twenty-seven
EDITH WAS GLAD to have agreed to come to Lady Upchurch’s party. It lived up to its extravagant reputation.
The fountain with mermaids and Neptune in the middle of the ballroom disturbed her, and the water sent shivers crawling down her neck, but she had to admit the whole structure was remarkable. Glass dolphins hung from the ceiling, held by invisible threads, and the maids were all dressed like mermaids. Their glittering emerald costumes ended with upturned hems, resembling a mermaid’s tail. Likely not the most comfortable clothes. The footmen were dressed like pirates, and acrobats jumped and twirled in the air without warning.
“Lady Upchurch’s obsession with the sea is quite upsetting and for me has gone too far,” she said to Perry.
Sea algae filled several bowls scattered around the ballroom to spread the pungent scent of the sea, and she couldn’t say she was impressed.
“I told you. Ridiculous,” he said, observing the ballroom from a corner with her.
“Honestly, if I’d known the party’s theme was the ‘enchanting sea,’ I wouldn’t have come.”
“I think the smell is the most awful thing.” He smiled and nodded at a passing couple. “Whoever thought that would be a great idea should be sacked.”
“How are you doing?”
He lifted a shoulder. “If the trigger of my seizures is fear, I don’t see how I might get one here. Although…” He tilted his head back to stare at the floating dolphins. “I’m worried one of those large fish will crush me.”
“Actually, dolphins are mammals, not fish.”
He burst out laughing but turned serious when Daphne walked over to them.
“Lord Ravenscroft, Edith. I’m so happy to see you here.” She bobbed a curtsy.
“Good evening,” Edith said.
“I didn’t know about the nautical theme. I’m sorry.” She touched Edith’s hand.
Edith wasn’t surprised. It seemed that Daphne never knew anything.
“Your concern for your friend’s welfare is admirable,” Perry said in a gelid tone. “It really shows your qualities.”
Daphne opened and closed her mouth a couple of times before curtsying again. “If you’ll excuse me, my lord. Have a lovely evening.” She left as quickly as her brocade gown allowed her.
Perry narrowed his gaze at her. “I don’t trust her.”
“Neither do I, but as Marianne said, with so many guests, what could ever happen here?”
“May I have your attention, please?” Lady Upchurch raised her arms draped in emerald muslin and seashells. They clinked every time she moved.
The orchestra ceased playing, and the constant coming and going of the mermaids and pirates stopped. Only the ominous sound of the water dropping in the fountain could be heard.
“Thank you everyone for being here at my enchanting sea party,” she said, beaming around. “I’m glad you can all enjoy the results of five years of hard work.”
Edith and Perry exchanged a glance. Five years for a fountain and some mermaid costumes seemed unjustified.
“I have more surprises in store for you.” Lady Upchurch pointed at the sets of double doors overlooking the garden. “Please follow me for thepièce de résistanceof tonight’s party.”
Excited squeals and a round of applause swept the room. The pirates held the doors open for the guests, who poured out of the ballroom faster than Edith could say ‘splash.’
“Do you want to take a walk in the garden with the others?” Perry asked.
Firm land, or the enchanting sea? Easy choice. “Yes, please.” She took Perry’s arm.
Torches and braziers lit the garden, giving it a warm atmosphere and, above all, a solid, earth-like quality she needed. All the guests gathered at the edge of the manicured flowerbed and trimmed hedges.
Lady Upchurch stood in front of them. “I have a magical surprise for all of you, the renovation of my gardens that took so long. Please walk only on the paths marked by the lanterns. Do not stray away from them, or you’ll have a not-so-pleasant surprise.” She laughed. “Please choose a lane and walk along it.”
