(Chapter Thirty-Two)
Dinner
The Redwoods arrived half an hour late on Friday evening. "Fashionably late" she could hear Rosemary say.
"Hello, Mrs. Redwood," Elizabeth greeted them as they entered the house. Jonathan; and you must be Peter and Jessica. I've heard so much about you two."
Elizabeth remembered her manners as the woman studied Jack openly. "Oh, this is my husband, Jack. Jack, this is Mrs. Redwood."
"Hello, Mrs. Redwood. It's so nice to finally meet you. I've heard so many wonderful things about you." He knew he was lying, but what else could he possibly? He reached a hand out to her, but she did not even notice, or else pretended she didn't. "And you must be Jonathan. I've a lot about you, young man."
The two men firmly shook hands.
A cry pierced the air.
"I'm so sorry. Will you please excuse me?" Elizabeth apologized as she hurried upstairs.
She came back a few moments later with a little bundle in her arms.
Mrs. Redwood looked shocked, but thrilled at the same time. Elizabeth didn't miss the look in the woman's eyes.
"Would you like to hold the baby, Mrs. Redwood?"
"May I?" her heart leaped inside her chest.
"Of course you may," she replied as she handed baby Gloria to the older woman. She cradled her and rocked her to and fro.
"What a sweet baby," she said looking down upon the child with loving eyes.
"Elizabeth, can I give you a hand in the kitchen?" Jack asked innocently.
"Oh, yes dear."
"I am so sorry. I should have volunteered. Please, allow me," Mrs. Redwood realized her judgements in the past were clouded. This was a beautiful family and they were so nice. How could she hae been so rude to them?
"No, that's alright, Mrs. Redwood. You watch my baby, and I'll cook. Here, Jack could you set the table for me, please?"
"Now, there's a job for Jessica," Mrs. Redwood stepped in again.
"Oh – thank you," Elizabeth finally gave in.
"Jack," Elizabeth whispered to her husband. "Go – talk with the boys. We've got it handled here. Thank you."
Jack agreed and went to find a topic that they could talk about.
"The dinner was delicious. Thank you so much for inviting us, Mrs. Thornton," she emphasized the word again, but this time it was not out of disgust. It sounded more loving, and the woman was wearing a glowing smile.
"Your baby is the sweetest little thing. She's a perfect angel. Oh, I forgot to ask her name, I was so busy mooning over that adorable baby face."
"It's Gloria."
"What a perfect name. Of course you'll visit?"
"Of course."
"Have a lovely evening," the woman ventured to say. The words tasted good.
"You too, Mrs. Redwood. You too."
"Goodbye, Jonathan," Jack dimissed the boy.
"Goodnight Jonathan – Peter, Jessica," Elizabeth added.
The night was truly a great success, and everyone knew it.