“And I won’t tell that,” Rhoda confirmed a previous stand. “Besides, I think it’s more fun, if the committees do keep their decisions secret. It’s like Christmas when every cupboard and closet in the house is brimming over with surprises.”
“Yes, isn’t it. Do you know, I’ll bet I won’t sleep a wink tonight,” Bess admitted. “I’m so excited about the whole thing.”
“Sleep tonight!” Rhoda exclaimed. “Why, I haven’t slept for a week!”
“I wouldn’t have either, if I had had your job,” Bess admitted. “I think it is the hardest one of them all.”
“I liked it,” Rhoda smiled. “How did your end of it work out?”
“You’ll see for yourself, tomorrow,” Bess looked mysterious, too. “I’ll just say this, Dr. Beulah is the most charming person I’ve ever come across. She wrote the sweetest note thanking us for the invitation! And she offered to help us in any way she could. In fact, do you know what she’s done?”
Rhoda shook her head.
“She’s solved the problem of what to do with Nan until everything is ready. She asked her if she would mind going down to the village tomorrow morning on an errand that will take her all day. Then she asked her to call Mrs. Bagley and bring her up here for Sunday afternoon tea. And did Nan ever fall for it? It did my heart good. She’s going to be the most surprised person in this county tomorrow!” Bess rubbed her hands gleefully. It was fun putting something over on Nan!
Sunday was a grand day, bright and clear and fresh as only an early spring day can be. The crisp ruffles of the curtains in Nan and Bess’s room waved slightly in the breeze. Nan dressed herself in a fresh looking dark silk print as she breathed deeply of the soft, warm air.
“Oh, it’s good to be alive!” she exclaimed, “and this is one of those days when you feel sure there is nothing but good in store for you.”