Storing Up Trouble, стр. 86
“The Palmer House is lovely,” she exclaimed, nodding to the building in front of them. “I’m certainly looking forward to seeing the interior as well as seeing how Chicago society turns itself out for a ball. I imagine Chicago society events are not that different from the ones in New York.”
Something curious began to stir in the furthest recesses of his mind, but before he could contemplate what that something was, another carriage pulled up, and Stanley stepped out, followed by Constance and her husband, William Michelson.
Thankfully, his mother was nowhere to be seen.
“Norman,” Constance called out, taking William’s arm and hurrying up to meet them. “Don’t you look dashing.” She moved closer to Beatrix and grinned. “Beatrix, how lovely you look, and I’m sure you’ll be relieved to learn that my mother has been delayed, something to do with a Pinkerton report that was just delivered to her, which means you’ll be able to enjoy yourself, at least until she arrives.”
Beatrix returned the grin. “I don’t get the impression your mother is one who’d enjoy a public spectacle, so I’ve not been all that concerned she and I will find ourselves engaged in another spat this evening.” She nodded to William. “And with that out of the way, may I assume this is your husband?”
“Good heavens, I’m completely neglecting my manners.” Constance turned to her husband. “Beatrix, this is my husband, Mr. William Michelson. William, this is Miss Beatrix Waterbury.”
After exchanging pleasantries with William, Beatrix turned to Stanley, who immediately took her hand, complimented her, then launched into what seemed to be an interrogation about when Theo was going to be arriving and if Beatrix felt Theo was looking forward to the night ahead with Harvey Cabot.
Beatrix, who had spoken with Stanley a bit at the lake after his mother stormed off, had very quickly realized Stanley was interested in Theo, and not in a strictly friends sort of way. She nodded to something over Stanley’s shoulder. “Theodosia’s just over there, and yes, she’s with Harvey.”
“But how does she feel about coming with Harvey?”
“I can’t disclose what I may know about that to you. Theodosia and I are friends, and friends do not disclose confidences in such a willy-nilly fashion.”
“Not even a hint?” Stanley pressed.
“No.”
Stanley nodded to Norman. “She appears to be very loyal to her friends, a trait I’ll make certain to point out to Mother when she finally arrives.”
“I appreciate that, Stanley,” Norman returned before he frowned. “Constance mentioned that Mother’s been delayed because of a Pinkerton report. Should I be concerned about that?”
“I wouldn’t imagine there’s anything to be concerned about, given that Mother has demanded the Pinkertons deliver her reports often,” Stanley said, turning his head ever so discreetly in Theo’s direction before he sucked in a sharp breath. “On my word, she looks like an angel.”
Norman settled his gaze on Theo. And while he wasn’t certain she resembled an angel, she was looking quite unlike herself.
Dressed in the gown he’d selected for her with the help of five saleswomen at Marshall Field & Company, Theo was looking very well turned out indeed.
The ivory silk shimmered under the gas lamps, a direct result of the beads that one of the saleswomen insisted would have Theo standing out from many of the other ladies who would be in attendance at the ball. That the gown seemed to fit her to perfection suggested Theo had taken his advice and allowed Gladys and her many friends to alter the fit instead of Theo taking a knife to it.
Her hair, while still short, was arranged in a very feminine, very un-Theo-like style with curls all over her head and a tiara nestled amidst them.
“Harvey seems to be paying Theodosia far too much attention,” Stanley said, and even though Beatrix tried to snag his arm, she missed, allowing Stanley to stride away, Theo in his sights.
“We should join them,” Beatrix said firmly, taking Norman’s arm and tugging him after his brother.
By the time they reached Theo, Stanley had a hold of Theo’s gloved hand, raising it to his lips as her face turned pink. Norman shot a look to Harvey and found him looking rather disgruntled. But Miss Amelia Burden, who was on the arm of Mr. Clement Moore, was not paying Mr. Moore, Theo, or Harvey the least little mind because her attention was firmly settled on Beatrix.
“Miss Waterbury,” Miss Burden exclaimed, releasing Mr. Moore’s arm as she stepped forward, her gaze running over Beatrix’s gown. “What a delightful frock you’re wearing. Did you purchase that at Marshall Field & Company, using the discount I’ve heard employees are given?”
Beatrix smiled even as a storm brewed in her eyes, something that should have terrified Miss Burden if she’d actually seen it, but her attention was still on Beatrix’s gown. “While I certainly would have used my discount if I’d been in need of a gown, I didn’t purchase it there.”
Miss Burden’s head snapped up. “Wherever did you purchase it, then?”
Beatrix ignored her and turned her attention to Theo, who was still standing remarkably close to Stanley. “Theodosia, you look stunning this evening.” She nodded to Harvey. “Good evening, Mr. Cabot.”
Harvey inclined his head. “Miss Waterbury.”
Beatrix then sent a pointed look to Mr. Clement Moore, which Harvey missed because he was now frowning at Stanley, who was still holding Theo’s hand.
Stepping forward, Norman performed the introductions, relieved when Gladys and Edgar joined them. Edgar’s appearance earned a quirk of a brow from Harvey before he all but pulled Theo away from Stanley, telling her it was past time they made their way through the receiving line.
“This is going to be such a delightful evening,” Gladys proclaimed as everyone began making their way into the Palmer House. Miss Burden all but left Mr. Moore behind as she fell into step beside Beatrix, her less-than-subtle attempts to discover where Beatrix had gotten