14: Pomp and Circumstance

Lights from photographers FLASH as Clyde and Harper enter through open, double doors separating the vineyard's main lobby from a rectangular room filled with arched windows and rows of crystal chandeliers.

Posing with smiles and seductive charm, Harper's eyes scan the large room with hardwood floors that once stood as an in-house restaurant and banquet hall.

A live orchestra plays from a pop-up stage diagonal from a full bar, modern tunes adapted into instrumental pieces filling the makeshift ballroom occupied by dancing couples in costume.

The upbeat, romantic tune infects her, only to be stifled by people turning to face them with raised glasses and cheers.

Softly nudging Harper from a statuesque, deer in headlights, she copies his congenial waves as they make their way through the crowd.

Compliments of their wardrobe and the success of tonight comes their way; they spend much of the first hour greeting people, half-hugging and shaking hands.

Growing bored and thirsty, curiously eyeing the bar at every turn, she must fight her self control to keep from getting tanked like she does at every party she attends–should she wet her whistle.

This night was a surprise and a way for him to prove himself to her; but she knows her husband so well. It was worth so much more than that to Clyde.

How she presents herself for the first night of the festival might affect the rest of their year,if she had to guess from how anxious he appeared while skimming over things when he showed her the grounds. And that's a man she never knew to be anxious.

The pampering was appreciated, but why else would he put so much effort into hiring someone to do her hair, nails and makeup if this was just about showing her a good time?

"Clyde," she whispers into his ear when he parts from a long-time-no-see friend of yesteryear.

Holding her close with his arm across her lower back under the cloak, leaning in closer to her lips, "Yes, love?"

Glancing from his ear to his eyes, "I have to go to the bathroom," she searches darkness cast from the mask's shadow until he turns just enough for light to grace him.

"It's across the lobby. I'll sho–."

Holding her hand up with a tiny smile and side-step away, "It's fine!"

Clearing her throat, giving his forearm a squeeze as she brings it from around her, "I can find it. Go have fun," she pecks his smooth cheek just under the curve of his mask, just barely dusting his skin with rouge.

"I don't want to keep you from old neighbors filled with rumors and speculations."

As that is all they seemed to boldly bring up to the couple during such a festive evening.

Pulling her hand to his lips to kiss her palm, "I'm no one without you by my side."

Damn. Where does he come up with this stuff?

Momentarily dazed by amber lights that seemingly glow around his shiny quiff, a toothy grin snaps her out of it.

Hungry eyes scan her face and chest, "I'll introduce you to everyone else when you get back." Swooping curls from her neck with his knuckles as he steps nearer, the heat of his body radiating the warmth of his cologne up her body, "Holler if you need me."

With a gentle kiss on her forehead, she shivers before turning away to politely make her escape from the crowded room.

As a fan of costume parties, she would much rather be in a dancing, drunken stupor than acting like some upper level member of society with all eyes on her.

At college she was finally a nameless face in a crowd of other dummies; not the daughter of the governor and Miss America 2009.

Would a life on this farm be worth it, if everyone knows everything about them because their wealth signifies the wealth of the town?

Fake smiling her way to the doors until she can search the circular vestibule with cream and burgundy tiles, she rolls her eyes the moment all eyes are off her. Passing under a grand chandelier of glass and gold with accent pearls, her heels carefully step onto the wide runner.

Burgundy and gold is woven into an elegant pattern, with the initial "R" centered square in the middle.

Following it from a glass entrance to her left all the way to a glass exit to her right, she marvels briefly at a dusky, Tuscan patio with tables and umbrellas. Passing a waiter carrying a tray of stacked, empty glasses, she reminds herself not to run when she finds the mounted, brass plaque that says "Ladies."

Pulling on a brass handle fixed in glossy mahogany, she steps into a sitting room with floral, red and gold furniture.

"Why would it be hard getting rid of such an upscale place as this? I should've asked what this place was going for," muttering under her breath as she cuts through the vacant sitting room, she enters a propped open door with five stalls and a row of glass bowl sinks fixed in front of a massive, framed mirror.

Whistling at the unexpected sight of elegance in a dated winery, she nearly jumps when one of the stall doors swing open to reveal a busty brunette in blue and gold.

"Wow!" she flips bangs from blue eyes surrounded by a cat's mask, "I love your costume!" Her nasally compliment makes Harper cringe, the girl walking in platform stilettos to the sink while watching her in the reflection.

Harper eyes the matching, furry white tail sticking from the woman's butt as it hangs past the glittering miniskirt.

"Thanks," she mutters, "I like yours too," Harper tries not to look too awkward while staring at the woman's extremely low-cut, strapless dress.

Turning around to enter the stall closest to her, Harper stops when she hears the woman's voice over the sound of running water.

"You must be somethin' special," the scantily clad, buxom lady slams the soap dispenser, "To have tamed that beast."