Harriet sidled over to Christina. Keeping her eye on Jacob and Delia, she said softly, “Kind of makes you wonder, doesn’t it?”

“I’ve always thought Jacob was hot, in a nerdy way,” Christina said.

“Never mind his looks. If Delia Bittlesman Lombard is talking to Jacob, I’ll bet Jacob has money.”

“Why don’t you investigate?” Christina suggested.

“You bet I will.” Harriet wandered into the kitchen for another glass of wine.

The party was a smashing success for adults and kids. All the food vanished, every dish and paper cup and bowl was used, and the Christmas tree was a marvel, hung with so many ornaments it was hard to see the tree itself. No one got drunk and obnoxious, but everyone was exceedingly cheerful. People spontaneously began singing carols, Delia didn’t leave Jacob’s side, Wink and Dora got bored decorating and crawled into a corner to whisper secrets.

Christina’s cat, Mittens, remained under the sofa, sending darts of rage at Christina whenever she passed by.

Gradually everyone left. Wink, beside herself with happiness, skipped off to spend the night with Dora as Louise shepherded the giggling girls out the door. Mimi carried plates into the kitchen, covered the few leftover cookies with plastic wrap, and put dishes in the dishwasher.

Delia and Jacob departed together. Harriet stood at the window, watching them talk as Jacob walked Delia to her car.

Christina approached Harriet. “Are you spying on Delia and Jacob?”

Harriet sniffed. “So what if I am?”

“I thought you weren’t interested in Jacob because he’s not rich.”

“Good, because that’s what I want you to think, but it’s not what I think.”

“Harriet, you’re a very confusing person.”

“You think I don’t know that? You should try being me.”

“So you like Jacob?”

“Like? I’m crazy about the guy. And look! There’s hope, because as you can clearly see, Jacob responds to bossy women. Delia is certainly as difficult as I am.”

“So you’re trying to attract Jacob by being unpleasant?”

“I’m not unpleasant. I’m snobby, critical, and unkind, like rich women are. At least the women who come in my store.”

“It certainly comes easy to you,” Christina pointed out.

“Okay, I know I’m a pain in the neck. But I want to live on Nantucket, and I can’t ever afford a house here, I can scarcely meet the rent on my hole of an apartment. I’m determined to marry someone wealthy. You don’t have to worry about that, Christina. Your parents left you a house. I should be dating Andy Bittlesman, but he likes you.”

“And now because Delia Bittlesman seems to like Jacob, you suspect he’s wealthy.”

Suddenly Harriet had tears in her eyes. “What does it matter, really, Christina? Jacob doesn’t even know I’m alive.”

“I’m sure that’s not true.”

“He won’t even look at me.”