Cruel Fortune (Cruel 2)

Half the saleswomen seemed to know Jane on sight. We had a personal shopper, Sandra, in a matter of minutes and mimosas a second after that.

I tried on everything that Jane and Sandra handed to me. It was like playing dress-up with things I could never afford. Jane talked the entire time about everything she had to do for the opening, who she’d invited and hadn’t heard from, and all her friends who were flying in for the event. It sounded like it was going to be huge.

“But the best part is the fashion show,” Jane told me.

“Fashion show?” I asked.

“It’s part of my grand plan. I’m going to have Elizabeth Cunningham showcase her designs at the opening. It’s going to be so chic.” Jane ran her finger over a silver sequined dress. “Just imagine a dozen models wearing original designs on a runway in my club. I’m dying.”

“I’ve never even heard of something like that.”

“Exactly!”

But something was nagging at me. A little flutter that wouldn’t leave me alone. I’d already agreed to go to this party. I’d agreed long before we even knew it was a definite thing that was going to happen. So, I couldn’t back out now. Still … the first time that I’d seen an Elizabeth Cunningham dress was with Katherine. I knew that she didn’t model. She was a socialite, so being seen in designer clothing was a perk for the designer. But Elizabeth’s designs were Katherine’s signature.

“Can I ask you something?” I said carefully.

I liked Jane. We were becoming fast friends now that I was in the city. But I didn’t really know her relationship with Katherine.

“Of course.”

“Is Katherine Van Pelt going to be at your opening by chance? I know that she wears Elizabeth’s designs quite frequently.”

“Haven’t you heard the gossip?” Jane said with wide eyes.

Jane always knew everything about everyone.

“No.”

“Elizabeth Cunningham eloped with Carlyle Percy last month. Which means that the owner of Cunningham Couture is now married to Katherine’s future in-laws. It’s not being reported yet. I guess they’re denying it,” Jane said with a wave of her hand.

Wow. Two empires coming together. Cunningham and Percy under one roof. And if Katherine ever finally married Camden, then…the Van Pelt name would be there too. A lot of concentrated income in one place. Though I didn’t know exactly what their elopement had to do with Katherine coming to the party.

That must have shown on my face.

“Katherine was wearing Cunningham designs before the elopement, but I’d guess it had been in the works for a while.”

I stared at her blankly. Not quite putting the pieces together.

“Well, she didn’t start putting Katherine in her designs until she was engaged to Camden.”

Lightbulb. There it was. So, Elizabeth and Katherine must have worked out a deal. They were both marrying into the Percy line. Maybe Elizabeth had already been having an affair with Carlyle before he divorced his last wife. So, future Percy women needed to stick together.

“Anyway, it’s all speculation. No one is coming out and saying it,” Jane said. She laughed. “Except me to you. But Elizabeth always designs for Katherine, so I’m sure she’ll be at the party.”

I frowned. “Great.”

Jane noticed my expression and sighed. “Hey, don’t worry about her. You’ll be there with me. I know you have history, but show up with me and on the arm of Lewis Warren, and you’ll be untouchable.”

I didn’t think it worked that way, but I liked the sentiment. “And Penn?”

Jane frowned. “He was invited. There are certain names on every guest list.”

“It’s amazing how much the Upper East Side is like a small town.”

“Girl, do not let anyone around hear you say that.” Jane giggled and then waved her hand at Sandra. ]

She handed me three different outfits, including a stunning dress that I had coveted but couldn’t even bring myself to look at the price tag.

“We’ll take these, Sandra. Put them on my account.”

“Of course,” Sandra said, taking all of the clothes.

“Oh, Jane, I can’t accept that.”

“Don’t be silly. That’s what friends are for. And anyway, you must wear that dress to my opening.”

Sandra came back a moment later and spoke privately with Jane. Jane sighed exaggeratedly as if she was being put out. Then she opened up her enormous purse and passed Sandra a giant wad of cash. My eyes widened in shock. Who carried that kind of cash on them? Jane must be even wealthier than I’d thought. Jesus!

“Yes, that should cover it. Sorry for the inconvenience,” Sandra said apologetically.

Jane rolled her eyes. “Some error with my account. I’ll have to call the bank.”

“That’s annoying.”

Jane huffed. “Tell me about it.”

When Sandra came back with the packages, Jane passed them to me and refused to take no for an answer. “Take the packages, Natalie. Wear the dress to my event and don’t think twice about it.”