“Rachel? Is everything all right?”
“Everything’s fine. Actually, I wanted to ask you a favor.”
We’ll pack grocery boxes too.
“A favor? After what you did for me?”
“It’s a little unusual.”
“Well, now you’ve got me curious.”
I explained what I needed.
Margaret was quiet for a moment.
I wanted to ask you a favor.
“Will that woman be there?”
“Yes. But it’s entirely your choice.”
Another pause.
“All right, honey. I’ll do it.”
“Thank you, Margaret.”
Now you’ve got me curious.
“Just promise me one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“Don’t expect me to wear anything fancy.”
I laughed. “Deal.”
Beatrice’s lesson in generosity was about to get painfully practical.
Promise me one thing.
***
At seven, wealthy donors began arriving.
Beatrice entered wearing a glittering designer gown.
