Waiting for Mr. Darcy by Chamein Canton Page B

children.”
    â€œShe did have an interview with Hudson Hills Prep School, and they were going to take her until she handed them her reading list.”
    Gabby tried to hide her pride.
    â€œI know you’re smiling about it, but they didn’t think it was funny when she read passages from Why Should White Boys Have All the Fun , Forced into Glory and the Souls of Black Folks during her demonstration class.”
    â€œShe said the kids liked it.”
    Bunny pursed her lips. “You encouraged her.”
    â€œShe speaks her mind, Mother, and she always has. I can’t stop that.”
    â€œThen why doesn’t she work in one of the suburban schools on Long Island or in Westchester?”
    â€œWe’ve been around this before, Mother. It’s her life.”
    Bunny dipped her scone into the tea. “Fine, I guess her mind is made up.” She nibbled her scone. “How’s Ian doing?”
    â€œHe’s good. He and Emily have been splitting their time between his condo in the city and a place in the Hamptons this summer.”
    â€œNow Emily Scofield, there’s a girl from a good family.”
    Here we go again. Gabby tried not to roll her eyes. “Ian isn’t with her because of her family. She’s a lovely girl.”
    â€œYes, she is nice.” She sipped her tea again. “You know who I just ran into at the country club?”
    Here it comes. Gabby braced herself. “Who?”
    â€œTerrence Talbot. He was there meeting a client for golf.”
    â€œThat’s nice.”
    â€œHe’s single.”
    â€œTerrence is a nice man and all but no thanks, Mother.”
    â€œSo he’s divorced. You’re divorced, too.”
    â€œI’ve been divorced once. Terrence, on the other hand, has as many ex-wives as there are days in the week.”
    â€œDear, you’re forty-six years old. You can’t be too picky.”
    â€œNo, Mother, that’s exactly why I can be picky. I’m too old to put up with just anything, no matter how great the pedigree is.”
    â€œFine. Contrary to popular belief, I hadn’t planned a wedding.”
    â€œThank you, Mother. Can we change the subject?”
    â€œCertainly. How is Alicia’s little show doing?”
    Gabby nodded her head. “It’s not a little show, Mother. Alicia’s show is nationally syndicated and she has a successful magazine to boot. I’d say she’s doing very well.”
    â€œThat’s nice,” she said almost dismissively. “How about Lauren?”
    â€œShe’s good.”
    â€œIs she still married to that ex-football player?”
    â€œThey’re getting divorced.”
    â€œOh, I’m sorry to hear that. Isn’t this her third marriage?”
    â€œYes,” Gabby said reluctantly.
    â€œSo I guess being divorced more than once isn’t all bad.”
    â€œNo, Mother, for some people it isn’t. Lauren is a romantic, that’s all.”
    â€œThen why can’t Terrance be a romantic?”
    â€œBecause a man who’s been married six times has something to prove.”
    â€œHmm,” Bunny sighed. “How’s the gallery doing?”
    Gabby was relieved she’d changed the subject. “It’s doing really well. There’s a lot of excitement building for the Sixteen to Watch new artist exhibit.”
    â€œI thought you only showcased fifteen artists.”
    â€œI decided to change it up this year.”
    â€œI see. Is that why you’re going to dinner tonight?”
    Gabby’s heart jumped. “What do you mean?”
    â€œYou’re having dinner with a patron, so I assume it’s to raise more money to open more slots.”
    â€œRight.”
    Bunny checked her watch. “It’s nearly two-thirty and you need time to get ready. Would you mind calling Lee and telling him to bring the car around, please?”
    â€œNot at all, Mother.”
    Rosie, who was