The Folchart's party was talk of the city, and on the morning of the event, everybody was in a flutter: Do I need a different dress? Should I bring a gift? Who's going to be there? They were all looking forward to seven o clock.
In the Folchart household, old staff and new staff were both busy preparing. The decorating, food, and music had to be perfect, or they would most likely get the sack. So on a day of great enjoyment for everyone else, the serving boys and maids were having a real rough time.
Doria was working hard in the kitchen, checking the brewed wine. He smiled to himself, imagining Meggie's shocked reaction to his being there. He hoped she wouldn't be angry, though. He wiped up some spilled cocktail from the table with a dishcloth and nervously awaited instructions from the head chef. -That was the difference between burglar Doria and real Doria. Burglar Doria was brave and daring and flamboyant. Real Doria was humble and, Doria thought, pretty normal.
The head cook, a fat man with a strange twirly mustache the likes of which Doria had never seen before, came in, all flustered. "Someone's smashed a tray in the living room!" He looked around, as if there was some magic solution to the spillage somewhere in the room. "You, what was your name? Doreen? Funny name- anyway, go and clear it up!"
Doria grabbed a wet cloth. "It's Doria, sir, not Dor-"
"Just go!"
"I'm going, sir." He hurried from the room.
When he reached the living room he went straight in and looked around for a smashed tray, maybe some spilled drinks. But his gaze froze before he'd even got halfway around. Because there was Meggie.
She hadn't spotted him yet. She was sprawled on an armchair, complaining to her father. "But father, Brianna has to come! Who on Earth will I talk to? Do you just expect me to sit in the corner?"
"But Meggie dear, if Farid's not coming, then how can we-"
"I'll scream if you don't!"
Doria wished he hadn't had to see the spoiled side of Meggie.
He moved forward, trying to stay out of her eye line. He'd been planning for her to first find out about him being there at the party tonight. Just edge around slowly, Doria, edge around slowly...
Meggie stopped mid-sentence. "Father, I thought you wanted me to enjoy-" She stared right at Doria, a look of dumbstruck bewilderment spreading across her face. Her eyed were about as wide as eyes could get, and her mouth was hanging open.
Doria stopped, and put his hands behind his back, smiling. "Hello." He said.