Wellesley Wives (New England Trilogy) by Suzy Duffy Read Free Book Online Page B

than me? You don’t think I’m a good hostess anymore?”
    Both Popsy and Jack looked at her in surprise. Sandra was very sensitive tonight, and Jack was having no part of it. Jack rolled his eyes but said nothing. Popsy realized with a little concern that there was definitely something in the air between the Hoffmans, and it certainly wasn’t chemistry. She also knew that it was up to her to lighten the mood because she was damned if her dinner party was going to be ruined by their arguing.
    “Oh, he’s just charming me, Sandy.” Popsy forced a laugh. “You know that Jack only wants me to give him the biggest plate of my home cooking.”
    “You cooked? Or Matilda?” he asked, poking fun at her and ignoring his wife.
    Popsy’s maid was famous for her cooking, and since she’d moved in some twenty-nine years earlier, the kitchen had become her domain. The irony was that Popsy was actually a good cook, but Matilda was very territorial so Popsy left her to it. The only time that she got a chance to sneak back into the kitchen now was when the housekeeper had a day off.
    Popsy gently elbowed Jack. “You know what I mean, mister. It’s my cooking if I paid for it. I have to admit that I do have caterers in. Even Matilda deserves some time off.”
    He winked at her. “Just teasing. Where’s Peter?”
    “He’s in the study poring over spread sheets again.” Popsy sighed. “I’d much rather he was pouring the champagne, but I suppose I’ll have to do that myself.”
    Jack straightened. “I’m sure he would, too, Pops. Today was rough.”
    She’d already heard this from her husband. “I’m sorry it didn’t go as planned.”
    Jack shrugged as if it was nobody’s fault in particular, then excused himself.
    The men had been trying to put together a particularly complex financial arrangement with their new European business associates. To the best of her knowledge, all five men had been locked away in a Boston hotel room all day and this evening’s meal, when it was booked some weeks back, was meant to be the bonding session—post the deal’s closure.
    The problem was that Peter came home early saying that everything had fallen through. There was just too big a gap between how far the European team was willing to go and where Peter and Jack were able to meet them. There would have to be further discussions. That also meant that tonight was going to be strained, as opposed to celebratory.
    Not exactly a good way to start a night. She sighed. For this reason she was delighted that Sandra and Jack had arrived first.
    While the men talked tactics in the study, the women headed for the kitchen. Popsy needed to check on the caterers, and Sandra needed a drink.
    “This isn’t good, is it?” Sandra asked.
    Popsy didn’t understand. “Wild Alaskan salmon en croute? I thought of doing a clam chowder to start, but that’s a bit predictable, don’t you think?”
    Sandra waved her hand. “I don’t mean the food. I mean the deal.”
    “You mean for C&J Industries?” Popsy handed her guest a glass of champagne and took one for herself.
    “Yes.”
    Popsy relaxed a little. C&J industries was the name given to the network of businesses their husbands ran together. It was originally called “Cap & Jet Industries,” but it had been abbreviated years before. She and Sandra headed for the comfort of the drawing room.
    “Don’t panic about the boys. They’re always complaining about these deals, but they do come off at the last minute. Wait till you see. By lunchtime tomorrow, it will all be settled.”
    Sandra didn’t look convinced, but she seemed glad to hear such optimism. Then Popsy pulled her closer. “Now on to more important matters. How are you and . . .” She didn’t say Jack’s name but gestured with her head toward the study.
    Sandra sighed. “I don’t know. In all honesty, he’s driving me crazy. I think he knows I’m up to something because he actually turned me down for action before we