“I think I’d like to be an exotic bird,” Viv said. “One with very long curly feathers, naturally.”

She gestured to the tiny pillbox hat on her head, which sported one long orange feather that curled around the back. She looked like she belonged in a castle.

I, too, was wearing a hat, the one Viv had packed for me. It was a small confection, round like a cap, embellished with a band of seed pearls all around its edges. It had a puff of blue organza in the center, shaped like a morning glory, which I loved because it added two inches to my height. I wasn’t short but I wasn’t tall either, so I liked the boost.

We followed the sounds of conversation and arrived at the doors to the dining room at the same time as several other guests. I was relieved to see that they were dressed in suits and cocktail-type dresses. I’d had a brief anxiety spike that this formal dinner meant tuxedos and floor-length gowns, like what the bridesmaids were wearing, and that we’d be outcasts for being underdressed.

Viv had assured me they would never toss us out, but I didn’t have her credentials. She had no idea what it was like to be considered expendable.

A hostess greeted us at the door and when we told her our names, she escorted us through the white-cloth-draped tables to the far side of the room. I wondered briefly if we were considered the help and would be served outside, but no.

The balcony doors were open, and I saw the bridesmaids gathered around Piper while a bunch of men swarmed Dooney. It seemed all of the weekend guests were in attendance, enjoying the evening air under heat lamps while sipping predinner cocktails.

My stomach gave a lurch of disappointment. Tea felt like ages ago and I was starving. Andre went to fetch us some wine while Viv and I stood apart from the throng. I scanned the crowd and saw Trisha, looking wonderful in her long vest over the unfortunate dress Piper had chosen. Sunny, too, was there looking charming. As I watched, Trisha strode by Sunny and leaned in close to say something. Whatever it was, Sunny paled and then fled the veranda, running right past me and Viv on her way inside.

Viv and I exchanged a look and I knew she hadn’t missed Trisha’s lean in either.

“Bully.” She shook her head.

I thought about following Sunny, but what could I say? Viv had designed hats for enough weddings that I was very aware that these events brought out the worst in some people. I felt fortunate that no matter what venue Harry and I chose for our wedding, none of our people would behave badly at the celebration. At the moment, that felt like such a gift.