Louis throws his hands in the air, and his eyes grow wide with excitement. “That’s it!” He races from the room, to dig around in his mountains of lace. He returns with a bolt of snow-white lace held in his arms, and Belinda runs a hand over it reverently.
“What is it?” Savannah asks.
“De etoile lace,” Louis says, and Belinda translates. “Point of the star lace.”
He hands the bolt to one of the girls, and he turns Savannah to the mirror. “Watch the magic,” Two hours later, Savannah leaves with Belinda and as they settle in the carriage, she says, “I need a drink.”
Belinda laughs, “I agree. They will bring the dress to my room tonight. I’ve arranged for someone to help with your hair. We will dress together. This is going to be magnifique!”
Dayton returns to his room after a day of watching the yacht races. He was able to spread the word about his race and enjoy the event. He has two hours until the Gala. Hopefully, Belinda kept her word and took care of Savannah today.
His suite is empty, disappointing him. The note explains that they will meet at the Gala entrance at seven. Savannah is dressing with Belinda. He’d hoped to have some time to prepare Savannah for tonight. After a bath and dressing, Dayton meets Maxwell in the parlor for drinks and introductions.
They walk into the lobby of the Hotel and Maxwell smiles. “Ah, here they are,” His quick intake of breath has Dayton turning. He almost drops his drink. Belinda is breathtaking in her soft pink ball gown with jewels and floral design, but she doesn’t hold a candle to Savannah.
“Ladies, you look stunning!” Maxwell says and moves to his wife to offer his arm. He guides his wife away, telling her how beautiful she looks and giving them privacy.
Savannah’s gown is a deep royal blue, made of creamy silk with a deep décolletage. Her shoulders are completely bare and unadorned, save her glorious freckles. No jewelry, no ruffles, buttons or layers of material. It is a simple tight, fitting waist, with long sleeves, but the masterpiece is the white ribbon wrapped around her waist, holding a lace train.
“Turn for me, Savannah,” Dayton manages to say. When Savannah turns, he sees the lace is made in a pattern of stars. Her gorgeous red hair is pulled up on the sides with matching silver chains of stars woven through the curls.
“You put the heavens to shame, Miss Ward,” he says. “I’m beginning to think this is a bad idea,” his dark eyes are filled with desire, and he has a sudden urge to grab her and run.
Savannah smiles, “I’m sure you’ll say that again when you receive the bill.”
“Whatever it costs, it will be worth it. The image of you in this dress will be burned in my mind for the rest of my life.” People are beginning to arrive, so Dayton offers her his arm.
“Are you ready for this?” She grins at him and smiles holding her head high.
“I am.”
Belinda walks over with a smile, “Savannah don’t forget your dance card. I took the liberty of filling in the names we discussed.”
“Thank you,” Savannah says and slips the ring over her middle finger. It is a silver filigree guard over beautiful blue paper, with a side mounted pencil. It closes like a small fan for ease of carrying.
Dayton stiffens beside her only just realizing that he will have to act as her chaperone. “Don’t worry, Dayton, you have the first and last dance,” Belinda teases and smiles at him.
“Again, thank you for all of your help today,” Savannah exclaims.
“It has been my pleasure, please enjoy your evening.”
Belinda and Maxwell will be busy playing host and hostess for the evening. Savannah takes a deep breath and glances sideways at Dayton before entering the ballroom. He looks stunning in his black tails and crisp white shirt.
Oddly enough, she isn’t nearly as nervous as she thought she’d be. The process of dressing is almost like putting on a mask. She feels like they will only see the image she presents, not the true person she is beneath it all. Only Dayton has seen that, and he’s still beside her.
The music rises as they line up to step inside. Savannah tries to remember all the rules of etiquette, Belinda drilled into her head this afternoon.
“Never return rudeness with rudeness, sit quietly, speak when spoken too, don’t fidget, flick your hair, or laugh loudly. Don’t cross the floor unattended. Dayton will be the one to escort you on and off the dance floor and to dinner. If you are stood up, use it as a chance to rest. Never dance with the same man more than once.”
“Am I allowed to breathe?” Savannah sasses.
Belinda laughs, “No, definitely not.”
“I want to make Dayton proud, Belinda. He’s helped me in ways you can’t know,” she sighs while they work on her hair.
“Then that’s what you shall do.”
Savannah will never forget the look of desire that rippled through his eyes when he turned to look at her. Smiling she stiffens her spine and rejects the urge to tug at her dress. Dayton escorts her around the Ball-room in a promenade before leaving her in the corner of the room.
Women are trussed and dressed in big, voluptuous ballgowns, and Savannah is thankful she chose the dress she did. Where the other women seem lost in the layers of lace, folds, ribbons, buttons, and bows, Savannah stands out in her bold color and simple design.
Panic flutters for a moment when Dayton bows and walks away. Tonight, is about helping him achieve his dream. “Time to begin,” she murmurs and turns to greet some of the women.
They ask the usual questions, “Who are
