He moved toward the door to welcome her. Mimi’s eyes followed his every move.
Mimi had not pictured her like this. The few snapshots Chloe had showed her were very misleading. Aunt Marcia was attractive! She was tall, erect, stately. Mimi liked her tailored sheer navy blue ensemble. She wore her clothes with that air of assurance well-groomed people have. She was so much more alive and animated than Mimi had expected. Her voice, as she talked to Dr. Barnes, was low and refined. Only her face showed that she had known great sorrow and loneliness.
“George! It’s lovely to see you! You look quite fit I was afraid this terrible fire would have you dreadfully upset and you’d have no time for visitors.”
“You look charming yourself, Marcia. You timed your arrival perfectly. I have sent for your niece. She will be here any moment.”
It’s like a play Mimi thought. All the characters rushing on for the finale.
“Since I wrote asking your permission to send Dr. Hammond certain information, many things have developed. If you will read this,”—he held out the cablegram—“you will be prepared for what is coming.”
She had barely skimmed it when Chloe, Sue and Betsy entered.
“You funny little tramps!”
Aunt Marcia was laughing at their borrowed clothes. She kissed her own little tramp and hugged the others in turn, Sue first because she knew her. Mimi, who had risen from her chair and stood quietly by it ever since Aunt Marcia entered, went over for her hug, too.
Gee! Aunt Marcia smelled sweet! She was sweet Mimi knew for sure before the conference ended.