Runa heard the sound of bells ringing. They were the little decorative Christmas tree style ornament bells. She knew this because she lived above the shop that sold them.

Soon the ladies of the book club began filing in. They came from both hallways and were carrying lit candles. They walked to the candelabra opposite the door they entered from, weaving in between two ladies from the opposite side in a very deliberate walk and pace. All of them also had the monogrammed gloves with them.

Each lady took her turn lighting a candle and then standing in front of a chair in the room. No two ladies wore the same type of gown or the same exact color. Katherine Page wore a light olive gown that was draped long but was low cut. Angel Hart wore a modest powder blue, Victorian style gown with few ruffles and it was understated like a common lady of the period might have worn. She was one of the only ladies wearing a hat. Marie was wearing the yellow spaghetti strap gown. Sylvan Raines wore a floral print; ruffled gown that looked like it might have been considered couture in the 80s. Jade King wore a beautiful, spotted, tan dress with a ruffle down the front. Valerie Compton was a little larger and wore a beautiful black v-neck gown. Kay Wilkes was wearing a navy blue gown with gold buttons and a black belt. She had a nice figure for someone so thin. Betty Chapel was stunning in a hot pink mermaid style, halter top evening dress. Penelope Saunter was wearing a blue silk, leopard print, 'A'-line gown. Ava Madison took the cake. She was wearing a deep purple, strapless gown that twisted around her perfectly and effortlessly expanded into ruffles. She also wore a lovely hat. Eleanor Ravensdale wore a simple grey gown that draped over one shoulder. Sable Reis Weihl wore a lovely off white long gown with spaghetti straps and ruffles below the tops of her arms.

When all of them were in place, Sable nodded to Ellie. Eleanor stepped forward. "Miss Runa Walker of the Bell, Book and Candle; We welcome you to the Autumn Equinox meeting of the Ladies book club of Zephyr City. Who represents Miss Walker tonight, as an approved guest?"

Marie Hunter stepped forward. "I present Miss Walker as a guest of the Autumn Equinox meeting, this night. I represent her and will vow on her behalf for the proceedings of the evening." She stepped back into her place.

"Very Well, Miss Hunter," Ellie responded. "Are there any objections?"

Ellie waited for a moment but no objections came.

"Miss Runa Walker, You have now officiallybeen granted invitation and may sit as a guest."