Chapter 14 The Engagement Party
Chapter14 The Engagement Party
The Mother of the Bride
Until the moment when the mayor arrived via boat, Alexa was having a perfectly fine time at the party. It was hardly the social
event of the season, but it was a beautiful day in a stunning spot with attractive people and strong drinks. Even though she
didn’t know any of the guests, these were her people. Well, her clients anyway. As the Odyssey brand grew, her reach extended
beyond Montecito and California to other clusters of travelers who could afford a luxury experience, and she had worked with
many groups from Connecticut over the years. The faces all ran together but the overall impression was the same: moneyed and
well-mannered.
Then the mayor of New York arrived and shook her up. She’d always had a thing for men on boats, no doubt because she grew
up on an island. But even during her time in Montecito, when most of the female frothing was aimed at polo players and surfers,
Alexa’s few long relationships had been with sailors. Fit, energetic, at home on the water and restless on land, which suited
her style as well. Granted, the mayor arrived under motor power, not wind power, but he had the look of a man who was comfortable
at sea.
Alexa paid attention to politics, because she was an engaged citizen of the world, in her own estimation, but tried not to get sucked into the day-to-day battles of her adopted homeland. She read her local paper, the Montecito Journal , which reported extensively on the three R’s—restaurants, retail, and real estate, all topics she adored. (Every digital
issue started with the words “Good Morning MoJo-ers!”, a greeting that became her call to action.) For real news from the
real world, Alexa’s preferred source was the BBC, as it always had been. Global context counted to her. She remained publicly
nonpartisan as far as her clients were concerned; red money or blue money was all the same to her. But her knowledge of New
York City politics was limited. She’d seen photos of Timothy Lynch, but not in the bow of an antique Chris-Craft Runabout
with windblown hair. He was a very handsome man.
She watched as first Chase dashed to the mayor’s side, then a cater waiter to relieve Himself of his sandwiches. Next, Penny
made her way to the water’s edge to greet her fiancé’s boss. Then Abigail and George joined in for handshakes and animated
conversation, and then the small group turned to her and waved her over. Simon appeared at her side.
“Shall we?” he said. They had already made the rounds with the Connecticut crowd, tag-teaming introductions, explaining the
same personal details repeatedly about her American-born mother, her Greek father, her relocation to Southern California,
and her travel company. She let Simon handle the university stories, his role as godfather, and how delighted Penny was to
be joining the Blakeman family. They were a winning team who could impress the locals with their Euro-appeal. But what about
Timmo Lynch?
“Oh, yes. I’m sure the Irish mayor of New York is dying to meet an English aristocrat.”
***
There was no doubt that Timmo Lynch had noticed the striking woman in yellow. In a sea of blond and gray heads, both sexes
dressed in the colors of the American flag because it was summer in Connecticut, the statuesque brunette in yellow silk stood
out. Which was why Alexa had worn the outfit in the first place.
Actually, she wore the yellow to annoy Penny after her warning yesterday. But right after that consideration, she wore it
to stand out and serve notice that she, the single mother of the bride, was up to the challenge of the role. She had never
even considered the effect it might have on the Irishman.
“Yellow is my favorite color,” Timmo Lynch declared as he shook Alexa’s hand.
“I don’t believe you,” Alexa responded. “There’s not an Irishman alive who doesn’t count green as his favorite color.”
“You’ve got me there. It’s my second favorite color then,” he confessed with a smile, holding her gaze with the patented bright
blue Lynch stare. Alexa held his gaze as well. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. You couldn’t be anybody else but Penny’s mother.
Well, I can tell you that Chase’s work has been absolute garbage since he’s met your daughter and I hope this wedding puts
an end to that nonsense.”
Chase shook his head. “He’s exaggerating.”
“And I understand that you and I are in the same business?” the mayor said to Simon without hesitation. Obviously, his chief
of staff had briefed him on the party guests as well.
“Both representing our constituents to the best of our ability. Although most of my constituents have four legs and curly
hair,” Simon said, and Alexa noticed that he slipped into a more localized Northern English accent, not the posh tones of
the upper crust as usual. Man of the Sheeple, Lord Simon Fox.
“We wish we had a few more sheep in New York City, don’t we, Chase? Everybody I represent seems to have their own opinion. I could use more followers and a few less leaders.” Everybody laughed, except Abigail, who was still looking distraught over the unexpected Italian subs and the lingering guests. “Speaking of work, Chase, can I pull you away just for a second? I won’t keep him long, Mother.”
Abigail breathed deeply. She had never liked when men referred to her as Mother, like the elderly pediatrician she’d had when
her son was born, but especially this man. He was all talk and charm. She didn’t buy it. As if Chase had neglected his duties
because of Penny. What rubbish. She didn’t care if he’d built a billion-dollar business and then executed his office with
sky-high approval ratings, she wasn’t impressed. “He doesn’t need my permission anymore. I must go check on the party favors.
Excuse me.” And she strode off with purpose, even though party favors didn’t exist. Nuts to go?
Chase and his boss departed and George looked at Simon. “That must be familiar to you. Everything is politics, even an engagement
party. Can I interest you in another drink and a sandwich? I’m famished.”
“Yes, please, to both,” Simon said, following his host to the other side of the yard, leaving Penny and Alexa alone.
“What was that?” Penny hissed at her mother.
“You mean Chase and his boss?” Alexa asked. “That does seem rude in the middle of a party.”
“No, you and Chase’s boss. Were you flirting with Timothy Lynch?”
“I’ve never known how to flirt and I’m certainly not starting now.”
“Something was happening there.”
“Maybe he really does love yellow.”
“Mom, he’s Chase’s boss.” Penny said this as if Alexa had an ongoing issue with hitting on men in inappropriate situations when really the opposite was true. Alexa had spent the last thirty years of her life, as long as Penny was alive, purposely avoiding any questionable men or relationships. She was the most discreet woman in town, the Merry Widows always said, much to their dismay. They wanted to live through her sexual adventures, only to be told by Alexa, time and time again, that there was nothing to tell. Even if there was.
“Penny, you know he has a reputation as a charmer. He was doing his politician thing with me. I suppose he thinks women, especially
women of a certain age, are desperate for attention. He can’t help himself. But you have nothing to worry about. I’ll never
see him again.”
“Mom, who do you think is going to marry us? As in, perform the ceremony?”
“You said it was a surprise.”
“Mayor Lynch is the surprise. He’s coming to the wedding. He insisted. He already has his reservations at the Miramar. Please
behave. I can’t have any drama,” Penny said, again as if her mother’s romantic life had been an ongoing soap opera in her
daughter’s life instead of an afterthought.
Immediately, Alexa recalled the tasteful but billowy sequined caftan she’d put on hold at Kalliope Moon for her mother-of-the-bride
dress. That wouldn’t do at all now. She was going to need something more formfitting. Maybe even in yellow, even though Penny
wanted guests to wear blue. She’d call Monday morning to see what else Kalliope had in her shop. In a blue green , she thought with a wicked smile.
Alexa put on her diplomatic voice for reassurance. “How lovely that he and Chase are so close. It will be an honor to have
him in Montecito, and I’ll call over to Raoul at the Miramar to touch base on Mayor Lynch’s visit. We should do brunch there
when you come out in a few weeks to scout venues. Sound good?”
Penny nodded. The brunch idea soothed her. “We should go soon. I need some food. I’m so hungry, aren’t you?”
***
Alexa and Simon’s exit was sooner than expected. The mayor also had a car waiting, leaving his nephew Gerry to pilot his boat back across the sound to Long Island. He was headed into the city and Penny and Chase were to ride with him. This, Alexa suspected, would be a pattern for the foreseeable future, Penny as third wheel to her fiancé/candidate. In the meantime, the trio were making the rounds with guests again, in what looked suspiciously like the start of Chase’s campaign. Lots of handshakes, back slaps, and raucous laughter by groups of men who had separated themselves from their wives and were basking in the glow of Mayor Lynch, even if they resented the New York City taxes taken out of their Wall Street paychecks.
Alexa and Simon said their goodbyes, while the other guests, sated by sandwiches, appeared to be settling in for another round
of cocktails.
Poor Abigail , thought Alexa. She’ll never get rid of these people.
Bernadette spotted her and made a beeline toward Alexa, panting a little as she reached her. “Before you go, I wanted to get
your card. I’m looking forward to the event in Montecito. I’ll be doing an engagement piece on Penny and Chase and may have
follow-up questions. We should stay in touch.” It wasn’t a suggestion; it was a directive from Aunt B. She would be covering
the wedding, launching her daughter and Chase’s coupledom, along with his political career. Alexa saw the potential for the
whole family to gain. Like the business owner she was, Alexa had stashed a few cards into her clutch. A few other guests,
interested in booking travel, hadn’t blinked when she slipped her cards into their hands. And Bernadette didn’t either.
“Absolutely. Contact me for anything you need,” Alexa responded, handing her card to her fellow female hustler. They both understood the assignment. “As far as the ceremony, I’m happy to arrange your accommodations. Montecito can be busy at the holidays, but I have a wonderful circle of friends who have offered guest suites or casitas to wedding travelers. I’d love to put you someplace special.” It was true. As soon as the word got out, longtime clients had called with congratulations and offers of housing for family and friends for the event. The sort of old-fashioned kindness the locals prided themselves on.
Bernadette nodded. She, too, understood the currency of connection. “What a generous offer. Put me down for a casita for two.
I might even persuade my husband to join me for this one.” And then, the vision of pink and green hustled off to secure a
sandwich for the ride back to Niantic.
***
At the door, Alexa thanked her hosts and made all kinds of statements about looking forward to the future and how she couldn’t
wait to see them in December.
Sarah looked at her with a perfect doggy head tilt. “December? You’ll see us in July. Penny asked Mom and me to come out and
be part of the wedding planning in two weeks. I have the summer off, and Mom can get out of her volunteer gig at the senior
center. We’re psyched, Cali-bound!” She did the type of dance that indicated one too many Aperol spritzes on an empty stomach.
“I can’t wait. I’ve never been to California. I heard UC Santa Barbara has a field hockey pitch overlooking the Pacific. So
cool.”
Alexa tried to hide her shock. She didn’t need the help from these two for a wedding in her town, especially now that her
daughter had hired Madison, the wedding planner. And if she had any further questions, the Merry Widows, with their wise counsel
and their deep knowledge of florists, caterers, staging companies, dance bands, and glam portable toilets, were all she needed.
What was Penny thinking? Was this a makeup for the dress shopping slight? She guessed yes. But what about accommodations for
them at the height of the summer tourist season? It would be impossible. Her mind was spinning. Abigail picked up on that.
“It looks like this is news to you?” Abigail said, offering a small bag of warm nuts for the road.
Alexa wasn’t going to throw Penny under the bus. Plus, it was important for her to appear one step ahead, not one step behind,
on all wedding plans. She’d built her entire professional life on being one step ahead. She didn’t trust Abigail yet so she
gave a nonanswer. “Penny handed me quite a list yesterday. I haven’t been through all the line items, but we welcome your
assistance. Bring your bathing suits!” The two mothers exchanged a quick hug. “What a lovely party. Such a beautiful home
you have. A very special place. And George, you gave a wonderful toast. You did Aristotle and our family proud.”
George puffed up a bit, and Alexa felt a genuine connection for the first time to this man.
Simon added his thanks and said, “I’ll see you both again in Montecito in December!”
As Alexa’s car pulled away from the curb, she turned to look back at the house and there was Timmo Lynch on the front porch,
giving her a tip of his head. As she returned the gesture, a tiny jolt shot through her. Maybe this wedding would have its
perks after all.
Simon noticed her spark. “You and the mayor? Quite the pair.”
Alexa pulled two Italian subs out of her handbag and offered one to Simon. “Sub?”
“Oh, I couldn’t. So many hot nuts, I can barely eat another bite,” he joked, taking the sandwich he was offered, along with
the extra napkin. “And people say the British have bad food.”
“I think we better pre-eat before the rehearsal dinner. I’m afraid it will just be cheese and crackers and a few carrot sticks,”
Alexa agreed, and now they both were laughing. When they settled, she asked, “What do you think of them, Simon? They’ll be
such a big part of Penny’s life.”
“That George is a very solid guy, but I get the sense he lives in a world that’s disappearing. A world where bridge and good manners and references to Aristotle have tremendous value. But Chase doesn’t live in that world and that’s what counts. He’s of this time and place. As is his boss. But I liked all of them for different reasons. Penny will be fine, Lex,” he said. “And say what you will about the mother, she’s an amazing gardener. Did you see those roses? And those hydrangeas? Impressive. A person who can cultivate a garden like that one has something to offer. Be patient.”
“Now who’s the man who lives in a world that is disappearing?” Alexa said, popping the last of the sub into her mouth.
From the Desktop of Dearly Beloveds and Betrotheds
Aunt B’s Engagement of the Month
Penelope Diamandis, Chase Blakeman Engaged to Marry
The afternoon event started with stunning Connecticut coastline views, crisp G&Ts, and Aristotle and ended with the mayor
of New York arriving via boat and toasting the couple with good cheer and Italian sandwiches. In between, there were dozens
of well-wishers celebrating the engagement of New Yorkers Penelope Diamandis and Chase Ellsworth Blakeman at the Fair Harbor
home of Mr.Blakeman’s parents, George and Abigail Blakeman. The wedding is planned for late December in Montecito, California,
where Ms.Diamandis was raised by her mother, Alexa Diamandis.
The couple met the old-fashioned way—on the corner of Seventy-Sixth Street and Third Avenue in Manhattan. Both early morning runners in Central Park, they had been eyeing each other for months. Mr. Blakeman, a graduate of Fordham University, is the chief of staff for the mayor of New York City, Timothy Lynch. Long hours by the mayor’s side meant that his workout time often came before sunrise. Ms. Diamandis, a graduate of Southern Methodist University in Dallas and now a senior account executive at Lynx Communications, a boutique public relations firm specializing in travel, is an early riser as well. The two would often find themselves headed back to their respective Upper East Side apartments at the same time after a loop around the reservoir. One morning, before ducking into a deli for coffee, Mr. Blakeman introduced himself and asked for Ms. Diamandis’s number so he could ask her out.
Instead, she gave him her work email and little hope. “He always wore the same T-shirt when he was running. I was worried
he didn’t know how to do laundry,” Ms.Diamandis recalls.
It turns out that Mr.Blakeman had more than one college T-shirt, and his persistence won over the California native. Over
the next eleven months, Ms.Diamandis learned the city outside Manhattan while accompanying Mr.Blakeman on the weekends to
community events and fairs in the outer boroughs. The two shared subway rides, churros, karaoke contests, and bonding with
constituents. “We were a good fit from the start,” Mr.Blakeman says. “Penny jumped right into cakewalks and barbecues and
whatever might be happening in Queens or Brooklyn or the Bronx. I fell in love with her optimism.”
As for Ms.Diamandis, who spent her childhood summers on the island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea and traveled extensively throughout
Europe with her mother, who is a travel professional, she said, “With Chase as my tour guide, New York City became my oyster.”
Thanks to some help from his boss, Mr. Blakeman dropped to one knee at the top of the Empire State Building while on a prearranged private tour, offering Ms. Diamandis an aquamarine and tourmaline ring from designer Evvie Taylor. Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy, a supporter of the mayor, serenaded the duo with his hit single “Kiss Me” while photographer Colin Brookes snapped photos of the newly engaged couple. Afterward, a table at Bemelmans Bar was waiting for them.
“It was the New York moment of all New York moments,” Ms.Diamandis said.
“That’s how I roll,” Mr.Blakeman responded.
Mr.Blakeman’s parents are George Winthrop Blakeman, a former partner at Pierce, Fenner, and Smith Brokerage and now a ranked
bridge player, and Abigail Ellsworth Blakeman, the former director of development at Silliman School, now retired, of Fair
Harbor, Connecticut. The Groom-to-Be is the great-great-great-grandson of Oliver Ellsworth, a founding father of Connecticut
and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The Bride-to-Be is the daughter of Alexa Diamandis, a citizen of both America
and Greece, where she was raised on Patmos by her parents, hoteliers Yiorgos and the late Eleni Diamandis. She is the CEO
of Odyssey Vacations in Montecito, a luxury travel company.
An intimate California celebration is planned with a honeymoon to follow in the summer in Greece. The Bride will be walked
down the aisle by her godfather, Simon Fox, 4th Baron Plumley, a member of the House of Lords. And will the mayor make another
surprise appearance? The engaged couple are not saying. But their eyes are shining.
A note from Aunt B: I have known Chase all his life, thanks to my decades-long friendship with his mother. I cover this both
as a journalist and as a longtime family friend.