Finally, Autumn was firmly ensconced in the back seat and Carlita and Mercedes climbed in the front. They made it to the party at seven o’clock on the dot. Cars lined both sides of the private drive, with even more crammed onto the lawn in front of the courtyard.
“I feel like throwing up.” Autumn peered out the window. “I hope I don’t make a fool of myself.”
“You’ll be fine.” Carlita eased into an empty parking spot and shut the engine off. “Tori is the epitome of Southern charm and I’m sure she’ll instantly put you at ease.”
The women joined the back of the line leading into the courtyard where uniformed butlers greeted the guests. Several men carried trays of fluted champagne around the courtyard while others made their rounds offering guests an array of hors d’ oeuvres.
Mercedes snagged a champagne and a small dish with what appeared to be a toasted cracker. A thick layer of cream cheese coated the cracker and a green olive garnished the top.
“That looks tasty.” Carlita smiled and reached for a small dish. “Are you going to try the goodies?” she asked Autumn.
“I’m too nervous.” Autumn clutched her stomach. “Maybe a little bubbly will help.” She grabbed a fluted champagne glass, chugged the contents and let out a small belch before covering her mouth. “Whew. I think that did the trick.”
“Let’s head inside.” Carlita led her daughter and friend to the other end of the courtyard and the main entrance where Byron and an energetic Violet stood greeting the guests.
“Nana!” Violet ran to Carlita’s side. “Look at my sparkly dress.” The young child twirled in a circle while Carlita, Mercedes and Autumn oohed and aahed over her dress. “You look like a princess.”
“I know.” Violet ran back to Byron’s side and reached for his hand. Carlita could’ve sworn he almost cracked a smile. Almost.
“Byron.” Carlita tilted her head, a twinkle in her eye. “You look very dapper this evening.”
“Thank you.” He nodded at Autumn and Mercedes. “And all of you ladies, as well.”
The women stepped inside the grand hall and Autumn abruptly stopped. “This is even grander than I imagined,” she whispered in awe. “Check out all of the twinkling lights.”
Carlita followed her gaze, taking in the decorations inside the hall. Tori had gone all out and although the grand hall was magnificent on its own, she’d transformed it into a stunning showstopper.
Everywhere she looked, there was something whimsical, festive or ornate. The twinkling lights that hung from the ceiling reminded her of snowflakes.
Two large Christmas trees stood sentinel on each side of the grand staircase. One was decorated in a nautical theme, complete with silver ornaments in the shape of shells, seahorses and sailboat ornaments. Teal-tinted sand dollars and red and gold striped fish hung alongside the sailboats and seahorses.
Strung throughout was a blue striped ribbon, tying it all together.
“Check this tree out.” Mercedes led her mother to the tree on the other side. The second tree was decorated in a North Pole theme. There were chubby-cheeked Santa Clauses, red and white striped candy canes and mischievous elves with green Christmas suits and pointed elf shoes.
Beneath the tree were gingerbread houses and even a candy cane lane. Carlita knelt down to examine one of the houses. “Imagine the amount of work that went into putting this together.”
Autumn pulled her cell phone from her pocket and took several pictures of the decorated trees and then the room. “It must cost a small fortune, to boot.”
“There you are.” Tori Montgomery sailed across the room to join them. The Grande Dame of Montgomery Hall was dressed to the nines. Carlita had never seen so many exquisite gems on one person. She was dripping with diamonds from her wrists to her neck to her ears.
“Do you have your mask?” Tori held up an ornate champagne gold Venetian mask. Red rubies lined the edges. On the left was a gold butterfly with silver-tipped wings.
“I do.” Carlita held her mask to her eyes. “It’s not nearly as fancy as yours.”
“I made this myself,” Tori whispered. “Pinterest has some amazing stuff.”
Autumn let out a small squeak. “I love Pinterest.”
Carlita put a light arm around Autumn’s shoulders. “This is Autumn Winter, the young woman who risked life and limb…”
“And a few strands of hair,” Mercedes chimed in.
“Yes, and a few strands of hair to take the pawnshop pictures we sent you.”
Tori smiled warmly. “Thank you Autumn. It sounds as if you’re a go-getter. I like that. I’ve had a chance to study the pictures and unfortunately, I don’t recognize any of the items inside Mr. Goldstein’s office.”
“Oh.” Autumn’s face fell. “I’m sorry the pictures didn’t help.”
“The important thing is that you tried and I do appreciate it.”
One of the uniformed wait staff hurried to join them. “I’m sorry to interrupt.” She leaned over and whispered in Tori’s ear.
Tori’s eyes narrowed and she silently nodded before turning to the trio. “Something has come up in the kitchen. If you’ll excuse me.” She gave them a half smile and then quickly followed the woman from the room.
“I’m going to check out the formal dining room,” Mercedes said.
“I’ll go with you,” Autumn said.
“I think I’ll walk around.” Carlita enjoyed people watching as much as admiring the elaborate party decorations. The majority of the male guests were dressed in tuxes and tails, and many of the women were decked out in elaborate evening gowns.
Their masks ranged from simple satin black to beaded, bejeweled and feathered creations.
Carlita ended her tour in the library where she found Tony and Shelby, who were listening to the pianist and sipping champagne. Tony was talking to someone who looked vaguely familiar and she realized it was Ralph Silva, the owner of Paradise Pawn; Savannah’s only other pawnshop.
They
