Lucia gazed up at the massive chandelier that lit up the hall. The Thorleys had been among the first to install electricity and it had cost a great deal of money.
She noticed one or two people she knew and waited while another footman took their coats.
“Shall we go into the ballroom?” suggested Edward taking her arm again. “Or would you prefer to go to the Grand Hall?”
“I should love a glass of champagne,” declared Lucia feeling full of excitement.
They had not gone more than a dozen paces when they met a group of friends.
“Emmeline,” cried Lucia. “How beautiful you look.”
“And your gown. I have not seen this one before, have I? Is it new?”
“It’s from Paris,” answered Lucia. “Look, there is Tristram and Cecily.”
“Yes, I detect a whiff of romance there,” gurgled Emmeline. “Shall we
