Son of Stone (Stone Barrington 21)

“Peter,” Stone said, putting the envelope into a pocket, “is Knickerbocker your choice?”

“Oh, yes, sir!” Peter said. “It certainly is.”

“Then you may join us at the beginning of the next semester, in January,” Golden said, “and we look forward to having you as a student, Peter.”

Everyone shook hands, and on the way out Golden said to Stone and Arrington, “Frankly, considering what I’ve seen of Peter and his record, I’m not sure how long we can hold on to him before he’ll be going to Yale.”

S tone and Arrington left Peter at the house, then took a cab down to City Hall, where they stood in line for a marriage license. Stone saw a man with a camera in a corner of the room and stepped between him and Arrington. “Just act natural,” he said to her. “This will be over soon.”

They left the building with their license in hand, and the man with the camera followed them, but Stone made sure he shielded Arrington and that his back was to the camera.

“Who was that man?” Arrington asked when they were in a cab.

“I don’t know. He’s probably a stringer for one of the columns, looking for celebrities.”

“Do you think he recognized us?”

“You haven’t been in the papers much since Vance’s death,” Stone said. “It’s more likely that he might have seen me at Elaine’s. I wouldn’t worry about it.”

They joined Dino at Elaine’s, and Stone told him they had a marriage license. “That’s good news,” Dino said. “Eduardo will want to know that. Do you mind if I tell him?”

“No, go ahead,” Stone said, and Arrington nodded. “I’m looking forward to meeting Eduardo,” she said.

20

T he following day Stone was working at his desk when Joan buzzed him. “Eduardo Bianchi, on line one,” she said.

Stone picked up the phone. “Hello, Eduardo,” he said.

“Good day, Stone,” Eduardo replied in a voice still youthful, given his great age. “I’m so happy you are joining my family and me for Christmas dinner.”

“Arrington and I are looking forward to it,” Stone replied, “and she’s looking forward to meeting you.”

“I wonder if I may tender an invitation of another kind?”

“Of course.”

“Dino has told me of your plans to marry soon.”

“That’s right, we got a license yesterday.”

“There will be an official present at our Christmas dinner who would be pleased to marry you, I’m sure, if you can come half an hour early.”

“What a lovely thought,” Stone said. “I’d be delighted, and I’m sure I can accept on Arrington’s behalf. You’re acquainted with Bill Eggers, managing partner at Woodman amp; Weld, I know.”

“Of course.”

“I’d like very much to invite Bill to the ceremony,” Stone said.

“Of course you may. I’d be very pleased to have Bill and his wife to dinner, as well, if he doesn’t already have plans.”

“I’ll ask him and let you know.”

“Very well, then, please be here promptly at twelve-thirty on Christmas Day.”

The two men said good-bye, and Stone hung up. Stone called Eggers, told him of their plan, and invited him.

“Marian and I would love to be with you,” Eggers said, speaking of his second wife. “It’s Betty’s year to have the kids for Christmas, so we don’t really have any plans. I’ll call Eduardo myself and accept, and we’ll see you Christmas Day.”