“Now that’s an idea,” says Robyn, and reaches for her notebook. “I’ll get onto it.”
“Shall we go and look at the Baroque Room now?” suggests Mr. Ferguson, and leads us to a large, old- fashioned elevator.
“The night before the wedding, you’ll probably want to take a suite upstairs and enjoy the spa facilities,” he says pleasantly as we travel upward. “Then on the day, you can bring in your own professional hair and makeup people.” He smiles. “But I expect you’ve already thought of that.”
“I… er…” My mind flicks madly back to Janice and Radiant Spring Bride. “Kind of…”
“The guests will be served cocktails as they pass along the corridor,” explains Robyn as we leave the elevator. “Then this is the Baroque Room, where hors d’oeuvres will be served before we go into the Grand Ballroom. I expect you haven’t even given hors d’oeuvres a thought yet!”
“Well… um… you know…” I’m about to say that everyone likes minisausages.
“But for example,” she continues, “you could consider a caviar bar, an oyster bar, a Mediterranean meze table, sushi, perhaps…”
“Right,” I gulp. “That… sounds good.”
“And of course, the space itself can be themed however you like.” She gestures around the room. “We can transform it into a Venetian carnival, a Japanese garden, a medieval banqueting hall… wherever your imagination takes you!”
“And then into the Grand Ballroom for the main reception!” says Mr. Ferguson cheerfully. He throws open a pair of double doors and… oh my God. This room is the most spectacular of all. It’s all white and gold, with a high ceiling and theatrical boxes, and tables set around the vast, polished dance floor.
“That’s where you and Luke will lead the dancing,” says Robyn with a happy sigh. “I always say, that’s the moment of a wedding I love the most. The first dance.”
I gaze at the shining floor, and have a sudden vision of Luke and me whirling round among the candlelight and everyone looking on.
And seven harps.
And the New York Phil.
And caviar… and oysters… and cocktails…
“Rebecca, are you all right?” says Mr. Ferguson, suddenly seeing my expression.
“I think she’s a little overwhelmed,” says Robyn with a little laugh. “It’s a lot to take in, isn’t it?”
“Well… yes. I suppose so.”
I take a deep breath and turn away for a moment. OK, let’s not get carried away. This may all be very glitzy, but I am not going to be swayed by any of it. I’ve decided I’m going to get married in England — and that’s what I’m going to do. End of story.
Except… just look at it all.
“Come and sit down,” says Robyn, patting a gilt chair beside her. “Now, I know from your point of view it still seems far off. But we’re on a pretty tight schedule… so I just wanted to talk to you about your overall view of the wedding. What’s your fantasy? What, for you, is the image of pure romance? A lot of my clients say Scarlett and Rhett, or Fred and Ginger…” She looks at me with sparkling eyes, her pen poised expectantly over the page.
This has gone far enough. I have to tell this woman that none of this is actually going to happen. Come on, Becky. Get back to reality.
“I…”
“Yes?”
“I’ve always loved the end of Sleeping Beauty, when they dance together,” I hear myself saying.
“The ballet,” says Elinor approvingly.
“No, actually, I meant… the Disney film.”
“Oh!” Robyn looks momentarily puzzled. “I’ll have to catch that again! Well… I’m sure that will be inspirational too…”
She starts writing in her book and I bite my inner lip.
I have to call a halt to all this. Come on. Say something!
For some reason my mouth stays closed. I look around, taking in the molded ceiling; the gilding; the twinkling chandeliers.
Robyn follows my gaze and smiles at me. “Becky, you know, you’re a very lucky girl.” She squeezes my arm affectionately. “We’re going to have so much fun!”
HOUSE OF LORDS
Appointments Commission
Nomination Form
Please summarize here why you are suitable for recommendation as a nonparty political peer and how you, personally, would make an effective contribution to the work of the House of Lords. Please support this with a CV clearly showing your major achievements and highlighting relevant skills and experience.
APPLICATION TO BE A LIFE PEER
Name: Rebecca Bloomwood
Address: Apt. B
251 W. 11th Street
New York, NY 10014
Preferred title: Baroness Rebecca Bloomwood of Harvey Nichols
Major achievements:
PatriotismI have served Great Britain for many years, bolstering the economy through the medium of retail.
Trade RelationsSince living in New York I have promoted international trade between Britain and America, e.g., I always buy imported Twinings tea and Marmite.
Public SpeakingI have appeared on television chairing debates on current affairs (in the world of fashion).
Cultural ExpertiseI am a collector of antiques and fine art, most notably 1930s cocktail cabinets and barware.
Personal contribution if appointed:
As a new member of the House of Lords, I would personally be very willing to take on the role of fashion consultant, an area hitherto neglected — yet vital to the very lifeblood of democracy.
SECOND UNION BANK
53 Wall Street
New York, NY 10005
February 21, 2002
Miss Rebecca Bloomwood
Apt. B251 W. 11th Street
