He sat down.
Julian gave a toast that was considerably longer and involved a story about Alexander that made Mei laugh so hard she had to set down her glass and that made Alexander look at Julian with the expression of a man filing something away for future reference.
Richard gave a toast that was three sentences and that was more moving than anything else said all evening.
"Mei Chen," he said, standing with his glass. "You raised the most extraordinary woman I've had the pleasure of knowing." He looked at her. "And you've made this family complete." He raised his glass. "To Mei and Alexander."
Mei looked at Richard.
She raised her glass.
The dancing started late.
Not organised dancing, just music and the space and whoever wanted to use it. Lucy pulled Sebastian onto the floor immediately. Julian asked Mrs Chen who accepted with the dignity of a woman who had not been asked to dance in some time and intended to make the most of it.
Aria watched from her chair.
