Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

"Hey, can I ask if you're free the day after tomorrow? I've got a dinner thing, and I'd love for you to come with me."

Sylvia read the message and instantly typed back, "What kind of dinner thing?"

"My dad's in town. I want to introduce you to him."

Sylvia stared at her phone, feeling a mix of surprise and nerves. Her fingers hovered over the screen, typing and deleting responses.

Fay's words from before echoed in her mind. Who wouldn't want someone from their own world when it came to marriage, especially if you had money and status? Even if Lester's father was open-minded, there was no way he'd accept someone like her.

In the end, she just wrote, "Better not. I've been pretty busy lately."

A few seconds later, Lester's reply popped up.

"Actually, my dad's the one who wants to meet you. My little sister's about to get married, and I've been single for years-it's a big deal to him."

Sylvia's heart skipped. She'd thought about a lot of things, but not that Lester might actually want to marry her. And not so soon.

She almost turned him down again, her finger hovering over the "send" button, but then Ms. Ward's advice came back to her. Did happiness only belong to people from the right background? Was she supposed to stay stuck, never even trying?

After a moment's thought, she sent just one word:

"Okay."

In the stairwell, Fay's hand shook as she dialed. She was so angry, she could barely keep her voice steady.

like Sylvia get

really

careful way of an older family friend, Kay replied, "Fay, don't get so upset. Lester's been like a son to me, and honestly, I always thought you two were perfect for each other. If it weren't

meant to soothe, but they only made Fay angrier. She paced the landing, heels clacking so hard she nearly

Kay dropped the bombshell: "By the way, did you know Lester's father is here? Can you imagine how furious he'll be

here? Perfect. I'll tell him the

in smoothly. "We're adults. No one likes a

"What

and began to explain her plan. When she finished, Fay

really know what

just don't want Lester to be fooled and I hate to

someone like Sylvia Confovel

belongs to s

Ms. Winslet. I

Two days later.

spacious private dining room with her arm linked through

was the big pre-wedding family dinner, the first

family had arrived

sure

steaks sizzling, salad bowls averflowing, apple pies

long, Scott entered with the rest

crossed the room to greet