“Yoo-hoo,” a voice trilled from the hallway.

“We’re on the terrace, Danielle. Come in.”

“Lola, I hope that blanket is cashmere. This granddaughter of yours is a beautiful young lady. I approve of the hairstyle. Now, let’s see what we can do for her. Strip down to your undies, young lady, so I can take your measurements. Oh, my God!” she squawked. “JCPenney cotton underwear! White, no less. No, no, no, this will never do. You need silk, lace, gossamer-thin material. The idea is to give the illusion of nakedness and still be covered. Not to worry, I brought everything. The child is wearing bloomers, Lola!” Her outrage was so intense, Cady laughed.

“Women wore underwear like this in the 1800s back on the prairie. This is the twenty-first century, and we are far away from the prairie. You smell like Ivory soap. Lola, the child smells like Ivory soap! Mandy, find it and throw it out. I had no idea this job was so monumental. We need to start from scratch. Scratch, ladies.” The little designer waved her arms to indicate she was prepared to take on the world if necessary where Cady was concerned.

“I think I’ll leave you two for a while,” Lola said. “It’s past the luncheon hour, and I have an appointment soon. Mandy will bring you both some lunch. Take your time. Cady, cooperate with Danielle. I want your promise.”

Cady winked at her grandmother. “I promise, Granny.”

“And she’s wicked, too.”

“Like someone else I know,” Danielle said as she whipped out a tape measure.

Pete Danson winced when the heavy gates behind him closed with a loud clanging sound. He drove slowly up the winding road to the main house. His heart was beating faster than normal, and he could feel a fine beading of perspiration over his upper lip as he got out of the car. He swiped at it with the back of his hand.

He looked around while he waited for the door to open. His new client must pay a fortune to her gardener to keep the place looking so manicured. There didn’t seem to be a leaf or a blade of grass that was out of place.

The door opened. “Peter Danson to see Miss Jor Dan.”

“I’m Mandy, Mr. Danson. Miss Jor Dan is waiting for you in the library. Follow me, please.”

The introductions made, Pete tried not to stare. He had no idea Lola Jor Dan was so old. The pictures in yesterday’s paper had been more than kind to the actress. He stretched out a long arm to grasp her hand. He shook it gently. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am.”

“Likewise, Mr. Danson. Would you care for some coffee or a drink?”

“No thanks.”

“Have you gone over my affairs? Is everything in order? Do I need to make any changes?”

“Everything is in good shape, ma’am. I wouldn’t change a thing. You can, of course, update your will if you want to. Other than that, I don’t think you have anything to worry about. The market’s down right now, but it will rebound, and your brokerage accounts will flourish again.”