After a Fashion (A Class of Their Own #1)(92)

“Darling, look who finally arrived,” he said, wincing ever so slightly when Harriet stepped on his foot.

“Mr. Mulberry, Miss Dixon,” she began, “it’s lovely to see you both again.”

Miss Dixon edged closer, her gaze running over Harriet’s gown. “What an interesting gown you’ve chosen this evening, Miss Peabody. I wasn’t aware that violet was suddenly all the rage.”

“It’s the perfect color for you,” Everett said, stepping ever so casually between Harriet and Miss Dixon before he took Harriet’s hand in his and placed the now expected kiss on her glove. “I’m not surprised in the least you chose violet,” Everett continued, still holding Harriet’s hand, even though Miss Dixon had begun to turn a shade remarkably similar to Harriet’s gown. “The color suits you and, if I may say, makes your eyes appear somewhat mysterious.”

For a second, Oliver felt the distinct urge to throttle his best friend, but then he caught the gleam in Everett’s eyes and realized that, for whatever reason, his friend was deliberately baiting him.

Refusing to rise to that bait, he summoned up a smile right as Miss Dixon began to rail at Everett.

“My goodness, Miss Dixon, it’s hardly the thing to screech at Mr. Mulberry in such a common fashion,” Abigail said as she bustled over to join them. Ignoring Miss Dixon’s protests regarding the screeching, Abigail nodded to Oliver. “It seems all the guests have arrived—except for the duke and duchess, of course—which means we can repair to the ballroom.”

“My father said to expect them around eleven, and it’s only ten thirty now,” Victoria said as she joined them, holding Archibald’s arm.

“The perfect time for them to make a grand entrance,” Abigail said. “But, I don’t want our guests to get bored, so we’ll open the ball. I’ve instructed Oliver’s chef to hold dinner until midnight, which is such a delightful time to dine.”

“I knew I should have eaten something before coming here,” Miss Dixon muttered.

“Ah, Miss Dixon, I was hoping you’d attend this evening,” Victoria exclaimed, stepping forward and taking what seemed to be a rather firm grip of Miss Dixon’s arm. “Why, we barely had any time at all to get acquainted at Delmonico’s.”

“Because Miss Peabody set the place on fire.”

“And wasn’t that just so exciting?” Victoria chirped before she tugged Miss Dixon forward. “Mrs. Hart has very kindly set out numerous tables with scrumptious little treats. Would you care to join me as I go find some to sample?”

Miss Dixon, without so much as a single glance to Everett, fell into step beside Victoria and quickly disappeared into the crowd assembled in Abigail’s ballroom. Oliver looked to his friend, but before he could say a single word, Everett held up his hand.

“I know. She’s being exceedingly difficult.”

“Which begs the question of why you continue spending time with her.”

“The brats need a mother, Oliver, and she’s everything my parents want for me in a spouse.”

“Yes, but your parents won’t have to wake up next to her every morning, will they?”

Everett shrugged and then smiled. “I must say, Lady Victoria is not what I expected.”

“She’s charming,” Harriet said, speaking up. “I think what everyone has forgotten is that she’s a relatively young lady and young ladies are known to make a few mistakes here and there.”

Oliver gestured to the crowd. “She certainly was quick to haul Miss Dixon away from you.”

Harriet smiled. “She’s attempting to make up for the fact she tried to maul you.”

Everett’s eyes widened. “Lady Victoria mauled you? You never told me that.”

“We’ve hardly had much time to talk of late, what with Abigail deciding to host a ball, Harriet’s aunt on the loose, Silas threatening to ruin me, and all the issues I’m dealing with over that mining accident.”

“Have there been any new developments in regard to the mine?”

“I’ve just sent a gentleman known for his negotiation strategies down to West Virginia, and I’m hopeful he’ll have good news to report soon.” Oliver blew out a breath. “I’m going to have to spend a fortune in new machinery, but . . .”

“It’s the right thing to do,” Harriet finished for him.

“It is.”

“And you’re feeling much better now because you’re doing the right thing, aren’t you?” she pressed.

“I’d feel even better if my profits began to move forward, but . . . yes, I do feel better.”

“I’m delighted to learn there’s hope for you yet, Mr. Addleshaw.”

Oliver turned as an older lady who’d just made that declaration slipped out from what appeared to be a broom closet and marched their way, her grin surprisingly youthful.

“I should have known you’d find a way to attend the ball,” Harriet said.

“You didn’t think I’d leave you all alone to deal with this, did you?” Lucetta asked with a wave of her hand, before she patted her silver curls. “What do you think?”

Oliver took in the elaborately curled wig perched on top of Lucetta’s head, the wrinkles she’d somehow managed to create on her face, and the very thick spectacles she’d perched on her nose. “Can you see out of those?”