Midlife Blues - Victoria Danann Page 0,5

lights on in every room.

He’d said, “Pretty to look at, but no doubt a strain on old breaker boxes.”

Yes. There was that.

“So, you think it’ll be the old murder-when-the-lights-went-out plot?”

“It’s a fan favorite.”

My British fae lover had a thing for American sports references.

I’d expected that John David would hire help. But he’d hired an army of domestic professionals to put on a version of Downton-Abbey-hosts-the-queen. As the gloved butler was taking our coats and showing us toward the drawing room, I was thinking about the fact that, to my ex, a big anniversary splurge was dinner out with no coupon. I’d definitely landed on my feet.

I didn’t know how it was possible that we’d been right on time and still were the last people to arrive. Perhaps magic kind believed in being fashionably early. It was great fun to get to see everyone decked out in the costumes of 1920s rich people.

Four people I’d never seen before made a point of introducing themselves. I assumed they were hired actors and, when I heard their names, I was sure of it. Professor Smite. Colonel Connolly. Clan Destin. And Lorca Scarlet, who was an attractive young woman with a slender build and exotic violet eyes.

Ms. Scarlet burst into laughter when I told her my name.

“Rita Hayworth. Good one,” she said. “I wish I’d thought of it.

“You and my grandmother.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“It was my grandmother’s big idea. Rita Hayworth is my real name.”

Lorca looked crestfallen. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean…”

“Forget it,” I said. “They’re so few people who know the name in this day and age that it was kind of fun to run into somebody who appreciates the irony of me having a name like that.”

She cocked her head. “Why is that ironic?”

“You know,” I said, “Because she was a sexy, siren, heartthrob.”

Scarlet didn’t seem to get the joke. “I think the real irony is that you’re unaware there’s no irony. I’d tell you to go find a mirror, but you know…” she raised her eyebrows, “vampire’s house.”

I looked around. “Are there really no mirrors?” I was trying to remember if I’d seen mirrors the one other time I’d been there.

She laughed. “Of course, there are mirrors. I was just having you on.”

I chuckled. “Yeah. Well, you got me.”

John David breezed in looking too handsome and too well dressed to be real. “I’m told dinner is ready. Shall we advance upon the game?” He motioned toward the grand foyer. “Right this way.”

We followed along. “Lily,” I said. “Can you believe all these fresh flowers? At this time of year? Incredible!”

She beamed. “Yes. I had to bring in a truck from London. It was so fun. I should probably give you a commission for making John David outgoing enough to throw parties. He spent as much as I’d normally make in half a year.”

“I’m so glad you got the job. Glad John David patronizes local establishments.” I stopped at an enormous arrangement in the center of the grand foyer. “Nobody does it better. You should get photos.”

“Just wait till you see the table.”

I didn’t have to wait long.

There were four dining rooms altogether, but we were being treated to dinner in grand dame, the one that would make formal dining in the Newport mansions look like poor relations.

Eighteen places were set with enough silver flatware for five courses and enough stemware to give the wine cellar a workout. Flowers and half tapers lined the table end to end and I really did think someone should’ve been taking pictures.

“Your place cards are little envelopes, as you can see,” John David announced. “After dessert, we’ll open them to learn who’ll be playing the part of the investigator and solve the evening’s murder mystery.”

We all exchanged looks then set about looking for our names.

As I casually hunted for my name, I passed Esme. Her dreads were wound into a complicated updo and accentuated with a modest tiara that was flattering on her, as was the deep, red color of her striking sequined and beaded dress.

“Esmerelda. Love the beads and sequins.” She sniffed and might’ve looked the tiniest little bit embarrassed, which was not like her at all. “I’m just teasing. Of course, you had to wear this dress and none other. It’s perfect for you.”

“Thank you,” she said quietly.

John David was seated at one end of the long table. Maggie was seated at the other. Between were the four actors, Bren, Braden, Dolan, Olivia, Esmerelda, Fie, Molly, Ivy, Lochlan, Lily, Keir and me.

It was