The door opened wide and she gave me a look so derisive it was practically exfoliating. “Young Lady, what do you want?”

“Edna, I was concerned about you. I thought you might have developed agoraphobia, in which case I would offer to escort you across to the Big House.”

“Isn’t ‘Big House’ a colloquial term for a prison?”

“Lily’s staying for the rest of her vacation. She reconciled herself to my engagement when I explained that I won’t be running off to Vegas with Oswald until I am better and/or in love with him.”

“You seem very confident that your feelings for him will develop into love.”

“As Wil Shakes says, ‘What’s past is prologue.’ I don’t doubt that my personal feelings will follow the same path as before.”

“Yes, I had that thought as well, Young Lady,” she said. “How is your fauxoir going? Don’t you have a deadline?”

“Yes, but I don’t know what it is. I’m tearing through the pages like, what is that called, spirit writing? Yes, channeling thoughts from somewhere else. I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever written.”

“Better than your llama story?”

“Ha, ha, and ha. That is so funny, not,” I said. I noticed that the studio photo of Thomas Cook had been replaced by a photo of AG. “Edna?”

“Yes?”

“Do you think I’ll be happy with Oswald?”

“Young Lady, if I knew the secret to a happy marriage, you’re the first person I would tell.”

“Do you love Mr. Grant? He seems infatuated with you.”

“AG is infatuated with carrying on traditions, but there are good traditions and bad traditions. Now go back to the Big House, Young Lady, and stop prying into my life.”

*   *   *

I was in my bedroom when Oswald came in to check on me just before the Council director was supposed to arrive.

My fiancé, fiancé! gave me a long, warm kiss and said, “Everything will be better once this is over.”

“Should I change into something nicer for the interview?”

“No, stay exactly as you are. We want him to see that you’re, well, sincere and serious.”

“I am. I’m überserious. I’m megaserious. I’m somber to the nth degree.”

“I know you are, babe. How did you convince Lily to stay?”

Smiling, I said, “I had a reasonable and serious conversation with her, although she does seem a little cranky today. I think she’s worried about me.”

“Milagro, I’m so happy that we’re engaged.” Oswald reached into his pocket and took out a gold chain. “I borrowed this from my grandmother so you can wear your ring as a necklace.”

“I can take off these gloves and wear it on my finger.”

“I think it’s best if you don’t have physical sensations confusing you tonight.”

“I guess you’re right.”