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Tinsley heard her mother humming when she reached the top of the staircase. As she did, she heard the front door open and saw Grady Steele head to her father’s study. What an infuriating man, walking in like he owned the place.
She entered her room and found her mother laying out formal gowns across her bed. “Mom?”
Loretta Wyatt was every inch the proper southern woman, always dressed to the nines, impeccable manners, and style and grace galore. Right now she had her hair in a French twist, a style she favored.
Loretta whirled. “Tinsley, darling! You’re home!” She ran to embrace her, holding her tight. “I’ve missed you so, dear.”
“I’ve missed you, too, Mother.” Tinsley pulled away and studied the evening gowns. “What are all these?”
“Oh, I was just laying out some choices for the ball. What do you think? Come. You must try them on.”
Tinsley let her mother tug her toward the bed. Her room was decorated with Louis XIV furniture her mother had chosen for her when she was fourteen. All white with gold trim. It had cost a fortune; nothing but the best for her daughter, her mother always said. She had a huge walk-in closet and a large free-standing mirror in the bedroom.
Tinsley couldn’t think of anything she wanted to do less right now than try on dresses, but she hadn’t seen her mother in weeks, and it made her happy to help her pick out what she wore to the Ice Ball every year.
She glanced at the selections laid out before her. There were all colors. “No silver and white this year?”
“I thought we’d try something different this year. That was getting tired. Here. Try this one first.” Her mother shoved a long red strapless dress at her and aimed her toward the adjoining bath.
“I’ll need a strapless bra, mother.”
“Yes, yes. I’ll get you one.”
Tinsley went into the bathroom while she heard her mother opening drawers.
“So how was Palmer when you saw him, dear? Did he surprise you?”
“Yes. I wish you would have called and warned me.”
“Did you like his gift?” Loretta tapped on the door, and when Tinsley opened it a crack, she passed her a bra.
“Thanks.” Shutting the door, Tinsley answered her mother’s question. “The pearls? You knew about them?”
“Of course. He showed us before he left. Aren’t they gorgeous? And the gold beading between them. They were just stunning. He got them at Radcliffe’s, you know.”
Radcliffe’s was the most upscale jeweler in Dallas.
“I’m sure they cost a fortune.”
“I wish he wouldn’t do that.”
“Do what?”
“Buy me expensive things.”
Loretta cocked her head. “Since when don’t you like expensive things, dear?”
“I just feel… like he’s buying me. Like I’d marry him just for the jewelry or whatever.”
“I’m sure that’s not it at all.”
“Mother?”
“Yes, dear?”
“Do you know anything about what’s got Daddy so worried about my safety?”
“Your father is a worrier. Always has been.”
