Victoria had done her best to act normal throughout the evening, but it had been very difficult with the amount of disappointment floating inside her. Lincoln hadn’t believed a word she’d said. He’d been nice about it, but his expression had displayed his disbelief. The article she’d read hadn’t been fiction. Nor had it been the only one she’d read about fingerprints. It had been proven that everyone had unique, one-of-a-kind fingerprints.
He hadn’t even believed that. She’d seen his face when she’d told him those were Elwood Kelley’s fingerprints. Just because Elwood was an alderman’s son, it didn’t give him the right to get away with theft.
Nor did it make him an excellent prospect, as her mother had said, even when Victoria had pointed out how much her grandfather loathed politicians. He didn’t trust them any more than he did banks. Which was another reason why Victoria hadn’t wanted her grandfather to know about the theft.
Perhaps she should have at least told her mother, but she wouldn’t have believed it any more than Lincoln had.
If anyone’s mother was attempting to matchmake, it was her mother. Elwood had just been one among many who had been invited to call upon her, despite having informed her mother that she wasn’t looking for a possible husband.
Maybe all mothers thought marriage was the ultimate goal, and maybe it was, to the right man. That’s what it was going to take for her, and she wouldn’t settle for less. It irked her to think that others expected her to settle on nothing more than a suitable match. Both her mother and grandfather had found the loves of their lives, and it was only fair that they allow her that opportunity, too.
Trying to shut down her mind, because she didn’t want to start thinking about if there was a right man out there for her, Victoria pulled the covers tighter beneath her chin as she rolled over in the soft bed and buried the side of her face in the pillow.
She shouldn’t have shown the picture to Lincoln.
However, that wasn’t going to stop her. It might take longer than she’d wanted, but she would prove that Elwood had stolen that money. She had to. For herself and Eva. The idea of either of them ending up married to a man who would squander away all that her grandfather and father had worked for goaded her to no end. Her mother simply didn’t understand that.
One other thing did worry her. If Lincoln had said that there wasn’t enough evidence for a trial, his father might, too. She hadn’t contacted the police because she didn’t want her grandfather to know that money was missing. Upon noticing the missing amount, she’d asked if he’d been in the safe. He’d then told her about Elwood asking to put his watch in the safe. Elwood had claimed the chain had broken and he didn’t want to lose the watch. That had made no sense to her, he’d had a pocket he could put it in, but her grandfather had fallen for it.
If she had told him the truth, there was no telling what he might do. He was not only set in his ways, at times, his temper got the best of him and he could very well track Elwood down and confront him, especially if he’d learned Elwood’s father was an alderman. She wanted to avoid upsetting her grandfather like that.
Avoid a scandal.
Huffing out a breath, she rolled onto her other side. She didn’t want to cause a scandal for her family as much as Roseanne didn’t want one for her family.
She’d find out if that truly was what Roseanne was worried about tomorrow night, at the ball held at the Christie mansion. According to Audrey, half of New York had been on pins and needles, awaiting their invitation to the ball that was being hosted in honor of Audrey’s upcoming wedding.
Also according to Audrey, it would be where Victoria could witness the socialites vying for Lincoln’s attention.
With everything else on her mind, that was a foolish thing to be looking forward to, but she did want to see how women were trying to catch his attention. More than that, she wanted to see if he was interested in giving his attention to any one of them, and who that woman might be. It wasn’t a novel idea, that of a socialite looking to marry well, nor was it out of the ordinary for a handsome, well-educated, and rich man to be first on their list.
Lincoln was certainly all of those things, and would be a remarkable catch for some lucky woman. However, she knew him well enough to know that he wouldn’t be interested in someone just for their looks, or for their family’s money, which made her wonder exactly what he would be looking for in a woman. In a wife.
Or maybe she wanted to know why he wasn’t interested in marriage.
Either way, she was looking forward to tomorrow night more than she normally would, despite her own issues at hand.
All of that was still on her mind the following evening, when she arrived at the Christie mansion. The magnificent home was aptly referred to as a mansion. Manhattan was filled with stately homes. Those building new ones were doing their best to master astonishment by building larger, taller, more elaborate homes, but some of the older homes, such as this mansion, out-brillianced all others. Set back from the road, the lush lawn, well-manicured even though it was early spring, offered a unique seclusion, a privacy that was rare in the city.
The home itself was massive, with marble pillars welcoming guests to the front door, flanked by large urns filled with blooming flowers. Obviously purchased for the party because there were no flowers outdoors blooming yet.
Inside, the home was breathtaking. Overhead chandeliers cast twinkling light on the marble floors and polished wooden walls, making them sparkle and shine as guests entered by the dozens, dressed in all the finery expected at such an event.
The ballroom was on the second floor, and visitors were invited to use either the sweeping, gold-carpeted staircase, or the caged elevator, manned by a uniformed attendant.
“Isn’t this place grand?” Roseanne asked quietly as they followed Audrey and Jake up the stairway.
“Yes, it is,” Victoria replied. “It’s truly lovely.” She and Roseanne had ridden with Audrey and Jake because Lincoln had telephoned at the last minute and said he’d been detained at work and would meet them at the ball. Roseanne hadn’t been happy with his delay, whereas Victoria found empathy for Lincoln. The ball may be an important event for some, but to Lincoln, it was merely one amongst many that he was required to attend. She believed he would arrive in plenty of time to fulfill his duty, and felt he deserved a bit of compassion, for she didn’t believe he’d been delayed on purpose.
She might have a different attitude towards his delay due to her grandfather, who often spoke of how her grandmother had worked side by side with him to build their fortune. How they’d supported each other in all aspects. As had her mother supported her father prior to his death and supported the idea of them moving to New York. There were times when she really missed how different things had been in Colorado than here. She’d been ten when they’d moved, so could remember plenty about her old life and could hold things in comparison. Which she often did, and those memories played an integral part of when, if, and to whom she would marry.
She fully understood that was expected of her—to marry and have a life that was focused on raising a family, but there, too, she wanted more. She wanted a life where she could support her husband in his business, work at his side, to build it into something they both could be proud of.
Roseanne tapped her arm, and pointed out people as they arrived in the lavish ballroom, whispering their names under her breath. Victoria had been to several balls since graduating, and recognized names and faces. Up until this moment, she hadn’t thought of a consequence of Audrey’s marriage. All of the parties and balls she’d attended, had been with Audrey. Usually just the two of them, because Jake had often been working as a reporter. Once Jake and Audrey were married, there wouldn’t be anyone to attend such events with her. Granted, Roseanne and Audrey’s father, Walter, as well as Lincoln had often been at the balls, too, but once Audrey was married, it would be unsightly for her, a single woman, to attend such events with Audrey’s family.
All of the guests entering the ballroom were greeted by two young maids, carrying trays of nosegays for the women and boutonnieres for the men, for them to choose from. Roseanne took one with a yellow rose to match her gold dress, and Victoria chose one that had a large purple iris and small white lily of the valley bells.
“That dress looks so lovely on you,” Roseanne said, straightening the nosegay that had just been pinned on Victoria’s dress. “Lavender is your color, and that black lace on the collar and wrists is so delicate. It really makes you look pretty.”
“Thank you,” Victoria replied. The lavender dress was one that a seamstress in Tarrytown had sewn for her in preparation for unknown events concerning Audrey’s wedding and this was the first time she’d worn it. Although Victoria had questioned the suggestion of black lace by the seamstress, she did like how the gown had turned out. The delicate black lace also ran the length of the open over skirt and added just enough to the dress without being too showy. Unlike many, she preferred her gowns to be simple and comfortable rather than worrying about what the latest fashions dictated.
It appeared that others in the room where the exact opposite. Some dresses were so full of layers, ruffles, lace, bows, and bustles that she imagined it would be impossible for those wearing them to sit down.
She thanked a servant for a crystal glass of champagne and sipped on it sparingly as she and Roseanne slowly made their way around the room, making the obligatory stops to say hello and engage in brief conversations. The main topic was the upcoming wedding, but Lincoln’s absence was a close second.
Roseanne was quick to laugh and say like father like son as she explained that Lincoln had been held up at work but would make an appearance soon.
They eventually arrived at the far side of the room, where there was plenty of seating and a door that led to another large room housing an elaborate buffet. People were gathered in that room, too, especially around a massive swan ice sculpture where there were hundreds of crystal glasses filled with the sparkling champagne.
On the far side of the ballroom, a band, which in Victoria’s opinion was only a few members shy of being a full-blown orchestra, played the music that was filling the room and encouraging guests to enjoy the highly polished dance floor.
Audrey and Jake were already dancing, with eyes for no one but each other, and Victoria felt a softening in her chest as she watched them. They truly were in love with each other, and she was so very happy for Audrey. Few knew, but Audrey had a passion for writing newspaper articles and had secretly been writing articles that Jake published in his newspaper for years.
“Miss Biggs, may I hope that you’d be so inclined to join me on the dance floor?”
Victoria turned slightly to face the speaker and a genuine smile formed. The tall, slender man with sparkling green eyes and red-brown hair was Ronald Woodroof, a friend of Lincoln’s. Therefore, she’d met him on a few occasions during her previous visits and always enjoyed his good humor. “Hello, Mr. Woodroof. It’s a pleasure to see you again, and I would be so inclined. Thank you.”
He held out a hand to her. “The pleasure is all mine.”
She laid her hand on his and walked onto the dance floor.
“Tell me, Miss Biggs, are you impressed?” he asked as they took up a position to dance, with his hand on her hip, hers on his shoulder, and their other hands clasped in the air between them.
“With the Christie mansion?” she asked, for clarification. “Who wouldn’t be?”
“Those who are jealous,” he replied as the music began. “Those who aspire to be at the top of the social ladder.”
His usual cheerful face didn’t quite match his words. “Do I perceive a hint of disdain in your tone?”
He chuckled. “You do. I have an aversion to show-and-tell sessions.”
“Yet you are here,” she replied.
“Duty calls.” He lifted a brow. “Are you unaware that Nancy Christie is my aunt?”
If someone had made mention of that in the past, she hadn’t retained the information. “My apologies. I was not aware of that.”
“She is my mother’s sister, and I love her dearly, hence my reason for being here.” He gave a slight bow of his head. “Seeing you made my efforts to look presentable all the more worthwhile.”
She laughed at his compliment. “I have never seen you not look presentable.”
“Because I’m always on my best behavior in your presence.”
Fully understanding his teasing held no deep basis, nor harm, she replied, “I’m happy to inspire good behavior. I only regret that doesn’t extend to fabrications on your behalf.”
He let out a theatrical moan. “Your disbelief in my sincerity is an injury upon my person.”
She laughed. “I highly doubt that.”
They sashayed around several dancers, before he said, “I can tell you something that no one will doubt.”
“What’s that?”
“There is about to be a spectacle.”
“How do you know that?”
He was staring over her shoulder. “By the count of three, every woman aspiring to become a bride will be rushing across the room.”
“Why?”
“Because Lincoln just arrived at the doorway.”
Victoria did her very best to not turn around by keeping her gaze locked on his face. “Why do they not rush to your side? You are as eligible as him.”
He chuckled. “Because I’m not out of reach.” Meeting her gaze, he added, “If I’ve learned one thing, it’s that when a woman is told it’s something she can’t have, she wants it even more.”
Before she could ask what made Lincoln out of reach, Ronald danced in a half circle.
“See for yourself,” he said.
Victoria could now see the doorway over his shoulder, where Lincoln had indeed entered the room. Just as Ronald had said, a spectacle was in the making. There was a complete rush of bustles, bows, and ruffles as women, more than she cared to count, made their way towards the door. Some so unabashed they were elbowing their way past others. A few had left partners on the dance floor in their hurry to arrive near the door, where Lincoln was obligated to wait for a red carnation boutonniere to be pinned on his suit.
She wouldn’t have believed it if she hadn’t seen it. “It was never like that before,” she said, half to herself. Over the years she’d attended balls and parties with Audrey and Lincoln’s arrival had never created such a fuss as this.
“That’s because his mother had never announced his need to marry before,” Ronald replied.
There was no reason for him to lie to her, but she couldn’t believe it. “Roseanne wouldn’t have done that.”
“She didn’t exactly,” he said. “What she did do was tell Mrs. Collins that Lincoln’s wedding would be next, meaning for her family of course, but by the time the gossips were done adding to it, despite his years of showing no interest in marriage, every young woman in town believed Lincoln was on the search for a wife and time was of the essence.”
That she could believe. Gossip had its own wings that flew faster than anything else, and a simple statement could easily grow. “How do you know what Roseanne told Mrs. Collins?”
“My mother was at the luncheon when Roseanne said it, and though my mother understood that Roseanne had simply made a statement about her children, within days, a deluge of balls were announced. Marriage marts. Of course, many of those hosting the balls are claiming to be doing so in honor of Audrey and Jake, because that ensures Lincoln will be in attendance.”
Victoria was once again facing the door, where Lincoln had received his boutonniere and was attempting to make his way through the crowd of young women. She had heard of marriage marts, where only the best families were invited to attend so parents could be assured that their offspring wouldn’t be subjected to falling in love with someone from a lower class. Suddenly, the reason her mother was so excited for her to spend the entire month in the city made sense. All sorts of things were making so much sense. A wave of sympathy for Lincoln washed over her, but it only lasted until a thought formed. He’d said he didn’t need to be saved, not by her. Well, she’d let this play out for a while and prove that he did. Because saving him from a scandal could work very well for her, too. In more than one way.
The song ended and she gave a slight curtsey. “Thank you, Mr. Woodroof, for the dance and the enlightening conversation.”
Ronald lifted a brow. “I have more where that came from if you’d care to join me in a second dance.”
“Oh? Such as?”
His smile grew as he once again held out a hand to her. “I happen to know who are most keen to convince Lincoln that he is interested in marriage, and could share names, even point out a few, if you would be inclined to know.”
That information could come in useful, only because she was here to do a job, one that was growing more appealing by the moment. She once again laid her hand in Ronald’s. “I would enjoy a second dance very much.”
Trying his best to be polite and amicable, Lincoln edged his way through the crowd of women, all the while looking for a familiar face. He recognized many men and women in the ballroom, but was specifically looking for Victoria. Upon arrival, he’d instantly scanned the room, looking for her, but his vision had quickly become blocked by curls, feathers, and other doodads poking out of the hair atop the heads of the women who had formed a circle around him.
It would have been better if he’d arrived with the rest of his family, but his informant had arrived just as he’d been about to leave the office. The information he’d learned had been worth being delayed. Mainly because it had given him more reason to make sure that Elwood Kelley was no longer one of Victoria’s callers. He couldn’t prove her theft case, but he could put a stop to Elwood being one of her callers.
One of the women surrounding him stepped forward, completely blocking his path, and not so nonchalantly dropped her fan at his feet.
“Oh, dear me, look what I’ve done,” she said, with a giggle, looking at him expectantly.
He held in a frustrated sigh, and though he’d rather not, he bent down to pick up the fan. The dropper, along with those standing next to her, lifted the hems of their skirts, high enough to expose ankles and shins. None of which drew his interest. What it did do was confirm that although he’d just arrived, he’d had enough.
Upon handing the fan to the dropper, he shouldered his way through the group, and didn’t slow his speed until he reached the far side of the room. Where, unfortunately, he found no relief. Besides those who had followed him, he ended up face-to-face with Melody Harding. Mitch Harding, her father, was one of their law firm’s largest clients and for years had suggested that a connection could benefit both families.
Although he’d adamantly voiced that a connection wasn’t needed, it hadn’t deterred Melody. She’d been like a dog after a bone for months, and his mother’s suggestion that his wedding would be next had added to Melody’s pursuit.
“Lincoln,” Melody said, blocking him from moving by adjusting his boutonniere with both hands.
She wasn’t a homely woman. Some may call her nice looking. Her blond hair was a nice enough shade, and her face wasn’t so bad, she just had never appealed to him. Perhaps because she was the perfect example of an idealistic young woman with fantasy dreams of a man being at her beck and call. “Melody,” he said in response.
“Shall we find an attendant and some champagne?” she asked. “Or dance?”
“Sorry,” he replied, scanning the dance floor as the music ended. “I’m looking for someone.”
“Who?”
Lincoln wasn’t about to admit who he was looking for, and was happy that he didn’t need to, because Victoria was walking towards him, along with one of his good friends. “There he is right now,” he said, though he hadn’t been searching for Ronald.
“He?”
“Yes, Ronald Woodroof. Excuse me.”
Melody latched onto to his arm. “I’ll say hello, with you.”
The hold she had on his arm would make dislodging it difficult, but he wasn’t thinking about that. Victoria’s gaze had locked with his and there was humor sparkling in her blue eyes. Eyes that were made even bluer by the light purple color of her dress. An elegant gown that enhanced her shapely curves to perfection. He didn’t need her to save him from a scandal, but showing an interest in her might dissuade Melody.
“I see you made it,” Ronald said as they walked closer.
“And I see you were keeping Victoria company in my absence,” Lincoln replied.
Melody gasped, but Victoria merely smiled.
“I couldn’t let her become a wallflower,” Ronald said.
“I doubt that would ever happen,” Lincoln said, looking at Victoria. Despite their bantering in the past, this time, he couldn’t tell what she was thinking. Her expression hadn’t changed. Not even when her gaze shifted to Melody.
“Hello,” Victoria said. “I’m Victoria Biggs, and you are?”
Melody looked up at him, as if he should make the introduction, which would be proper, but he had no obligation to Melody. That might be considered a callous way to look at things, but she was the one who had latched onto him. Furthermore, he was impressed by Victoria’s forwardness.
“I’m Melody Harding,” she replied to Victoria. “Our families are very well acquainted. Have been for years.”
“Is that so?” Victoria replied. “Harding? I can’t say I’ve heard that name mentioned.”
“My father is Lincoln’s most prominent client,” Melody proclaimed with indignation in her tone.
Victoria’s smile never waned. “That explains it,” she said quietly. “Lincoln takes client confidentiality very seriously.”
Impressed with her response, he gave Victoria a slight nod.
Melody let out a small huff. “You’re that friend of Audrey’s.”
“Yes, I am.” Victoria looked at him. “Our families have been well acquainted for years.”
Lincoln was chuckling inside, but had also had enough of Melody. “Shall we find Mother?” he asked Victoria.
“Oh, yes, that would be a very good thing for you to do,” Victoria said. She turned to Ronald. “Thank you for the dances.” She then looked at Melody and the hold she still had on Lincoln’s arm. “If you will excuse us, Miss Harding?”
Melody bristled. “We—we, Lincoln and I, were going to dance.”
Melody was doing her best to make more out of their friendship, and he was fully prepared to put it to a stop, but Victoria was already moving.
Stepping in front of Melody, Victoria said, “I think not.” Then, as if she held a magic wand, Melody’s hold was gone and Victoria’s hand was around his arm. “Excuse us.”
This time, Lincoln knew exactly what she was thinking as they walked away. “I didn’t need to be saved,” he whispered, because Ronald was walking on the other side of her. “There was no scandal in the making.”
“I didn’t suggest there was,” she whispered just as quietly.
“Then what do you call what you just did?”
“I’m simply joining you to say hello to your mother, at your suggestion.” She released his arm. “But if that’s not what you wanted...”
He took a hold of her elbow, but didn’t say more. Ronald had already glanced their way too many times.
She remained silent, too, as they walked to the very back of the room, where they found his mother seated at a table with Ronald’s mother and aunt.
“Lincoln, darling.” His mother rose and offered him her cheek.
He kissed her cheek. “Hello, Mother, my apologies again.” He then greeted the hostess and Ronald’s mother, and they spent several moments making small talk before he made an excuse of needing refreshment.
As the three of them walked away, Ronald said, “Looks like my uncle is now vying for my attention. If you’ll excuse me?”
“Of course,” Victoria said.
Lincoln gave a nod, seeing Ronald’s uncle waving at him from across the room. He also noticed the cluster of women gawking his way and couldn’t stop the sigh that escaped. He sincerely didn’t want a repeat of the scene from when he’d arrived.
Victoria lifted a brow when his gaze landed on her again.
A waiter appeared at his side. Lincoln took two glasses off the tray and handed one to her. He had a decision to make. It should be an easy one, because it came down to one woman, poised and elegantly dressed, or a flock of lace-encrusted young girls full of giggles and batting eyelashes. The weight of his decision came down to consequences. If he chose Victoria, his mother would believe her matchmaking was working, and that was not only a consequence for him, it was also one for Victoria.
On the other hand, he truly didn’t believe he had the patience needed to expose himself to the flock, which would not only tell his mother that her plan wasn’t working, but tell Victoria that he didn’t need to be saved.
In the end, the choice was easy, because there was one other underlying issue. Victoria’s safety. He didn’t need to know her entire list of past suitors. Elwood Kelly was unsavory, and that was enough for him to want to keep her away from other such suitors.
He emptied his glass in a single swallow and set it on a nearby table before asking, “Shall we dance?”
She took a sip from her glass. “I believe Melody is waiting for a dance with you.”
“Don’t play coy with me,” he replied. “You know as well as I do that I had no intention of dancing with Melody.”
“Your families are very well acquainted.”
“So are our families.” He took the glass from her hand and set it on the table.
She lifted a single brow and stepped forward, closer to him, then reached down and picked her glass up off the table. Without a word, she took a sip, as well as a second one, all the while keeping a stony gaze locked with his.
Impressed by how subtly she pointed out his shortcomings, he held in a grin. “My apologies. Would you be interested in dancing with me after you’ve finished your refreshment?”
“Why? Because I’m the lesser of two evils?”
His initial response was to say no, but he stopped himself and said nothing.
She laughed. “I believe I am, because if you dance with any one of those so eagerly awaiting such an opportunity, it will open the floodgate. However, if you dance with me, you’re afraid that your mother will believe that her matchmaking is working.”
“I could choose to not dance at all,” he said, half pretending that she hadn’t hit the nail on the head.
“You could.” She took another sip of champagne. “And subject yourself to a constant deluge of picking up dropped handkerchiefs and fans throughout the evening.”
All she said was true, and he truly wished he was someplace else. That they were someplace else and that this conversation wasn’t relevant in any way.