Margot hesitates, not wanting to broach one of her subjects in front of Christina. But as she and Daphne now seem to be in business together, perhaps it doesn’t matter.
‘I was very sorry to hear about your husband,’ she says.
Daphne’s face falls briefly. ‘Thank you,’ she says. ‘It was the best thing, in the end. He wasn’t having much of a life.’
The calculation of exactly how much of a life a person should have is something that’s been weighing on Margot as she works out what to do about Lavinia and the house. Not that she’s going to tell Daphne about that. She has other news.
‘I need a dress,’ she says, and Daphne’s eyes widen. No doubt she’s wondering how Margot would be able to afford a new dress, which would be reasonable.
‘Oh?’ Daphne says. ‘What for?’
Margot can’t help smiling. She’s been doing that a lot lately. ‘My wedding.’
‘Wedding!’ Daphne squawks. ‘Your wedding! Margot, you dark horse!’
Margot keeps smiling, and tries not to feel too smug.
‘Who’s the lucky gentleman?’
‘His name is Stephen Williams.’
Daphne scrunches up her face. ‘The antiques fella?’
‘You know him?’ This feels quite reassuring to Margot.
‘He’s been in the area for a while, and so have I.’ Daphne peers at her. ‘He’s making you happy?’
‘Yes.’
Christina appears beside them. ‘Did I hear you say wedding?’
Margot nods.
‘How wonderful! When?’
‘In a month. At the registry office. And I need a dress.’
‘The registry office?’ Daphne says, sounding mildly shocked. ‘Can’t he make a bigger to-do of it?’
‘We’ll have a party,’ Margot says. ‘And I would love to invite you.’
‘I’ll be there,’ Daphne says. ‘But this one is off to Hollywood for a while.’ She nods at Christina.
‘Not Hollywood technically. We’re filming in Oregon.’
‘Splitting hairs,’ Daphne says. ‘She has a new movie, at any rate.’
‘How exciting,’ Margot says. ‘When do you leave?’
‘Next week. But we can sort out your dress today. Or would you like one made? Daphne could design something for you.’
Margot turns toward Daphne. ‘You could?’
‘It’s a little hobby of mine. Young Lucy-Lu and I are in cahoots.’
‘She’sdivinelygood,’ says Christina.
‘Nonsense,’ Daphne scolds, but she looks pleased. ‘And let’s look at the rack first. Are you wanting white?’