Beatrice glided over to the mirror and smoothed her dress with her hands. She sighed.
"Bernard…tell me I look beautiful," she said to her husband, while reapplying her lipstick.
Bernard came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"You look gorgeous. Stunning, alluring, divine, exquisite."
"Just recite the whole dictionary to me, will you?" Beatrice laughed, "I can see where Klaus gets his wide vocabulary from."
"Klaus. You know I feel terrible about not inviting the children to our party. At least they're having fun at the beach…hopefully. Do you think they're having fun, darling?" Bernard asked.
"Stop worrying. No matter where they go, they always find something to do. Something to read…to invent,"
"And to bite," Bernard added, while chuckling. Beatrice smiled.
"Oh, honey, did you put the food platters out like I asked you to?" she asked suddenly, while walking towards the bedroom door.
"You are the one that should stop worrying. This party has had you on your toes! I've got everything under control. I can assure you that everything will be alright," Bernard stated, following Beatrice out the door.
"Well, alright then," she smiled, and she pecked him on the cheek. They made their way down the long winding staircase just as the doorbell rang.
"Bernard, darling, your tie is crooked," Beatrice laughed. She stopped him and adjusted his tie, then patted his chest.
"Any other last minute things we need to do?" he joked.
"Just to answer the doorbell," Beatrice replied.
"Ah! Let us embrace our first guest by gladly opening the door, to let them in our most superb mansion!" Bernard said, placing his hand over his heart. Beatrice giggled and swung open the door, allowing the party to begin.
