“Indeed, she does.” Aunt Agnes, who was the least sentimental of her two aunts, looked as though she might even shed a tear—if she could still cry, that was.
“I did an excellent job, if I do say so myself. Death has not hindered my ability to sew.”
“No, it certainly has not.” Sophie smiled at her aunt and turned to the mirror. Her gown, made from the finest pink silk and decorated with tiny white pearls, was magnificent. Aunt Mildred had even managed to cover a pair of Sophie’solder slippers with the material, making them look delicate and brand new. Her chestnut locks, also styled by her talented Aunt Mildred, had been placed in a chignon, and delicate curls framed her face.
“And now for the final piece.” Aunt Mildred drifted to Sophie’s jewelry box and extracted a stunning pearl necklace that had belonged to Sophie’s mama. It, along with her mama’s wedding ring, was the last of her jewelry. Sophie had been forced to sell most of her mother’s jewelry to pay for expenses, but the ring and the necklace, which Papa had gifted Mama the day he’d learned she was with child, were sacred.
“Oh, I couldn’t,” Sophie said. “What if something should happen to it? Papa would be—”
“He would be proud,” Aunt Mildred said, “and so happy to see you now.”
Sophie pressed her lips together, sealing the pain inside. She hoped more than anything that her papa would make his way back to her. But it had been close to five years since the letters stopped coming, and the more time that passed, the more distant that reality seemed.
“Time to go downstairs,” Aunt Agnes said. “Your carriage and driver await.”
“Who did you get to drive me?” Sophie asked.
“A friend. Someone who can only come out at night but is visible to others.” Her aunts floated out of the room.
Sophie picked up her dress and followed them. “A vampire? You…got a vampire to drive me?” she asked, but they were already halfway down the stairs. As Sophie descended, she saw an exceedingly tall and pale gentleman with a long, thin face, dirty brown hair, and sunken eyes that were an odd reddish color. He was dressed in dark livery and wore a black cloak.
“You can call me Alexi,” he said, bowing low.
Sophie swallowed and curtsied. “Good evening, sir.”
“Don’t worry, dear,” Aunt Mildred whispered in her ear, “we will be by your side all evening. You have nothing to fear from Alexi.”
But the knot in Sophie’s stomach told her otherwise.
*
Lady Cheshire’s Residence
Berkeley Square, Mayfair
Simon was reluctantlyescorting Miss Waterford to the dance floor when he first spottedher. She wore a light pink ball gown dotted with pearls. Her rich chestnut hair, large green eyes, and flawless skin were even more beautiful than he remembered. He could not move.
“What is it?” Miss Waterford asked. “Who are you looking at?”
He blinked, unwilling to tear his eyes away from his mystery woman.
“Are you…is that Miss Spencer? Do you know her?”
“Miss Spencer,” he said without turning to face Miss Waterford. The name sounded sweet on his lips. “Sothat’swho she is.”
“Mama says that a few years ago, she fancied herself the treasure of the season. But then her papa abandoned her, and she went mad. Now she lives all alone in his crumbling mansion next to Highgate Cemetery. People have seen her roaming the graveyard and talking to herself.”
“That sounds like malicious gossip.” Simon turned to Miss Waterford in irritation.
“It’s not gossip. She isquitemad. I wonder what she’s doing here. It seems unfathomable that Lady Cheshire would invitea madwoman to her ball. You’d better warn your aunt. Miss Spencer could be dangerous.”
“That’s ridiculous,” Simon said, not willing to believe that a woman with such an angelic face could be insane or dangerous. “It’s likely jealous and cruel people who spread these rumors.” Simon looked back into the crowded room, but Miss Spencer was gone. His heart fell in disappointment.
“The dance will begin any minute now.” Miss Waterford, whose arm was still linked in his, gave him a slight tug.
“Right,” Simon said, still looking out into the crowded room. When he failed to locate Miss Spencer, he turned reluctantly to Miss Waterford and gave her a tight smile. “Very well. Let’s proceed.”
But as soon as they took one step forward, Miss Waterford cried out in pain. “My leg! Someone kicked me!”
