I know you do, Hardwick thought darkly. He smiled at her. “Thank you. I’ll be there.” How perfect. The suite across the hall is probably a mirror image, but now I’ll know for sure what to expect Friday night.

“Lovely,” Veronica cried. “That means that every-one here will be in attendance, along with a few other friends we’ve made today and perhaps a few more we have not yet met. After dinner I’m going straight upstairs to plan which hors d’oeuvres we will serve.”

“That’s my specialty,” Gavin quivered, like a pot of water the second before it finally boils. “I planned a lot of the celebrity parties my radio station sponsored. As a matter of fact”—he turned and winked at Regan—“one famous author who shall remain nameless adored the scallops and bacon I always ordered for our annual Christmas bash ...”

I think Nora went to that party once, Regan thought.

“And of course on board ship I have helped many of our guests plan private soirees. Lady Exner, please allow me to assist you this evening. I’m sure Regan might like the chance to join some of the younger folks down at the disco ...”

What younger folks? Regan thought.

Gavin realized his armpits were drenched and he felt light-headed as Veronica agreed heartily. “You are too, too kind,” she cried. “How lucky we are to have been placed at your table. Aren’t we lucky, Regan?”

“Very lucky.”

“I’m sure Regan would welcome the opportunity to expand her horizons by socializing in the disco this evening. Wouldn’t you, Regan?”

“I am always looking to expand my horizons.”

“Good. It’s settled then. Mr. Gray will make party plans with me and you will go forward and mingle.” Veronica made a sweeping motion with her hands. “Maybe you’ll dance with that young man who smiled at you during bingo.”

Chapter 33

“PIGS IN A blanket have always been a favorite hors d’oeuvre of mine,” Veronica pronounced as she plopped down next to Gavin on the pastel couch, “although I’m afraid some people find them common. Sir Gilbert loved them to excess. I shall never forget the time he popped one in his mouth and his eyes took on a glazed look. I panicked and started pounding on his frail back. This was before the Heimlich Maneuver was invented.”

Gavin waited expectantly for the final word on Sir Gilbert’s fate.