She put her head on his shoulder and they rocked back and forth for the rest of the song. Once it trailed off he lifted her face up. “It’s true. I’m yours.” He gazed into her eyes. They kissed tenderly under the tree as the summer breeze whispered romance.
A little while later they kissed good night on her front step.
“I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Is that still three days from now in guy talk?” She smiled.
“I’ll call you tomorrow.” He kissed her again.
“Okay. Good night.” She turned the knob.
“Good night, baby. Sweet dreams.” He winked.
Alicia opened the door and stepped inside. Nathaniel Becker was smitten with me. She smiled to herself.
“I take it you had a good time.” Harrison had a glass of milk in his hand.
“Did you wait up for me?”
“Actually, I came down to get a glass of milk.”
“Oh, sure,” she said suspiciously. “A bomb couldn’t wake you once you’re asleep. Admit it, you stayed up.”
“So what if I did? I wanted to find out if you had a good time, and judging by your expression, I’d say you had a great time.”
Alicia put her bag down on the table. “I did.”
“That’s good to hear.” He looked at the clock. “It’s late. You can tell me all about it in the morning.”
“Okay.” She began to ascend the staircase.
Harrison peeked out the window. Nathaniel was getting in his car with a big grin plastered across his face. “I take it there will be another date?”
“I think so.”
“If the goofy look on Nate’s face is any indication, I’d say there will be many more dates in your future.”
Chapter 12
On Saturday Bunny called to say that she and Mr. Blanchard were out at their country estate in the Hamptons, so Gabby’s quick visit would be more of an all-day event. Naturally Gabby called for reinforcements. By ten a.m. Lauren and Alicia were in the back of a limo for what they thought would be a leisurely day of spas, shopping and lunch.
“I want it on the record I was lured here under false pretenses.” Lauren folded her arms.
“I second that.” Alicia raised her hand.
“You said it was going to be a girls’ day in the Hamptons.” Lauren huffed.
“It is a girls’ day. We’re together and we always have a good time.”
“You left out the part about going to your parents’ place for tea.” Alicia added.
“I know. I thought my parents were going to be in the city this weekend, and I promised my dad that I’d see him today.”
Lauren and Alicia looked at each other. Although Bunny made them feel tolerated, Gabby’s dad had always made them feel welcome from the moment they’d walked through the door thirty-two years ago.
“You don’t play fair. You know we love your dad.” Lauren unfolded her arms.
“Am I forgiven?”
“Is she?” Alicia asked Lauren.
“Oh, all right. At least we’re dressed for it.” She pointed to the Yacht Club wrap dress she wore. “By the way, Alicia, I love that black and white number you have on.”
“Thanks.” She smiled. “You’re not the only one who shops online. This is the Kiyonna Manhattan dress.”
“Nice.”
Gabby looked at her blue T-back sundress. “I think I’m the underdressed one here.”
Lauren dismissed her assessment. “Of course you’re not underdressed.”
“Thanks. And if I haven’t said it before, you guys are great for not jumping out of the car once you knew where we were heading.”
“Don’t think it hasn’t crossed my mind. But I like this dress too much to ruin it,” Alicia said jokingly.
They laughed.
“Seriously, you two are the best friends anyone could ask for.”
“Not so fast. I think we deserve a trip to Levain Bakery for one of those chocolate chip walnut cookies for dessert. Because you know not only are we going to have those little grass-filled tea sandwiches, but to add insult to injury, we’re going to top it off with cottage cheese and fruit for dessert. ”
“It’s watercress, Lauren. I promise you we’re not having weeds.” Alicia laughed.
“You could have fooled me.”
“Come on, Lauren, maybe it won’t be that bad.”
“You think so, Alicia?”
“We might have a yogurt parfait with fruit and granola, right, Gabby?”
“Right. Mother did say Cook has expanded her repertoire.”
“Maybe yogurt and fruit might not be so bad after all,” Lauren relented.
“Oh, my God, you are having good sex, aren’t you? You just turned down chocolate.” Alicia was amazed.
Gabby laughed. “She’s got you there.”
“Can I help it if I’m happy and I know it?” She winked.
“Is that a no for Levain Bakery?” Gabby asked.
“I reserve the right to revisit this, depending upon how good the granola is.”
“Deal.”
Alicia looked out the window. It was bumper-to-bumper. “Oh, great, we’re stuck in Saturday morning Hamptons traffic.”
“At least you’re not driving,” Gabby noted.
“True. However, it does give us the chance to hear about your date, Alicia.”
“Lauren, I already told you. I had a good time.”
“You went on your first date in twenty-three years and you think we’re going to settle for the Cliff’s Notes version?” Lauren scoffed.
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, you two,” Alicia sighed.
“You’ve got nowhere to run.” Gabby smiled.
“Uncle.”
“It’s about time.” Lauren clapped. “You had dinner at 42. Now that’s a recipe for romance if I’ve ever heard one.”
Alicia laughed.
“What’s so funny?” Gabby asked.
“It’s definitely a romantic place, but I wouldn’t say we had a romantic evening there.”
“What do you mean?” Lauren was confused. “I thought you said you had a good time.”
“I have two words for you, fanaticus interruptus.”
“You’re kidding?”
“I’m not kidding, Gabby. The overall interruption didn’t last too long, but when people start taking pictures of you with their cell phones, it sort of takes the wind out of the sails.”
“How did Nate take it?” Lauren asked.
“He was a good sport.”
Gabby shook her head. “I’m telling you, people are something else. You were in a sexy black dress with a good-looking man at a romantic restaurant with a view and somehow people still managed to mistake it for a Kmart appearance.”
“Yes. It was like they announced, ‘Attention, all diners. Alicia Archer’s in kitchenware with her new table collection.’ ”
They laughed.
“What can I say? It’s the price of fame.” Alicia shrugged.
“I certainly hope you had a chance to make up for it later,” Lauren said.
“We did.” She smiled like a schoolgirl.
“Oh really?” Gabby’s ears perked up.
“Not that kind of making up. We got dessert to go and drove over to Saxon Woods Park.”
“What did you get?”
“Tiramisu.”
“Oh, that was romantic.” Gabby giggled.
“We shared dessert, talked and then we danced.”
“You danced?”
“Yes, Lauren, I danced. It’s not like I don’t know how.”
“I didn’t say that. I know you can dance.”
“Did you kiss?” Gabby asked coyly.
“What? Are we fourteen again?”
“No, but every girl wants to talk about the kiss. So?”
“Yes, and that’s how we ended the evening.”
“That’s sweet,” Gabby said dreamily.
“I take it you’re going out again?”
“I thi
nk so. He said he’d call me today.”
“I’m so happy for you.”
“Thanks, Gabby, but all I did was go out on one date.”
“Still, it’s a start.”
“Okay, now that we’re all caught up with Alicia, how are things going with Nigel?”
“Good.”
“Oh, you’d better do better than that, Gabby. After all, he’s the reason we’re going to Long Island’s version of Brideshead Revisited,” Alicia said.
“You’d better spill the beans. What’s going on?”
“I have two words for you, Terrence Talbot.”
“No,” Alicia groaned. “She tried to set you up with him?”
“Yes. She made sure he just happened to be in the area around the gallery.”
“Who’s Terrence Talbot?”
“He’s the paint prince. His company manufactures the residential and commercial paints you see in the big home improvement stores.”
“How do you know him, Alicia?”
“I met him at a couple of charity events. He talked to me about the process they use to make different shades of white paint for at least half an hour. Frankly, it would have been more scintillating to watch paint dry.”
“Oh, he’s that bad?” Lauren winced. “Bunny sent him your way, Gabby?”
“It figures,” Alicia added.
“I know and when I told her no thanks, she reminded me that I can’t be choosy, since I’m not getting any younger or thinner.”
“Ouch, no wonder you wanted us to come today,” Lauren said.
“And I kind of told her I was seeing someone.”
“You kind of told her? What does that mean?” Alicia asked.
“I told her I had a date and didn’t need Terrence.”
“Now she’s going to be after you to find out who it is and you’re not ready to tell her about Nigel.”
“No, I’m not. Do you think that’s bad? I’m not ashamed of him.”
“No one thinks you’re ashamed of him, Gabby. Tell her about him when you’re ready.”
Alicia looked out the window. “We’re getting closer.”
“I called Ian and told him I’d be here for a little while today. He’s out here every weekend. He might drop by.”
“He’s twenty-two years old. The last thing he wants to do in the Hamptons is come to his grandparents’ place for tea,” Alicia laughed.
“She has a point,” Lauren added.
Gabby nodded. “I think I’m really building something special with Nigel and I want to enjoy it for a while before…”
“You put him through all of this.” Lauren pointed to the house as they drove onto the estate.
“Yes. Will you help me?”
“Of course we will, but eventually you’re going to have to stand up to your mother.”
“I know, Alicia, but as long as I have my best friends and fellow Aristocrats, I’ll be okay.” I hope.
* * *
Situated on a little over one-and-a-half acres in East Hampton a block from the ocean, the Blanchard family’s historical 6,000-square-foot three-story mansion was a sight to behold. Originally built in the early 1900s, it had been in the family for decades and undergone several transformations to update its style.
As they got closer to the door, they saw Mary waiting at the entrance for them. A pleasantly plump woman, Mary Cummings had been the house manager for the Blanchards since Gabby was ten. Although graying, she still had the same spark in her brown eyes and the temperament to work with Bunny’s exacting standards.
The driver got out.
“Here we go, ladies,” Gabby said.
They stepped out of the car.
Mary walked over. “Hello, girls. It’s good to see you.”
Alicia hugged her. “How are you, Ms. Cummings?”
“I’m doing well, young lady. You look good.”
“So do you.”
Lauren hugged her next. “It’s been a while.”
“I know.”
Mary turned to Gabby. “Hello, my girl.” She grinned as she hugged her.
Gabby had been close to Mary growing up. Whenever her mother would chide her for her eating habits, Mary was there to reassure her that she was pretty, no matter what size she was. Plump all her life, she shared a kinship with her young charge and Gabby was grateful.
“Hi, Ms. Cummings.” She smiled widely.
“Now there’s the smile I love so much. Come on in, girls.”
While the house looked stately from the outside, it was cozy. The Fifth Avenue townhouse didn’t have the same warmth with its marble and granite entryway. The entry here was wood leading up the stairs to a bay window that overlooked the immense backyard.
“Your mother and father are in the great room.”
“Thanks, Ms. Cummings.”
“I’ll be there in a minute to help serve the tea.” She went off to the kitchen.
When they walked in, they saw Mr. Blanchard.
“Daddy.”
“Hey, sweetheart, how’s my girl?” he said softly.
“I’m good, Daddy.” She threw her arms around him.
When Gabby was a little girl she thought her father was the smartest, strongest and most handsome man in the world. At well over six feet, four inches with sandy blond hair and blue eyes, he fit the bill for many years until the stroke. Even though he could no longer scoop her up in his arms, in Gabby’s mind’s eye every hug lifted her ten feet off the ground.
“I brought two other people to see you, Daddy.”
“Hi, Mr. B, it’s good to see you.” Alicia kissed him on the cheek.
“Indeed it is, Mr. B. How are you?” Lauren added as she kissed his cheek.
“I’m surrounded by lovely ladies. What more could I ask for?”
“Richard, I have the blanket for your legs.” Bunny entered the room.
“Hello, Mother.” Gabby went over and hugged her mother.
“Hello, dear. I didn’t hear you come in. Your dad wanted a blanket for his legs.” Carefully and lovingly she placed the blanket over him. “Is that good, honey?”
“Yes. Thank you, my love,” he said softly.
“You’re welcome.” She kissed his forehead and then turned to Lauren and Alicia, who were on their feet.
Alicia spoke first. “Hello, Mrs. Blanchard. You look well.”
“Hello, Mrs. Blanchard, I second that.”
“Thank you, Alicia and Lauren. Please sit down and be comfortable.”
They sat back down.
“I am so glad you could make it here today. I know what a nightmare traffic is.”
“We got caught in a little traffic snarl, but it wasn’t too bad, Mother.”
“The Hamptons aren’t what they used to be. Years ago it was a nice getaway from the heat of the city, and now with everyone descending on the beaches, it looks more like Coney Island.”
“I could go for a Coney Island hot dog.” Mr. Blanchard smiled longingly.
“I’ll have to get a couple for you, Daddy.”
“You’ll do no such thing. He has to watch his diet.”
“Okay, Mother.” Gabby winked at her father. She’d sneak one to him.
“Alicia and Lauren, Gabby tells us your show is doing quite well. Congratulations,” Mrs. Blanchard said.
“Thank you. I’m very happy with it.” Alicia smiled.
“And since you’re the producer, Lauren, I’m sure you have a lot to do with its success.”
“I think we make a good team.”
“I always said teamwork was important,” Mr. Blanchard piped up.
“You’re right about that, Mr. B,” Lauren said.
Just then Mary came in with the tea service, followed by two maids with the additional refreshments. As they set up the table, all three were shocked to see the tea sandwiches had been replaced by mini quiches, canapés, mini focaccia with olive tapenade, real fruit tarts, scones and madeleines.
“Well, Alicia, Cook is quite anxious for your c
omments. She got the recipes from your show.”
“I’m flattered.” Alicia beamed.
“So please help yourselves and Mary will serve the tea,” Bunny said graciously as she got up to make a small plate for Mr. B.
Gabby, Alicia and Lauren tentatively made their way over to the buffet table.
Lauren leaned over Alicia’s shoulder. “Are we in the right place?” she whispered.
“It looks like my parents’ place, but there’s something going on here.” Gabby was leery.
The doorbell rang.
“Ladies, I think we just fell down a rabbit hole,” Alicia whispered as she picked up a plate.
Gabby was filled with dread. She hoped it was Ian and Emily.
Terrence Talbot walked in. “I hope I’m not late for tea,” he announced.
Alicia turned to Gabby. “I think I see a stop at the Levain Bakery and a big chocolate chip cookie in your future.”
Gabby looked at Terrence, who was all prepped out in chinos and a polo shirt. “I think I see two chocolate chip cookies.”
* * *
Gabby, Lauren and Alicia looked as if they’d been given detention after they’d sat through an hour of Terrence’s discussion on color mixing and the difference in how flat, semi-gloss and high-gloss paints were manufactured. Fortunately, Mr. B fell asleep less than ten minutes after Terrence began his lecture, but he was the only one allowed to nod off. Bunny, on the other hand, kept the conversation afloat as she tried to entice Gabby to talk.
“Gabby, didn’t you just have painters at your place?”
“Yes, Mother. I had my office re-painted.” She sipped her tea.
“Did they use my paint? A lot of professional painters prefer ours.”
“I can’t say I checked what brand of paint they used. I just wanted them to use the colors I requested.”
Lauren nearly gagged on her lemonade.
“Oh my, are you all right, Lauren?”
Lauren cleared her throat. “I’m fine, Mrs. Blanchard. I think it just went down the wrong way.”
Alicia covered her mouth to keep from laughing.
Mrs. Blanchard got up. “How would you girls like to go outside and get some air? The gardens are so pretty, and you can relax a little by the pool.”
Lauren and Alicia practically leaped from their seats at the mere mention of an escape.
“That sounds good, Mother.” Gabby started to get up.
Her mother stopped her. “No, Gabby. You stay here with your dad and Terrence. I’ll take the girls.”
Waiting for Mr. Darcy Page 18
