Beatrice said they would have sent someone if I had called.

I told them neighbors had helped and Ruth had brought groceries.

They looked uncomfortable at the mention of people who had done what they were describing as their own intention.

After dinner, Melissa showed me a brochure for the Grand Ballroom at the Jefferson Hotel.

The lowest package began at thirty-four thousand dollars, before several of the extras she considered indispensable.

“The hydrangeas have to be reserved,” she said.