly,” Zander whispered as he wrapped his arm around her. “I need to work on something at my estate. I just heard from the pony’s owner. He’s on his way. I’ll help load Bubbles onto the trailer before taking off for a while. Will you be fine to finish the party yourself?”
“Of course. Thank you, Zander. What would I’d do without you?”
“I don’t plan for you to find that out,” he said softly.
By the time the last of the guests and the caterers drove down the driveway, Essie was exhausted. She headed inside to collapse. Who knew how tiring watching others have fun would be?
“Essie? I’m pouring you some tea,” Sara called from the kitchen as Essie closed the massive front door.
Groaning at how amazing that sounded, Essie headed there with a bit more of a spring to her step. “You are an angel, Sara!”
“I just dusted off my wings,” Sara joked and waved a hand toward the table where delicate teacups and a variety of small finger sandwiches and sweets awaited. “I thought you might like a pick-me-up.”
