“Everyone of consequence in Riverview will be here,” Rhoda assured her. “Even two of Penny’s special guests.”
“That’s what worries me,” Penny confessed, beginning to pace the floor. “I have my trap all ready to spring, but if this horrid rain keeps up, how can you meet Mr. Coaten by the well?”
“Why can’t I talk to him in the library?”
“Because it won’t do,” Penny said patiently. “The entire scheme will fail unless you carry out your part exactly as we planned it.”
“The rain is letting up,” Mrs. Marborough declared, carefully moving from the piano to her wheel chair. “Mark my words, it will all be over within fifteen minutes.”
“Oh, I hope so!” Penny breathed. “I hope so!”
To her gratification, the rain did cease within a short while, and members of the Festival Committee and hired musicians began to arrive. For the occasion, Penny, Rhoda, and Louise, had rented colonial costumes with fancy powdered wigs. They hovered near the front door, ready to greet the first guests.
“It’s going to be a wonderful party,” Louise remarked happily.
Soon visitors began to arrive in groups. The orchestra struck up and the ballroom became thronged with dancers.
“Mrs. Marborough is having a marvelous time,” Rhoda told Louise. “In fact, so is everyone except Penny. She’s worried because Mr. Coaten hasn’t come.”