Page 49 of A Spinster to Heal the Duke
"No," said Esther, though she looked guilty. "I merely wanted to ensure each worthy family was aware they had the option to attend the gathering.
"Yes, every store owner and every person she saw between shops," Judith noted at her sister's expense.
Saving face, Esther said, "I am not to be faulted for sharing the most exciting news that has come to Reedley since anytime I can remember."
"Of course not," soothed Anne. "People want to know such things."
"Exactly," said Esther contentedly. "Even if they cannot attend, some live vicariously through others, waiting to know how the night went."
"I only tease you, sister," assured Judith with a smile. "There will be many who will be disappointed though to not be invited or to have their invitation rescinded."
The Baron looked thoughtful.
"I can easily request the assembly room for us if that is what you prefer, Grandon. It would also mean more work and cooking for you — Anne, ladies, can you manage that?" he asked, looking around the room.
"We are more than happy to cook as much as needed and have our maid help as well," Esther said.
Judith nodded in agreement. Charles continued to sip his tea and have a sandwich since he wasn't required for much eitherway. Anne and the Duke looked at each other, seeming to have an unspoken conversation with only their eyes.
"There is a larger kitchen there that makes serving so many possible. I could ask for one of the upper rooms to dress before the evening began," Anne suggested.
"I would hate to disappoint the people of Reedley," said the Duke, "if they will be as interested as you claim."
Jeremy looked around the room. His granddaughter and Grandon seemed tolerant of the idea. Esther and Judith looked at him expectantly as though they may not be able to stay composed in their seats until he said yes or no.
"That settles it, then," decided Jeremy. "If you all are willing and agree, I concede. We will hold a larger banquet."
The two older ladies both smiled and clapped briefly.
He continued when they finished. "I will secure the assembly. But, perhaps let's cap the guests at one hundred-fifty."
"Certainly," said Esther, pleased that she had her way overall.
The rest of tea concluded without further planning though Judith and Esther could speak of nothing but their excitement and who to keep or remove from their guest list or who to invite that they had not yet spoken to. When they left, the Drowtonsand the Duke were only too pleased when the door closed behind them.
"I suppose none of us really felt in a position to tell them no," said Jeremy.
"They are an interesting pair, but they did not make any requests that were beyond good manners to accommodate," observed the Duke.
"It is only one evening," pointed out Anne. "Although, I will be very busy in the days leading up to it. I must view the assembly and decorate with greenery, flowers, and pressed tablecloths. To make the cooking easier, I could prepare any bread and cakes the day before then prepare the rest the day of.
"Sounds like a lot, sister," Charles said with a carefree laugh.
"You shall be helping me with everything that isn't cooking," Anne suggested.
His smile faded, and he said, "I knew I wouldn't get off easy."
"You will survive," stated Jeremy. "Both of you will. I have no doubt that if I speak to some of the shop owners who have been invited, they will be all too eager to have a hand in things, so they too can say they were part of planning the Duke's party."
"You believe so, Grandfather?" Anne asked.
"I am positive," replied the Baron. "It is how it is done when it is someone so important. If it were a wedding, their contributions would be part of their gift. Some may even send a letter to the house expressing as much or tell you when you come to purchase what you need."
Anne relaxed some.
"That is somewhat a relief," she said.
"Yes, I would hate for you to be too tired from preparing to have a dance and game of cards," the Duke noted, smiling his first real smile all afternoon.
