Page 117 of The Curious Story of the Missing Lady
He rang for Foster. When the butler appeared, Ambrose gave the order to fetch the rest of his family. It was then he spied the sideboard.
“I think we three could use a drink, eh?”
He went over and poured out brandy for the trio. Then, raising his glass, he said, “To love.”
“To love,” echoed the men.
Chapter 80
The butterflies in Madeline’s stomach had reach a full frenzy as she made her way to the study. She had no cause to be nervous. She was merely joyful to the point of hysteria. Never had she felt so elated. She tingled down to the soles of her feet. And her heart nearly melted when she entered the study and saw her dear Papa and Mama–and Peter and Oliver–waiting there.
“Well,” she said, “looks like the party has been scaled down to just us five.”
“Six,” said Emily, sidling up from behind her.
“Now that you’re here, Madeline, Emily,” said Mama, “I suppose you men can finally clue us in on what this is all about.”
“My heart,” said Ambrose, turning to his wife, “I am pleased to announce that in addition to this wedding today, there will be another.” He held out his hand to Emily, who stood beaming.
“Well,” said Mama, looking back and forth between Emily and Peter, “Am I to guess who the lucky man is?”
“I am,” said Oliver.
Papa let go with a laugh that buoyed Madeline’s heart.
“What?” said Mama, a look of utter confusion on her poor face.
“We all have a great deal of explaining to do, Abigail,” said Papa. “Let us all have a seat, and we will regale you with the most wonderful tale.”
They all sat and talked and told the entire story once more. And when they were through, Madeline was in tears and so was her mother. So was Emily. They hugged each other and cried some more. The tears were copious and joyful. The men sat and watched, looking like the proud husbands and fathers to be that they were.
“So,” said Papa, “as you see, Abigail, we are to have two weddings. It is truly a day of celebration.”
“It is,” said Mama. But there came a change over her countenance that Madeline could not help catching.
“Mama,” she said, “what’s wrong? Are you not happy?”
“Oh, child, I am happy as can be. But ...”
“But what?” said Emily.
Mama looked at her husband. “Ambrose, I believe it is time for you to come clean.”
“Abigail,” he said, “this is not the time.”
“When is the time? We are all here; our entire family is here, Ambrose. I think now is the perfect time.”
“Very well,” said Papa. He rang for Foster, then went to the sideboard and poured himself another drink. “Allow me a moment to gather my thoughts.”
When Foster appeared, Papa approached the man solemnly.
“Foster, I would like you to make an announcement to our guests. I see that the time is fast approaching when we ought to begin the wedding ceremony. I want you to announce that there will be a slight delay.”
Mama approached the butler. “Have Mrs Andrews begin serving thehors d’oeuvresto the guests. We don’t want them to starve while they wait.”
“Yes, M’Lady, M’Lord,” said Foster and immediately glided off.
“Well then,” said Papa, “now that that’s settled, where do I even begin?”
