“I’m ashamed already,” said Emma. “Leave it alone.”
“I’m sorry,” said Cleo.
“More of being a nice sister, please, OK?” said Emma. “Less of being like Mom.”
“Got it,” said Cleo. “I really am sorry.”
“I need to be less like Mom, too. Starting with not drinking, sheesh.” There was a knock at the bedroom door. The sisters looked at each other. “Who is it?” whispered Emma.
“Who is it?” called Cleo.
“It’s Simon.”
Cleo raked her fingers through her hair and opened the door. Emma tried to smooth her wrinkled dress. “Simon, about last night…” she began.
“Oh, we’ve all gotten pissed,” said Simon. “No bother. Look what I’ve brought.” He held out two deep green circular boxes.
“Harrods,” said Cleo, impressed.
“What’s Harrods?” said Emma.
“The most luxurious store in the world,” said Cleo.
“I’d love to take you both there,” said Simon. “And…I’ve made a lot of mistakes. I know I have. But all I want is to be with your sister. And that dog, Willie, who might bite me.”
“She will probably bite you,” said Emma.
“Open the boxes,” said Simon.
Cleo grabbed hers. She opened the Harrods case, and nestled in tissue was a hat made of peacock feathers. “It’s called a fascinator,” said Simon. “You wear it like a headband. The feather…contraption…goes to the side.”
Emma lifted her hat from the package: It was deep blue with the same feathers as Cleo’s.
“Simon…” said Cleo. “I can help you, if you need a lawyer. That’s what I do, you know.”
“Defend criminals,” said Simon.
“Well, alleged criminals. Yes.”
Simon nodded. He sighed, without an answer. “Sylvie put your clothes in this suitcase,” he said, after a moment, sliding a bag through the door. He grabbed Sylvie’s shoes and vanity case. Her dress had been hung in the castle since its arrival. “Well, cheers! I’ve got to run. See you soon.”
“Cheers,” said Cleo and Emma.
“These are some fancy hats,” said Cleo.
2
Emma
-$62,511.21
“Hey, it’s me,” said Emma.
“Hey, Em,” said Rich.
“Thank you for answering your phone.”
“We’re all set over here. I’ll see you at the ceremony.”
