The night of the charity ball arrived with clear skies and cold temperatures. From the moment the orchestra struck its first notes, Evie was in her element. She wore a beautiful dark red gown with a modestly curved neckline and basque waist. The sleeves were fitted and sleek with ruffled caps that fell gently over her hands. It was the perfect Christmas gown, her mother had said earlier when Evie first appeared.
“You are clearly the most beautiful woman here,” Max said, coming up behind her. “I like the way your brown curls trail down from atop your head. It’s rather like a waterfall.”
She turned and smiled. “I’m so glad you appreciate the effort Beth took. And might I say you, good sir, are quite resplendent in your black tails.”
“Is everything going as you hoped?”
“Yes. Father was quite right about renting this place for the ball. There’s far more room here and a huge alcove for the orchestra.”
“I saw the refreshment area. The food looks amazing.”
“Only the best. We hired it all done, and Mother herself approved the sampling.” Evie turned as the orchestra completed their short break and began to tune for another round of songs.
“You haven’t yet had the time to dance with me. Don’t you think we should at least share one waltz? After all, your father did make a formal announcement about our engagement.”
Evie took hold of Max’s arm. “I would be honored to dance with you, Mr. Garrison. I’m sorry to have been so occupied tonight, but my efforts and pleas have brought about great generosity. I think people are seeing that the worst of the economictroubles are behind them and they can be generous once again to those who have so little.”
“I’m delighted to hear that.”
To Evie’s delight the orchestra struck up a waltz. “Oh, good. We needn’t wait for our waltz.” The dance floor filled with couples whirling around the room to the strains of “Les Patineurs.”
Max took her in hand and stepped easily into the stream of dancers. It was the perfect song, and Evie lost herself in the rhythmic three-four beat. The night could not be more perfect. All of her plans were coming together, and soon she would begin her married life. She couldn’t possibly be happier.
“You do this quite well, Miss Turner,” Max said as they moved amongst the dancers.
“Why, thank you, Mr. Garrison. You’re a wonderful leader. I did have some concerns about my own skills, however, since it had been some time since I was asked to a dance.”
“What a pity. It seems for one so lovely that dances would be a regular occurrence.”
Evie raised her brows and shook her head. “Alas, no, for I could not find a suitable partner.”
Max’s expression changed to a look of doubt. “That would present a problem.”
“It seems to me that you manage the job quite easily,” Evie replied. “I would happily allow for you to take on the task ... forever.”
“Forever does seem a very long time.”
She laughed. “But with us together, the time shall be sheer pleasure.”
“I’ve no doubt about that, for even if there are difficulties, we will have each other and God in heaven to watch over us. I think a life so true could beg for nothing more.”
“We are going to be very happy together, Max.” She couldn’timagine it any other way, for he was truly the love that she had always hoped for.
The music ended, and together they made their way to where Evie’s parents stood with Max’s father and stepmother.
“You are both the most beautiful couple here tonight,” Mrs. Garrison gushed. “In fact, in all of Europe and America, I cannot think of more exquisitely perfect people than the two of you.”
“You do look very nice together,” Mother said, smiling at Evie. “And I understand the guests have been quite generous with their donations.”
“They have,” Evie admitted. “Christmas brings out the giving spirit in everyone.”
“It’s true,” Mrs. Garrison declared. “I find myself of a most generous nature throughout the year, but especially now. There’s just something about Christmas that moves me to think of others.” She looked up at her husband. “Isn’t that true, my dear?”
“Absolutely, Duchess.”
“I understand you’ll be staying in Minneapolis until the New Year,” Mother said. “I do hope you’ll come to dinner one evening before your trip east.”
“Of course we will,” Mrs. Garrison said, putting a hand to her diamond and ruby necklace. “I cannot imagine a more enjoyable evening.”
