The Ashworth mansion was full to capacity with well dressed party guests drinking expertly mixed cocktails. There were waiters carrying trays of decadent hors d'oeuvres and gentle music filled the house. It was a beautiful, extravagant party and it was way too much for me.

“Kim, you really didn’t have to do all of this for me,” I insisted. “By which I mean, you shouldn’t have done all of this.”

“Theadora Linda Donnelly,” she said with her hands on ...