Once the guests started to arrive for the ball, Alyssa and Travell, the Duke and Duchess of Chiltern, and Lord and Lady Trenton were greeted with a steady stream of well wishes and congratulations. The earl’s resurgence into society had caused quite a stir with many choosing to discount his shady past in honor of his healthy return. And while there were moments that he still appeared confused at times, Alyssa was glad to see that, with the support of his wife and the continued care of the mesmerist, both of whom stood by his side, his violent outbursts had ceased and each day progressed with further doses of reality.
“Lady Alyssa.” She turned to see Mr. Talon Lyridon in front of her. “Thank you for inviting me.”
“Of course,” she returned graciously. “It was kind of you to assist Lord Trenton during his time of need. And Dr. Perimore has been a wonderful replacement.”
“I’m relieved to hear it,” he returned with a delighted twinkle in his silver eyes. Alyssa knew that someday that handsome glint would catch some lady’s eye and she would be lost. “I have some good news I’d like to impart as well.” He paused to make sure he had her full attention. “I convinced my colleague at the Horticultural Society to examine your Blue Ladies, if you’re amenable, of course.”
Her mouth fell slack. “Yes! That would be wonderful. Thank you, Mr. Lyridon.”
He bowed slightly. “You deserve the honor. You’ve accomplished a scientific marvel with your roses, and it should be recognized. I’ll send you a message with all the details in a day or two.”
As he moved away, Alyssa couldn’t quite believe her recent good fortune. First, she gained Travell’s love, and now her Blue Ladies would finally have a voice.
With a wide grin, she greeted the next guest who approached.
***
Korina stood at the fringes of the Abernathy House ballroom and sipped from her punch, as far away from her mother as she could get, otherwise she would be hounded with possible suitors from men ranging from their twenties to their eighties. She also chose to distance herself from Ro and Izzy as they chatted in a circle with their prospective husbands. While she adored her friends dearly, knowing that they were some of the most genuine people in this large city, she found she couldn’t stomach any more starry-eyed gazes at the moment.
As for the rest…
She scoffed as she watched the hum of activity taking place around her. Clusters of matrons fluttered their fans and gossiped while shooting a disapproving glare at their charges for doing the same thing. While the Knickerbockers back home were guilty of a similar offense, it was so much more “proper” in England that it made the stays of her corset tighten with annoyance.
She slipped out onto the terrace, the cool autumn breeze ruffling the hem of her violet puffed sleeves. She fingered the delicate silk and thought of how many women or children that were less fortunate who would benefit from such a pricey garment. The cost would surely buy food and provide a roof over their heads for at least a month.
She looked toward the heavens, but the stars were blotted from view from all the smoke from the numerous chimneys. It was the same in New York City, but at least there she felt as if she belonged. She wasn’t just an outcast in a foreign land.
When she had first arrived in England, she’d tried to do her best to acclimate to her surroundings, but when it became apparent that it was doomed from the beginning, she gave up trying to care. She was accepted among the elite in America, but there, everyone was “new money.” Here, fortunes were passed down from generation to generation, and instead of hard work and determination they gained a title and grounds with little more than the unfortunate death of a relative. Or a snap of the fingers if one wished to inherit earlier. She had no doubt that foul play was how much of society’s wealth was gained.
It was sickening, and she wanted no part of it.
She poured out the rest of her weak punch over the rail, and dreamed of this winter when she could finally make plans to return home and put this awful experience behind her for good.