Page 109 of The Blessings of Christmas
Victoria shrank. Was her eye really that noticeable? She should've gone straight to the attic, but no way did she want to borrow a ballerina from the Paris Opera House or a Lipizzaner Horse from Vienna without asking. “I’m fine. Just caught something in it while I was working at the shop. Occupational hazard.” Victoria had no idea what that meant but she’d heard Maisy use it when she caught a finger in the glass case.
Back to the ornaments. “Do you remember if we have any angel ornaments up there? You know, homey stuff like angels or Santa. Reindeer.”
Mama's eyes swept to the tree glistening next the fireplace that would never be lit. “You don't think our trees are ‘homey?’ I’m not sure I know what that means.”
Okay, Victoria had to think fast. “You know. A little less glitter.”
“Glitter?” With glitter shining around her, Mama looked puzzled. Daddy disappeared into his coffee cup.
“My customers are more casual.”
Her mother sat down and snapped open a napkin. “Poke around upstairs. I never throw anything away. One day you or Randall might want those historical treasures.”
“Thanks, Mama.” Victoria doubted that her younger brother gave a rip about the ornaments.
“Getting ready for Palm Beach?” Her mother spread a teaspoon of marmalade on her toast. That’s all she ever allowed herself.
“Of course.” Huge lie. “Do you have the agenda yet?”
“Maribelle will email it to you. We’re a little behind with ordering our gowns. But I’ll get some samples in soon.”
“Thank you. I’ve been so busy.”Busy throwing myself in harm’s way to catch the eye of a certain doctor.
“Blue has always been your color.” Mama’s eyes narrowed. “Still a size two, correct?”
“Yes, Mama.” Victoria sucked in her stomach.
Sometimes Mama reminded Victoria of her proctor in sophomore study hall, checking to make sure homework was finished.
“Your mother and I look forward to having you with us, sweetheart.” Reaching over, Daddy squeezed her hand. He could be such a charmer. Folks said her father could talk a rattler into buying snake oil.
“It’s bad enough that Uncle Vinny won’t be there.” Mom’s eyes saddened.
“What?” That was a shocker. “Are you serious? Uncle Vinny always comes, especially since he lost Aunt Leena.”
Daddy chuckled. “All that might be changing. Your uncle is about to take a big step.”
“Which I think is ridiculous.” Mama stabbed the scrambled eggs with her fork.
“So what’s happening?”
Swinging a cautious eye in his wife’s direction, Daddy said, “Let’s just say, he’s been spending time at Gravers Jewelers.”
Her mother stirred sugar into her coffee, the silver spoon clinking dangerously against the china.
“You mean for Miss Lottie?” Excitement bubbled up inside.
Daddy’s serious nod was her answer. “Let’s just say that he’s not looking for some holiday bauble, if you know what I mean.”
“Honestly, is this appropriate?” Mama cut her words off like cold butter.
Victoria’s mind skipped ahead. “That would make her my aunt.”
“I do wish he’d stop and think.” Shoving back her chair, her mother returned to the buffet for a piece of bacon. So, that’s how serious this was. Mama had lapsed into the emotional eating she always warned Victoria about.
“Exactly. So he has to stay in town.” Her father looked pleased. “Has a special dinner planned or something.”
“Oh, that’s great, Daddy. I love Miss Charlotte.”
