Back at Hamilton House in London, the atmosphere was entirely different. There was no silence. There was only glorious, organized chaos.
Ines and Aunt Margery oversaw the preparations for the grand Hamilton ball. The event was only a few days away, and keeping up the illusion that the Duke was happily preparing to announce his engagement was vital to their plan. If Lord Farrington suspected they were fighting back, he might trigger the penalty clause early.
The grand ballroom on the first floor was a hive of activity. Dozens of maids were polishing the massive crystal chandeliers until they sparkled like diamonds. Footmen were carrying tall, heavy silver candelabras and placing them perfectly around the edges of the room. The air smelled strongly of beeswax polish, fresh linen, and hundreds of blooming flowers.
Aunt Margery was in her absolute element.
