The Hungry House by Barrington Elizabeth Amelia

Author:Barrington, Elizabeth Amelia [Barrington, Elizabeth Amelia]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2013-09-27T21:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Frank decided that this was the perfect time to have a party, with me as the guest of honor. One early afternoon, drink and cigarette in hand, he informed me of his plans as I sat drinking a cup of coffee at the kitchen table.

"I want to host a black tie affair here. We've had enough mourning and enough quiet around here to last a century." He paused and waited for my reply.

He had not been using drugs since I had moved into the house, and, though he still drank whiskey, he no longer became drunk. He had been eating a lot of salads, fish, and chicken, along with me. Because of these changes in habit, much of the puffiness in his face, particularly around his eyes, had receded. He was almost handsome.

"I'm not really up to helping you host a party, yet." I was thinking about the blasted party folders.

"All you will have to do is choose your dress. I'll have someone else do all the work."

"Like who?" I countered.

"Well, remember, you've already done all the research. All I have to do is make some phone calls and then wave around large amounts of money. Works every time."

"But why now?" I asked.

"As I said, I think it would do us both a world of good to have a party. Besides, it will be just in time for Margaret's return."

"But, how can she enjoy it, if she has to work at the party?"

"That's just the thing. She's not going to have to do anything. Not this time anyway. Deserves a break, right? When she comes back, you two can go shopping together for your evening outfits. I already have a few Armani dinner jackets I brought with me from New York. Fortunately, I've lost some weight, so they might have to be taken in a bit, but they're less than a year old," he said.

"All right. What do I have to do?"

Frank smiled. "Nothing except be your beautiful self."

With a sudden swiftness, still more surprising for someone who could seemingly never make up his mind about his entertainment plans, he dug out one of the folders from my library office and ordered engraved invitations to be sent out to some of his neighbors and the new friends he had made at the Multnomah Athletic Club, local publishing contacts, and television and movie friends of John's, plus my friends.

He hired a catering company from one of my folders for the food. Everything was to be finger food of the highest quality: shrimp, lobster, crab, Prosciutto ham, and Beluga caviar from the Caspian Sea. The caterers were to provide uniformed waiters to serve champagne and hors d' oeuvres and experienced kitchen help. A bartender would provide drinks, including nonalcoholic drinks and refreshments for those who did not care for champagne. Additional help would take care of the guest's coats. Cars were to be parked on the grounds by a service. He also called in a group of event planners. He wanted

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