But times were different now. No one was interested in rumpled old couples worth millions who collected supermarket coupons in their unheated twenty-room home in Bar Harbor. Paul and Adrienne Strong-Rodman were the new order. The only criterion was getting the best, which clearly meant the most expensive. In many ways, Samantha found that far more equitable than the silliness about family history that she grew up with.

When the phone rang again, Samantha toyed with not picking it up, but she certainly didn’t want Barry to call all morning until the housekeeper answered the phone.

“You know there’s also a fabulous cheese plate at the Days Inn in Ho-Ho-Kus,” she whispered into the phone.

“Yumbo!” Judy chirped at the other line. “I love cheese.”

“Who is this?” Samantha sat up.

“Samantha, it’s me, Judy Tremont. Sorry to call so early today, but Bill is driving me to pick up a few things and I thought it’d be so fun if we did it together. I promised Narciso I’d see his new collection, and I’m dying to get to Carolina Herrera. Plus, I don’t know if you need to give any children’s gifts, but Monica Noel has the most darling cashmere twin sets and party dresses and she’s showing today at the Carlyle. We can do it in two hours, I promise. Boom boom boom. Unless you’re waiting for another call.”

“No. No. I’m not waiting,” Samantha answered immediately.

“Sorry you couldn’t stay for a while after dinner the other night. It was so fun. I think Barry Santorini may be talented, but he’s a pig. And in my book, the pig part really matters.”

“Yes, he is a pig.” Samantha caught her face in the mirror. “I hope you got my thank-you note. It was a lovely dinner.”

“Oh yes. And you have to tell me who does your stationery. I’m so sick of boring old Tiffany’s. Even Mrs. John L. Strong is too dreary.”

Samantha grinned to herself. She couldn’t tell Judy she bought stationery by the bulk at Barnes & Noble.

“I’ll have Bill pick you up at ten and you’ll be home by noon. It’s the only way to get everything done.”

Samantha and Charlie seldom used a driver. They never saw a need for it, except perhaps in a storm.

“I wouldn’t mind stopping in at Carolina Herrera.” Samantha lit another cigarette.

“Oh, oh! She’s perfect for you. You have to.” Judy was beside herself. “See you at ten.”