Samuel answered the door to Alice Longworth’s home. “Good evening. May I see your invitation, please?”
Ambassador Lindsay said, “I am an old friend of Mrs. Longworth’s. You must be new.”
“Your invitation, please.”
Flabbergasted, Lindsay looked at his wife. “This is most unusual.”
Not wishing to cause a fuss, Lady Lindsay reached for the invitation in her purse. After receiving it by special courier that morning, she dared not refuse to accept, realizing the dinner was going to be a showdown of sorts. She prayed she was not going to be one of Mona’s targets. Seeing her husband’s confusion, Lady Lindsay was glad her husband didn’t have a clue about the true intent of this night’s gathering. Wondering who else might be attending, she handed the invitation to Samuel, who read it out loud.
Mrs. Nicholas Longworth hereby requests that you honor us with your presence for dinner to celebrate Mona Moon, one of America’s most esteemed women. Drinks at eight sharp. Declines will not be accepted. You better come if you know what’s good for you.
“Let me see that,” Sir Lindsay said, snatching the invitation out of Samuel’s hands and reading it twice. “Good grief. Alice has finally gone off her rocker. Imagine writing an invitation like this. It sounds almost threatening.”
“It’s one of Alice’s little jokes, dear. Let’s go in.” Lady Lindsay gently wrapped her arm around her husband’s arm. “Ready?”
Sir Lindsay acquiesced. “I hope this is not going to be a surprise party. It’s not my birthday, is it?”
Lady Lindsay looked tenderly at her distinguished-looking husband dressed in his best tux. Only the best would do for Alice. “No, my love. That’s several months away.”
Samuel widened the door and allowed the couple to enter before taking their wraps.
Dressed in an organdy, pale pink sheath over a dark pink gown, Violet greeted each guest. “Cocktails are being served in the drawing room. Please follow me.”
Irritated, Sir Lindsay said, “I know the way, young lady. I have been a guest in this house before you were born.”
Violet said, “Ambassador, I have been given strict instructions to announce each guest. Please, sir.”
Lindsay stopped in the hallway. “What is going on?”
“Thank you, sir.” Violet scooted around the Lindsays in the hallway and opened the double doors. “Ambassador Lindsay and Lady Lindsay.” She waited until they had passed through before she closed the drawing room doors again.
“Two more to go,” Samuel said, clicking off his list.
“Do you think they’ll come?”
“I would, just out of curiosity.”
Violet giggled, putting her hand over her mouth, fearful that the guests in the drawing room might hear her. But she needn’t have worried.
The guests only had eyes for Mona.