Alas Ethan noted one of them was Eunice.
He guessed that his mother had had a hand in formulating the invitation list, her hopes lasting longer than feasible that passion would ignite between Ethan and the slightly older distant relative.
He'd given up years ago admonishing his mother over her blatant and frequent attempts at match making. Much to Ethan's chagrin she had introduced Ethan to Chloe's mother and didn't that turn out to be a marriage from hell. Thank god it only lasted 2 years and he had gained custody of Chloe.
So once again he had to grin and bear it but this time he could be magnanimous. After tonight she will realise that her services were no longer needed. He'd found his soul mate, his true love. He just hadn't said the words exactly to the object of his adoration. An omission he intended to correct tonight.
With dismay, soon after his entrance, Ethan had to suffer the clinging embrace of Magnolia. His 'You're not my hostess.' call clearly ignored. Even more disconcerting was the way she tenaciously hung onto his arm as he worked his way around the room. He was too busy scanning for Maggie amongst the throng, which was now returning to the serious business of partying, to notice. It wasn't until a pointed comment from his mother made Ethan register that they must make a picture of togetherness at odds with the true state of affairs.
Disentangling himself from a far from happy Magnolia Ethan made a beeline for the kitchen. There he found, surrounded by a glut of caterers all busily finishing off the savouries, his 'fount of all knowledge'.
'There you are my darling housekeeper.' he bravely said out loud. 'Have you seen…' glancing at his watch '…Maggie?'
Scowling Darlene didn't answer immediately but continued to place the salmon mornay into the tiny vol au vents. She'd fought and lost the argument with Maggie regarding her presence at the party. Seeing Ethan cosying up to that viper had not helped her equanimity.
'She's in her room.'
'Why?'
'It's not my place to say.'
Ethan wondered where this newly discovered and he suspected mythical "place" was that prevented Darlene saying what was on her mind. She'd never set foot in it before.
'Darlene, why is Maggie in her room? Is she still getting ready?'
Darlene's snort answered that one.
'If she's not getting ready now is she intending to come down later?'
Darlene's scowl in his direction answered that one, eloquently backed up by the thumping of the tray into the oven.