EDWARD SLIPPED OUT OF the VIP tent searching for Charlotte and Janet and found them schmoozing with another couple at the barbecue buffet table. Standing off to one side, he perused the long table. His eyes fixed on the dessert trays. In the process of making a beeline toward them, Janet slipped in beside him.

“Edward? How did everything go?” she asked, cocking her head in the direction of the VIP tent.

Edward eyed a strawberry tart and was more interested in procuring it than tal...