“What plan?”
“We’ll have a coming out party for Mortimer!”
Mrs. Peabody’s expression changed as Mrs. Dixon’s words registered. “Why, that will be wonderful!” She clapped her hands happily.
“Yes. Next week,” Mrs. Dixon decided. “We’ll invite all the families with young, single ladies, and let them get a feel for what it would be like for them to be a lady of the Ascariot Manor. We’ll polish the best china; you can cook up a masterpiece—five courses. It will be perfect.”
“But what about the table?”
“I’ll have Neville take care of that,” Mrs. Dixon flushed with annoyance. “We’ll just keep that little issue between us. If anyone asks, we’re redecorating.”
“Wonderful. I’ve some splendid ideas for colors in the foyer.”
“No, no, no,” Mrs. Dixon finished the rest of her drink. “We’re not
