“Oh my girls love Italy and Paris. I’ve made traveling a real priority.” Judy sipped her tea. “I hate these rich kids in New York whose lives are so limited. I mean come on, there’s more to life than a Marc Jacobs purse. I’d rather spend a month at the Hôtel du Cap.”

“Absolutely.” Clarice knew it was in her interest to steer the conversation away from Barry’s favorite hotel. “Isn’t it great news about Pippa Rose’s son? Thank heavens Alex’s tumor was benign.”

“Oh I love Pippa,” Judy nodded. “I haven’t spoken to her in a while because we fired her. It was just too much Staffordshire and chintzes. I have the most fabulous Swedish man now. I’m really into simple. All those tassels were driving me nuts. I hope she doesn’t hate me.”

“I’m sure she doesn’t hate you. She’s actually doing very well. Alex has recovered beautifully from his surgery and Jennifer has a big solo in a workshop at the School of American Ballet.”

“I’d really love to see Pippa. Tell you what, why don’t I throw a little fun lunch for you at Le Cirque and we could invite her, too,” Judy gamely suggested.

“Oh, really, you don’t have to.” Clarice didn’t want to go to another lunch. She was barely making it through this one.

“It’ll be a little end-of-the-school-year get-together and a kickoff for the fall benefit. And we’ll have Pippa and Grey Navez and Adrienne Strong-Rodman.”

“Please, not her.” Clarice involuntarily cringed.

“Fine with me!” Judy remembered that Samantha met Barry on Adrienne’s yacht.

“I don’t really care if you invite Adrienne or not.” Clarice immediately covered her tracks. “If it’s for the school benefit launch, then you might as well have her.”

“Clarice”—Judy looked up at her with renewed respect—“I think you may be the best parent I’ve ever met.”

Clarice dressed very carefully for her fun luncheon with the ladies. She went out early in the morning to John Barrett’s salon to get her hair blown dry and her makeup professionally applied.

She had spent the evening before debating what to wear. A Chanel suit would look like she was trying too hard. But pants and a twin set were entirely too casual. She felt she needed armor to protect herself, but on the other hand she wanted it known that she was looking great. Finally, Clarice settled on a white linen Valentino pantsuit and four-inch Louboutin pumps.