Wellington

He was not on the original guest list. Wellington H. Beaumont III arrives anyway — and somehow, looking back, everyone agrees he belonged.

Thoroughbred. Gentleman. Collector of lucky things. He has never said a word about any of this. His stationery, however, says plenty. He keeps his name in full — the H. is an initial only, his preference, which he finds both mysterious and distinguished. He has never explained the H. He never will.

Every evening, after the stable is settled and the rest of the world has moved on to something else, Wellington finds a dandelion and makes a wish. This is private. He would deny it entirely if you asked. Nobody has asked.

Chaotic. Unscheduled. Delightful. He disputes the first two.