were busy clearing every last flake of snow from the
driveway and stairs. Two maids were absorbed in
polishing every bit of brass and iron in sight, and a
half-dozen men were touching up shutters and cleaning windows.
The wedding preparations combined with the
Christmas decorations created an overwhelmingly
festive atmosphere.
There were lights strewn over the hedges,
lanterns dangling from evergreen trees, and tinsel and
gold splattered everywhere. Little Troy's snowman,
although diminished considerably by the sunlight, still
stood in front of the big house. He had placed a top
hat on its head and draped a black tie around its neck.
The sight of it brought a welcome smile to my face,
even though Momma thought someone should have
taken it down by now.
"Oh, it would break Troy's heart. He worked on
it so hard."
"There's a time and a place for these things,
Leigh. Tony's got to stop catering to his little brother's whims." She smiled quickly at Grandma Jana. "Now
that I'm here, that will all change."
Inside the orchestra was practicing in the
ballroom; the kitchen staff was setting up the giant
tables of food. Ushers were gathered around the
minister like football players around their coach
getting final instructions. Mamma went directly
upstairs to her suite to make her final preparations
with the assistance of her hairdresser. There was a
constant traffic of people in the corridors--
bridesmaids, escorts, flower girls and photographers.