"So very nice to meet you, Miss Peeg," replied Kate, "You're most welcome, by the way. I wanted my husband's birthday to be as special as he is, so naturally I invited the entire community. Oh, speaking about the guest of honor," she turned and motioned towards Sid, smiling, "Miss Peeg, I'd like to introduce my husband, Sid."

Sid walked smoothly up to the older woman, took her hand in his, raised it to his lips, kissing it lightly. "Miss Peeg. How glad we are that you have come tonight." He tipped his head down, then lifting it slightly, gazed at her with limpid green eyes, knowing well how to make an impression when he so desired.

Miss Peeg smiled, retrieving her hand, "I'm very happy to meet you, Sid... oh and to see your lovely home. It's quite unique, isn't it," she said, looking around.

Sid followed her glance with his own eyes. "Yes," he agreed, "it is unique. I am simply not a run-of-the-mill sort of man, as you will find. Please, feel free to look around, enjoy the artwork, the sculpture. You seem to be a woman of discerning taste," he purred.

Miss Peeg smiled slightly and moved over to a display of sculpture and paintings. She pulled her half glasses from her evening purse to get a better look... oh my, she thought, these should be in a museum. "You have quite a collection of fine art Mr. Harbor," was that really his name, "I should think some of these pieces," she stopped by a sculpture, "would have been terrible hard to come by," looking up at him over her glasses.

As Miss Peeg had a look around, the doorbell sounded again. "Oh, more guests!" exclaimed Kate, as she hurried over to the front door.  

Jim stood beside Ivy at the door to Sid's house. Now that he saw the place up close he wasn't too sure about it. What kind of people live in glass houses and throw formal birthday parties? Glancing at Ivy he knew why he was standing there. He wasn't too happy to hear why she happened to have a designer dress suitable for the occasion but he had to admit she was lovely in her gown, chocolate brown just a few shades lighter than her hair. 

She turned and smiled at him as she rang the door bell.

"Ivy! Jim! Oh, I'm so glad you two could make it tonight," Kate told the couple. "Please... come in. Sid will be pleased to see you, I'm sure." She stood back from the door, allowing Ivy and Jim to enter.

"Ivy!" Sid was truly pleased to see the pleasant, friendly woman, who had the excellent taste to be friendly to him. "I'm glad you and your husband could come this evening."  So, not many would show, but he would be quite gracious to the few who did so that reports of it might reach the ears of those inhabitants of the village who had lesser discernment.

"Thank you for inviting us." Ivy beamed as she gave Kate and Sid hugs. "Ivy tells me the two of you were recently married, congratulations" Jim shook Sid's hand. Ivy looked around the room. "The inside of your house is more than I imagined. It really does suit you Sid."

"Thank you,Ivy. I like the white, clean lines of the interior." He eyed his bride, liking her clean lines as well, the desire for plucking steadily rising. Perhaps this party would not last overly long, not with so few guests. Turning to Jim, he added, "I trust, James J. Braddock, you are well recovered now from your last pugilistic endeavors?"

Kate couldn't help but notice Sid's glance towards her and knew exactly what her husband was thinking. She grinned to herself, then gave him a wink.

"Yeah, thanks." Watching Ivy take in the interior, Jim wondered at how she could be so enamored with this house. It's like living in a curio case, he thought to himself.

"I understand you have decided to remain in our delightful little burg," Sid said to Ivy, guiding her toward the refreshment table, followed closely by Jim. "I was pleased to hear of it. We need more residents such as yourself."  He was being as attentively polite as he could manage. It involved a smattering of teeth-gritting from time to time, this making of pleasantries did, but he would manage. He could see Katherine watching him, pleased with him. Good. Plucking should be even more satisfactory. What time was it anyway?

"Ms. Peeg. How good to see you." Jim smiled at the older woman. "Have you been keeping Richie in line over at the office?"

Miss Peeg laughed, "Mr. Roberts is very good a keeping himself in line. It's very good to see you and Ivy. I understand you are getting settled in your new house. I think that's grand... I'm looking forward to finding a small place for myself."

"We are as settled as things allow us to be. Ivy's uncle arrived yesterday. So far, so good." Jim glanced towards Ivy for just a moment then returned his attention to Ms. Peeg. "Ivy hasn't been feeling too well lately though.  I think she needs to slow down a bit."

"There's Ivy and Jim, Jeffrey!"  Meggie exclaimed with excitement, pointing out the other couple as they entered Sid's huge glass home.  Getting out of the silver car, Jeffrey walked over and helped her out.  Jeffrey wore a stunning suit with a silver-colored tie. 

"Okay, okay."  He shut the door and then turned back to look at her.  She wore her long hair down, curled, and held back by two green crystal barrettes.  Her dress was a simple, yet elegant and long emerald green gown.  "You look lovely, Meggie."

She blushed, wrapping the silk shawl around her shoulders.  "Jeffrey, thank you for coming with me."

His strong arm circled her waist, pulling her closer to his side in a protective manner.  "I love you," he quietly said, leaning down to kiss her lips.  And I'm going to be with you every second at this party, he thought to himself as they approached the door.  Jeffrey also didn't want to see Kate hurt.  She reminded him of his oldest daughter.  That same determination, desire, and free spirit shining in her eyes.  

Jeffrey pushed the doorbell and they both waited with anticipation.   

"Oh, that must be Meggie and Jeffrey!" exclaimed Kate, as the doorbell rang once more. She rushed over to answer it and greet the newly arrived guests. "Oh, don't you look lovely tonight, Meggie. And Jeffrey, I do like that tie. Please, come in. The other guests have all arrived."

"Evening, Kate.  Thank you, and you look as lovely as ever," Jeffrey said, placing a small kiss on her hand. 

Meggie leaned in to hug Kate, and then blushing, replied.  "Thank you.  Oh, I have to see that ring of yours!"

Miss Peeg smiled brightly and extended her hand to Jeffrey and to Meggie, "how very nice to meet you, though we have never been introduced I believe you're still at Millie's?" she asked Jeffrey.

"It's very nice to meet you too, Miss Peeg," Meggie said, accepting the woman's hand. I'm Megge Ward and this is...."

"Jeffrey.  Jeffrey Wigand."  He also accepted her hand graciously.  At the mention of his living arrangments, Meggie blushed.  Jeffrey, noticing this, quickly answered.  "Well, yes.  I still have most of my belonging there.  I've been staying with Meggie...during the whole murder case...and now, to, um, help her get settled into the new home." 

"Good for you, Jeffrey," Sid commented. "We must keep our womenfolk safe these days. Glad to see you're taking care of Miss Meggie here." He eyed her green gown appreciatively.

Jeffrey looked at Sid carefully.  He seemed different, almost human.  That was probably due to Kate's influence.  But he still was not certain about the nanotech.

Watching Sid's eyes as they gazed upon Meggie, his hand tightened slightly around her fingers.  "Yes, we do.  I'd do anything to protect Meggie.  As you would Kate.  This is," and he paused, searching for the right word, "quite an amazing home you and Kate share."

Kate watched and listened as the guests all chatted happily with one another. The party seemed to be going well, she thought to herself, smiling. "Please, everyone, help yourself to the hors d’orves. We hired the best chef in Sydney to cater the party here tonight, no expense spared in honor of my darling husband's birthday, you know," Kate beamed, then added, "Oh, and there's champagne and wine and anything else your heart might desire. And if the bartender I've hired doesn't have it, well," she chuckled a bit, "let's just say, he'll never work in THIS town again, that's for sure!"

Miss Peeg turned at Kate's announcement thinking it a rather rude thing to say when the bartender was standing behind his station. She then looked over Kate's purple feathered frock. She thought it more appropriate for the stage and Kate a former barmaid. Ah well, she's certainly fell into it here, she mused. The house and it's collection of original artwork it all... reminded her of a set piece... something one might find staged... but for what purpose, she wondered. Her glance settled on Sid and for a moment the raw desire in his eyes as he regarded his wife caused her to look away. Oh dear, she thought and moved to the drinks table for a mixed drink.

Sid leaned over and whispered in Katherine's ear. "Weren't there supposed to be... presents?"

"Oh, of course... umm...," she looked around again their guests, who were all now gathered around eating and ordering drinks from the wait-staff. "Think it would be rude of me to ask everyone to go ahead and give you their gifts?"  She saw the look in Sid's eyes and knew what he was thinking. "Okay then, let's get this party on move then... so we can have plenty of time for your extra gift from me, later."

She cleared her throat, then in a louder voice, so all the guest could hear, said, "It seems our guest of honor is ready to open his gifts now, so if you will all please gather round...yes, that's right.... over here... Meggie, Jeffrey... oh, Miss Peeg, don't be shy... gather right in... Ivy, Jim... alright then. Who would like to present their gift to Sid first?"

"Glass?" he said, staring intently at the sculpture. "You've given me glass?" He turned toward Ivy, a wide smile on his face. "Perfect!" he proclaimed. "I always knew you were a rare woman."  He kissed her very lightly and quickly on her cheek, aware of Jim's presence and being on his best behavior this evening.

"It's magnificent, Ivy. I couldn't be more pleased." He liked having glass around at all times, lots of glass.

Miss Peeg was absolutely appalled at such manners. She walked over to the gift table and retrieved her modest gift. A trip to a local winery had produced a nice bottle of wine and two exquisite crystal wine glasses - a gift she felt suitable for someone she did not know.
Cocking a brow, "I'm afraid I could not top that, but I do wish you a happy birthday," she handed over the nicely wrapped box and stepped to the back of the gathered guests.

"Why, Miss Peeg," Sid said, opening the box, "you've done quite well." He didn't want to offer offense to any of those who had come to the party. "Thank you very much. I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness."

She could think of no suitable reply to be expressed in present company. Finding her small evening purse she smiled at Ivy and Jim and told them goodnight. Turning to Jeffrey and Meggie, "it was a pleasure to meet you both...I hope you, ah, will continue to enjoy the evening."

Having her things about her she spoke to Sid, "enjoy your party, you have been a gracious host."

Setting down his glass of wine, Jeffrey began to feel the same headache and wished to slip out with Miss Peeg.  However, he didn't want to upset Meggie and looked over at her.  "Darling, the gift," he said, offering a smile. 

Meggie nodded, and reaching down, lifted the present to her lap.   She bit her lip, anxious about the present: though small, it had a solid weight to it and quite an extensive history. 

"Kate mentioned how much you enjoy star gazing.  This is a replication of something very amazing and rich with historical and astrological signficance."  Meggie then stood up, walking slowly over to Sid, where she handed him the present.  Oh God, I hope he likes it.  It's a paperweight of the Andromedia Galaxy...the great Nebula containing one trillion stars.

Sid held it in his hands, turning it slowly, knowing instantly what it was. Lifting his head, he gazed at Meggie. Who would ever have thought that such a sweet, pleasant young woman would know how to find such a gift for him. He was truly amazed that she had and was, for a moment, actually at a loss for words. Finally clearing his throat and hurrying now to dispel the worried look that was gathering on her face, he said, "Andromeda. The galaxy in glass, blue and silver glass. You have quite outdone yourself, my dear lady, quite outdone yourself." He held it up, letting the light shine through it, never expecting he would get presents other than Katherine's that he would actually...like. "Now you simply must come over some evening, both of you," he quickly added to include Jeffrey, "to watch the stars. Yes, yes, you must definitely do that!" He meant it. Good heavens! He meant it! What was happening to him? 

"Oh, yes, absolutely!" Kate added, enthusiastically. Anything that pleased her husband so very much, pleased her. After all, when Sid was pleased, he aimed to please her, too. With that in mind, she smiled to herself, thinking again about later that evening after all the guests have gone. She touched his hand and announced, "Now, Sid, here are the gifts I got for you." She pulled out two large, flat, rectangular-shaped gifts and gently handed them to him. She bit her lip, nervous about his reaction to them. She'd worked really hard making them, and hoped he would appreciate the time and effort put into them. As he ripped through the first package, she explained, "When I first arrived in The Glen, I went for a walk and happened upon this lovely house of yours. I thought it was truly magnificent, a work of art...and, well, I couldn't help but photograph it in various angles. So, my gift to you is this... I scanned in the photo and using a photo-manipulation program on my computer, came up with this artwork, which I then had printed and framed.

"Ah, my Katherine! I am quite overwhelmed this evening. Quite overwhelmed. And to think you photographed this even before we'd met." He gathered her into his arms. "You are precious indeed, my darling wife. Thank you." Then he whispered, "I shall thank you at somewhat greater extent...shortly."

Kate smiled, then said, "Oh, but here, open the next one." As he ripped through the paper of the second gift she'd handed him, Kate explained, "I think you might remember when I first snapped this particular photo, Sid... and as you can see, I've done the same thing with it that I did with the first one." 

This was even better than the artwork of his house. This was artwork of HIM!  "It reminds me of Warhol," he said, his eyes going from picture to picture. "I think I like the blue version the best, but they're all great." He looked at the beaming Katherine. "I had no idea you were so talented!"

"I'm so glad you like it, Sid," Kate said, blushing a bit. She'd made him happy, she could tell. "Happy birthday, Sid," she purred, then wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him full on the lips. 

"I am so ready to pluck you," he whispered in her ear.

A ringing began issuing form Ivy's purse during Sid and Kate's display of affection. "Oh my" Ivy whispered as she looked through her purse for her cell phone. "Hello? What? When did it happen? Ok. No. I think things are winding up. No don't worry about it you were right to call." Hanging up the phone Ivy looked at Jim. "That was Ian he says the delivery truck hit the door when they arrived. Caused some damage. We have to go fill out some sort of report and make sure the store is secure until it can be fixed."

"Sid, Kate I am so sorry. I just got a call there is a problem at the grocery and we have to go. Sid I hope you have a Happy Birthday. Meggie, Jeffrey it was nice to see you. Goodnight everyone." Ivy and Jim saw themselves out.