Chapter 8 #2
Angela was speechless, mouth open; classic Robert. She decided she wouldn’t speak to him for the rest of the drive
They arrived at the estate at about a quarter to four. Everyone was to arrive before four o’clock and Dot would make her appearance between four-thirty and five. The iron gates were opened and they drove right through.
“You go down to the back of the house and there’s a small parking,” Angela explained to Robert who was mesmerized.
“Wow, this lady is loaded.”
It never occurred to him that this was not Dot’s home. Angela chose to not correct him.
There were already a few cars in the parking lot and a catering van.
Angela wondered how they were going to get Dot in the house; front entrance, perhaps.
Ellie greeted them at the door and Angela made the introductions.
Ellie took their jackets and gift. Madison instantly warmed up to her.
Robert admired the slate floors, the spiral wrought iron staircase, the twelve foot ceilings and the extensive use of beautiful dark wood and moldings in the ornate ceilings.
“This place is like a work of art, isn’t it?” Angela commented to Robert as they made their way to the dining room. She pointed to the study as they passed.
“That’s where we read. Look at all the books.”
Ellie directed them towards the garden. Round tables covered by white umbrellas were beautifully set, everywhere in the open areas of the garden.
Large mature oak and birch trees stood overtop and provided additional shade.
It was a beautiful day. The tables were draped in white linen, covered with white china and silverware.
Centerpieces consisting of white roses in glass vases sat between silver candle holders.
Angela thought it was the most stunning party she had ever seen.
There were already quite a few people in the garden when Angela and her crew made their entrance.
Angela guessed there to be about ten to fifteen guests.
She immediately recognized Michelle and Eric.
Michelle was wearing a cute plaid outfit – in the exact same pattern as Angela’s skirt.
They were filling up at the appetizer table.
Angela walked up to her, holding Madison on her hip.
“We match!” she said.
Michelle looked at her but didn’t respond. Well, this was an opportunity to use her French, Angela thought.
She told her she had a nice dress – in French, and was met with a smile.
“We look... same,” Michelle told her, struggling for her words.
“You speak a bit of English. That’s good,” Angela encouraged her.
A striking petite woman walked up to Michelle and pulled her hair back with the gentle stroke of a mother’s hands.
“I’m sorry. She does not speak English much,” she told her.
She was a very delicate woman with large brown eyes.
She reminded Angela of Audrey Hepburn; so tiny and sophisticated, wearing a simple black sheer dress, her hair up in a bun.
Of course, Angela knew who she was before she introduced herself.
“This is Michelle and I am Hélene,” she said as she offered her hand.
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Angela, a friend of Dot’s.” Angela quickly searched around for Robert but couldn’t spot him.
“And who is this?” Hélene asked, looking at Madison.
“This is my Goddaughter.” Angela bounced her lightly on her hip. “She’s always in for a good party.”
“Aren’t you?” Angela tickled her belly just the way Madison liked it. She loved the sound of her laugh.
“Hello Angela. I’m glad you could make it,” Michael said, having made a surprise appearance. He spoke in a very business-like manner; unlike the way he usually spoke to her. He was about a foot taller than his ex-wife.
“Well, of course I would,” she told him, slightly distracted; she couldn’t take her eyes off Hélene.
“You two have met?”
They both nodded.
“Great.” He smiled and was off again, mingling with the guests.
She found herself a little disappointed; a bit jealous even.
Although she realized she was being absolutely ridiculous.
She was in no position to be jealous. Hélene was so beautiful and almost the complete opposite of her; petite, fair, brunette and sophisticated.
She wondered if Hélene was Michael’s picture of attractiveness; if that was the case, then how could he possibly ever be attracted to her.
She liked the idea of him being attracted to her even if nothing was to ever come of it.
“How do you know Dot?” Hélene was curious.
“Oh... I come here to read with her.” She put Madison down.” You came from Montréal?”
“From Drummondville – we live north of Montréal,” she said. As someone gave her a big hug, her attention shifted.
Michael made his way back to Angela. “Sorry about that. So many people I haven’t seen.”
“I completely understand. So you managed to kick Dot out of the house today?”
“Yes. She was playing me for a while. I think you were right. She was on to me – she’s not stupid, my mother.”
“No, she’s not.”
“Hey, cutie,” he said as he touched Madison’s nose. She grinned instantly.
Yep. He’s a charmer.
“She likes you.”
“Where is Robert?” he asked.
Angela looked for him around the garden. “Oh right there, by the fountain,” she pointed, hesitant to introduce them. She wasn’t sure why but part of her did not want them to meet. But she figured it would be best if they did; it might make the reality of their situation more concrete.
“Would you like to meet him?”
“Sure,” he said as he headed in his direction. He was eager to see what this man was like; the man who had captured Angela’s heart.
“Robert, this is Michael. Dot’s son,” she told him matter-of-factly; like he was just anyone else.
“Good to meet you,” Robert said as they shook hands.
“Same here.”
All Angela could think was yesterday’s kiss; it was so vivid in her mind. She felt a pang of guilt.
Madison hopped between them to investigate the fish. She was thrilled; in heaven, looking at the colors; moving oranges and yellows.
“You like my fish?” Michael leaned down to her level.
“Nemo,” she said, pointing to the orange fish.
“Well, that’s Frank actually but you can call him Nemo if you like.”
“Thanks for having us over,” Robert offered.
“Thank you for coming. Dot will be happy to see you,” he said as he stood up and looked out in the distance. “Help yourself to drinks and appetizers. It’s all right there.” He pointed at the pony tailed woman by the table meticulously organizing the appetizers.
“Yep. Sounds good.” Angela looked for a dessert table but there was none to be seen. She was comforted by the knowledge of looming birthday cake.
He took off, determined to stay away from Angela for the rest of the evening as he had told her he would, the previous night.
Seeing Robert in the flesh made him feel guilty.
He had kissed this man’s fiancé; this man who had offered his hand with a smile, who had thanked him for inviting them.
On the surface, he seemed nice enough; not like the brute he had imagined.
More than ever, he was determined to stay away from Angela.
People quickly made their way to the party. By five, there must have been about forty guests or so. Angela and Robert were introduced to a few people including Michael’s brother and his family. Angela had the chance to chat with Irene who she had met the previous night.
“Did you enjoy the art show?” Irene asked her.
“I did,” she told her plainly. You have no idea.
Irene introduced her to her two teenage daughters who were stunning, with long flowing hair, the same auburn shade as their mother’s.
Madison enjoyed running with the few other children, although they were all a bit older than her.
It was about ten past five when Dot made her grand entrance, accompanied by Paul.
“Oh, my goodness, what is all this?” she touched her hand to her lips, feigning a look of surprise. “My, what a surprise,” she said, enthusiastically scanning the garden and all its decorations and smiling guests.
She seemed to enjoy the attention. She was seated at the table of honor, by the large maple. Everyone made their way to her to wish her a happy birthday. Angela and Robert waited until she had talked to her family before taking their turn. Angela was happy to finally introduce her to Robert.
“It’s nice to finally put a face to a name. I’ve heard so much about you,” Robert told her.
“Uh-hum,” she said, scanning him from head to toe.
Angela introduced her to Madison. Dot gave the little girl a quick smile.
Dinner was a nice Cornish hen served with baby potatoes and vegetables.
There were also chicken fingers and restaurant style high chairs for the little ones.
Angela, Madison and Robert were seated at the edge of the garden, next to a tall cedar hedge wall.
Every detail was taken care of. Everything was perfect.
After dinner, Michael and his brother came in with a huge lit birthday cake.
Thankfully, it was not a windy day and the candles remained intact.
Angela guessed there were about eighty candles on the cake.
She was surprised the tall maple didn’t catch on fire.
They walked slowly over to Dot, singing happy birthday, assisted by the whole crowd.
Dot needed the help of her sons to blow out the candles; between the three of them, they managed.
The cake was moist chocolate layered with raspberry filling served with fresh raspberries and vanilla ice cream topped with melted chocolate; to die for.
This by far, was the best part of the evening.
Angela always thought that maybe some day, somehow, she would be rewarded for her good deeds and this; this was it.
It was all worth it. Seeing Michael looking fantastic in a tailored black suit was also a highlight of the night.