No matter how many times Gloria looked at the invitation, since its arrival a month ago, it just wouldn’t go away.
‘The Premier and Mrs. Jack Jordan
request the honour of your presence
in celebration of their annual
Joy of Spring Ball
Saturday, the 20th of March
Queen’s Room of the Victoria Club’
Mira MacDougall had called Gloria the day the invitation arrived; she and Hank received one as well. Most of Victoria’s social elite would be there. Gloria had moaned to Mira "The lucky ones are on holiday, which I would have been if I’d remembered what time of year it was."
"This will be Jean Jordan’s third Ball," Mira had pointed out – and then laughed at her friend’s silence, knowing full well what Gloria almost said. She eagerly continued, "We’ll get through it, luv. Besides, this will give us the perfect reason to shop." Mira rarely bothered with reasons.
She loved Mira and knew that she was looking forward to the formal event. It had been some time since Gloria had needed a gown, and a shopping trip would be a nice diversion, especially now. "It will have to be a fast trip, Mira." It was. They flew to Milan to shop; Mira found her gown in the second salon they visited, Gloria in the third. "Just because I found a dress doesn’t mean I’ve decided to attend," she told her on the flight back. Mira smiled, "Of course, dear. Of course."
Two weeks prior to the Ball, Ted had phoned Gloria to give her an update on events. While she was listening, she happened to glance down on her writing desk and spotted the invitation. Picturing him in a tux, she waited until he finished, then asked him, demurely, if he would mind too terribly escorting her to this event. Laughing, Ted said it would be his honour and privilege, and the arrangements were made.
She was taking a last look in the full mirrored wall of her dressing room off the master suite when the elevator buzzed announcing Ted’s arrival.
As he walked off the elevator and down the hall towards Gloria’s door, she appeared and playfully twirled for his approval. "Fabulous!" he applauded. She curtsied to him and he bowed. Laughing, they knew they would enjoy the lightness of this night, a welcome respite during such serious times.
"If you will kindly take my arm, I shall escort Mademoiselle to her awaiting chariot." She slid her gloved hand through, and held his arm as he whisked her down to the car.
The Victoria Club was glittering in the night. The balconies off the dining and dancing rooms were covered with flowers and canopies of trees laden with strings of twinkling lights. As the valet parked her car, Gloria and Ted floated up the carpeted steps into the stately old club. Once inside the grand ballroom, Gloria spotted Hank and Elliot off to the side, near one of the serving bars. Mira and Elliot’s girlfriend, Alyssa, must be off to the powder room, she thought. Many eyes watched this striking couple cross the floor. Hank and Elliot both said "Wow!" Hank kissed her cheek, "Mira was right. She said you had a knockout dress." Elliot leaned over and kissed her other cheek "You always look stunning. You just turned the power up a few notches with that gown." As Gloria began to thank them for their kind words, she felt someone approaching from behind.
Jean Jordan appeared and placed herself between the men. "My gosh, Hank, you certainly look dapper this evening. I almost didn’t recognise you without your jeans and work boots."
"He cleans up well." Gloria smiled at her, and thought of the new photograph on her dresser of Hank and David, oil covered and grinning.
Jean tried Ted next. "Oh Ted – let’s see how you dance, shall we? You don’t mind, do you Gloria?"
She mused, another non-question. "Be my guest." After Ted and Jane were on the dance floor, Gloria leaned nearer and said, "Isn’t our brave knight courageous to sacrifice himself - so willingly?" Hank and Elliot shook their heads and laughed.
"Ted thinks it’s time we bring others into the Plan," Gloria was always ready for business, "and I agree. Now that the big three are aware of what we are trying to do – and have no objections – it looks as if we may succeed. We’ll absolutely need people from other sectors. The transition will go smoother if we have leaders on board from health, and the media. Ted suggested that…" Gloria changed her words to address the approaching women, "…..Mira, you look splendid. Oh, Alyssa, your gown is beautiful – is it an Ungaro? Yes? Then you’ve been to Paris recently – so delightful in the spring, oui?"
Elliot smiled and embraced his girlfriend as she stood near him, visiting with the others. As the orchestra finished the selection, Gloria watched Ted escort Jean towards the Premier, who was still greeting late-comers near the door, two of which she knew.
Richard and Helen Murphy entered the Ballroom looking absolutely regal. Gloria walked over, "Helen, it’s wonderful to see you." She had met Helen two years ago when the Vancouver CBC staff hosted an event to introduce their new Chief to the community.
Helen smiled, "Hello Gloria. Nice to see you, too." She introduced her husband and the three of them chatted a bit. After learning that they had not yet met the MacDougalls or Elliot Stevens, Gloria said, "Come with me – I want you to meet some wonderful people." They walked over near the serving bar where Gloria made the introductions. As she finished, the orchestra was stopped by the master of ceremonies:
"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for coming. I would like to introduce our host, who would like to say a few words. Premier Jordan – if you would be so kind?"
Jack Jordan stepped up on the small orchestra podium. "Thank you and welcome to the Joy of Spring Ball. You all look wonderful here in our beloved Victoria, this night gives us a welcome and pleasant break from our work over this past year. I am proud to be here as your Premier and I will continue to work as your leader through all the changes. We are stronger than ever, here in British Columbia – and we will continue to grow stronger in the weeks and months to come. For Jean and for myself, let me thank you again for sharing with us this glorious celebration of Spring, in the prettiest city in the world. Thank you."
Everyone burst out clapping as the Premier stepped down and began to work his way through the crowd, nodding, shaking hands and greeting old friends. Eventually, he worked his way to them and reached to shake Hank’s hand, "Hello Gloria, Mira, Hank. It’s good to see you once again. How is everything progressing?" Jack held on to Hank’s hand.
"Quite well, Premier, thank you. I believe that Ted Underwood may be contacting you soon."
"Yes, Hank, I just spoke with him. We’re meeting on Monday for a round of golf. I look forward to the full update." Jack finally let go of Hank’s hand, and wandered over to the next group of people. Hank looked at Gloria; she understood the Premier’s message as well. Neither of them envied Ted.
As the evening floated on, Gloria saw the crowd step aside to watch Elliot and his beautiful Alyssa cover the dance floor with a perfect waltz. Ted had been absent for some time; she looked across the room for him and noticed Richard Murphy sitting alone at a table. "May I join you?" she asked as she approached.
Richard stood and pulled out a chair for her, "Yes, please, I’d be delighted." As they sat he explained, "My wife has commandeered your escort, it seems. They have been on the balcony for quite a while, talking business."
Gloria noticed the warmth in Richard’s words. It was obvious that he loved his wife very much, and was not threatened by her success. Good, she thought, because life is about to change for Mr. and Mrs. Murphy.
She watched Ted and Helen through the open doorway, partially secluded by the floor to ceiling drapery that covered the windows. They had moved to a quiet corner where Ted could tell her of the events that had transpired. Gloria noticed her expression change from serious to shock, and correctly guessed what he had just said to her. Quickly, Gloria asked Richard, "Do you like Victoria?" but before he could answer, they both saw Helen entering the ballroom with Ted close beside her. Richard took one look at his wife, her face quite pale even in the warm glow of the chandelier lighting.
He rose from his chair as she approached. "My dear, are you all right?"
"No, but I will be. Please, Richard, I would like to leave now." She had not been ready for this.
"Of course, honey, right away."
As they turned to leave, Helen stopped, looked at her husband and said, "Ted and Gloria have asked if we could stop by Gloria’s place for coffee. I think that would be a very good idea. If you don’t mind – and I will explain later – you can ride with Gloria, while I take our car and bring along Mr. Underwood."
Understanding Helen quite clearly, Gloria and Ted briskly caught up and followed them. Gloria looked over at Ted, he just rolled his eyes. "Oh well," she smiled, not bothered one wit about having to leave the party early. "Mrs. Murphy just saved us from Mrs. Premier’s famous Joy of Spring speech."
Gloria took Ted’s arm – and together they glided off the floor, through the massive front doors, down the staircase, and into the warm Victoria spring night to wait for the cars.
