Page 73 of Misrule
“I’ve already talked to Reverend Mackey,” Joan cut in.
“For?” Roxy asked, contemplating dragging Charlotte from her chair and punching her in the mouth.
“The service, of course,” Joan said. “What do you think?”
“We’re not having Reverend Mackey,” Roxy said with a shake of her head. “We’re going to have Father Wilkins officiate.”
“Oh, my goodness,” Charlotte said faintly. “Are you kidding me? Kendall tell me she’s not serious.”
“Who is Father Wilkins?” Joan asked.
“A despicable crook who pretends to be a priest,” Charlotte said, then shivered delicately.
“He’s the man who’s marrying me and Knox,” Roxy said.
“Yeah, and renewing the vows between Lucas and me,” Bailey added.
“Father Wilkins heads up all of our religious events.” Besides a greeting and her invitation to Kendall, Meggie hadn’t said much, so Roxy was glad to have her input. “It’s a tradition that started when I married Christopher.”
Charlotte wrinkled her nose.
“We’ll see who Knox prefers,” Joan said.
“Knox prefers whoever the fuckIwant,” Roxy snapped. She stood, tired of the drama. “I think it’s time to go. We have some difference of opinions that can lead to a nasty argument. Knox loves you, so I’d really prefer not to have a falling out with you.”
“How considerate.” Venom laced Joan’s words.
Meggie, Bailey, Zoann, Bunny, and Kendall stood.
“Kendall, dear, please stay. I can have a tete-a-tete with Charlotte.”
“I really need to get going, Joan. I’m sure you and Charlotte can catch up with each other some other time.”
“Charlotte, you can stay. I’ll see that you get home.”
Charlotte hung her head. “The place I live in is horrible. Nothing like where I once resided. I’m ashamed for you to see it.”
“My dear, don’t tax yourself,” Joan said. “I am not one to judge.”
Bitch, please.
Deciding she’d had enough, Roxy bid Joan and Charlotte farewell, then led the other girls out of the room, where a butler stood, waiting at the door.
“It’s a good thing we didn’t bring in the magazines,” Meggie chirped. “We would’ve carried them in for nothing.”
“We can still find a bridal shop to stop in. Perhaps, even make an appointment for a later date,” Bailey said, pressing the unlock button on her key fob. She turned to Kendall. “I’m not sure where we’re going, but you’re welcomed to follow us.”
Kendall shook her head. “No, but thank you. I need to get home.”
Roxy went to her and hugged her. “Hang in there, sugar,” she said.
“I’m trying,” Kendall whispered, for her ears alone. “But it’s hard. I feel like the outsider.”
“Come to dinner tomorrow night. You’ll see you’re still just as much part of the family as ever,” Roxy said.
Kendall nodded. “I will. Right now, I think I’ll go home and relax in a bubble bath.”
“Do that,” Roxy said.
