"Mrs. Stewart: Congratulations upon your marriage to the young Mr. Stewart! I heard of your nuptials, and that you were to be traveling this way.
"I remember what delightful times we shared last year! With you and your friend Mrs. Belden. I hope that you and your new husband will honor me and my husband with your company at dinner tomorrow evening at eight o'clock."
My first thought was that of course we could not attend; but my next was, how lovely it would be to sit at table next to Robbie as his wife. I wanted to go. I wanted to be presented as Robbie's wife.
The thought following these was: I have nothing to wear.
My heart beating faster, I said, "Rabbit. Can you find the pink silk gown? Do you remember in which trunk it is packed?"
"Yes, madam," she said.
"We have been invited to dinner at the Johnson's home, where Cathy and I visited last year," I said.
"Miss Jessie, it would do you good," she said.
I did not know what to do. Should I answer in the affirmative? The servant was waiting. If only Robbie was here!
I sent Rabbit for pen and ink, chewing on my lip as I thought what to write. When she returned I quickly scribbled back to her that we would attend, and requesting that we be permitted to bring Kevin, as well. I gave it to the servant, feeling breathless and nauseated.
Would I arouse Robbie's displeasure? Now it was too late; he was obliged to attend with me. I sent Rabbit to tell Pete to summon Robbie to me.
Robbie finally appeared at dinner. I was in the room, sitting in a chair, staring down at the street, when he knocked at the door. Rabbit opened it and went out as Robbie came in.
"Good day, lass; I trust you have rested well," he said.
"Yes, thank you," I answered, my hands folded to conceal their trembling.
"Pete said you requested to see me."
I thought, Oh, Robbie, do you not want to see me? But I swallowed and said, "Mrs.
Johnson has invited us for supper tomorrow night, and I have accepted."
"Have you indeed?" he said, looking into my face. "Well, lass, that sounds quite satisfactory. Perhaps a bit of company will do you good."
I felt a bit deflated; I had expected opposition. But then my spirits rose slightly.
"I have requested that Kevin be included in the invitation," I said.