“Darling,” Victoria said, “what’s on your finger right now? What dress are you wearing? Sometimes men need a nudge to get them going. Look up.”
Alix was trying not to blink as her mother reapplied mascara, and thought about what she was hearing. “No cathedral? No fourteen-foot train?”
“Really, dearest, give me credit for having some taste.”
“Mom, I didn’t want to leave you out. I mean …”
“No more tears,” Victoria said, smiling. “Now, aren’t you glad I made you design a larger cake and choose better flowers and invite more people?”
“I am, actually. But Izzy—”
“Is happy. I talked to her in Bermuda this morning, and she’s calm and peaceful, and the baby is no longer under stress. Later, after the baby is born, she and Glenn are going to have another ceremony and all the relatives will be there. You’ll be her matron of honor. It’s all going to work out. You’ll see.”
Alix was looking at her mother. “You seem extraordinarily happy and I’m glad, but is there something else?”
It didn’t seem possible, but Victoria’s face got even brighter, even more lovely. “Well, dear, I know you’re a virgin until tonight, but—”
Alix laughed.
“I had a rather interesting night.”
“How so?”
“Oh no, it’s not something I can tell you about. At least not now. This is your day.” Victoria was redoing her own makeup and she looked at her watch. “I’m going to have to leave you. Your father has the job of telling everyone of the bridal switch and I know he’s going to make a mess of it. I can hardly wait to see it!”
“Mother, be nice.”
“I’m being extraordinarily nice to your father. I haven’t said anything but sweet words to him all day. He’s beginning to look downright terrified.”
Alix knew she shouldn’t laugh, but she did.
“I have to go meet Caleb,” Victoria said as she stood up.
“What?!” Alix said.
“You and Addy and your ghost! It’s not Captain Caleb, it’s Freddy, you know, Dr. Huntley. And I can assure you that his body is quite solid.” She paused a moment to smile. “Anyway, this morning he told me that from now on he wanted to be called by his middle name, Caleb.”
“That’s odd,” Alix said.
“What’s odd is the energy of that man.” Victoria held up her hand. “But you’re still a virgin so I can’t tell you about that.”
“Later, I want to hear every word about what’s been going on.”
Victoria looked outside. “I will. I promise. Jilly is coming, and I’m going to sit in the church with Caleb and watch your father make a fool of himself. What a divine day this is!” She threw a kiss to Alix and left the tent.
“There he is!” Lexie whispered to Toby. They were hidden inside a tent in their pretty jewel-toned dresses, and peeping out at the chapel. The ballerina-length gowns were alike, with form-fitting sleeveless tops, tight waists, and full skirts. The silk of the skirts was overlaid with tulle of a matching color. The only ornament was the little silver belt at the waist. Outside, the small building was packed with people and the two bridesmaids were waiting to be given the word to go in. Alix was secreted away with Jilly in another tent.
Last night the three young women had gone out for a bachelorette party at the island’s liveliest nightspot. But they hadn’t stayed long because the whole place seemed to have been taken over by one man.
As soon as Lexie saw him, she said, “He’s a Kingsley.”
“I think in this case he’s a Montgomery,” Alix said. “Jilly told me a man was flying in for Toby.”
Lexie looked surprised.
“To walk me down the aisle,” Toby said. “Roger is for you, but I need someone.”
“Plymouth?!” Lexie exclaimed. “You got my boss to fly in just to walk me down the aisle?”