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"Oh, I see," I said, smiling.

He nodded at a waiter across the table from us who was pouring expensive wine like water. "Our wine cellar contains over 25,000 bottles, the oldest wine dating back to 1884. We even have a brandy produced in 1811."

I tried to appear sufficiently impressed, which encouraged him to continue his explanations and boasting with every course he served.

"Princess Margaret called our crabmeat souffle a poem."

The restaurant went all out to impress our guests and my parents. We were served chicken Rochambeau, crawfish cardinale, Brabant potatoes, and Antoine's famous creamed spinach. However, the twins went right to the desserts.

While we were having dinner, the first of the art reviews was brought in and read aloud because it was so favorable. Everyone applauded and Mommy stood up and thanked the guests. Then she and Daddy kissed.

Every time they kissed, it seemed to me as though they were kissing for the first time. Their faces always radiated excitement, and their eyes were full of the glitter of discovery. How was it possible for me to ever find such love and happiness? I wondered. Mommy, sensing my thoughts, gazed my way and smiled at me, her eyes saying, Don't worry, Pearl. There's someone like Daddy out there for you, too. I'm sure of it.

How I wished I could be as sure of it.

Right in the middle of all the excitement, while people were coming to our table to congratulate Mommy, while music was playing and the great meal was being served, I saw Mommy suddenly stop smiling and turn toward the doorway. Her face drained quickly and became white with concern. I gazed toward the doorway, too, and saw a tall, thin caramelskinned woman wearing a red tingon. The maitre d' went to greet her, and she nodded in Mommy's direction. He kept her from entering, but because she was so insistent, he brought a message to Mammy. I watched her read it and saw her face grow even paler. She leaned over to whisper in Daddy's ear, and he became visibly upset.

I got up quickly and went to her. "What's wrong, Mammy?"

"Oh, Pearl honey, this message is about Nina Jackson, my father's cook."

"What about her?" I looked toward the doorway but the mysterious woman was gone.

"She's dying and has asked for me. I've got to go to her at once, but Daddy doesn't think I should leave the party."

"It's your party, Mommy. How can you go? Is she going to die any moment?"

"I don't know, honey."

"Can't you go right afterward?"

"That's what Daddy wants me to do. We're having pictures taken in about a half hour. The mayor is supposed to be here."

"Then you have to stay, Mommy. But I'll go with you as soon as you can leave."

"Thank you, darling," she said, pressing my hands between hers. "I just feel I should get right up and go. Oh, dear."

I thought Mommy was upset enough to excuse herself and run out, but just at that moment the mayor of New Orleans made his entrance. There was applause and great excitement as he made his way through the party to greet Mommy and offer his congratulations. I went back to the twins and waited, knowing the turmoil Mommy was experiencing.

Finally, nearly an hour later, Mammy told Daddy she felt she had to go. Some people were already leaving. She asked Daddy to take the twins home. The twins and I were standing beside them while they discussed it.

"Pearl is going with me. We'll take a cab," Mommy told him.

Daddy looked troubled. "I don't like the idea of the two of you going places alone at night," he said.

"We'll be fine, Beau. We're just going from the cab into the house and back into the cab. I'll have the driver wait," she explained.

"I don't know what good it's going to do, your going," he muttered.

"She was very dear to me once and we remained friends for a long time after she left the House of Dumas, Beau. There was a time when Nina Jackson was practically the only one looking after me."

Daddy nodded and looked away. I imagined Mommy was referring to the time when he left her and went to Europe. "What am I to tell the rest of these people?" he asked under his breath.

"Tell them the truth, Beau. A dear friend is on her deathbed, and I went to her," she said.

"All right, all right. Be careful, will you?" He kissed her on the cheek.

"Take care of your mother, and make sure she doesn't do anything foolish," Daddy warned me.