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How could exchanging such simple words cause her very breath to stall? She barely pulled her eyes back to Pen, who stretched out an elegant hand to gesture toward her. “We don’t accost every single guest in the foyer, but Nicholas insisted we greet you personally! And we couldn’t miss the revelation of your gown. Could we, Mama?”
Shaking her head, Sirena smiled and clasped her bejeweled hands in front of her. “Madame Robillard is anartiste! Let us see what she has created this time.”
It was impossible to direct her ire at well-meaning Pen, but being the center of attention was unwelcome. Seeing no way out of it, she started to unfasten her cape. Elijah cupped his hands around his mouth and called out a rendition of Reveille with as bugle-like sounds as a person could produce.
Oh, Elijah!
Levity carried away three of the four Siderises, but Nicholas’s genuine-looking smile was muted and his intent gaze never strayed from Helen. It helped that her brother’s antics didn’t seem to scandalize their hosts, and, by the last note of Elijah’s impromptu performance, the lighthearted act overtook Helen. When she giggled, Nicholas’s smile expanded.
His face was serious again as soon as she unfastened the ties on her cape. The waiting maid lifted it from her and melted into the background.
Nicholas’s lips parted before he brought his fist up to cover his mouth. Helen met his burning gaze only briefly before Sirena and Pen swooped in, oohing and aahing. Though her hair couldn’t have been dressed to the elaborate degree Pen had envisioned, she complimented Helen, remarking on the loveliness of the small silk flowers and leaves pinned amongst her scarlet tresses—white gardenia blooms and long, narrow leaves.
Pen smiled as she carefully touched one leaf, looking delighted but unsure. “Laurel?”
Sirena shook her head. “Hmm. Olive leaves, no?”
Helen nodded, impressed. “Theyare! The shade of green was lovely.”
Sirena searched her eyes. “Olive leaves and branches have a great deal of meaning for Greeks.”
“Symbols of peace, yes?” Smiling, she lifted a hand to her hair. “I found that as compelling as the color.”
Nodding slowly, the woman agreed, murmuring, “That is one of the meanings, yes.”
Helen was about to inquire about the others, but in the corner of her eye, she saw Nicholas leave the foyer rapidly. Shrugging, Vassilis gestured to Elijah, and they followed.
Pen clasped her hands in front her eagerly. “The gentlemen are going ahead, which allows us a moment of privacy to discuss the gown. Isn’t it divine, Mama? No, Helen,youare!”
“You’re most kind. You were both right about Madame Robillard’s talents. The gown was nearly perfect when I arrived for the last fitting this morning. But it’s…” Her gaze dropped to her own form, and she shrugged. “Daring to wear it feels as though I’m standing close to the edge of a cliff—thrilling and terrifying at the same time!”
“Oh?” The older woman looked from her daughter to Helen. “The cut, it’s notsodaring, is it? What do you Americans wear?”
Aware of her bare collarbone, Helen almost shivered. “It’s unlike any gownIhave worn before, though Madame Robillard assured me it’s perfectly decent for a dinner party.”
Pen set a single finger over her lips, and her voice dropped, as if imparting a secret. “I didn’t tell Mama about Madame’s selection for you. It’s all a surprise. She wanted to guess what Madame decided about you. She doesn’t know the theme.”
“Theme?”
Sirena cocked her head. “Is it seasons? Are you spring?”
Understanding now, Helen shook her head.
“Hmm. I need more time. The answer will reveal itself as the evening goes on. Perhaps some wine will help me!”
Helen smiled, even as she struggled with broaching a difficult subject. “When I picked up the gown, Madame Robillard refused to accept payment. She said you already made arrangements for everything, including for the other gowns I ordered.”
Sirena raised her petite but commanding hand in the air. “It is but a small gift.”
“Not so small! I couldn’t possibly accept such a gesture. Imustcompensate you.”
“Pen, my darling, please look in on the gentlemen. Helen and I will join you soon.”
After a curious glance over her shoulder, Pen left.
Stomach falling, Helen searched Sirena’s countenance for hints of what was coming. Stiffening her spine, she awaited the blow.
“My apologies for offending you, Helen. I thought only of how I might thank you.”
