When I was finished, I turned to him. “I’m not angry. I was just thinking about it, that’s all. And I’ve made a decision.”

“Oh?”

“I agree.”

“Oh, good,” he said, smiling.

“But I don’t want to move into the bedroom my parents are using.”

“Why not?”

“I want to move into the Swan Room,” I said. “In fact, that is the only room I’d move into if not sharing yours.”

He sat up, staring at me. “No one’s ever slept in it,” he said.

“Exactly. Why waste something that beautiful? Have done whatever has to be done. I’ll move in right after my parents leave.”

I walked to the doorway and then turned back to him.

“And I’ll look at your mother’s wardrobe sometime tomorrow after the tailor works on my wedding dress. If there’s anything to rescue, I’d like to do it now. Okay?”

“Sure,” he said, but he still looked a little dazed.

“Good night, my love. I’m very excited about all you’re doing to make our wedding practically a historic event.”

I blew him a kiss and left.

I walked to my room and entered. Dora was there, just as Garland had said she would be, but she had fallen asleep in the chair by the bed.

I started to undress. She heard me and quickly rose to help.

“I’m fine,” I said, feeling quite annoyed now. “I don’t need help with this. I’m not an invalid.”

She looked devastated.

“It’s all right,” I said with less annoyance. “Thank you.”

She smiled with relief. Obviously, Garland had warned her never to do anything that would displease me.

“I put out your nightgown,” she said, nodding at the bed.

I looked at it and shook my head. It was a dull-gray gown with a square neckline and a capelike collar, puffed sleeves, and a pleated front bodice. The neckline had elaborate embroidery.

“That’s not my nightgown. Where did you get it?”

“Mr. Foxworth had me fetch it from his mother’s things and told me to lay it out for you.”

“Take it back to whatever old chest it was stored in.”

“I washed it, and it’s scented.”

“I don’t care. I’m not sleeping in that. I’m going to the bathroom, where I will put on my own nightgown. I’ll be going right to sleep afterward, so go get some sleep yourself, Dora.”

She stood there like someone afraid to move.

“Go,” I nearly shouted.

She jerked herself to the right, carefully gathered up the nightgown, and started out. “I’ll bring up some warm milk.”

“I don’t want any warm milk. Go to sleep,” I ordered, and went for my own nightgown. She was still standing in the doorway when I turned back. “What?”

She looked absolutely frightened. “Can I just leave this here, maybe in the closet?”