3225. Wedding flirtations © Bruce Goodman 3 June 2025

They should never have done it; identical twins Lavinia and Virginia swapping places at the table at Juliana’s wedding. Both had been bridesmaids. Both had found the best man strikingly handsome. Now Virginia was sitting next to Bernstein. Lavinia had sat next to him for the Hors d'oeuvre and the Main. Now that the Gâteau St. Honoré dessert was being served it was Virginia’s turn to try her luck. It was a help that Bernstein was so engaging. Lavinia had flirted ostentatiously. He must have noticed. In fact, Lavinia was quite convinced that he was rather taken by her. But fair is fair; it was now Virginia’s turn to tease. It helped that Bernstein was pouring himself another wine, and he asked Virginia is she would like her glass refilled. Of course, of course, said Virginia. (Every bit helps.) It was the opening dance. The happy newly married couple took to the floor and then their parents. Virginia was about to asked Bernstein if he would like to dance, when Lavinia turned up from nowhere and asked him first. Virginia was furious. Lavinia had had him for the Hors d'oeuvre and the Main and all Virginia got was a brief unhealthy dessert with ice cream. And another wine. “That’s very kind to ask,” said Bernstein, “but I promised my wife the first dance!” Contact Author Back to Index Next Story Previous Story