Temporary Bride

Chapter Sixteen

To Mika's amazement, Veronica called round to see her the next day.

"I am afraid that Erika is not here."

"Oh, I know that Mika. In fact, if she would have been here, I would not have come at all. Yes, people around here have money. But like any other Americans, they love a good gossip. Despite the distances from one estate to another, they all seem to know each other's business."

The shorter woman was not trying really hard. This was an outright attack, neatly parceled with a smile. She pretended to misunderstand... looking as close to stupid as she could manage.

"I came to see whether or not you fancy going to Baltimore. I'm definitely going. I want a new dress for this party of yours and I don't think I can get one to my liking around here. You should come with me. You can get a dress for yourself, 'though I expect that you've got plenty of evening dresses." Veronica said a little too brightly after a close look at her.

Yes, Mika thought. There were still three that she had never worn... one of which figured very largely in her plan. Erika had arranged for her to have a bank account and credit cards, but she had no plans of using them... She had no intention of being further in her temporary wife's debt.

"I've got plenty to wear, Veronica. Besides, I cannot really spare the time. Erika had to go away and I have got a party to arrange."

"You can leave that safely to Essie." Veronica said sharply. "She knows the sort of thing that is expected. Nothing varies here, really. There is a good deal of tradition attached to things that take place at Markland. Erika will surely be furious if you alter things."

Until that moment, she had not had the slightest intention to change things. But now that Veronica had mention it, it became a sheer necessity.

"I am sure that Essie will guide me." She said sweetly, adding with a secret smile, "and Erika never gets furious with me. I have seen her in rages with other people. But if I make any mistakes, she just laugh. She is so good to me." She crooned.

Veronica rose to go, her face no longer scathing. One point for Mika!

"I will look forward to your party, then. I do admire your courage, Mika."

And hate me to your back teeth! , the Filipina added to herself. Aloud she said, "Oh, I don't have much. Erika takes care of me."

Veronica left at that. Two points!

.

.

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Mika had plenty of ideas for the party, all of them made Essie a little bit uncomfortable.

"We always do things the same way." The larger woman said worriedly , her hands busy with pastry.

"Then now is a good time for a change." Mika insisted firmly. "Essie, it is time to give things a good jolt."

"Miss Erika ain't going to like this, Miss Mika." Essie grumble. Mika put her foot down firmly and finally.

"My wife left me to arrange the party... my party. So I will arrange it. We will have it as a fancy dress affair."

"Fancy dress? What sort of a party is that?" Essie glowered at her like Erika. But the Filipina was ready to battle. She planned to get even. And she will! Essie... nobody is going to stop her.

"A fancy dress party is when attendees come in a fancy dress." Don Segal pointed out, walking into the kitchen at that moment.

"Well, I know that!" Essie turned her annoyance on him. They do not have time for petty fights, so Mika put a stop to that at once.