It was over a year ago when Alice and Robert wed. Their parents on both sides threw an extravagant wedding celebration. Being the only children in their families, both sets of parents insisted upon a wedding of the highest calibre. When the bride and groom proposed simply gathering their friends for a barbecue after the ceremony, their mothers brushed the idea aside, dreaming instead of an elegant affair, a white gown, and a horse-drawn carriage.
Alice and Robert soon realised they would not be able to avoid the grand ball, so, with a sense of duty, they began preparing for the occasion. There was much to manage: manicures, makeup, purchasing the dress and the suit, and attending to countless small yet vital details. The parents decided they would cover every expense except for Alices dress and Roberts suit. The most prestigious restaurant in London was booked, the bridal bouquet carefully selected, and the cake was to be baked by an old friend of Roberts mother with a reputation for exceptional baking.
Their parents painstakingly assembled the guest list, determined to invite even distant relatives, regardless of whether they stayed in touch. Their rationale was simple: those relatives were well-off, able to offer generous gifts, and the newlyweds would use that money to buy a car or set it aside towards a flat. Following a lively debate, they eventually agreed not to invite the truly distant relations. Some relatives excused themselves with plausible reasons, and in the end, the guest list largely consisted of the couples own friends, just as theyd hoped.
On the wedding day, the weather was splendid, although rain had been forecast that morning. Alice was breathtaking in a silk gown decorated with delicate lace. Robert couldnt take his eyes off his bride all day, utterly captivated. The atmosphere was filled with joy. The photographer worked with admirable energy, snapping away ceaselessly, while the guests eagerly awaited the banquet at the restaurant.
After the photo session, the newlyweds climbed into a gleaming white carriage and headed off to the restaurant. Champagne flowed freely and congratulations poured in like a river. Gifts were givenmainly envelopes of money. Everyone had been told in advance that cash was preferred, though a handful of elderly guests couldnt resist offering blankets, bedsheets, and plates.
The three-tiered cake stunned even the most discerning guests with its elegance and beauty, adorned with luxurious lace, ivory flowers, and pearls. The wedding party was utterly stylish. It was not until morning that weary guests began to make their way home, while Alice and Robert retired to their reserved hotel room.
The following day, upon returning to the home of Alices parents, her mother informed Alice that one of the envelopes was empty. She explained it had been a gift from Sarah, a close friend of the young couple. It was easy to discern who had given the empty envelope, for, unlike the rest, it was unmarked. The news left Alice feeling faint.
What made matters worse was that, before the wedding, Sarah had confidently declared that it was tradition never to give less than a thousand pounds at an English wedding, and had promised to support her friend generously.
Less than a year later, Sarah herself was preparing for her own nuptials and invited Alice and Robert to attend. She advised Alice to give money, as her own parents hoped the gifts would cover more than the cost of the celebration. The couple found themselves uncertainwhat should they do? Alice suggested Robert give Sarah an empty envelope, just as she had done. Robert proposed giving more, to shame Sarah. Alices mother encouraged her to put the smallest amount possible in the envelope, reasoning that this neither accused her friend nor sought revenge.
Now, as her friends wedding approaches, Alice still cannot decide what course to take.
