The Summer of Sunshine and Margot - Susan Mallery Page 0,41

“stifling” comment?

Rather than respond, she took in Bianca’s appearance. She’d pinned up her hair, had put on dangling diamond earrings and strappy high-heeled sandals. Her makeup was subtle while still bringing attention to her beautiful face.

“You look like a model for Vogue,” Margot said honestly. “Seriously, Bianca, you take my breath away.”

“The dress is frumpy,” Bianca grumbled.

“It’s classy,” Alec corrected, handing her the martini.

“I feel old.” Bianca swallowed half her drink in a single gulp. “This was a ridiculous idea. I should text Wesley and tell him to forget it. We’ll go get burgers or something. What was I thinking?”

Bianca’s tension was palpable and surprising. Margot lightly touched her arm. “We’ve been working on some breathing exercises. They always make me feel better. Make sure you’re inhaling to your stomach. Short shallow breaths increase anxiety.”

Bianca finished her drink, then held out her glass to Alec. “One more, please. There’s a good boy.” She swung her gaze back to Margot. “Anxious? You couldn’t be more wrong. I’m fine and you might want to put on some shoes.”

Margot had totally forgotten she was still barefoot and wearing an apron. Not exactly the example she wanted to set. She returned to the kitchen and reappeared a few seconds later. Alec was pouring her margarita over ice. When he turned and saw her, his eyes widened slightly, as if taken aback by her appearance.

She felt herself flush. “Yes, well, your mother and I had a deal. I got to pick out her dress and she got to pick out mine. Not that this is something I own because, while it’s lovely, it’s a designer dress and I’ve never owned anything... I mean, it’s your mother’s. But it’s really pretty and I should stop talking now.”

“Yes, you should,” Bianca told her. “You look great. If my monk-like son noticed, then my work here is done. Oh, there’s the doorbell. I’ll get it.”

Margot looked after her. “She’s in a mood.”

“Still think you’re not needed?”

Bianca returned with a tall, thin man at her side. Wesley Goswick-Chance wasn’t the most handsome man, but he had an air of confidence that was appealing. He wore glasses and a suit that had obviously been custom-made for him, and when he looked at Bianca, it was as if the sun had finally returned after a six-year absence.

Bianca waved toward Margot. “Here she is, Wesley. The woman who is going to fix me. Or at least try.”

Wesley smiled and shook Margot’s hand. “Lovely to meet you. I’m sure you’ll agree that my darling Bianca is exquisite exactly as she is.”

“I do agree. Completely.”

Wesley handed over a medium-size gift bag. “Just a little something.”

“Thank you. Shall I look inside now?”

“Whatever you’d like.”

Margot guided everyone to the seating area. Alec handed Wesley a Scotch and poured one for himself, as well. Margot opened the gift bag and pulled out a beautiful cardigan sweater. The wool was delicate and soft, dyed in what seemed to be a thousand shades of blue.

“It’s lovely,” she told Wesley. “Thank you so much. You’re very thoughtful. I will think of your wonderful country every time I wear it.”

“Oh dear God,” Bianca grumbled. “Isn’t that laying it on a bit thick? I mean it’s nice, but it’s a sweater.”

Alec looked uncomfortable but Wesley only laughed and captured Bianca’s hand in his. “My delightful Bianca always speaks her mind. It’s so refreshing.”

“It is,” Alec murmured.

Margot made a mental note to discuss erring on the side of graciousness when in a social situation. She would also have Bianca help her write her thank-you note.

She thought about how this Bianca—sharp, almost brittle—was so different from the woman who had negotiated who wore what and who sometimes insisted on ten-minute dance breaks during her lessons.

“Have you been to Cardigania?” Wesley asked her.

“I haven’t,” Margot told him. “But I hear it’s lovely.”

“It is. Bianca visited once, but only for a short time.” He squeezed her hand. “We’re trying to get something scheduled.”

Bianca offered a tight smile. “We are. I can’t wait.”

The words were right, but the panic in her eyes told Margot that Bianca was terrified to visit Cardigania and Margot had no idea why. The visit wouldn’t be for formal state business. No doubt they would do touristy things. Of course she would be meeting Wesley’s friends and colleagues and that could be stressful.

“Do you enjoy travel?” Wesley asked Margot.

“I do. Like most people, I have a bucket list of places I’d like to visit. My problem is I don’t really enjoy the one-week