Love Letters From Ladybug Farm - Donna Ball [11]
“We’re not,” Cici said firmly.
“Besides,” Lindsay added, “we’re way out here in the middle of Virginia. Why would anyone with a place in the Hamptons want to have her wedding here?”
“Well, for one thing, they live in Fairfax, not the Hamptons. And apparently, it’s exactly what the bride’s been look ing for—the fountains, the gardens, the staircase...”
“You told her about it?” Lindsay’s expression was both flattered and dismayed.
“She saw the magazine,” Paul assured her.
Bridget said, “That staircase would make a spectacular entrance for a bride, wouldn’t it?”
Cici smiled. “The minute we first saw the place, I pictured Lori walking down it in a white dress.”
“And the bay window in the living room would be the perfect place for a bridal arch,” Lindsay said. “We could open the pocket doors and seat a hundred people.”
“Are we still talking about Lori’s wedding?” Cici ventured uncertainly.
Bridget said curiously to the telephone, “How many guests are we talking about, anyway? And how would they get here?”
“That,” replied Paul airily, “is not my problem. I’m just the messenger. All I know is that the bride was quite impressed with the magazine photographs and my description of the place—not to mention the cachet of having her wedding in an historic house that’s been featured in a magazine. And Bridget, I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if there wasn’t some catering in it for you—a great opportunity to get your name out there.”
A light came into Bridget’s eyes. “That’s right,” she said. “They would have to have it catered locally.”
“And you are the only local caterer,” Lindsay pointed out. “The only one with a blog, anyway.”
“I could do all the gift baskets,” Bridget volunteered.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” Cici held up a firm and staying hand. “You’re talking about a society wedding here. Do you have any idea what’s involved?”
“Not so society” Paul pointed out quickly. “From what I hear they are really trying to keep it simple. A garden wedding, family members and close friends. All they want is a nice spot for their wedding photographs.”
“Well, I’m sure they’ll have no problem finding a simple garden in someone’s backyard in Fairfax,” Cici said.
“With a vineyard and a mountain view in the background?” Paul interjected. “And a grand staircase and an antique rose garden with fountains and reflecting pools?”
“Good heavens,” Lindsay said, looking pleased. “You make us sound like the Taj Mahal.”
“Which we’re not,” Cici pointed out.
“Well, it’s up to you,” Paul said. “I just hate to think of that poor girl’s heart being broken again. She was so excited when I spoke to her on the phone.”
“This really is the perfect spot for a wedding,” Bridget said, a little wistfully.
Paul asked, “Did I mention the budget?”
Cici was immediately alert. “What budget?”
“Well, the father of the bride was hoping not to exceed twenty thousand for the reception.”
“Dollars?” exclaimed Lindsay. “For one day?”
“They call that simple?” Bridget gasped.
Cici simply stared at the telephone speaker.
“Washington dollars,” Paul pointed out. “And that’s about average. If you can quote anything under that, they’ll consider it a steal.”
Bridget looked at Cici. So did Lindsay. Cici cleared her throat. “Well, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to meet with them. When can they drive out?”
“How about tomorrow?” Paul suggested quickly.
“Tomorrow!” Bridget jumped back to avoid the swinging door to the pantry as Ida Mae reentered the kitchen. “Couldn’t you give us a little notice?”
Ida Mae scowled at the telephone. “We having company?”
“Hi, Ida Mae,” Paul greeted her cheerfully. “And don’t worry you won’t even know we’re there.”
Lindsay said, “This is not exactly a cottage, you know. This place takes a little while to get ready for inspection. Couldn’t we do it next week?”
“We’re on a short deadline here,” Paul pointed out. “The wedding is in three weeks.”
“Three weeks! Who plans a wedding in three weeks?”
“The invitations