Chapter Seven
The meal progressed as all intimate celebratory meals do, with laughter and cheer, and much lingering over the courses. There were a few tears, as there had been at previous graduations when Andrew Halivand had been missed; but joy salved the wound. The early mosquitoes and the clock drove the party indoors, and Olivia went upstairs to change into practical clothing.
When she came down, Rebecca was shaking Avery’s hand, and saying, “Thank you for attending to us so well, Mr. Godwin. Please consider yourself welcome here any time you please.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Halivand. You’ve been a wonderful hostess, and have delighted my poor, travel-stained soul.”
“What about us?” Susannah demanded mockingly. “Mom may hold title on the property, but we do the work around here!”
