Later, at dinner, while Father was giving an overlong toast, in which he thanked everyone for welcoming us to Kingsbrook, and extolled the virtues of the soon-to-open pharmacy, I saw the man seated next to a tired-looking blonde woman a few tables away. While everyone else was politely listening to Father ramble on, the man and I locked eyes. He still had that little smile.

Once dinner was over, we moved on to the presents.

It was so uncomfortable, people I didn’t know giving me presents, but I did my best to be truly appreciative. There were some pieces of jewelry, a book of poems, some things called ‘crayons’, and other knick-knacks.

When it came time, it was the blonde woman who stood and presented the gift, which was wrapped in tissue paper. She wished me a happy seventeenth birthday and handed it to me. I unwrapped the tissue paper and inside was this journal! The engraving on the front is so wonderful and the lock is so clever! The man, who I assumed was her husband, sat in his chair, and nodded in my direction. I nodded back.

After presents, I tried to keep my eye on the man as he mingled with other guests. He appeared charming and engaging. Those eyes sparkled every time he laughed. Everyone seemed to enjoy his company. I would say more than myself or Father’s attempts to promote the pharmacy, he was the center of attention at the party. I did find it odd that he rarely spoke to his wife and I began to feel as though he was deliberately avoiding me, even though we continued to exchange glances.

At one point, Father grew frustrated and tried to wrestle the attention away from the man to talk about the pharmacy. Again, I was so embarrassed that I had to escape to the kitchen. There, I found Carol desperately setting up a tray of desserts for the guests.

“What are you doing in here?” she asked.

“Father’s being unbearable about the pharmacy,” I replied.

She rolled her eyes in agreement. “Well, don’t stay away too long. It is technically your party.” She took the tray and went out into the living room. I stayed out of view as the door swung open, and waited for it to close.

It was hot in the kitchen. Carol had opened the window and I could hear voices outside.

I glanced out, and just below the window I saw two girls talking. I couldn’t make out their faces, only the tops of their heads.

“Can you believe they’re here?” one asked the other.

“Why not? From what I understand, it’s not the first time it’s happened,” the other replied.

“What have you heard?”

“Stories mostly. Except this last one. I know for a fact he was caught with a young woman.”

“Who told you?”

“Someone who knows their valet … Can you blame the young woman, though? He is handsome.”