CHAPTER 15

Andrew’s unexpected nerves were a result of the surprises he had planned for this evening. They had absolutely nothing to do with the way Grace looked in that dress or the fact that the mere sight of her made his heart beat double time in his chest. He continued to try to convince himself of that as he escorted the women into the lobby of the Easton Towers Hotel.

Once inside, he stopped to check his pocket watch, relieved to find they were a good thirty minutes early. With all he had in store for his father and Edison, Andrew wanted plenty of time to make sure everything went smoothly.

The first hurdle to cross—Grace’s presence. He prayed his father would not embarrass her in front of Toronto’s entire elite set. Another reason he was glad to be early. Most of the upper class tended to arrive late, wanting to make their grand entrance in front of as many people as possible.

When he reached the elevator, he found himself alone. He looked back to where Grace and Virginia had stopped in the middle of the lobby. He frowned and crossed the floor toward them. “Is something wrong?”

Grace’s brown eyes were wide with awe. “Oh, Andrew. Your hotel is magnificent. I’ve never seen anything so grand before.”

Andrew’s chest swelled with pride—and a little remorse. He’d been so consumed with tonight’s event that he never stopped to think this was Grace’s first time to see the hotel—maybe her first time ever in such an opulent place. “I’m glad you like it. We’re very proud, of course.”

“Wait until you see the ballroom.” Virginia looped her arm through Grace’s. “It’s even more impressive.”

Grace seemed to hold her breath as they entered the elevator.

Andrew pushed the button. The cage jerked into motion, and she gasped. She gripped his arm with steely fingers, until they came to a stop and the doors slid open.

“I’ve only been on an elevator once before,” she said. “That was . . . exhilarating.”

He laughed. If only everyone was so easily impressed.

Andrew led the way to the ballroom entrance. A large sign reading Veterans Ball, June 28, 1919 stood beside the open double doors. One of the hotel employees sat at a small table, ready to take tickets, and if anyone wanted, to check their coats. A bellboy would take all the wraps to the coatroom farther down the corridor.

Andrew handed their tickets to the woman with a smile. “Good evening, Martha.”

“Good evening, Mr. Easton.”

He placed an envelope on the table. “These are the tickets for the VIP guests. They should be arriving soon. You’ll know them by their uniforms.”

“Yes, sir.” She beamed up at him. “And may I say what a wonderful thing this is that you and your family are doing. Honoring the veterans this way.”

“Thank you, Martha. Say a prayer that all goes well tonight.”

“Oh, indeed I shall, sir.”

Andrew held out his arms to Grace and Virginia, and together they entered the ballroom. His mouth fell open at the sight of the transformed area before him. Dark blue and silver strips of material swooped down from the chandeliers in the ceiling. The walls were draped in similar swatches of fabric, as were the tables and chairs. Candles glowed in containers at each table, creating an intimate atmosphere. Huge arrangements of flowers graced the head table, with smaller versions at each of the other ones, scenting the whole room with a heady perfume.

Grace’s head swiveled as she surveyed the room. “It’s absolutely stunning.”

“I agree,” Virginia said. “As much as I hate to admit it, Cecilia has outdone herself.”

“Indeed, she has.” It rankled Andrew a bit to have to agree. Had he secretly been hoping the event would flop so Edison would look bad? Not a very Christlike attitude. He gave himself a mental shake. For the soldiers’ sake, he was glad the room looked so elegant. They deserved nothing but the best. “Come on. I’ll take you over to Mother’s table. Then I have duties to attend to.”

A smattering of early arrivals milled about the room. Andrew held back a groan as he approached the table closest to the front. How could he not have checked the seating arrangement beforehand? He should have realized Cecilia would seat the Carmichaels with Mother. Now Grace would be at the mercy of Charlotte Carmichael’s caustic tongue. He’d have to hope Virginia would handle the disagreeable woman.

“Mother, you look positively radiant.” Andrew bent to kiss her cheek. Then he aimed his best smile at her table companions. “Mr. and Mrs. Carmichael, good to see you.” He shook hands with Harrison and kissed Charlotte’s icy hand. “You look lovely, Mrs. Carmichael.”

She gave him a slight nod, then peered past his shoulder. “You brought the nanny? Won’t she feel terribly out of place at this type of event?”

Virginia took Grace’s arm and propelled her forward. “I hope you don’t mind, Mother, but I begged Grace to come with me. I didn’t want to be the only youngster at the table.”

Mother smiled. “Grace dear, this is a lovely surprise.”

Andrew blinked, almost as stunned as Grace appeared to be.

“Thank you, Mrs. Easton. I’m honored to be invited and grateful for the opportunity to pay tribute to all those who served their countries in this war, my brother included.”

“Well said, young lady.” Mr. Carmichael, ever the gentleman, came forward. “I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure. I’m Harrison Carmichael.”

“Grace Foley. How do you do?” She bobbed a small curtsy.

“You’re English?” A light of interest brightened Mr. Carmichael’s face. “I adore the British accent. I could listen to you talk all night. You must sit beside me.”

Andrew repressed a sigh at the obvious stiffening of the man’s wife. Charlotte did not need another reason to dislike Grace.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Carmichael,” Virginia said. “But Grace is my guest for the evening.”

Harrison only laughed. “Fair enough, Miss Easton. I defer to your youth.”

From the corner of his eye, Andrew saw Cecilia and Edison talking close together at the front of the room. “Excuse me, everyone,” he said. With a subtle bow, he crossed first to the head table where his father stood. His heart thudding in his chest, he braced himself for his father’s reaction to the changes he’d made.

“Andrew. Thank goodness.” His father’s heightened color accented the silver threads at his temple. “Paul and Cecilia are confused with two extra tables that were added at the last minute, apparently at your request.”

Andrew smiled. “I’ve invited some guests who will make this night even more special.”

A frown creased Father’s brow. “Is the kitchen aware of these extras?”

“Of course. I do know a bit about the hotel business.”

“Well, you’d better go and appease Cecilia before she has a fit.”

“Leave her to me.” A movement caught his eye. “Ah, here comes Harrison. Why don’t you two keep him company and relax. Let me handle things.”

As soon as his father and Harrison headed across the room, Andrew made his way to the corner where Edison and Cecilia were poring over some papers.

Celia’s head snapped up the moment he approached. “Andrew. What is the meaning of this change to the agenda? It says you’re giving a speech.”

“That’s right,” he said calmly.

“Since when do you give speeches?” Edison demanded.

“Since now.”

“And what about these extra tables? Why didn’t you tell us about this before now?”

“Yes, Andrew,” Celia said. “Why the secrecy?”

“I have a surprise for everyone. Trust me. It’s going to be wonderful.” He hoped.

Both of them scowled at him.

With great effort, he kept his smile in place. “Remember, tonight is all about the veterans.”