Miss Oliver At Home

Chapter Eleven

Before long, the backyard was flooded with visitors. Ralph, Betty, and little Mariah were the first to arrive. Olivia felt she couldn't hug them tightly enough.

"We haven't seen you in so long, Betty," she said reproachfully.

"I didn't want to interrupt your time getting settled," her sister replied. "And Mariah has been an absolute mess for a week. She's teething again."

Lillian scooped the little offender into her arms and carried her off to see Jessica.

"Well, now we are quite settled," said Olivia happily. "And I am so glad that we have a large yard. It doesn't look special right now, but once it gets dark and the lamps are lit, it will be just magical."

Uncle Gilbert and Aunt Phyllis arrived, the latter grimly holding Alexander by his collar.

"Hello, Olivia dear. How are you making out? I daresay this yard is almost too large for such a private party. You didn't invite any coarse friends of yours, did you?"

"No, auntie," replied Olivia, patiently. "I haven't got any coarse friends. They are all quite respectable."

"No doubt," said her aunt and released her hold on Alexander, who dashed off with Edwin to the tree house. "You have managed to keep yourself and the children looking very well. How ever did you manage to afford a new dress for Lillian?"

"It's not new, Auntie. It's mine. Don't you remember? Jessica had one just like it, nearly two years ago."

"I see," said Aunt Phyllis, looking as if she wished she didn't. "Well, Lillian looks very pretty." She glanced toward the dessert tables that were placed on the patio. "You didn't make apple tarts, did you Olivia? What a surprise! I dare say you are managing very well."

Leaving that compliment in her wake, Aunt Phyllis sailed off to inspect the crispness of the apple tarts and the quality of the cream. Olivia smiled. She knew her aunt's weakness well.

Uncle Gilbert paused to smile and kiss Olivia fondly on the cheek. "You look very well, my dear."

Meredith showed up exactly on time, leaning on the arm of a handsome, stocky fellow with large, dreamy eyes.

"You remember Jerry Martin, don't you Livy? He was so sweet to agree to come along with me, even though he had plans to run up to Boston. But we'll make it up to him this evening, won't we, dear? I told him what a fabulous baker you are and promised some nice company."

As Jerry turned to shake hands with Uncle Gilbert, Meredith grabbed Olivia by the arm and put her mouth to her ear.

"Oh! Alan's here already, isn't he? And I was hoping he would be late. It is so embarrassing to walk in after a fellow that you used to know so well."

"Why do you care, Meredith?" replied Olivia under her breath. "I thought he was too tall!"

"He is, you silly goose, but that doesn't make it any less embarrassing. Who is that beautiful woman he's talking with? Oh, your cousin, right? I guess you'd better take the two of us there and get the introductions over with. Come along, Jerry. I want you to meet some more of Livy's friends."

Olivia headed across the yard with Meredith and company following close behind. Alan was talking to Jessica and looked up suddenly as they approached. He started, and Olivia wasn't sure if he blushed, but a moment later his face was composed. If she hadn't caught a knowing glint in his eye, Olivia might have thought she'd imagined it.

She made her introductions. "Alan Carey and Jessica Trent. Jerry Martin and Meredith Jameson."

Jessica extended her hand eagerly. "How nice to see you again, Miss Jameson! This is going to be a lovely evening!"