As the dinner party chattered excitedly around her, Alice presented a glacial surface, her voice steady as she offered congratulations to the happy couple. Matthew clapped Lucien's shoulder and went around to take his turn to kiss Jean's cheek after Charlie had first honours. Rose burbled excitedly.

Shifting her eyes toward the doorway, Alice wondered if anyone would notice if she suddenly left. She was happy for Lucien and Jean, truly. And from a practical standpoint, she was certain that married life would suit Lucien; steady his nerviness. For a few moments, she allowed herself to fantasise about a Lucien Blake who behaved in a professional manner, then shook it off with a small smile.

Everyone settled back into their chairs. She dreaded what came next. After wedding announcements came wedding planning, and planning meant choosing attendants for the bride. She was thirteen again, forced into duty as a junior bridesmaid for her cousin Arlene, overheated in lemon yellow satin that clashed horribly with her pink skin and red frizzy hair. Stumbling down the aisle to the chorus of snickers counted as one of the most humiliating occasions of her life. As an adult, she didn't have to do anything that she didn't want to do. Only denying Jean may be easier said than done.

In the past year, she and Jean had come to know each other better, and although they were very different sorts of women, they enjoyed each other's company. But Alice would not wear some frivolous gown, probably a silly hat, and parade before half the town, even if this marriage would result in Lucien doing his paperwork in a timely manner.

And she should be afraid. With a glint in her eyes, Jean was explaining what she'd planned so far. "If you agree, Lucien, I've booked the Colonists' Club. They'll open up the reception rooms, and we can do the ceremony at one end, then the reception at the other with a light repast, perhaps a small band…" Rattling through the details, Jean obviously relished organising things. Alice shrank back in her seat. A bridesmaid would be expected to help in all this endless preparation.

Lucien held up his hands. "I'll defer to you, Jean. Just tell me what time to show up."

Jean fixed him with her laser gaze and Alice held her breath. Excellent. The hawk had spotted fresh prey.

"Lucien, this is your wedding too. No worries, it'll be simple and dignified, befitting our time of life. This won't be some splash affair with me kitted out in white satin and orange blossom followed by a dozen attendants."

Alice perked up a bit.

"Wait a minute here," grumbled Matthew. "I don't get to be the best man?" He shot Charlie a steely look. "I'm cutting you off, mate."

Nodding acquiescence, Charlie stuffed a big bite of ham in his mouth. Rose snorted. Alice became concerned again. Damn that man for prolonging this discussion!

"I suppose someone needs to hold the rings," Jean mused. "And make sure that Lucien doesn't enjoy his buck's night too much—"

"Buck's night?" Lucien shook his head. "We're too old for that sort of fuss." Jean flared up at his use of 'too old' even though she'd just said the same thing.

"Damn," Matthew said, winking at Alice. She looked askance and he dished up more roast potatoes, appearing ashamed.

"I just want to be married," Lucien said, in such a passionate tone that everyone at the table looked uncomfortable. He quickly added, "But I also want you to have a lovely occasion." He toyed with his wine glass stem. "I'm sure you'd rather be married in Sacred Heart. Won't feel truly wed from a civil ceremony."

Now everyone was uncomfortable for another reason. Jean raised her chin. "No," she said definitely. "It's our wedding, Lucien, not just mine. I've had my wedding at Sacred Heart. That was another wedding for another time. This wedding will suit us to a tee."

Everyone relaxed, even Alice. She drained her wine glass.

"But surely you'll want at least one attendant, Jean," said Rose.

Alice slowly put the glass down on the table. There was no escape now.

Jean shrugged and cast her gaze away from the circle of friends, "I hadn't put much thought into that. I just want to be married too."

"Well, I volunteer," Rose tossed out carelessly, "I think it'd be loads of fun."

Alice huffed; how could anyone consider that exhausting duty fun?

"Unless you have an old friend who you'd prefer," Rose added quickly.

Jean's smiled at her stiffly. "No, I wouldn't want to put them in a difficult position."

The table fell silent. Lucien pushed around the remnants of his meal with his fork.

Charlie shoved back his chair. "Anyone for more wine?" Everyone spoke at once, covering the tension with a jumble of talk while holding up their glasses for a refill.

"Thank you, Rose," said Jean. "That was a very kind offer. But we'll keep it just the two of us with Matthew, I think."

Staring into the dark depths of her wine, Alice felt terribly guilty for her own self-centered, petty emotions. And oh so very relieved.